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Nepal has long been an important contributor to global peace and stability through its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions. Nepali peacekeepers deployed in various conflict zones have consistently earned praise for their exceptional performance, professionalism, and integrity. 

Now, Nepal has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the largest contributor of troops to these missions. According to the United Nations, Nepal is currently contributing 6,247 peacekeepers, ahead of  Bangladesh (6,197), India (6,073), and Rwanda (5,919).

The Nepali Army has been contributing to world peace for more than six decades. During the period, it has served in more than 44 UN missions sending 149,980 personnel. The army’s association in the peacekeeping missions dates back to 1958 when Nepal first deployed five military observers to Lebanon. 

Over the years, Nepal has risen to prominence in global peacekeeping efforts. While this contribution has earned recognition from the international community, Nepal has not been able to enhance its image in the international arena by utilizing it as a soft power tool.

Although politicians and officials often discuss the potential of leveraging Nepal’s peacekeeping capabilities to bolster the country’s influence on the international stage, it has not yet become a central component of Nepal’s foreign policy. While Nepal’s Foreign Policy, introduced in 2019, briefly touches on this issue, it falls short of outlining a concrete plan and policy for projecting this soft power in the international arena.  The policy states that Nepal’s ‘commitment and contribution to world peace shall be continued and the country shall be projected as a peace-loving country.’ 

In a world grappling with multiple crises and conflicts, Nepal has the opportunity to send a powerful message advocating for peace and harmony. To capitalize on this opportunity, Nepal must elevate its position within the UN system. Despite being the leading contributor to peace missions, Nepal’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles within the UN is notably lacking. It is high time Nepal asserted its claim for top positions within the UN to play a more significant role on the international stage. Achieving this goal requires concerted efforts not only from the Nepali Army but also from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. These institutions must actively engage in international platforms, meetings, and negotiations to elevate Nepal’s presence and influence.

Once Nepal secures prominent positions within the UN, it can leverage its soft power effectively. The recognition of Nepal as the largest troop-contributing country presents a significant opportunity that must be seized without delay. Therefore, the foreign ministry, in collaboration with the army, should formulate a comprehensive plan outlining how to project the country’s image through soft power and how to secure top positions in peacekeeping operations. 

Nepal is home to three species of bears, namely the Black bear, Brown bear and the Sloth bear distributed across Himalayan, mountain and Tarai regions, respectively. Among these three members of the Ursidae family, Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), commonly called ‘Kathe Bhal’ in Nepal, is facing existential crisis highlighting the need for more tailored conservation actions.

Distribution and biology

Sloth bears are found primarily in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. In Nepal, Sloth bears are distributed along the Tarai and Chure regions of Nepal mostly below the 1,500 meter elevation range. Sloth bears inhabit different habitat ranges, including grassland, moist evergreen forest, riverine forest and Sal forest.

Sloth bears are omnivorous, primarily feeding on termites, ants and insects. They use their front teeth to dig for catching their food, which makes them myrmecophagy mammals. Sloth bears also feed on fruits, flowers and climb trees to hunt for honeycombs. By consuming the termites and ants, this species helps balance the ecosystem apart from helping with seed dispersal, regeneration of plants and creating suitable conditions for seed germination. Furthermore, it also supports the structure and composition of forests.  

Conservation

Though nationally-endangered, sloth bears have yet to get conservation attention in Nepal. Most of Nepal’s sloth bears inhabit Chitwan National Park enjoying a protected habitat, apart from Parsa National Park, Bardiya National Park, Banke National Park and Suklaphanta National Park, forests in Dhanusha and Deukhuri valley in Dang and Triyuga forest in eastern Nepal, which is the second largest habitat of the species in the country. 

As many of these habitats are near the sites with high human population density, the frequency of encounters between the species and the humans is high. Such encounters are largely undocumented. Increasing dependency of communities on natural resources, especially on forests in the Tarai region, has caused a decline in the population of this mammal. 

Anthropogenic threats including habitat loss—due to fragmentation and deforestation—overharvesting and use as dancing bears are leading causes of this decline. 

Furthermore, body parts of this species are in demand internationally for ‘medicinal purposes’ and this factor is triggering the trapping, hunting and trafficking of the species’ body parts. 

The species seems to be moving toward the core area of the jungle due to an increasing exploitation of resources in its habitat. 

Recent instances of the species’ extirpation in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Suklaphanta National Park of Nepal suggest the need for an appropriate conservation action plan.

Normally in our country, charismatic species like the Tiger, Rhino and the Elephant have been prioritized for conservation, while the rest live in the shadows. Nevertheless, conservation is the process that must emphasize conserving biodiversity and embracing the ecosystem as an entire system, demonstrating that it is not selective toward any particular species. 

But our conservation rules and regulations seem to be species-oriented, despite the fact that every species has a role to maintain the ecosystem and that declination and increasing extirpation of the species are signs of an unfavorable ecosystem. Many of the records of Sloth bears in Nepal are from the studies targeted at other species, where records of Sloth bears are captured as a by-catch. Besides, the CNP species study hardly covers unprotected areas. Despite being in the threatened category, Sloth bear has not been prioritized for its study and conservation.

