For city planners, the cleared riverbanks represent a step toward a cleaner, more resilient Kathmandu. But for thousands of people like Mandira, Lakshmi, and Budhathoki, the demolition drive has simply left them destitute.
For Asia’s rice bowl, the coming months will be critical. Farmers, traders, and policymakers must prepare for a potentially volatile period that could test food security across the region.
Analysts suggest a balanced outcome might involve India strengthening its own forced labour import monitoring mechanisms while securing phased tariff reductions and dispute resolution clauses that provide greater predictability for Indian exporters.
As the June 12 deadline approaches, the ministry will likely receive a wide array of ideas. The challenge will be synthesizing them into a coherent, actionable medium- to long-term strategy that delivers the 20 per cent target without compromising growth or equity.
For Asia’s rice bowl, the coming months will be critical. Farmers, traders, and policymakers must prepare for a potentially volatile period that could test food security across the region.
Analysts suggest a balanced outcome might involve India strengthening its own forced labour import monitoring mechanisms while securing phased tariff reductions and dispute resolution clauses that provide greater predictability for Indian exporters.