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Rivers and mountains have been and will continue to be an enduring feature of Nepal-China friendship. Rugged terrains and rare rough patches in bilateral relationship notwithstanding, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have thrived and will, in all likelihood, continue to thrive in the coming days, years and ages. The visit of Faxian to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, in the fifth century, the visit of Xuanzang in the seventh century, the marriage of Nepali Princess Vrikuti with King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century and the visit of Nepali monk Buddhabhadra, the first Nepali monk to visit China, in the fifth century and the contributions of Nepali artist Arniko in China, including the construction of the White Pagoda, are among the key highlights of these exchanges.

Nepali people, including those living in the Himalayan region, have thriving relations with the Chinese people. They get their supplies from nearby Chinese markets, graze their cattle in pastures across the border in accordance with mutual arrangements, sell their products across the border and often find their soulmates there.

About 70 years ago, our two ancient countries established (updated, rather) their diplomatic relations. These years have also been marked by peace and amity between the two neighbors, with no major dispute, border or otherwise. This relationship achieved a key milestone during this time with the construction of the Kodari highway that has played a key role in improving connectivity between our two countries. Yet another highlight of this relationship is increasing Chinese investment in infrastructure projects. 

Against this backdrop, recent times have seen a disturbing tendency of dragging China’s flagship BRI project into controversy. They are as strong as the soaring mountains and as dynamic as the rivers born there. 

China can help Nepal tap the potential of her rivers for injecting life into her economy by investing in or providing assistance for the construction of multipurpose projects with hydropower, irrigation, navigation, fisheries and drinking water as components. There is also a huge scope for transformation of fossil fuel-run transport systems into green energy-run systems.  It can also help make sure that Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport take off in a real sense.

On its part, Nepal will continue to be sensitive toward Chinese security concerns and abide by the principle of Panchsheel.      

In summary, Nepal-China relationship has a huge scope. Let’s hope that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to China will be yet another step in realizing that scope. 

On Nov 15, Nepal marked a historic milestone by beginning to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via the Indian grid. This first-ever trilateral power transaction between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh symbolizes a significant step toward sub-regional power connectivity. In 2023, India announced its facilitation of this cooperation, setting the stage for broader regional energy trade. Currently, Nepal exports surplus hydroelectricity to the Indian market, and this agreement enables the export of electricity to Bangladesh, creating a foundation for future expansion.

Bangladesh has long expressed interest in investing in Nepal's hydropower projects and is now negotiating with Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to import power generated by the 25 MW Trishuli and 22 MW Chilime hydropower projects. However, complexities arise from India’s policy of not purchasing electricity from hydropower projects involving Chinese investment. This forces Nepal to seek alternative markets, such as Bangladesh, for energy generated by China-linked projects. Over the past decade, India and China have vied to invest in Nepal’s hydropower sector, but India has established a dominant presence. While discussions between Nepal and China on a potential power trade agreement continue, tangible progress remains limited.

Nepal’s hydropower sector currently comprises 124 operational plants with a combined capacity of 2,600 MW, alongside 235 projects under construction. Presently generating approximately 2,700 MW, Nepal is projected to reach 10,000 MW within the next decade. Yet, inadequate transmission infrastructure hampers optimal utilization, with hydropower plants forced to scale down production during the monsoon. Remote hydropower projects remain disconnected from the national grid, compelling the government to prioritize transmission line construction.

The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has introduced an ambitious plan, the Energy Development Roadmap and Action Plan 2023–2035. This blueprint envisions meeting Nepal’s projected peak demand of 13,500 MW by 2035 while exporting 15,000 MW to India and Bangladesh. Achieving this target necessitates generating 28,500 MW of renewable energy within the timeframe. Both India and Bangladesh seek clean energy sources to meet growing demands, and Nepal’s abundant hydropower offers a sustainable solution.

Uncertainty surrounding Nepal’s electricity market persisted for years, but key agreements have fostered confidence. A pivotal moment came in January 2023, when Nepal and India signed a long-term energy agreement, with India committing to purchase 10,000 MW of electricity over the next decade. This agreement has spurred international investment interest in Nepal’s hydropower sector.

Earlier, in April 2022, Nepal and India signed a joint vision statement on power sector cooperation. This agreement highlighted joint hydropower development, cross-border transmission infrastructure, and bi-directional power trade. Both countries also pledged to expand collaboration under the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) framework, incorporating mutually beneficial terms. India’s quest for renewable energy aligns with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning Nepal as a key energy partner. India has also deepened energy ties with Bhutan, exporting electricity and exploring new energy trade avenues.

Nepal has already started exporting surplus electricity to India during the monsoon, reaching nearly 1,000 MW in 2023. Power trade is seen as a vital means to reduce Nepal’s trade imbalance with India. Cross-border transmission lines, such as an 18-km link under the US Millennium Challenge Corporation's support, are crucial for enhancing energy trade. India is also assisting in constructing additional transmission infrastructure to strengthen bilateral energy connectivity.

Beyond India, Bangladesh is emerging as a promising energy market for Nepal. According to Bangladesh’s 2023 energy report, its total power consumption is 24,911 MW, with natural gas accounting for 45 percent, coal 11 percent, imports 11 percent, diesel 4 percent, furnace oil 26 percent, and hydropower contributing less than 1 percent. This dependency on fossil fuels highlights the need for clean energy, creating vast opportunities for cooperation with Nepal.

Other South Asian countries, such as Pakistan and Bhutan, also possess significant hydropower potential. Pakistan's estimated hydropower capacity is 60,000 MW, of which only 8,000 MW has been developed. Bhutan, with its long-standing energy partnership with India, demonstrates the feasibility of harnessing hydropower for regional benefit.