Generally, Sloths bear a sense of insecurity during accidental appearances/encounters with humans, so they try to defend themselves. Because of this behavior, local communities feel that these bears are harmful, so they even seek to kill the mammals by trapping them. 

Sloth bears enjoy some protection at both international and national levels as they fall under appendix I of CITES that seeks to protect the species from threats related to trafficking. Furthermore, Oct 12 is celebrated as the Sloth Bear Day with the aim to promote its remarkable ecological role. Defeating the negative perception and spreading awareness on the importance of this species in maintaining the ecological balance should be our main focus. 

Understanding the prey-predator relationship, trophic cascade should be prioritized to create suitable habitat for particular species. 

Developing a corridor between its habitat and enhancing coexistence should be a top priority at the community level, which has direct connection with the species. This can be done by involving communities for conservation on the basis of their indigenous knowledge.

Sun Haiyan, deputy minister of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party visited Nepal from Jan 26-29. Among other engagements, she held a meeting with second-rung leaders of the national parties represented in the federal parliament. At the meeting, she said that some forces were trying to spoil Nepal-China relations. Sun didn’t name names but she was hinting at the US and India. 

Of late, bilateral exchanges between the two countries have increased. China has also become more vocal and loud in Kathmandu. At the same time, India and the US have also expedited bilateral exchanges with Nepal at multiple levels. Meanwhile, the current government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal is grappling to maintain cordial ties with all three powers. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is led by Nepali Congress’s Narayan Prakash Saud who is an inexperienced politician in the realm of foreign policy and international relations. This article delves into how the current government is dealing with India, China and the US. 

India

With India, the Dahal-led government has adopted the approach of focusing more on development and economic partnership. Foreign Ministry officials say the signing of power trade agreement with India to export up to 10,000 MW electricity is a key remarkable development in bilateral relations. The agreement, they say, has also created a conducive environment for foreign investment in Nepal’s hydropower sector. Another significant development linked to this deal is India’s nod to allow Nepal to export 40 MW electricity to Bangladesh, which is likely to be operationalized from July this year. After a long time, the dream of regional power has been materialized.

Similarly, officials claim several connectivity and other bilateral projects are moving ahead, and the government has been able to secure Indian support for survivors of the Jajarkot earthquake. India has also increased the grant amount by InRs 1bn to be provided to Nepal under the fiscal year 2024-25. In the new provision, India will be providing Nepal with a total grant of InRs 6.50bn.  

As far as the long-standing issues such as border disputes and the report of Eminent Persons’ Group is concerned, it seems that the present government has adopted a different approach. The Dahal government is unlikely to push India to receive the EPG report. 

As for the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950, according to a top diplomat, the present government is of the view that there should be an all-party consensus within the country before approaching India. On border disputes, the government reckons that both political and bureaucratic levels should work simultaneously. 

Speaking at a program a few days back, Foreign Minister Saud said that border disputes between Nepal and India should be resolved on the basis of political consensus. “We have a joint technical committee in this regard. The committee should be activated after which the leadership of both countries should resolve this problem diplomatically based on the facts,” he said. 

China

After the formation of the Dahal-led government, bilateral engagement and exchanges between Nepal and China have increased notably. China seems serious about expediting the works of some projects, such as Ring Road expansion and maintenance of Araniko Highway, among others. Similarly, the two sides have started the paperwork to expedite the construction of cross-border transmission lines while preparations have begun to construct an agro industrial park in Chitwan and Gorkha. 

Over the past few months, both air and road connectivity between the two countries have widened. But the current government still faces the criticism of giving less priority to China, particularly concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Beijing has been pressing Kathmandu to sign the BRI implementation plan at the earliest, but the Dahal-led government has not shown much enthusiasm for it.  

A few days back, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha said at an event that Nepal and China were working to finalize the BRI implementation plan. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it clear that Nepal will not take loans from China to realize the BRI projects.

 With big projects, such as those envisioned by the BRI, showing no signs of progressing, China has of late directed its focus on small projects in Nepal, ones that could immediately bring changes in people’s life. A senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office says as the Nepali Congress has been dictating the conduct of foreign policy, there has been little progress in regard to bilateral partnership with China.

While Beijing is pleased with the position taken by Prime Minister Dahal and the senior leaders of major parties against the independence of Taiwan, China still seems wary of the growing influence of Western countries in Nepal.

US

Foreign Minister Saud says there has been substantial improvement in the relationship with the US. For some years after 2018, the Nepal-US ties mainly revolved around the issue of ratifying the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) through parliament. The much controversial issue has now been resolved following the parliamentary endorsement of the MCC Nepal Compact, but some technical details are still there. 

In the MCC, rising cost of the proposed projects is one of the key issues which needs to be resolved through bilateral talks and negotiations. Nepal has already made it clear to the American side that it is not in a position of investing more money in the projects.  

