Submit your Article

Imagine sitting near a window at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, gazing at snow-capped peaks glistening under a crystal-clear blue sky. Your workspace is nestled deep within lush jungles, surrounded by towering trees and the melodic chirping of birds. With a steaming cup of coffee in hand and a laptop before you, you find yourself immersed in work and nature’s tranquility, a perfect blend of productivity and serenity. This extraordinary experience isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality in Nepal. Renowned for its diverse communities, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, Nepal offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and opportunity. From the towering Himalayas to the rolling hills and the fertile plains of the Tarai, the country is a treasure trove of scenic wonders. Strategically located between China and India, Nepal holds immense potential as a rising hub in the global IT industry.

There are over 250 listed software companies in Nepal, collectively generating billions of dollars in revenue through international outsourcing. This number continues to rise steadily, thanks to the high-quality services provided by tech companies in Nepal. They have demonstrated that Nepal has the potential to become the next Silicon Valley on the global stage. One key factor contributing to this growth is the cost advantage. In the Nepali labor market, labor is comparatively more affordable than in other South Asian countries. This makes Nepal an attractive destination for outsourcing IT services, leading to increased revenue and opportunities for the country.

Nepali workers have earned a reputation for their commitment to producing high-quality output, which further enhances Nepal’s appeal as an outsourcing destination. This combination of cost-efficiency and quality work positions Nepal as a strong contender in the global IT industry. According to a paper published by the IIDS, Nepal generated more than $525m in 2022, and the upward trend continues. The number of registered software companies in Nepal is increasing, along with a noticeable rise in the number of freelancers in the country. This growth has played a significant role in Nepal's economic development and is making a greater contribution to the country’s GDP.

Currently, the IT sector contributes about 1.4 percent to Nepal’s GDP, but this ratio is expected to increase in the near future, especially if the government continues to support the development of software companies in the country. It is also worth noting that the IT sector accounts for 5.5 percent of foreign exchange services, which is a positive indicator of its contribution to Nepal’s economy.

The increasing GDP contribution and foreign exchange earnings are clear indicators of a promising future for Nepal’s IT industry and its potential to become a significant player on the global stage. I had the privilege of working with one of Nepal’s leading software companies, Cedargate Technologies based in Sanepa, Lalitpur. Cedargate Technologies specializes in the US healthcare sector and is a US-based company. Its expertise in the US healthcare domain has earned it the trust and recognition for consistently delivering top-notch work. There are also numerous companies in Nepal working in the fintech and healthcare industries, as well as in artificial intelligence and machine learning, consistently delivering high-quality work. 

I noticed a significant number of young professionals at Cedargate Technologies. While I do not have exact data on the age distribution of employees, it was apparent that the majority fell within the 27–30 age group. This demographic indicates that Cedargate Technologies is successfully attracting and retaining young talent, contributing to the company’s dynamic and innovative environment.

It is crucial for Nepal to formulate and implement policies that encourage the growth of its IT industry while also incentivizing skilled youth to stay and contribute to the country’s development. Balancing competitive wages, career growth opportunities, and quality of life will be key to achieving this goal. According to a 2022 report, the per capita income of Nepalis was $1,336.5, with the country’s economy growing by approximately 5.6 percent. Nepal’s economy remains heavily reliant on remittances, which accounted for about 23.5 percent of the country’s total income in 2020.

While Nepal is often referred to as a nation of agriculture, tourism, and hydropower, it is now time to invest in the IT sector. To transform this situation and position Nepal as a hub for the Information Technology (IT) industry, the government should consider implementing new policies. These policies could include providing special support or incentives to foreign companies interested in investing in Nepal’s IT sector. Such measures have the potential to attract investment, generate more job opportunities within Nepal, and decrease the nation’s reliance on income from overseas workers. This strategy aims to strengthen Nepal’s economy and improve the safety and well-being of its citizens working abroad.

Digital globalization has triggered a revolution in information technology, reshaping the job market landscape. It has redefined how we perceive work, breaking down borders and democratizing technology. In the case of landlocked Nepal, it has the potential to transcend geographical limitations and become a borderless nation, provided the government fosters an environment conducive to technology market development. The Nepal government has taken commendable steps by initiating frameworks like the ‘Digital Nepal Framework’ and the ‘Master Plan for ICT in Education’. However, these plans have struggled due to inadequate planning and poor implementation, which is a common issue in many South Asian countries. For perspective,

India successfully exported $194bn in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Nepal’s government should draw lessons from successful policies that have transformed regions into IT hubs, such as Silicon Valley in the United States. Additionally, Nepal can learn from neighboring countries that have offered subsidies to multinational tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Infosys, and others. Reforms in foreign direct investment (FDI) policies can further stimulate growth.

