Newslook :: Nepal's Premiere Online Newsmagazine, Since 1999

Not to suggest that this piece is perfect in every aspect, but this truly is one engaging look by a Western author about Nepal in a long, long time. British novelist Louis de Bernières visits Nepal and writes in the Times of London: Despite all the mess, Nepal is not a country that provokes despair, and nor does it tempt one to mutter “basket case.” As if to balance that story from Times, which also has some words to spare on king Gyanendra, Dan McDougall of the competing daily The Observer focuses mainly on the fate of the beleagured monarch. Monarchy is always something of a fascination for the British media.

One example of how things have changed little or none in the "new Nepal"-- Kumari, the Living Goddess from Bhaktapur (Sajani Shakya) is fired for visiting America (see ABC story. Newlook blurb is here.)! The temple priest, Narendra Pd Joshi, justifies the action for "breaking with tradition." Big media attention (Washington Post, BBC, Daily Mail, Aljazeera, and more) on this topic, for a good reason. Isn't it about time to liberate Kumaris? Ishbel Whitaker must be beaming-- another, and arguably more compelling documentary in the making here?!

Here is a piece of good news, to puntuate the incessant bad headlines. Typhoid fever-- it is a major killer in the Third World. Now some Nepali researchers (principal investigator is Dr. Buddha Basnyat; see photo on the right) have shown [Also see their published study, in PLoS ONE] that there is a better cure for this ailment. The researchers recommend Gatifloxacin in place of the currently used Cefixime for (cost) effective treatment.
• Nepalese researchers identify cost-effective treatment for drug-resistant typhoid, Innovations
• Nepalese researchers identify new treatment for drug-resistant Typhoid, MedIndia
• 'Better and cheaper' typhoid treatment found, SciDev
• Cost-effective treatment for drug-resistant Typhoid, Medical News

Reuters' Gopal Sharma reports that more than 1,500 Nepali women have signed up with private firms to train for a possible career with the British army after UK Defense Department allowed them to join the Brigade of Gurkhas for the first time in nearly two centuries. It is not clear how many will be recruited, and the first batch of women Gurkhas (Gurkhinis?) may start work only in about 2 years.

The Guardian's Dan McDougall reports that "many of the women hoping to join the British army are hardened members of Nepal's Maoist rebels." The British embassy does not have anything to say (in fact, nothing) on this new initiative. There are currently 3,400 Gurkha men serving in the British army. Britain began recruiting Gurkhas in 1815. More: Here is the famous monument in London. Here is the inscription.
• After two centuries, Nepal women train for Gurkhas, Reuters, June 26/07
• Women set to join the Gurkhas, Guardian, June 24/07
• Gurkha women being recruited, Strategy, June 24/07
• British Gurkhas to recruit women, Gulf Times, June 11/07

Unesco's World Heritage Committee has removed Kathmandu Valley, with 7 major historical landmarks, from the List of World Heritage in Danger (there are a total of 830 properties). This is good news. The WHC has commended Nepal's efforts to protect the outstanding universal value of the site in the face of urban development. However, the committe leaves unexplained those "efforts." Meanwhile, the committe has added 2 more sites (in Ecuador and Senegal) on the famed list. Here are the other (virtual) heritage sites in Nepal [AMAZING PANOGRAPHIES-- multidimensional views ! Don't forget to move the cursor over the pictures ]
• Royal palaces of Abomey, Kathmandu off danger list, Mathaba, June 26/07
• Two more Heritage sites put on danger list, People's Daily, June 26/07

Here is the much-awaited handshake of the year. Yes, VOA does not say it, but this picture can't be unreal.

Mr. Puspa Kamal appeals to Mr. Carter to help remove his organization from the "U.S. terrorist list". The interesting fact ignored by many is this: Maoists are not in Foreign Terrorist Organizations List (FTOs). Rather, they are listed under Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL). Whatever the difference between the two, and whatever the amount of legitimacy Carter provided the Maoists, his visit is merely symbolic.

In fact, everyone in Washington DC knows how little or no influence Carter has on the mainstream US policies. In fact, don't be surprised that he might be hammered for shaking hands with someone still in the US Terrorist Exlusion List.

An extra-ordinary trip to the US by the living Goddess. No other Kumaris have ever before taken such a trip.

Sajani Shakya, 10, is here to promote the cause of Kumaris, actually a documentary (by Ishbel Whitaker) that revolves around her. She will visit the White House, too. Originally, published in the New York Times, June 14,/07. Shakya visited a local school, where a boy asked her: "Are there boy gods?" This, too: ABC says (accompanying video on the right), Sajani "giggles through her tour."

After about 22 years, Jimmy Carter is in Nepal. The last time he visited also as a former US president. His 13-day soujourn in October 1985 with Rosalynn took him to the Everest base camp and he wrote a chapter in one of his books about that trip and his meeting with then King Birendra.

This time Carter is on a 3-day visit of a different type. These are no time for vacationing in Nepal. The Nobel-laureate is on a peace mission, providing the much-needed international credibilty to the election process in Nepal. He won't meet the new king, but plans to shake hands with PM Girija Koirala and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

CPN(UML) chief Madhav Nepal wraps up his week-long India tour that he describes as "extremely successful." Madhav of UML is not Girija Koirla of NC and under normal circumstances he would garner little attention in New Delhi. The Indian leaders basically told Nepal what he wanted to hear from them as opposed to what he would actually hear from them. But read this article in the Hindu, between the lines, to make sense of what "extremely" sucessful trip may entail.

A special investigation by New-Delhi-based CNN-IBN shows that it is not difficult to get Nepali passports even with the face of known terrorists. The undercover journalists approached one Dharma Kumar Poudel, who sought Rs 60,000. Poudel explained top bureaucrats and politicians from Nepal supply him with blank passports.
• Passport racket runs deep, CNN-IBN
• People want passport to go to India, Newslook

Politics and bureaucracy collide to produce new scenario in Nepal. The election chief says he needs at least 3 more months (beyond June 20) to prepare for the constituent assembly elections. The Maoist waste no time in trying to reap political capital out of this postponement. They resort to a call to declare the country a republic, threat to pull out of the interim government, and walk out of a cabinet meeting. TOI reports the Maoists also see Indian conspiracy in the postponement. The Nepali Times says rather than focusing on voters education, politicians have restarted political wrangling. Meanwhile, American ambassador James Moriarty hopes a new election date will be quickly fixed. He doubts Maoist victory in CA elections. VOA's Steve Herman reports on the new developments [But he gets the wrong photo for Amik Sherchan. Oops Steve!]
• Cabinet meeting suspended as Maoist ministers walk out, Malaysia Sun
• Maoists blame Indian Hindu fundamentalists, TOI
• Educating voters, Nepali Times
• Moriarty on CA elections and more,
• Nepal thrust into political confusion, VOA
• CIAA Summons Eleven ‘Kingpins’, Himalayan Times
• Armed group attacks police station in south Nepal, china post
• Unacceptable conditions: Carter center, Nepal Monitor

The latest word is that the Maoist supremo Prachanda wants the country to be delcared a republic even before the Constituent Assembly elections, which has been postponed, adding further uncertainty in the peace process. The Maoists, who joined the government only two weeks ago, have also threated to quit it. PM Koirala, emphasizing on consitutional process, declines the Maoist leader's proposal. Meanwhile, King Gyanendra seems to have resigned to his fate. In a New Year day message, he says: Appreciating the ongoing peace efforts, we would like to pray for its noteworthy success. Also: Carter Center Nepal observers raise doubt over a timely, free and fair CA elections. They remark that there is "unacceptable levels of continued fear, intimidation and physical violence."

Ian Martin, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative says the formation of the interim government is "a key moment for the consolidation of Nepal's peace process." The US embassy says that As a partner in the Interim Government, the Maoists must now be held fully accountable for their actions. The EU emphasizes that the new government must maintain law and order and embrace dialogue. India's Ministry of External Affairs says the new government is a step forward and that India is looking forward to working with it.
• Koirala appointed head of new unity Govt, Hindu
• Path to peace for Nepal's Maoists, BBC
• Maoists join interim government, Reuters
• Rebels join Nepal's government, Washington Post
• 6 former rebels join Nepal's government, Guardian Unlimited

Finally, the closed-door negotiations have led to the formation of an interim government that will oversee the elections to the Constitution Assembly slated for mid-June this year. However, yet another potential postponement here: Amik Sherchan, the deputy PM and head of People's Front, a small faction within the now ruling alliance, has expressed anger saying his party was not consulted during distribution of ministries. Looks like we know little about what went behind the scene in cutting this new deal in Kathmandu.
• Scorned deputy PM delays new government in Nepal, India eNews
• Darjeeling police hospital in a shambles, The Statesman
• Parties and Maoists agree on ministries, the New York Times
• Maoists on verge of joining interim cabinet, Reuters
• Interim govt to be formed in Nepal today, Times Of India
• Maoists finally capture power in Nepal, Indian Muslims
• Maoists to join government in Nepal, CNN

All about Uddhav Bhandari, 40, a former police officer turned journalist turned an asylum seeker in Scotland who set himself on fire when he was recently denied asylum in that country. A spirited debate by readers indicates that he has become a public face of a debate on asylum and immigration in Scotland.
• Kuwait becomes latest `hellhole` for Nepali women, Zee News
• Nepali student dies after vehicle accident in Alabama, Troy Messenger
• Final journey for Bhajana Darai, Gulf Times
• Flying home 'penniless, Gulf Time
• Nepali, other workers die in wall collapse at Doha, Gulf Times
• Asylum seeker sets himself alight at court, Evening Times
• Nepalese workers’ crisis ‘far from over’, Gulf-Times