While bilateral agreements have gained traction, the prospect of a regional energy framework remains uncertain. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) signed a framework agreement on electricity cooperation in 2014, emphasizing regional power trade, energy efficiency, and conservation. However, strained relations between India and Pakistan have hindered progress. Similarly, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) has shown potential. The fourth BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu in 2018 proposed forming an intergovernmental group to enhance energy cooperation, particularly in hydropower and renewables.

Recent developments, such as Nepal’s trilateral power trade agreement with India and Bangladesh, could serve as a model for broader regional collaboration. By overcoming geopolitical challenges and fostering synergy, South Asian countries can unlock the immense potential of renewable energy trade. A united effort can transform the region into a hub of sustainable energy, benefiting all stakeholders while addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges.

A high-level meeting on Nepal-India border security coordination kicked off in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The meeting to continue till Monday is holding discussions on cross-border crime control and is expected to draw a conclusion on controlling illegal entry of third countries' nationals, the Inspector General of Armed Police Force (APF) Raju Aryal said.

The discussions are underway on the border security issues tabled by APF Inspector General Aryal. 

Proposals have been tabled from the Nepali side on crime control in the border areas and exchange of information for this, control of revenue leakage and human trafficking as well as the control of illegal entry of citizens of third countries.

The Nepali delegation in the meeting comprises high-level security officials including APF Chief Aryal, officials from the Home Ministry, National Investigation Department, Survey Department and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Likewise, Director General of India's SSB Amrit Mohan Prasad has led a six-member Indian delegation.

The Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases Control Division has confirmed that three types of dengue viruses -- serotype-1, serotype-2 and serotype-3 -- are active in Nepal. 

Chief of the Division's Vector Borne Disease Control Section Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal confirmed that DV-1, -2, and -3 were reported in the country.

"In the past, serotype-1, serotype-2, serotype-3 and serotype-4 were active. Based on the study of genes of the virus, three types of them were found to be active now," Dr Dahal said.

He shared that the risk of dengue fever continues till the month of Kartik (mid-November) as the mosquitoes remain active up to that period.

After that, the dengue-transmitting mosquitoes will vanish gradually as the temperature dips.

So far, all districts except Humla have reported dengue and the cases exceeded 27,000 with 11 deaths this year.

Kaski district has the highest number of dengue cases with 7,080 and the number of dengue patients is 5,748 in the Kathmandu Valley.

The government has launched a campaign of "Larva Search and Destroy" every Friday to prevent the spread of dengue.

The mosquito-borne disease is transmitted by Aedes-aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of the species are active in the morning and evening time and breed in the pooled water. It is said that the white blood cell count goes down in the critical cases of dengue.

The mosque-transmitted disease which was mostly found in Terai-Madhes in the past has now spread across the country including even in the mountainous areas.

Pakistan has expressed its readiness to provide assistance to Nepal affected by floods and landslides.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives due to devastating floods and extended sympathy on behalf of the government of Pakistan and the people of his country to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the people of Nepal.

According to its Kathmandu-based Embassy, Pakistan, which had suffered a calamitous flood in 2022, stood in full solidarity with Nepal in this hour of grief and expressed readiness to provide necessary assistance to the government of Nepal.

In the early hours of 12 July 2024, two buses tragically plunged into the Trishuli River at Simaltal, Chitwan, claiming several lives and testing Nepal’s disaster response capacity. Within hours, 52 trained members of Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF), along with more than 200 personnel deployed in rescue operations, arrived at the scene and started their work. However, in a move that has become all too familiar, the government sought international assistance, which led to the deployment of 12 personnel equipped with advanced technology like sonar systems and magnets—tools that Nepal lacked—for search operations.

The result? The APF divers, operating with limited equipment, outperformed the foreign team in terms of efficiency. The incident exposed the fact that Nepal's disaster response often relies on foreign assistance, even when capable local teams exist. This tendency raises critical questions about the country's dependency mindset and its failure to empower its own disaster management infrastructure. Despite facing frequent natural disasters—earthquakes, floods, landslides, and more—the country has yet to establish a comprehensive, well-resourced, and functional system, not just a lame institution, for disaster preparedness and response. 

International assistance can be a lifeline in moments of crisis, but relying all the time on it as the primary solution exposes Nepal's willingness and ability to protect its citizens. 

What the Simaltal incident teaches us

The Simaltal incident is a reminder of the need to shift our focus from reactive measures to proactive disaster management. If we are to quickly scan the current DRR regime in Nepal, at least five key actions can be said to be crucial to correcting our past mistakes and building a resilient DRRM system.

Firstly, let’s not just enjoy doing one after another workshops for response planning in star hotels. Instead, the Ministry of Home Affairs must invest in modern equipment and technology disaster risk reduction measures. The Study says if we invest 1 USD in preparedness, we could save 7 USD in post-disaster management. 

The APF divers’ performance highlighted their courage and commitment, but it also exposed the limitations of working without advanced equipment. The tools brought by the foreign rescue divers--such as sonar systems for underwater detection--are not luxuries but necessities for modern disaster response. Nepal must invest in acquiring and maintaining such equipment, along with training personnel in their use. 

Second, the Ministry will be at ease if it invests in empowering and equipping national forces and local governments. Nepal has competent agencies like the APF and Nepal Army, yet their potential is undermined by a lack of resources. We must provide these agencies with continuous training, better infrastructure, and the authority to act autonomously in times of disaster. Local governments, too, need to be integrated into the national disaster preparedness framework, enabling them to take the lead in disaster-prone areas.