Nepal’s strategic location between two potential superpower nations, India and China, offers unique advantages. The country’s environment is also conducive to tech innovation, making it a promising destination for the technology sector. There are various policies in Nepal that require reform across different domains, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), labor laws, intellectual property rights, monetary policies, Education and aspects related to infrastructure and data security. To foster the growth of the IT sector, the Nepal government should consider implementing specific measures. For instance, providing special subsidies for acquiring land for IT infrastructure could incentivize investments in this sector. Additionally, there is a need for enhanced security measures, particularly under the purview of the Home Ministry, to safeguard IT assets and sensitive data.

Furthermore, it is advisable to engage in negotiations and collaborations through Government-to-Business (G2B) partnerships. Encouraging large IT companies to expand to remote regions of Nepal, rather than being solely concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley, can help distribute economic opportunities more evenly across the country. This decentralization can not only reduce pressure on urban centers but also stimulate regional development, leading to a more balanced and robust IT ecosystem nationwide. In conclusion, Nepal stands on the cusp of becoming a Himalayan hub of innovation in the global IT landscape. Its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse communities provide a unique backdrop for technological growth. The strategic location between China and India presents promising opportunities for economic development, and the innate talent and dedication of Nepali professionals are valuable assets.

However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort, particularly in policy reform and implementation. While the government has taken commendable steps with frameworks like the ‘Digital Nepal Framework’ and ‘Master Plan for ICT in Education’, effective execution remains a challenge. Learning from successful models worldwide, attracting foreign investment, and offering incentives to multinational tech companies can fuel growth. Nepal’s transition from being known for labor exports to becoming a technology leader is a transformative journey. With the right policies, infrastructure, and commitment, Nepal has the potential to unlock its IT prowess, diversify its economy, and create a brighter future for its citizens, both at home and abroad.

For more than a decade, Nepali politics has been defined by three dominant figures: KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. As party chiefs and multiple-time prime ministers, they have established themselves as indomitable forces. Among the three, it now seems almost certain that Oli and Dahal will retain control of their respective parties for at least the next five years—if not longer.

In the past two weeks, the CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) held their Central Committee and Standing Committee meetings, respectively. The outcomes of these meetings will have far-reaching implications, particularly regarding leadership transitions. Both Oli and Dahal have further solidified their grip by weakening and isolating potential rivals. These developments starkly contrast with the widespread public desire, especially among the youth, for a generational change in leadership.

A significant section of Nepal’s youth continues to call for immediate leadership renewal. Many believe that since the same leaders have held sway over both party and government for more than three decades and failed to deliver, new leaders should be given a chance. Having become prime minister multiple times, these leaders have used the power and resources of the state to entrench their positions. Ministerial portfolios and key appointments were handed to loyalists, while dissenting voices were sidelined.

There have also been instances where state law enforcement agencies were allegedly used to harass internal party opponents. As a result, many young leaders have either aligned themselves with top leaders or remained silent, compromising the core values of intra-party democracy and leadership handover.

The internal dynamics of major parties tell a different story altogether. Youth leaders of NC, UML and Maoist Center—who once demanded a leadership transition—are now retreating from those positions. In recent Central and Standing Committee meetings, not only did they refrain from calling for change, but many also openly endorsed the current leadership.

The UML’s Central Committee meeting cleared the way for Oli to lead the party for a third consecutive term. The party decided to amend its statute, removing the 70-year age limit and the two-term cap tailored specifically to facilitate Oli’s continuation. But more than just a policy shift, both senior and youth leaders publicly declared that there is “no alternative” to Oli. Even former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s attempt to challenge Oli by reentering active politics was thwarted; the party revoked her general membership for doing so.