In the past, the US’ Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), seen by many as a tool to curb China’s growing influence, had also impacted the Nepal-US relationship. But the American side has managed to downplay the IPS concerns, though some of its components are under implementation. 

During his visit to the US, Foreign Minister Saud held talks with his American counterpart Antony Blinken and other high-level government officials. Along with increasing the volume of bilateral assistance, American private companies have shown interest to invest in Nepal’s tourism, agriculture, medical and other areas, and they are seeking an appropriate environment. In 2023, there was a series of visits from the American side. In the meeting with Saud, Blinken said Nepal is a valued partner in the Indo-Pacific region which has given a clear message that America accords high priority to its relationship with Nepal.

A total of 79,100 foreign tourists arrived in Nepal in January, the first month of 2024.

The number was up by 24,026 as compared to the month of January, 2023. A total of 55,074 foreign tourists visited Nepal in January, 2023.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 81,897 people went out of the country in January. The highest number of Indian tourists (24,139) visited Nepal in January against 16,436 in January, 2023.

Similarly, 7,267 tourists from China, 7,047 from America, 4,619 from Thailand, 3,812 from South Korea, 3,629 from Bangladesh and 3421 from Australia entered Nepal in January.

Likewise, 3,276 from the UK, 2,229 from Bhutan and 1,568 from Japan visited Nepal in the month.

The Westerly wind has its influence in Nepal at present. The weather is partly to generally cloudy in the hilly region of the country, including in Sudurpaschim and Karnali Provinces, and fair in the rest of the regions.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division stated that moderate snowfall along with intermittent to light rainfall is taking place at many places in the Sudurpaschim Province, at a few places of Karnali Province and at one or two places of Lumbini Province at present. Fog has occurred at a few places in the central and eastern Tarai region of the country.

Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane said it would be generally cloudy in the hilly region of the country including in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces while it will remain partly to mainly fair in the rest of the regions.

Sporadic to light rainfall is taking place at present at a few places of Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and at one or two places of the hilly region. According to Lamichhane, light to moderate snowfall is taking place at present at some places of the high-hilly and mountainous region of Sudurpaschim, Karnali and Gandaki Provinces, and at a few places of the high-hilly and mountainous region.

The present atmospheric temperature in Kathmandu is 12 degrees Celsius and visibility 2,500 meters, according to the Division.  The minimum temperature in Kathmandu this morning was 5.3 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature will be between 15 to 17 degrees Celsius.

The weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly region of Sudurpaschim and Karnali Province and will remain fair in the rest of the regions tonight. There are chances of traces of light rainfall at one or two places of the hilly region, and light snowfall at a few places of the high-hilly and mountainous region of the country tonight.

Traditional ways of preserving food have been practiced for generations, and they vary across cultures. In Nepal, there are several traditional methods, and one interesting example is the technique mentioned in writer Kedar Sharma’s article. 

One method involves digging a hole in the ground and using traditional wooden containers called ‘Thekis’ to preserve curd for a year. This process likely relies on the natural coolness of the earth to keep the curd from spoiling. This technique showcases the ingenuity of preserving food using locally available resources and traditional knowledge.

Beyond this method, there are various other traditional ways in Nepal, which include sun-drying, smoking, fermenting, pickling, or using specific spices and herbs for preservation. Each method often reflects the cultural and environmental context of the region.

As a research and development chef, exploring these traditional techniques provides me with a rich source of inspiration and a deeper connection to the food culture of Nepal. It’s a way to celebrate and preserve culinary heritage while incorporating innovative ideas into my culinary creations.

Before we had our fancy fridges and modern ways of keeping food fresh, people used some clever methods to make sure they had something to eat even when fruits and veggies weren't in season. They would dry, ferment, pickle, cook in fat, use dry salt, cure, smoke, and even store food in cellars.

The main goal was to save food from the good harvest times so we could eat it later when we needed it. In Nepal, they often sun-dried extra fruits and veggies. They would spread them out under a thin cloth in the sun until they became all wrinkly and hard. If it was just a small amount, they might use something called ‘Naglo,’ and for bigger batches, they would use a ‘Mandro.’

After drying, they would hang the food in a cool storage room until it was time to eat it. When that time came, they would soak the dried food in water and cook it to make it tasty again. Fruits were easier to preserve than meat. Back in the day, people had to work hard to make sure they had enough safe and healthy food for their families all year round.

Even though we now have high-tech ways to keep our food fresh, there’s still something special about learning how to preserve food at home. It’s a skill that makes you feel proud, and it helps you understand more about what you’re eating.

Now, do you have any favorite items that you would like to preserve at home? I’ll run you through some simple methods to do that.

Sundrying

Sundrying is magic for preserving food. It’s used for things like drying fish, sidra, and meat for sukuti (which is sure to make your mouth water). This method is also used for radishes, spinach, cauliflower, tomatoes, and many other fruits and veggies. After they’re dried in the sun, they are stored until we want to eat them. When it’s time to enjoy them, we soak them in water and cook them up.

