OWSA Contributor

While male participation in the labour market remained largely steady, dipping only slightly from 48.1 million to 48.0 million, female participation plunged more markedly – from 25.3 million in 2023 to 23.7 million in 2024.

Nepal's political landscape is in a state of turmoil, as major political parties have united to demand the reinstatement of the Parliament, which was dissolved by President Ram Chandra Poudel following a week of deadly anti-corruption protests.

With each mother who learns to cook a new, nutritious meal, and each spoonful of semolina porridge lovingly fed to a child, the cycle of poverty and poor health begins to break.

Nepal’s army stepped in late Tuesday night to impose an indefinite curfew across major cities, including the capital Kathmandu, as the country reeled from violent Gen Z-led protests that forced Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday.

Recent tariff negotiations have also strengthened Pakistan’s position. Islamabad successfully reduced US reciprocal tariffs from 29 per cent to 19 per cent, a move projected to enhance access to US markets.

On Monday, the latest round of protests, driven by Gen Z youth demanding an end to corruption and authoritarian rule, spiralled into tragedy. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least 19 deaths.

Fletcher’s statement amid what he described as “a massive military offensive” by Israeli forces against Palestinians in Gaza City, and the failure of ceasefire negotiations with Hamas militants.

Using self-reported questionnaires, the survey assessed aspects such as alcohol and drug use, eating habits, physical activity levels, psychosocial wellbeing, injuries, exposure to violence and skipping meals due to food insufficiency.