Third, given the advancement in technology, we must invest to fully develop a robust multi-hazards early warning system. Let me bring up a case. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had projected above-normal rainfall for this year. By mid-monsoon, 70 percent of the rainfall had already occurred and by early August an average of 90 percent rainfall had been recorded. Early warnings are even more critical, where every second matters for saving lives and properties. 

On July 6, several villages in Bagmati and Lumbi were flooded due to heavy rainfall a day before (on July 5) and Kanchanpur of Sudurpaschim recorded 624 mm of rainfall in 24 hours which is extremely heavy rainfall.  The news media had published warning news including expert interviews two days in advance citing weather forecasts, but the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) failed to act promptly. All it did was upload an awareness song on its website only by late afternoon on July 6. 

The lack of an effective early warning system has exacerbated the impact of disasters in several such cases, including during the Bhotekoshi floods in 2016 and the recent Thame floods in Solukhumbu. Nepal needs a comprehensive, tech-enabled early warning system that can provide real-time data on natural hazards such as floods and landslides. One that is now run by the Department of Hydrology and Metrology (DHM) requires a massive upgrade in its current EWS

Fourth, it is time we prioritize Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure given the losses we have already faced with the multi-million-dollar Melamchi project constructed on ADB loan. Whether it's flood barriers, earthquake-resistant buildings, or safe roadways in landslide-prone areas, investments in infrastructure can dramatically reduce both the human and economic toll of disasters. Nepal’s geography is challenging, but modern engineering can mitigate these risks if prioritized. A  flood in the Koshi basin, for example, could wipe away investment made in the Hydropower sector (some already in construction, some in pipeline) worth over US 10bn. Climate-proofing this investment makes a business case.

Finally, Nepal needs to roll up its sleeves and work hard to institutionalize preparedness and response through policy and governance. Not much progress has been made in this sector despite the substantive support from international partners. 

The unfortunate reality is that the Ministry has no information on the impact of the 36 projects implemented in areas like DRR and urban resilience with donor's money. This reflects a potential misuse of donor funds.

While Nepal has made progress in policy-making, including setting up of NDRRMA, the implementation often falls short. It lacks full authority like the one enjoyed by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This also means creating a clear chain of command during emergencies. During the Simaltal tragedy, the state was in a doldrum as the parties were busy flexing muscles to form a new government. A strong NDRRMA would have come into action irrespective of any change in the political equation in Kathmandu. 

 All these failed disaster responses that we witness every monsoon, therefore, should not be remembered only for its loss of life but as a wake-up call. If Nepal fails to learn from these repeated incidents, we risk falling into the same trap of reactionary measures that only exacerbate the loss and damage.

Newly elected President of Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) Sunil KC said that Nepal and India share immense potential to strengthen economic cooperation.

He, however, said that there are gaps that still need to be bridged, particularly in attracting more Indian private investments into Nepal, which have declined recently.

KC said so during a gathering held in Kathmandu on Thursday.

He went on to say that the private sector must play a pivotal role in the economic partnership, especially in areas like infrastructure, energy, tourism, digital economy, manufacturing, and innovation.

“We at NICCI are committed to fostering these collaborations,” he added.

During the event, he highlighted a long-standing challenge of exporting Nepali products to India. For instance, some Nepali shoe brands and agro-products like ginger and cardamom face numerous barriers that need resolution. Addressing these will not only boost Nepal’s economy but also ensure that Indian consumers can benefit from the high-quality goods Nepal produces, KC further said.

He urged all stakeholders to prioritize this matter and work on a sustainable solution.

Furthermore, the NICCI President said that the promotion of joint ventures in Nepali power projects is another key area where both nations can win. Nepal’s vast hydropower potential, when coupled with Indian expertise and investment, can lead to mutual prosperity.

KC stressed on the need of greater collaboration in this sector to harness our energy resources more efficiently.

He underscored that a Nepal-India Partnership Summit should be held every two years to institutionalize dialogue and progress.

 Such a platform would allow stakeholders from both sides to discuss, debate, and resolve critical issues like foreign direct investment, trade facilitation, and economic growth. Regular interaction is essential to building trust and addressing concerns on both sides, he said.

“We also see immense value in establishing targeted partnerships with Indian state governments to focus on attracting FDI in specific sectors. Each Indian state offers unique opportunities, and fostering such collaborations will allow us to tailor investments to meet regional needs and goals,” KC added.

He was of the opinion that the time has come to focus on the future by setting up the Nepal-India Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. This initiative will support startups, promote innovation, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to collaborate across borders, driving sustainable growth and technological advancement.

“We propose establishing a NICCI branch office in New Delhi to create a permanent channel of communication between Indian and Nepali businesses. This will facilitate smoother trade and investment processes and provide a central hub for resolving any business-related issues,” KC said.

The energy minister, the Indian ambassador and former ministers among others were present in the program.

Nepal’s latest population census highlights ‘rapid demographic changes’, with an aging population and declining growth, particularly among the young and dynamic. A nation’s youthful, healthy, fertile and educated population is regarded as a vital ‘element of national power’, playing a key role in advancing national security, interests and economic productivity. The overall well-being of current generations, including their health, mindset, and values like humanism and compassion, directly impacts the future prosperity of societies and nations. Ensuring the welfare of today’s population is crucial for sustaining future generations.

As Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli prepares to attend the ‘Summit of the Future’ and address the 79th UNGA session, Nepal has the chance to capitalize on its internal strengths and promote its values on a global stage. By leveraging its ‘soft power’ in international forums, Nepal can enhance its foreign policy objectives, aligning with its mission of achieving ‘Happy Nepali, Prosperous Nepal’.

