By Jasuda Pradhan, Managing Editor

Sheetal Niwas' worthless expenditure

AFTER A TALK PROGRAMME organized by the China Study Centre at Hotel Annapurna, Cocktail Man was dragged by a friend to a drinking hole nearby. As we sipped whisky in the early evening, a former diplomat joined us and as we exchanged chit-chat, he revealed .... more

By Cocktailman

China as a world power European and Asian perspectives

While welcoming China’s positive role in international politics, European governments, intellectuals and the press regularly express concerns about its modus operandi in several areas. There is an important question of copyright and intellectual property. They feel that China ..... more

By Sashi PBB Malla & Ralf Narendra BB Malla

Ascent of the anti Hindus

Barely a month after his visit to New Delhi for support in rebuilding his Maoist-ravaged country, Nepal's appointed interim Prime Minister GP Koirala has delivered his unhappy nation into the hands of its worst tormentor and .... more

By Sandhya Jain

Tawdry twists and trivialization of truth

Less than 100 days after he was forced to give up direct rule, events have vindicated King Gyanendra's February 1, 2005 takeover of full executive powers - at least from one standpoint. In his proclamation, the monarch had cited, among other things, the political leadership's trivialization of national ... more

By Maila Baje

Sugar coated budget

The budget for the fiscal year 2063/64 presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat is coated with sugar but when the pretenses are shaken off, it is nothing more than 'grapes are sour' Moreover, it is like a proverbial fox which waits and waits for the grapes to fall off the vines ... more

By Jasuda Pradhan

Mumbai blasts unsettle region

On 11 July, seven explosives ripped through commuter trains during evening rush hour in India’s financial capital Mumbai killing, at this writing, 181 people and wounding nearly 900 others. Predictably dubbed India’s “7/11”, the craven act of mass terrrorism has not only rocked ... more

By M.R. Josse

Ruminating on Royal responsibility

AWith most ministers and officials of King Gyanendra's 15-month regime having shifted to the palace responsibility for the deaths and injuries inflicted by the state's brutal response to the April Uprising, the Rayamajhi Commission appears emboldened enough to seek to question the monarch... more

By Maila Baje

Downsizing Nepal Army serious challenge to national security

Finance Minister Dr. Ramsharan Mahat said in his formal speech "To reduce defence expenditure in the long run, vacancies in the Nepal Army this year will be made automatically redundant." This indicates government's decisions of downsizing ... more

By Rajat KC

Defeat of a democracy

The Maoists dominated SPA government has agreed for the constitution of an interim parliament by dissolving the King reinstated parliament. As per the Maoists' wish, the government has been compelled to form an interim government along with ... more

By Pushpa Raj Pradhan

A hard look at Lumbini Development Trust

Almost three decade has passed since the Master Plan for the development of Lumbini prepared by the Japanese Professor Kenzo Tange was accepted and implemented by the UN and the government of Nepal. The international community of Buddhists and the peace ... more

By Dorji Tsering Sherpa

What Design?

The organized effort at chaos continues. This is backed by a partisan media that is an extension of that organized effort. The Maoists remain unclear on the question of surrendering their weapons. The government adds to the confusion by refusing to address the issue outright. On the other hand the .... more

Birthday advertisements and survival of media

This year, on the occasion of the King’s birthday, a scarcity of the birthday advertisements was seen in the local media. None of the newspapers brought out special birthday supplements. In fact, such birthday supplements used to be the major source of revenue ..... more

By PR Pradhan

Vacancies immediately filled

Two top vacancies at European missions in the capital were immediately filled last week indicating United Kingdom and Finland want to keep the closest tab on developments in Nepal at this crucial juncture. Nepal, be sure, is being closely watched and followed in world capitals. ..... more

Commendable job

I commend you for your effort and being voice of reason and sanity in the tumultuous time in Nepal. As nation slowly slides into grip of Maoist and rudderless SPA, the onus falls on people and publication like you to shine the ... more

Excerpts from weeklies and dailies

Compiled and translated by BHOLA B. RANA... more