International and non-government organizations (I/NGOs) as well as women activists have been raising their voices on women’s rights in recent years. While such initiatives have been focused on young girls and women, the plights of elderly women remains largely unaddressed. This write up discusses how elderly women are deprived of much needed rights with some examples.

Santoshi, a single woman of 75 lives with her son, daughter-in law and her grandc­hildren. Santoshi says, “My family compels me to stay indoors because of my age. They consider it a serious case to send me out of the house. My family members say I might get hurt. Moreover, I have a habit of forgetting things and places. They think I cannot learn. Why? Because my age is not appropriate for learning?”

Gautam is one of the 30 students in BLC for elderly persons (60+) set up in 2016 by Ageing Nepal, a non-government organization. Now, it is running smoothly in four places. Three classes are now successfully managed by the local government, whereas one continues to run with the support from Ageing Nepal.

There are many elderly women like Santoshi who have faced discrimination throughout their lives. In 1952, illiteracy among 14+age Nepali population was 90 percent for men and 99.4 percent for women (Census 1952-54). Consequently, elderly women have suffered illiteracy in the first half of the 21^st century making their life miserable in this modern society.

“Even though they tell me to stay at home, I go out after they both leave for their respective jobs, and my grandson leaves for school. I come back home before they come. I have been doing this for the last one year. I got caught many times. At times, they seized my old age allowance to prevent me from going out on my own. They believe that I should be obeying everything they say but the desire to learn has overridden those orders. That is why I still continue my hide and seek game.”

Right to health is often ignored

Tairan, an elderly woman is a student of Basic Literacy Class (BLC) organized by Asthabhuja Samaj – a local social organization. She cannot see with one of her eyes as her other eye has a limited vision.

Despite this, her desire to learn is commendable. She says, “There are many organizations working for women’s right to health. But they often ignore elderly women. Does a woman cease to remain a woman after 60? What about our health concerns? Earlier, we were discriminated because of our gender and now we are discriminated because of our age.”

Gautam is one of the 30 students in BLC for elderly persons (60+) set up in 2016 by Ageing Nepal, a non-government organization. Now, it is running smoothly in four places. Three classes are now successfully managed by the local government, whereas one continues to run with the support from Ageing Nepal.

The consequences of poor reproductive health manifest at elderly age such as: uterine prolapse, cervical cancer, complications of menopause and so on. Health issues of elderly people remain ignored even though many charity, non-government organizations and health workers seem concerned towards women’s health.

Social protection for elderly women

Sunita, one of the students of BLC was dependent on her husband for her entire life. Now, since he has passed away she finds herself in a difficult situation. Her old age allowance is neither enough to fulfill her basic needs nor adequate to buy medicines. She finds it difficult to read the labels on medicines. This forced her to be enrolled in BLC.

They have equal rights to autonomy, social protection and to advance health directives. Women of all age group must be considered as contributors to the society. They should be treated as equals to their male counterparts throughout their lives in order to develop a healthy society.

In many countries, elderly women often face challenges and discrimination because of their age and gender. Due to high average life expectancy rate of women, elderly women are more likely to become widowed than elderly men and less likely to remarry which makes them more vulnerable. In addition, illiteracy gives them the sense of loss of their identity and disempowerment.

Women face abuse in elderly age

It is often assumed that gender-based violence is only the problems of younger women. But elderly women are also subject to all types of violence, abuse and neglect. A combination of age and sex discrimination is one of the major reasons that put elderly women at high risk of violence.

In Nepal, 130 cases on the abuse of elderly women were reported in 2018 (Year Book of Senior Citizens 2019, Ageing Nepal). Among them, the highest number is of those neglected (84). Similarly, the reported cases of sexual abuse are higher than previous year as 12 elderly women were raped in 2018. Obviously, many rape cases are unreported due to shame, fear and lack of awareness.

Hence, a change is necessary to address the issues of elderly women. They should be freed from the sense of worthless. Instead, they should be infused with self-worth and value. They must be recognized for the social and economic contributions they make to their families and communities. They have equal rights to autonomy, social protection and to advance health directives. Women of all age group must be considered as contributors to the society. They should be treated as equals to their male counterparts throughout their lives in order to develop a healthy society.

(Surnames of the persons mentioned above are avoided to maintain privacy of the concerned persons – author)

Women’s Day celebrated on the 8th of March every year has a history of over a century. It started with some women in New York honoring garment worker’s strike in 1908. The women during that time demanded many rights such as rights to work, and right to rest.

Nepal, too, has been celebrating Women’s Day for quite a long time but in a functionary manner. However, this day started gaining gravity in Nepal after the restoration of democracy in 1990.

In fact, my grandfather belonged to this remote area who later migrated to Kathmandu. A thought crept into my mind: Had my grandfather not migrated to Kathmandu, I would be one of these women.

In Nepal’s context, a one-day event does not make much difference. Yet, it does stimulate discussions on the socio-political issues facing women. It helps to raise the consciousness level of the people. In the past 32 years of my experience, I have found a great change in the world of Nepalese women.

Some 25 years ago, women were treated even worse than animals in Far-Western Nepal. An incident in Achham district left a deep impression within me. I was drudging up a stiff hill in the district sans a piece of baggage. It was a tiring and arduous climb of around 12 hours. On the way, I came across some local women climbing the hill carrying a load of cement weighing approximately 25 kg.

Curious to know why women were compelled to carry a heavy load instead of mules, I asked a male pulling a mule. His plain response left me speechless. “Mules have difficulty carrying the cement. That’s why they (women) carry cement bags. This is not a big deal for them.” What could be more tear-jerking than this?

In fact, my grandfather belonged to this remote area who later migrated to Kathmandu. A thought crept into my mind: Had my grandfather not migrated to Kathmandu, I would be one of these women.

That event, in fact, moved me. From that very day, I decided to be active for the cause of women besides being a medical practitioner. Since then, I have been conducting numerous women-related programs in the region.

Post-1990, people usually talked about political rights. Neither the politicians nor social workers talked about the heartrending condition of women in far west Nepal. For instance, the Chhaupadi is still in practice. I started writing on these issues and even raised them at the workshops and seminars. Media also did an amazing work by bringing these issues to the fore. Finally, a law is in place now declaring Chhaupadi illegal.