Pickling

Pickling is another cool way to preserve food, and in Nepal, we do it a bit differently than others. Instead of using vinegar or lemon, we sun-dry the fruits and veggies to get rid of the water. Then, we mix them with roasted spices and cover them with mustard oil. The special trick here is pairing the right herbs and spices with the fruits and veggies to make a flavorful pickle. Fennel, mustard seeds, mustard powder, fenugreek leaves, jwano, and mugrelo are the key players in this delicious game.

Fermentation

Fermenting food is an age-old tradition in Nepal, and one well-known fermented pickle is Mula ko Achar, especially loved in the mountainous regions. It’s like kimchi, made with chunky slices of white radish marinated with mustard seeds, cumin powder, red chili, turmeric powder, and green chili. It’s a tasty treat found all across Nepal. Similarly, raw mango pickle is popular in the Tarai region. These pickles are made by marinating the main ingredient with various spices.

Other preservation techniques

Apart from pickling, there are other methods too. Smoking, drying, and making concentrated forms of food are popular. Sugarcane juice turns into ‘Khuda’, and lemon transforms into ‘Amilo’, giving them a longer shelf life.

Special treats

There are also some forgotten foods in Nepal like Siramla, Sato Khatte, Chiura, Moori, and Bhooja that are ready to eat whenever we need them.

The pandemic lockdowns made us urban folks think about traditional ways of preserving food. Techniques like sidra, sukako maachha, and sukuti involve drying, salting, and sometimes smoking fish for long-term storage. These methods have been passed down through generations and are crucial in times of need.

So, whether it’s sun-drying, pickling, fermenting, smoking, or just concentrating flavors, there’s a treasure trove of traditional food preservation techniques in Nepal that can teach us a lot about making our food last longer and taste amazing.

The author is a UK-based R&D chef

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the highest academic institution for natural sciences in China. It is also a comprehensive research and development center for natural sciences and high technology. It aims to be a hub for innovative talent, a high-level national science and technology think tank, and an internationally renowned research institution.

Under CAS, there are different wings, including the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, and Xinjiang Tourism Research Academy. Recently, delegates from these different institutes visited Nepal for a two-week long trip.

Dr Zhaoping Yang led the team, who is a professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under CAS. She is also a Director of Xinjiang Tourism Research Academy and an expert of the World Heritage Expert Committee of National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Shristi Kafle sat with Dr Yang to talk about her tourism impressions. Excerpts:

We learned that this is the first visit of your team to Nepal, what is your impression of this country?

I have been to over 60 countries, but it took me a long time to visit neighboring Nepal. I had heard a lot about Nepal and the Himalayas, and it’s really very beautiful. I am deeply impressed by the heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley and the artistic detailing of the monuments and ancient structures. We visited the famous Durbar Squares and were amazed by the spectacular traditional architecture. The history, art and designs are quite unique. Each piece of art is exclusive, which cannot be found elsewhere. Besides Kathmandu, we visited Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and the Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini. All these places have their own beauty and charm. We loved the food and warm hospitality too.

What is the major purpose of this visit? What are the key findings?

Under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, we are here mainly to study natural and cultural heritage protection and management and tourism planning and development. We did a preliminary study on trans-boundary natural heritages and tourism and plan to submit a report to the concerned authorities. I realized that the natural heritages of Nepal are of international standard, and they have huge potential of attracting more tourists. The richness of dense forests and variety of wildlife make the natural heritages stunning. We are amazed by the splendor of the Chitwan National Park. Similarly, the cultural heritage sites have unique features, which we realized aren't promoted enough. Nepal usually brands itself as a destination for mountaineering and trekking, but we felt that Nepal is much more than that. It shouldn’t limit itself as a destination for only outdoor adventures, which is seasonal. But it should brand other tourism areas too. For example, there could be heritage focused activities like heritage walks or culture tours and so on. Nepal can promote itself as an all-weather destination, as there are endless possibilities and choices.

Did the Chinese Academy of Sciences explore any areas of cooperation with the Nepali agencies?

We held meetings with different institutions focused on tourism, education and natural heritages in Nepal. The meetings dwelt on possible areas of cooperation through research and exchanges. There are many things that both countries can learn from each other.

For example, the academy inked an agreement with Himalayan White House College in Kathmandu to boost education cooperation between the two countries. We discussed various possible measures to incorporate students of BHM and Biotech faculty in the Chinese universities. We also agreed on conducting student exchange programs in the future. Besides, we can jointly conduct research on various areas covering tourism, archaeology and the education sector.

We also interacted with the national park officials and local government representatives to discuss ways on how to promote tourism. This trip is just a beginning, we plan to explore the ways and measures to work further on this front.

Since your team was more focused on tourism, what major gaps do you think need to be bridged to boost Nepal’s tourism industry?

