Interview
Helvetas Nepal has been instrumental in Nepal's development.: Dr. David Seddon
Dr. David Seddon, a renowned British Development Studies academic and development activist, has a rich history of engagement in the field of Nepal’s development. He has worked with international institutions like the World Bank and NGOs such as Christian Aid and OXFAM. Dr. Seddon's research and publications, including works on Nepal, have been well-received. Seddon's initial visit to Nepal in 1969 was part of a study mission for road construction. His extensive research and publications, including works on Nepal like "Peasants and Workers in Nepal" (1979) and "Nepal in Crisis: Growth and Stagnation at the Periphery" (1980), have been highly regarded. During a recent visit to Nepal, he discussed the impact of the suspension of US grants for developing countries with Helvetas-Nepal's Country Director, Dr. Prabin Manandhar, and his team. Excerpts:
By Keshab Poudel Mar 08, 2025
Upper Tamakoshi Will Generate Power From December 25: CEO Gautam
Mohan Prasad Gautam, the Chief Executive Officer of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited (UTKHPL), has been actively involved in efforts to recommence power generation at the 456 MW plants, which was severely affected by landslides on September 26 and 27, 2024. These landslides caused the destruction of the control buildings and significant damage to the sand trap at Lamabagar-1 in Bigu Rural Municipality, Dolakha. Additionally, the heavy rains washed away part of the access road to the dam site in Kavrebhir. To address these challenges, CEO Gautam has spent significant time on-site, overseeing the reconstruction of road and mountain cliff as well as clearing debris. After a four-day site visit and the implementation of a maintenance schedule with the goal of achieving partial power generation by December 25, he returned to Kathmandu. During a recent inspection on December 3-4 with a senior team, CEO Gautam shared insights with New Spotlight regarding the ongoing recovery efforts.
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Dec 11, 2024
The Relationship Between Kosovo And Nepal Is Robust: ELBERT KRASNIQUI
ELBERT KRASNIQUI, the Minister of Local Government and Administration for the Republic of Kosovo, is presently in Kathmandu at the helm of a delegation aimed at exchanging insights and gaining knowledge about local governance while engaging with community leaders. Despite being a small Balkan nation with a population of 1.7 million, Kosovo has made significant advancements in local governance since achieving independence in 2008. During his visit, Minister Krasniqui took a moment from his demanding schedule to express his views on Nepal and Kosovo in a podcast hosted by Helvetas Nepal, featuring Dr. Prabin Manandhar, the Country Director of Helvetas Nepal. The following are excerpts from their discussion, compiled by Keshab Poudel:
By Keshab Poudel Nov 29, 2024
Electoral reforms are essential not only for effective federalism but also for ensuring equal and quality representation: Bipin Adhikari
Nepal is celebrating the ninth anniversary of its 2015 Constitution, a landmark document adopted through an elected Constituent Assembly that introduced federalism, devolution of power, and inclusive democracy. On this occasion, SPOTLIGHT spoke with Professor Bipin Adhikari, a senior constitutional expert from Kathmandu University School of Law, about the Constitution's achievements, challenges, and its implementation over the years. Here are excerpts from the interview:
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Sep 19, 2024
Rahughat Project Is On The Right Track: Ganesh KC
As the project has made many breakthroughs in recent times, GANESH KC, Managing Director of Raghuganga Hydropower Limited, spoke to New Spotlight on various issues related to the 40 MW Rahughat Hydropower Project. At a time when Nepal and India have set milestones in the trade of hydropower generated in Nepal, the progress made by the Exim Bank of India funded project is remarkable.
