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While access to savings accounts has become widespread among the general public in Nepal’s banks and financial institutions, access to credit remains significantly lower. 

A latest study of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) shows banks and financial institutions (BFIs) have 51.17m deposit accounts, while the number of credit accounts is significantly lower at around 1.84m. This shows that 71.83 percent of the population remains outside the banking system for credit transactions. A survey on the financial literacy situation conducted by the central bank reveals that while 46.34 percent of adults use loans, only 17.6 percent utilize bank loans. The survey reveals significant variations in the usage of different financial services among the adult population. The highest utilization is in savings, investment, or retirement instruments, with 86.64 percent of adults using these services.

Payment instruments follow closely, used by 73.78 percent of the population. However, other financial services have lower adoption rates. Credit instruments are used by 46.34 percent of adults, while insurance services have the lowest penetration at just 30.02 percent.  Similar survey conducted in 2021 showed that 67.3 percent of the population had an account with a bank or financial institution. The central bank last week unveiled its Financial Inclusion Policy, 2024 to promote financial inclusion through expanded financial services, enhanced literacy and consumer protection. The policy prioritizes extending financial access, boosting entrepreneurship, promoting financial literacy, protecting consumer interests and data collection. 

Among others, the policy aims at presenting a draft National Financial Inclusion Strategy to the government this year, incorporating its objectives into monetary policies and budgets and issuing directives to support institutions in its implementation. The policy builds on past plans, programs and practices, focusing on inclusive financial access, digital innovation, gender and eco-friendly banking, sustainable financial system development, infrastructure development, regulatory roles, partnerships and accountability. Likewise, it aims to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises/businesses by developing entrepreneurship, developing business capacity, developing infrastructure and technology, creating an investment-friendly environment and providing appropriate types of loans and low interest rates. Similarly, making services from various agencies technology-friendly to increase the access of target customers to the banking system and encouraging micro, small and medium-level industries, trade  and businesses by simplifying processes is the other objective of the policy.

Furthermore, the policy aims to make services from various agencies more digitally accessible thereby widening the banking system's reach to targeted demographics. 

Commercial banks are present in all 753 local units across the country, except in Saipal of Bajhang, with the total branch network reaching 11,589. Likewise, there are 18.94m digital wallet users, while mobile banking clients number 21.36m, 1.85m use internet banking and ConnectIPS has 1.1m users. Additionally, there are 4,855 ATMs across the country.

Nepal succumbed to a six-wicket defeat against the Netherlands in their first ICC T20 World Cup match on Tuesday.

Chasing the target of 107 runs set by Nepal, the Netherlands made 107-4 with nine balls to spare.

Max O' Dowd scored highest 54 runs for the Netherlands, Vikramjit made 22 runs and Sybrand 14 runs.

Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee and Abhinas Bohora took one wicket each for Nepal.

Earlier, Nepal, who were invited to bat first after losing the toss, scored a paltry 106 runs in 19.2 over losing all the wickets.

Captain Rohit Paudel top scored for the team with 35 runs off 37 balls hitting five fours.

Similarly, Karan KC contributed 12 runs off 17 balls and Gulsan Jha made 15 runs off 14 balls.

Likewise, Anil Sah added 11 runs to the scoreboard while other batters failed to score in double digit.

Nepal are locking their horns against the Netherlands in their first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup today.

Nepal, which are in Group D, will play against the Netherlands at 9:15 pm Nepali time at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, USA.

Along with Nepal, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa are in Group D.

Nepal will play their second match against Sri Lanka on June 11, third against South Africa on June 14 and fourth against Bangladesh on June 16.

Nepal are playing in the World Cup after a decade.

It is necessary for Nepal, which are aiming to make into Super Eight, to register a victory in the first match.

So far, out of 12 T20I matches, Nepal have won five matches, lost six matches and made one match draw.

Nepal and the Netherlands are competing for the first time in the World Cup.

Nepali team

Rohit Paudel (team captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Lalit Rajbansi, Karan KC, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratik GC, Sandeep Jora, Abhinas Bohara, Sagar Dhakal and Kamal Singh Airee.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha expressed the government's commitment to develop Nepal as a tourism hub.

He said this at a dinner reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office to welcome the ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions of different countries on the occasion of 74th Annapurna Day in Pokhara on Sunday.

A target has been set to attract 1.6 million tourists next year, he said the government was working to identify and promote new tourism destinations.

"The government is planning to develop a tourism circuit along with the identification of new destinations and trekking routes", the DPM noted.

He urged the ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions to promote Nepal's tourism in their communities and the country.

DPM Shrestha said the Nepali people are known all over the world in terms of spiritual culture. Tourists from all over the world come to Nepal to see many natural and cultural heritages, including Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.

