Nepali Times ePaper

Dear Nepali Times Reader,

Nepal's macroeconomic indicators paint a rosy picture: foreign exchange reserves cover imports for over a year, remittances are rising, and inflation remains manageable. But the reality on the streets tells a different story. Despite progress, nearly 6 million Nepalis still live under the poverty line.

The latest Nepal Living Standards Survey reveals a decrease in the poverty rate from 25.16% in 2011 to 20.27% in 2023. If adjusted for inflation and international poverty standards, the rate would have been even lower, however while rural poverty has declined urban poverty has been increasing since 2004. See the graphs on Page 1 and read Shristi Karki's editorial.

Other highlights from this week’s issue:

Books Special:

Review of books on the the rituals of royalty to a Nepali cookbook, and older ones on Oppenheimer and the story of Arlene Blum who led the first all-women expedition to the world’s tenth-highest mountain in 1978. Nepali Times Books Special on pages 3, 4, 6-7, and 9.  

The Controversial Pronoun Is ‘We’, Not ‘They'

At the Sundance Film Festival, Alok Vaid-Menon defied the cold in striking femme fashion. They were the face of a short documentary, ALOK, directed by Alexandra Hedison and produced by Jodie Foster. Alok, a gender non-conforming performer, blends art and activism, touring the world with poems about queer and trans experiences. Ranjita Ganesan profiles Alok V Menon ahead of their performance in Kathmandu.

Climate Crisis Ruins Himalayan Pastoralists

In Rukum East, late snowfall is too little too late for the high-altitude meadows, now dried up after a prolonged drought. Traditional sheep farming is dwindling. Climate change and outmigration exacerbate the situation. As young people migrate for better opportunities, ancient traditions tied to sheep rearing fade away. Rabin Pun Magar reports from Rukum East.

Warmer, Drier Winters in Nepal

This year's winter in Nepal has been exceptionally warm and dry, with temperatures soaring higher than the decade's average and precipitation falling below normal levels. Data from November and December 2023 reveals a significant deviation from typical winter conditions, with temperatures remaining unseasonably high reports Ramesh Kumar.

This and more at nepalitimes.com.

Have a great weekend.

Nepali Times