One indication-- and an unpleasant one-- that Nepalis are making some dent overseas is the increasing news of their plight: This has become almost like routine. Some killed in accidents, others exploited as migrant workers, and yet, some committing suicide fearing deportation. Many leave the country seeking opportunities, not always fully prepared to defend themselves from being swallowed up by bad luck or the cruel forces of globalization.
• Nepali student dies after vehicle accident in Alabama, Troy Messenger
• Final journey for Bhajana Darai, Gulf Times
• Flying home 'penniless, Gulf Time
• Nepali, other workers die in wall collapse at Doha, Gulf Times
• Asylum seeker sets himself alight at court, Evening Times
• Nepalese workers’ crisis ‘far from over’, Gulf-Times

Today is International Women’s Day 2007. The theme: “Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls.” Nepal is celebrating the day with various events. What a treat! Women can now join British Gurkha army. Freedom has arrived to Kumaris, too. Some of them have graduate degrees. But these anecdotal forward movements pale when compared to the fact that only 26 women have been able to enter parliament in the last 60 years. As for the Maoists’ rhetoric of equality, just ask Laxmi Sharma.
• Nepali women have long way to go but keep optimistic, People's Daily
• Country gets first graduate goddess, Hindustan Times
• Chance for women to join Gurkhas, icBerkshire
• Respecting Women's Rights , Risin Nepal
• Ending impunity for violence against women and girls, UN
• Pressure from Maoists forces woman industrialist to shift base , Gulf Times
• Women's Network to fight for proper representation, Himalayan Times
• CA Polls And Women's Participation, Rising Nepal
• Helping the women of Ruspur Kot, Homer Tribune

One example that news media do not have the desired public appeal in Nepal. Strike is the only means to drive your message accross. And here comes another, that is essentially an anti-strike strike. Some 9 groups in the transportation sector are imposing their own indefinite strike demanding an end to strikes in Nepal. What else would you speak in a country where "stike" is increasingly the national language?
• Transporters strike in Southeast to oppose road strikes, NHRN
• Transport Strike Cripples Life in East, Himalayan Times
• Government calls for end to strikes, India eNews
• Gov't calls for end to strikes, People's Daily
• Indefinite MPRF strike in 22 districts from tomorrow, KOL

• Illegal Nepalis, Indians, others nabbed in Malaysia, New Straits Times
• India, US envoys oppose Maoist entry in govt, IRNA
• Girls at U.N. meeting urge global action, CBS
• Iran asks for observer status in SAARC, People Daily
• Rebirth in Nepal, The Standard,
• Accident-hit Nepali in Qatar seeks justice, Peninsula On-line
• One person killed by armed group in Terai, People Daily
• Eight Rela men detained for alleged assault, New Straits Times
• Two Virginians will run to raise money for children, Loudoun Connection
• Martin lauds Chinese role for peace, KoL
• PM promises more rep from southern plains, Red Bolivia
• Girls at U.N. Meeting Urge Global Action, Herald Sun
• Koirala, Prachanda discuss inclusion of Maoists in Government, Malaysia Sun
• Banda Impact: 90000 tons of sugarcane dries up, kantipuronline
• Holi brings mixed blessings, RXPG News
• Servants of the house: women's lives in Rural aria, Ohmynews
• Peace process slowed by caution, mistrust, VOA
• Koirala, Prachanda to finalise Maoists` inclusion in Cabinet, Zee News
• Maoists should get ‘respectable position’ in interim govt: Prachanda, Nepalnews
• Hindu followers to start save monarchy campaign, Malaysia Sun
• Govt and Maoist begin talks on forming interim gov, USA Today
• PM urges Maoist disarmament, BBC

It was Govinda Basnet in December 2006 in Athens, Ga. After a month in jail, the doctoral student was released in January on bond. In less than 2 months, it is Deepak Bista, 22, in Florida. In normal circumstances, a Nepali making to NBC's Dateline is rather impressive. But this one is unlike any. Something, no doubt, has gone seriously wrong lately with some Nepalis in the USA. A huge image problem for Nepal and its people that are already stereotyped in so many ways.
• Excuses to Dateline, police, NBC Dateline
• Ph.D student released on bond after sex charge, Red & Black
• UGA student arrested for online porn charge, The Citizen Online

The spotlight at this time is also on Special Rep UN Sec-Gen in Nepal and Head of the United Nations Political Mission in Nepal. He has a lot of explaining to do about the credibility of the arms management process. And this one is an impressive lineup at the New York-based Asia Society on March 2 at 8:00 a.m. He will present an "on the Ground Report." A breakfast with a briefing.
• UN mission casts doubt over Constituent Assembly polls, Malaysia Sun
• Prachanda asks his army combatants not to leave contonments, AHN
• Maintaining law, order real challenge, poll says, People’s Daily
• Expect ups and downs in any peace process: Martin, Nepal Monitor

No dearth of big news stories this week... bus accident at Trishuli kills dozens, gov't decides to seize King's property, even as the Maoists actually do so in Dhankuta and Sunsari. Meanwhile, the UN Nepal mission casts doubt over polls, and a Maoist MP produces a pistol in parliament, threatening legislators. How much more dramatic can Nepal be during this peace process?
• King's property to be seized, Washington Post
• Seizing property acquired by the King, The New York Times
• 13 killed in bus accident, Boston Globe
• UN mission casts doubt over Constituent Assembly polls, Malaysia Sun
• Maoist MP produce pistol in parliament, threatens legislators, M&C

She is fired (see letter), and within hours, she is hired. CNN president Jon Klein, who hired her instantly, says: "I've never been involved in anything like this in 30 years in this business." Whatever the reasons and the context of her career shift from one big media to another bigger media, the latest development shows that Kiran Chetry, former co-host of "Fox and Friends" on the Fox News Channel, has become a hot commodity in the US media market. It seems there is no stopping the "dark-haired, Nepalese beauty, as one reporter put it. As she turns into a celebrity, the youtube clips continue to pile up. And this one is an indication that she is no less of a Hollywood hotie already!
• Fox chooses Gretchen Carlson over Kiran Chetry as their 'Friend', Reuters
• Fox News blasts Kiran Chetry agent's 'arrogant disregard', Media Bistro
• Unfair to Kiran Chetry, Media Bistro
• Fox News anchor out in contract drama, Hollywood Reporter
• Contract Dispute? Fox Newser Joins CNN,
• Who stays and who goes at FOX News, News Hounds

A year ago, Nepal was branded the country of the missing, with the largest number of missing cases ever in any conflict in recent history. Identifying those missing has been a daunting task. The ICRC has published the names of more than 800 people unaccounted for in the country's conflict. The numbers inlclude only the names of people being sought by their relatives. The ICRC says they have so far collected the names of 2,400 names of the missing. Respect rigts of the family members to know the fate of their missing loved ones, the rights body says.
• Nepal must find its missing people - Red Cross, Reuters
• Nepal appeal on 'missing' people, BBC
• ICRC to publish list of 812 missing persons, Rising Nepal
• Nepal Missing: The right to know ICRC, ICRC

Secular Nepal gives way to religious freedom, it seems so. Christianity has emerged as a major discourse re Nepal in recent months, especially after reports in Indian media that many Maoists are Christians. The Western media is catching up with this news. The most significant yet is the news that Pope Benedict has appointed Anthony Sharma as Nepal's first Bishop. This is perhaps the height of public visibility of Chrisitans in Nepal in more than two centuries. But not entirely the first of the highest of Nepali profiles.
• Jesuit Priest Anthony Sharma appointed first Bishop of Nepal,
• Pope appoints first Catholic bishop to Nepal, Catholic
• Nepal's New Peacemakers, Christianity Today
• International students church fest, unique American culture, covchurch.org
• A Community of the broken,Christianity Today
• North Korea Christians suffer most, Nepalis gain more freedom, SPCM
• Intense persecution of Christians in Muslim countries, Christian Post
• Elevation to Apostolic Vicariate, “pope’s gift to Nepal”, Asia News

Agnes Dherbeys, originally from France, now residing in Bangkok, Thailand, wins second place in Spot News Stories category of the World Press Photo award 2007 for her photographs on protests against absolute monarchy in Nepal. Her distributor is Cosmos/Eve, based in Paris. The first and the third award in this category went to photos from Lebanon and Israel.
• World Press Photo award winners, Intl Herald Trib
• Getty Images, Reuters win World Press Photo prizes, TV News

Latest: UN Scurity Council unanimously okays Moon's proposal on Nepal
submitted to UNSC on 9 January 2007. Now formally, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) will be able to play, up to 12 months, a monitoring role in the election process.
• UN mission to monitor ceasefire, disarmament, ReliefWeb
• UN Council creates new political mission in Nepal, Reuters
• UN agrees on Nepal peace mission, Radio Australia

The UN Security Council will most likely take a vote today [see UN video] on Nepal. This is what the President of the Security Council, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, told the media in New York City on Jan 22. Meanwhile, in Lahan more [at least 3] people were killed [toll reaches 5, added Jan 23] and the situation is tense there. The government has promised to probe the Lahan incident and have announced a high-level comission to that effect. Meanwhile, transporters have called off-their strike after the government accepted their demands. In other three seperate developmnets, journalists were assaulted.
• Fresh curfew in Nepal towns after bloody unrest, Reuters
• Police pour into Lahan town after 3 killed in protests, Hindu
• UN to approve new political mission for Nepal, Hindu
• Journalists assaulted, threatened while covering strike, IFEX
• UN starts registration and storage of Maoist weapons, Relief Web

PM Girija Prasad Koirala, as well as the Maoist party (although Prachanda is not concerned with the rebellious groups), have called an all-party emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the continuing revolt in the south-east. In Lahan town, locals defied curfew imposed after a group of Maoists killed Ramesh Mahato, a 16-year-old school boy, who was part of the protest organized by Madheshi People's Rights Forum. Mahato is from the Madhesis community. In late December last year, a communal clash in Nepalgunj involving Pahades and Madhesis left one dead and scores injured. The political parties must hold serious dialogue pay attention to the demands of the rebelling group. If the violent Maoists could be rewarded with parliamentary seats and impunity on their past atrocities, others must at least get their fair share as citizens of the country.
• Eleven wounded in fresh Nepal violence, Reuters
• Koirala calls all-party meet, Hindu
• Curfew ordered in Lahan as one killed in firing, Rising Nepal
• Parties move to stem unrest, BBC