DPM Shrestha said Pokhara, the tourism capital, is also being developed as an important destination for adventure tourism activities.

On the occasion of Annapurna Day, ambassadors of various countries and representatives of diplomatic missions marched from Dhampus to Astam in Kaski.

The trekking expedition was organized in memory of the ascent to the 8,000-meter-high mountain for the first time in the world.

On June 3, 1950, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachnal scaled the 8,041-meter-high Annapurna First mountain.

Annapurna Day is celebrated every year in memory of this day. The 74th Annapurna Day was celebrated in tourism capital Pokhara today by organizing several activities.

More than 90, 000 foreign tourists have entered Nepal in May this year.

According to the statistics released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) today, a total of 90, 211 foreign tourists visited the country in May.

The tourist arrival has increased by 16.10 percent this year in comparison to last year.  A total of 77, 703 foreign tourists had visited Nepal in May last year.

The NTB Director Maniraj Lamichhane said that the arrival of foreign tourists is encouraging. He said, "Overall, the arrival of tourists seems to be encouraging. Comparatively, although a large number of Indian and American tourists entered the country, the number of tourists from China has not increased as per expectation."

According to NTB, 38,288 tourists from India, 8,381 tourists from China and 8,527 from the United States visited Nepal in May.

I started thinking about this question after attending the town hall meeting organized on May 24 in honor of Agnès Callamard, the secretary-general of Amnesty International, during his visit to Nepal.

Callamard covered a wide spectrum of issues while answering questions from both the moderator, journalist Dil Bhusan Pathak and from the audience. It was an interesting talk as the Amnesty chief was able to link the inevitable focus on some of the most pressing human rights issues of Nepal with what’s going on globally.

One of the key takeaways was the role of youths. Perhaps encouraged by a large presence of young people in the hall, Callamard underscored the importance of youths playing a leading role to uphold and strengthen human rights.

At the same time, I do wonder if most of the young people do care about them. While I have been working and collaborating with a number of astounding young people who are eager and determined to change the status quo for better, I am not entirely convinced that a vast majority of them really feel that they have a stake in the debate.

Surely there are many pressing issues, of more tangible and practical nature that young people have to think about, especially if they come from vulnerable, and low-income families. Those who struggle the most have to think about more essential things like surviving gruesome urban centers that do offer almost endless opportunities for the better-off but can be nightmares for those who have no privileges nor status.

But what about those young people from middle-class families that do not live a life of luxuries but at the same time are doing quite ok? I believe that involving and engaging this vast “middle” that, according to many statistics, is dwindling because of out-migration to far places like Australia and Canada, is paramount.

Climate change has been so devastating that it has finally become an issue that can grab their attention. And after all, climate activism is a great way of upholding and seeking respect for human rights but what about other issues?

What about caste discrimination about which Amnesty International recently launched a report specifically focused on the deprivations and humiliations that citizens from the Dalit community have to face? What about other issues like freedom of expression, the fight against abuses committed by the state and other powerful entities?

I feel that many youths in Nepal are feeling a bit complacent about what’s going on. Perhaps it is fair enough. After all, as I have already highlighted, it is difficult to think about human rights when there are other issues to deal with. Others, perhaps, are just maximizing their shot at being successful. Amid problems and issues concerning the nation, there are a good number of young people who just try to make it big.

Fair enough, I would say.

Callamard, during her talk, spoke widely about the risks of a breakdown of the international, rules-based order. “If a neighboring country adopts a law against freedoms, there are high risks that such laws will be exported” she told the audience.

Somehow, Nepal has been shielded, insulated from many issues affecting the planet. The country fully internalized that there was a war raging in Ukraine, only when some of its youths were discovered to fight and die in the invading Russian Army.

These days, there has been an uproar about press freedom because the chairman of the biggest private publishing and TV house was jailed. But how much are the youths invested on this issue? With reading habits dropping abysmally, too few of them really know what’s going on. So, the fundamental question is not just asking if young people do care about human rights.

The right question is: How can young people be engaged and recommit to civic and public affairs? Not only those who can afford it in virtue of their family related privileges or those, the active minority, who have some sort of special interest to work at the service of the public good.

We need to engage and involve the silent middle. Schools, both public and private, should play a much bigger role. Resources to enable new programs about civic education and human rights are not a real problem. If alternative Fridays can be conceived, designed and implemented to offer students a more practical type of education, why not also think about “Civic” Thursdays? I am sure that local youth clubs, NGOs could do a lot in this area even with very scarce resources.

A challenge is to make civic education, not the one being already taught, I would say quite ineffectively, much more appealing and interesting. An idea: The major metropolitan governments of the country could launch a competition for schools and not-for-profit organizations and youth groups that, partnering together, would come up with innovative ways to do civic engagement.

