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For quite some time now, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has been vocal about his intentions to revamp his Cabinet, aiming to oust underperforming ministers and those embroiled in controversies. Specifically, Dahal seeks to remove Health Minister Mohan Basnet, who has been mired in various controversies, and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala, whose negligence resulted in the deaths of two youths in Balkumari. However, coalition leaders Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress and Madhav Kumar Nepal of the CPN (Unified Socialist)have exerted pressure on Dahal to refrain from making such decisions. The main opposition, CPN-UML, is also urging Dahal to dismiss ministers entangled in controversies.

The prime minister is apparently dissatisfied with the performances of Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat and Foreign Minister NP Saud, both from the Deuba camp of the Nepali Congress. But Deuba is reluctant to recall them due to the intra-party dynamics. The Dahal-led government is facing widespread criticism for its failure to improve the country’s economy, create jobs, curb youth migration abroad, and enhance service delivery. Acknowledging these shortcomings, Dahal repeatedly asserts that he will bring about changes through Cabinet reshuffling, but faces resistance from his coalition partners.

Another point of contention between the primary coalition partners, Congress and Dahal’s CPN (Maoist Center), is their respective positions on the candidate for the chairman of the National Assembly (NA). With the current chairman, who is from the main opposition UML, retiring this month, both parties are vying for the position. The NC has already communicated to the Maoist party that its senior leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula, who won the NA election last month, should be elected as the new chair, a position that Prime Minister Dahal had initially supported. But of late, Dahal’s party has taken a hard stance on the issue due to a couple of reasons. Firstly, the NC voters did not vote for the Maoist candidates in the Koshi provinces during the NA election, and secondly, the recently concluded NC’s Mahasamiti meeting portrayed Maoist insurgency in a negative light.

Prime Minister Dahal is under pressure from his own party not to relinquish the claim for the NA chair. Although the Maoist party has decided to field its own candidate, leaders say Dahal will most likely support Sitaula for the NA chair. 

Maoist leaders fear that the party will be left without any representatives in the Constitutional Council if the NA leadership is handed over to the NC.

After the NA election last month, the Maoists, which is the third-largest party in the House of Representatives, emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly. In the recently concluded party’s Standing Committee, there were strong voices advocating for the party to claim the chairmanship of the NA, which led to the formal decision on the same issue. 

The Maoist decision may also have been partly influenced by the NC’s Mahasamiti meeting, where the majority of representatives opposed the electoral alliance with the Maoist party, though the outcomes of the meeting did not create any obstacles for the party to forge an electoral alliance in the next local and national elections.

A senior Maoist leader says, “We should not expect that one alliance lasts forever; there could be changes.”

Though the current coalition may not be in any significant danger, the gap between the two coalition partners is widening by the day. It appears that both Deuba and Dahal are committed to the continuation of the current coalition, but there is growing unease within both NC and Maoist parties. Both Dahal and Deuba are extra cautious that the current differences between the two parties should not create problems in the coalition.

They sit together even if some minor issues arise to maintain an environment of trust. For instance, when Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa took a firm stance in the party’s Mahasamiti meeting to endorse the proposal that the party would not forge a pre-poll alliance, Deuba and his close aide Purna Bahadur Khadka personally assured Dahal that the coalition will remain intact. Inside the NC, senior leader Shekhar Koirala continuously asserts that he is working to change the coalition, while Thapa has taken a middle ground that the party should remain committed to the current coalition but should not forge an electoral alliance in the next general elections. 

Meanwhile, Deuba and leaders close to him argue that the party should take a pragmatic approach because if the party leaves the government, the UML will come to the rescue of the Dahal-led government, ultimately paving the way for the left alliance. And, in case the left alliance is formed again, the party could face an electoral defeat like it did in the 2017 elections.

However, the NC rank and file are not happy with the alliance, as reflected in the party’s Mahasamiti meeting where they stated that the alliance with the Maoists has eroded the party’s ideology and support base. Inside the NC, there are growing voices that the party is suffering due to the non-performance of the NC as a key coalition. 