Oli is now virtually assured to be re-elected party chairman at the UML’s 11th General Convention, expected later this year. Party leaders argue that Oli's leadership is essential to securing victory in the 2027 elections. In reality, he may continue leading the party as long as his health allows. Since taking the helm in 2015, Oli has consolidated power, sidelined rivals, and built a loyal inner circle. Two pivotal moments helped him secure dominance: the departure of senior leaders like Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhala Nath Khanal, and the failed leadership challenge by Bhim Rawal, who was eventually expelled. That episode sent a clear message: challenging the leadership comes with consequences. More recently, Brinda Pandey and Usha Kiran Timalsina were suspended for six months for voicing dissent, reinforcing the party’s intolerance for internal opposition.

A similar scenario unfolded in the Maoist Center’s Standing Committee meeting. Senior leader Janardhan Sharma raised the issue of leadership change, only to be rebuked by nearly the entire committee. Out of 50 members, just three supported his proposal that Dahal, who has been at the helm since the 1980s, should begin transitioning party leadership to the next generation. Rather than supporting Sharma, other members criticized him. The party issued a warning that no leader should make public statements against its leadership. “There is a growing tendency to speak against party leadership and violate party discipline,” said Maoist leader Haribol Gajurel. 

The situation in the NC remains uncertain. Party President Deuba is unlikely to amend the party statute to pursue a third term. Leaders Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa appear poised to contest the presidency. A third candidate from the Deuba camp may also run, while other senior leaders, who lack serious electoral prospects, may enter the race merely to secure bargaining positions in the party or government. Despite this, Deuba remains a strong presence, and the party's top leadership appears to be consolidating its hold.

Meanwhile, in the CPN (Unified Socialist), a breakaway faction of UML, Madhav Kumar Nepal maintains tight control despite facing corruption allegations. He has publicly warned senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal to leave the party for speaking against him. Despite mounting pressure, Nepal has refused to hand over the reins to a younger generation.

With these developments, the debate around leadership handover in major Nepali parties has significantly lost momentum. Over the years, these senior leaders, each of whom has held the prime ministership multiple times, have consistently used state resources to strengthen their internal party positions and marginalize opposition. With youth leaders increasingly dependent on the senior leadership for political opportunities and resources, they remain unable, or unwilling, to mount a meaningful challenge.

Before we analyze the foods that boost metabolism, let’s first understand what metabolism signifies and how it functions in our bodies. Simply put, the chemical chain reaction in your body cells, which converts the food you eat into energy, is called metabolism. Also, metabolism is your body’s internal process, enabling you to expend energy and burn calories.

Your body requires this energy to perform every action in daily life, whether walking, sitting, playing, or even putting on your thinking cap. A score of proteins in your body regulate the chemical reactions of metabolism for the body to function and survive. It’s fascinating to know that your metabolism, tirelessly expending energy and burning calories, operates day and night, even while resting or sleeping. This continuous process is a reassuring testament to your body’s natural efficiency, providing comfort and confidence in your body’s capabilities.

Your body’s metabolism can be affected by various factors, including stress, lack of exercise, gender, age, genetics, prescribed drugs, sleep disorders, and hormonal imbalances, which can slow your metabolism. Still, you can enhance it by retaining a regular exercise regimen and eating foods that boost your metabolism. Workout, particularly strength training, can increase muscle mass, promoting metabolism. If you keep your body healthy, your metabolism works better. Regular physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, or other cardio or resistance training, also plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal metabolic health.

Understanding the crucial role of a balanced diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, and a well-hydrated body in promoting full-scale metabolism can empower you to make informed food choices and keep your energy levels up day and night. It's all about taking control of your health and instilling a sense of empowerment and control in your health voyage.

A myriad of foods loaded with nutrients help bolster metabolic health and the rate at which your body burns calories. The higher your metabolic rate, the more calories you burn, allowing you to shed unwanted excess weight. In turn, these foods may help you keep obesity at bay and reduce the risks of related health issues.

Apart from food, maintaining ideal metabolic health, drinking enough water, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in regular workouts (such as walking, running, cycling, or other cardio or resistance training) play a dominant role.

According to the experts, a miscellany of foods and nutrients helps maintain and elevate metabolic robustness. Let’s zero in on the five best foods that help bolster your metabolism. All you have to do is incorporate such foods into your balanced meal plan.

