Constituted by the European Union Delegation (EU Delegation), the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) in Nepal and Ethiopia have successfully demonstrated effective ways of involving and engaging the young population in the development process
By Keshab Poudel Aug 10, 2023
In a momentous joint program attended by Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, and Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Kikuta Yutaka, the Nagdhunga Tunnel Project achieved a significant breakthrough. This marks a important milestone in fulfilling the long-awaited dream of Nepalese travelers to traverse through their first modern tunnel. The tunnel's construction has been made possible through generous financial assistance from the Japanese government under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) program and the entire work will be completed and vehicles can be passed through the tunnel by September 2024
By Keshab Poudel Aug 08, 2023
Avoiding unnecessary pressure from business group, Nepal Rastra Bank governor Maha Prasad Adhikari finally has unveiled a New Monetary Policy. Although it provides certain relief to share market and real states, the policy has not compromised on financial stability and disciplne
By Keshab Poudel Aug 06, 2023
Amidst numerous ongoing construction projects across different regions in the country, such as the Kali Gandaki basin and Sunkoshi and Bhote Koshi basins, the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Kul Man Ghising, faces mounting pressure to ensure the timely completion of substations and transmission lines. These projects play a crucial role in strengthening the nation's power infrastructure and meeting the increasing demand for electricity.
By Keshab Poudel Aug 05, 2023
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), embarked on his tenure with a five-point agenda and his three point principle. Over the course of his first one hundred days in office, Dhakal successfully accomplished numerous significant initiatives on both national and international levels. Amidst Nepal's current economic crisis and the challenges faced by the industrial sector and business communities, Dhakal's leadership has been pivotal in driving positive change during his term as FNCCI's president. With his clear vision and mission, Dhakal successfully hits numbers issues keeping the pace for another four years
By Keshab Poudel Aug 03, 2023
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has become the driving force behind a remarkable shift in the country's energy landscape. With a steady and reliable supply of quality electricity, industries, automobiles, and individual households have experienced a surge in electricity usage, leading to a significant reduction in the import of diesel, gasoline, and Liquefied Petroleum Products (LPG). The appeal of electricity over expensive fossil fuels has made it the preferred choice for businesses, households, and vehicle users alike. While specific data on the micro-level impact is yet to be fully explored, the increased consumption of electricity has undeniably contributed to a noteworthy decline in petroleum product imports this year, translating into substantial savings in foreign cash for the nation.
By Keshab Poudel Jul 28, 2023
The Chameliya Hydropower Project, a 30 MW power plant, has brought about a remarkable transformation in the Sudurpachim Province since its inception just five years ago. With financial support from the Republic of Korea, this project has revolutionized the way of life in the region. It is essential to acknowledge the key individuals responsible for its success, including Janardan Sharma Prabhakar, the visionary Energy Minister, Anup Kumar Upadhyaya, the dedicated Secretary, and Managing Director Kul Man Ghising. Thanks to their efforts, the project, which had remained stagnant for several years, finally commenced operations in February 2018. Today, the Chameliya Hydropower Project acts as a catalyst for progress in the Sudur Paschim Province, significantly improving the overall quality of life. The people and political leaders are deeply grateful to the Republic of Korea for their substantial investment, which has brought about this transformative change.
By Keshab Poudel Jul 10, 2023
Former Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya addressed in-depth about Nepal's skills and strategy for defending and preserving its national interest in the current changing international order. Acharya, as the keynoter for the second edition of the Professor Yadu Nath Khanal Lecture Series, outlined prospects and challenges for Nepal
By Keshab Poudel Jul 01, 2023
The majority of Kul Man Ghising's weekends are spent inspecting construction sites and resolving disputes throughout the nation as the managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). In order to remove obstacles, including the clearing of the forest, MD Ghising spends his six days in the office completing official business and visiting various ministries and departments. In order to offer uninterrupted electricity, MD Ghising has been running from location to location to preserve the quality of the electricity. He is waging a lone struggle to improve Nepal power system
By Keshab Poudel Jun 30, 2023
The Local Initiative to Reduce the Impact of Climate Change (LIRIC) has shown how Nepal's development partners, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), communities, and elected local governments can collaborate to build a climate-resilient community and reduce the effects of climate change. The LIRIC Project, funded by the European Union and Austrian Development Cooperation, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA Austria), and implemented by ADRA Nepal in collaboration and close coordination with Rupantaran, Community Development and Advocacy Forum (CDAFN) Bardibas, local communities, and locally elected governments, has built resilient communities by launching various programs and schemes such climate field schools, community based adaptation plans, payment for ecosystem services, school climate change education, third party financing, integrated water systems including pond conservation, seepage water harvesting system, water source conservation, and local community development. With capacity strengthening of Civil Society’s Organizations (CSOs) and developing their networks, the project has worked towards making the local governments and stakeholders accountable for their actions as well as supporting vulnerable communities towards mitigation and adaptation interventions. Because Nepal is particularly vulnerable to climate change, many of the LIRIC project's beneficial lessons can be repeated in other places to lessen the impact.
