After successfully organizing the largest political rally and former King Gyanendra engaging with the public in an approximately 8-kilometer march from TIA to Maharajgunj, pro-monarchy supporters are feeling optimistic. However, those in authority in the Federal, Secular Republic are responding with apprehension. The political landscape has been shaken by the monarchist movement, sparking uncertainty about the potential restoration of the monarchy.
By Keshab Poudel Mar 23, 2025
Dr. Prabin Manandhar, known for his humility and humbleness, has completed a successful three-and-a-half-year tenure as the country director of Helvetas Nepal. He is now set to lead Helvetas Myanmar with enthusiasm and experience
By Keshab Poudel Mar 16, 2025
The sudden suspension of grants from the US government has sent shockwaves through Nepal, which has been receiving support in various sectors for over seven decades. The immediate and long-term effects of this suspension will be felt most acutely in the country's health, education, and energy sectors. The halt in funding has already created crises in maternal and child health, immunization, secondary and higher secondary education, and energy projects. The suspension of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has also stalled a major transmission line project in Nepal. While the suspension is currently set for three months, the Nepalese government is hopeful for the return of grant support. U.S.-funded projects, including those providing lifesaving care for tens of thousand of Nepal has already affected.
By Keshab Poudel Mar 10, 2025
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
As the day draws closer to the end of the 45-day-long Mahakumbha, Nepalese Hindus are rushing to take a dip in Mahakumbha 2025. From Raxual, Sunauli, Jogbani, Nepalgunj, and other border points, numerous Nepalese pilgrims are entering India to participate in the Mahakumbha festival. It is estimated that over a million Nepalese Hindus have traveled to Prayagraj using various border points. With multiple routes of access, Nepalese Hindus from the east are also joining in to take a dip
By Keshab Poudel Feb 10, 2025
The parents of the deceased students are in mourning, and Bipin Joshi's family is appealing to human rights organizations for his release. Yet, none of these leaders have offered any words of support or solidarity.
By Keshab Poudel Dec 11, 2024
Following a thorough inspection of the reconstruction efforts at the site, Kul Man Ghising, Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority, convened an intensive meeting with Mohan Prasad Gautam, CEO of Upper Tamakoshi, along with the Board of Directors, officials, consultants, and contractors. He has provided clear directives to ensure the resumption of power generation from Upper Tamakoshi by December 25.
By Keshab Poudel Dec 09, 2024
Supported by the Asian Development Bank and executed by Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta Bittiyasanstha Ltd. (SKBBL) in collaboration with Small Farmer Agriculture Cooperatives (SKFL), the Rural Enterprises Financing Project (REFP) is a $50 million intermediary loan initiative also facilitating the reintegration of returnee migrants into society and promoting agribusiness ventures and productivity
By Keshab Poudel Dec 02, 2024
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
The Rural Enterprise Financing Project (REFP), funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has illustrated how access to financial resources and capacity-building initiatives for local cooperatives and women managers can empower impoverished and marginalized women farmers, facilitating their transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture in remote regions of Nepal
By Keshab Poudel Nov 28, 2024
After many years of endeavor, Nepal has commenced the export of 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via the transmission line from India. This development follows a tripartite agreement involving Nepal, Bangladesh, and India. Although the electricity export lasted for only one day, it marks a significant historical achievement for Nepal. Under the leadership of Kulman Ghising, who has served as the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for just over seven years, this export to Bangladesh represents yet another notable milestone.
By Keshab Poudel Nov 21, 2024
Funded by the European Union as part of the Switch Asia Program, the Building Energy Efficiency in Nepal (BEEN) had held an event to honor 12 municipalities for their contributions. These municipalities were acknowledged for their efforts in creating bylaws and policies that facilitate the development of energy-efficient buildings.
By Keshab Poudel Oct 22, 2024
Although envoys frequently rotate, certain diplomats leave an indelible mark on their host countries. Ambassador Kikuta Yutaka of Japan, who began his tenure in Nepal in March 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, made substantial contributions to help Nepal address the challenges posed by the pandemic. He also worked tirelessly to strengthen the ties of friendship between the citizens and governments of both nations.
By Keshab Poudel Sep 25, 2024
The political landscape in Nepal is currently marked by intense rivalry, particularly between the CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Center leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who was ousted from power in a sudden manner. Prachanda is now pursuing a strategy aimed at political retribution. In response, Prime Minister Oli and the CPN-UML have adopted a more aggressive stance, accusing Prachanda of engaging in corrupt practices. This visible conflict between the two dominant communist factions is likely to lead Nepal's political environment into a state of uncertainty. Prachanda has issued warnings regarding the potential for political unrest reminiscent of the turmoil seen in Bangladesh.
By Keshab Poudel Sep 13, 2024
Amidst the economic downturn, rising unemployment, and the migration of youth to other countries, Nepal is in dire need of support and goodwill from India. Nevertheless, the coalition government under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is focusing on emotionally charged matters such as the issuance of new currency featuring a disputed map and the EPG report, both of which are contentious topics, as a supposed solution to the nation’s challenges. Nepal must engage in comprehensive negotiations to identify amicable resolutions for all unresolved matters. To achieve this, a conducive environment is essential. While Prime Minister Oli's recent actions may appear to be nationalist, they are likely to yield counterproductive outcomes by hindering negotiations with India.By
By Keshab Poudel Sep 11, 2024