Protein-rich food

Understanding that protein serves as the building block of our body and retains a key position in stimulating metabolism can empower you to make confident dietary decisions. Protein-packed foods include:

• Fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, or other fatty fish. They are rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Protein intake burns more calories, day and night, even during sleep.
• Other protein-dense foods include chicken, lean meat like pork tenderloin, seafood, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. High protein also helps to enhance your muscle mass and aids in cutting down on body fat. Besides, these protein-rich foods contain Vitamin B, influencing energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Legumes and beans

Learning that legumes, such as kidney beans, peanuts, lima beans, green peas, and garbanzo beans, are protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods that can beef up your metabolic health can reassure you and boost your confidence in your food choices.

Another benefit of a high protein intake is that it helps curb your sweet tooth, keeping you fuller for extended periods and preventing unnecessary snacking or overeating.

Spinach

It’s an open secret that besides cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, or cabbage, fresh leafy greens pack a lot of nutrients to maintain an overall healthy life. Loaded with multiple minerals, Spinach also provides an abundant serving of iron.

Spinach is a source of nonheme, non-animal iron protein. Nonheme iron is found in plant-based foods and is not as easily absorbed by the body as heme iron derived from animal products. However, a regular diet of Spinach can still provide a significant amount of iron, which is essential for muscle function and metabolism.

Chili peppers/spices

You must understand that no single food can hike up your metabolic rate. Research suggests that the intake of chili peppers may foster your metabolism when paired with a healthy, balanced diet. An active phytonutrient called capsaicin in chili peppers, such as Aji Amarillo, Jalapeno peppers, serrano peppers, cayenne pepper, and habanero, among others, hikes up the thermogenesis level in the body.

Thermogenesis is the process of heat production in the body, which pushes the internal body cells and tissues to generate heat that speeds up lipid metabolism and burns body fat more efficiently—the gateway to losing body weight. In simpler terms, eating chili peppers can make your body produce more heat, which in turn burns more calories and fat. This process is critical in understanding how certain foods can increase calorie burning and facilitate metabolism.

Research studies suggest that a dose of capsaicin as low as six to ten mg daily, equivalent to one jalapeno pepper, is enough to burn body fat substantially. However, the said dose might not work for those used to eating highly spicy food.

Green tea

Good news for green tea lovers! Our body is constantly burning calories. Scientific studies suggest that drinking green tea regularly may reduce the risk of several diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, due to its health-promoting compounds, such as catechins and EGCG, which work as potential metabolism boosters.

These compounds, found in high concentrations in green tea, are antioxidants that may reinforce metabolism and help burn fat. A regular intake of green tea (approximately three to five cups a day) may be a fat-burning tool to support your metabolism.

Furthermore, green tea contains caffeine. This natural chemical stimulant can increase alertness, enhance exercise performance, and also aid in revving up your metabolism.

Summary

Aside from the five recommended foods mentioned above, numerous other food items purportedly boost your metabolism, making the list quite extensive. This variety can make your journey to a healthier metabolism exciting and full of discoveries, sparking curiosity and engagement in your health voyage.

Some of these items include certain fruits, vegetables, and spices. However, I’d like to emphasize that, in addition to food, regular exercise, a balanced diet paired with metabolism-enhancing food, keeping yourself well-hydrated, and getting ample sleep are all crucial to retaining a healthy, functional metabolism.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based, not medical advice; the author solicits readers to exercise their discretion and cross-reference. Each individual’s dietary needs are unique, so it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

[email protected]

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. Over these seven decades, the two neighbors have forged a relationship grounded in mutual respect, non-interference, and shared aspirations for development, peace, and prosperity. This is a unique model of partnership rooted in trust and mutual respect

On 1 Aug 1955, Nepal and  China formally established diplomatic relations. Seventy years later, this historic milestone provides a timely moment to reflect on a multifaceted partnership that has evolved from ancient civilizational exchanges into a dynamic 21st-century cooperation model. Built on the core principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and non-interference, Nepal-China relations continue to hold significant relevance for Nepal’s foreign policy trajectory and development ambitions.

A relationship rooted in geography, shaped by history

Nepal and China are more than just neighbors; they share more than seventeen centuries-old ties through trade, religion, culture, and kinship across the Himalayas. The exchanges between Lumbini and Lhasa, between artists and monks, are testimonies to a relationship that predates formal diplomacy. The 1956 Nepal-China Boundary Agreement and subsequent treaties not only delineated borders but also laid the foundation for long-term cooperation.