We do not only have to find better ways to teach it but also create innovative learning pathways to make students experience and practice it. With civic engagement, I do mean focusing on issues like human rights, education for sustainable development and climate action and public policies as well. If you reflect on it, we need to embed the local curricula, formal and informal, in the classrooms and outside of them, with tons of ethical leadership.

Students, especially those less engaged and less prone to active actions, must be challenged in a positive way because they must understand that they also have a role to play, they have some stakes in the discussion.

Callamard highlighted that youths must get organized and protest but they must do it in a smart way, rather than risking their lives. She is right but I do not think we are nearly close enough to have a majority of youths even ready to play their part in the society.

Good governance is for them the most unappealing and boring thing that they can even conceptualize and imagine. They don’t really have a clue about it, why should they have it considering the state of national politics? Good governance is essential if Nepal wants to reach a higher league of nations.

But such type of governance does not happen just through top-down approaches. Real good governance means inclusive governance where citizens have a voice and agency. In practice, they are not just electing their representatives but they are part of the decision-making. Unfortunately, such a vision is still far, it is still a chimera.

Only by providing cutting-edge curricula and practical opportunities through service and volunteering experiences that elicit their enthusiasm, the vast majority of young people can commit and make the difference and bring that vision on the ground. Human rights do matter because without them Nepal would be a much worse place to live in.

They matter because they are the foundations of the nation’s democracy that, while imperfect, is still the bright and shining story. Youths can stand up and do their best to even improve the state of national affairs but they need some guidance. “Hope is something that we must all build”,  Callamard said in her final remarks. Yes, youths should be the nation’s “Hope Builders” whose contributions are simply indispensable. Can we help them?

The author is the co-founder of ENGAGE and of The Good Leadership

Nepal and other small nations, despite their negligible contributions to carbon emissions, bear the brunt of climate change impacts disproportionately. This inequity underscores a harsh reality: While larger, more industrialized nations emit the lion’s share of greenhouse gasses, it is the smaller, less developed countries that suffer the most severe consequences. 

In Nepal, the effects are palpable—from melting glaciers to increasingly erratic monsoon patterns and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. This disparity highlights the urgent need for global solidarity and concerted action to address climate change, ensuring that all nations, regardless of their size or level of development, are supported in mitigating and adapting to its effects.

The assertion that war contributes to carbon emissions highlights a sobering reality: While conflicts may be waged by powerful nations, their repercussions extend far beyond, affecting even peace-loving countries like Nepal. Despite not being directly involved in conflicts, Nepal, like many other nations, has to grapple with the environmental fallout of warfare, such as increased emissions from military activities and the destruction of natural habitats.

Given this context, there’s a compelling argument for developed nations to step up and support countries like Nepal in combating the climate crisis. Climate finance, in particular, emerges as a crucial mechanism through which developed nations can fulfill their responsibility to assist vulnerable countries in mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts. Concrete data on the extent of glacial melting or changes in monsoon patterns could enhance the clarity and make the argument in favor of climate finance more powerful.

The recent devastating floods in countries like the US, the UAE, Oman and China serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need to prioritize climate change. These catastrophic events underscore the increasingly severe impacts of climate change on communities and economies worldwide.

Nepal recently convened the ‘International Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate,’ a crucial platform where stakeholders voiced their apprehensions regarding the escalating adverse effects of climate change on the Himalayas. Urgent action to mitigate these impacts was fervently advocated for, drawing the attention of the international community to this pressing issue. For instance, Bangladesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, expressed grave concerns about the existential threat due to snow-melting in the Nepal Himalayas due to climate change.

Emphasizing the criticality of swift and decisive action, the minister underscored the necessity of adopting timely measures and maintaining heightened vigilance to mitigate the looming impact of climate change. He stressed the imperative of minimizing climate change’s adverse effects and bolstering adaptation efforts to fortify climate resilience, not just for Bangladesh but for all vulnerable regions across the globe.

During COP28 also, Nepal successfully globalized its agenda, amplifying its voice on the international stage. The visit of United Nations’ Secretary-General António Guterres to Nepal further bolstered this effort, providing a crucial platform to elevate Nepali concerns to the global forefront. His visit not only signaled solidarity with Nepal’s cause but also helped to galvanize international support and attention toward addressing the unique challenges faced by mountainous regions.

In this context, engaging ambassadors and diplomats stationed in Nepal to advocate for global attention to Nepal’s environmental concerns is indeed a strategic move with potential far-reaching benefits. These diplomatic figures can leverage their positions to draw attention to Nepal’s pressing environmental issues and rally support from the international community.

Diplomats like Dean R Thompson, the US’ Ambassador to Nepal, whose personal appreciation for Nepal’s natural beauty is evident, can serve as influential advocates for environmental conservation efforts. Their advocacy can help elevate Nepal’s environmental priorities on the global stage and encourage collaborative initiatives to address pressing challenges.