Notwithstanding the law, the practice is still in place. Law has no impact on the evil practice since it is deeply embedded in the social culture. Sher Bahadur Deuba from the far western region who held the post of the prime minister for three times failed to speak against Chhaupadi practice. Similarly, Bhim Rawal, another influential politician representing the region also does not raise the issue because they fear that doing so would displease the people thereby costing them their votes. That means the politicians do not consider women’s issues worth raising.

But what is encouraging in recent years is that I have come across women in the far western Nepal who says that they no longer practice Chhaupadi. Their number is small but it is a positive sign.

Consciousness level of Nepali people has raised considerably over the past 25 years. Maoist insurgency (1996-2006) might have some negative consequences. But it did instill a sense among oppressed sections of the people that they should be liberated and they need their identity.

It is not the raised consciousness level among people that matters, most crucial is how sensitive the politicians are on women’s issue. Equally important is the implementation aspects of existing rights and laws regarding women.

During the elections, political parties in their manifesto talk about women rights or empowering them. However, the promises are forgotten once they come to power. A glowing example is the issue of citizenship. The constitution guarantees that a mother can pass her citizenship rights to her children. But in practice, it is almost impossible for someone to obtain a citizenship certificate in the mother’s name.

Consciousness level of Nepali people has raised considerably over the past 25 years. Maoist insurgency (1996-2006) might have some negative consequences. But it did instill a sense among oppressed sections of the people that they should be liberated and they need their identity.

Unfortunately, the political leadership and bureaucracy are not positive towards empowering women. Situation still persists that a woman despite being born in Nepal can be rendered a non-citizen if her father or husband refrains from recommending her for a citizenship certificate.

That Nepalese women today have access to state organs is a positive sign. However, this is the result of a long history of struggle by Nepalese women activists. Women leaders like Sahana Pradhan and Mangala Devi Singh including others fought for the rights of Nepalese women since 1947. Thirty-three percent reservation of Nepalese women at state bodies in the constitution is having a positive impact in the sense that Dalit women are elected to represent the local level. This has forced them to think about their rights and identity in society.

Yet, it is unbecoming to assume that a single woman remaining at the helm of power makes a substantial contribution to the life of Nepalese women. That is to say, Bidya Devi Bhandari being the president of Nepal does not impact the life of common women. Indira Gandhi ruled India as a lady prime minister for a long time, but many women in India still live a deplorable life.

Our social, cultural values and traditions are grounded in Hindu religion and most of them are now irrelevant. Whenever women activists raise the issue of women’s rights they are dubbed as importing foreign idea. They are also charged with attacking the national culture. We need to understand that our culture is not entirely based on pure Eastern philosophy. Eastern philosophy does not discriminate between male and female. For example, the Geeta says that a person’s stature is decided by his/her karma (acts), not by birth. But our culture still adheres to the discriminatory caste system.

Now there is a kind of movement going in the Terai called, Beti bachaao, Beti badhaao (educate daughter, save daughter). It is also a popular slogan in India. I do not agree with this. Does that mean we should kill sons? The point is about ensuring equal rights to girls be that religious, inheritance, education and citizenship etc. Once we grant equal rights to daughters they will grow into capable citizens.

The situation of women is worse than that of Nepal in countries like Afghanistan and Sudan. That does not mean, we should give up working on women’s issues. Ultimately it is the political will that matters most in bridging the gap between men and women.

On this women’s day, we should not only be talking about the women in Kathmandu but also about the women and their problems in rural Nepal.

Tensions between Pakistan and India flared up in the past few weeks. The two nuke-powered rivals were almost at the brink of war. Though the war has been averted, permanent solution is nowhere in sight.

Long known as a peaceful country, Nepal has no stake with the current situation involving Pakistan and India. However, observers have expressed concern that Nepal should remain vigilant given the fact that the Pakistan-based terrorists were found to have used Nepali territory in the past.

India wants Pakistan to hand over Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad leader to it since the group has been responsible for the series of terrorist attacks in Indian cities in the past. Pakistan, however, has not complied with the demand so far. Azhar, who has been declared a terrorist by India, the USA, the UN and other countries including Britain, France and the USSR, is taking shelter in Pakistan.

The latest tension between India and Pakistan sparked by Jaish-e-Mohammad, a Pakistan based terrorist group that ambushed, and killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) members on the 15th February. In retaliation, India launched a surgical strike inside the Pakistani territory targeting the terrorist camp.

Later, both the countries were involved in a dog fight. Pakistan had held captive, Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after downing his aircraft. It released the pilot as a “gesture of peace” dowsing the fire of possible war.

India wants Pakistan to hand over Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad leader to it since the group has been responsible for the series of terrorist attacks in Indian cities in the past. Pakistan, however, has not complied with the demand so far. Azhar, who has been declared a terrorist by India, the USA, the UN and other countries including Britain, France and the USSR, is taking shelter in Pakistan.

How Nepal gets dragged into

Nepal has no direct involvement with the latest Indo-Pak feuds. Yet, members of Pakistan based terrorist groups aided by Inter Service Intelligence (ISI): Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Indian Mujahideen are found to have used Nepali territory. Some of them were even detained from within Nepal. Therefore, there are chances that Nepal too could be dragged into the terrorism issue sooner or later. That is to say, Pakistan based terrorist groups could one day put Nepal into a grave danger.

Citing this reason, Arun Kumar Subedi, an expert on international affairs talking to Khabarhub said that expressing mere condolence on the Pulwama incident by Nepal does not suffice. He insists that Nepal needs to demand that Azhar be detained and handed over to India. He further warns that Nepal government needs to remain alert on the activities of Azhar’s group since he was the person responsible for an airplane hijack from the Tribhuvan International Airport in 1999.

“Nepal should remain on a high alert on the activities of terrorist groups since they don’t have any country or a territory,” said Devi Ram Sharma, former chief at the National Investigation Department adding, “Care should be taken that Nepal does not become another victim of terrorism.”