The year 2006 saw little change in the global state of freedom in the world.. but Nepal was an exception, says the 2007 survey by Freedom House, a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan organization. Nepal (like Haiti) moved from Not Free to Partly Free. The report says: “The region’s most important positive development was Nepal’s climb from Not Free to Partly Free due to the end of direct rule by the king and the return of parliament.” Compare Nepal’s 5(political liberties) and 4 (civil liberties) with that of Bhutan (6:5, not free), India (2:3, free), Bangladesh (4:4, partly free), USA (1:1, free), Pakistan (7:5, not free), Sri Lanka (4:4, partly free), and China (5:2, partly free).
• Thailand 'no longer free', Bangkok Post
• Freedom House rates Tibet worst in political rights, civil libeties, , Yubanet
• Freedom House Warns of ‘Global Stagnation’, Men's News
• The Limits of Democracy, Newsweek

After exactly two years, Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is visiting Nepal. She will spend "six [five] days of fruitful work" to show her "direct support for human rights and the peace process." She will also visit Nepalgunj and Bardiya and will focus her consultations with leaders and citizens on ending impunity and social exclusion as well as enforcing law. She says "conflict has ended, but Nepal faces important human rights challenges in this period of transition."
• Louise Arbour arrives on six-day visit, Himalayan Times
• End of 11-year conflict a great achievement: Arbour, Relief Web
• UN official underscores central role of human rights, UN News
• Top UN human rights official arrives in Nepal, China Post
• Post-conflict Nepal still faces HR challenges: Arbour, Kantipur

It's wedding season accross Hindu Nepal and India. And this one is going to be one of the biggest thus far. Devyani Rana, former girlfriend of late Crown Prince Diependra is finally ready to marry. That, family members hope, may provide her a chance "to exorcise the ghost of the royal palace massacre [visit Ancient Newslook page] and begin a new life." The 34-year-old will wed Ashwarya Singh, son of one of India's powerful ministers. Some 5000 guests, which include most of the former royal families of India and Nepal, are expected to attend the February 22-23 wedding in New Delhi. News reports say King Gyanendra won't attend, but Bhutan's monarch will shine at the ceremony.
• Delhi to host 'royal' wedding, Times of India
• Nepali massacre princess to wed, The Australian
• Devyani Rana to marry Arjun kin, DN & A

A sign of the times ahead, the Nepalgunj communal clash is a bad omen for "new Nepal." It sets a dangerous precedent for the country, known for communal harmony and unity for ages. It is the first of such a riot in memory when Madhesi youths clashed [Watch Google video] with Pahade youths in Nepalgung, a town in the Terai plains bordering India. The pro-Madhesi Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandadevi) (NSP-A), a small party in the ruling alliance, had called for a regional strike on December 3 to demand some changes in the proposed interim constitution. One person was killed and 20 others were injured in the clash.
• Quick Response , TRN Editorial
• One dead in rival group clashes in Nepal town, Reuters
• Riots in Nepalgunj , curfew clamped again, TRN
• Curfew imposed in Nepalgunj following clashes, Intl Herald Tribune
• Nepalgunj Incident Most Unfortunate: PM Koirala, THT

A week after Bhutan's new king pledged democracy, his government's pronouncement hinted otherwise. Bhutan's foreign minister Khandu Wangchuk, briefing his country's National Assembly, blames his Nepali counterpart (KP Sharma Oli) for the lack of progress in the bilateral talks. He says repatriation of Nepal-based Bhutanese refugees, is akin to "importing ready made radical political parties and terrorists to duplicate the violence, terror, and instability the Maoists have unleashed in Nepal.”
• No talks with refugees: Bhutan minister, Nepal News
• Bhutan Assembly discusses status of bilateral talks with Nepal, Kuensel
• Reform or Trickery in Bhutan?, Progress/FPIF
• Bhutan's new king vows to modernize nation, Washington Post
• King who just wanted people to be happy abdicates in favour of son, Scotsman
• New Bhutan king pledges democracy, CNN

Who says Maoists are atheists? New Delhi’s Nepali Maoists’ locales have become hotbeds of Christian activities, comments Sandhya Jain in the Daily Pioneer newspaper. She adds: "While second-in-command Baburam Bhattarai and his family are openly Christian, Prachanda does not proclaim his religious affiliations but his wife's entire family is Christian. His guru, Chandra Pradesh Gajurel, was a Christian preacher. Sources estimate that the 42,000-strong Maoist army would be 30 per cent Christian, but the cadre are kept in the dark that the top leadership is predominantly Christian." The question is, how did Nepal's news media miss this undoutedly a big story?
• 250 Million Christians Will Be Persecuted in 2007, Christian Post
• Nepal Christians celebrate Xmas with new spirit, RxPG News
• Good news for Nepal, SPCM
• Christians to celebrate first Christmas in Nepal, Spero Forum
• ‘Now secular’ Nepal is ready for a special party, Daily News & Analysis
• Christianity in India flourishes in the face of attacks, World Peace Herald

Ernesto Malaga, the leader of a Peurivian mountaineering expedition called Peru 8 mil (Peru 8 thousand) has denouced Nepal. This news report says he claims that Nepal's official airlines, Nepalese Airlines, has used an archaeological sanctuary Macchu Picchu to promote trips to Nepal. Malaga is quoted as saying: "Shame on Nepal Airline for trying to pass off an icon that is representative of Peru as their own." However, it is not clear how the allegedly copied picture is similar to the ruins of Macchu Picchu.
• Marketing of new rural tourism products stressed, TRN
• A trip to Lamjung in Nepal, SToP
• Tourists heading back to Nepal again, Daily News & Analysis
• Nepal eyes tourism boost after peace pact, IOL
• Tourists inflow by air increases, TRN

The panel charged with selecting a new national anthem has reached a verdict. An 8-line verse, celebrating unity and diversity in the heteregenous nation that is Nepal, has been selected out of more than 12,000 submissions. The author of the new anthem is 34-year-old Byakul Maila (Pradeep Kumar Rai), who originally hails from Okhaldhunga, a hilly district in eastern Nepal.
• Poet Byakul Maila's song selected as new National Anthem , KoL
• New National Anthem for Nepal evolved, Zee News
• Nepal finalizes new national anthem, People's Daily
• New anthem composed for Nepalese, Times of India
• New proposed national anthem to be sent to the cabinet, Nepal News

The world community must be Nepal-oriented or something. This is the second time in less than a week that they have written congratulatory messages to Kathmandu on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) The US reiterates that Maoists must change thier violent ways. The UN's Kofi Annan calls it an "opportunity." India says implementation of the deal will be a cirtical test. China re-emphasizes peace and stability. Japan sees the accord as a concrete course for the consolidation of democracy. Others sound optimistic, too, but cuation careful implementation.
• Int’l community welcomes peace accord, Nepal News
• China welcomes Nepal's peace accord, People's Daily
• King welcomes peace accord that threatens his dynasty, Bloomberg
• Commentary: Peace at last, ISN
• King Gyanendra hails peace accord, BBC
• UN hails peace accord in Nepal, Pressna Latina

Finally, here [full text in English] is the much-awaited deal: The decade-long war that killed over 13,000 people in the country formally comes to an end. The Maoists will be confined to UN-monitored camps, without their arms. A constituent assembly elections will be held that will draft a new constitution and decide the future of the monarchy. The Maoists will join the government. The Maoists may merge with the national army after the CA elections. But despite this, no one can rule out a return to war.
• Nepal signs accord with rebels, BBC
• Chronology of events, Reuters
• Govt, rebels sign peace accord, CNN Intl
• Comprehensive peace accord signed, Kantipur Online
• Rulers, rebels just about to sign peace deal, Washington Post
• Mebels collect in camps on eve of peace deal Reuters
• Peace treaty to be signed Tuesday: Official, People's Daily

Prachanda gets to be legit. He gets to test his taste of leadership. In his first public foreign apperance, the Maoist leader (whose party is still in America's list of terrorist groups) shares forum with big shots like the would be US president (such as former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani), as well as other top leaders from UK, Japan, Afghanistan, EU, etc. Speaking at an annual Leadership Summit (2006) organized by the Hindustan Times newspaper, he declared (Nov 18): Democracy has become a farce in South Asia.
• Democracy a farce in South Asia: Prachanda, Hindustan Times
• Prachanda for 'multi-party' socialism , M & C
• I am willing to be president of Nepal: Prachanda, Rediff
• Prachanda seeks India's support for fair polls in Nepal, the Hindu
• I was in Delhi, Bombay hinding, for 10 yrs: Prachanda, Indian Express

US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher wrapped up his 3 day visit this Friday (Nov 17). Similarly, a high-level 'Troika Mission' of the European Union, led by Pekka Metso, director for Asia and Oceanic of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived Wednesday. Both parties are in KTM to prod the peace process. While Boucher reinterated the US position (Maoist must abandon violence to be recognized as as a political party, they must be sincere), the EU delegation said assistance to the parties depends on the peace process.
• US condemns Maoist rebels, welcome peace move, BBC
• US: no funding for guerrilla-led ministries, Xinhua
• US will continue help even after Maoists join govt., People's Daily
• Maoists will continue to be on US terror list, Times of India
• Richard Boucher to visit Nepal on Wednesday, TOI
• EU's Nepal policy remains unchanged, the Rising Nepal
• US will support republic if Nepali people choose it: Boucher, KOL
• US, EU troika arrive in Nepal, IRNA
• Nepal in top priority of EU assistance list in 2007, People's Daily

