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Desserts complete a meal. After you have had a nice dinner, there’s nothing like a slice of gooey cake with caramel drizzled on top to make you feel like your soul has been nourished. Other times, you are just in the mood for something sweet. You aren’t hungry but you want to indulge in something delicious after a particularly tough meeting or on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you want to spend some time by yourself. Here are five places you can head to if you are in the mood for some perfectly crafted cakes and desserts.

Singma Cafe

A food court of sorts serving warm, wholesome meals, Singma Cafe in Jhamsikhel has the best cheesecakes. The items are slightly on the pricier side but the taste more than makes up for it. The Japanese Cotton Cheesecake and Blueberry Cheesecake are crowd favorites at the cafe. The Apple Crumble Pie also deserves a special mention. They aren’t very sweet but hit all the right notes. 

Capital Grill 

Capital Grill or Jimbu Thakali is a busy place, especially during lunch and dinner time. You might have heard of it as a place that serves Nepali khana. But a few years ago, they added some really nice desserts on their menu. From homemade vanilla cake to churros, there’s a neat selection. Some come with ice cream on top and some are bathed in caramel sauce. You won’t be disappointed.

Ama Bakery

This little busy place has two outlets in Kathmandu, one in Boudha and the other in Swayambhu. The Swiss Roll and Dora cake are just the things you might want to grab if you are in the mood for a sweet dessert that feels like a meal. They will tide you over till dinner. They are moderately sweet and you won’t feel like you overdosed on the sweet stuff. They also have slices of banana bread and coconut cake for just Rs 30. Actually, everything here is reasonably priced and the taste is outstanding.

Herman Helmers 

Breads, cookies, cakes, Herman Helmers has all your bakery needs sorted. There are many kinds of breads, cookies, cakes, and healthy treats available here. Their smoothly whipped cream that just melts in your mouth makes their cakes stand out. There are all kinds of varieties of cakes and Swiss Rolls as well with the option of buying small portions if you don’t want the whole thing. You will be spoilt for choice. They also have eggless and sugar-free versions available on request.

Makoo Bakery

Located in Jawalakhel, Makoo Bakery is a perfect spot to sip on some instant coffee or tea and indulge in a slice of cake or two. We recommend the Chocolate Snap which, when heated a little, is just the right consistency. The varieties of pastries on display will make you want to try everything and you can pick one without much thought as they all taste really good. It’s not an expensive place and that’s always a good thing.

Bail hearing is the crux of the criminal justice system. It plays a crucial role in a fair legal system. When someone is arrested, the court must decide whether they should stay in jail or be granted bail based on conclusive evidence. This evidence typically includes the First Information Report (FIR), statements from victims and witnesses, evidence gathered from the crime scene, the statement of the offender, medical reports, and more. The goal is to determine whether the accused should remain in custody before their trial or be allowed to go free.

At a bail hearing, the key question is whether there is enough evidence to justify pre-trial detention. This decision should not be influenced by the strength of the case or a final judgment of guilt but by concerns such as the risk of flight, the possibility of evidence tampering, or the threat to public safety. Courts usually rely on prima facie evidence, meaning evidence that appears to support the charges at first glance but is not conclusive.

Many countries make clear distinctions between bailable and non-bailable offenses. However, in Nepal, the legal system does not differentiate in this way. This gives judges significant discretion in deciding bail. While judicial discretion is important, it has led to a troubling trend in Nepal where courts often deny bail even when the evidence is weak. This is especially true in cases involving serious charges like rape, murder, human trafficking, or drug trafficking, where the accused is frequently sent to judicial custody, not because of solid evidence, but because of the severity of the charges pressed.

The fundamental principle of criminal justice is that a person should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, in Nepal, the opposite often happens: an accused person is treated as a criminal before their innocence is proven. This goes against the very foundation of a fair justice system. Merely accusing someone does not make them a criminal; they remain an accused person until proven guilty. Yet, in many cases, the presumption of innocence is ignored when bail is denied, violating this fundamental right and often leading to significant harm before a trial.

