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Stato-dynamic progressivism, a term derived from the words ‘stato’ (state or stability) and ‘dynamic’ (force or movement), refers to a political and social theory that advocates for a progressive approach within the framework of institutional stability. Unlike traditional progressivism, which may prioritize rapid social change and reform, stato-dynamic progressivism seeks to balance progress with the preservation of order, institutions and systems of governance. This theory suggests that meaningful progress occurs when institutions evolve in response to societal needs while maintaining continuity with their foundational principles.

Background

The concept of stato-dynamic progressivism is rooted in the philosophical traditions of both conservative and progressive thoughts. It synthesizes aspects of classical conservatism—emphasizing the preservation of social institutions—and progressivism, which advocates for reforms to address inequality, injustice and social stagnation. This blend positions stato-dynamic progressivism as a centrist ideology, believing that reforms should be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Historically, thinkers like Edmund Burke, often regarded as a father of modern conservatism, argued that change should be organic and incremental to prevent the destabilization of society. Stato-dynamic progressivism aligns with this view, but also acknowledges the need for continuous reform, drawing from the progressivism of John Stuart Mill, who advocated for the expansion of individual rights and social reforms through democratic means.

Principles

Stato-dynamic progressivism operates on several key principles:

1. Institutional stability and reform: Central to this ideology is the belief that institutions—political, economic and social—should be respected and maintained. However, stato-dynamic progressivists argue that these institutions must be adaptable and responsive to new challenges, including inequality, discrimination, and environmental degradation. For example, instead of dismantling established systems of governance, reforms are made within them to ensure they better serve the public.

2. Balanced change: Change is necessary for societal progress, but it must be balanced with the preservation of traditions and values. Stato-dynamic progressivism avoids the radicalism of rapid reform movements, fearing that such changes could lead to instability, backlash or unintended consequences. It favors a gradual approach, where changes are implemented in phases, allowing society to adjust and institutions to absorb new responsibilities.

3. Democratic participation: A fundamental tenet is the belief in democratic participation. Stato-dynamic progressivists emphasize the role of the public in guiding institutional reforms. Policies should emerge through democratic dialogue, ensuring that change is representative of the people's will and not imposed top-down by elites.

4. Pragmatism over ideology: Stato-dynamic progressivism is pragmatic in its approach to policy-making. Rather than being driven by ideological purity, it focuses on what works, often advocating for evidence-based policy decisions. This pragmatism makes it more flexible in dealing with complex issues like economic inequality, climate change and social justice, allowing for the adoption of policies from across the political spectrum if they can contribute to societal well-being.

Application

In today’s political environment, stato-dynamic progressivism may be seen as a middle path between populism and radical progressivism. It appeals to those who are dissatisfied with the rapid pace of change promoted by some progressive movements but are equally uncomfortable with reactionary or regressive policies that seek to halt or reverse progress.

In the context of healthcare reform, for instance, a stato-dynamic progressivist might advocate for expanding access to healthcare through reforms within the existing system, such as expanding public healthcare options or reforming private insurance practices, rather than endorsing a complete overhaul to a single-payer system. The goal is to improve the system progressively without dismantling what works.

In the case of environmental policy, stato-dynamic progressivism might push for comprehensive climate action through the enhancement of regulatory frameworks and incentives for green technologies, rather than radical economic changes that could disrupt the livelihood of communities dependent on traditional industries.

Criticisms

Despite its appeal as a centrist ideology, stato-dynamic progressivism faces several criticisms. Critics from the left argue that it is too cautious, often failing to meet the urgency of crises like climate change, racial injustice or income inequality. The gradualist approach can seem inadequate in the face of problems that require immediate, large-scale action. From the right, critics may argue that even incremental reforms can erode the traditional values and institutions that they seek to protect, fearing a slippery slope toward more radical change.