A NC senior leader says, “On the one hand, our cadres at the local level have not felt the party’s presence in the government, on the other hand, the Dahal-led government is becoming unpopular, but people are pointing fingers at us because Dahal remains in power.”

Similarly, inside the Maoist party, there are growing demands that the alliance with NC should be reviewed as vote transfer has emerged as a big problem. Though Dahal seems committed to continuing with the current coalition, senior leaders inside the party believe that it would be natural to form a left alliance. For now, it seems that both Deuba and Dahal, who have a strong command in the party, would manage the differences, but it is uncertain whether they will be able to do so for a long time.

The government has begun preparations for the budget of the fiscal year 2024-25. The National Planning Commission (NPC) has set a budget ceiling of Rs 1.8trn for the upcoming fiscal. Minister for Finance Prakash Sharan Mahat outlined the principles and priorities of the new budget in parliament three months ahead of the budget day. The government was presenting policies and priorities of the Appropriation Bill in parliament mere two weeks before the budget day so far. This allows lawmakers more time for deliberation on the principles and priorities of the budget. The government has made significant changes in the budget process to prepare a more realistic budget.

Many economists have described the budget for the current fiscal year as ambitious, stating that the government’s success depends on its ability to manage expenditures in line with estimated resources. However, the government fell short on this front. During the first half of 2023-24, the government could mobilize only 40 percent of its revenue target, with capital expenditure progressing at a dismal 21 percent and recurrent expenditure at 44 percent. Consequently, the government was compelled to downsize the budget by 13 percent, or Rs 221bn, through the midterm review in the second week of February. This adjustment reduced recurrent expenditure to Rs 1,007.45m and downsized capital expenditure to Rs 254.13bn. During the mid-term review, Mahat acknowledged the government’s failure to achieve significant improvements despite earnest efforts to increase revenue and control expenditures.

Realizing the demographic dividend must be a priority for the government to ensure the success and efficacy of the budget for the next fiscal year. At the same time, public expenditure must be directed toward priority projects that support production growth. The government should prioritize projects ready for implementation with assured resources. On its part, the finance ministry must resist pressure to include populist programs from political leaders. The budget should aim to maintain a balance between government income and expenditure to alleviate mounting pressure on public finances. Moreover, it should strive to achieve high economic growth and job creation, and bring policies and programs to create demand in the market to give a new impetus to the economy.

In Nepal, the phase for people to recognize and appreciate avocado as a healthy, nutrient-dense fruit goes back over a decade, and its popularity gradually took on among fruit enthusiasts. Today, the consumption of avocado has almost become a household essential, especially in big cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and others, during its peak harvesting season. 

It has even appealed to Nepali farmers for its potential value as a cash crop and a substantial income resource. Dhankuta, in eastern Nepal, is known for extensive farming of avocados and has even bagged the title of avocado capital, Koshi Province.

Native to Mexico, the pear-shaped avocado with coarse rind was named amusingly the ‘alligator pear.’ It’s also called butter fruit in Europe and America for its creamy pulp. This pit-bearing fruit got its name, avocado, worldwide in 1915 when Californian farmers initiated its farming. Today, although the fruit is grown globally, Mexico stands as the largest avocado producer in the world. 

Among many varieties, the Hass and Fuerte are widely preferred by avocado lovers, the former blackish and the other with a green shade and thinner skin. Of the two, the coarse-skinned Hass is favored more than its cousin, the Fuerto, for its soft creamy pulp and smaller pit.

Incredible as it may sound, avocados pack nearly 20 vitamins plus minerals, and they are the only fruit that contains a substantial amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. 

As little as half an average-sized avocado packs almost 140 calories and 15 grams of fat—75 percent of the total fat is healthy monounsaturated. It is cholesterol and sodium-free, rich in fiber, and packed with folates and vitamin E. Likewise, dense in potassium, one-half of the avocado contains more potassium than a medium banana—487 mg against 422 mg, respectively. Health food buffs have touted it as a ‘Superfood.’ 

Now, the health benefits of avocado appear staggering if introduced into our meal plan. Let’s consider looking into the health rewards of the nutrient-dense fruit.