Since terrorism can grip the entire South Asian region given the incidents in neighboring India, Nepal should invest more in strengthening the security forces and it needs to reform and enhance the intelligence mechanism, opines Binoj Basnyat, a retired major general of Nepal Army. “If Nepal strengthens the surveillance mechanism against terrorist activities that shall contribute on regional security.” Hemanta Malla, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police echoes Basnyat’s views. “Given the possibility that Nepal may face the melt down of the Indo-Pak tension, it needs to strengthen the special bureau of the police,” said Malla.

Plane hijack by Jaish-e-Mohammad group

Jaish-e-Mohammad group had hijacked a New Delhi-bound Indian Airlines Flight 814 from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on December 24, 1999. It was boarded by a total 189 persons including the crew members and passengers.

The terrorist group finally landed the plane at Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan on the 25th December after following brief landings at other airports for fuel refills. The terrorists also killed a passenger in terms of the hijack. Kandahar airport was a safe haven for the terrorists for Afghanistan then was ruled by the terrorist group Taliban. Thus, they could comfortably put pressure on and negotiate with the Indian government.

The Indian government had no options than to give in to the pressure of the terrorists. Thus, it was forced to release various terrorists from Indian jails like: Masood Azhar, Sekh Ahamad Umar, Said Mushtak, among others.

Following this, India had stopped operating its flight to Nepal for a long time.

A report by a commission in Nepal to investigate the incident mentioned that those concerned had finalized the plane hijack plan through a meeting at the Central Zoo in Kathmandu.

Jamim Shah, a Nepalese national was also blamed for the hijack incident. Two unidentified assailants shot Shah to death in 2010 in Kathmandu.

Who is Masood Azhar?

Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist group was born in Punjab of Pakistan in 1968. A son of a school headmaster, he is an 8th grade drop-out of a regular school but obtained further education from a Madrasa. He has visited many countries including Britain, UAE and Afghanistan as an orthodox preacher on Islam in 1990s. Indian security force had arrested him in 1994 from Srinagar for entering India with fake documents.

Prevention is better than cure

Nepal cannot remain obvious of the terrorist activities in south Asia when the fear of terrorist attacks in various forms grips the world. Terrorism is an issue that no longer be ignored, especially when terrorist organizations are getting more ambitious and have been inventing new ways of launching proxy war.

Any delays to develop and execute counter terrorism mechanism could prove costly to the country. This is important especially because there are chances that terrorists might use Nepali youths to realize their evil dreams.

What is becoming evident is the process of Indo-Pacific strategy graduating from economic to security, and finally to military alignment. It is not yet clear in which form or spirit Nepal is figuring in this combination.

Is the Indo-Pacific strategy only an economic or a military grouping? Given its tradition, Nepal feels comfortable with economic, not with the military association. However, the question is gaining momentum amidst the backdrop of Nepal getting willy-nilly drawn in the Indo-Pacific stratagem. The visit of Nepal’s Foreign Minister to Washington in December last year, and camouflage surrounding its outcome has brought the question on a sharp focus. The hasty and redundant statement on Venezuela by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, in the capacity of the Chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party and the subsequent comment by Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, has fuelled the fire of controversy which stretched out beyond the domestic boundary to the international concern.

Under the garb of Indo-Pacific strategy, Felter made no secret of the renewed interest to further deepen military cooperation as the desire of US to bolster cooperation in security and political fronts, besides its decade-long cooperation in socio-economic development.

What is becoming evident is the process of Indo-Pacific strategy graduating from economic to security, and finally to military alignment. It is not yet clear in which form or spirit Nepal is figuring in this combination.

If we go by Michael R. Pompeo, US Secretary of State, he focused on the economic aspect and mentioned security in passing. He made it clear by stating, “Make no mistake, the Indo-Pacific, which stretches from the United States west coast to the west coast of India, is a subject of great importance to American foreign policy…this region is one of the greatest engines of the future global economy, and it already is today. And the American people and the whole world have a stake in the Indo-Pacific peace and prosperity. That is why the Indo-Pacific must be free and open…it means we want all nations, every nation, to be able to protect their sovereignty from coercion by other countries.”

“At the national level, free means good governance and the assurance that citizens can enjoy their fundamental rights and liberties…it means we want all nations to enjoy open access to seas and airways. We want the peaceful resolution of territorial and maritime disputes. This is the key for international peace and for each country’s attainment of its own national aims. Economically, open means fair and reciprocal trade, open investment environments, and transparent agreements between nations, and improved connectivity to drive regional ties – because these are the paths for sustainable growth in the region.”

Pompeo has, however, laid stress on the clear vision the Trump administration has formulated for the Indo-Pacific in the 21st century. To quote him, “It is an American vision that is deeply engaged in the region’s economic, political, cultural, and security affairs. Like so many of our Asian allies and friends, our country fought for its own independence from an empire that expected deference.

We thus have never and will never seek domination in the Indo-Pacific, and we will oppose any country that does. Rather, we aspire to regional order, independent nations that can defend their people and compete fairly in the international marketplace. We stand ready to enhance the security of our partners and to assist them in developing their economies and societies in ways that ensure human dignity. We will help them. We will help them keep their people free from coercion or great power domination.”

When the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Joseph H Felter visited Nepal, following Mr. Gyawali’s jaunt to the US, he gave a different impression. He expressed a clear desire to further deepen military cooperation with Nepal. While calling Nepal an “important security partner” of the US in South Asia, he disclosed willingness of the US government to further enhance military cooperation in various areas such as capacity enhancement, military professionalization, civil-military relations and modernization of the army. He also pledged to extend support for military hardware and Nepal Army’s efforts to establish a National Defense University.

Felter stressed US’s enduring partnership with the Nepalese military since long ago and said he was in Kathmandu to ask what Nepal was in need of. “From the defense perspective, Nepal is an important security partner. It has an important role to play in regional stability,” he said. Under the garb of Indo-Pacific strategy, Felter made no secret of the renewed interest to further deepen military cooperation as the desire of US to bolster cooperation in security and political fronts, besides its decade-long cooperation in socio-economic development.