Newspaper edits are upbeat on the November 7 deal between the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists. But they caution both sides. A comprehensive agreement is yet to be singed (slated for November 16) and implementing it for democracy, peace and prosperity will take time, which also requires enormous patience.
• Dawn of a New Era, the Rising Nepal
• Editorial: Full cooperation needed from all sides, Himalayan Times
• Editorial: Magnum opus, but challenges ahead, the Kathmandu Post
• Editorial: Disarming Nepal, Times of India
• Editorial: Difficult Choice, Telegraph

Diplomats and the world community have welcomed the Nov 7 deal among the Nepali political actors. UN's Gen Sec Kofi Annan says the agreement offers Nepalis a historic opportunity to end the armed conflict, and to build sustainable peace within an inclusive and democratic state. Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee terms it a significant step in Nepal’s democratic progress and looks forward to the signing of the "comprehensive agreement" on 16 November 2006. The United States says the success of any final agreement will depend on its details and their implementation. "The agreement must diminish the fear of violence, intimidation, and extortion that the people of Nepal have endured over the past 11 years." The UK echoes the American view: "We now look to both sides to use the momentum they have created to implement the agreement together." Newslook joins this apt chorus.
• Decade of war draws to a close, Christian Science Monitor
• Peace deal paves way for Maoist rebels to join government, VOA
• Landmark peace agreement reached, Irin
• US State Dept welcomes agreement with rebels, Intl Herald Tribune

In what looks like a major breakthrough in Nepal's peace process, the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists have agreed to lock up their weapons under UN supervision. They have also decided to determine the fate of monarchy by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly through simple majority vote. The Maoists have also announced that they will join the interim government on December 1. And the list of agreement does not end there.
• Maoist rebels renounce violence , BBC
• Maoist rebels to join interim government, Intl Herald Tribune
• A turning point in history?, BBC
• Rebels agree on UN arms dealCNN

The Supreme Court has ordered an inquiry into whether the tradition of worshipping Kumari, a "living goddess" has led to the exploitation of young girls. Tikaram Bhattarai, the attorney representing the petitioner says the committee would investigate no matter what. He believes the landmark order will help modernize the tradition, practiced among the Newar community in Kathamndu.
• Living goddesses may have human rights, UPI
• Court orders probe into living goddess ritual, Intl Herald Trib
• 'Goddess' inquiry ordered BBC
• Inquiry on "living goddess" tradition planned, Reuters

No sooner human-perpetrated death and mayhem subsided in the strife-torn country, nature's hand has fallen heavy on innocent lives in Nepal. After those recent air and land crashes, here comes the health crash. News reports say that as many as 36 have been killed by a mystery fever in the south-western district of Banke. But if the past is any indication, this is not a mystery disease at all. The need is to learn from the past mistakes. And, to do that, public health experts should find a connection between epidemology and health education in rural Nepal.
• 36 die of unknown illness in Banke, KoL, Oct 7/06
• 12 die of mystery disease in Banke district, People's Daily, Oct 13/06
• Mystery fever kills 36 in BankeBBC
• Disease claims 36 lives in west Nepal villages, International Herald Trib

Air crashes garner much attention, compared to land crashes. There have been 303 road accidents in the past year, and over 60 people were killed this month alone in bus accidents. This is a sad saga of Nepal's poor transportation system. Some experts say the problem is less about the lack of safety plans and more about the lack of implementing those plans. The government, however, remains mute on this grave problem, which also has a direct bearing on the country's tourism industry.
• Bus accident kills 42 in Salyan, News, Oct 28/06
• 303 road accidents in the last fiscal year, The Rising Nepal, Oct 28/06
• Forty-two killed in bus accident in Salyan, SM Herald, Oct 28/06
• Overloaded bus plunges off cliff, dozens killed, CNN, Oct 28/06
• 7 killed, dozens injured in bus accident in Khasaidhad, Intl Heradl Trib, Oct 7/06
• 8 killed, dozens injured in bus accident in Trishuli, Jerusalem Post, Oct 13/06
• 11 people killed in two bus accidentsGulf Times
• 24 dead in Nepal WWF air crash, CNN, Sept 25/06

Reporters Without Borders, the Paris-based group, released Tuesday its Worldwide Index of Press Freedom for 2006. The watchdog has been compiling the index since the past 5 years. Nepali media have cited the index, and hailed the country's standing by characterizing it as "improved." However, the real story is that Nepal advanced merely by a point (Rank 159 our of 168 countries) compared with last year or 2004 (Rank 160). Before that, even during the tumultuous days of 2002 (#127) and 2003 (#15), the rankings were significantly good. It is not just Nepal that has trailed behind others. Seven Asian countries are in the bottom 20 in the Index and none in the top 20. The index is baed solely on press freedom violantions between 1 September 2005 and 1 September 2006.
• Country's position improved in press freedom index, Asia Media
• Nepal improves its position in Press Freedom Index, KoL
• Nepal moves one position up in press freedom index, Himalayan Times
• North Korea, worst violators of press freedom, Daily NK
• India up by one point, Pakistan down by 7 in RSF Index The Hindu

The ceasefire between the Seven Parties and the Maoists has become a legitimized form of "do-any-thing-because-you-want-to" perpetual tease-fire. And more than any other, the Maoists continue to grab headlines for what many would call both attrocities and eccentricities they committ on a daily basis. They continue to kill as well as extort. They seem to tease-fire rather than cease fire. And this, dangerously, is also apparent in India.
• Govt asks Maoists to end extorting Everest climbers, Reuters
• Maoists behead couple in Jharkhand, Times of India
• Maoist atrocities up in Nepal: INSEC, NHRN
• Maoists take law in hand, arrest 70, The Hindu
• 'Ceasefire violations by Nepal Maoists increasing', The Hindu
• Committee urges Maoists to properly implement code of conduct, Nepal News
• Maoists collecting entry fee from trekkers, Himalayan Times
• Maoists suspected of killing youth after abduction, KoL
• Maoists abduct 16, including Congress cardes, Times of India
• Civilian dies under Maoist custody, KoL
• From Maosim to Fascism in the Himalayas?, Nepal News

If Sri Lanka is known as a country with the highest number ( # 26) of public holidays, and Nepal the second (# 24) in line, the latter also may be the country with the largest number of festivals. No sooner the countrymen celebrated the 10-day Dashain festival and took a couple weeks long break then they have found themselves reveling again. Tihar, the festival of lights or Diwali as it is known, is being celebrated across Hindu communities around the world.
• Hindus across America celebrate Diwali, Monterey Herald
• Vatican sends peace message on Diwali, KK World
• Chinese-made Hindu gods rule Indian markets, Hindustan Times
• Laxmi Pooja being observed, KoL
• Security beefed up in valley ahead of Tihar, Nepal News
• Pak Hindu communities celebrate festival of lights, The News
• Tihar festival unites Hindus and Buddhists amid violence, Asia News
• Indian scribe MJ Akbar on Diwali, Eid, Arab News
• 98th Devkota Jayanti being observed, Nepal News
• CNN provides insider's guide to Diwali, CNN
• Malaysia celebrates Diwali, ND TV

Nepali news media typically tend to ignore any high-voltage political dramas in the northern neighborhood. That is in line with a foreign policy which tends not to antagonize China in any way, particularly if it concerns Tibet. But the latest reports are apparently too disturbing to ignore for their news values. News dispatches quote eyewitnesses who say Chinese Border Security soldiers shot and killed a Tibetan near Nangpa La Pass on the morning of 30th September 2006. The victim was among a group of 75 Tibetans (17 children) trying to escape into Nepal from the northern border. A Romanian TV has been disseminating a footage of that shooting.
• Video footage of Nangpa Pass shooting refutes official Chinese statement, ICT
• There is no excuse, Mt. Everest
• China tries to gag climbers who saw Tibet killings, The Independent Online, UK
• Romanian Nangpa La report: Tibetans were hunted like rats, Mt Everest
• Nangpa La update: Kids marched in single file after shooting, Mt Everest
• Nangpa La update: Young Tibetan nun shot dead in front of climbers, Mt Everest
• Cho Oyu ABC swarmed by Chinese Army, Tibetans shot?, Mt Everest

Nepali events do garner international attention, and at times recognition. Forget Kathmandu: An Elegy for Democray by Manjushree Thapa, a Nepali author writing in English, gets shortlisted for the prestigious Lettre Ulysses Award for the Art of Reportage 2006. Thapa’s highly-acclaimed reportage of the convoluted court politics and the politics of internal conflict competed with 6 other finalists. Interestingly, another book (The Inheritance Of Loss), by the famed South Asian author Kiran Desai, and set against the Nepali insurgency in Darjeeling during the 1980s, has won Britain’s most prestigious The Man Booker Prize For Fiction 2006.
• Manjushree Thapa not for activism but for engaged writing, Oh My News
• Kiran's Kalimpong connection, Times of India

After some posturing, both the SPA and the Maoists seem ready to talk about what is called the "talk of all talks." The sticking point is how to manage arms. The Maoists have accused SPA of delaying the talks for political gains, and have threatened an "urban revolution" in capital Kathmandu unless productive talks are held. The SPA leaders have said good homework is needed to talk meaningfully. The world is watching-- if they talk any sense at all.
• US official says Nepal peace talks hold 'great promise', M&C
• Rebel leader not optimistic about forthcoming peace talks, VoA
• Prachanda interview raises more questions', KoL
• Peace talks restarts after 4 months halt, Int Herald Trib
• High hopes for peace talks, Bangkok Post
• Maoists threaten to disrupt peace process, Reuters
• Parties prepare for Oct 8 summit talks , KoL
• Leaders say summit talks will be success, Himalayan Times

Dashain came as a temporal relief to many. The majority Hindus of the newly declared secular nation celebrated the country's largest festival by receiving blessings from their elders. Ironically, despite their revolutionary rhetorics, the Maoists had both ways: Tika, yes. Tika, no. They forcibly collected donations. An unprecedented culture shift in the country's history was apparent when political leaders, including the PM, boycotted tika from King Gyanendra. After the advent of lokatantra, it is as if that every individual has become a raja of his or her own little world. This Dashain has signalled a radical departure from the past.
• PM breaks tradition of receiving Tika from king, People's Daily
• Dashain: High hopes, big expectations, KoL
• King's Dashain message, peace process nation’s need, Nepal News
• Capital city empty during Dashain festival, People's Daily

