Apropos of the editorial “Back in business, (THT, February 28, Page 6), this comes as a holy holi tidings thanks to a former industry minister Nabindra Raj Joshi who put the comatose Nepal Drugs Ltd. (NDL) back onto its legs. Its two products paracetamol and Jeevan Jal, the simple oral hydration powder, are as good and enduring brands as Mt Everest. As health care is a big business, NDL with its best trade practice must switch into top gears to not only boost production of all life-saving drugs but to offer them to the poor masses at fraction of a price of private and imported medicines. It can become the next Nepal Telecom in terms of revenue while providing relief to the poorest of the poor.

While NDL steps forward, the government seems to be moving backward “Backward move” (THT, March 1, Page 8). We studied in our economics classes that poverty is a big business and it pays to walk around with a begging bowl. The reasons for our mandarins to place the country under the list of LDCs is shocking - to enjoy a share of 0.75 of the developed countries GNI contribution to ODA and to keep the export facility extended by the US intact until 2025. This points to the bankruptcy of thoughts of the people of this country. We could have graduated and taken various steps for economic prosperity and to produce optimum quality export products to compete with the best in the world.

Obviously we want to take the easier route by wallowing in poverty. This would seem farfetched but what if the development agencies decide that Nepal needs more foreign experts and advices to push us over the wall of LDCs. Could there be meddling and interference? This is a question, not a prediction.

Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu

Save the planet

American president Donald Trump has blamed India and China for his decision to quit the Paris Climate Accord. Trump’s outbursts over this issue are unfortunate and should be dealt with in a sensible way. Sometime ago, a school of whales were stranded and had died on the Tiruchendur beach in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, India. And this incident has demonstrated how important the marine life is.

The various reasons like climate change have been quoted for this unfortunate incident. So it is important to find out the actual reason behind the event. For sure, the fact that the natural habitation and environment must be protected at all costs has been proved through this incident.

Also the monsoon vagaries are not only a cause for concern but also a chance to think over some strategies. The natural phenomena like El Nino and La Nina are nothing but the results of the global warming.

It is also to be noted that the present global economic slowdown coupled with climate change is a big threat to the interests of all the nations.

P Senthil Saravana Durai, Mumbai