Nepal should not only negotiate the consequences; it should confront the cause at COP31

Nepal should not only negotiate the consequences; it should confront the cause at...

The government of Nepal has outlined four core national priorities to highlight at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.

The government of Nepal has outlined four core national priorities to highlight at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.

Opinion 1d ago

Ode to English: The language for all reasons

Ode to English: The language for all reasons

Language, it is rightly said, arises from our structure of reference. It is also more than contemplation — of how we position what we want to communicate. The conclusion is apparent.

Language, it is rightly said, arises from our structure of reference. It is also more than contemplation — of how we position what we want to communicate. The conclusion is apparent.

Opinion 1d ago

Why Is a dedicated mountain agenda still elusive at COP?

Why Is a dedicated mountain agenda still elusive at COP?

Nepal and Bhutan are again seeking a dedicated COP31 agenda item, “1.5°C Warming in Mountains.”

Nepal and Bhutan are again seeking a dedicated COP31 agenda item, “1.5°C Warming in Mountains.”

Opinion 04 Nov, 2026

Talks without traction: The Tehran Security Dialogue and the limits of regional leverage

Talks without traction: The Tehran Security Dialogue and the limits of regional...

Diplomacy is judged not by the communiqués it produces but by the outcomes it delivers.

Diplomacy is judged not by the communiqués it produces but by the outcomes it delivers.

Opinion 03 Nov, 2026

Nepal's strategic opportunity: From joining arrangements to shaping outcomes

Nepal's strategic opportunity: From joining arrangements to shaping outcomes

The world order is changing from geopolitical uncertainty to strategic autonomy, so is the configuration of powers, regional and global, and so is the architecture of regional and global cooperation.

The world order is changing from geopolitical uncertainty to strategic autonomy, so is the configuration of powers, regional and global, and so is the architecture of regional and global cooperation.

Opinion 02 Nov, 2026

Say it in Antalya, write it in Kathmandu

Say it in Antalya, write it in Kathmandu

Within weeks of the rock-wall collapse that cascaded into a debris flood down the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli on 26 August, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment did something that deserves notice. It took stock.

Within weeks of the rock-wall collapse that cascaded into a debris flood down the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli on 26 August, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment did something that deserves notice. It took stock.

Opinion 01 Nov, 2026

Searched for, but too late

Searched for, but too late

Saket Jha was seven. On Dashain Tika day, when every Nepali family is meant to be together, he walked out of his home in Devdiha, Dhanusha.

Saket Jha was seven. On Dashain Tika day, when every Nepali family is meant to be together, he walked out of his home in Devdiha, Dhanusha.

Opinion 01 Nov, 2026

Prosperity with a Nepali soul: Why development must not lose what makes it Nepali

Prosperity with a Nepali soul: Why development must not lose what makes it Nepali

In my line of work, I watch cargo trucks roll into our border customs points every day. They come in loaded with phones, packaged snacks, clothes, and speakers, and far too many go back nearly empty.

In my line of work, I watch cargo trucks roll into our border customs points every day. They come in loaded with phones, packaged snacks, clothes, and speakers, and far too many go back nearly empty.

Opinion 01 Nov, 2026

The Monroe Doctrine delusion: Wagle's geopolitical miscalculation

The Monroe Doctrine delusion: Wagle's geopolitical miscalculation

In March 2024, during an energy policy discussion, Finance Minister (FM) Swarnim Wagle, then a Member of Parliament and Vice-President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), openly advocated for the implementation of the so-called Monroe Doctrine in South Asia, recognising India as the dominant power in the region.

In March 2024, during an energy policy discussion, Finance Minister (FM) Swarnim Wagle, then a Member of Parliament and Vice-President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), openly advocated for the implementation of the so-called Monroe Doctrine in South Asia, recognising India as the dominant power in the region.

Opinion 29 Oct, 2026

Balen must put the Himalayas on the table in Delhi

Balen must put the Himalayas on the table in Delhi

Nepal cannot go on borrowing money to build things the next flood will take away. At the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Balen Shah said Nepalis should be able to "build their future instead of constantly rebuilding their past." That argument now has to travel to Delhi, where borders, water and trade will come up whenever he visits.

Nepal cannot go on borrowing money to build things the next flood will take away. At the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Balen Shah said Nepalis should be able to "build their future instead of constantly rebuilding their past." That argument now has to travel to Delhi, where borders, water and trade will come up whenever he visits.

Opinion 29 Oct, 2026

Bhotekoshi post-flood disaster reconstruction: Need of climate-resilient planning and building

Bhotekoshi post-flood disaster reconstruction: Need of climate-resilient planning and...

The Bhotekoshi flood of August 26 this year, nicknamed the “Himalayan Tsunami,” has gone down in history as one of the worst disasters the country has suffered in recent times.

The Bhotekoshi flood of August 26 this year, nicknamed the “Himalayan Tsunami,” has gone down in history as one of the worst disasters the country has suffered in recent times.

Opinion 28 Oct, 2026

Prosperity with a Nepali Soul: Why development must move a nation forward without losing what makes it Nepali

Prosperity with a Nepali Soul: Why development must move a nation forward without...

In my line of work, I watch cargo trucks roll into our border customs points every day. They come in loaded with phones, packaged snacks, clothes and speakers, and far too many go back nearly empty.

In my line of work, I watch cargo trucks roll into our border customs points every day. They come in loaded with phones, packaged snacks, clothes and speakers, and far too many go back nearly empty.

Opinion 26 Oct, 2026

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 16 Oct, 2026

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 16 Oct, 2026

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 16 Oct, 2026

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