Every monsoon season, Nepal grapples with the life-giving rains turning into a potential threat, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Overflowing rivers and streams inundate surrounding areas, causing loss of life, livestock, homes and infrastructure. Heavy rain disrupts agriculture and destroys precious topsoil, shattering lives. In the past one decade alone, over 1800 people have lost their lives due to monsoon disasters in Nepal. During that period, about 400 people have gone missing and more than 1500 people have suffered injuries. 

The recent monsoon has been particularly brutal, with reports of casualties, missing individuals and widespread damage. This year’s monsoon can affect as many as 1.8m people and four lakh households. As of 10 Aug 2024, the monsoon has claimed 170 lives since June 10 when it began. Initial reports show it has displaced over 4,279 families, inundated 384 houses, destroyed 270 homes, 102 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools and two government offices, inundating 182 houses and damaging hundreds more.

Many times, human factors have added to the losses. Look at the recent example of the Simaltal landslide mishap of July 12 night. The landslide swept two buses, and it is believed there were 65 people in the buses, of which three passengers swam to safety. While 25 bodies have been found, others remain missing. In the first place, the landslide seems to be a result of improper slope management while constructing the Mugling-Narayanghat Highway, and opening Simaltal-Bangesal-Dumre rural road on the slopes above the highway. Secondly, driving the vehicles on a rainy night under the compromised visibility added to the risks.

Settlements in the river banks adjoining roads are another major reason for heavy losses. The high losses due to the Melamchi flood of 15 June 2021 resulted not only from the climate change and associated heavy rains, but also from the fact that human settlements had extended to lower alluvial deposits. In many places, improper construction of roads over small streams and flawed sewage management systems result in inundation whenever heavy rains occur. Such was the case of the 2021 Kapan Flood, right in northern Kathmandu.

The impact goes beyond immediate losses. Displaced communities face a desperate struggle to secure food, shelter and medical care. Livelihoods are disrupted, and the psychological trauma can be long-lasting. The economic toll is significant, with destroyed infrastructure and hampered agricultural production impacting the entire nation.

Post-disaster management

In the face of such devastation, the need for a swift and coordinated response to deliver life-saving aid is paramount. One approach gaining traction is the ‘one-door policy’, where all relief efforts are channeled through a single government entity. This centralized system promises streamlined resource allocation and standardized distribution. 

Following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal received massive humanitarian support from home and abroad. Rescue workers worked day and night to rescue the people buried under rubble of collapsed structures. Nepalis are grateful for this. We also witnessed, in the flood of donor agencies, some taking advantage of the distressed situation and engaging in improper activities. Besides, many would go to some easily accessible poor countryside, distribute aid materials, take selfies and post them on social media. This way, some areas received more than what they needed and others received too little. This prompted the government to adopt a one-door policy.

By directing all aid through a central channel, the government can ensure resources are strategically deployed toward the most critical needs. This eliminates duplication of efforts and fosters fairness in distribution. Additionally, a single point of contact enhances accountability and fosters trust with donors. However, bureaucratic hurdles can create bottlenecks, delaying aid delivery when swift action is crucial. Local NGOs, with established relationships and a deeper understanding of local nuances, can tailor aid distribution more effectively.

The one-door policy has been a source of debate in Nepal. The policy introduced in 2015 has been implemented to prevent uneven aid distribution and ensure remote areas received support. However, this centralized approach faced criticism for being slow and inefficient. Many NGOs and private entities felt hamstrung by the need for government approval, leading to delays. In the aftermath of the 2017 floods and landslides, the government again enforced the one-door policy. While the intention was to streamline efforts, critics argue it led to logistical challenges and inefficiencies. There were reports of aid being stuck in red tape while victims remained underserved.

The way forward

One-door-policy does not discourage local governments from actively coordinating rescue works and distribution of reliefs to the needy. To facilitate prompt response, domestic NGOs may be allowed to cooperate with local governments. As to the foreign governments and INGOs willing to support, we should make sure that they comply with our one-door-policy, that they do not take advantage of our calamity to create one or another form of social disharmony, that they do no harm to the self-respect of our suffering people, that they do not try to impose or promote their interests, and that they confine their support to the extent we need.

A mountainous country located in a quake-prone region, Nepal faces multiple threats of heavy rains, floods, landslides, GLOFs, droughts, famines, fires, epidemics, earthquakes and other disasters. Keeping this in view, the government has formed a high-level National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management under the Prime Minister. Through a collaborative approach that marries centralized control with local expertise, Nepal can build resilience and ensure life-saving aid reaches those who need it the most.

An analysis of the post-1990 foreign policy shows that Nepal could neither pragmatically understand “national interests” nor lucidly identify its “natural interests”. Tactlessly, Nepal’s national interests have been ambiguous along with recurrent changes in government and their policies in the last 34 years, while natural interests have been destined within the super-hoax of ‘nationalism’.

Nepal’s natural interests should be aligned in securing its territories and borders, including the rivers and the Himalayas. Based on treaties, historical accounts and official documents, Nepal’s “natural boundaries” trace the origins of the Mahakali River in the west, the Mechi River in the east and the Himalayas in the north. Nepal can accomplish its natural interest through strategic alignment with both the neighbors and advance national interest by conducting a balanced foreign policy with all powers. Nepal should understand national interests by embracing rational policies based on changing dynamics of geopolitics, international ties and diplomacy.

The Government of Japan has provided a grant of Japanese Yen 454 million (approximately Rs 423 million) to Nepal to contribute to the implementation of the Project for Human Resource Development for the fiscal year 2024-25.

An agreement in this regard was formalized today with the signing and exchange of notes by both sides at the Ministry of Finance.

Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary at the Finance Ministry, and Kikuta Yutaka, Japan's Ambassador to Nepal, signed the agreement from their respective sides.