While dismissing suggestions that the Indo-Pacific Strategy was a military alliance and that it was aimed at containing the rise of China, Felter had said that this strategy aims to boost the strength of its partners to defend their sovereignty and safeguard the rule-based world order.

It should be recalled here that only a month ago, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral, Philip S Davidson had visited Kathmandu to bolster military cooperation with Nepal. It is also to be noted that the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of the USA has outlined a number of strategies to promote its security interest in the Indo-Pacific region, with a provision to appropriate $1.5 billion for each fiscal year from 2019 through 2023. This includes expanding defense cooperation with its democratic partners in South Asia including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Felter, meanwhile, said that this strategy aims to build the capacity of its partners to build their capacity to defend their sovereignty and safeguard the rule-based world order. The Indo-Pacific Strategy focuses on working with partners across the Asia-Pacific region to build its capacity to secure their independence. They are protected by rule-based international order and they are not going to be threatened.

While dismissing suggestions that the Indo-Pacific Strategy was a military alliance and that it was aimed at containing the rise of China, Felter had said that this strategy aims to boost the strength of its partners to defend their sovereignty and safeguard the rule-based world order.

Felter also clarified that Nepal had not been asked to choose a side between countries even as the US recognizes Nepal as a part of its broader Indo-Pacific Strategy. “We want a prosperous and securely independent Nepal. That’s our interest. That’s your interest. That is our shared interest,” he had said.

Has Nepal understood what Felter’s expression implies and what it does not? Can Nepal separate the economic aspect from that of security and, finally, from the military in its association with Indo-Pacific caucus? Can Nepal appear useful to the strategy without hurting the Chinese especially when it has joined the BRI? Nepal’s stand appears an enigma embroiled in confusion.

Majority of the Nepalis worship Lord Shiva. The Kirats worship Shiva as their Aradhya Dev (Godfather or Ista Devta). Lord Shiva is considered a base of the Hindu civilization and protector of the Sanatan Dharma as per the eastern philosophy.

A common religion or faith is essential for better cohesion and unity. Given its history, Nepal has remained an example of such religious harmony. Lord Shiva is the source of energy and power to counter prevailing societal evils all together.

Basically, Hindu religion, including other Omkar samuha  (groups that revere ‘Om’) who worship Lord Shiva as god believe that Shivatwa (way of Lord Shiva) is the source of finding own self as Bramha  (or the realization that the self and the universe are in fact the same). Shivatwa is the source of salvation to inner peace that leads to Mokshya (liberation in the real sense). Once we achieve Shivatwa, we need not clamor for happiness anymore.

Mahashivaratri is also celebrated as Nepal Army Day since 1991. Earlier, there was no such day observed as army day in particular, but Ghode Jatra (Horse race and other related exhibition) were observed in lieu of army day where army parades were displayed annually at Tundikhel. In Mahashivaratri, Nepal Army used to organize Badhai parade only to mark as a religious and cultural ceremony.

With Lord Shiva’s inspiration and blessings, Nepal Army was formed by the Gorkha King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the year 1743-1744 to unify tiny principalities into a single country, Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah was the true follower of Gorakh Nath, who had blessed him as a successful founder of modern Nepal. Gorakh Nath is from Nath Sampradaya (Nath community) and Nath represents none other than Lord Shiva. That is why we have Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, a highly revered Hindu temple.

In fact, Prithvi Narayan Shah was suspicious of the invasion of Nepal by the British ruling over India. However, feuding principalities within Nepal’s territory were not really serious about the British move. But the visionary Gorkha king was determined to unify Nepal to counter the lurking British invasion. This unification campaign was initiated in 1740 when the British were consolidating power in India. After capturing the Kathmandu Valley in 1743-44, the Gorkhali armed forces were known as Nepali Army.

Goddess Mahakali is worshipped for destroying devils. Properties of Lord Shiva and Goddess Mahakali commensurate with that of Nepal Army since it has been working for the welfare of Nepalese society and for maintaining peace and order in the Nepalese society.

Mahashivaratri is also celebrated as Nepal Army Day since 1991. Earlier, there was no such day observed as army day in particular, but Ghode Jatra (Horse race and other related exhibition) were observed in lieu of army day where army parades were displayed annually at Tundikhel. In Mahashivaratri, Nepal Army used to organize Badhai parade only to mark as a religious and cultural ceremony.

In fact, Mahashivaratri has a close connection with the army as it is the day Lord Shiva drank poison as a symbol of negativity to protect the universe. This is the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. This festival is also marked as the legendary marriage of Shiva and Shakti (Parvati) who is considered as Durga as well as Mahakali. Goddess Mahakali is worshipped for destroying devils. Properties of Lord Shiva and Goddess Mahakali commensurate with that of Nepal Army since it has been working for the welfare of Nepalese society and for maintaining peace and order in the Nepalese society.

All the colors associated with the Nepal Army were primarily established by King Prithvi Narayan Shah and subsequent Shah Rulers through Tantra Vidyas. These colors have a real connection with Shivaism. That is why the colors of Nepal Army are not only considered as the symbols of unity for the specific units within the army but are considered as Nishan Deuta or iconic deities (representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati/Mahakali). With this logic, Nepal Army has been celebrating the Mahashivaratri as its auspicious ‘Army Day’ since 1991 onwards.

Dr. Bhattarai is a retired Brig Gen of the Nepal Army

In recent years, central banks have become more and more independent from government .In an independent Central bank monetary policy is delegated to UN elected officials and that the government’s influence on monetary policy is restricted.

However, the general notion towards the central bank and its roles have been  changing regularly over time and been different among countries with politicians and economists only theoretically shifting their stance in the direction of the ‘independence’ of central banks, moving strongly towards the adoption of the Bundesh bank arrangements and procedures as the ideal central bank model.

In fact when the US Federal Reserve System was set up in 1913, it was ensured that the system remained independent from the duly constituted government authorities and partisan political interests.

It is to be noted here that the focus of discussion of the role of the central bank in this context concentrates on only one aspect of the full set of responsibilities borne by central banks in many countries – that of the operation of monetary policy thereby undermining the supervisory role of many central banks.The separation of monetary policy from bank supervision is easy enough to accept at one level particularly both because it is practiced in several countries and because there are some clear arguments for it based principally upon moral hazard.