Seldom a tragedy strikes an already tragedy-striken nation. But that is what has happened to Nepal when a helicopter carrying the cream of the crop of Nepal's environmental conservationists disappeared into thin air in a remote Taplejung village three days ago. All 24 abroad the chopper are now confirmed dead. It will definitely take another generation of conservationists to bridge a stabile past with an uncertain future. > See complete update and the list of the deceased at World Wildlife Fund Website.
• Nepal loses core of top conservationists in one crash, Intl Herald Trib
• Last rites of late Rai performed, Nepalnews
• Crash a setback to Nepal, says WWF head, WWF
• 24 dead in Nepal WWF air crash, CNN
• No survivors in wreckage of Taplejung crash, Forbes
• Army finds WWF helicopter wreckage, Newsweek
• No survivors in WWF crash, Environmental News Network
• WWF boss offers condolences after crash, The Age
• Helicopter carrying 24 missing in Taplejung, The New York Times

The International Herald Tribune, in a report by the AP, says that the main difference between the parties and the Maoists has been the issue of weapons held by the rebels. Now they are set to restart stalled peace talks in the coming week to discuss this and other matters.
Stalled Nepal peace talks likely to resume next week, Reuters
What 1st -- arms or political issues? UN is still seeking an answer, KantipurOnline

Okay, Japan displays some magnanimity by cancelling that 23.91 million U.S. dollars debt. Although not a big sum, symbolism matters these days for the Kathmandu's shaky alliance, tormented constantly by economic decline and people-protests. If that symbolism could extend to a larger chunk of cash and to a greater assemblage of donors-- including Denmark, the Netherlands, USA, etc.-- Nepalis could truly experience some sense of relief. Foreign debt has crossed USD 4.63 billion. According to Gehendranath Adhikari, auditor general, "every Nepali has a foreign debt of 13,000 Nepali rupees (185. 71 dollars) on his/her head." That is a massive burden for an individual in a country whose per capita income is a meagre 210 dollars.
• Japan Likely To Accept Nepal's Aid Proposal, Himalayan Times
• Economic Diplomacy: A private sector perspective, Nepalnews
• Nepal donors resume peace and aid talks, Hindustan Times
• Japan cancels Nepal debt, People's Daily Online
• Japan gives US$ 8.1M grant, Gorkhapatra
• Aid in developing Nepal, Himalmag
• Foreign aid, Nepal, All refer

For petrol or politics, street protests are the norms in KTM. As soon as the government announced it had increased gas prices (now Rs. 84; about USD 1.12) , hundreds of angry people took to the streets, burning, what else, tyres and stopping traffic. They also torched dozens of vehicles and attacked a politician to protest what they termed as “anti-people step.” To rescue the ailing government-owned Oil Corporation, the government released USD 14.28 million in soft loans. That pales as compared to the monthly net loss of USD 6.43 million.
• Nepal Oil Cor. receives US$14.28 mln in soft loans, China Economic net
• Govt hikes petro prices, petrol at Rs 84 per litre in capital, Kantipur Online
• Nepal announces rise in fuel prices, Houston Chronicle
• Price of POL products hiked, Gorkhapatra
• Nepal increases prices of petroleum products, Zee News
• Rise in gas prices sparks Nepal protests, Houston Chronicle
• Rise in gas prices sparks Nepal protests, BusinessWeek
• Nepal erupts over fuel price hike, India eNews
• Violent protest over hike in fuel prices, DailyIndia
• Strike over Nepal oil price rises, BBC News
• Protests in capital over fuel price rise, Reuters

Everyone seemed elated when Nathu La reopened last month (July 6) after about 45 years. Pundits began to applaud emerging openness between China and India, the traditional enemies straddling the great Himalayan ranges. Pundits also predicted massive trade profits. But less than a month after the legendary “old silk road” came to life again at the altitude of 14,790 ft., a high ranking Chinese official has accused India of imposing restrictions on goods as well as the movement of Chinese businessmen. Tibet Autonomous Region Deputy Chairman Hao Peng told a group of visiting Indian journalists that he is not happy with the Indian approach. Some echo of Indian restriction on Nepali goods, such as Banaspati, eh?
• Nathu La is all hype, Daily News & Analysis
• China accuses India of erecting trade barriers at Nathu La, Hindustan Times
• Walking into history in the Himalayas, The Mercury Nwes
• Sikkim traders gung-ho over opening of Nathula Pass, Business Line
• China wants India to hasten boom at Nathu La, Daily Pioneer
• Nathu-la traders optimistic, The Statesman
• Tibet train leads to Nathu-La buzz, Phayul
• China railways to sprawl across Himalayas, Kantipur Online
• Trade through Nathu La at a standstill, Hindu
• Sikkim traders want items for Nathula trade to be revised, Zee News
• A pass to prosperity, Frontline

Finally, after much public debate and finger-crossing, the government has appointed Lt. Gen Rukmangad Katuwal as acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of the Nepal Army on Friday. The former army chief, Gen Pyar Jung Thapa, took a month-long leave, a tradition for the army’s head before retiring. Thapa was recently questioned by a judicial commission regarding his controversial role in the crackdown against the pro-democracy activists in April 06. Katuwal, the army's second-in-command until recently, is also among the top generals interrogated by the Commission.
• Govt appoints Katuwal as new acting Army Chief, Zee News
• Katuwal appointed acting CoAS, Nepalnews
• Katuwal to become acting army chief, Kantipur Online
• Head of Nepal's army steps down, BBC News
• Army Chief Questioned in Nepal, OhmyNews International
• Govt ames new army chief, force still under cloud, Reuters

Letter-writing has become a national political test for Nepal’s leaders. It is a contest that some one must win, all for oneself. Unfortunately, that did not help. About 22 days after PM Koirala wrote his letter to UN’s Kofi Annan, Maoist leader Prachanda too wrote his own to the UN Chief. That did not help either. So they tried together, again. The new letter, similar but still separate, drops the demand for “decommissioning Maoists combatants” and renews its call on the world body to help monitor the peace process and the elections.
• Joint letter to UN by tomorrow: Gyawali, Himalayan Times
• Government, rebels send joint letter to UN, Nepalnews
• Govt, Maoists submit five-point joint letter to UN, Kantipur Online
• Mistura receives govt-Maoist joint letter, Kantipur Online
• Government and Maoists reach agreement over UN's role, Reuters AlertNet
• Govt., Maoists agree to send joint letter to UN, Hindu
• Nepal walks in step, Hindustan Times

More than 5 years ago, on 04 January 2001, Stratfor, the Austin, USA-based intelligence firm, delcared famously/notoriously that Nepal was likely to be a Maoist state. More or less, if not formally, Nepal has become a de facto Maoist state today. In a concise yet terse analysis (Aug 7/06), Startfor writes: If history is any indication, the Maoists are right to keep their arms until the Nepalese monarchy is eliminated. It adds: "The Maoists cannot afford to give up their arms, and will likely engage in economic blockades until they are certain the king can no longer use the influence he wields in the military to threaten them."
• 'US trying to scuttle peace talks': Maoists say, Times of India
• Nepal's Awkward Alliance, Wall Street Journal
• No Farewell to Arms Yet, Maoists Tell UN,One World
• Meeting halfway for peace in Nepal, Gulf News
• Koirala asks to find consensus on arms issues soon, Nepalnews

Parliament okays the first-born of reigning Nepali royals to inherit the throne. Which means, someday, Princess Purnika, not Prince Hridayendra, will sit on the serpent throne of Nepal. But that is possible only if the institution of monarchy survives the proposed Constitution Assembly elections. Historically and intermittently, several Nepali queens have played (though informally as regents) major roles in running the palace and the country.
• Nepal can now have Queen as Head of State, The Hindu
• Female Monarch Now Possible, Oh My News
• Nepal’s gender-bender: Law for queen’s rule, GulfTimes
• Government changes succession to royal throne, M & C
• Govt approves female heirs to throne, Daily Telegraph
• Govt set to alter succession law, eTaiwan News
• Govt clears way for women to be crowned, Times of India

Suddenly, Kathmandu is hip. Travel and Leisure Magazine, based in New York City, surveyed it readers about the best cities in the world. And guess what? Kathmandu, which never appeared on the list before, was voted as the 3rd best city in Asia for 2006. The survey found Florence in Italy as the world's best. It noted, "But this year, Travel + Leisure readers prove that they’re also intrepid and curious, giving high marks to far-flung cities like Beirut and Kathmandu." That is the outsider's view. Ask the Kathmanduites themselves, and they may disagree (already, Khula Manch has been turned into a massive dumping ground, and Maoists are too busy with war/peace plans to sanitize the city!). Bangkok and Chiang Mai of Thailand were voted as the first two best in Asia. T+L has been compiling the list for the past 11 years.
• Bangkok, Chiang Mai - world favourites, Bankok Post
• Florence voted world's best city, Go Travel Insurance

It took 25 years for Nepal to gain another Ramon Magsaysay, when Bharat Dutta Koirala was given that award in 2002. Mahesh Chandra Regmi had won that award, also called Asia's Nobel Prize, in 1977. This year, another Nepali has won the award for Peace and International Understanding, a field not related to communication arts as in the past. Sanduk Ruit, director of the Tilganga Eye Centre-- has been awarded for "his placing Nepal at the forefront of developing safe, effective, and economical procedures for cataract surgery, enabling the needlessly blind in even the poorest countries to see again."
• An interview with Dr. Sanduk Ruit, eKantipur
• Will Nepal be able to sell the 'Tilganga model' to rest of the world?, Nepalnews
• I never thought I would win such an award: Ruit, OhMyNews
• Dr Sanduk bags Magsaysay for Peace and International Understanding, KoL
• Dr Sanduk Ruit of Tilganga Eye Centre bags Magsaysay Award, THT
• Magsaysay award for Nepali ophthalmologist, Hindustan Times
• A Nepali ophthalmologist bags prestigious Magsaysay award, Nepal News
• Apostol, Gawad Kalinga win Magsaysay awards, Inq 7

Remember reading Broughton Coburn's Aama in America? Coburn took Vishu Maya Gurung (called Aaama), the 75-year-old Nepali widow, to a guided, personal tour of America. He helped her explore America. This story in the USA Today is reminiscent of Nepali Aama, except that the the Amma from the southern Indian state of Kerala has been guiding thousands of Americans to explore their inner self. The newspaper reports: The 52-year-old has hugged more than 27 million people in her life. In the past 18 months alone, she has committed $23 million to tsunami relief and $1 million to Katrina relief [Video adjoining].