The Supreme Court of Nepal has set a clear precedent, stating that bail should still be granted if the accused is not a significant flight risk, does not pose a danger to public safety, and there is no compelling evidence justifying detention. However, district courts often fail to follow this precedent. The reasons for this include pressure from media trials, societal expectations, influence from NGOs, and even fear of repercussions from the Judicial Council. This malpractice can have a severe impact on the human rights of the accused, particularly their right to freedom, the presumption of innocence, and the right to a fair trial.

Article 20 of the Nepali Constitution guarantees the right to justice, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. Denying bail without strong evidence directly violates these rights. The practice undermines both the legal process and the fundamental freedoms of individuals. Bail is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and should only be denied in cases where there are clear reasons for detention, such as a flight risk or a threat to public safety. This principle is also backed by international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which affirm the presumption of innocence and stress that pre-trial detention should be a last resort.

Despite these legal protections, Nepal’s criminal justice system faces serious challenges such as overcrowded prisons, delayed trials, and excessive pre-trial detention. These problems often result in individuals being detained unnecessarily, violating the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” When bail is denied based on weak evidence, it treats the accused as if they are already guilty, taking away their freedom and causing harm even before a verdict is reached. The impact of this is far-reaching: individuals may lose their jobs, face social stigma, and endure emotional trauma all before their guilt or innocence is decided in court.

Challenges to justice

One of the significant challenges in the bail process is the role of prosecutors. Often, prosecutors bring serious charges based on limited or weak evidence, which can unduly influence bail decisions. Serious charges like murder, rape, or terrorism may automatically lead to bail denial, even when there is little evidence to support them. When prosecutors file charges with the intention of securing a conviction rather than based on solid evidence the courts are often pressured into denying bail without adequate justification.

For example, a prosecutor files a case involving a simple fight between two or more people, where the injury is minor, and there is no intent to kill anyone. However, the prosecutor still charges the offender with attempted murder, leading the judges to reconsider granting bail. Similarly, in drug-related cases, even when a person is merely a user and not a dealer, they may be charged with trafficking, a far more serious offense. This escalates the severity of the crime without a clear basis in fact.

Additionally, a growing trend has emerged in Nepal where, if more than three people are involved in a crime, the prosecutor charges them with organized crime even if the crime does not meet the legal definition of organized crime. This is often done without evidence of a criminal hierarchy or any clear leader. By inflating the seriousness of the crime, the prosecutor may pressure the court into denying bail, further violating the human rights of the accused.

The price of freedom

Denying bail based on the severity of charges alone, without solid evidence, inflicts significant harm on the accused. This practice not only violates basic human rights but also contradicts international legal standards, which state that pre-trial detention should be used as a last resort.

To address these issues, Nepal’s criminal justice system must undergo significant reforms. Courts must base bail decisions on clear and convincing evidence, not just the severity of charges. Judges should follow strict guidelines to ensure bail is not used as a tool of punishment before a trial. There is a saying “Whether criticized or praised, whether money comes or goes, whether one dies today or in the distant future, without worrying about any of these things, those who walk the path of justice never waver.” For this kind of fair judgement, a judge must be provided with a conducive working environment, where there is no fear from society, media trials or NGOs. Only then can they truly deliver justice. Only then can they secure the human rights of the accused in the true sense.

Real justice comes from a system that respects human dignity, ensures a fair trial, and upholds the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Only when these principles are upheld can Nepal’s criminal justice system be truly fair. The price of freedom should not be determined by the whims of prosecutors or the severity of the charges alone. It should be based on the facts and the evidence. The time to act is now, before more innocent people are unjustly punished by a broken system that is meant to protect them.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent 47-page political document offers a detailed justification for his decision to form a ruling coalition with the largest party, Nepali Congress (NC). A close reading of this document reveals that the CPN-UML is unlikely to sever its alliance with NC before the 2027 elections, as Oli describes this coalition as a ‘new political course’. This marks the first Central Committee meeting Oli has chaired since becoming prime minister for the third time in July last year.

According to the document, the idea of a coalition with NC had been under consideration even before the 2022 elections. Oli notes that the UML had proposed to NC that it contest the elections independently, without forming an alliance with the CPN (Maoist Center). This proposal, however, was not accepted by NC, leading to the formation of alliances out of necessity rather than preference.

