Policy analysis

Food security is at stake in a nation self-sufficient in rice production. The unregulated market risks artificial shortages, where hoarding drives spikes despite ample harvests. Without intervention, experts warn of potential vulnerabilities to climate shocks or global disruptions, as the system lacks resilience.

These hikes aim to generate more revenue – Everest alone brought in over $5 million in 2025 – while deterring casual climbers.

In response to the airstrikes, the United Nations has emerged as a key player in attempting to de-escalate the situation. On February 23, 2026, UN deputy secretary-general Rosemary DiCarlo held a phone conversation with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which she expressed deep sympathy for the civilian losses.

Having conducted a rapid reappraisal of the nation’s ground realities, the new administration opted to prioritize macroeconomic stability over an immediate change in international economic status.

The professionalization of politics has undoubtedly brought efficiency. Yet efficiency alone cannot substitute for legitimacy or internal strength. As political parties increasingly rely on consultants, the real test lies not in how loudly they can communicate, but in how accurately they can interpret their own political realities.

As the scientific community reflects on these findings, the report serves as both diagnosis and rallying cry. With global enrolment trends favouring women, the onus is on institutions to dismantle barriers and harness diverse perspectives.

In response to the survey’s release, advocates are pushing for enhanced government action. While Nepal has ratified international conventions like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, implementation lags. Proposed measures include strengthening school retention programmes, providing scholarships for girls from poor families, and enforcing anti-child marriage laws more rigorously.

The report also shed light on child mortality rates, which are closely linked to water quality and sanitation.