Supports the cholesterol level

Our body comprises two kinds of cholesterol: the ‘good,’ called HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and the ‘bad,’ called LDL (low-density lipoprotein). A severe hike in LDL can lead to life-threatening outcomes, running the risk of heart disease and stroke. The HDL absorbs cholesterol in the blood and transfers it to the liver to flush it out from the body.

Science backs it that avocados are loaded with oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid) and the richest source of cholesterol-lowering nutrients called Phytosterols, boosting the healthy HDL and cutting down on the culprits, the LDL and the triglycerides. 

Research published by the American Heart Association maintained that daily intake of a single avocado can lower the LDL level. Clinical studies on individuals with high cholesterol levels furnished compelling evidence for this finding with remarkable results. Following a week-long diet of avocado, the analysis led to a 22 percent drop in the LDL and triglycerides while the HDL elevated by 11 percent.

The significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease are bad cholesterol and saturated fat. Again, rich in monounsaturated fat, folate, fiber, potassium, and a plant compound, beta-sitosterol, avocados help keep the cholesterol level in check. 

People with diabetes are supposed to tread a fine line between healthy meals and sugar spikes. Given that, the high-fat content in avocados might sound contradictory, inviting a bad rap. 

A medium-sized avocado contains about 22 grams of fat (15 grams monounsaturated, 4 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams saturated). Thus, avocados with loads of ‘good fats,’ with an insignificant amount of saturated fat, still offer health benefits for diabetes patients.

Clinical observation has testified that a diet high in monounsaturated fat supports insulin sensitivity and advances the GLUT4 glucose in the cells.

Low in sugar content and dense in dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble, the consumption of avocado enhances glycemic management and stalls blood sugar spikes. It also helps spur better digestion and may reverse insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Keeps the kidneys safe

Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial, as is the delicate care and safeguarding of our kidneys lest they run high risks of harm with critical results. A rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, a single avocado packs over 480mg of potassium, which nourishes the kidneys. Specialists maintain the intake of a moderate amount of avocado in their diet, even helping chronic kidney patients in a critical stage.

Even tea made from avocado leaves works as a kidney cleanser, flushing wastes and toxins from the kidneys.

Keeps our eyes healthy

Avocados are rich in vitamin E and compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenes. Research studies maintain that it supports eye health. With antioxidant properties, they also assist in fighting off eye diseases that come of age, such as macular degeneration and even cataracts.

Incorporating avocado into your meal plan helps keep your eyes healthy. It is rich in compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin (belonging to the carotenoid family). They maintain your eye health with antioxidant properties and fight off eye diseases that come of age, such as macular degeneration and even cataracts. 

Nourishes the skin

Besides, ladies also try a thin slice of avocado peel or a fruit paste mixed with almond oil under the eyes, thought to remedy dark blotches. For the oil content in the peel, too, rubbing the peel on dry skin of the face works wonders, they claim. Women also use the creamy paste of the fruit as a DIY face mask to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It is supposed to make the face skin soft and silky.

Some tips

When buying avocados, widely available in Kathmandu fruit stalls, go for the firm ones, discarding those with soft, dark, sunken spots or bruises. You can store them in the refrigerator for ripening, which takes four to seven days. If you wish to ripen them earlier, stow them in a paperback in your pantry; that takes less time to ripen. 

Like all other fruits, avocados are eaten raw. The pulp mashed into a fine paste makes a superb spread, substituting butter for bread, sandwiches, and rotis. It works wonders as a salad accompaniment. Or slice it and eat it by scooping its creamy fruit.  

Or, if your taste buds crave a seasoned sauce or spread, mash the fruit, add lime juice, and season it with a pinch of salt and cilantro. Voila, you have blended it into an incredibly popular Mexican condiment. 

Small wonder, the fantastic avocado has won over the hearts of people across the globe today. The bottom line? The splendid nutritious fruit worth its weight in gold is, by all counts, a ‘Superfood!’ Indeed!

References: hsph.harvard.edu/nutrition source; cdc.gov; medicalnewstoday; healthline.com; bbcgoodfood.com; nutritiofacts.org; breathewellbeing.in; avo.com.np.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based, not medical advice; the author solicits readers’ discretion and cross-references. 

