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The implications of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s four-day visit to India will be known in due course of time.    Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised during the visit to take bilateral relations to Himalayan heights by resolving all pending issues with Nepal.  Now, however, India appears to be on a wait-and-watch mode. It will study how Dahal concludes his visit to China, as it is believed that the road to Beijing passes through New Delhi.  While Dahal is right in saying that his visit has reduced the trust deficit with India, the real picture will emerge gradually.   It seems PM Dahal visited India with a well-defined plan—with two goals in mind. The first was to formally take up all pending bilateral issues by incorporating inputs from several quarters. And second, the primary motive was to seek Indian cooperation for sharing hydropower for mutual interests to minimize a yawning trade deficit with India. Perhaps, after getting a green signal from India, he became impatient for his visit. Dahal wanted to get India’s commitments on hydropower sharing and various other matters like hydropower trade with Bangladesh through India. Some other agreements on enhancing transport connectivity for strengthening Nepal-India trade relationship were also on his wish-list . Dahal perhaps felt that the handover of two more lucrative hydropower projects (669 MW Lower Arun and 480 MW Phuket Karnali) will help the country overcome a serious economic crisis, knowing well the limitations of other natural resources like forests. So he went ahead, despite the recent handover of other vital projects—750-MW West Seti, 450-MW Seti River-6 and 900-MW Arun-3. Altogether, India now has projects with combined capacity of 3249 MW in its basket.  Against this backdrop, Dahal faces charges of compromising Nepal’s national interest.  But nobody questions as to why Nepal remains deprived of the benefits of hydropower for more than seven decades. This is one of the major factors keeping millions of people below the poverty line and forcing younger generations to toil in other countries for their bread and better.   He did raise long-pending and serious issues like border disputes knowing well that such issues cannot be solved at one go. Resolution of these problems requires long-lasting and cool deliberations between the two sides.  The Maoist supremo is known for his dynamism as he can turn his coat any time to suit his interests. Dahal and the then second-in-command of the Maoist party, Baburam Bhattarai, displayed their images of revolutionary leaders while taking the oath of office by presenting them in the western outfit (tie and suit). Dahal continued to wear this dress even during his second oath-taking ceremony and at all official functions.  However, while taking oath as the PM for the third time, Dahal had a change of dress.  He donned the official dress of Daura and Suruwal, perhaps to present himself in a hardcore patriotic avatar and show that he was no less patriotic than others. Looking back, he was ‘anti-India’ while taking up arms against the state in 1996, as most of the demands he submitted to the then government were against India.  However, he changed his mind together with his second-in-command Baburam Bhattarai and wrote to the Indian Prime Minister’s Office in 2003, pledging to cooperate with India. It will be no wonder if Dahal, one fine day, denounces the decade-long insurgency as the Maoist folly against the state in which around 17,000 people were killed.  Back to his recent visit. An agreement on the purchase of 10,000 MW of electricity was almost certain to materialize this time. A 25-year bilateral trade treaty was also supposed to become a reality. India was also expected to allow at least one air entry point to Nepal for incoming international flights.   But things did not unfold as planned. The 10,000-MW energy deal did not materialize in writing, though Modi made a commitment to this effect at the joint press conference.  While a 10-year trade treaty materialized instead of a 25-year one, Nepal got no additional air entry route.  The two sides agreed on completion and submission of a detailed project report of the Pancheshwar multipurpose project within three months. This project has been pending for several decades despite. Notably,  PM Modi had, during his first visit to Nepal in 2014, issued instructions for submission of the project’s DPR within three months. Any diplomacy has marginal benefits. It is the geography and cultural ties that bind two nations together. In our case, nature decided geographic proximity millions of years ago. We cannot make our rivers flow northward nor can we stop their flow. Perhaps, India wants to check whether Dahal had a change of mind or heart. Mind can change with change in circumstances but the heart does not. As things stand, India seems interested in having better relations with Nepal. We should also reciprocate with self-respect and in mutual interests.  

