Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid a short visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, confining most of his six-hour stay in Nepal to spiritual activities and high-level bilateral meetings. His official meeting with Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the Nepali delegation ended in a positive note, signing agreements on the construction of a hydropower project and support to enhance Nepal’s higher education institutions. The message of the visit: common culture and civilization is a meeting point for both the countries to foster bilateral relations
By Keshab Poudel May 21, 2022
Even four years after taking full shape, “Other” Constitutional Commissions, which are created to strengthen federalism and inclusion by creating a just society, are still nowhere. With the apathy of federal parliamentary committees and the centralized federal government, implementing agencies dumped their recommendations and suggestions presented through annual reports. Limiting their role to formality by presenting an annual report to the President, the commission also failed to show visible programs and policies for implementation. Despite several financial, administrative and legal constraints, seven other commissions can make difference in the country taking the agenda of inclusion to provincial and local levels in collaboration with Civil Society Organizations. At a time when other commissions are invisible in the broader national picture, a study prepared by the Niti Foundation in partnership with Social Science Baha has come out with a recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the commissions
By Keshab Poudel May 17, 2022
Although Nepal and the United States are geographically far away, their relations at state to state and people to people level is close and intimate. The material and technical support provided by the U.S. Government contributed enormously to build infrastructures and establishing democratic institutions at the grass-root level. People-to-people relations are so deep and strong which have been fostered and strengthened by scholars, diplomats, Peace Corps Volunteers, travelers, and individuals. As Nepal-U.S. Relations enter at 75, the foundation of friendship between the two countries stands now unshakable
By Keshab Poudel Apr 30, 2022
Having spent almost three and half decades running single-handedly Nepal’s most respected and hot political house of Ganesh Man Singh, Sirjana Singh, spouse of Prakash Man Singh, is a good knowledge political person. With the marriage of two grown-up sons taking the family affairs, Sirjana decides to use her political and managerial skills as a mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. At a time when many old Congress stalwarts are showing interest to contest the elections, the Nepali Congress with the recommendation of the Kathmandu District Congress has chosen the name of Sirjana Singh for the mayoral candidate of Kathmandu. Mired by so many mismanagements with lack of a visionary mayor, Nepali Congress rightly choose Sirjana Singh, a humble, gentle and reconciliatory behavior, as a candidate to lead the country’s capital. Low profile and soft-spoken Singh can change the face of Kathmandu with her vision and planning
By Keshab Poudel Apr 23, 2022
Nepal has drastically improved its health system including care and treatment for cardiac health. Although cardiac arrest is still a leading cause of death in Nepal, the mortality rate has gone down and there are institutions, technologies and medical experts to save people from cardiac arrests. Dr. Man Bahadur KC, son of a farmer, a resident of the remote village of Baglung district, has seen all this change through the lens of a patient, practicing doctor and manager
By Keshab Poudel Apr 18, 2022
Nepal’s tourism industry has been facing the most difficult time in its history due to the effect of Covid-19. However, the government is yet to come up with a recovery package. BINAYAK SHAH, the senior vice president of Hotel Association Nepal, spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on the issues related to the state of tourism and the hotel industry in Nepal. Having been involved for over 30 years in the construction of the Nepali Pavilion in Expo, Shah also spoke on the ongoing Expo 200 Dubai, UAE and Nepal’s participation in it. Excerpts of the interview:
By Keshab Poudel Apr 10, 2022
Sharing same cultural, religious and geographical lines with common civilization, Nepal and India have unique factors on their bilateral relations. For centuries, these strong connections of mind and thought have helped to foster bilateral relations without a dispute. Making a last leg of visit to Benaras, a constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and worshiping Bishwonath before coming to the country of Pashupatinath, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s visit was able to restore heart to heart relations between the two countries
By Keshab Poudel Apr 08, 2022
Following the prices of petroleum products going up, affecting Nepal’s foreign currency reserves, debates to replace the LPG by electricity has intensified at official levels. With the surplus generation of electricity back home, Nepal can make differences. However, Alternative Energy Promotion Center, Nepal’s NGOs, INGOs and community based organizations have been working to promote clean cooking for long. In absence of proper information portal, the information has scattered. In collaboration with various international organizations and partnership with AEPC, Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) initiated the Global Launch of the Clean Cooking Explorer for Nepal recently. Bringing all information related to Clean Cooking in one portal, the Explorer helps to make informed decision
By Keshab Poudel Apr 08, 2022
Like all other 10 commissions, Muslim Commission has also presented three annual reports to President and the government has already tabled them to the House of Representatives. However, it is yet to be debated in the Committee of House of Representatives. Given such a situation, SAMIM MIYA ANSARI, chairperson, Muslim Commission, Nepal, spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues regarding the role, accountability and effectiveness of the commission to raise the voices of minority Muslim community of Nepal. Excerpts:
By Keshab Poudel Mar 28, 2022
Funded by the European Union and implemented by UN-Habitat Nepal in close collaboration with local government and local community, Pilachhen has shown how it is possible to revive tangible and intangible heritage sites such as Ponds, Patis and Dharas, the water spouts, helping the switch to green and sustainable settlements. Destroyed by the great earthquake of 2015, the ancient Newar settlement of Patan has now turned into a place where one can see heritage, tradition and livelihood thriving together. At a time when Kathmandu Valley’s traditional settlements are gradually disappearing, the support extended by European Union has revived the ancient treasure of Pilachhen. Spending over three hours, mingling, sharing and walking with local people and local leaders, Nona Deprez, the ambassador of the European Union, observed the activities completed under Parya Sampada Pilachhen Program
By Keshab Poudel Mar 25, 2022