Friday marks the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a tragic event that has had a profound impact not just on Ukraine and its people but also on the international community. As a nation that believes in the rule-based international order, Nepal has consistently stood against any form of aggression towards sovereign countries.

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal has been on the rise and the country’s efforts to transition toward EVs are becoming increasingly visible. According to the Department of Customs, a total of 1,807 EVs were imported in the country in the last fiscal year 2021/22, which is a significant increase from a mere 249 units in the previous year 2020/21.

Dr Sanduk Ruit has brought immense pride and recognition to Nepal through his exceptional work in providing cost-effective cataract surgery to millions of people worldwide. The Isa Award for Services to Humanity that he has been honored with amidst a royal event in Bahrain on Tuesday is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and compassion towards the poor and underprivileged.

The decision by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to discontinue financial subsidies to Nepali farmers is a catastrophic mistake that will undoubtedly further cripple the country's agricultural production. Despite the government's allocation of Rs 8.5 billion for agricultural self-sufficiency programs, the MoF has withheld Rs 8.457 billion of this amount, leaving Nepali farmers to bear the brunt of its imprudence.

Energy is a critical resource necessary for a country's economic development. Despite this, many nations struggle to generate enough energy to meet their economic goals. Nepal, on the other hand, faces a unique challenge: although it produces abundant green energy in the form of hydroelectricity, at least in the wet season, it struggles with its proper utilization.

As the second peak season in the tourism sector kicks off, entrepreneurs in the Pokhara region of Nepal are feeling discouraged by lower-than-expected bookings. According to them, this year the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the pace of tourist arrivals, resulting in weaker numbers compared to previous years. The advance bookings for hotels in the area are currently less than 50 percent, which is much lower than the 70 percent that is typical at this time of year. The current occupancy rate of hotels in Pokhara is only 20 percent, which is much lower than the typical rate of 50 percent. The slow pace of advance bookings has been ongoing since the pandemic began, and it is causing concern among tourism entrepreneurs.

The Dhanusha District Court’s verdict announced last Wednesday in the case of Om Prakash Mahato, an environment conservation activist who was brutally murdered in the district on 10 January 2020, has highlighted the risks and challenges faced by environmental activists in Nepal. The district court has found three individuals guilty of intentionally killing Mahato, but the sentencing will not be decided until February 24. Four other defendants in the case were acquitted.

Burn injuries are one of the most painful and life-threatening injuries a person can experience, and in Nepal, the current facilities available for the treatment of such injuries are far from adequate. It has been a compulsion rather than a choice to go abroad for treatment in case of acute burn injuries. As a newspaper, we think it is a matter of shame for a country to not have even a single state-of-the-art burn care hospital.

The recent move by the government to table a bill in parliament with the aim to amend the law and legalize unsourced wealth is a gross violation of international best practices in curbing money laundering. The proposed amendment, which would allow those with illegally acquired wealth to legitimize their assets by paying taxes, is a backward step in Nepal's fight against corruption.

Providing additional air entry-routes to Nepal would not only help in enhancing Nepal's connectivity but also reinforce India's own commitment to promoting regional connectivity, stability and economic growth. India should understand that providing additional air entry-routes to Nepal is not a favor but a responsibility.