The Japanese Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme began in Nepal in 2015 with support from the Government of Japan and it is continuing phase-wise, the Ministry said in a press release.

The current grant will support the scholarship programme for 22 candidates: 20 for a two-year Master's Degree and two for a three-year PhD course at various universities in Japan.

To date, 127 JDS fellows including 125 master's degree holders and two doctoral degree holders have completed their studies in Japan and returned to Nepal while 35 are presently pursuing master's degrees and three PhD there.

During the signing ceremony, Secretary Dr Ghimire said that the scholarship programme will enhance the capabilities of Nepal's civil service, contributing to improving the public service delivery. As he hoped, it will also contribute to strengthening the bilateral relations between Nepal and Japan.

Ambassador Kikuta expressed his confidence that the JDS graduates will significantly impact Nepal's development and further enhance the longstanding cooperation between the two nations.

The government has expressed sincere appreciation and thanks to the Government of Japan for its continuous and generous support and commitment to the socio-economic and human resource development of Nepal.

Nepal, compared to other South Asian countries, has taken a giant leap in recognizing sexual and reproductive rights through various levels. While the progress is not yet sufficient, it has certainly hit the ground running. Article 38(2) of the Constitution of Nepal 2015, has guaranteed the right to safe motherhood and reproductive health. In Nepal, access to safe abortion services is regulated under the ‘Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act’ (SMRH Act) of 2018. This Act decriminalizes abortion and provides legal provisions for women to access safe abortion services. The SMRH Act allows for abortion on several grounds, including cases where the continuation of pregnancy poses a risk to the life or physical or mental health of the woman, cases of rape or incest, fetal abnormalities, or when the pregnancy is a result of contraceptive failure in married couples. Abortion is permitted up to 28 weeks of gestation in cases where the woman's life is in danger, and up to 12 weeks of gestation for other reasons. In certain circumstances, with the approval of a medical board, abortions can be performed up to 28 weeks. Aborting female no longer requires spousal/parental/judicial consent and that somehow releases the air of objectivity for authorization. That being said,  given the societal structure, the traditional norms and values override this legal provision, as many women still seek parental/spousal authorization for abortion. Therefore, despite laws in place, the musical chair of de-facto authorization for abortion continues.

Third-party authorization is a requirement imposed by law or policy, or in practice, that a party other than the woman, girl, or other pregnant people must authorize an abortion where other applicable legal requirements for lawful abortion have been met. The specifics of third-party consent laws vary from country to country and sometimes even within different regions or states of a country. Over the years, women’s reproductive autonomy was/has been heavily controlled by the third party, namely parents, spouses, and the judicial authority. The deep-rooted patriarchy in Nepal still challenges a woman’s right to reproduction despite laws prohibiting it. The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Rights Act 2017 does not require third-party authorization for abortion, although the practices in Nepal direct otherwise. Given the situation that values, culture, and tradition drive Nepali society, the decision in these matters seems to be collective rather than individual.

From a legal perspective, there is a glimmer of hope that the woman’s body autonomy has been respected. Not only the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Rights Act 2017, but various international legal instruments have also mandated women's autonomy. International instruments like CRC/Cedaw stress that the state should repeal laws and regulations that impede rural women’s access to SRH. The following has also been supported by the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v Casey, where the Court determined that spousal notification requirements are unconstitutional and placed an undue burden on women’s  liberties. While many believe that judicial authorization for abortion is paramount, Rwanda in 2019 removed judicial authorization requirements for abortion, thereby permitting women over the age of 18 to access abortion without judicial authorization.

States must respect the right of individuals to make independent decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, including whether to have an abortion. The Supreme Court of Nepal seemed very welcoming in respecting women's reproductive autonomy. The Court in the case of Achyut Kharel v Council of Ministers adjudged that a spousal consent requirement for abortion would violate women’s human rights under international law and Nepal’s constitution. Further, in regards to reproductive autonomy, the Supreme Court of Nepal, in the Lakxmi Dikta v Government of Nepal, stated that the right to decide on the number and spacing of one’s children is an essential component of sexual and reproductive rights and reproductive autonomy, and that restrictive abortion laws violate these rights. It also stated that information on the right to decide freely on the number and spacing of children must be included in basic education to fully empower women to exercise this right. 

While such landmark decisions have ensured women's reproductive autonomy, patriarchal lineage continues to impact women’s economic autonomy, often compelling them to seek consent of men even for minor decisions.

Financial resources and social support play a significant role in women’s ability to make informed reproductive choices, including decisions about pregnancy and abortion. Access to economic resources can be substantial, often combined with social support, for women’s ability to access abortion-related information and services. In Latin American countries, in places where abortion is illegal, access to financial resources and emotional support is essential for women to safely access medically supervised abortions in secret clinics. Access to safe and legal abortion services often requires financial resources. In some cases, individuals may choose abortion due to the inability to afford prenatal care, childbirth, or raising a child. Financial constraints can make abortion a more practical option for individuals who are not prepared to bear the costs associated with pregnancy and parenting. However, in Nepal, the situation is more complicated due to the heavy economic dependency of women on men.

This is the prime reason the abortion decision is influenced by the third party’s consent. There is a robust economic dependency of women towards men in rural settings and the decision can barely be taken against a man’s will. Economic disparities and poverty can significantly impact women's access to safe abortion services, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds. Financial constraints, including costs associated with transportation, medical fees, and post-abortion care, can pose significant barriers to obtaining essential reproductive healthcare. Additionally, ensuring access to safe abortion services for women under the age of 18 presents a unique set of challenges that require careful consideration of their best interests. While the SMRH Act may not explicitly require parental consent for minors seeking a safe abortion, it is essential to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of young women in these situations.

