The developments in Nepal illustrate a familiar tension across many democracies: the challenge of establishing effective self-regulation and accountability mechanisms without creating tools that could be used to constrain critical reporting.
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.
Hospitals are accused of admitting patients without medical necessity and inflating bills, while helicopter companies allegedly falsified flight records.
From inadequate rescue equipment and poor inter-agency coordination to health vulnerabilities and absent local representatives, the Kathmandu Valley is staring down a potentially dangerous monsoon season.
The deadliest event of early 2024 occurred in June, when a colossal landslide near Simtal along the Narayangadh-Muglin road swept away two passenger buses. Of the 62 passengers onboard, 59 lost their lives.
Kathmandu ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with the main source of pollution being its diesel-powered vehicles such as trucks and buses. Experts...
The UN appeal comes at a moment when humanitarian funding is already stretched by multiple crises. While CERF has provided rapid support, broader donor commitments remain insufficient relative to the scale of projected need.
South Asia’s lead crisis is not inevitable. Experience elsewhere demonstrates that decisive regulation, industrial formalisation and community-level interventions can sharply reduce exposure.
The UN appeal comes at a moment when humanitarian funding is already stretched by multiple crises. While CERF has provided rapid support, broader donor commitments remain insufficient relative to the scale of projected need.