A stronger center, or a stronger state?

A stronger center, or a stronger state?

For decades, Nepalis have complained about a government that moves too slowly. Ministries work in silos, projects stall, databases do not talk to each other, and citizens struggle to get routine services. Now a young government seems determined to change that. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration has begun bringing digital governance, information systems, intelligence and monitoring of implementation closer to the Prime Minister’s Office.

For decades, Nepalis have complained about a government that moves too slowly. Ministries work in silos, projects stall, databases do not talk to each other, and citizens struggle to get routine services. Now a young government seems determined to change that. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration has begun bringing digital governance, information systems, intelligence and monitoring of implementation closer to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Opinion 1d ago

The Mecca Accord: From symbol to system and the shifting geometry of West Asian security

The Mecca Accord: From symbol to system and the shifting geometry of West Asian...

The Mecca Accord, signed in August 2026 by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, has begun its passage from spectacle to structure. West Asia rarely grants new alliances the luxury of slow maturation, and this pact has been pushed immediately into the realm where intent must be converted into capability.

The Mecca Accord, signed in August 2026 by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, has begun its passage from spectacle to structure. West Asia rarely grants new alliances the luxury of slow maturation, and this pact has been pushed immediately into the realm where intent must be converted into capability.

Opinion 1d ago

Climate Justice: What Does Kathmandu Owe?

Climate Justice: What Does Kathmandu Owe?

The August 26 Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood must first be understood through the lives it destroyed, not only the cost of rebuilding. Government figures reported on September 21 put the death toll at 1,403, with 6,150 people still missing. Families lost homes, fields and livelihoods.

The August 26 Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood must first be understood through the lives it destroyed, not only the cost of rebuilding. Government figures reported on September 21 put the death toll at 1,403, with 6,150 people still missing. Families lost homes, fields and livelihoods.

Opinion 1d ago

Great expectations: Let your child be

Great expectations: Let your child be

The self-esteem movement, with its myriad garbs, has found its way into educational curricula, not to speak of parent-training programmes and books. Most parents, organisers, and their sponsors are passing out stars, stickers, and trophies to children for not doing much more than showing up

The self-esteem movement, with its myriad garbs, has found its way into educational curricula, not to speak of parent-training programmes and books. Most parents, organisers, and their sponsors are passing out stars, stickers, and trophies to children for not doing much more than showing up

Opinion 15 Oct, 2026

Bhotekoshi and Budhi Gandaki floods: Reminders for the immediate relocation of riverside settlements

Bhotekoshi and Budhi Gandaki floods: Reminders for the immediate relocation of...

The Budhi Gandaki flood that struck its river basin on that unfortunate Sunday morning has certainly dealt Nepal a double blow, as the country has yet to recover from the earlier shock of the gigantic Bhotekoshi flood, nicknamed the Himalayan Tsunami, which hit on August 26. It originated in such a remote area that its cause is yet to be ascertained. Preliminary observations have attributed it to a landslide outburst flood, but the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood further upstream cannot be ruled out.

The Budhi Gandaki flood that struck its river basin on that unfortunate Sunday morning has certainly dealt Nepal a double blow, as the country has yet to recover from the earlier shock of the gigantic Bhotekoshi flood, nicknamed the Himalayan Tsunami, which hit on August 26. It originated in such a remote area that its cause is yet to be ascertained. Preliminary observations have attributed it to a landslide outburst flood, but the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood further upstream cannot be ruled out.

Opinion 14 Oct, 2026

Look above the river

Look above the river

The October 11 flood in the Budhi Gandaki is a reminder that Nepal’s river disasters can begin well above the riverbanks. Preliminary police reports suggest a landslide near Siringe Himal blocked a stream.

The October 11 flood in the Budhi Gandaki is a reminder that Nepal’s river disasters can begin well above the riverbanks. Preliminary police reports suggest a landslide near Siringe Himal blocked a stream.

Opinion 13 Oct, 2026

Nepal must formally request TPS from the United States

Nepal must formally request TPS from the United States

In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Nepal, Nepalis around the world have rallied to support families and communities as they grieve, recover, and rebuild.

In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Nepal, Nepalis around the world have rallied to support families and communities as they grieve, recover, and rebuild.

Opinion 13 Oct, 2026

Stop defaming a generation: Gen-Z is not a disruptive force

Stop defaming a generation: Gen-Z is not a disruptive force

The recent detention of the former Chief Justice (CJ) Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana in the early hours of the morning has raised many questions about the misuse of state machinery.

The recent detention of the former Chief Justice (CJ) Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana in the early hours of the morning has raised many questions about the misuse of state machinery.

Opinion 12 Oct, 2026

Beyond awareness: Are we really listening to Nepal's mental health stories?

Beyond awareness: Are we really listening to Nepal's mental health stories?

Consider the phrase “I am OK.” It is one of the most standard and automatic responses we hear when asking people, “How are you?" It could be true, or it could mean, “I don't know how I am feeling,” “I don't want to trouble anyone,” or simply, “I don't think anyone will understand.” Beneath that common response could lie enormous, deep cultural silence regarding one’s emotional distress.

Consider the phrase “I am OK.” It is one of the most standard and automatic responses we hear when asking people, “How are you?" It could be true, or it could mean, “I don't know how I am feeling,” “I don't want to trouble anyone,” or simply, “I don't think anyone will understand.” Beneath that common response could lie enormous, deep cultural silence regarding one’s emotional distress.

Opinion 11 Oct, 2026

When Dasain reminds us of what the flood took away: The invisible trauma of Bhote Koshi survivors

When Dasain reminds us of what the flood took away: The invisible trauma of Bhote...