Even as the Europeans and the Americans evacuate their citizens from Lebanon, pounded by Israeli war ships day in and day out, India has shown magnanimity by offering to help rescue Nepalis (est: 4000) and Sri Lankans from the war-torn country. It has arleady rescued 6 Nepalis. In what it calls 'Operation Sukoon,' India has dispatched 3 ships to the region to lift its citizens as well as Nepalis and Lankans. Nepal's logistics in Lebanon are poor, she does not have an embassy there. The closest mission in the region is the Honorary Consulate General at Tel Aviv, Israel. The nearest embassies are in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
• Thousands of Nepalis stranded in Lebanon, Daily News & Analysis
• Nepal SOS to India for workers in Lebanon, Indian Muslim
• All Nepali safe in Lebanon: Foreign Ministry, Nepal News
• 6 Nepalis rescued, thousands stranded in Lebanon, Kantipur
• More Nepalis to be rescued from Lebanon: Ambassador Thakur, Kantipur
• 'Operation Sukoon' to lift Indians, Sri Lankans and Nepalese, Asian Tribune

The South Asian Journalists Association annual convention, July 13-16, at the Columbia University School of Journalism in New York City had significant participation by Nepali journalists. Newslook would like to congratulate its founder Dharma Adhikari [3 rd from right] for a SAJA Journalism Award he received (for an op-ed piece he wrote last year). There were several others who got awards in news reporting and commentary, etc, presented by Tom Curley, the head of Associated Press. SAJA, not long ago, would be seen more as a forum dominated by Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi professionals. This year, some emerging, young Nepali journalists made their presence felt. The Nepali bloggger Paramendra Bhagat, as a panel member, spoke on press freedom in Nepal; Anup Kaphle [1st from right], a journalism student interning at Newsweek International, blogged on the convention website; Sumit Dayal, a photo jouralist from KTM, had a series of photos from Nepal shown as part of the gala dinner slides. Sumit was also given a scholarship. And then, there was-- who else-- Kashish Das Shrestha [2nd from left], the editor of NYC-based newsmagazine Nepali Aawaz. No doubt, he was there to get the story out. You also can see Rumee Singh [1st from L), a graduate broadcast student from Boston. The list does not end there. Kathmandu Post's Ghanashyam Ojha, and journalist John Narayan Parajuli were there, too. In fact, they were among a group of 4-5 Nepalis, who clobbered Richard A. Boucher, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, with a number of questions on Nepal on July 14. There were more Nepalis participating, truly. A similar lineup next July would help to enhance Nepal’s profile at SAJA.

Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat delivered to the House of Representatives on 12 July the annual budget (Rs. 143.91 billion, the largest ever). This is the first budget presented at the HoR in as many as four years. Already some party leaders say the budget is inadequate in sevaral ways, while others applaud Dr. Mahat for his work. Whatever the political reactions, the budget does cut down royal expenditures significantly, and increases social expenditures.

A local newspaper in Galveston, Texas, is attempting to confirm that a group from Nepal plans to invest $120 million to develop four condominium towers, 11 stories each, at 9902 Seawall Blvd near Galveston International Airport at Scholes Field, Texas. The newspaper writes: The group, Global Royal Investments, also is said to have projects in Dubai and Moscow. Word has it the group has Federal Aviation Administration clearance for the high-rise, which would be near Galveston International Airport at Scholes Field. There is little information on the company, except for a listing on LDN Nepal website. Could you confirm the news, Mr. Ratan K. Jha?

Nepal's population has just reached 26. 42 million and it will double in 26 years, says a governmental report released on the ocassion of World Population Day. While the UN's focus this year on the World Population Day may be on the young people, Nepal must pay attention to children and women as well.
Nepal’s Population To Double In 26 Years: Report, the Himalayan Times
Nepal's population crosses 26 million mark, Nepal News
16th World Population Day, Choice Magazine
World Population Day focuses on youth, National Academics
Family planning making a better future for Nepal, the Rising Nepal

The forgotten but the most vulnerable victims of the conflict have been children. Time is running out for the children of Nepal, report Sonal Singh and colleagues in an Essay in PLoS Medicine. They write that the Nepali children face an uncertain future if their health and human rights concerns are not addressed. The ongoing violent conflict has disrupted the delivery of health care to children and deprived them of education. There has been a steady increase in human rights violations against the children.
MoU signed for support to children, The Rising Nepal
More than a million child labourers, Spero News
Children orphaned by civil war, BBC

Our ailing PM may trust a Thai or an Indian doctor more than the Nepali one. Prachanda bows before New Delhi and his Indian comrades the like of Yechuri rather than the home of his idealogue Mao Zedong. But never mind-- here is yet another inspiring lesson from the north that must be heeded whatever our leaders' inclinations. China is shooting the clouds for a reason. And in the first place, they do it because they can. Time to do something worthwhile with those arms in the hands of the Maoists and the army.
• Gunners shoot special ammo at clouds to unleash the rain, USA Today
• China declares war on the clouds, Telegraph, UK

Wake up, Nepal! A train is passing by your northern border. This is no ordinary train. Chinese President Hu Jintao today opened the world's most elevated railway from Golmud to Lhasa. Mao had confided to King Birendra in 1973 that he would not be able to sleep without constructing this railway. After 33 years, his dream has been fulfilled. Tibet is no longer a “remote” place. The USD 4.1 billion Qinghai-Tibet railway is 1,956 kilometers long. The construction started on June 29, 2001 even as civil war began to intensify in Nepal. The railway is sure to tranform Nepal's neighborhood. Before the train left, Hu said the project is not only a magnificent feat in China's history of railway construction, but is also a great miracle of the world's railroad history. Shouldn't Nepal now create its own history by focusing on major development efforts? How long will we continue to miss the train?
• Train to the Roof of the World, Wired News
• Gormo - Lhasa railway: An unparallel track to invasion, Phayul
• High-tech features first Tibetan railway, People's Daily
• China completes railway to Tibet, BBC

American investigators have found a neatly folded uniform believed to belong to Pratistha Budhathoki, 20, a missing exchange student from Nepal. They found the uniform on a rock outcropping near a mountain top restaurant where she was seen four days after she disappeared. Earlier, police said her credit-card records show she spent less than $10 on food on June 22. Appeals are made for help, including one from Rocky Mouintain Friends of Nepal, a local group.
• Missing student mystery deepens in Colorado, Pioneer Press
• Last seen at a Colorado eatery, RMN
• Unusual discovery made, KSTP
• Missing student's credit card use gives police lead, the Denver Channel
• Missing student would talk to anyone, cousin says, Pioneer Press

Some geologists, led by Delores Robinson of the University of Alabama, have, challeged the dominant theory of the formation of the Himalayas-- that the high mountains were formed when the Greater Himalaya rocks were squeezed out 55 million years ago like a liquid oozing, knowns as the "channel flow" theory. Based on a recent research finding, They also present a new geologic map of western Nepal and three balanced regional cross sections in the Himalayan thrust belt.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights says the Maoists continue to abduct and kill innocent people. A series of abductions and killings attributed to Maoist cadres in the Central Region have resulted in the deaths of nine individuals since 3 May 2006, the report says. The United States, too, have condemned Maoists’ killings saying that the actions of the rebels are in mockery of a two-month-old ceasefire. The US also has warned it would suspend all assistance and would not recognize an interim government to be formed with the Maoists till the rebels renounce violence. Earlier Kantipur, known to be close to the SPA government, had highlighted that the US would give Nepal $40 million, and it would give more, if requested. Some in NC and UML tend to agree with the UN and US assessments. Others, like UML's Bam Dev Gautam, have disregarded US warning.

Our national media would grab headlines of missing climbers, and Prachanda's every move. Newslook does not see much focus on what is going on with those 7 peacekeepers abducted in Congo last month. How about Kantipur dispatching a reporter to the location, even if it means just to prove Mr. Hem Raj Gyawali's leadership? Or the ever-emerging Himal of the Dixit Bros? Now looks like the Congolese rebels have released two of the abducted soldiers. The fate of the 5 is unknown. "I cannot give any more details for the moment," says Carmine Camerini, spokesman for the UN peacekeeping force (MONUC).
• Congo militia threatens to execute hostages, Gulf News
• Congo condemns kidnapping, People's Daily
• Nepali peacekeeper killed during Congo military operation, the Hindu
• Annan condemns attack on Nepali peacekeepers, All Africa
• Six Nepali peacekeepers still in captivity in Congo, Nepal News
• UN steps up efforts to free troops in Congo, the Himalayan Times

The Krishna Jung Rayamajhi Commission has begun to grill former ministers about their role in suppressing the April 2006 mass movement. On Tuesday, the panel questioned Dr. Tulsi Giri, Badri Prasad Mandal, Nikshya Shumsher Rana (L to R, in pic). The government has already suspended junior officials of the army and the police for their alleged excesses during the pro-democracy protests. But it is yet to be seen what actions will be taken against these and other high-ranking officials.
• Rayamajhi panel Grills Dr Giri, Rana, Mandal, The Himalayan Times
• Commission summons royal ministers in crackdown probe, Jurist
• Tulsi Giri, two others summoned, The Rising Nepal
• Former ministers questioned, Los Angeles Times