In the modern debate over the independence of central banks, ‘independence’ has taken on the simple meaning of independence from the political institutions and processes of the country as politicians virtually in all parts of the world are biased towards ‘easy money’as well as ‘inflation’. In fact when the US Federal Reserve System was set up in 1913, it was ensured that the system remained independent from the duly constituted government authorities and partisan political interests.

There can be no doubt that rapid inflation, by reducing the real value of money, undermines public confidence in money as an asset and strikes at the basis of a modern monetary economy and hence an efficient market economy.

Modern political and economic theory has, however, gone well beyond the generalized suspicion of politicians and has formalized the arguments in favor of this form of independence in a number of ways.  Thus, we have the theory of political cycles as a criticism of the short-run motivation of politicians; public choice theory as a criticism of the self-interest of both politicians and bureaucrats; arguments for the irrelevance of demand-management policy and the notion of time inconsistency policy based upon rational expectations. This is all supported by empirical evidence implying the absence of a long-run trade-off between inflation and unemployment and the apparent relative success in the control of inflation of countries with relatively independent central banks.

In spite of these, however the assumption is that if countries with politically independent central banks are successful at maintaining low rates of inflation, the central bank must in some sense have control over monetary policy and the monetary system.  But, this may not be so like in our case where the ‘peg’ imports inflation besides other things and as a result our monetary policy may not be as effective as visualized.There can be no doubt that rapid inflation, by reducing the real value of money, undermines public confidence in money as an asset and strikes at the basis of a modern monetary economy and hence an efficient market economy.

We know that changes in the interest rates occur quite frequently in all types of economy and policy accords much more with the ‘discretionary’ label.We are led to believe that the central bank would have the power to control demand through the interest rate if it chose to exercise it, however it does not need to do this as long as financial markets believe that it could and would do so if required.

We know that, virtually all central banks, operate monetary policy through control of short-term interest rates.  This is meant to influence the full spectrum of interest rates and through this aggregate demand, the demand for credit, bank deposits and hence the rate of growth of the money supply.

Nonetheless, economists continue to debate at some length whether interest rate policy should be decided on the basis of some measure of the money stock or a final target such as nominal GDP, the level of prices or the rate of inflation.  In practice, central banks are likely to make their decisions about interest rate policy on the basis of changes in a number of indicators main among which are the rate of growth of the money supply, the rate of growth of demand, unemployment figures and other evidence concerning pressure within labor markets, the rate of inflation shown by various price indices, and exchange rates.  We know that changes in the interest rates occur quite frequently in all types of economy and policy accords much more with the ‘discretionary’ label.We are led to believe that the central bank would have the power to control demand through the interest rate if it chose to exercise it, however it does not need to do this as long as financial markets believe that it could and would do so if required.  Thus, the central bank operates through a series of signals to the financial markets.  The catch is that these signals only have power as long as the financial markets believe that the policy of the central bank is ‘credible’, by which is meant that the central bank follows the path that the markets think it should do in order to achieve the target which the markets accept as desirable.

Similarly the Act has fully empowered Nepal Rastra Bank to enact independently among others on the formulation as well as execution of the Foreign Exchange as well as Monetary policies.

However, if the central bank’s policy is not held to be credible, and if it does wish to achieve a low rate of inflation, it will need to push interest rates up much faster and much further than would otherwise be necessary in order to overcome the skepticism of markets.  This, almost inevitably, will produce a much deeper recession that would otherwise have been needed.

Now the question would be whether or not it actually matters who makes the interest rate decisions? If politicians make them, we know, markets will not believe in the authorities’ determination to control inflation, the policy will not be credible and the economy will not respond to small interest rate changes.  But what would follow if an ‘independent’ central banks chose, against market expectations, to follow an expansionary path?  Surely, the outcome would be exactly the same as if the decisions had been made by politicians.  The present situation in the country is of the second type.

In the prevailing present situation of increasing interest rate day by day, the question arises whether Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank uses the market mechanism to control the up shoot of interest rate and if it cannot,spears a space for the government to take chances.

More importantly, at present, Nepalese economy has been witnessing BOP deficit and in this context, controlling interest rate would further aggravate the external sector risk.

The Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2002 has levied autonomy to some extended degree: whereby

Section (2) subsection (3) of the Act reads “The Bank shall be an autonomous and corporate body with perpetual succession. Similarly the Act has fully empowered Nepal Rastra Bank to enact independently among others on the formulation as well as execution of the Foreign Exchange as well as Monetary policies.

The appointment of the Governor, the Deputy-governors as well as the Board of Directors (Sections 15, 16, and 17 of the NRB Act) are appointed for a fixed period of terms

Section 22 of the Act has imposed strong Grounds,in case the Governor, Deputy- Governor or any Director of the Bank is to be removed. However GON shall not deprive the concerned person from a reasonable opportunity to defend himself prior to removing him from his office. This in any case has tied up the hands of those trying to act upon any kind of biasness. Section 23 has made provision of the Inquiry committee in case the Governor is required to be dismissed.

The Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2002, has provided the opportunity to Nepal Rastra Bank to act independently, however independence does not occur merely on papers: It is based on how much of the power that the Bank can really bring into existence.

Under such circumstance, it is thought advisable that the government not intervene in the matter of adjustment of the rate of interest and let the termed Independent Central Bank (Nepal Rastra Bank) use its instruments in bringing the situation under control.Controlling interest rate forcefully may result in unwanted consequences. We are in the mixed economy, market has more power to decide the price efficiently than the government. More importantly, at present, Nepalese economy has been witnessing BOP deficit and in this context, controlling interest rate would further aggravate the external sector risk.Central bank should support the government for the noble cause but not at the cost of macroeconomic stability.Any type of unwanted intervention by the Government as well as undermining the Independence of the Central Bank will not help in permanently solving the problem and rather misalign totally the philosophy of Market Economy thereby distorting the total economic cycle.

India had been facing terror attacks sponsored by Pakistan for decades. Thousands of Indian lives have been lost battling this multi-faceted monster being launched from across the border.