Furthermore, the involvement of neighboring giants like China and India is crucial, given their direct stake in Nepal’s environmental well-being. As Nepal shares critical ecological resources and biodiversity hotspots with its neighbors, cooperation among these nations is essential for effective environmental management and conservation.

Recognizing the inseparable link between the environment and human health is paramount. The impacts of the climate crisis are becoming increasingly apparent, affecting not only the natural world but also humanity and livelihoods.

As the effects of climate change intensify, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation, the health and resilience of both the environment and the people are at stake. Addressing the climate crisis is therefore not only an environmental imperative but also a critical public health priority.

By working together to save Nepal’s natural treasures, we can help ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all Nepalis and the planet as a whole.

The author, a member of the Supreme Court Bar, has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

Amphibians represent a diverse array of creatures that have captivated the interest of both scientists and nature enthusiasts. Renowned for their extraordinary ability to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, examples of amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. According to the 2024 Amphibia web database, there are a staggering 8,737 species of amphibians worldwide. In Nepal, as outlined in ‘An Updated Checklist of Amphibians and Reptiles of Nepal’, the amphibian fauna comprises 57 species spread across 22 genera, eight families, and three orders, with Nepal hosting 55 frog species, one salamander species, and one caecilian species.

In Nepal, amphibians are least studied creatures due to conservation efforts tend to prioritize furry and and feathery vertebrate species, such as tigers, snow leopards, and rhinos.This is because amphibians  are not considered charismatic enough to receive the same level of attention and conservation focus.  As a consequence of this bias in conservation focus, there is limited knowledge shared among people about small species like frogs, salamanders and caecilians.There are only very few organizations working in such species in Nepal to popularize them like Nepal Conservation and Research Center (NCRC), Biodiversity Research and Conservation Society (BRCS) and Environment Protection and Study Center (ENPROSC).

NCRC is working in the ‘Himalayan Frogs Conservation Initiative in Nepal’, ‘Lowland frogs of Nepal’ and collaboratively with BRCS in ‘Himalayan Salamander Conservation Project’. Similarly, ENPROSC is working on the ‘Croaking Monsoon Project’ which is the citizen science approach to explore the ecology of frogs throughout Nepal. Sadly, due to lack of funding only little ecology of these amphibians are studied but the behavior, reproductive biology and genetics of the creatures are poorly known.

These remarkable creatures play vital roles within ecosystems, serving as both predators, which help regulate populations of insects and other small invertebrates, and as essential food sources for larger predators. By occupying various niches within food webs, amphibians contribute significantly to the equilibrium and stability of ecosystems.

For the rest of the world, worshiping frogs sounds bizarre, but the native inhabitants (Newars) of Kathmandu, Nepal have been following the ritual for many decades. The tradition has been named ‘Byan: jaa nakegu’ meaning to feed rice to frogs. The exact answer is unknown why people continue to feed and worship frogs. Whatever the initial reasons and stories might be, many believe the rituals of feeding and worshiping frogs reminds people of their connection with nature.Similarly, the people of Nepal perform marriage ceremonies of frogs if there is long drought in the belief that their marriage will bring the rain.

Moreover,frogs locally called as Paha are also collected and  consumed in Nepal. The collection is primarily for food use and secondarily preferred as medicinal forms, and utilized by many ethnic groups like Magar, Rai, Gurung, Jirel, etc. in different parts of the country. In context, caecilian people immediately kill them after seeing them thinking they are venomous snakes.

In addition to this, Himalayan Salamander in eastern Nepal is facing multiple threats such as introduction of exotic fishes in its habitats, modification of its habitat into picnic or recreational sites. Such local extirpation will make us lose an order from Nepal.

Herpetologist Bivek Gautam explains that studying salamanders and caecilians presents numerous challenges. Due to their small size, these creatures often go unnoticed by people, making it difficult to conduct fieldwork and raise awareness about these fascinating species.

Similarly, herpetologist Santosh Bhattarai says that amphibians are encountering several challenges, including habitat loss, water pollution, and the unregulated use of chemicals in agriculture. Additionally, illegal trade and hunting pose significant threats. Furthermore, he added, the lack of research on amphibians in Nepal is concerning, as it increases the risk of extinction before their proper documentation and identification.

Observing this scenario, ‘Amphibian Week’ was celebrated on May 9 with students from the New Ekta English Boarding School in the Madhes, aimed at raising awareness about amphibians. The program was attended by 55 students. The event included presentations, demonstrations of research techniques and tools, documentary screenings, and poster distributions, all designed to inspire and motivate conservation efforts for amphibians within their locality. This initiative received support from organizations such as the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund, Nepal Conservation and Research Center, Biodiversity Research and Conservation Society, and SAVE THE FROGS.