Moreover, the balance between stability and progress can be difficult to maintain. In periods of rapid technological, economic or cultural transformation, even incremental changes can create significant disruption. The risk, critics suggest, is that stato-dynamic progressivism could become too focused on institutional preservation at the expense of needed reforms, leading to stagnation.

Conclusion

Stato-dynamic progressivism represents a nuanced and balanced approach to societal reform. By emphasizing the need for change within the stability of existing institutions, it provides a framework for progress that avoids the risks of both radicalism and conservatism. While it may be criticized for its cautious approach, particularly in times of crisis, its focus on gradual, democratic and pragmatic reforms makes it a compelling vision for those seeking sustainable progress without the upheavals of radical social change.

We are celebrating the 44th World Food Day today. The slogan for this year is ‘Right to Food for a Better Life and Better Future’. Meanwhile, food security is becoming a critical global issue. Factors such as extensive wars in the Middle East, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, internal strife, mass migrations, Covid-19, bird flu, other pandemics, and—most significantly—climate change are exacerbating food scarcity worldwide.

Despite the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to end hunger by 2030, one in 11 people experienced hunger in 2023. This figure continues to rise, driven by internal conflict in Sudan, the ongoing war in the Middle East, farmer protests and wildfires in Europe, instability in South America, and political unrest in South Asia. Additionally, record-breaking temperature increases, extreme rainfall leading to landslides and floods, reduced rainfall frequency, and growing infestations of insects and pests are heightening the risk of food shortages. As a mountainous agricultural country heavily dependent on irrigation and affected by misguided policies, Nepal faces an even greater threat of food insecurity.

In Nepal, all four food systems—agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries—are under threat due to development-focused, productivity-centric plans and policies. The country’s increasing reliance on agricultural imports, coupled with extreme climate conditions, poses a significant risk to food security. Recently, record-breaking rainfall in Nepal caused substantial agricultural losses, with the government estimating a Rs 6bn loss in the sector. Floods devastated paddy crops during the harvest season, causing immense hardship for farmers. Paddy, which is highly vulnerable to climate extremes, continues to be promoted by the government over more resilient crops. Some of the biodiversity losses I encountered last year include the following:

Case I: In a recent discussion with the Chepang community of Ichhyakamana Municipality, I discovered that the Chepangs are no longer consuming Canna (Canna discolor), commonly known as ful tarul. Canna used to be abundant in every Chepang village, and they regularly ate its rhizomes by either boiling them or making alcohol from them. These roots were once a staple food source for the Chepang people but have now been replaced by rice, which has become the primary food in every Chepang household.

Case II: Last September, while in Kaushe, Sindhuli district, I fell ill with a fever and wanted to have millet soup. When I asked for finger millet flour, I was surprised to learn that millets had gone extinct in that area. The locals explained that they once cultivated millets, but with the introduction of proper irrigation, millet was replaced by paddy. Now, no one grows millets there.

Case III: In my hometown of Molung, Okhaldhunga, we used to grow Niger (Guizotia abyssinica), locally called Jhuse til, as an intercrop with millets. However, over the last decade, Niger has vanished from the area. During the last Dashain, I visited several households in the village in search of Niger seeds but found none. After an extensive search, I finally obtained 1 kg of seeds from the nearest market in Rampur.

These cases illustrate the decline of traditional crops and species due to faulty agricultural extension services and the increasing influence of private companies on the sector. Rather than promoting the comparative advantage of our geographic diversity, the government invests in chemical inputs and imports hybrid seeds, disrupting long-standing local production systems. As a result, production costs have risen, and many farmers are abandoning agriculture. In 2023, our imports decreased compared to the previous year, a statistic shared with pride by officials. However, the real reason for this reduction was the export restrictions imposed by other countries. Last year, India restricted rice exports, causing prices to spike, and the Nepali government had to plead with India to ensure a steady supply. This situation highlights our vulnerability to food insecurity and underscores the urgent need for a transformation in our food systems.