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From the prehistoric epoch, our land has been home to some of the great minds, including sages and hermits with tremendous philosophical depth and ideology, sources of wisdom and knowledge throughout the world. Nepal has had personalities, who had attained dimensions beyond physical, in the genres of ‘tantra’, ‘mantra’ and ‘yantra’. 

While the half hemisphere of this living planet was living in the stone age, knowledge based on profound experience of the cosmos was flowing in Nepal. 

This is the land of the Vedas, of the Buddhas including Shakyamuni Buddha, this is where Kapilmuni propounded the Sankhya philosophy and Falgunanda instituted Kirant religion. While this rich and vibrant culture and tradition is still going on, the rulers of this country have failed to recognize and tap Nepal’s tremendous human potential.

During the Rana regime, Gehendra Shamsher Rana, considered the first scientist of modern Nepal, developed Nepal's first mini-hydropower plant, water-powered rice pounding mill, wind-powered water pump and leather refinery, among others. 

Gehendra Shamsher also made guns, cannons and a car. Despite these contributions toward the country, the then ruler Chandra Sumsher Rana demotivated this scientist and had him exiled. Finally he died in mysterious circumstances at a young age of 35.

There was another innovator in Nepal, Achyutananda,  also known as Viman Pandit. He built a steam-powered car that could carry up to two people after 20 years of efforts, playwright Balkrishna Sama mentions in his book titled ‘Mero Kabitako Aaradhana’.

Achyutananda is also said to have built a model aircraft with features including a kerosene-powered engine and a bamboo frame covered with waterproof wax cloth. He took off at Pachali Ghat and landed at Kalmochan Ghat. But the aeroplane project ‘crashed’ as soon as the news of the successful test flight fell on Chandra Sumsher’s ears.

These projects were no mean feat in an era when Nepal was largely isolated from the rest of the world. 

Almost 25 years after Achyutananda’s passing, another researcher-cum-innovator-cum-social entrepreneur, Mahavir Pun, was born in Nepal. Pun built a local communication network using wireless technology to connect people in the Himalayan communities. 

But this innovator, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, has also been suffering the Nepali state’s neglect toward his noble cause. Despite promises to fund his brainchild, National Innovation Center, no help is forthcoming from the state, forcing Pun to auction his international awards to keep the center afloat.

The Takila mountain in Bhutan features a 155-feet-tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the first of its kind in the world. The place is expected to become a hugely popular tourist destination, bringing prosperity to local communities. 

Who is behind this magnificent project? A Nepali team under Rajkumar Shakya, a prominent sculptor, who has taken the traditional Newari repousse metalwork to the next level. His works can also be found in Japan, South Korea, France, Italy and the United States. 

After six years of hard work, a team of six sculptors under Manjul Miteri, a sculptor from east Nepal, have carved out a 65-feet-tall sculpture of Gautam Buddha on a cliff in Kyushu (Japan), considered the biggest sculpture of the century on a single solid rock mountain. 

Laxman Shrestha, a self-taught expressive artist from Nepalgunj, participated in the 17th and 18th Asian Art Biennale in Bangladesh, with his abstract paintings entitled ‘Quake’ and ‘Starving Moon’. The Mumbai-based Gallery 7 has bought his works. 

Shrestha is the creator of ‘Khoj’, a series of graffiti that used to be on display in Kathmandu with social messages. Instead of getting support from the state, he got arrested twice. 

For a month, 41 artworks of 13 artists are on display at Drexel’s Pearlstein Gallery in Philadelphia, the first exhibition of contemporary Nepali artists in the United States. 

The exhibition features the works of Shiva Kumar Sharma, an impressionist artist from Dolakha based in Kathmandu, among others. 

His first exhibition was held in Darjeeling in 1982 when he was 14, followed by a solo exhibition in 1991 at Nepali Girls Dioses Center in Darjeeling. Sharma has been spearheading a ‘Save trees movement’ since 2000 and participating in popular group exhibitions. 

These are but some of the representative cases showing the Nepali state not even bothering to give some of its exceptional minds even a pat on the back for doing Nepal and the Nepalis proud.