Pak was sure that its threat of nuclear weapons would keep India at bay. It was also certain that the backing from the US initially (when its deployment in Afghanistan was high), and now from China would keep international pressure away from it. This is the reason why Masood Azar has never been declared a global terrorist.

It declared Indian claims on the strike be fake and false. The target audience which India wanted to send a message to, the Pak army and government, got it, however, since they hid facts from their population and fed it a bunch of lies, there was no long-term impact and no retaliation from Pak.

Since 2016, India indicated a change in approach. Pathankot was the turning point, which a message was sent to Pak when its team visited India to join in the investigations. The message was this should be the last, one more and India would retaliate. Pak took this to be another bluff and Uri followed. The surgical strike was a tactical operation from which the government sought strategic gains.

The strike was close to the LoC and targets were expendable terrorists, whose deaths Pak could ignore as also there were no civilian and only a handful of army casualties. This gave Pak the leeway.

It declared Indian claims on the strike be fake and false. The target audience which India wanted to send a message to, the Pak army and government, got it, however, since they hid facts from their population and fed it a bunch of lies, there was no long-term impact and no retaliation from Pak.

Post the Pulwama attack, Indians screamed for retribution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government spoke of the same. Internally, opposition parties launched an offensive against the government, questioning the timing of the strike (it being close to elections), response of the government and the failure of its policies. The government had to act.

Diplomatically India launched its offensive seeking to isolate Pak, but with limited impact. The nations which stood by India also had an interest in Pak for their own selfish reasons. They would support India, call onto Pak to act, but stop short of forcing or threatening Pak. Hence, neither would Pak be diplomatically isolated, nor would it be pushed into acting against terror groups.

Economically India’s action did resonate in Pak. It shook the Pak economy as tensions began to grow. India had many more options to hit back at Pak in the economic sphere, including putting pressure on multinationals doing business with both countries. Simultaneously was India’s decision to employ all water resources allocated to it under the Indus water treaty.

In any scenario, employment of air power is an indicator of escalation, especially if the targets chosen involves civilian or military casualties. Further, employing air power implies targets in depth can be engaged, while adding risk factors of loss of aircraft and capture or death of pilots. In addition, escalation by one country would surely invite a response from the other.

However, India was aware that unless a military option was exercised, retribution would never be complete for its masses. It would also convey the message that India would act against terrorist strikes, escalating its response each time. The message to be given to Pak and its population is that actions against India would be responded back with vigour. It was with this thought that Prime Minister Modi announced that he has left the decision of time and manner of response to the armed forces.

The ground conditions, with snow still existing were not conducive to ground operations. Further, experience showed that shallow operations may not have the desired impact, as the Pak public would be in the dark. In addition, Pak was aware that India may attempt the same, as it did not desire to escalate the situation and hence had its forces deployed accordingly.

In any scenario, employment of air power is an indicator of escalation, especially if the targets chosen involves civilian or military casualties. Further, employing air power implies targets in depth can be engaged, while adding risk factors of loss of aircraft and capture or death of pilots. In addition, escalation by one country would surely invite a response from the other.

If there are errors and innocents are targeted during the strike, then the nation would also have to bear international scrutiny. Considering all options, the government took the risk and sanctioned approval of the strike.

Target selection was imperative. This was done after detailed intelligence reports were analysed. The target was a terrorist training camp, which housed a few hundred terrorists, located in a remote area, away from civilization and military camps. This would ensure that collateral damage would be limited and restricted. The next stage was preparation for the strike, which was done meticulously by the air force. Dry runs were conducted, and Pak defensive systems studied.

The attack launched was a success. The camp was hit without any collateral damage and the aircraft returned without any losses. The execution was perfect. The message India had desired to send was completed. The messages were its willingness to escalate and call the Pak nuclear bluff.

Its striking a terrorist training camp, without collateral damage gave Pak an opportunity to officially hide Indian success. However, since the objective was deep within Pak, this may not stay subdued as the surgical strike targets were. Pak immediately admitted to Indian attempts, however restricted the same to only crossing the LoC. Since it admitted Indian aircraft crossing the LoC, it had to respond in that line.

Within two days Pak attempted a similar action, launching its aircraft across the LoC. There are conflicting reports of Pak’s attempts. The Pak DGISPR stated that the aircraft dropped their payload in an uninhabited area, similar as India had done, while the Indian government claims it intended to hit military targets but were foiled. While Pak aircraft were intercepted and being chased back, a dogfight occurred, in which a Pak F16 and an Indian MIG 21 BISON were hit. The Indian pilot bailed into Pak and has been arrested. He is shortly scheduled to be released.

With both nations displaying their intent albeit for different purposes and audiences, tensions would commence to reduce. Rhetoric may continue, however offensive actions may not. For Pak, the most important message sent is the Indian willingness to escalate and ignore nuclear blackmail. India escalated from surgical strikes close to the border to strikes in depth. It also conveys that India can and will go to war, if it is pushed. While the Indian economy will sustain it, the Pak economy would crumble, hence Pak should reign in its terrorist networks.

Pak has conveyed the message that it can also retaliate. Both nations also conveyed their intent to their domestic audiences.

Will Pak now stop or control its terror groups, or will it again permit a terrorist strike of a similar nature remains a mute question. If it does control, there could be a change in relationship, if it does not, the escalation the next time may be at a much higher level, which could impact the entire subcontinent.

The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army.

(Views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Khabarhub’s editorial stance).

In Nepal, flights are conducted under the Visual Flight Rule (VFR). As per this mode of operating a flight, a pilot observes the weather conditions before operating a flight. This could be the main reason behind frequent air crashes in Nepal.

There is no problem with the sky of Nepal, but the main problems are its rough terrains and volatile weather conditions.

Seven people, including Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari, died in an Air Dynasty chopper crash in Taplejung on Wednesday afternoon.

Taplejung chopper crash is one example among a series of air crash incidents in Nepali sky.

Problems with airports in the mountain/hilly regions of the country are they are not well equipped. Making them hi-tech is expensive as the flight frequency at such airports is low.

It is not easy to conduct flights in the hilly region of Nepal due to inhospitable terrains and inimical weather conditions.