By A Correspondent Aug 27, 2024
Monetary Policy Fails To Address Hotel Industry: Binayak Shah
With extensive experience in the hotel and tourism industry, BINAYAK SHAH, President of Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), possesses in-depth knowledge of Nepal's tourism sector. While industrialists and bankers celebrate the announcement of monetary policy 2081, the tourism sector expresses disappointment and frustration. Shah discussed various issues concerning the tourism sector and the newly released monetary policy with KESHAB POUDEL. Here are the highlights of their conversation
By Keshab Poudel Jul 29, 2024
NOU Opens To All: Dr. Shilu Manandhar Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor
Throughout her career, Dr. Shilu Manandhar Bajracharya, who has served as a distinguished professor of Management at Tribhuwan University for her entire tenure, has shown that commitment and a collaborative approach can significantly alter circumstances. For over four years, she served as the dean of the Management and Law Faculty before being appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Nepal Open University (NOU) two years ago. She has discussed the university's progress towards modernity, her dedication to the university's long-term growth, and the development of its human resources to ensure NOC becomes a leading, sustainable higher education institution. As vice chancellor, Dr. Bajracharya has emphasized the importance of online education for future crisis management, such as during pandemics like COVID-19. Throughout her career, Dr. Bajracharya has exemplified herself as a role model and a distinguished individual. As the first female vice chancellor of NOU and the second female vice chancellor in Nepal, she has shared insights into the university's progress and her vision for its future with New Spotlight.
By Keshab Poudel Jul 15, 2024
Nagmati is the key for reviving the cultural, spiritual and natural Bagmati River
SUSHEEL CHANDRA ACHARYA, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, emphasized the importance of Nagmati in reviving the cultural, spiritual, and natural aspects of the Bagmati River. According to studies, storing water in Nagmati and releasing it during the dry season is a viable solution to augment the water level in the river. In an interview with NEW SPOLTLIGHT, Acharya discussed the project and its significance. Except:
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Jun 04, 2024
UTKHPL’s Generation Has Significantly Impacted By Changing Weather Pattern: CEO Gautam
Having extensive experience in the hydropower sector, MOHAN PRASAD GAUTAM, the Chief Executive Officer of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited (UTKHPL), is a well-established manager. With the gradual impact of Climate Change on Nepal's rainfall patterns, the country's hydropower generation capacity is taking a hit in dry session. Over the past three years, UTKHPL generation capacity has significantly declined in the span of three months. CEO Gautam discussed various future issues with KESHAB POUDEL. Here are the excerpts.
By Keshab Poudel Mar 23, 2024
Nepal Has The Potential To Become A leader In Attracting Climate Investment: Scobie Mackay
SCOBIE MACKAY, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IMPERATIVE, recently visited Nepal as part of the launch of the Improved Cooking Stove Project. During his visit to Nepal as part of the launch of the Project, CEO Scobie Mackay spoke to KESHAB POUDEL about various issues related to the voluntary carbon market and the possibility of attracting foreign investment in Nepal. Excerpts:
By Keshab Poudel Mar 03, 2024
We Aim To Distribute More Than 200,000 Improved Cook Stoves: ARNAUD DORE
As Nepal is in an energy transition and moving towards improved and clean energy sources, reducing the current level of emissions is key to achieve zero emissions by 2045. There are tremendous opportunities and challenges as well. In partnership with Sustainable Prosperity Initiative (SPI) Nepal, IMPERATIVE GLOBAL, with its mission to design, develop and operate, at-scale, the best carbon credit projects in the world and to optimize those projects using technology, has been distributing the improved cookstoves in Madhesh, and some hilly areas of Bagmati provinces in first phase. ARNAUD DORE, who works for IMEPERITIVE as the Chief Carbon Officer responsible for technical design, recently visited Nepal. He spoke to KESHAB POUDEL about various aspects of carbon trading, improved cooking and zero emissions. Excerpts:
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Mar 03, 2024
China working To Enable Nepal To Benefit From Chinese Modernization: Chinese Ambassador To Nepal
On September 26, China and Nepal issued a joint statement during Nepali Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda's visit to China, agreeing to pursue high-quality BRI cooperation. Both countries expressed a readiness to deepen practical cooperation in such fields as infrastructure connectivity, trade, tourism, production capacity and investment, and further deepen and solidify Belt and Road cooperation to deliver greater benefits to their peoples. Following the visit of Nepali PM to China, the Global Times reporter Chu Daye (GT) interviewed Chen Song (Chen), Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, discussing the recovery of bilateral trade and economic tie in the post-pandemic period and the highlights of next-stage cooperation.
