Nepal: Bridge or ‘Burden’ to China’s South Asia Ambitions?

Published On: September 8, 2021 01:58 PM NPT By: Gaurav Bhattarai

Nepal: Bridge or ‘Burden’ to China’s South Asia Ambitions?

Nepal has already built a national consensus on not accepting loans to build Chinese railways and rather prioritise grants (Republica, 2019). Hence, debt trap doesn’t appear as a challenge in the context of Nepal-China railways. But, expressing suspicion over China’s flagship project, even the United States has cautioned Nepal not to fall into the Chinese ‘debt trap’.

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Moment of truth for Nepal on MCC

Published On: September 6, 2021 09:00 PM NPT By: Dai Yonghong

Moment of truth for Nepal on MCC

All eyes are on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is actively pushing MCC for early approval. But his coalition partners have reservations.

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Growing Digital Division in Nepali Taxi Industry

Published On: September 6, 2021 07:00 AM NPT By: Shradha Khadka

Growing Digital Division in Nepali Taxi Industry

With the prevalence of on-demand transportation apps like Pathao and Sarathi, people no longer have to wait in the rain to flag down a taxi or spend time bargaining for taxi fares. Instead, rides can be hailed comfortably with just a few clicks on the smartphone screen.

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Time to invest in our own universities

Published On: September 5, 2021 06:30 AM NPT By: Angel Sharma

Time to invest in our own universities

The problem with attracting foreign affiliates that are ranked poorly themselves has dire consequences for the local academic ecosystem. In a metaphoric programming language, we can refer to this as garbage in, garbage out. If we attract low-quality foreign institutions, our academics learn low-quality stuff, which then gets transferred to our own institutions.

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Taliban’s return to Kabul: Implications for South Asia and beyond

Published On: September 4, 2021 06:30 AM NPT By: Dinesh Bhattarai

Taliban’s return to Kabul: Implications for South Asia and beyond

The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban carries enormous consequences for South Asia and beyond. Destabilization could start from there with Afghanistan once again becoming a safe haven for extremists working with their counterparts across the border in Pakistan. Developments in Afghanistan could significantly shift the balance of power and deepen the rivalry between the US and China.

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Federalism: Is It a White Elephant?

Published On: September 3, 2021 07:15 AM NPT By: Rajendra Koirala

Federalism: Is It a White Elephant?

The people’s wishes and aspirations have been badly dampened by the political leaders. They have been, by name, political leaders but they have turned out to be political dealers. Consequently, the people wonder if they have made a mistake by overthrowing the monarchy. Voices have been on the rise against federalism.

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Breastfeeding is the Natural Vaccine

Published On: September 2, 2021 07:00 AM NPT By: Dr Prakash Budhathoky

Breastfeeding is the Natural Vaccine

Breastfed children are less likely to be obese or overweight and are less prone to non-communicable diseases later in life. Increasing breastfeeding to near-universal levels globally could save more than 820,000 lives and prevent an additional 20,000 cases of breast cancer in women each year.

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PM Deuba’s defining moment

Published On: August 31, 2021 03:45 PM NPT By: Narayan Manandhar

PM Deuba’s defining moment

Deuba’s fifth stint as the Prime Minister of Nepal may be brief but the unfolding of events, both national and international, reveals to be a defining moment for him.

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Identifying Signs of Depression in Your Kids

Published On: August 30, 2021 07:45 AM NPT By: Dr Priyansha Acharya and Dr Yash Bhattarai

Identifying Signs of Depression in Your Kids

It is important to note that “feeling sad” occasionally is not depression. However, feeling sad for a long period (clinically for at least 2 weeks) that is preventing an individual from indulging in their normal routine activities, is depression.

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Oil Price Hike, Again!

Published On: August 29, 2021 05:25 PM NPT By: Shanker Man Singh

Oil Price Hike, Again!

After the increase in consumption, the management cost per liter has to be reduced. What does the NOC do?  What is the function of the Price Stabilization Fund?  Why not use it?  Shouldn't the tax levied by the government be reduced in such a short time? Why charge more than the cost price?

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