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Located between China and India, Nepal ranks 108th out of 180 countries in the Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index (CPI), a very unenviable position compared to neighbors like Bhutan (26th), the Maldives (93rd) and India (93rd). What offers us a little bit of solace is a relatively better position than other neighbors, namely Sri Lanka (115th), Pakistan (133rd), Bangladesh (149th) and Afghanistan (162nd).

In my reading, a lack of transparency and open-access data policy is mainly to blame for a poor showing vis-a-vis CPI on the part of Nepal, which in 2015 became a federal secular democratic republic, a political order that is supposed to have democracy, transparency, and access to information at its core. 

Access to information is vital for a smooth operation of this political order because it helps not only to improve public service delivery but also increases public trust in government bodies. 

That is why the Constitution of Nepal has upheld the right to information (RTI), with Article 27 of the Charter declaring RTI as a fundamental right of every citizen of Nepal. 

With the aim of guaranteeing RTI, the government introduced the Right to Information Act 2007, set up a National Information Commission (NIC) in 2008, regarded as a very important step in promoting transparency and corruption in Nepal, and introduced some supporting rules in 2009. Section 4 of the Act has provisioned respect for and protection of the citizens’ right to information through classification and updation of information and dissemination of the same to the public, envisioning citizens’ ‘simple and easy’ access to information. Whereas Section 5 has a provision “to keep the information updated for at least 20 years.” 

Per the Act, both government and non-government entities must update information every three months and disclose the information even when the public does not seek it. 

Despite the open open-access data policy, none of the governmental entities (including the ministries), barring a few exceptions, have duly followed the RTI Act and other relevant rules. 

It is common for government officials to cover up corruption and malfeasance by hiding crucial information, including details of public officials' property, revenue losses, tax evasion and reports on suspicious financial transactions. 

Most of the government entities have appointed an information officer each for dissemination of information of public importance. But most of them are not very cooperative when it comes to providing data and dilly-dallying is quite common among them. 

This tendency to deny RTI is mainly due to 1) a culture of secrecy within government bodies, 2) lax implementation of RTI Act and its rules, and 3) no strict punishment for offices and personnel tasked with categorizing data and publishing them. 

It gives rise to some important questions: Are these entities functioning as per relevant rules and regulations? If  the officers have performed their tasks accordingly, then why are they hesitating to share data with the public?  

Does this unwillingness to share data reflect the concerned personnel’s vested interests? 

Whatever the reason behind this, correction measures should be taken and data made available to the people. In the absence of an open-access data policy and data-sharing mechanisms, it is impossible to verify whether the concerned personnel are discharging their duties in accordance with relevant laws or not. 

Following interventions are necessary to ensure the public’s easy access to data in Nepal: 

• Strict implementation of RTI Act 2007 and its Rules 2009 
• Implementation of new concepts in governance such as New Public Services and New Public Governance
• Activities aimed at raising awareness among the public to seek data from both government and non-government entities 
• Promotion of the culture of information dissemination and transparency through disruption of the culture of secrecy 
• Comprehensive research on identifying the impediments to open-access data-sharing systems, ways to remove the hurdles and implement the identified correction measures 

 The author, a veterinary officer at the Department of Livestock Services, is a graduate of the University of Cambridge

Have you heard about turmeric latte? If not, it’s a milk drink with turmeric powder, ground cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup that reduces inflammation, aids digestion, and lowers cholesterol levels. Essentially, it’s a slightly tweaked version of ‘besar dudh’, providing similar benefits.

Another popular product these days is Carecumin, a liquid turmeric supplement with fruit flavor. It claims to lead to significant reductions in aches and pains, boost immunity, and improve gut health.

These are modern marketing gimmicks to sell the knowledge of our forefathers on turmeric.

Now, let’s embark on a journey to explore the fascinating world of turmeric, tracing its roots back to ancient times and following its path to kitchens around the globe.

Turmeric’s tale begins in South Asia, particularly in Nepal and India. For thousands of years, turmeric wasn’t just a flavor enhancer, it was a revered medicinal herb. People used its vibrant yellow powder to soothe aches and pains, fight infections, and add a touch of sunshine to their dishes.

But how did this golden goodness travel the world? It all comes down to the ancient spice routes. Imagine bustling marketplaces filled with exotic treasures. Traders carried turmeric along these routes, introducing it to new cultures and palates. From Arabia to China, Africa to Europe, turmeric’s unique flavor and medicinal properties spread like wildfire.