Historical context of collaboration

Oli’s document traces the historical precedents of collaboration between the UML and NC, emphasizing their shared roles in pivotal moments of Nepal’s political history. He highlights their partnership during the 1990 democratic movement, their joint efforts in the 2006 second people’s movement, and their collaboration in promulgating the 2015 constitution. After the second Constituent Assembly elections, NC and UML formed a government that played a crucial role in drafting the constitution. Oli argues that this historical context underscores the natural alignment of the two largest parties in times of national need.

Following the 2022 elections, the UML had initially proposed to NC that they form a government together to ensure political stability. However, NC declined the proposal, leading UML to form a coalition with other parties, including the Maoist Center. This alliance proved fragile and eventually collapsed when the Maoist Center supported NC’s candidate, Ram Chandra Poudel, in the presidential elections. Subsequently, UML returned to its long-standing proposition of a coalition with NC, which Oli asserts was driven by a commitment to political stability rather than opportunism.

Justifying the coalition

Oli’s document provides a critical analysis of the 2022 election results, arguing that the fragmented mandate failed to deliver the political stability the country desperately needed. He describes the results as fostering instability and weakening the ability of any single political force to lead decisively. Oli criticizes Maoist Center leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal for engaging in opportunistic behavior and secret consultations with other parties, actions that he claims undermined trust and governance.

The coalition with NC, according to Oli, was therefore a calculated response to the prevailing political instability. He portrays the alliance as a means to foster hope and trust among the populace, mitigate societal pessimism, and bolster the democratic process. Oli also contends that the partnership is vital for addressing growing geopolitical challenges and ensuring Nepal’s national interests are safeguarded in an increasingly polarized global environment.

Mechanisms for collaboration

To ensure effective governance, UML and NC have established several bilateral mechanisms aimed at addressing key national issues. These include working groups focused on constitutional amendments, federalism implementation, pending legislation, governance reform, economic restructuring, and public expenditure management. These mechanisms are intended to bridge differences between the parties and provide actionable inputs to the coalition government.

Oli claims that these collaborative efforts have already yielded significant results, citing the passage of the transitional justice bill with all-party consensus as a major achievement. However, he acknowledges delays in appointing members to the transitional justice mechanism, a gap that needs urgent attention.

Economic and foreign policy perspectives

On the economic front, Oli’s document expresses cautious optimism, stating that the country’s economic situation is gradually improving despite unfavorable indicators. He argues that the strong coalition government has boosted private sector confidence, which is crucial for sustained economic recovery. Oli’s administration has also prioritized governance reforms and efforts to streamline public expenditure, which he believes will yield long-term benefits.

In terms of foreign policy, Oli highlights achievements such as his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 79th General Assembly. He emphasizes the importance of the Framework Agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), viewing it as a critical step toward improving Nepal’s connectivity infrastructure, diversifying transit facilities, and enhancing trade opportunities. Oli acknowledges the need for vigilance regarding the escalating China-US rivalry and its potential implications for Nepal, advocating for a balanced and pragmatic approach to international relations.

Future prospects of the coalition

Oli’s document suggests that the UML-NC coalition is not merely a temporary arrangement but a long-term strategic partnership. He underscores that the UML remains committed to the alliance as long as NC upholds its end of the agreement. Oli’s vision for the coalition extends beyond the immediate term, framing it as a cornerstone for ensuring political stability, fostering democratic values, and addressing Nepal’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

Six months into the coalition government, Oli asserts that it has already delivered a message of stability and progress, countering widespread skepticism about its longevity. He envisions the alliance as a platform for addressing deep-rooted issues such as governance inefficiencies, economic stagnation, and geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Oli’s political document serves as a comprehensive defense of the UML’s decision to partner with NC, highlighting its historical, political, and strategic rationale. By framing the alliance as a necessity born out of a commitment to national stability and progress, Oli seeks to position the coalition as a transformative force in Nepal’s political landscape. While challenges remain, including differences within the coalition and delays in key appointments, the document reflects a strong resolve to navigate these hurdles in pursuit of a more stable and prosperous future for Nepal.