In conclusion, amphibians possess remarkable characteristics, including unique life cycles and adaptations, and they fulfill crucial roles within ecosystems while also serving as indicators of environmental health. Therefore, safeguarding and conserving their habitats are imperative for their survival and the overall well-being of the ecosystems they inhabit. Let us unite at the community level to contribute to amphibian conservation efforts.

Kleptocracy, a term etched from the Greek lexicon, combining "kleptes" for thief and "kratos" for rule, paints a somber canvas of governance. It depicts a system where those in power exploit their positions for personal enrichment, draining public coffers through corruption and embezzlement. In Nepal, a nation grappling with persistent political instability and governance challenges, the specter of kleptocracy casts a long shadow, exacerbating social inequalities and impeding developmental progress. This exploration endeavors to dissect the complexities of kleptocracy and its profound impact within Nepal's tumultuous political landscape.

Understanding it 

Kleptocracy epitomizes a distortion of democratic ideals, where public trust is betrayed as officials accumulate wealth and power at the expense of citizens' welfare and national interest. Within such systems, political elites and their allies exploit state institutions and regulatory frameworks to drain public resources, evading accountability and fortifying their grip on power.

Nepal's vulnerability

Nepal's historical narrative, woven with threads of political instability and institutional fragility, provides fertile soil for the seeds of kleptocracy to take root. Rampant corruption and nepotism have entrenched themselves, corroding public trust in state institutions and eroding the foundations of the rule of law.

The nexus

The nexus between political instability and kleptocracy in Nepal is symbiotic, each reinforcing the other in a cycle of dysfunction. Frequent changes in government, protracted political standoffs, and fragmented party politics provide fertile ground for rent-seeking and misappropriation of state resources.

The impacts

Kleptocracy corrodes the fabric of Nepali society, stunting economic growth, exacerbating poverty and widening social disparities. Precious public resources meant for essential services are diverted into the coffers of the corrupt elite, perpetuating cycles of deprivation and disenfranchisement. Moreover, the erosion of trust in state institutions undermines efforts to foster democratic governance, risking perpetual instability and underdevelopment.

Economic crisis

Nepal, a nation ensconced in the heart of the Himalayas, has long been celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and rich cultural tapestry. Yet, beneath this picturesque facade lies a country teetering on the edge of economic collapse, its political foundations shaking. The roots of Nepal's economic malaise run deep, intertwining with systemic issues that have plagued the nation for decades.

Contributing factors

The journey toward Nepal's economic crisis can be traced through its turbulent past, marked by political upheaval, social disparity and natural calamities. The transition from monarchy to democratic republic in 2008 failed to usher in the desired stability and prosperity. Instead, Nepal has been marred by corruption, bureaucratic inertia and a lack of coherent economic policies.

Political Instability: Nepal's political landscape resembles a revolving door, with frequent changes in leadership causing policy inertia and uncertainty. This instability repels foreign investment, stymies economic growth and erodes public faith in the political establishment.

Corruption and governance issues: Corruption runs rampant across various strata of the Nepali society, impeding development endeavors and exacerbating income disparities. Weak governance structures have fostered an environment where corruption thrives, diverting vital resources away from essential public services and infrastructure projects.

Dependency on remittances: Nepal leans heavily on remittances from its vast migrant workforce, particularly those toiling in Gulf nations and Southeast Asia. While remittances have provided a lifeline for many Nepali families, they've also fostered a culture of dependency, stifling domestic entrepreneurship and innovation.

Natural disasters and climate change: Nepal's susceptibility to natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, poses existential threats to its populace and infrastructure. Climate change compounds these challenges, jeopardizing agriculture, water resources, and overall sustainability.

Underdeveloped infra: Inadequate infrastructure, typified by subpar road networks and limited access to electricity and healthcare, stifles economic progress and hinders the delivery of essential services, particularly to rural communities. This infrastructure deficit deters investment and perpetuates regional disparities.

Economic crisis unfolds: In recent years, Nepal's economic woes have snowballed, culminating in soaring inflation, mounting unemployment and a widening fiscal chasm. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these vulnerabilities, dealing crippling blows to sectors like tourism and remittances. The resultant economic downturn has plunged many Nepalis deeper into poverty, stoking social unrest and disillusionment with the government's response.

Implications for the political system: The confluence of economic distress and political disenchantment has ignited widespread discontent and clamors for systemic reform. Dissatisfaction with the status quo has emboldened opposition factions and civil society groups, demanding accountability, transparency and substantive change. The fragility of Nepal's political institutions has been laid bare, evoking apprehensions of imminent collapse unless decisive action is taken to address the underlying crises.