By definition, food system transformation involves the radical rethinking of the key outcomes of food systems. In Nepal’s context, this transformation can be achieved through the localization of food systems, returning to self-sustained production practices, and strategically leveraging the country’s geographic advantages. The Constitution of Nepal, 2015, guarantees the right to a local food system as a fundamental right. Based on this provision, the Right to Food and Food Sovereignty Act, 2018, and its accompanying regulations in 2023 were formulated. However, implementation has been weak. While the increasing share of remittances in the GDP has improved food security statistics, this improvement remains fragile and temporary.

Masanobu Fukuoka, an activist, farmer, and agriculturist, asserts that food grown nearby is best for human beings, while food obtained through struggle tends to be the least beneficial. He also emphasizes that food and medicine are not separate entities but rather two sides of the same coin. Yet, in our discussions of food security, we often focus solely on food availability, neglecting important factors like food quality, cultural relevance, and consumption patterns. This oversight has contributed to a rise in non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Recently, a report from BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan highlighted a concerning trend: while the number of new patients decreased in 2023, the overall number of cancer patients increased. Similar patterns are being observed in other hospitals across Nepal, raising alarm. Despite the policy focus on food sovereignty, critical aspects of food security—accessibility, utilization, and stability—have often been overlooked in practice. This presents a major challenge for Nepal, requiring urgent attention and action.

In the past, Nepal followed a self-sufficient family farming model, but policies and agricultural development strategies labeled it as ‘subsistence agriculture’. The concepts of modernization and productivity dominated policy papers and development agendas. Despite large government investments in subsidies, productivity did not increase significantly. The government introduced chemicals, fertilizers, and hybrid seeds, applying a one-size-fits-all approach to Nepal’s diverse agricultural regions. Although the government celebrated an increased seed replacement rate as an achievement, this came at the cost of losing rich biodiversity, adaptive indigenous knowledge, and local regenerative seeds. Today, we face a severe risk of food insecurity, a rise in non-communicable diseases, and heightened climate vulnerability.

We are in a crisis, but it is not the end. There remains a generation of farmers who possess knowledge of self-sufficient production systems. In local areas, many farmers still preserve regenerative seed varieties, and in rural regions, traditional cropping practices, which are more climate-resilient, are still in use. In so-called ‘undeveloped’ areas, we see diversified local food consumption systems that can serve as a foundation for sustainable development. What we need now is to document this invaluable knowledge, conduct research to enhance the productivity of these practices, create proper plans, and invest in expanding sustainable agricultural methods.

With systematic production planning, government-supported value addition technologies, and agro-tourism, we can harness the comparative advantages of a self-sustaining, chemical-free production system. Achieving this requires a unique food system transformation tailored to Nepal’s needs—one that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and the preservation of indigenous agricultural knowledge.

The author is an agroecology researcher at Forestaction Nepal

Lead poisoning is caused by exposure to high levels of lead. Lead is most commonly found in houses built before 1978. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, cramps and hyperactivity. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through a blood lead test. Treatment includes finding and removing the source of the lead to prevent further exposure.

Lead can be found in all parts of our environment—the air, the soil, the water and even inside our homes. Much of our exposure comes from human activities, including the use of fossil fuels like past use of leaded gasoline, some types of industrial facilities and past use of lead-based paint in homes. We should wash fruits and vegetables before eating to clean off any lead dust that may have settled on the food and remove the outer leaves of leafy green vegetables. Lead poisoning happens when your child is affected by high levels of lead exposure. It is usually caused by eating or drinking (ingesting) lead, but touching or breathing in the toxic metal can also cause it. The detectable amount of lead is found in your child's blood.

Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are the most common sources of lead poisoning. Paint containing lead was not banned in the United States until 1978. Homes built before 1978 have a good chance of having lead-based paint, which can chip, peel or flake.

Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism and saturnism, is a type of metal poisoning caused by lead in the body.

There is no antidote for lead. Treatment of lead poisoning consists of removal from the source of exposure. Chelation therapy should be considered for treatment of severe symptoms or markedly elevated blood lead levels.