What matters ultimately is a change in attitude and behavior, a change in substance, not only in form. Merely changing the flag or the national anthem, or name of the government, for example, does not help build a New Nepal, as the leaders of the Seven Pary Alliance may wish us believe. The government has just failed in their first test case: No representation of women, more than half the country's population, in the constitution drafting commission. What happened to the historic proclamation that categorically promised a fair representation of the fairer sex? Instead of heeding their call, the government is detaining women activists.
Women Activists Detained For Demanding Say In Nepal's Constitution
Women Demand Inclusion In Statute-drafting Panel
Nepal forms interim constitution drafting committee

PM Girija Koirala and Maoist supremo Prachanda have met in Baluwatar. The outcome of the 10-hour talks: The reinstated parliament will be dissolved, and the SPA and the Maoists will form an interim government, and write an interim constitution within 3 weeks so as to pave a way for the Constituent Assembly elections.
PM, Maoist chief sit together
Maoists and ruling SPA agree deal, dissolve parliament
Interim government with Maoists to be set up
Maoist rebels to join interim gov't
Maoists poised to join government
Round two of talks commence
Rebels say they will join new interim govt

As soon as Girija Prasad Koirala suggested that monarchy must continue at least in its ceremonial role, and at least until a Constituent Assembly decides the fate of the 237-year institution, young students walked out of their classroom to protest his views. A handful of disgruntled people can wreak havoc today in the streets of Kathmandu. Mob rule is the norm and extremist politics is the game in town. It seems there is no room for a middle ground in the country of Nepal. It is hard to know exactly how the majority of the Nepali population feels about the political passage and the recent April revolution. They remain silent. Nepal does not have periodic national public opinion polls like in the West. Nor have elections beeen held in years. Street demonstrations and the extent of vandalism and damage to public property are the only measures availalbe currently. But how plausible are such measures is an open question.
Nepal PM's remarks on king spark protests in Kathmandu
PM says 'monarchy to stay'
Premier favours ceremonial role for King
King should be given ceremonial role: PM
King should be given ceremonial role: PM Koirala

I mean business; he seemed to insist, with the quintessential Nepali (political) flavor of self-conceit, mixed with some mild emotional bouts of rage and cynicism. Pity the KTV reporter, he managed to ask so many questions, despite the fact that he was the first Nepali TV journalist who was filming “the fearsome" himself. Anyway, that helped Prachanda do a 360-degree on "the popular channel," as he put it. It was a free publicity. Without a Nepali Neilson, we may not know exactly how many tuned into the tube to see his aggressive gestures. Yet, little doubt, he did speak (some may say rambled) through many of the issues vexing the country today. Again and again, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal proved he would not miss a PR opportunity. If dialogue would not work, he warned, he would be ready to kill more. If other nations saw thousands and even millions dead to do away with their feudal past, why not Nepal?—he seemed to argue. Only about 15,000 Nepalis had died so far, he reminded, just to warn the parliamentary parties, whom he bashed again and again. He did speak in thet Nepali tongue, like an average Joe, directly, and often harshly, and many of his facts were dead-wrong. The self-described “scientist," for instance, could not tell British from Britain, repeatedly.

PM Koirala is back home after his 4-day sojourn of India. Compared to his last big visit of the Delhi Durbar in July 2000, which Newslook covered extensively, this trip went very well for him. Then, he attempted to discuss "all issues" with his counterpart Atal Behari Vajpayee, made a trip to the Indian Silicon Valley to emulate the Indian economic formula, gave speeches and luncheon addresses and proposed toasts. Despite that, commentators dubbed his visit as a "missed opportunity." Some said he returned home "almost empty handed." This time round, his visit, which followed the popular April Uprising in Kathmandu, managed to generate Ne Ru 15 billion! And that without any formal speeches! Suddenly, Nepal, which was pushed behind Bhutan in Indian aid diplomacy, has topped New Delhi's assistance list. That may be New Delhi's reward for Koirala, the most powerful PM under Nepali democray ever to visit India. But the real Indian goodwill should reflect in its resolution of several outstanding issues, including the 1950 Treaty, the Bhutanese refugees problem, Kalapani, Maoists' bases in India, disputes over shared river projects, and Nepalis' security in India-- all too familiar, yet unsolved. In fact, the internal revolution in Nepal may be over (even Prachanda sounds optimistic on peace), but a truly Nepali revolution will remain incomplete, say, without resolving the 1950 Treaty with India.
Joint press statement, Nepal-India, at the end of Koirala visit
MEA India's statement on Koirala visit

There are many reasons why the Gurkhas can form the heart of the world's first real police force, argues Menandro M. de Mesa, a former Philippine diplomat: "A major reason is that nobody hates them, and they don't hate any ethnic group, country or religion." Quite a compliment, specially during these times of conflict, at home and abroad. And there is yet, another reason: the Gurkhas, who know how to fight, also know how to cheer people, even the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam. If only this wisdom could dawn on the Congolese rebels, who continue to hold several Gurkha peacekeepers as hostages. And what happened to the UN efforts? And to Gen Sec Kofi Annan's condemnation? No follow-up stories, yet.

Deepak Thapa, author and journalist, in an essay in the Far Eastern Economic Review, chronicles recent political turmoil in the Himalayan kingdom and discusses the new mood of optimism after democracy’s restoration.

There are only 14 peaks in the world over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) and nine of them, including Mount Everest, are accessible from Nepal. With so many of the world's highest summits within its borders, Nepal is a magnet for "peak baggers"—climbers who scale mountains simply because they're on a list. (NationalGeographic, Jan 31/01)

There are only 14 peaks in the world over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet) and nine of them, including Mount Everest, are accessible from Nepal. With so many of the world's highest summits within its borders, Nepal is a magnet for "peak baggers"— climbers who scale mountains simply because they're on a list. (NationalGeographic, Jan 31/01)

Quoting an unidentified Gurkha veteran he Tegraph of London reports that as many as half of the new recruits in the British Gurkha brigade are Maoist rebels. But British Army spokesman refutes this claim. (TheTelegraph, Jan 18/01)

• Four Knoxvillians trek through spectacular Nepal, Tibet, Knoxnews, USA, Jan 17/01
ALSO: Trekking through Annapurna in Nepal was one of C. Celestine's most gruelling yet awkward fulfilling experiences. She shares her adventure in The Star, Malaysia. (Jan 13/01)
• US planned to nuclearise India, bomb China's N-installations AP/HT Jan 14/01

January 16 is Earthquake Safety Day in Nepal-- the day the `Big One', registering 8.4 on the Richter scale, devastated the region 67 years ago, writes Wanphen Sreshthaputra. (BangkokPost, Jan 16/01)

Chobi Mela's 'Nepal by Nepalis' photo show ends at the Shilparag, Dhanmondi (DailyStar, Bangladesh)

Where was Buddha born? Nepal or India? Nepalis believe he was born in Tilaurakot in Lumbini of Nepal. Indians insist he was born in Piparwaha of UP. Finally, the debate seems to be over: British arecheologists working on a UNESCO project in Nepal say they expect to receive within weeks carbon-dating results that will confirm Tilaurakot as the actual birth-place of Buddha. (IANS, Dec 24)

Scientists from the American Yale University and NASA Commercial Space Center, who conducted extensive research at the Everest base camp in 1998 and 1999, say the telemedicine technology adopted to monitor heath of the climbers in extreme conditions could be used in the homes of patients suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and emphysema. Doctors track long-distance patients via the vital signs monitor (VSM) device, worth upto $15,000, attached typically across the chest or wrist or swallowed in pill form by the patient.
| News in Science daily | News in National Geographic |
• Subscribers can directly read the two detailed articles on this topic in Telemedicine Journal & e-Health.

The Swedish Kronor 1 million award, named after Pakistani debt-slave-boy, Iqbal Masih, who was murdered in 1995 for fighting for his and other children’s rights, will go into supporing children's rights.

Action would be taken against the held under Section 6(3) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 which carries a maximum RM50,000 fine or five years' jail with up to six strokes of the rotan upon conviction, reports The Star (Malysia).

Pamela Bode narrates her wonderful Nepal trekking experience in Askemen, a men's magazine.

Since 1995, community-based power generation and distribution have ushered in a social revolution. Now Nepal’s remotest hills generate their own electricity in their backyard. Nepal had to bow before the pressure from its civil society to decentralise its hydroelectricity generation and distribution, reports OneWorld.

First Biographer of Mother Teresa's successor has something to say: Sister is very opposed to publicity. And she would like to see there be less talk about the fruits and more about the roots, the reason for her mission, the source from which her life stems. EWTIN/ZENIT.

Related Stories:
• Order flourishes a year after Mother Teresa's death, CFRA 29/08/98
• Interview with Sister Nirmala, Catholic World News, 1998
• 'We have never forced people to convert': Sister Nirmala, 07/09/98
• Mother Teresa's successor: `I have to walk in my own shoes', Boston Globe/AP, 09/12/97
• Filling the big sandals. Time, 24/03/1997
• Sister Nirmala to succeed Mother Teresa, AP, 03/97

Quite frankly, Nepal belongs on the last pages of most American export sales plans. Some U.S. marketers put considerable effort into the kingdom because they operate with the attitude of British mountain climber George Herbert Leigh Mallory. When Mallory received an inquiry in the 1920s about the reason he wanted to climb Mount Everest on the Nepalese border, he replied: ``Because it is there.'' Story by Miami Herald.

Gateway to the Himalaya, the nation faces a new challenge: coping with the opportunities of modern times as it continues to struggle under its old burden of poverty. National Geographic, Nov 2000.