The most important thing to boost the tourism sector is good planning and adopting the right strategies. It should be planned for the long-term instead of short ones, considering all the components and economic impacts to locals. I was directly engaged in tourism planning for the Xinjiang region of China a long time ago, and today the place has emerged as a popular tourism destination for domestic tourists. Though it snows for months, we have developed winter focused outdoor activities, and that is loved by the travelers. Nepal can also consider promoting itself in a similar way.

Though the destinations here are unique, the infrastructures are not intact. We mostly traveled via road, and the road condition is not that good in many places. The properties are gigantic in the hospitality sector, so Nepal can also promote itself as a destination for high-end tourists. The hospitality is warm but there are language barriers, which can be bridged. Nepal can attract more Chinese tourists through communication and promotion in different platforms in Chinese language. There is a need for aggressive marketing activities to cater to all kinds of tourists.

Despite the richness of Kathmandu valley, we found that there are some issues related to urban planning. For example, the jumbled black wires on the poles in the streets have made the city look ugly. It is not a big issue to deal with as it can be resolved with underground wiring with proper planning. The city would look more beautiful. Next is the haphazard construction of buildings in the heritage sites. These messy buildings have blocked the views in many places. The tall buildings have also blocked the beautiful mountain view. I believe these are minor issues and have solutions with proper planning. Kathmandu can be developed as a heritage city.

For natural heritages, the government authorities should work together with the private sector. The public-private model can be adopted for the smooth management of the national parks. Similarly, there is a huge scope for promotion of Buddhism. The holy land can be promoted among the Buddhist followers of all over the world, including that of China.

What are your suggestions to attract more Chinese tourists in Nepal?

As mentioned above, the first thing is Nepal can be developed as an all-season destination. The Chinese travelers are fond of rich culture and diverse food; thus the priority should be given to promotion of cultural heritage sites. New cultural and heritage tours can be developed. Since there is a language barrier, the Nepali guides should have proficiency in Chinese language which would make the stay in Nepal easy and smoother. Next is improving connectivity. More flights can be added between the Nepali and Chinese cities, and at affordable rates. Internally, the roads should be in good and safer condition to encourage road travels. There should be standard hotels and resorts too. Many Chinese people love luxury travel so the infrastructure should be built in a standard manner. Nepal can explore to attract high-end Chinese tourists, who can spend more and help the local livelihood. Lastly, the most important thing is well tailored marketing strategies and digital promotion in Chinese platforms.

Nepal has asked Russia to send back hundreds of Nepali nationals who were recruited to fight against Ukraine and repatriate the bodies of those who died in the conflict, Nepal’s top diplomat said Thursday.

The Russian army is estimated to have recruited more than 200 Nepali nationals to fight in Ukraine and at least 14 of them have died there, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud said in an interview with The Associated Press.

“We have asked Russia to immediately stop the recruitment of Nepali nationals in their army, immediately return those who are already serving in the army, repatriate the bodies of those killed, and treat and return those who were wounded in the fighting,” Saud said.

Nepal is also seeking monetary compensation from Russia for the families of those Nepali nationals who were killed in the fighting, Saud said.

Among the 14 confirmed killed Nepali nationals, Russia has said it is in possession of 12 bodies. Most Nepali people want the bodies of their deceased relatives to be cremated following religious rituals.

“We have information that five of our citizens who fought on behalf of the Russians are being held captive by the Ukraine side. We are asking the Russian side to take initiatives to get them freed,” Saud said.

Russian officials have not commented on the recruitment of foreign nationals for military service in Ukraine, but media reports have said that along with Nepal the Russian military has recruited some people from Cuba.

Russian law allows foreign nationals to enlist in its army after they sign a contract with the Defense Ministry.

In September, Cuban authorities arrested 17 people in connection with what they said was a network to recruit Cuban nationals to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that speeds up a path to Russian citizenship for foreigners who enlist in the country’s military as Moscow tries to replenish its troops in Ukraine by various methods, including the recruitment of migrants.

Ukraine is also believed to have hired some Nepalis to fight as soldiers, but Saud said he did not have more information on this.

Nepal’s government has banned its citizens from traveling to Russia or Ukraine for employment, saying many have been recruited by the Russian army to fight in the conflict in Ukraine.

Tens of thousands of Nepalis go abroad in search of work each year and are required to get a permit from the government before leaving the country for employment.

Saud met with Russian officials on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement conference in Uganda earlier this month and discussed the issues with them.

For centuries, Nepali nationals were recruited by the British army to fight as famed Gurkha soldiers and later by India when it gained independence from Britain. That arrangement was made in 1816 after signing a treaty between Nepal and Britain.  AP

Nepal and Germany on Tuesday signed financial and technical cooperation agreements on Euros 56,000,000.

Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance Shreekrishna Nepal and Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nepal Dr Thomas Prinz signed the agreements on behalf of their respective governments.

The grant was the sum pledged by the Federal Republic of Germany in 2022.

The financial cooperation agreement shall support the private and public sector to expand energy transmission lines, to promote solar energy, gender equality and to improve maternal care and childcare in remote areas in Nepal, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kathmandu.  