Some effects

Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults. Symptoms of lead poisoning include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle/joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability and loss of sex drive. Certain candy ingredients such as chili powder and tamarind may be a source of lead exposure. Lead can get into the candy when drying, storing and grinding the ingredients is done improperly. Ink from plastic or paper candy wrappers may also contain lead that leaches or seeps into the imported candy. It damages the brain and nervous system and slows growth and development. It also affects learning and behavior problems as well as hearing and speech problems.

Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cut, lead is a shiny gray with a hint of blue. It tarnishes to a dull gray color when exposed to air.

Management and treatment

Is lead poisoning curable?

The effects of lead poisoning aren’t reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child’s home or environment.

If your child’s blood lead levels are very high, your child’s healthcare provider may treat them with a medication called a chelating agent. This medicine binds the lead in your child’s blood and makes it easier for their body to get rid of it.

Your child’s healthcare provider may also recommend whole-bowel irrigation. With this procedure, your child’s healthcare provider gives your child a special solution called polyethylene glycol by mouth or through a stomach tube to wash out the contents of your child’s stomach and intestines. Bowel irrigation is aimed at preventing further lead absorption if there are lead paint chips identified on an X-ray of your child’s belly. 

Prevention

Ways to reduce your child’s risk of lead poisoning

Lead poisoning is preventable. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about ways you can prevent lead poisoning. Some ways you can help prevent lead poisoning include:

• Make sure your child eats healthy foods that are high in iron, calcium and vitamin C, which help protect against lead poisoning
• If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, talk to your state or local health department about having your home’s paint and dust tested for lead
• If you rent your home, talk to your landlord about peeling and flaking paint. Call the health department if the paint isn’t safely repaired
• Wash your child’s hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys frequently
• Always wash your hands before eating
• Always wipe your feet before entering the house, and leave your shoes at the door
• Wipe floors and other surfaces with a damp mop or cloth regularly
• If you have lead pipes, stagnant water or hot water can leach lead into your tap water. Let your faucet run cold water for one minute before using it for drinking, cooking or making baby formula
• Don’t try to remove lead-based paint yourself
• Avoid any home remedies that contain lead

Key facts

• Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age
• Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it can accumulate over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood
• Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus
• There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects
• Lead exposure is preventable

Financial statements represent an aggregate total of the company’s business information during a certain time period.  This information can be evaluated on the basis of historical, current and projected performance. Financial statement analysis is a common technique that allows business owners to review their company’s operational performance. Business owners will need to create financial statements from their company business transactions before conducting a financial statement analysis. Financial statement analysis compares ratios and trends calculated from data found on financial statements. Financial ratios allow you to compare your business’ performance to industry averages or to specific competitors. These comparisons help identify financial strengths and weaknesses. Financial statement analysis involves examining a company’s financial statements to make informed decisions. External parties utilize this process to assess the general well-being of a company, evaluate its financial performance and determine its business worth. Internally, stakeholders use it as a means of monitoring and managing the organization’s finances.

Financial ratios are dominant tools to help summarize financial statements and the financial health of a company. Stanley Block and Geoffrey Hart explain in the ‘Foundations of Financial Management’ that financial ratios are classified into four types of financial measurements: profitability,  asset utilization, liquidity, and debt utilization.

Profitability ratios assess the profit generated from various financial sources. These include the profit margin, return on assets and return on equity. To determine any of these ratios, divide net income by sales, total assets or stockholders’ equity, respectively.

Asset utilization ratios evaluate how effectively a company manages its assets. These ratios include receivables turnover, average collection period, inventory turnover, fixed asset turnover and the total asset turnover. With the exception of the average collection period, each of these ratios is calculated by dividing sales by the asset category specified in the ratio’s name.

Liquidity ratios assess the amount of assets that can be quickly converted into cash. These ratios are commonly used alongside cash flow statements to evaluate a company’s capacity to meet its obligations to creditors. The primary liquidity ratios are the current ratio and the quick ratio, which are calculated by dividing current assets and quick assets, respectively, by current liabilities.