Gender inequality often intersects with socioeconomic conditions, making it daring for women to exercise their reproductive rights, including access to safe abortion services. In patriarchal societies like Nepal, many decisions run on the consensus of the male members of the family, and thus females, especially young girls, have limited decision-making power, making abortion decisions on coercion or pressure. Nevertheless, with a focus on policy-level work and reduced economic dependency on men, alongside the protection of women's rights, the de facto third-party authorization for abortion in Nepal comes to an end, validating the provision of de jure prohibition on third-party authorization for abortion.

As the world is increasingly moving towards automation, Nepal’s journey towards effective e-governance is still in progress. Despite significant achievements in digital public services, various challenges are still hindering the full realization of a seamless digital governance system in Nepal. 

Nepal is the first South Asian country to constitutionally recognize (1990) the right to information as a fundamental right. Nepal also promulgated the Right to Information Act, 2064 (2007). Moreover, Nepal further expanded upon this provision by providing in Article 27 as a fundamental citizen right in the Constitution of Nepal, 2015. The development of Modern ICT policy in the country began with the introduction of the Telecommunications Act of 2053 (1997) and the Telecommunication Regulation of 2054 (1997). However, the most significant policy addressing Information Technology was the Information Technology Policy 2057 (2000). 

To cover the entire spectrum of ICT, the Government of Nepal formulated the Information Communication Policy, 2072 (2015), a comprehensive policy that emphasized the need for a regulatory framework to address the convergence of telecommunications, broadcasting, and ICT. Before that, IT Policy 2010, e-governance Master plan eGMP 2007, eGMP-II 2015 and 10-year master plan 2011 complemented the digital governance framework of the country. In 2019, Nepal marked a shift in its governance landscape by launching the Digital Nepal Framework. This initiative aimed to transform public service delivery through digital means. Following this, the E-Governance Commission was introduced under the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministries with the introduction of the E-Governance Commission (Formation and Operation) Order, 2022, introduced to further promote electronic systems in government functions. 

Today, all the local governments have their own websites and social media pages to improve information dissemination among the citizens. Moreover, the digitization of vital registration processes and services such as Vehicle licensing and national identification has added another milestone to the digital journey of Nepal. These developments were majorly seen after the Covid-19 pandemic when the citizens and government were forced to turn to digital media. The change eventually led Nepal to improve its standing in the global e-governance Development Index, where it ranked 125th in 2022, up from 132nd in 2020. This highlights the progress in Nepal's digital transformation. 

Moreover, the challenges still persist in the case of infrastructure. Public authorities in Nepal still lack enough resources and logistics to effectively conduct those actions. A critical issue is the lack of adequately trained human resources within the public sector. As the bureaucrats, especially those from local governments, do not receive necessary exposure or training to effectively manage innovative digital systems. Due to lack of enough infrastructures and capacity building opportunities, the public sector struggles to keep pace with the technological advancements and implement efficient digital governance solutions.  

Digital divide in Nepal is more common than we think. Particularly in rural areas, where basic infrastructure for transportation, communication, internet access, and electricity is often lacking, the fruits of the automation haven't really reached the rural citizens. Moreover, there is widespread need for targeted infrastructure development and equitable resource distribution to ensure that all the citizens, despite their geographic location, get access to efficient public services. However, in urban areas, despite widespread smartphone usage and internet access, many Nepalese citizens, including tech savvy youths, still are not aware of available digital services provided by the government. This is largely due to insufficient public awareness campaigns and outreach efforts. 

Another important challenge is the cyber security challenge. In March, various government servers at the National Information Technology Centre (NITC) experienced data loss from different government agencies. It is the central data storage center where almost all the local levels and government agencies store their data. It was supposed to be the most secure center, which again grappled with such a challenge. Government servers are not secure enough, nor have they been maintained well. 

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption, and the current approach to e-governance needs proper refinement. There is a pressing need for enhanced training and capacity building for bureaucrats to effectively manage digital systems. The Local government requires more support from the central and provincial authorities to become truly digital friendly and responsive to public needs. Cyber diplomacy has also come forward with the potential of gaining technical support from the international community. 

For Nepal to fully capitalize on its digital potential, local governments must be empowered to utilize digital tools effectively. As the closest government to citizens, it is important to ensure the local governments have enough tech-savvy bureaucrats and infrastructures. Increasing public awareness and bridging the digital divide should be top priorities. With the widespread smartphone usage, it is vital for the government to ensure that citizens are informed about the digital services at their disposal.  

To further advance e-governance in Nepal, collaboration with the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development partners is equally crucial. As these entities possess specialized skills and technical expertise that can significantly support government agencies in their digital transformation efforts. As Nepal gradually automates its data and information systems, Public-Private partnerships can play an increasingly vital role in addressing public needs. 

Nepal’s IT sector is growing rapidly and holds substantial potential for bolstering IT security. The irony is many local IT companies are primarily focused on securing international clients, while Nepal continues to rely heavily on foreign outsourcing. By fostering better coordination with domestic IT firms, Nepal could enhance self-reliance and develop a robust local IT ecosystem. 

The Government of Nepal introduced the Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity Bill which was aimed at addressing digital signatures, cloud computing, cybercrime and major digitalization of public services, including the creation of websites for all government agencies, establishment of a national cybersecurity center, and forensic center. However, the controversies surrounded the entire IT sector, which must be resolved as soon as possible. 

Looking forward, the Government of Nepal has set the goal of 90 percent of households with internet access by 2029, as per the 16th Plan. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set to be achieved by 2030. With the continued efforts, Nepal has a huge potential to expand digital governance and ensure that the benefits of digitization reach every household across the country, but of course a proactive approach is more than important today.