By Keshab Poudel Jun 29, 2023
Despite the possibility of facing a severe energy crisis in the upcoming anticipated rise in the home energy use for heating and cooling, Nepal still lacks a strong policy for energy-efficient construction. Building Energy Efficiency in Nepal (BEEN), funded by the European Union under SWITCH -Asia and started a year ago, is currently being implemented by the University of Innsbruck in partnership with MinErgy Pvt. Ltd in Nepal, Greentech Knowledge Solutions Pvt. Ltd in India, and Association Espaola de Normalization (UNE) in Spain. This project is also assisting national and sub-national governments in developing energy-efficient building policies
By Keshab Poudel Jun 23, 2023
PASHUPATI SUMSHER RANA, a seasoned politician and a senior leader of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), is the oldest member of the current House of Representatives and has been involved in politics for more than five decades. Rana, who is well-versed in Nepali politics, has previously held the entire important cabinet portfolio. Rana, 82, discussed a variety of current political topics with KESHAB POUDEL, including the recent trip to India by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda. Excerpts:
By Keshab Poudel Jun 11, 2023
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has made some historic progress in signing several agreements establishing firm political level relations in New Delhi. As expected, opposition parties led by the Communist Party of Nepal UML are expressing doubt about spreading the unclear message on their home turf. The signing of a new transit treaty and the long-term power trade agreement, which allows for the export of up to 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh, were the two biggest agreements reached during the visit. Given their similar cultures and civilizations, the leadership of Nepal and India has shown that there are areas where agreement can be reached that will benefit the people of both countries. The kindness and friendliness of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have contributed to his visit's "astounding success," according to PM Prachanda.
By Keshab Poudel Jun 09, 2023
Pokhara International Airport (PIA) and Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Nepal's two brand-new international airports, still haven't started operating after a year. The government's desire to construct the Nijgadh International Airport while ignoring court’s order, economy and the environment is perplexing. The coalition government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated intentions to develop the airport despite a severe economic crisis in Nepal, where revenue has plummeted by 37%. In the aftermath of the current false Bhutanese refugee scandal, people are questioning the integrity of the highest government leaders, including the opposition party. Whose interests are served by the government's pronouncement that 2.4 million trees of natural forests and habitats of endangered Asiatic elephants will be sacrificed in order to build another white elephant?
By Keshab Poudel May 27, 2023
With the cooperation and backing of his colleagues in the Ministry, Bharat Raj Paudyal, the Foreign Secretary, has demonstrated how a small decision to observe the Foreign Service Day and remember the accomplishments of the older generation can have a major impact on society
By Keshab Poudel May 26, 2023
Promotion of Young Engagement at Local Governance Process (PROYEL) and Enhanced Skills for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment (ENSSURE) are two different projects that are being funded by the European Union and the Swiss Government, respectively. Helvetas-Nepal is the project's implementing partner of both. Additionally, both initiatives seek to inspire and include Nepal's youth. While PROYEL attempts to influence local governance through organized participation, ENSURE seeks to generate economic prospects through vocational training. Combining the two programs can benefit young people because of their complementary and overlapping nature
By Keshab Poudel May 15, 2023
Given that Nepal is one of the most vulnerable nations in the world to the effects of climate change, particularly in the area of water security, recent initiatives offer some encouragement. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with the government and non-state actors, youths, is leading a multi-stakeholder driven Transformative Futures for Water Security (TFWS) Initiative. .
By Keshab Poudel May 04, 2023