Corruption has long been a persistent challenge for Nepal, hindering progress, undermining development, and eroding public trust in the government. The scourge of corruption hampers good governance, weakens institutions, and perpetuates social and economic inequalities. However, amidst this grim reality, there have been favorable examples of individuals and initiatives working tirelessly to expose and combat corruption in Nepal. Corruption has infested various sectors of Nepali society, hindering good governance and impeding the nation’s advancement. In order to address this issue effectively, it is crucial to unmask corruption in Nepal and understand its profound impact on the country’s development trajectory. Transparency International Nepal: A beacon of integrity Transparency International Nepal (TIN) has been instrumental in exposing corruption and advocating for transparency and accountability in Nepal. TIN conducts research, monitors public institutions, and raises awareness about corruption-related issues. The organization’s relentless efforts have led to several high-profile investigations, resulting in the prosecution of corrupt individuals. TIN’s advocacy work and its initiatives to empower citizens have been crucial in unmasking corruption and promoting good governance at various levels. Rise of digital governance: Promoting transparency Nepal has embraced digital governance as a means to enhance transparency and reduce corruption. The use of online platforms for government services and public procurement has streamlined processes, minimized human interference, and reduced opportunities for corruption. The introduction of e-governance platforms, such as the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) and the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO), has created a more transparent and accountable system. These digital initiatives have significantly contributed to unmasking corruption and promoting good governance in Nepal. Social media activism: Citizen-led movements The rise of social media in Nepal has empowered citizens to voice their concerns and expose corruption. Numerous citizen-led movements, such as the ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign, have utilized social media platforms to raise awareness, share evidence of corruption, and demand accountability from the authorities. These grassroots movements have played a crucial role in unmasking corruption, mobilizing public support, and putting pressure on the government to take action against corrupt practices. Scope of corruption Corruption in Nepal is a multi-faceted problem, permeating both the public and private sectors. It manifests itself in various forms, such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, fraud, and abuse of power. From low-level bureaucratic corruption to high-level political corruption, the tentacles of this malpractice have deeply entrenched themselves in the fabric of Nepalese society. The lack of transparent processes, weak accountability mechanisms, and a culture of impunity contributes to the perpetuation of corruption in the country. Corruption poses a significant threat to good governance, a fundamental pillar of a functional democracy. It undermines the rule of law, distorts decision-making processes, and perpetuates social and economic inequalities. When public officials prioritize personal gain over the public interest, it erodes the trust between citizens and the government, leading to disillusionment and cynicism among the population.  Political corruption has also been a persistent problem in Nepal. The nexus between politicians and business interests, vote-buying, and the misuse of public funds are common manifestations of this malaise. Nepali politics, marred by factionalism and a lack of ethical standards, have allowed corruption to flourish. The capture of state institutions by powerful individuals or groups exacerbates the problem, preventing effective checks and balances.  Bureaucratic corruption, characterized by bribery and extortion, continues to undermine service delivery in Nepal. Citizens often encounter demands for illicit payments to access basic services, including healthcare, education, and justice. The lack of transparent procedures and accountability mechanisms within government offices perpetuates this culture of corruption.  Addressing corruption requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and a cultural shift towards ethical conduct. Nepal has taken some steps to combat corruption, such as enacting laws and establishing anti-corruption bodies. However, more needs to be done to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of these measures.  Engaging citizens in the fight against corruption is vital. Promoting civic education and awareness campaigns can empower individuals to demand accountability from their elected representatives. The media also plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding the corrupt accountable.  Unmasking corruption in Nepal is a critical step toward achieving good governance and sustainable development. The fight against corruption requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including citizens, government institutions, civil society organizations, and the international community.  The author is a student of law

Nepal is a small, landlocked country situated between two of the world’s most populous countries, India and China. Nepal had been ruled by a monarchy for centuries, but in 2008, it was declared a federal democratic republic after a decade-long civil war. Since then, Nepal’s relationship with its two powerful neighbors has been a subject of much analysis and discussion. Also the country has been trying to find its place in the regional geopolitical scheme. Nepal’s international relations are largely based on its neighboring countries. India is Nepal’s main trading partner, with most of its exports and imports coming through Indian ports. Despite close ties between Nepal and its bigger neighbors, the country has sought to maintain a foreign policy of equidistance from both India and China. This policy has gained more traction in recent years. This strong economic bond has been further strengthened by centuries-old cultural ties and shared religion. Moreover, New Delhi provides Kathmandu with generous financial assistance for economic development projects.  Historically, Nepal maintained close associations with India and China due to geographical proximity, which meant that they were both key trading partners. But during the monarchy period, China and India both sought to gain geopolitical influence over Nepal. This rivalry between the two nations was a source of tension for the Nepali government, as both countries influenced Nepal’s economy, foreign policies, and overall development.  