As Dasain approaches, Nepal begins to change its rhythm. Markets become crowded, homes are cleaned, new clothes are purchased, and families prepare to reunite around the warmth of tika, jamara, blessings, and shared meals.

As Dasain approaches, Nepal begins to change its rhythm. Markets become crowded, homes are cleaned, new clothes are purchased, and families prepare to reunite around the warmth of tika, jamara, blessings, and shared meals.

Opinion 11 Oct, 2026

The climate resilience trap: Enduring, rebuilding, and going into debt?

The climate resilience trap: Enduring, rebuilding, and going into debt?

We are quick to call people resilient after a disaster. There is a strange comfort in the word. It allows us to move on without asking what resilience costs.

We are quick to call people resilient after a disaster. There is a strange comfort in the word. It allows us to move on without asking what resilience costs.

Opinion 09 Oct, 2026

Balen at six months: The test of institutional power

Balen at six months: The test of institutional power

Balendra “Balen” Shah’s first six months in office have been marked by a steady consolidation of authority, contraction of cabinet space, and a governing style that increasingly sidelines institutional norms. His rise was unconventional and his mandate emphatic, but his methods now raise structural concerns that touch the core of Nepal’s parliamentary functioning.

Balendra “Balen” Shah’s first six months in office have been marked by a steady consolidation of authority, contraction of cabinet space, and a governing style that increasingly sidelines institutional norms. His rise was unconventional and his mandate emphatic, but his methods now raise structural concerns that touch the core of Nepal’s parliamentary functioning.

Opinion 08 Oct, 2026

15th National Convention of the NC: Gagan truly like the sky on the NC Horizon

15th National Convention of the NC: Gagan truly like the sky on the NC Horizon

The 15th National Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) opened with a flying start amidst pomp and ceremony at Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital.

The 15th National Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) opened with a flying start amidst pomp and ceremony at Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital.

Opinion 07 Oct, 2026

When disaster travels through screens: Coping with post-traumatic stress

When disaster travels through screens: Coping with post-traumatic stress

A 55-year-old homemaker living in Kathmandu has found herself scrolling through her mobile phone every few minutes for news about the Rasuwa flood.

A 55-year-old homemaker living in Kathmandu has found herself scrolling through her mobile phone every few minutes for news about the Rasuwa flood.

Opinion 06 Oct, 2026

Balen Builder Mandate: Marching orders for the rebuilding of Nepal

Balen Builder Mandate: Marching orders for the rebuilding of Nepal

On 8 September 2025, the Republic of Nepal turned its guns on its own children. Young Nepalis marched into the streets of Kathmandu armed with nothing heavier than their phones and their hope. They demanded only to be heard. Before nightfall, the state they had been taught to love answered them with live rounds.

On 8 September 2025, the Republic of Nepal turned its guns on its own children. Young Nepalis marched into the streets of Kathmandu armed with nothing heavier than their phones and their hope. They demanded only to be heard. Before nightfall, the state they had been taught to love answered them with live rounds.

Opinion 05 Oct, 2026

Beyond generation: Why the new Butwal-India transmission link is a strategic lifeline

Beyond generation: Why the new Butwal-India transmission link is a strategic lifeline

The government has articulated a bold target of developing 40 GW of power generation capacity by 2040. While state agencies and private developers pour billions into hydro projects, generation tells only half the story.

The government has articulated a bold target of developing 40 GW of power generation capacity by 2040. While state agencies and private developers pour billions into hydro projects, generation tells only half the story.

Opinion 05 Oct, 2026

The gap nobody is talking about: Why Nepal's stagnant child mortality rate is a warning sign

The gap nobody is talking about: Why Nepal's stagnant child mortality rate is a...

Every year in Nepal, a family celebrates a pregnancy with hope, follows the antenatal visits they are told to attend, and delivers their baby in a health facility — doing everything right, by the book.

Every year in Nepal, a family celebrates a pregnancy with hope, follows the antenatal visits they are told to attend, and delivers their baby in a health facility — doing everything right, by the book.

Opinion 02 Oct, 2026

Balen at six months: The test of institutional power

Balen at six months: The test of institutional power

Balendra “Balen” Shah’s first six months in office have been marked by a steady consolidation of authority, contraction of cabinet space, and a governing style that increasingly sidelines institutional norms. His rise was unconventional and his mandate emphatic, but his methods now raise structural concerns that extend beyond personality and touch the core of Nepal’s parliamentary functioning.

Balendra “Balen” Shah’s first six months in office have been marked by a steady consolidation of authority, contraction of cabinet space, and a governing style that increasingly sidelines institutional norms. His rise was unconventional and his mandate emphatic, but his methods now raise structural concerns that extend beyond personality and touch the core of Nepal’s parliamentary functioning.

Opinion 01 Oct, 2026

Nowhere safe, nowhere to go: Water-induced migration after Bhotekoshi

Nowhere safe, nowhere to go: Water-induced migration after Bhotekoshi

On the morning of August 26, an ice-rock avalanche in the upper Lhende Khola sent a surge of water and debris into the Bhotekoshi.

On the morning of August 26, an ice-rock avalanche in the upper Lhende Khola sent a surge of water and debris into the Bhotekoshi.

Opinion 01 Oct, 2026

When there is no body: Rethinking death registration after Nepal's disasters

When there is no body: Rethinking death registration after Nepal's disasters

For some families affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, the waiting has already changed into mourning.

For some families affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, the waiting has already changed into mourning.

Opinion 30 Sep, 2026