The way forward

Resolving Nepal's economic quagmire and averting political meltdown necessitates multifaceted endeavors. Political leaders must prioritize stability and consensus-building, transcending partisan rifts to forge a trajectory toward inclusive growth and sustainable development. Strengthening governance frameworks, combating corruption and investing in critical infrastructure stand as imperatives for laying the groundwork for a resilient economy and a robust democratic ethos.

International collaboration and assistance can play pivotal roles in bolstering Nepal's recovery efforts, offering expertise, resources and investment avenues. However, genuine transformation can only materialize through domestic stakeholders' unwavering commitment to prioritizing Nepali interests above narrow political agendas.

In conclusion, Nepal finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with intertwined crises of economic distress and political uncertainty. The path ahead is fraught with obstacles, yet it is also brimming with opportunities for renewal and rejuvenation. By confronting its underlying challenges head-on and embracing a vision of inclusive and sustainable development, Nepal can emerge revitalized, resilient, and better poised to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

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The Nepal-India border points in Kapilvastu are to remain closed for 60 hours from 6 am today in view of the Loksabha elections in Siddharthanagar of India on Saturday.

Deputy Chief District Officer Bhabishwor Ghimire said that the border points will be closed from 6 am today to 6 pm on Saturday keeping in mind the security sensitivity of the election.

The movement of vehicles and people will be completely curbed in Krishnanagar, Maryadpur, Chakarchauda and Shiwalawa of the district.

A meeting of the chief of Siddharthanagar district of India, Chief District Officer of Kapilvastu, chiefs of security agencies had decided to close the border points in order to prevent the activities affecting the election.

However, in case of emergencies, the border can be reopened through a mutual agreement during the official closure, Chief District Officer Ghimire said.

“The India side helps us by closing border points during the elections in Nepal also,” Ghimire said, adding, “We also closed the border crossings to help India hold the elections in a free and fair manner.”

The attraction of Nepalis towards keeping turtles as pets and the easy availability of the red-eared slider on online market stores requires attention of the researchers and policy makers. The red-eared slider is included on the list of the world’s 100 most invasive species, indicating these reptiles cause serious impact on biological diversity.

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a common semi-aquatic turtle native to North America. It is widely distributed across the globe mainly introduced through pet trade. It is a popular pet turtle across the world, and the popularity is often associated with their colorful appearance and relatively easy-care requirements. Aquarists find young red-eared sliders particularly appealing due to their small size and vivid color. But they grow rapidly into less attractive, aggressive large individuals requiring more space and other complex needs. 

They are very active and can escape from captivity and may also be released into nearby water bodies to get rid of the annoying pet after a while. These turtles have found their way to non-native water bodies when they escape accidentally or released intentionally by pet owners as they grow too large or become too difficult to care for. These turtles are known to outcompete native species as they can breed successfully in newer habitats. The process of invasion is supported by its characteristics of high fecundity, aggressive behavior, release of chemical cues and adaptability to new habitats.

As popular pets, the captive red eared slider can be found in various household aquariums, online marketplaces as well as in zoos in Nepal. This species is well established in wetlands such as Taudaha Lake in Kathmandu. The presence of red eared sliders was also noted in Chitwan according to a study. The distribution can be estimated to be wide as there is a lack of targeted studies on turtles in Nepal. Due to which the consequences caused by this exotic species on native turtle fauna of Nepal is unknown. The Nepalese turtle fauna consists of seventeen species and nineteen subspecies of native turtles. Of these, thirteen species are already listed in the threatened category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is obvious that this exotic turtle species competes for resources like food, basking site and nesting site with the native turtles. Red-eared sliders are omnivorous feeders and feed on both the plant and animal matter. The juveniles mostly prefer more plant food while mature turtles, especially females consume more animal matter in their diet posing serious threat to native species. It was found that it prey on new hatchlings and juveniles of native species and causes the populations of native species to decline.  As observed in captivity they can victimize water birds and native turtles (Lissemys punctata, Pangshura tecta) which can be predicted due to their aggressive behavior. Trachemys scripta species are identified as the potential carrier of various parasites and pathogens including Salmonella. 

All the species of turtles found in Nepal are listed under Appendix I or Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna). This means that the trade of native species is strictly prohibited and controlled. This exacerbates the import of exotic turtle species for household pets and market stores. There are many cases of rescue and confiscation of various turtle species by police from poachers and merchants. There may be presence of non-native species and the release of seized turtle species to natural habitats without proper protocols can be a threat to native turtles.