Cross-border electricity transmission lines with a combined capacity of 1,580 MW have been built and deployed for electricity trade between Nepal and India.

The voltage levels of these transmission lines range from 33 kV to 400 kV, with capacities from 45 MW to 800 MW. The 400 kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line alone can transmit 800 MW of electricity, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

NEA officials state that Nepal can immediately export up to 1,500 MW if India grants approval. Currently, NEA has permission to export 690 MW of hydropower to India. India has allowed Nepal to export power generated by Chilime, Solu Khola, Kabeli B-1, Likhu-4, Lower Modi, Solu-Dudhkosi, Dordi Khola, Upper Kalanga Gad, Upper Chamelia, Solu Khola, Super Madi, Upper Balephi 'A' and Upper Chaku 'A', among other projects.

NEA has been selling energy in the day-ahead market of the Indian Electricity Exchange (IEX) and has signed a five-year agreement to sell 200 MW of hydropower to the Indian state-owned company NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd.

The Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line is the only high-capacity cross-border line operational at present, with a maximum capacity of 2,000 MW. However, the two countries have agreed to transmit only up to 800 MW from this line.

Several other cross-border lines, including two 132 kV Kataiya-Kusbaha and Kataiya-Kusbaha II with capacity of 120 MW and 160 MW, respectively, the 132 kV Raxaul-Parwanipur (160 MW), Ramnagar-Gandak (65 MW), Mainiya-Sampatiya (160 MW), and Tanakpur-Mahendranagar (70 MW), are also in operation.

According to NEA officials, Nepal and India will have infrastructure to support transmission of 12,700 MW by 20230. Many transmission line projects are under different stages of construction. The 400 kV Dhalkebar-Sitamarhi transmission line with a capacity of 2,500 MW is one such project. The transmission line, which is dedicated to export power generated by the Arun III hydropower project, is expected to come into operation by 2025/26. The 132 kV Nepalgunj-Nanpara with a capacity of 200 MW is expected to be operational by 2025/26. 

Other notable 400 kV cross-border transmission line projects include New Butwal-Gorakhpur, Inaruwa-Purnea and Kohalpur-Lucknow. All these lines can transmit up to 2,500 MW.

NEA officials say Nepal has requested permission to export 1,200 MW this year. 

Nepal is in an energy surplus situation during wet months. The country, however, faces a shortfall of energy during the dry season when power generation by its run-of-river (RoR) projects shrink to nearly a third of installed capacity. This necessitates import from India during the dry months even though energy goes to waste during the wet months.

Talks are underway to export 40 MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh using Indian energy infrastructure. Officials from Nepal and Bangladesh believe that the success of this power agreement could open doors for more energy cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Nepal is home to nine species of vultures. Among them four are classified as critically endangered and one is endangered. These statuses reflect the urgency and importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulture species especially those classified as critically endangered and endangered. Out of these vultures, the white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This medium-sized vulture, identifiable by its white neck ruff, whitish back, rump, and underwing coverts contrasting with otherwise dark plumage, weighs between 3.5-7.5 kg and has a wingspan of 1.92-2.6 meters. The species is known for its broad wings and short tail feathers, with juveniles being mostly dark and taking about four to five years to develop adult plumage. It is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia.In Nepal, their habitat distribution includes lowland areas, particularly in the Terai region, which offers suitable feeding and nesting sites specially large, tall trees of Sal, Peepal, Simal and Neem. It is reported up to 3,100 meters although it is common up to about 1,000 meters. Key nesting sites include protected areas like Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and also unprotected Rampur Valley still strongholds for this species.

White-rumped vultures are essential scavengers, preventing the spread of diseases by consuming animal carcasses.They are often seen soaring in thermals and descending quickly upon spotting food. Their decline has led to an increase in feral dog populations and associated diseases like rabies, highlighting their importance in maintaining ecological balance.

Nepal’s conservation strategy includes establishing Vulture Safe Zones (VSZs), areas where the use of toxic NSAIDs is controlled and safe food and habitat are provided. These zones have been effective, with surveys showing increasing vulture populations in some regions. However, other NSAIDs like nimesulide, ketoprofen, and flunixin, still present threats to vultures. Vulture restaurants located in Pithauli and Ghachowk, provide poison-free carcasses to support the conservation of the critically endangered white-rumped vulture. Captive breeding programs and ongoing research help to support and track their population and provide valuable data to guide conservation strategies. Monitoring programs and satellite tracking have shown that released vultures in Nepal have high survival rates and are breeding successfully. These positive trends suggest that the environment in designated VSZs is relatively safe for vultures.Based on these efforts, the white-rumped vulture is experiencing a partial recovery. The species faced a catastrophic decline in the mid-1990s due to poisoning from the veterinary drug diclofenac, which caused kidney failure when vultures consumed the carcasses of treated livestock. In response, Nepal banned diclofenac in 2006 and promoted the use of the vulture-safe drug meloxicam. The ongoing Vulture Conservation Action Plan (VCAP) aims to maintain these gains and address emerging threats, including habitat degradation and electrocution. 

Despite all these efforts, the white-rumped vulture faces significant threats to its survival, including diclofenac poisoning, habitat loss, secondary poisoning from other harmful substances, and disturbances from human activities. It also includes breeding issues due to declining populations and genetic diversity. Climate change exacerbates these problems by altering habitats and weather patterns. Loss of nesting trees due to deforestation and land-use changes further impacts their breeding success. Additionally, food security is a major concern, as the decline in traditional food sources like livestock carcasses, Conservation efforts, including the establishment of vulture restaurants, aim to mitigate these threats.

