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Samantha Harvey’s ‘Orbital’ is the winner of The Booker Prize 2024. This slim novel is about six astronauts as they rotate in a spacecraft above earth. There to collect meteorological data and conduct scientific experiments, the astronauts observe the space from a unique vantage point. They see earth in all its glory and feel protective about it as they question what it means to be alive and what in fact is reality when they are so far away from home.

The good thing about writing a review of Orbital is that I don’t have to worry about the possibility of giving out spoilers, like I usually am while working on book reviews. It’s basically an account of what these six astronauts see from space and how they feel about it. There’s no plot as such except for the day to day occurrences in their lives. Their backstories make for tiny slivers of the story which takes place in one day but time is measured differently in space. Morning arrives every 90 minutes and each of the chapters record a single orbit of the earth.

Harvey has captured the psychology of these characters and interspersed it with visuals of the earth from space. You will get to be in a certain character’s head and then suddenly be jolted with views of the craters and ridges of the earth. The combination, I felt, works for a short while so it’s a good thing that the book isn’t long. I enjoyed the book but it felt like the narrative was dragging on by the end of it. Any longer and I would have probably given up on it.

But Harvey’s writing makes the scenes come alive in front of your eyes. You get a bird’s eye view of a space station and the universe that surrounds it. She describes it so well. It’s almost like you are the one on the mission. Harvey has written other novels like ‘The Wilderness’, ‘All is Song’, ‘Dear Thief’, and ‘The Western Wind’ and a work of non-fiction called ‘The Shapeless Unease: A Year of Not Sleeping’ which is a study of insomnia and its complexities. Judging by her body of work, it seems she’s fascinated with things that can’t be explained easily but attempts to do it anyway. Orbital might be her boldest work yet as there isn’t another piece of fiction like it.

In an interview, Harvey said she wrote Orbital during a period of anxiety induced insomnia. She started the book before the pandemic but most of it was written during the lockdown. That probably explains the sense of urgency and desperation in Orbital. The story makes you feel trapped—in the space station, the character’s heads and thoughts—and leaves you with little room to think for yourself. Despite being a novel, it’s also a book you can dip in and out of as there’s an almost essay-like quality to it. Don’t be fooled by the novel’s slim size, it’s not an easy and thus quick read and you could be a little confused at times. But I urge you to give it a try as it’s different and daring. 

Fiction

Orbital

Samantha Harvey

Published: 2024

Publisher: Vintage

Pages: 136, Paperback

Giving aid is not purely an act of kindness or responsible duty. It has seen and unseen motives. This rule also applies to most of the foreign aid. This does not mean that all aid is self-interested. There are also good donors, who donate selflessly. However, in most of the cases, foreign aid is also a tool to promote national interests. With the arrival of Donald Trump to power, a US official recently categorically stated that “the US should only spend abroad if it makes America ‘stronger’, ‘safer’ or ‘more prosperous’.” The world needs more redistribution if it has to overcome poverty and inequality, and thereby make the world a safer place for all.

US global leadership and its grant aid are critically inter-linked.

Following this statement, the US State Department has issued a halt to nearly all existing foreign assistance (grants) and paused new aid. This instruction was given through an internal memo sent to officials and US embassies around the world. The new US president seems to view foreign aid as a waste of resources, so he has announced a thorough review and a cut. The leaked memo follows President Trump's executive order issued on the very first day in power on January 20 for a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance. He wants to take this time for critical review of existing US aid policy and align it with his own vision. If he keeps the election vows, many countries will no longer receive aid from the US.

The US is the world's biggest international aid donor. It spent nearly $68bn on about 15,000 activities in 204 countries in 2023 alone. For 2024 it was $39bn, 8,000 activities and 189 countries. This is nearly three times the annual budget of Nepal for the fiscal year 2023-24. While the US spent nearly $50bn on average in the last decade, the spending for the last year was already substantially reduced by about 26 percent for unknown reasons. This is a 47 percent reduction compared to the 2023 spending. The new memo is likely to result in further reduction in everything from development assistance to military aid. Media have reported that the memo makes exceptions only for emergency food aid in few troubled places and for military funding for Israel and Egypt. Ukraine alone received $17bn in 2023 alone for the US.

Ths is going to affect several developing countries as any US aid is now subject to new approval. This means that ongoing US-supported development projects may have to be closed down around the world in nearly 200 countries. Some staff of the US aid agency, USAID, will also lose their jobs as they will lose funding. Both the project staff and beneficiaries will be affected. Many will lose their jobs and others will not get the benefits from as many as 8,000 projects. The effect seems to be massive if all projects are terminated and other agencies, such as the United Nations organizations or national governments, do not take them up immediately.