Several people use vision boards as a creative and reflective way to set intentions and goals during the New Year. This simple yet powerful tool connects creativity and psychology by providing a tangible means to align your dreams with actionable steps.

A vision board is a collection of images, quotes, and symbols representing your goals and desires. It is more than just an arts-and-crafts project; it's a visual representation of what you want to manifest in your life. According to Benedict in her paper ‘Using Vision Boards to Reflect on Relevant Experiences and Envision Ideal Futures’ she stated that creating and presenting vision boards enables students to reflect on their personal, academic, and professional experiences and envision their ideal futures. Using this method, you create a clear picture of the future you are working towards by carefully selecting and arranging visuals that resonate with your goals. The process in itself is empowering as it helps you reflect on what's truly important and aids you in applying your energy toward the outcome you intend to manifest. By putting your thoughts and desires into some kind of physical format, a vision board is one consistent reminder of where you want to head.

Psychology behind vision board

The power of the vision board lies in its effect on the mind. Psychologically, they implement the use of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)— mechanism in the brain, which filters information and highlights what is important to you. As per the National Library of Medicine “the grouping of neurons that together make up the RAS are ultimately responsible for attention, arousal, modulation of muscle tone, and the ability to focus”. This means that by consistently focusing on certain goals or ideas, such as the ones on the vision board, you can train your RAS to prioritize relevant information, keeping you motivated toward achieving your aspirations. This helps the brain be consciously aware of opportunities that match one's aspirations on a continued basis. For example, an individual desiring a change in career notices jobs available, network contacts, or specific skills to develop with the help of increased awareness.

Visualizing success activates similar neural pathways in the brain such as physically succeeding. As per The Behaviour Institute, “When athletes visualize themselves performing at their best, the brain activates similar neural pathways as it would during the actual physical execution”. This process includes the activation of motor, sensory, and emotive parts of the brain. For example, by visualizing winning a race, one may activate the motor cortex that controls movement and the limbic system related to feeling. This stimulation strengthens neural connections associated with those actions and feelings, essentially ‘training’ your brain for success. Through this mental rehearsal, you generate familiarity and a sense of confidence with the steps needed to realize your goal. This can help you to feel less anxious about what is expected and can improve your performance when that actual moment does arrive.

Moreover, repetition strengthens the neural connections and rewires the brain to align your thoughts and behaviors with your desired outcomes. This process is known as neuroplasticity. By consistently visualizing your goals through a vision board, you train your mind to stay focused and motivated, even amidst distractions.

Benefits of vision board

There are numerous benefits that one can get with the use of a vision board. The act of simply arranging and prioritizing your goals in order to make a vision board helps to solidify your dreams and aspirations, giving time for reflection on what truly matters. This board serves as a reminder so that your goals remain at the forefront of your mind. Also, they foster positivity by focusing on what one wants to achieve rather than what could go wrong, hence creating a sense of optimism and possibility.

How to create a vision board?

Start by categorizing your goals such as health, career, relationships, and personal growth. Then you can look for relatable images, take some magazines, printed pictures, quotes, and a board. You can also look for inspiration in apps such as Pinterest and Instagram. Select only those pictures and words which can relate to your deepest inspirations and intentions. Now, create your board by setting up these in a certain meaningful and inspiring way; because there is no right or wrong way of doing it, the board should express your unique vision. Lastly, place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it daily to ensure regular reinforcement of your goals.

Balancing visualization with action

Similarly, while vision boards are incredibly powerful tools, they work really well when they are balanced out with equal effort and action. Reflecting on it every now and then will have you making decisions and working towards your goals.  For instance, if your board features a picture of a summer beach holiday then you might start budgeting or planning your leave days from work. Research suggests that combining visualization with detailed plans like “deciding when and how you’ll act” significantly increases the likelihood of achieving your goals.

With the New Year approaching, making a vision board offers a more conscious and thoughtful way to set the stage for a more fulfilling year. Social media networks are filled with examples of vision boards, motivating many people to adopt this ritual. This is a collective reminder that dreams are fulfilled when brought into reality by clear vision and persistent effort.