You might wonder why turmeric isn’t a star player in Chinese cuisine. While some Chinese dishes do incorporate turmeric, other spices like ginger and Sichuan peppercorns tend to dominate. This difference reflects the diverse flavor profiles that have developed in different regions around the world. Just like how some countries love the heat of chili peppers, others might prefer the earthy tones of turmeric.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Why is Nepali turmeric so special? Food enthusiasts swear by its quality. Grown in the fertile foothills of the Himalayas, Nepali turmeric boasts an intense aroma, earthy flavor, and higher content of curcumin. Curcumin is the golden hero within turmeric, packed with potential health benefits.

This exceptional quality comes at a premium. Nepali farmers use sustainable methods, nurturing their crops without harsh chemicals. This translates into a higher price for exporters, but it also means a more rewarding experience for those seeking the finest turmeric on the market.

So, what makes Nepali turmeric so expensive?

First is the high altitude at which it’s cultivated. The crisp mountain air and well-drained Himalayan soil create ideal growing conditions for turmeric, contributing to its intense aroma and flavor. Then there’s the case of sustainable practices. Nepali farmers often rely on traditional methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This eco-friendly approach ensures a purer product but requires more labor, impacting the cost.

As we delve into the world of turmeric, let’s not forget its intriguing cousin, white turmeric, also known as Curcuma aromatica or mango ginger. Primarily grown in the monsoon regions of Nepal’s Himalayas, white turmeric offers a unique twist on the golden spice.

While both yellow and white turmeric share curcumin as a key component, white turmeric boasts a higher concentration of other beneficial compounds, including vitamin A, protein, fatty acids, and minerals. This unique profile translates to potential health benefits similar to yellow turmeric, with a focus on skincare and throat infections.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, white turmeric is believed to help brighten and lighten the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties might aid in easing throat infections and congestion.

Unlike its yellow counterpart, white turmeric has a milder, more citrusy aroma and flavor, making it versatile for various culinary uses. It can be consumed raw, dried and powdered, or even enjoyed in tea form.

While research on white turmeric is ongoing, its potential health benefits and unique flavor profile make it an exciting addition to the turmeric family.

Interestingly, the limited availability of white turmeric due to its specific growing conditions also contributes to its value. This, along with its potential health benefits, positions white turmeric as a niche but promising player in the world of spices.

Let’s talk about the promising potential of turmeric in managing inflammation, a key player in various conditions. Studies suggest turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, and even ease muscle soreness after exercise.

Furthermore, early research indicates turmeric’s potential role in boosting the immune system, potentially aiding in defense against common colds and flu. Additionally, some studies explore its possible involvement in weight management and even cancer prevention.

Unlike some other turmeric-growing regions, Nepal has a smaller production capacity, leading to higher prices due to limited supply and high demand.

Beyond these factors, the future of Nepali turmeric looks bright. As people become more aware of ingredient quality and origin, the demand for authentic Nepali turmeric is likely to rise. This can empower Nepali farmers and contribute to preserving their valuable agricultural heritage.

Turmeric’s journey is a testament to the power of taste and tradition. From its South Asian roots to its global presence, this golden spice continues to add vibrancy and potential health benefits to dishes around the world. So, the next time you savor a curry or sprinkle turmeric on your veggies, remember the long and fascinating journey this wonder spice has taken.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

Over the past few years, China has achieved political, economic and diplomatic feats. No apparent observation, perhaps, can emasculate China’s global march—it is rising so gracefully, smoothly and enormously. China is most likely to grow from being a superpower to a mega-power. But in the evolving international system, it is anticipated to play rational, responsible and equable roles.

The most sensible foreign policy course of action for Nepal at this point of unparalleled rise of its immediate neighbor would be to strategically align with it by building mutual trust, while maintaining a delicate balance with another neighbor. Nonetheless, Nepal ought to maintain a pragmatic economic and security framework through increased mutual trust, strategic partnerships and technological cooperation with both the neighbors. Nepal’s economic, developmental and security architecture, despite many geopolitical challenges, should be guided by a sensible geopolitical assessment and wider techno-economic cooperation with immediate neighbors and other powers.

One crucial element often overlooked in pursuing educational excellence is the role of textbooks. Textbooks hold the power to shape future generations' minds, yet they may fall short of their potential. The recent findings from Nepal’s first-ever textbook audit have shed light on the shortcomings of our educational materials, making way for much-needed changes in curriculums, textbooks, and teacher development. 