Experts argue that the move could affect a wide range of critical development projects globally, including water, health, sanitation and shelter. Some of the ongoing developmental projects will be terminated without completion. It should be noted here that most of the US aid goes on water, sanitation and shelter sectors of the developing countries such as Nepal. Critical vaccination might also have to be disrupted. Countries such as Ukraine will have to end their internal and external wars of various kinds for various purposes.

The proposed budget freeze is likely to undermine the global leadership of the US as the richest and the most powerful country on Earth. Some have justified the freeze stating that it was impossible for the new administration to assess whether existing foreign aid commitments “are duplicated, effective and consistent with President Trump’s foreign policy promises.” Others view that as the richest country, the US should not stop giving to the needy as it is the duty of the rich to share some of its resources with others. Most faiths of the world believe and uphold this conviction. They even believe that God gives only to those who give others selflessly. From this logic, President Trump should not stop giving, rather he should increase the aid and reduce narrow self-interests. This is how America will garner respect from around the globe. This respect will empower it to further lead the world in science, technology, economy and all-round development.

The US cut on foreign aid will affect Nepal also. It has been noted that there are three themes at the core of USAID’s work which are critical for Nepal’s development: supporting federalism, promoting inclusion and strengthening institutions and resilience. Under these core areas, the US provides support to Nepal for agriculture, good governance, disaster resilience, physical infrastructure, education, health and sanitation via its aid agency, the USAID. As the oldest and biggest bilateral donor of Nepal, USAID has pledged $659m or around Rs 81bn for 2020-2025 (about Rs 16bn annually, which is less than one percent of our annual budget) as stated in its Country Development Cooperation Strategy.

The USAID channelizes most of the aid money through local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) in Nepal, and thereby most of its budget is off-budget. As the agency traditionally prefers a community development approach, local NGOs implement most of the US projects in Nepal. These NGOs and their staff are likely to be directly affected by the aid cut. Considering Nepal as critical to regional stability and connectivity, the US has also been providing support through Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) for the power and road sectors as well as the annual budgetary system of the government. It also partners with the private sector in Nepal to foster US profit-oriented investments.

To conclude, the US grants aid to the world and Nepal is very vital. While the potential US aid freeze and likely cut is not at all a good news as it may undermine critical developmental and humanitarian needs of the developing countries and thereby the achievement of the SDG targets by 2030, it is also likely to affect the existing global leadership of the US, opening this space for emerging donors such as China. Indeed, the rich empower themselves by giving, and the unequal and poverty-stricken world needs more redistribution. Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. The US can be safer, stronger and more prosperous only in a poverty and inequality-free world.  Grant aid, a very small fraction of the overall US annual budget (about 0.7 percent), also opens the door to other business and strategic interests. While Nepal aims to graduate from the grouping of Least Developed Countries by 2026, the US, as the oldest development partner and a trusted friend, should not stop its grant aid to Nepal abruptly before Nepal ends its dependence on foreign aid.

“Love is not about finding the perfect person, but about learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.” – Sam Keen

Valentine’s Day often brings with it a lightning of emotions, from the excitement of celebrating love to the pressure of meeting expectations. But what if we looked beyond the chocolates and roses? What if we focused on the real essence of love—the kind that nurtures, heals, and grows over time?

Coffee cup promise

Shikha and Raman had been together for six years, their love weathering the highs of shared adventures and the lows of career struggles. One Valentine’s Day, Raman surprised Shikha not with a grand gesture but with a simple, heartfelt promise written on a sticky note stuck to her favorite coffee cup: “I promise to listen more and assume less.”

That note sparked a turning point. They began dedicating time every week to sit down, talk openly, and truly listen to each other’s fears and dreams. Their relationship, once weighed down by misunderstandings, transformed into a safe space where both felt seen and valued. It wasn’t the flowers or the dinner dates that strengthened their bond but the intentional effort to connect deeply.

Psychology of love

Love is a complex emotion that has intrigued psychologists for decades. Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love identifies three components that define a healthy relationship: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Intimacy refers to the emotional bond and closeness shared between partners, passion encompasses physical attraction and desire, and commitment represents the decision to maintain the relationship long-term.

Healthy relationships often find a balance among these components. For example, relationships solely based on passion might burn out quickly, while those focused only on commitment might lack excitement. Understanding this balance can help partners evaluate and strengthen their connection.