There is a lack of targeted studies and documentation  on the introduced faunal species, their impacts and invasive nature in Nepal. Likewise, there hasn’t been any documentation of red-eared slider turtles being established as invasive species in Nepal. However, they can be seen widely in captivity and occasionally being released into the wild. Being one of the worst invasive species in the world, the potentiality of red-eared slider turtles to become established in Nepalese freshwater ecosystems cannot be denied. Their high reproductive rate, adaptability to various habitats, and potential competition with native species for resources could lead to local extinction and ecological disruptions. When invasive species cause harm, it can be challenging and costly to manage and control. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species through careful monitoring and regulations is crucial for protecting native biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

It is a good thing that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is formulating a new policy to bring national sports to the next levels. There is a lot of work to be done but asking for feedback, advice from the general population is certainly a great way to start.

A key way to elevate Nepal’s sports is to formulate a program for high potential achievers, an initiative that strategically identifies and supports athletes who have a real chance to compete at highest levels. I am talking about athletes whose performance is already very promising, athletes who have already shown their worth.

It is obviously essential to ensure that such a program is capable of selecting the most promising athletes when they are still very young rather than when they are already mature. Nepal could learn a few things from Australia, which has a very rigorous and holistic process of grooming the best potential competitors. It is not surprising for Australia that their athletes are among the best and Australia always stands very high for the medals won.

Something that perhaps might be discounted is that Australia has been investing a lot also in its adaptive sports athletes or para-athletes and they are among the best worldwide.

I am writing about this because Nepal also has dynamic para-athletes, who deserve a much higher level of recognition. This is the reason why the new policy being formulated should give equal chances to parasports to excel and compete in the region and worldwide. It is not just about equality and social justice. It is really about competition and giving a level playing field to athletes living with disabilities.

Nepal’s taekwondo is probably, at the moment, the most recognized para sport.

This is thanks to Palesha Goverdhan winning a bronze medal in the 2022 Asian Para Games in China and recently she was awarded the ‘Best Taekwondo Practitioner of the Year’. She is also going to represent Nepal at the upcoming Paralympics games in Paris. We should not forget that Shrijana Ghising has also been doing very well internationally with Para taekwondo.

Then there is also wheelchair basketball. It is very positive that Minister for Youth and Sports Biraj Bhakta Shrestha recently attended a two-day Intervalley Wheelchair basketball tournament organized by Nepal Spinal Cord Injury Sports Association (NSCISA), one of the pioneering organizations promoting adaptive sports in the country.

At the moment of writing, Nepal has the chance of having another top para-athlete competing in Paris, Keshav Thapa, the most successful para-table tennis athlete of the country.

I personally know Thapa for many years as he is also very active in the social sector, being a strong advocate for accessibility and for the rights of persons with disabilities and he is the founder of the Spinal Cord Injury Network Nepal (SCINN).

SCINN provides a family environment, including lodging and food to more than 20 youths living with spinal injury, many of whom are also wheelchair basketball players with the SCINN Wheelchair Basketball Team.

Thapa, who, according to the International Table Tennis Federation-Para Table Tennis (ITTF PTT)’s classification, currently is ranking at number 88 but he has a huge potential to raise the world ranking even further.

He is trying to find the resources to attend the Paralympic World Qualification Tournament, which is going to be held in Pattaya, Thailand from the 23rd of this month to till 26th.

This is the only way for him to be in Paris.

I am really wondering if the high potential program for promising athletes of the country were in place, where Keshav would be standing in the world ranking.

I am sure he could, confidently, be among the top 15-20 and certainly the best in South Asia and among the strongest competitors to the Chinese peers who have been dominating table tennis ever since.

What struck my interest in the work of Thapa is the fact that he is also very concerned with the whole development of the para-sector in Nepal.

It is outrageous that the country still has two different Paralympics Committees, one working with the government and the other with the International Paralympics Committee. I sincerely hope that Minister Shrestha uses his powers to solve this ridiculous conundrum.

It is a ridiculous situation because athletes like Thapa are slowed down, unsupported and mostly on their own to achieve the great things they aim for.

I recently had a chat with Thapa. We talked about his goals and aspirations but also about his concerns about para-sports in Nepal.

“Well, about my goals I have a dream to be a Paralympian and want to win an international medal for my nation. If I get a chance to participate in various competitions and have good training and exposure I trust myself that I can win an international medal. Ultimately, my goal is to be a Paralympian and I really want to work in the disability community.”

Despite being very focused to succeed in Thailand and then in Paris, Thapa really wants the whole para-sports to grow in the country.

“My priority will be on para sports development. Para sports have been helping me to make my life better such as mentally strong, physically fit and name and fame in the community”.

He further explained to me, “I feel proud that I am eligible to participate in Paralympic world qualification. It’s one great achievement in my life. I wish I can be a role model in the para sports sector and in this way, many other young fellows may inspire and be involved in the sports”.

I asked him what could be done to reverse the status quo.

“Overall, for promoting adaptive sports there should be encouragement and direct investment of government to para-athletes. There should be regular training, training equipment, expert manpower such as coach, disability-friendly playing grounds, financial support, chances to participate in national and international competition, and there should be salary for players so that adoptive sports can be boosted.”