This first-ever audit of Nepal’s diversity, equity and inclusion in textbooks involved nearly 2,000 people in seven provinces over a year of intensive analysis, discussion and review. It analyzed how Nepal’s diverse communities are portrayed in textbooks and provided data-driven, citizen-informed feedback to help inform curriculum revision and future action steps. The audit’s revelations have brought to light a significant reality: Our textbooks do not fully meet their commitment to delivering a comprehensive and inclusive education to all students. With outdated information and biased narratives entrenched within these materials, there’s a need to enhance the essence of learning without compromising, which can positively impact both students and teachers.

Picture this: A teacher in a bustling classroom, equipped with textbooks that hold the keys to knowledge. These textbooks are not just tools for teaching; they're bridges that connect students to the vast world of learning. But what happens when those bridges are riddled with gaps, biases and inaccuracies? It’s like trying to navigate a maze with half the map missing. Without access to updated and inclusive educational materials, teachers may be left grappling with the challenge of reconciling the discrepancies within their curriculum, ultimately hindering their ability to facilitate meaningful learning experiences for students.  

Textbooks are the superhero capes of the education world — every student gets one, regardless of their background or circumstances. In the grand arena of education, textbooks emerge as the silent giants, wielding immense power over the minds of eager learners. Students from all walks of life dive into the same textbooks regardless of their background or circumstances, such as socioeconomic status, gender or geographic location. The quality of their teachers and schools may be vastly different, and there are limits to how well that can be controlled. Yet, textbooks are in the hands of every student.

As depicted by Homraj Acharya, principal investigator of the textbook audit report for Nepal, textbooks strive to embody diversity. Nonetheless, the textbook audit highlights a lack of representation, particularly in names, gender and cultural diversity. Among the three primary grade books for Grades 2, 7, and 10, specifically in Nepali and Social Studies, it was observed that they overlook Dalits, perpetuate stereotypes about women, and marginalize minorities and Madhesis.

One recommendation from the textbook audit report is to diversify names in educational materials to foster cultural inclusivity. Analysis of a Nepali Grade 10 text revealed that while efforts were made to include diverse names, the majority remained Sanskrit-based. About 57 percent consisted solely of first names without additional caste or ethnic indicators, indicating a broad representation. Meanwhile, the remaining 43 percent featured distinct surnames or first names implying a particular group, such as ‘Hariprasad’, which suggests Brahmin, or ‘Dawa’, indicating Sherpa heritage. Despite efforts to foster diversity, the analysis uncovered an imbalance, with more than half of the names bearing caste or ethnic markers aligned with the Brahmin-Chhetri community. Despite representing Janajati names, a significant portion comprised Sherpa names, possibly due to their association with multiculturalism and Buddhism. This highlights the challenge of achieving genuine inclusivity in textbook content without perpetuating imbalances.

Furthermore, textbook audit reports indicate that in textbooks, teachers are portrayed as exemplars of maturity but without encountering challenges related to gender equality. Unfortunately, they are also depicted as using shaming as a solution for ADHD-type behavior, showcasing a lack of teacher awareness and sensitivity. Moreover, gender stereotypes prevail. In textbooks like Nepali Grade 10, gender stereotypes are reinforced through the portrayal of teachers. For instance, in accompanying images, men are depicted engaging in public cleaning campaigns or as teachers, while women are confined to childcare, hygiene, and domestic tasks. Additionally, yoga and fitness instructors are predominantly depicted as male. This perpetuation of traditional gender roles underscores the importance of addressing biases and promoting gender equality in educational materials.

In textbooks such as Nepali Grade 7, students encounter depictions of teachers that raise concerns. For instance, in the chapter titled ‘The Bud of Creativity’ (Nepali 7, p 85), authored by Jhamak Ghimire, a differently-abled writer, there is a troubling lack of introduction about her disability. This oversight perpetuates non-inclusive representation and potentially sensationalizes her condition. This oversight risks presenting a non-inclusive narrative, where students may encounter vivid descriptions of bodily deformity and distressing instances of abuse without understanding the broader context of Ghimire’s resilience and creativity. This highlights the urgent need for a thorough review of Teacher’s Guides to ensure accurate and sensitive representation of individuals with disabilities, fostering a truly inclusive learning environment. Such revisions are crucial to prevent the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy among students. Teacher’s Guides were mentioned in the textbook audit report to be beyond its scope, which looks at what students see, read and have in hand. 

Thus, policymakers, educators, parents, students, and individuals from all walks of life should consider the textbook audit report for our education system to be inclusive, ensuring students, teachers and the entire nation benefit. Strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion in textbooks enhances the learning experience and promotes a fairer and more harmonious society. Hence, it is essential to unite efforts in implementing the audit’s recommendations and to develop educational materials that cater to the diverse needs of all, irrespective of their backgrounds or situations.