In modern diplomatic history, China has consistently respected Nepal’s territorial integrity and political independence, while Nepal has firmly adhered to the One-China Policy. This diplomatic symmetry has helped both countries build a resilient and trust-based relationship, despite changing geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and beyond.

Development, connectivity, and the promise of the BRI

China has played a critical role in Nepal’s development efforts through grants, soft loans, and infrastructure projects. From the construction of the Araniko Highway in the 1960s to ongoing efforts in energy, hydropower, airport expansion, and digital connectivity, Chinese cooperation has left visible footprints in Nepal’s development landscape. 

The signing of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework agreement in 2017 marked a new phase in economic diplomacy. While its implementation has been slow and requires better clarity and transparency, the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network—envisioned under the BRI—holds transformative potential for Nepal, particularly in trade facilitation, energy transit, and cross-border infrastructure.

Nevertheless, Nepal must approach such initiatives with strategic foresight—ensuring debt sustainability, environmental safeguards, and equitable benefits for local communities.

Beyond infrastructure: People, culture, and soft power

Nepal-China relations are increasingly shaped by people-to-people engagement. Thousands of Nepali students pursue higher education in China, supported by scholarships. Cultural exchange programs, tourism, and media collaboration have helped build a more nuanced understanding between the two societies.

China established the Confucius Institute in Nepal to promote Chinese language and culture. Regular cultural delegations, exhibitions and performances are organized to strengthen people-to-people relations. There is a growing dissemination of Chinese narratives in Nepali media, especially around regional geopolitics and BRI. Chinese media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and China Radio international have partnership with Nepali media.

China promotes Nepal as a tourism destination among Chinese citizens and has included Nepal in approved travel destinations. Joint branding of heritage sites such as  Lumbini is  part of soft tourism diplomacy. In times of crisis, such as the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake and the Covid-19 pandemic, China provided critical humanitarian support to Nepal, reinforcing a spirit of solidarity. Such gestures are not merely symbolic but serve as catalysts for strengthening trust among the general public.

The strategic imperative for Nepal

As Nepal seeks to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strategic partnerships with neighbors like China become indispensable. However, Nepal must adopt a clear, consistent, and country-owned foreign policy, grounded in national interest and inclusive development priorities.

The trade imbalance between Nepal and China remains a persistent challenge. Addressing it requires improved access to the Chinese market, support for Nepali agricultural and handmade exports, and the upgrading of border infrastructure at key points like Rasuwagadhi, Tatopani and Mustang. Furthermore, as climate change disproportionately affects the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, Nepal and China should deepen cooperation on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and green technology transfer.

Looking ahead: Rethinking the next chapter

As Nepal and China commemorate 70 years of friendship, both countries must reimagine their cooperation in light of emerging global challenges—climate change, poverty, digital transformation, and regional security. Future collaboration must focus not only on infrastructure, but also on green development, youth exchange, public health, and social inclusion.

Diplomatic anniversaries are more than ceremonial milestones—they are opportunities to reflect, renew, and re-energize relationships as well as to reimagine the future. The 70th anniversary offers both Kathmandu and Beijing the chance to reaffirm their strategic trust, expand areas of cooperation, and ensure that their partnership contributes meaningfully to regional harmony and Nepal’s long-term national interest. Nepal must seek cooperation for changing from landlocked to land linked.

The 70th anniversary of Nepal-China relations should catalyze a broader conversation among policymakers, academics, and civil society about what an equitable, future-oriented partnership looks like in a rapidly changing global order.

In this next phase, cooperation must move beyond state-to-state interactions and become more inclusive of youth, local governments, academic institutions, and marginalized communities—ensuring that the benefits of diplomacy and development reach the grassroots.

As a small but strategically located nation, Nepal must continue to walk a balanced diplomatic path—maintaining friendly ties with both its neighbors while protecting its autonomy and advancing a just, inclusive development agenda.

The Nepal-China partnership, built over seven decades, can continue to be a model of asymmetric yet respectful diplomacy—one that champions sovereignty, mutual benefit, and the shared dreams of two peoples.

As we look ahead, the friendship between Nepal and China must continue to be guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. A true celebration of this historic milestone would be not only in looking back with pride—but also looking forward with purpose.

The author is former Nepali ambassador to China