India and Nepal share a long border of over 1,850 km, and the two countries have a long history of cultural and economic ties. India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, and Nepal relies heavily on India for its supply of essential goods such as fuel and medicine. Nevertheless, since becoming a republic, Nepal’s ties with both India and China have rapidly improved. Nepal and India share an open border, allowing for the free passage of goods and people, while Nepal and China signed an agreement in 2016 to cooperate on a range of issues, including infrastructure and trade. Nepal also participates in major regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.  However, the relationship between the two countries has been strained in recent years due to various issues, including border disputes, the alleged interference of India in Nepal's internal affairs, and the construction of dams on shared rivers. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution that was seen as discriminatory towards the Madhesis, a community with close ties to India. India responded by imposing an unofficial blockade on goods entering Nepal, causing severe shortages of essential goods and leading to a deterioration of the relationship between the two countries. India and Nepal have strong historical and cultural ties, as they share similar languages, religions and traditional customs. At present, India is Nepal's largest trading partner and donor. India has been involved in various large infrastructure projects in Nepal, such as the construction of the Nepal-India Friendship Bridge, which connects Kathmandu to the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Apart from economic assistance, India has also given military aid to Nepal in times of need. On the other hand, China has increased its influence in Nepal since 2014, when there was a change of government in favor of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN). China has provided financial assistance and has invested in many infrastructure projects like the Kathmandu-Pokhara railway. It is also building the China-Nepal cross-border economic cooperation zone, which will increase trade between the two countries. Nepal’s relationship with China has been growing stronger in recent years. China has been investing heavily in Nepal’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hydropower projects. In 2017, China and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding to build a trans-Himalayan railway, which would connect Nepal with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. China sees Nepal as an important partner in its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa through a network of highways, railways, and ports. However, Nepal’s growing relationship with China has also raised concerns in India. India sees China’s growing presence in Nepal as a threat to its own strategic interests in the region. India has been wary of China's increasing influence in South Asia and has been trying to counter China’s presence by strengthening its own relationship with other countries in the region, including Nepal. Nepal, meanwhile, has been trying to balance its relationships with India and China, both of which are important partners for its economic development. Nepal has maintained that it will not allow its territory to be used against the interests of either of its neighbors. However, Nepal’s delicate position between the two powerful countries has also made it vulnerable to their geopolitical rivalries. In conclusion, Nepal’s relationship with its two neighbors, India and China, is complex and multifaceted. While India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, China’s growing influence in Nepal’s infrastructure development has been seen as an opportunity for economic growth. Nepal’s challenge is to maintain a delicate balance between the two countries while safeguarding its own interests and sovereignty. As South Asia continues to be a region of geopolitical contestations, Nepal's position between two of the world's most populous countries will remain a subject of much interest and analysis. The author is a student of law

Menstruation, known as a woman’s period or ‘mahinawari’ in Nepali, is a natural biological process that occurs in females of reproductive age, including both animals and humans. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining and is accompanied by hormonal changes as the body prepares for potential pregnancy. However, it is unfortunate that in different parts of the world, including Nepal, menstruation has long been accompanied by taboos and cultural restrictions. These taboos are rooted in cultural and religious beliefs that consider menstruating women as impure or unclean. These beliefs often result in the marginalization and exclusion of women during their menstrual cycles, imposing numerous restrictions on their daily lives. For example, in many places, women are prohibited from entering religious spaces, participating in religious ceremonies, or touching objects considered sacred. They also face limitations in their domestic activities, such as entering the kitchen, being forbidden from preparing certain foods or coming into contact with family members. However, these restrictions can have profound impacts on the lives of menstruating women. They can experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation due to societal attitudes that perpetuate the notion of impurity associated with menstruation. Such beliefs can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy toward women's natural bodily processes. Is menstruation a taboo? Certainly, not. A survey conducted among 50 different youths also showed that it is not. However, though younger as well as older generations feel that it is not a taboo, people still follow the practices of untouchability and impurity during menstruation due to the societal stigma and belief. Although  the surveyed individuals did not personally consider menstruation as taboo, it is important to acknowledge that cultural beliefs and practices related to untouchability and impurity during menstruation still persist in many instances. Societal stigma and deeply ingrained beliefs continue to shape the perception and treatment of menstruation. Prasansa Shrestha, a banker, said that menstruation is a natural phenomenon and it’s not a curse like many relate it to. “It even purifies our blood. I however, personally have to follow the rules of my family for 4 days as it is a deep-rooted tradition in our community”. Cultural norms and societal expectations have a significant influence on behavior and practices, and individuals may conform to these norms due to the fear of being judged or