The technical cooperation agreement focuses to support gender equality and social inclusion in Nepal and local and provincial economic development - especially in Western Nepal (together with the European Union and Finland).

Moreover, the Agreement shall promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, strengthen quality infrastructure for sustainable economic development and support the health sector strategy in Nepal, according to the statement.

The Federal Republic of Germany has consistently contributed to Nepal’s development efforts in diverse ways over the years. It has been actively contributing to the fields of energy, health, good governance as well as aiding Nepal in meeting its Sustainable Development Goals. Through this grant, the German Government targets to further enhance its commitment and continue its valuable support to the people of Nepal.

“Our friendship with Nepal is deeply cherished. Germany has been supporting Nepal’s hydropower and energy endeavors, among others, since long. Through collaboration and support, we aim to contribute to its continued progress and prosperity,” said Ambassador Dr Thomas Prinz on the occasion, the statement reads.

The year 2023 marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Germany.

Nepal has said that the Global South is emerging as an economic powerhouse and contributing to more than half of the world’s growth. 

Addressing the third South Summit of Group 77 and China, Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal  stressed on the importance of deeper cooperation in addressing the myriad of global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, inequality, debt distress, conflicts, climate change, and geopolitical rivalry.

The summit brought more than 134 countries together on a single platform to enhance South-South cooperation in the areas of sustainable development, climate change, trade, and investment, among others. 

Lamsal reiterated Nepal’s support to the Group of 77 and China in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Agreement, and other Internationally Agreed Development Goals including Doha Program of Action. She expressed Nepal’s strong commitment to fostering solidarity, harmony, and cooperation among countries of the Global South.

She highlighted that the Global South is emerging as an economic powerhouse and contributing to more than half of the world’s growth. With 134 member countries comprising over two-thirds of UN members and 80 percent of the global population, Group of 77 and China, is a strong force to be reckoned with, said Lamsal. “Together, we can deliver better and greater,” she added.

Foreign Secretary Lamsal also urged the group to play an instrumental role in decision-making and norm-setting in global development and financial architecture. She called on the member states to collaborate in making multilateralism more inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of developing countries.

While calling for the fulfillment of promises and commitments made by developed countries in terms of Official Development Assistance, climate financing, and technology transfer, she underscored the importance of strengthening North-South, South-South, and Triangular Cooperation by focusing on the needs of LDCs in trade, infrastructure, and productive capacity.

The world is currently grappling with multiple crises, ranging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tense dynamics between the US and China to escalating tensions in the Middle East, economic recessions, and the pressing issue of climate change. Navigating foreign policy and international relations efficiently during such tumultuous times is challenging for every country.

As major power rivalries escalate, countries in the Global South are facing difficulties staying away from this bloc and alliance politics. Powerful countries are putting pressure on these countries to support them on global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the crisis in the Middle East. In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, a noticeable shift has been seen in the Global South which is trying to adopt a policy of neutrality on various international matters. A common thread among these nations is that they do not want to engage in strategic and military competitions between two countries, but want to maintain equal economic relations with all countries.

Amid these global challenges, leaders from about 120 countries have gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which kicked off on Monday. There is a high-level participation from Nepal in the summit under the leadership of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has already addressed the ministerial conference, highlighting non-alignment as the basis of Nepal's foreign policy. Saud has conveyed a clear message that Nepal maintains an independent and balanced foreign policy and will never join military alliances or security pacts.

The statement of the foreign minister has come at a time when there are intensive discussions on the relevance of the policy of non-alignment in contemporary geopolitics. Such discussions and points of view are misguided because the policy of non-alignment is not merely a movement that began in the 1960s; it is a principle that is still relevant. While interpretations of non-alignment may vary, its essence remains rooted in the refusal to align with one power at the expense of antagonizing others. Nepal's policy of non-alignment has not hindered its ability to forge economic cooperation with all powers.

The policy is still relevant today as powerful nations vie to pull Nepal into their orbits, pressuring it to abandon its neutral stance and support their military and strategic initiatives. Given its geographical, geopolitical, and strategic location, Nepal cannot afford to take sides. Through the policy of non-alignment, Nepal has to give a clear message: it seeks engagement on economic terms while steering clear of military and strategic entanglements. It is willing to consider economic offers devoid of strategic components. As the world grapples with complexity, we urge the government and political parties in Nepal to adhere to the principles of non-alignment.

Nepal has reasserted its commitment to Non-Alignment Movement’s (NAM) objectives and principles at the Ministerial Meeting of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement being held in Kampala, Uganda. Addressing the meeting, Foreign Minister NP Saud said the constitution of Nepal itself embraces NAM principles as a basis for its foreign policy.

“We always conduct independent, objective, balanced, and non-aligned foreign policy. We never join any military alliance and never accept to be a part of the security pact of any country,” he said, hinting at the security and strategic pacts of major powers mainly of China and the US.

Over the past few years, there has been a debate in Kathmandu about America’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and State Partnership Program, and China’s Global Security Initiatives. Minister Saud’s statement is in line with Nepal’s commitment to not joining any strategic or military alliances. 