Additionally, the attachment theory proposed by John Bowlby highlights how early experiences with caregivers influence adult relationships. Securely attached individuals tend to have healthier and more trusting relationships, while those with anxious or avoidant attachment styles might struggle with intimacy or fear abandonment. Recognizing these patterns can foster self-awareness and empathy within relationships.

Relationship tips for building stronger bonds

1. Prioritize quality time: In today’s fast-paced world, dedicating undivided attention to your partner is invaluable. Simple acts like sharing meals without distractions or taking a walk together can strengthen emotional intimacy.
2. Cultivate shared goals: Working towards common objectives, whether it’s saving for a trip or learning a new hobby, fosters a sense of teamwork and deepens the bond.
3. Respect individuality: While togetherness is important, respecting each other’s individuality and personal space is equally vital. Healthy relationships thrive when both partners maintain their sense of self.

Skills for empathetic communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship. Empathy, or the ability to understand and share another’s feelings, plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts and building trust. Here are some essential counseling-inspired skills for empathetic communication:

1. Listening matters: Focus entirely on what your partner is saying without interrupting or formulating a response while they speak. Reflect back what you hear to ensure understanding. Example: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed with work. Is that right?”
2. Use “I” statements: Express your feelings without blaming your partner to prevent defensiveness. Example: Instead of saying, “You never help around the house,” try, “I feel stressed when I manage all the chores alone.”
3. Validate emotions: Acknowledge your partner’s feelings without judgment, even if you don’t fully agree. Example: “I understand why you felt hurt in that situation. Let’s work through it together.”

Role of gratitude in relationships

Gratitude is a powerful yet often overlooked aspect of healthy relationships. Expressing appreciation for your partner’s actions, qualities, and efforts fosters positivity and mutual respect. Research shows that couples who regularly practice gratitude experience higher levels of satisfaction and are better equipped to navigate challenges.

Here are ways to integrate gratitude into your relationship:

• Daily thank you: Make it a habit to thank your partner for small acts of kindness, such as making coffee or picking up groceries.
• Gratitude journaling: Share moments you’re grateful for at the end of each day to reinforce positive memories.
• Celebrate strengths: Focus on your partner’s strengths rather than their flaws. Highlight what you admire about them regularly.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s move beyond grand gestures and focus on the essence of love—understanding, empathy, and gratitude. Like Shikha and Raman’s journey, love flourishes not in fleeting moments but in the consistent, intentional efforts to connect. 

What simple, intentional promise could you make to a loved one today to foster deeper connection and understanding in your relationship?

Remember, love isn’t just about celebrating one day; it’s about building a lifetime of meaningful connections.

What is corruption? In Nepal, it is so intertwined with our polity that it has become quite hard to differentiate which is which.

In fact, corruption is in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the sun we soak in and the food we cherish. In short, corruption is omnipresent in our lives.

Still, at least for the sake of academics, what does corruption mean? Transparency International (TI) knows better. It defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

A people reeling under corruption for decades need no report to show how corrupt their polity is. A silent majority, who has seen a clique with modest means become filthy rich within a couple of years or decades as if by magic, knows the extent of high-level corruption in our society.

Still, the recent Corruption Perceptions Index of the TI (CPI 2024) shows how corruption is thriving in our dear country

CPI 2024 reminds the conscious citizenry that Nepal has slid further in the CPI compared to the year 2023.

With a CPI score of 34 out of 100 in 2024, Nepal has clinched a lowly 107th position among 180 countries, slipping further from the 106th position and a score of 35 in 2023 and a slight improvement of one point compared to 2022. Overall, CPI 2024 points at Nepal’s consistently poor performance in the global corruption barometer where South Sudan figures as the most corrupt country with a score of eight points and Denmark as the least corrupt country with a score of 90.  

In South Asia, Bhutan leads with an impressive 72 points, followed by India and the Maldives (38), Nepal (34), Sri Lanka (32), Pakistan (27), Bangladesh (23) and Afghanistan (17).

A question arises, naturally: What is fueling corruption in our country? 

A quote from Delia Ferreira, chair of TI, offers an answer, at least in part: People’s indifference is the best breeding ground for corruption to grow.

This daily has been drawing the attention of the public to this scourge by bringing to the fore some of the major scandals resulting from policy level corruption.

For those, who have taken corruption as a fact of life, here’s a quote from Kurt Cobain: The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.

Summing up, a concerted, result-oriented campaign against corruption is long overdue. Let this youthful nation wake up and undertake a tough fight against this scourge, by uniting one and all.