I do not only hope that Thapa will qualify for Paris but also he will find the resources to be able to compete full time without being always overstressed about fundraising.

Big corporate houses have a big role to play.

This would be smart CSR, something that can truly make a difference while also elevating their corporate profiles.

I feel sorry that there are so many great athletes with disabilities in the country who are unable to shine. They are blocked, incapable of showing the nation and the whole world what they can do.

I truly hope that the new policy that Minister Shrestha is formulating will try to address this huge gap.

Para-taekwondo, para table tennis, wheelchair basketball, para-swimming, blind cricket are some of the disciplines where Nepal can show its brilliance and greatness while showcasing to the world its difficult but worthy journey toward inclusion and accessibility.

Views are personal

The US States said that freedom of press, accountability, and transparency are guiding principles for the United States as it continues to work for “a more perfect union.”

“We expect that as Nepal continues to show its hard-won democracy, the Government and people of Nepal will also have a meaningful dialogue about how to ensure good governance, freedom of the press and people’s fundamental rights,” reads a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

The Embassy issued the statement a day after police detained Kailash Sirohiya, chairperson of Kantipur Media Group (KMG) in connection to an alleged fake citizenship case filed against him in Dhanusha district.

Prior to his arrest, Sirohiya issued a statement on Kantipur TV, saying that the arrest warrant against him was issued with the aim of blackmailing Kantipur daily and its other sister news outlets into stopping the coverage of cooperative frauds.

It’s fantastic to have you all here—because we have so much to celebrate together. In December we marked the centenary of the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship signed in the Singha Durbar in 1923 pledging that our two nations will forever maintain peace, friendship and mutual respect. It helped establish Nepal’s sovereignty. 

The Treaty confirmed the UK’s proud status as Nepal’s oldest friend. There have been many events to mark the centenary over recent months. That’s a lot of daal bhaat, a lot of chiya, and maybe a bit of Raksi too! I’m delighted that we are hosting the culmination of these celebrations here this evening.

There is so much that brings us together. From His Majesty King Charles trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas as a young Prince, to our academic alliances, to the huge contribution that the Nepali diaspora makes here in the UK, even getting to the finals of Masterchef!

We’re partners in fighting climate change, in supporting Nepal’s development, with the £400m of support which helps Nepal capitalize on its strengths, including its people and its potential for clean energy and to overcome challenges posed by disasters, and through our growing business links as well.

At the Nepal Investment Summit last month, I was proud that the UK played a leading role in creating a more conductive enabling environment for foreign investment into Nepal which extended the bridge we are building between Nepal and global capital markets. 

And of course, I want to pay tribute to surely the greatest symbol of our friendship, proof that this bond is truly unique and that is the Gurkhas. I had the pleasure of addressing a Gurkha passing out parade at Catterick in my constituency, back in 2021, paying tribute to their courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. Their service is a reminder of the deep ties between our two nations and a promise that those ties will continue to endure.

We have come a long way together since 1923. So, let’s keep building all aspects of this remarkable friendship. And here’s to another one hundred years!

Speech delivered by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a reception hosted at Number 10 Downing Street on 20 May to celebrate 100 years of the UK-Nepal Treaty of Friendship

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that his government would assist Nepal in its efforts to cope with climate crises.

The British PM said it while addressing a special function organized by the Nepali Embassy in UK on the occasion of the centenary of Nepal-UK Friendship Treaty on Monday.

The event was held at PM Sunak's office. In the days to come, the UK will boost its cooperation with Nepal on economic issues like trade, investment, and climate change as well.

He lauded the contribution made by the 'British Gorkha' to elevate bilateral relations.

PM Sunak also recalled the visit of King Charles in Nepal. He also appreciated the works and achievements of Nepali diaspora in the UK.

On the occasion, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, shined light on UK-Nepal ties. Britain has been continuing assistance to Nepal in its development initiatives, which continues in the days ahead as well, she assured.

Nepal could be assisted in making it capable of graduating to a middle-income country with the expansion of economic relations, according to her.

Nepali Ambassador to Britain, Gyan Chandra Acharya, expressed best wishes on behalf of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to the UK Prime Minister Sunak. He spoke on different dimensions of the 1923 Treaty between Nepal and Britain.

The Treaty opened up an avenue for Nepal to the international world for expanding relations, he viewed.

The event was also attended by British lawmakers, high level officials, Nepali diaspora and well-wishers of Nepal in the UK. 

The Government of Nepal expressed grief over the death of President of Iran, Dr Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

"We are deeply saddened to know about the passing away of His Excellency Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President, and His Excellency Dr. Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs, of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the helicopter crash yesterday," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on the social platform, X, today.

The Ministry also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, and the government and people of Iran.