Of late, countries in the Global South, including Nepal, are facing increasing pressure from big powers, mainly the US and China, to choose their sides. Most of the time, they have stayed out of the great-power rivalry.  

The NAM summit is taking place at a time when the world is confronting multiple challenges, from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to escalating tensions in the Middle East and China-Taiwan dispute.  

“We are witnessing the worst nightmare in Gaza. We all have been bearing the brunt of the Russia-Ukraine war. To our dismay, geopolitical competition and polarization have resurfaced as defining features of our global political order,” said Saud. He stressed that NAM principles have become more significant than ever.  

Over the past few months, there is a growing debate in Nepal about the revision of non-alignment policy. Some politicians and experts are of the view that in the changing context, the principle of non-alignment is becoming irrelevant. Some have proposed the policy of multi-alignment without elaborating what it entails.

Many of them provide the example of India, which is sending a low-key representation to the NAM summit. But the current government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reasserted the importance of non-alignment policy. Dahal himself is attending the conference to demonstrate Nepal’s commitment.

Minister Saud said that NAM, as a strong bloc with 120 countries representing around 60 percent of the world’s population, holds “both majority and moral strengths to devise solutions to global problems that we face today, from conflicts to climate change; economic injustice to social inequality; the digital divide to debt distress, and hunger to disease.”

“NAM must play a pivotal role in promoting multilateralism, defending the UN Charter and international law, finding peaceful solutions to disputes, reforming the global financial architectures, creating a just global economic order for shared affluence,” he added.

Saud also said that NAM should focus on the achievement of SDGs and other Internationally Agreed Development Goals, including the Paris Agreement, in the spirit of leaving no one behind, embracing the power of technology to drive progress for all, and ensuring climate justice for vulnerable countries and regions. 

“We anticipate a robust cooperation framework and renewed partnership with all our development partners and fellow members of NAM, for investment, resources, capacity-building, and technologies in the true spirit of North-South, South-South, and Triangular Cooperation,” he said. 

Nepal is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, which was formally established at a summit held on 1-6 Sept 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. 

Soon after signing a long-term power-trade deal with India, Nepal is preparing to export 40 MW electricity to Bangladesh from July this year, according to multiple sources.

Officials from Nepal, Bangladesh and India are working to finalize the modality of power export as soon as possible. During Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s New Delhi visit in May last year, India had agreed to allow Nepal to export 40 MW power to Bangladesh through its grid.

From July, Nepal will start exporting 40 MW to Bangladesh, which will pave the way for more cooperation in the coming days, said a diplomatic source. Now, three countries are working to finalize the tariff and other details to operationalize the agreement.

Nepal and Bangladesh are also working to construct a dedicated transmission line for the export of up to 5000 MW to Bangladesh. But there has been no tripartite agreement regarding the construction of a dedicated transmission line that passes through the Indian territory.  Private investors from Bangladesh are keen to invest in Nepal’s hydropower sector.

The signing of a long-term power trade agreement between Nepal and India has boosted the morale of both Indian and Bangladeshi investors, said the source. With the export of electricity to Bangladesh, the dreams of regional power trade will start materializing, said the government official. Recently, Nepal signed an agreement with India for the export of 10,000 MW over the next 10 years. 

A meeting of the Nepal-India Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade concluded in Kathmandu.

The two-day meeting that ran on January 12 and 13 aimed to promote bilateral cooperation and trade relations and transit by preventing unauthorized trade. Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ram Chandra Tiwari headed the Nepali delegation to the meeting that was attended by representatives from various ministries and departments.

Joint Secretary Vipul Bansal of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India led the Indian delegation to the meeting which witnessed the participation of representatives of Embassy of India in Kathmandu and senior government officials from India.

The meeting discussed various agendas while also exploring ways for finding a mutual market access for medicinal and ayurvedic goods.

The Indian side highlighted the significance of the Paris Convention to promote foreign direct investment. The meeting stressed on the need of strengthening unobstructed trans-national connectivity between Nepal and India including the establishment of an integrated customs point and the construction of a railway service between the two countries.

India remains a major trading partner of Nepal. The meeting is expected to contribute to further enhancing the economic and business relations between the two countries.  

Economic growth in South Asia is estimated to have slowed slightly to 5.7 percent in 2023, yet it remains the fastest among emerging market and developing economy regions, according to a new report published by World Bank. This is largely attributed to a robust expansion in India, which accounted for more than three-fourths of the regional output in 2023. Excluding India, however, activity was more subdued.

In India, despite some slowing, a strong performance in 2023 was driven by robust public investment growth and vibrant services activity. Merchandise exports slowed due to weak external demand, but domestic demand for consumer services and exports of business services sustained India’s economic growth, according to the report.

In Bangladesh, growth is estimated to have slowed in the fiscal year 2022/23 (July 2022 to June 2023), as activity was hampered by import restrictions and rising material and energy costs, as well as mounting external and financial pressures. 