Some people have blamed the Nepali sky itself for flight accidents which hold no truth.

Given the number of flight accidents in many countries across the globe, my own experiences and studies on flight accidents the number of air accidents is relatively low.

Even the countries having no mountains also face aircraft accidents. For example, there are cases of plane crashes during flights from one island to another due to inimical climatic conditions.

Problems with airports in the mountain/hilly regions of the country are they are not well equipped. Making them hi-tech is expensive as the flight frequency at such airports is low.

The claim from some quarters that air accidents in Nepal occur because used, and old aircraft are operated in Nepal is unfounded. Any aircraft need to undergo tests and certification before the operation.

One way of avoiding air accidents would be to install a meteorological system at the airports. This helps aircraft to relay information on changing weather conditions. At times what happens is that a flight takes off because the prevailing weather is good.

However, the weather can turn ugly over a short period. If the pilot/captain is notified of the latest weather development, that can avoid accidents.

The claim from some quarters that air accidents in Nepal occur because used, and old aircraft are operated in Nepal is unfounded. Any aircraft need to undergo tests and certification before the operation.

Air accidents do not always occur due to technical problems. Pilots are often aware of bad weather conditions. However, they take risks because they are in a hurry to return home. Similarly, politicians also sometimes impose pressure on pilots to operate flights even when the pilots are reluctant citing bad weather conditions. However, since they are in authority pilots give in to their pressure.

South Asia is currently gripped by the wave of heat emanating from the Pulwama incident. India has resorted to several actions against Pakistan, from diplomatic as well as other punitive measures. For example, it has reduced the volume of water flowing to Pakistani territory from three rivers in the east of Sindhu. Similarly, at the initiation of India, the UN Security Council has proposed action against Masood Azhar, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist outfit operating from Pakistan.

India has introduced punitive tariff barrier and stopped importing many commodities from Pakistan. Even merchants and farmers have stood against Pakistan. Farmers from Gujarat have stopped exporting vegetables to Pakistan. To the consequence, the price of tomato in Pakistan raised above Rs.200 per kg.

We have equidistance foreign policy. The question is not whether what kind of relationship we have with India or Pakistan. The point is that we should demand action against those involved in terrorist activities from a jurisdictional point of view.

In this context, Nepal expressed sorrow over the incident that claimed 40 lives of Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Surprisingly, Nepal has failed to raise voice at the diplomatic level to take action against the group involved in the incident. For example, it should have issued an official release demanding stern action against the culprits. It is saddening to note that we, as a UN member, could not even voice the issue raised by the UN Security Council itself.

Since Azhar’s group already claimed the responsibility Nepal should not have hesitated in demanding stern action against him. Azhar is the same terrorist outfit member who had hijacked a plane from Nepal and taken it to Kandahar of Afghanistan in 1999. Why should Nepal hesitate to demand action against him? Or is Nepal against India? If so, is it now in a state of declaring a cold war with India?

We have equidistance foreign policy. The question is not whether what kind of relationship we have with India or Pakistan. The point is that we should demand action against those involved in terrorist activities from a jurisdictional point of view.

The question of an equidistance foreign policy is ridiculous. No other countries either India or Japan, or Vietnam or Pakistan or Iran or Saudi Arabia or Laos…have an equidistance foreign policy. Claiming of a foreign policy of equidistance is nothing more than hypocrisy.

Therefore, we should not have any confusion on our foreign policy in the name of equidistance. If we continue to remain under such confusion, this shall prove detrimental to the country.

If we neglect our diplomatic, economic and geographical reality in the name of an equidistance foreign policy, we are destined to the fate of Sri Lanka or the Maldives.

Equidistance foreign policy is not a matter of our concern. China has wanted since very long that Nepal’s foreign policy be China and India centric.

Being less oblivious of our two neighbors, India and China we seem to be drawn by the idea of Indo-Pacific Strategy.

It is in the country’s favor if Nepal focused its diplomatic relation and strategies towards India and China, keeping the western power at bay. We should never adopt or embrace a diplomatic policy that is not in conflict with either the strategy of China or that of India. China is well informed of Nepal’s geopolitical situation. The fact that Nepal has an economic and social attachment with India has never bothered China since history.

Therefore, we should not have any confusion on our foreign policy in the name of equidistance. If we continue to remain under such confusion, this shall prove detrimental to the country.

Some ominous signs are already apparent in Nepalese society thanks to the increased influence of western power. If the country fails to ignore it, a holocaust with no bloodshed shall begin in over a decade period. Some western elements are active to disintegrate this nation. This began by provoking the Marxists in Nepal who will claim an atheist status during the upcoming national census. After the Hindu population drops below 50 percent, the elements will achieve the goal of attacking our identity. Our foreign policy has been used by those elements (western power) to achieve this end.

The western power is involved in the strategy of obliterating our cultural and traditional roots in the name of an identity issue. If this continues unchecked, some ethnic communities in Nepal will have lost their identity in the next ten years.

Nepal needs to choose one way rather than remaining in the state of doldrums. Either we should invite the USA in the name of development, let it carry out development activities in the country by sacrificing our identity or we should engage our focus with the two immediate neighbors limiting our engagement with the USA to a formal relation. However, that seems to be challenging for the fact that Nepal is gripped by western mania. Every member of a middle-class family dreams of landing in a western country showing how obsessed Nepali society is with the west. The cultural invasion by the west in Nepal is yet to witness its climax.

There are comments from some quarters that western intervention in Nepal has raised the level of consciousness among the ethnic populace. Heightened consciousness level thanks to foreign intervention results in puritan groups just like the Jews. Well, in terms of wealth they dominate the world but in terms of culture, they are a minority. This may apply to India as well.

Some studies have also shown that China will become the largest country with Christian population thanks to growing western influence in the country. Xi Jinping is aware of this fact and may take strategic action to counter western influence.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, is well aware of western influence in India. He is a cultural nationalist trying to the hugely diverse country into the single thread of unity. We are yet to see a visionary leadership in Nepal strong enough to counter the western influence, preventing the forthcoming disaster.

The writer is a political and foreign affairs analyst.