It is crucial to expand and strengthen conservation efforts to further support the recovery of the white-rumped vulture. The increase in the number of Vulture Safe Zones and ensuring the strict enforcement of the ban on harmful NSAIDs will provide safer environments for these birds. Additionally, raising public awareness about the importance of vultures in the ecosystem can garner more community support for conservation initiatives. Enhancing habitat protection through reforestation and safeguarding nesting sites will also contribute to their survival. Collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, and local communities are essential to secure a future for the white-rumped vulture in Nepal and beyond.

Information Technology is rapidly transforming toward a digital era. With huge paces toward broadband internet through wireless and wireline technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), machine-to-machine (M2M) learning, internet of things (IoT), etc, cybersecurity in networks has taken over all discussions across industries, like never before. Cybersecurity has been a widespread priority since the latter half of the ‘90s, when the dot-com boom brought the world online. More than 20 years later, we have witnessed an explosion in the number and severity of cybercrime over the course of just a few years. We’re likely to see security threats become more sophisticated and therefore more expensive over time. Experts predict that the global cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5trn by 2025, substantially up from $3trn in 2015.

Nepal’s context

Cybersecurity attacks in Nepal reached its peak in 2017 when 58 different governmental sites were hacked by a group of hackers. They leaked the customer’s information and citizen’s information creating a threat to the public as well as governmental organizations. Around a year back, Nepal government’s main server again faced cyberattacks causing the shutdown of a large number of government official websites. More than 400 Nepal government websites went down for hours, disrupting services and inconveniencing thousands of passengers at Kathmandu airport, exposing the vulnerability to hacking of the gov.np domain. Hackers appear to have targeted the government’s only central data bank at the Government Integrated Data Center (GIDC) with a ‘Distributed-Denial of Service’ attack, possibly from abroad, and knocked out most government ministry websites, including the database of the Department of Immigration as well as Passports. Likewise, we often come to know about hacking of Facebook, Instagram, bank accounts, etc where hackers have benefited with personal information and money in some cases. Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police is looking after cybersecurity-related crimes and is overburdened by an increased number of cases day by day.

Cybersecurity threats

Human interaction through email by cybercriminals remains the most dangerous hacking technique, largely because it relies on human error rather than technical vulnerabilities. It’s a lot easier to trick a human than it is to breach a security system. A study report by PwC UK revealed that over 75 percent of targeted cyberattacks start with an email. Phishing is one of the top causes of data breaches, followed by the use of stolen credentials and ransomware. Phishing and email impersonation continue to evolve to incorporate new trends, technologies and tactics. Hackers try to decoy individuals with an unbelievable amount of prize, lottery, gifts and influence for leaking the secured data and hack the bank account or ask to deposit cash at the intended bank account and later on, they fly away in no time. For organizations or companies, in some cases, hackers are not motivated by money. They simply want to make a point—social, economic, political, religious, or ethical. They leverage website defacements, ransomware, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, leaking confidential information, etc. Hackers just need data, no matter what the source may be. It’s not specific to government sites. They keep on looking for vulnerabilities, and they steal data wherever found.

Cybercriminals can get around security systems by hacking less-protected networks belonging to third parties that have privileged access to the hacker’s primary target. One major example of a third-party breach occurred at the beginning of 2021 when hackers leaked personal data from over 214m Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. The hackers were able to access the data by breaching a third-party contractor that was employed by all three companies and had privileged access to their networks.

Most of us might think the Cloud would become more secure over time, but chances are that this may not happen. As per a recent IBM study report, Cloud Vulnerabilities have increased with a high stake of 150 percent in the last five years. According to Gartner, a renowned management consulting company, Cloud security is currently the fastest-growing cybersecurity market segment due to the rapid increase in use of Cloud-based services.

Large-scale adoption of mobile wallets and touchless payment technology presents a target for cybercriminals. Financial and other prominent data may be under the control of cybercriminals due to mobile device vulnerabilities that have been impaired by the increase in remote work. Regular habits and practices regarding the use of technology, like using unprotected WiFi networks and failing to implement safeguards like a VPN or multi-factor authentication is another threat for cybersecurity.    

Safety measures

The future of cybersecurity is like a journey into the digital world, where there are both challenges and new ideas. As we rely more on technology and everything gets connected, it’s super important to keep our digital stuff safe. Here, we talk about what’s coming up in cybersecurity, like new threats and cool technology, and how we can protect ourselves online. At a time when hackers are getting smarter, knowing about cybersecurity is crucial for everyone, whether you’re a person, a business, or a government.

As an individual, the most important security measures are keeping your own passwords and other information secured, avoid using unprotected hotspots or wifi networks, don’t believe on unexpected gifts and prizes for which you never have approached and use anti-virus or a comprehensive internet security solution to protect your system from attacks.   

For organizations and governments, one of the big things in the future of cybersecurity is using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology. These smart algorithms can look at lots of data and find patterns or strange things that might mean there’s a cyberthreat. This helps organizations find and stop cyber-attacks fast, so they don’t do too much damage.

Another thing we’ll see more of in the future of cybersecurity is blockchain technology. Blockchain is like a super secure way to store and move information because it’s not controlled by one central authority. This makes it really tough for cyber bad guys to mess with it. That’s why blockchain is getting more popular, especially in industries like finance, healthcare and government, where keeping data safe is super important and any breach can cause a huge problem.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is also going to be a big deal in the future of cybersecurity. IoT means lots of everyday things are connected to the internet, like smart thermostats or security cameras. So, organizations and governments will have to step up their security game to defend against cyberthreats related to IoT.

The author is a telecom expert and former Managing Director of Nepal Telecom