the pressures of societal expectations. As a result, even if individuals themselves do not view menstruation as taboo, they still adhere to practices of untouchability or consider menstruation as impure due to the prevailing cultural beliefs. Even a health sector practitioner who believes that it is a very natural and biological process personally follows the rules of her family and community due to deep-rooted traditions. “I personally do not believe in these things but due to the family background and in-laws I am forced to follow the traditional norms and also make my two daughters follow the same”, she said requesting anonymity. These examples and situations reflect how cultural norms and societal expectations can exert influence on individual behavior and practices, even if they don't align with personal beliefs. A visual storyteller, Sujaan Shrestha has a different view. She believes the word taboo is incorrect as it is a natural process that teaches a woman the value of life in ways that a man's body would not experience throughout his life. She believes that it is not a contentious issue that everyone should argue. “What bothers me is only the fact that women suffer problems and comment on them even in this age”. According to her, it was one of the ways that women could take a break in the home since before they had to do all the domestic tasks without a break, which later became a taboo of ‘nachune’ or ‘chuna nahune’.  Even in her family, they follow different regulations like not entering and working in the kitchen and not going to the worship or praying area. Nelson Isa Bahati, from Uganda said that there are no restrictions in his country related to menstruations. “We do not stress our sisters when they have their periods but well it is not talked about openly as it is taken as a private and sacred issue”. Allen Munoriyarwa from University of Botswana said that to fight the societal taboos related to menstruation everyone should be involved and specially men should be conscientized about these issues as well because they are also part of this perpetuation of ill-founded taboos about human mensuration.  These perspectives reflect how cultural beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation can vary across different regions and communities. While there may not be specific restrictions, the cultural norm of keeping menstruation as a private matter can contribute to a lack of open dialogue and limited public awareness about menstrual health. Promoting menstrual hygiene? To address this, efforts are needed to encourage open discussions about menstruation, promote education and awareness, and challenge the cultural norms that hinder open communication. By fostering an environment where menstruation can be openly talked about without stigma or secrecy, we can ensure that individuals have access to accurate information, support, and resources for managing their menstrual health effectively. What can be done in Nepal? Director of International Programs for Soft Skills, AHA, USA, Ayusha Shrestha highlights the need of developing a dedicated mobile application (in both Nepali & English) that serves as a comprehensive resource hub for menstrual health education. Both private as well as government and non- government sectors should work on this to make the younger as well as older generation understand the importance of education. Shrestha suggests including features like interactive quizzes, informative articles, step-by-step guides for proper hygiene practices, and a forum where users can anonymously ask questions or share their experiences.  In order to get maximum reach to create awareness and impact digital apps like these should be promoted through social media campaigns and in partnerships with relevant influencers via different popular digital platforms like Tiktok, Youtube shorts, etc.  Many Nepali men I talked to said that they had no idea about this or do not want to talk about this stating that it is not at all a men’s issue. However, global data shows that men are more into creating the awareness and impact on talking about periods and menstrual hygiene. This perspective reflects how cultural beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation can vary across different regions and communities.  While some Nepali men may lack knowledge or avoid discussing menstruation, research and global data indicate that men can have a significant impact in raising awareness and promoting positive change regarding periods and menstrual hygiene. Studies have shown that well-informed men are more likely to support menstrual hygiene management, challenge taboos, and improve access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. Therefore, engaging men in conversations about menstruation helps break down gender stereotypes and promotes gender equality. Their involvement fosters empathy, understanding, and support for women and girls experiencing menstruation, creating a more inclusive environment. Initiatives worldwide, such as the Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign (celebrated today) actively encourage men to become advocates and allies in breaking menstrual taboos and ensuring menstrual equity. Involving men in menstrual health discussions is crucial for building a more informed and supportive society. Their participation can help challenge stigma, promote inclusivity, and contribute to a more equitable understanding of menstruation. Promoting menstrual hygiene in countries where menstruation is not publicly discussed requires a multifaceted approach. Sujaan highlights the need for educational and behavioral changes to raise awareness and deliver accurate information. Education and access to basic sanitary facilities are critical for empowering girls and women. Almost all the women I talked to had a common view that men and boys participating in menstruation talks can help create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.  While there may not be specific restrictions, the cultural norm of keeping menstruation as a private matter can contribute to a lack of open dialogue and limited public awareness about menstrual health. To address this, efforts are needed to encourage open discussions about menstruation, promote education and awareness, and challenge the cultural norms that hinder open communication. By fostering an environment where menstruation can be openly talked about without stigma or secrecy, we can ensure that individuals (both men and women) have access to accurate information, support, and resources for managing their  and their family’s menstrual health effectively.  The author holds a PhD degree in Development Communication with focus on ICT for socio-economic development. She is the managing director of Beyond Impact Nepal