Like asset utilization ratios, debt-utilization ratios measure how efficiently a company uses its debt. These ratios are debt to total assets, times interest earned and fixed charge coverage. Debt to total assets is calculated as it is stated, while the others are a little different—income before interest and taxes divided by interest and income before fixed charges and taxes divided by fixed charges.

Trend analysis

Trend analysis allows for the comparison of a company’s performance over specific time periods. For instance, managers can assess changes in their profit margin over five years. A thorough analysis should also incorporate industry benchmarks for a more comprehensive evaluation. Financial analysis is an important part of business management. Business owners often review financial information to ensure their business is generating enough capital to pay for expenses and provide the owner with a profit. While different types of financial analysis exist in the business environment, financial statement analysis is a common management tool. Financial statement analysis usually involves a personal review by the business owner.

Financial statement analysis usually includes quantitative and qualitative reviews by business owners. A quantitative review includes the use of various financial ratios. These ratios measure the company’s ability to meet short-term financial obligations, profitability of goods or services sold to consumers, use of financial assets to generate income and other information. The qualitative review uses personal judgment or inferences when making decisions based on the information.

Financial ratios provide a limited analysis of the company’s financial statements. These ratios calculate numerical indicators or percentage values based on the financial information contained in the statements. However, these indicators mean very little if not compared to competing business or industry standards. Business owners may find it difficult to compare their information with another company, which has similar business operations or financial obligations.

Business owners using qualitative analysis on financial statements may be limiting their reviews to the final output of financial information. While financial statements usually indicate how much profit the company has generated during a certain accounting period, financial statements typically do not provide enough information about the efficiency of business operations. Small businesses often can turn a profit even though too much money was spent on generating this income.

Business owners with a limited knowledge of accounting or financial analysis may be unable to properly analyze their operations. Business owners also may create financial statements that do not accurately reflect the company’s financial situation. Analyzing financial statements with incorrect information can misrepresent the owner’s understanding and decision-making process. Incorrect financial statements also misrepresent the company’s historical financial information, creating a difficult process for measuring business trends.

Qualified finance and professional accountants assist small businesses with setting up and analyzing financial statements. These professionals can also prepare business tax returns and help prevent major financial errors in recording and reporting business financial data. Additionally, business owners may seek their advice when making business decisions.

Business owners can employ two utilizations of financial statement analysis: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative analysis involves using formulas or ratios to break down financial statements into indicators, which serve as benchmarks for comparing the company's performance to industry standards. Qualitative analysis relies on personal judgment or inferences to evaluate financial statement information. Both types of analysis help business owners make informed decisions about their operations.

Quantitative analysis features different financial ratios for analyzing financial statement information. Ratios include liquidity, asset turnover, financial leverage and profitability. Liquidity ratios indicate how well the business can meet short-term financial obligations. Asset turnover ratios provide information on the company’s ability to use assets when generating sales. Financial leverage ratios determine the long-term solvency of the business. Profitability ratios help business owners calculate the amount of profit from consumer goods or services.

Businesses perform qualitative analysis by examining multiple financial statements simultaneously, a process known as horizontal or trend analysis. In this approach, business owners compile a document that includes the financial statement for the current month along with those from several previous months. By reviewing individual accounts or line items, they can identify trends in areas such as sales, cost of goods sold or expenses, helping to uncover insights into company operations.

A computerized accounting system is valuable for financial statement analysis, with many affordable accounting software options available. These programs can be customized to capture a company’s financial data based on pre-set instructions. Additionally, computerized systems help minimize calculation errors that business owners might make when reviewing financial statements.

Misconceptions

Financial statement analysis is not always the best management tool for measuring a company’s performance. Although financial statement analysis may indicate positive performance indicators, other issues may exist in the company. Business owners also should review production output, employee productivity and other internal business functions to avoid a myopic business decision-making process.