Just before Princess Royal's visit to Nepal, and the refugee camps, BBC's Daniel Lak finds that the sense of despair is powerful among the refugees. "...The situation is falling off the radar screen and the fear is that something dramatic, something ugly, may have to happen to get it back in view...." "Social tensions frequently boil over" reports Lak. real 56k

A former Gurkha army officer, he is now a British citizen. He receives 90% less in pension than the regular 'white' British soldiers retiring in similar capacity. If he is successful in his legal fight for back payments and an increased pension, it could lead to claims from about 20,000 former Gurkhas who live in Nepal, reports BBC.
• Gurkha fights for higher pension, The Telegraph, Nov 21/00
• Gurkha ex-soldier sues on pay bias, The Guardian, Nov 21/00
• Gurkha fights 'monstrous' army discrimination, Sky.com, Nov 21/00
• A force to be reckoned with, BBC, Nov 20/00
• Army accused of Gurkha 'bias', BBC, Nov 20/00
• Gurkha accuses British Army of racism, Nov 20/00
• Gurkha accuses racist MoD, Nov 20/00

Religious leaders from the world's 12 major faiths have journeyed to Nepal for a conservation conference. From Baha'is to Zoroastrians, each religion represented at the World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF) 39th annual conference has announced conservation initiatives. ENS, Nov 16/00
• More news on the conference
• Journey to Kathmandu
• WWF Nepal
• WWF

King Birendra launches in Nepal an international joint effort by 11 world religions and the World Wildlife Fund to protect nature and wildlife. More than 500 delegates are participating in the four-day conference.
• Religions go green, BBC, Nov 15/00
• 39th WWF conference begins with a ‘gift to the Earth' TKP, Nov 15/00
• From the Green Patriarch, a Plea for Planet Earth, The New York Times, Nov 14/00
• Religions support landmark conservation conference in Nepal, AFP, Nov 14/00
• World religions join conservation battle, BBC, Nov 14/00
• World Religions and Conservationists Meet to Save Planet, Nepalnews, Nov 14/00

Sadbhavana's Gajendra says "only a federal system of governance can stem the rot and can give equal rights to all the citizens of Nepal." Does not want to comment about the role of the King as "we have a democracy and the King has a limited role in improving the situation." Times of India, Nov 12/00

As the city booms with tourists, its vibrant traditions live on--for those who can wake up early to see them, reports Carl Duncan, Los Angeles Times, Nov 12.

Nearly a century ago, scientists learned that vitamin A was crucial to health, but that lesson was forgotten until a Hopkis researcher rediscovered its power. And that power is now at play in Nepal. A feature, which forms Part II in a remarkable interprise series from Baltimore Sun, Oct 23/00
Other stories in the series:
• Part I : In bid to save lives, death becomes data Oct 22/00
• Part III : Linking the lab and the village Oct 24/00

Nepali organizations, among others, are subjected to a US gag rule that prohibits those receiving U.S. funds from even discussing abortion in their own countries, even if they are using their own money. Action is called for before the gag "becomes an entrenched, and disgraceful, tool of know-nothing American colonialism." -- Reports Judy Mann in a Washington Post story; 09/29/00

Despite insurgency, Far Eastern Economic Review sees strong growth surplus in trade balance, control of inflation, strong growth in manufacturing and agricultural output as well as external trade. But says banks are in serous trouble. FEER, Sept 28/0

Conservationists' work with traditional healers in remote parts of Nepal is gradually paying off, report Susanne Schmitt and Alan Hamilton in Environmnetal News Network, 09/15

Both the last decade and the last 50 years were the warmest in 1,000 years, reads a an Environmental News Network's new analysis of centuries old Himalayan ice. 09/15

Fears mount of further casualties in Nepal, as more monsoon rains are forecast in the region where scores of people have already died, reports BBC (Real • 56k )

US State Department warns its citizens in Nepal to be cautious since "early September has traditionally been a period of greater than usual activity by Maoist groups," reports CNN, Sept 01, 00

Will China's security concerns hamper Nepal's tourism industry? A TOI story Sept 01/00.

Sumitra Dangal, the first Nepali woman to drive a 'tempo', is all set to do more than just drive the threewheeler, reports Ramyata Limbu. (IPS/Oneworld, 08/29)

BBC's HardTalk, 08 Aug. '00, features an interview with a British businessman who elaborates the plight of Nepali girls forced into prostitution. Once again, Maiti Nepal, a charity organization from Kathmandu who cares for this problem, has become a subject of attention in the Brit media. BBC Video [24 minutes].

Jayalakshmi K succumbs to the old-world charm of Nepal, its surrounding hills, mystical monastries and innumerable trekking routes, reports Deccan Herald fom Southern India, 25 July. Something of a Shangri-La even today, yeh!?

More than 400 women in Nepal are in jails like this for undergoing illegal abortions, reports Marion LLoyd in the South China Morning Post.
• BBC, 12 July: Protestors Arrested in beauty contest demonstration

A Reuters dispatch by Alan Mozes reports a study from Nepal suggests that using homeopathic medicines alongside more traditional oral rehydration therapies (ORT) can help treat acute diarrhea in young children.
• Virus kills 28 in Nepal, The Sri Lanka Daily News 15 July

The four-year old Maoist insurgency contiunes to cost lives, despite declared intentions of holding talks from both parties, the government as well as the rabels.
• Policemen killed in Sindhupalchok, BBC, 15 July
• American Reporter, 05 July: Maoist terror jars peaceful Nepal
• BBC 05 July: India and Nepal discuss security concerns

Usha Khadgi, 22, is crowned Miss Nepal 2000 in Kathmandu, July 12. Go to www.missnepal.to for details.
• Beauty contests turn ugly, South China Morning Post, 17 July

Start-ups: High-tech business leaders from Indian region have united to help ambitious immigrants succeed in the U.S, reports David Kesmodel in the Los Angeles Times, 03 July.

Gurkha hero... won two decorations within a month fighting the Japanese - using his teeth to remove the pins from his grenades, writes The Times of London in an obituary, July 3. Also, see updates on Answers.com.

In Nepal, thousands of girls are kidnapped each year and sold into prostitution across Asia. Now, some who escaped are patrolling India's border to snare smugglers, reports Dexter Filkins, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer from Biratnagar, June 26. This article was also carried by International Herald Tribune, June 29.
• UPI, June 20: Women guards stem sex trade
• The Telegraph, June 15: Savior of Sex Slaves

Ravir Prasad writes in a UPI feature that the Ghurka Ex-Servicemen Association is preparing to file a case against the British army in the British court demanding parity in wages and pension.

Nepal's Sherpas have bested Everest faster and more often than anyone else, but they get little respect for it, says a Time Magazine story.
• Quite heores who don't always get their dues
• To the Precipice, But Agonizingly Short of the Peak
• June 23: Sikkim bans expedition to Kanchenjunga
• Japan Times, June 25: A humbling experience in the himalayas.

The Being +5 UN conference on women's issues [June 5-9, 2000, New York City] focused on women's rights. Media highlighted the plight of Nepali women forced into sexual slavery.

Related News/Links
• Special Session on Women Deadlocked
• Nepal Statement by Minister for Women Ms Kamala Panta.
• Live webcast of the conference.
• George Thomas of CBN News interviews"Anita," a 28-years-old from Nepal.
• The Earth Times: "It's all words, words, words..."
• Trafficking of Women And Children on Upswing
• Prostitutes-Turned-Guards Combat Child Trafficking

• Activists Demand Sex Equality
• U.N. Women's Meeting Addresses Human Trafficking

Postgraduate students who cannot speak English but can afford the high fees are able to get British graduates to write their assignments for them, reports Alfred Lee in the Straits Times of Singapore."The students had to pay fees of up to (pound)10,000 (S$ 26,000) a year... English-born graduates were paid £8 and more an hour to help write their PhD thesis or master's degree assignments."

• Somesamples of writings from foreign PhDs/graduates
• The Telegraph: June 12: PhD students pay £10,000 'but can't write'
• Vigorous defense by University of Kent in response to
allegations
• ELD: Nepal's education system needs fundamental change (essay by Rajeeb Satyal )

"In the Hamlet of Setipokhari orders for copper goods are up 50 percent fom a year ago," reports Wall Street Journal, June 12, The reason: World2Market.com., a Seattle-based company that sells handicrafts made in developing countries is buying them in a apparent dreams of an e-commerce bonanza. Blacksmiths at Setipohari are more than happy with the improved prospects of earning. However, they agree that technology may prove better for finding buyers than more artisans. Search WSJ archives for the pay-for-retrieval story..

Spotlight reports the government's decision to suspend registration of electric three-wheelers sparks a new round of controversy.
• OPINION by Binod Bhattarai: Not-so-Safa Decision
• Attitude Changed
• Battery-run vehicles help Katmandu air (June 04): Miriam Jordan of the Houston Chronicle, Texas, reports Kathmandu is home to the world's largest fleet of electric public-transit vehicles. (Subscription required)
• Rhinos recovered in Nepal's National Parks, an ENS news feature
• ASIDE: American Expedition Cleans Up Garbage on Everest
• ASIDE:
Man is only a reed, the feeblest thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed,
says Prince Gyanendra

A Business Age cover story reports among the 30 odd companies registered as airlines, only 15 are actually in business. Investors call for further refinement in the aviation policies.
• The Economic Times: Nepal's vanaspati in peril

Lawyers have lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court of Japan against a high court judge's decision to detain Govinda Prasad Mainali, 33, who was cleared of murder and robbery charges by a lower court, reports the Japan Times.
• Caught in a legal nightmare
• Tokyo court detains acquitted Nepalese man
• Ishikawa to compensate for assault
• Acquitted Nepalese man cannot be held: court
• Nepalese man cleared of '97 slaying

An American working in Nepal helped found Mountain Forum to change her isolation from the rest of the world, a web citation in the Atlantic magazine reads.

Experts say 'dalits' have too little faith in the establishment to use the law against discrimination, reports Suman Pradhan in an IPS reportage
• GEMINI'S Child Newsline story by Jan Sharma on efforts to end 'Kamaiya', which is now regarded as a modern form of slavery
• ASIDE: World's largest donor Nepal's largest, too