From what went along the US visit of Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, Nepal was caught off-guard in the so-called Indo-Pacific conundrum. It is well-nigh crystal clear in the global affairs that China is racing to challenge the unilateral domination of the US, enjoying the super-power status since the end of Cold War and disintegration of the unified Soviet Union. It is also well known that China is taking over the status of the biggest economy in the world by 2050, the US lagging behind despite its 24 trillion worth of annual GDP.

On the other hand, China helped the American economy stabilize at times of crisis by buying American treasury bills worth 20 trillion dollars. America could hurt China by closing its market and China could equally harm the US by withdrawing its money from the US.

The eventual changes however do not mean that China will be as strong or superior to the United States in military strength. The starkest symbol of military might is the presence of American warships in the strategic positions on high seas covering every piece of land on the earth. They have been effective in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria on occasional operations in bom-barding and inimical target hitting. The US has that capability in many parts of Asia especially in East Asia, where it has inherited responsibility of guaranteeing security to countries like Ja-pan and South Korea. The US also rushed to protect Taiwan from the mainland Chinese assaults right from the Second World War, by supplying military hardware, not normally and easily available to other states.

It is a matter of great irony that the US and China have been so helpful and yet, at times, dangerously hostile to each other over the history. By letting the American companies to invest in China and opening its large market to Chinese products of every kind of consumer taste, the US did indeed play a great role in boosting up Chinese economy, thereby strengthening its muscles.

It demonstrated a strong U.S. commitment to both economic and security engagement and assistance in the Indo-Pacific region. The US security support would cover projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

On the other hand, China helped the American economy stabilize at times of crisis by buying American treasury bills worth 20 trillion dollars. America could hurt China by closing its market and China could equally harm the US by withdrawing its money from the US. But none of them did it. However, China is aggressively expanding its influence both in terms of security and economy across the globe while the US is bent on retaining its traditional grip wherever it had laid out.

In this context, the US revived a quad in 2017 along with India, Japan and Australia, which seeks to work for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, a region that stretches from the east coast of Japan to the east coast of Africa. They felt the necessity for a stable relationship between key stakeholders in the region, USA, Japan, Australia and India. It was pronounced necessary for a stable Indo-Pacific zone in the face of China’s growing footprint in the region especially, in South China Sea. Following this development, U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo had pledged in Singapore “to provide nearly $300 million in new security funding for the Indo-Pacific region, as China forges ahead with plans to bolster its engagement in the region.”

He had clearly stated, “make no mistake, the Indo-Pacific, which stretches from the United States’ west coast to the west coast of India, is a subject of great importance to American foreign policy…this region is one of the greatest engines of the future global economy, and it already is today. And the American people and the whole world have a stake in the Indo-Pacific’s peace and prosperity.

In other words, this pledge was made as assistance to improve security relationships across the Indo-Pacific region.This funding commitment was announced shortly after Secretary Pompeo announced new economic and development initiatives at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Washington DC. It demonstrated a strong U.S. commitment to both economic and security engagement and assistance in the Indo-Pacific region. The US security support would cover projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. It was to be used in the areas of maritime security, humanitarian works, disaster relief, peace-keeping operations and countering transnational crimes.

It was stated that the U.S. engagement has advanced freedom, openness, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The US President’s national-security strategy aims at advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific society. Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, the United States aims to ensure the freedom of the seas and skies, promote market economics, support good governance, and insulate sovereign nations from external coercion, while enabling partners to protect and advance the rule-based order. In Washington, Secretary of State outlined the US policy on security cooperation in the Indo – Pacific region from the American perspective. He had clearly stated, “make no mistake, the Indo-Pacific, which stretches from the United States’ west coast to the west coast of India, is a subject of great importance to American foreign policy…this region is one of the greatest engines of the future global economy, and it already is today. And the American people and the whole world have a stake in the Indo-Pacific’s peace and prosperity. It’s why the Indo-Pacific zone must be free and open…it means we all want all nations, every nation, to be able to protect their sovereignty from coercion by other countries.”

The United States is developing a vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” at a time when China is initiating its Belt and Road plan to bolster trade and connectivity ties with nations in Southeast Asia and beyond.

He added, “The Trump administration has a clear vision for the Indo-Pacific region in the 21st century. It is an American vision that is deeply engaged in the region’s economic, political, cultural, and security affairs. Like so many of our Asian allies and friends, our country fought for its own independence from an empire that expected deference. We thus have never and will never seek domination in the Indo-Pacific, and we will oppose any country that does.”

“Rather, we aspire to a regional order, independent nations that can defend their people and compete fairly in the international marketplace. We stand ready to enhance the security of our partners and to assist them in developing their economies and societies in ways that ensure human dignity. We will help them. We will help them keep their people free from coercion or great power domination. While tracing the history of the US engagement in Asia, he mentioned that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has granted $2.1 billion since 2004 to promote development and good governance in Indo-Pacific nations. Right now MCC is spending 500 million to build hundreds of kilometres of electricity transmission lines in Nepal and realize that country’s energy potential.”

The Nepal government, and for that matter, the foreign minister has not spoken a word if he had agreed or dis-agreed or stood neutral in regard to the Indo-Pacific strategy.

From this, it is clear what Indo-Pacific strategy constitutes, why it has been enunciated and primarily which countries are to play supporting role. It also means that MCC forms the part of the Indo-Pacific strategy. The United States is developing a vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” at a time when China is initiating its Belt and Road plan to bolster trade and connectivity ties with nations in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Nepalese were told that the US had given unusual importance to Nepal by inviting its foreign minister for an official visit. That was indeed true as it unfolded disclosed that Nepal would play a central role in this regional grouping. But it left a bad taste in Nepalese mouth when they learned that they had been caught napping in what could be described as an American trap. That explains why our foreign minister kept absolute mum on this matter even as the Americans had put everything open and clear before him. The Nepal government, and for that matter, the foreign minister has not spoken a word if he had agreed or dis-agreed or stood neutral in regard to the Indo-Pacific strategy. Our foreign minister went to the US with a bang but came back with a whimper. That is a poor diplomacy, to say the least.