In the midst of a challenging economic environment, the size of Nepal's national army has become a subject of intense debate. As the nation grapples with a significant budget deficit, it is only natural for concerns to arise about the right size of our security force.

The government is currently grappling with a critical issue that requires immediate attention: the escalating public expenditure and resulting budget deficit. It has become evident that urgent measures are necessary to minimize government spending, as the current trajectory is unsustainable and poses a serious threat to the nation's financial stability and future development.

Nepal, renowned for its lush green forests, possesses vast potential in its forest resources. However, it is crucial for the government to optimize these resources while maintaining their sustainability. Failing to do so not only undermines the saying, "Green forest is Nepal's wealth," but also depletes the hard-earned foreign currency of the country.

The recent surge in the number of tourists visiting the country is a positive sign of recovery for the tourism industry battered by Covid-19. The surge in the number of foreign tourists comes in the wake of significant investment made in the country’s hospitality sector.

The export of haylage from Nepal to China on Saturday represents a significant milestone in the economic cooperation between these two nations. With the successful shipment of 10 containers of animal feed from Bharatpur to Shigatse in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, this achievement not only signifies the growth of Nepal's agricultural industry but also brings high hopes and promising opportunities for both countries.

Snakebite incidents have been on the rise in Nepal, with at least nine people losing their lives since mid-April due to venomous snake bites. This surge in cases can be attributed to the ongoing rainy season and summer weather, which brings snakes out of their habitats in search of food. The data from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division paints a grim picture, with an average of 15 to 20 snakebite-related deaths occurring annually in Nepal.

In South Asia, a region that houses approximately 24% of the global population on just 3% of the world's landmass, population density has reached its peak. With around 67% of the people residing in rural areas and relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, it is concerning that undernutrition continues to be a significant challenge, impacting an estimated 267 million individuals in the region.

In an era where financial prudence is crucial, it is concerning to witness the government allocating significant funds to maintain two separate entities dedicated to ship management. Despite the absence of ships operating within Nepal, the Waterway Project and the Nepal Shipping Office continue to incur substantial annual expenses, amounting to over Rs 90 million a year.

In yet another fatal air accident in the country on Tuesday, a helicopter belonging to Manang Air crashed in Lamjura area of Solukhumbu district killing six people onboard including the captain. The ill-fated helicopter on its way to Kathmandu from Surke, Solukhumbu was found crashed in the Lamjura area in the district hours after it suddenly lost contact with the tower.

The proliferation of universities without a concerted effort to enhance their quality is a worrying trend. The situation in most universities, except for a few notable exceptions like Kathmandu University, is far from satisfactory. It is high time that the government directs its attention towards making the existing universities outstanding educational institutions rather than creating more mediocre ones.