Output in Pakistan is estimated to have contracted during the FY 2022/23. Inflation remained elevated, partly reflecting large currency depreciation in early 2023. However, towards the end of 2023, Pakistan's currency exhibited signs of stabilization. 

Output in Sri Lanka is also estimated to have declined in 2023, while there has been progress in sovereign debt restructuring. In Afghanistan, despite declining food prices in 2023, poverty rates remained high, exacerbated by strong earthquakes in October 2023.

Growth in South Asia is expected to edge slightly lower to a still-robust 5.6 percent pace in 2024, before firming to 5.9 percent next year. Domestic demand, including public consumption and investment, will remain major drivers of economic growth. A pickup in external demand, albeit still subdued, is also expected to contribute to growth, the report says.  

In India, growth is expected to edge up to 6.4 percent in the FY2024/25 (April 2024 to March 2025) after softening to 6.3 percent in the FY2023/24. Investment is envisaged to decelerate marginally but remain robust, supported by higher public investment and improved corporate balance sheets.

In Bangladesh, growth is forecast to slow to 5.6 percent in the FY2023/24. Inflation is likely to remain elevated, weighing on private consumption. Import restrictions are expected to continue and impede private investment.

In contrast, growth is projected to pick up in Nepal, with monetary policy easing and the delayed effects of lifting import restrictions, the report says.

The report further says: “The outlook in Pakistan remains subdued for FY2023/24. Monetary policy is expected to remain tight to contain inflation, while fiscal policy is also set to be contractionary. The outlook in Sri Lanka remains uncertain, amid debt restructuring negotiations, particularly with private creditors.” 

Investment related to the tourism sector will support growth in the Maldives, while the commissioning of a new hydro plant in Bhutan is expected to contribute to a pickup in growth in the next fiscal year.

The World Bank has also explored some risks as well. The report says: “Risks to the forecast remain tilted to the downside, with the most pressing concerns revolving around higher energy and food prices caused by an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and adverse spillovers stemming from larger-than-expected increases in policy rates in advanced economies.” 

In addition, elevated external and fiscal financing needs, the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and sharper-than-expected growth slowdown in trading partners also pose risks to the region. Heightened uncertainty around elections in 2024 in some countries is also a downside risk in the region. However, the implementation of growth-friendly policies after elections could improve growth prospects.

Portraying a distressing situation persisting in remote corners of Nepal, Pansara (31) of Budhinanda municipality-3, Kuru (Bajura district), gave birth to her third child on the way to a health center in the first week of December last year, marking the third time that she has given birth in unsafe conditions outside a health facility.  

A photojournalist managed to capture Pansara with her newborn and a health volunteer, Dharma Chadara, in the nick of time. The pictures went viral, bringing to light once again one of the several ordeals facing women in remote districts of this country, including Rukum, Rolpa, Humla, Jumla, Achham, Mugu, Bajhang, Bajura, Kalikot and Dolpa. 

The situation sheds light on the numerous problems women like Pansara encounter while trying to reach health centers alone, often in the midst of labor. 

Pictures of Pansara and her baby in a remote corner  have evoked memories of my mother's struggle in giving birth to seven children and raising them. Per my mom, I, the fourth child, was born in the midst of a busy farming season. It so happened that mom experienced labor while digging a heap of cow dung for spreading it in the corn fields as manure. Fortunately, farm workers noticed her ordeal and took her home where I was born. 

I feel sad when I get to hear that my grandma left me without seeing me because a daughter was born in her family, for the fourth time. 

My three brothers were born after me in similar circumstances. 

During the birth of my youngest brother, I witnessed the immense pain my mother endured, making me realize that women triumph over death while giving birth. What surprises me these days is that even during the birth of their youngest child, the seventh one, at home, my parents lacked awareness of services available at healthcare facilities. 

Fortunately, we now have access to quality healthcare services, thanks to a highway. This transformation highlights the strides made in ensuring better healthcare for mothers and their newborns in our community.

In general, though, the Western region of Nepal, including Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, lacks easy access to healthcare facilities, thanks to apathy on the part of the state. The state, while not physically enslaved, seems intellectually constrained, prioritizing power dynamics over developmental efforts in the remotest corners of the country. 

That is one of the reasons why young girls lose their lives in menstrual slums called Chhaugoth every year, while many women suffer from long-term diseases due to appalling conditions there. The recent death of two girls in menstrual slums in Achham shows that efforts to address this issue have been insufficient.

Education should focus on dismantling ingrained beliefs rather than physically demolishing structures. The emphasis should be on eliminating mental barriers rather than sheds built for menstrual seclusion.

Returning to the pressing issue of women giving birth on their way to health centers, questions arise about services provided by a municipality. How can an area designated as a municipality lack even basic health services and transportation infrastructure, including roads? Who is to blame for this sorry state of affairs if not elected officials, who prioritize their petty interests at the expense of the public. 

It is time to raise awareness and demand better healthcare facilities for women in remote areas so as to save lives and prevent further suffering.