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Oct 05, 2023
Imperative And SPI-Nepal Are Worked Closely To Distribute Improved Cookstoves In Nepal: Vahid Jahangiri
Vahid Jahangiri has worked in the cookstove, energy, and water sectors for over 18 years. During this time, he has designed multiple sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti projects, including technologies and manufacturing set up in both rural and urban contexts. He has served as a key advisor and leader for various UN agencies, such as the World Food Program, in introducing innovative energy programs in different countries. Vahid Jahangiri co-authored numerous policy initiatives with local government agencies to develop national energy strategies. He also co-authored the State of the Humanitarian Energy Sector report. Since 2009, he has been implementing carbon programs for cook stoves. In 2023, Jahangiri joined Imperative Global Projects as the Head of Global Projects. He recently spoke to New Spotlight about the Improved Cooking Stoves Program in Nepal. Excerpts from a thirty-minute meeting at SPI-Nepal's office in Kathmandu regarding the current status of the Improved Cookstove Program:
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Oct 05, 2023
Nepal Needs A Project Financing Law To Attract More FDI: Senior Advocate, Professor Dr. Gandhi Pandit
Renowned for his expertise in representing corporate cases in both domestic and international courts, Senior Advocate Professor Dr. GANDHI PANDIT has firmly established himself as an esteemed legal practitioner in the country. After completing his legal education at Columbia University in the City of New York Professor Dr. Pandit presently serves as the head of Gandhi & Associates, a prestigious corporate law firm located in Nepal. He works closely with a proficient team of corporate and litigation lawyers, including his two accomplished sons Shikhar and Avash who are also law graduate from Cardiff University, UK. Pandit has notably achieved success in litigating on behalf of Nepalese parties in various countries, including Italy, China, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Senior Advocate Professor Dr. Gandhi actively engages himself in public interest debates beyond his courtroom advocacy. He played a pivotal role in a discussion that elucidated the essence and significance of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), contributing significantly to create the conducive environment that ultimately led to its ratification by the House of Representatives in 2021. As Nepal approaches its anticipated graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, Professor Dr. Gandhi spoke with NEW SPOTLIGHT about the crucial steps required to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Nepal.
By A Correspondent Sep 30, 2023
Nepal Is In The Midst Of An Energy Transition From Dirty To Clean : Kul Man Ghising
As the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Nepal's largest public utility, KUL MAN GHISING starts his day early in the morning. With the responsibility of providing electricity to over 98% of the population and managing 15,000 employees, CEO Ghising must remain vigilant and works until late evening. Any power outages lasting even an hour in any part of Nepal put him under immense pressure. Even members of Parliament call his resignation over electricity-related concerns. Although his schedule is tight, MD Ghising met with KESHAB POUDEL at his office to discuss various issues related to Nepal's transition to sustainable energy. Here are some excerpts from conversation:
By Keshab Poudel Sep 07, 2023
Nepal And India Will Soon Sign A Final Power Deal: Secretary Ghimire
DINESH KUMAR GHIMIRE, Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, has worked at the Ministry in various capacities for almost three decades. Secretary Ghimire also heads the Ministry of Energy as Nepal embarks on a clean and green energy transition in order to meet the country's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of zero emissions by 20245. As COP 28 UAE approaches, the discussion of clean energy challenges is taking precedence. Secretary Ghimire, a soft-spoken man with vast understanding of Nepal's energy difficulties, spoke to KESHAB POUDEL about a variety of topics. Excerpts:
By Keshab Poudel Sep 03, 2023
Upper Tamakoshi Faced A Significant Setback This Year Due To Low Water Flow: CEO Mohan Prasad Gautam
With the low snow melting, Nepal’s largest 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower’s generation has been severely affected this year. MOHAN PRASAD GAUTAM, Chief Executive Officer of Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Ltd, with extensive experience in working on hydropower projects, shared his insights on the challenges they are facing in an interview with NEW SPOTLIGHT at his office. Excerpts:
By A Correspondent Aug 04, 2023
The Tourism Industry In Nepal Is Still Not Fully Recovered: BINAYAK SHAH
BINAYAK SHAH, the President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), is a well-known personality in the tourism industry with extensive experience. Having previously worked at the Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and the Nepal-Europe Chamber of Commerce, Shah brings a wealth of knowledge to his current role. He has also spearheaded the construction of Nepali pavilions at various international expos, further showcasing his expertise in the field. Currently, the hotel business sector in Nepal is gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Shah provided a New Spotlight with commentary on a range of current problems. Excerpts:
By NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE Jul 05, 2023
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