loki

Sustainable Development Goals Progress Slow

Summary:

The United Nations released the "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Report 2025," marking the 10th annual assessment since the 2030 Agenda adoption. The report praises improvements in health, education, energy access, and digital connectivity, which have enhanced millions of lives globally. However, progress toward the 2030 targets is slow:

• Only 35% of the SDGs are on track with moderate progress.
• Nearly half of the goals are advancing very slowly.
• 18% of targets have regressed compared to original plans.

Key achievements include a 40% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, significant malaria prevention efforts saving over 127 million lives since 2000, expanded social protection coverage to over half the global population, increased school enrollment by 110 million children since 2015, declines in child marriage, increased female parliamentary representation, and electricity access for 92% of the world by 2023. Internet use has also grown from 40% in 2015 to 68% in 2024, boosting education, jobs, and civic engagement. Conservation efforts have doubled, aiding biodiversity.

Despite these gains, serious challenges persist:

• Around 800 million people still live in extreme poverty.
• Billions lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
• 2024 was the hottest year on record due to climate change.
• Conflict caused about 50,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people.
• Over 112 million live in inadequate housing or informal settlements.
• Official development assistance dropped by 7.1% in 2024 and may decline further in 2025.

The report calls for urgent action across six priority areas: food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, employment, social protection, climate, and biodiversity. The next five years are critical for achieving the SDGs by 2030. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a "global development emergency," emphasizing that no country can tackle these interconnected challenges alone. The SDGs represent a shared commitment and responsibility for all humanity. Though progress is slow, immediate, unified, and determined efforts can still realize the goals. The report stresses that sustainable development is not optional but an essential duty to current and future generations.

Archive: https://archive.md/3OIGU

Summary:

The Madhesh Province in Nepal is facing a severe drinking water shortage due to prolonged drought and depleted groundwater, causing traditional sources like tube wells and hand pumps to dry up. In response, the provincial government has deployed eight fire engines, along with additional tankers from the Nepal Army and Forest Office, to deliver water to the hardest-hit districts, including Bara and Parsa. These fire engines, each with a 5,000-liter capacity, operate 24 hours a day under coordination with the Nepal Army. The government is covering fuel and logistical costs and is also coordinating with the federal government for further support. The crisis stems from inadequate rainfall during the monsoon season, leading to an acute water shortage in the province.

Archive; https://archive.md/YsVPO

Summary:

• Ram Pukar Sah, the mayor of Kalyanpur Municipality in Siraha district, was caught and detained by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) while accepting a bribe of Rs 100,000 at the municipal office.
• Sah had demanded a 20% commission from a consumer committee responsible for overseeing a drainage project worth Rs 2 million.
• When the committee refused to pay, Sah withheld the project cheque.
• After a week of negotiation, Sah agreed to release the cheque only after receiving Rs 100,000 in advance, with the rest to be paid after clearance of the cheque.
• CIAA Bardibas chief Ram Bahadur Kurumbang confirmed that a detailed investigation is ongoing.

Archive: https://archive.md/5C462

Summary:
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has formed a special committee to investigate suspected human trafficking involving people who traveled to Spain under the pretext of attending a United Nations conference. The panel is led by Senior Superintendent Police Hobindra Bogati and includes investigators from the Bureau of Human Trafficking Transportation Control. The investigation was prompted by concerns that an organized network may be using government channels to smuggle people into Europe, with reports indicating that around 82 individuals traveled to Spain claiming to be conference participants, and an additional 55 were stopped at Tribhuvan International Airport.

The investigation follows the recent visit of a 21-member official Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain. The probe aims to determine if any government officials were complicit in facilitating unauthorized travel using forged documents and unofficial channels. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed authorities to scrutinize the allegations, and opposition lawmakers have raised concerns in Parliament. The committee is expected to submit its report soon after completing the inquiry.

Key points:

• CIB formed a special panel to investigate suspected human trafficking linked to a UN conference in Spain.
• Around 82 suspicious travelers claimed to attend the conference; 55 were stopped at the airport.
• Possible use of forged documents and unofficial routes to enter Europe.
• Investigation includes examining potential government complicity.
• The case has drawn public and political attention in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/vKra1

Reflection of three families affected by the maoist revolution and government oppression at the time, left behind with broken promises and broken families.

"उज्यालो समय कैद भएको अँध्यारो कोठाभित्र उदासी मिसिएको अनौठो मौनता छ । क्रान्तिको राजधानीको एउटा कुनामा रक्तिम सपनाहरुको अवसान छ । "

Translation:

"There is a strange silence mixed with sadness inside the dark room where bright times are imprisoned. In a corner of the revolutionary capital, there is the end of crimson dreams."

Summary:
Minister Rajkumar Gupta, Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister of Nepal, resigned on July 15, 2025, following a leaked audio clip alleging his involvement in a bribery scandal. The audio reportedly reveals a deal involving Rs7.8 million for political appointments and transfer of a government official in Kaski district. Gupta denied wrongdoing, calling himself a victim of technology misuse and submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Despite calls for dismissal, Gupta attended the Cabinet meeting on July 14, where the issue was not raised, and no immediate action was taken. The Prime Minister summoned Gupta for clarification but did not make an immediate decision. However, the Prime Minister reportedly instructed Gupta to resign within 24 hours.

The scandal has heightened tensions within the ruling coalition, with coalition partners discussing power-sharing arrangements. Gupta’s resignation raises questions about potential cabinet reshuffles and ongoing coalition dynamics.

Key points:

• Leaked audio alleges Rs7.8 million bribery for political postings.
• Gupta denies charges, calls for investigation.
• Resignation submitted but not directly handed to PM; submitted via secretariat.
• PM Oli asked for resignation within 24 hours.
• Coalition tensions increased amid the scandal.
• Discussions about cabinet reshuffle and power-sharing underway.

Archive: https://archive.is/gOMnj

Summary:

• Finland’s government provides every pregnant woman with a “Finnish Baby Box” containing essential items for infants and new mothers.
• Rewati Gurung, a 37-year-old social researcher from Nepal, learned about this scheme in 2016.
• Inspired by the idea, she wanted to introduce a similar concept in Nepal to support Nepali mothers.
• Gurung researched the best materials to include, such as maternity garments, to create a baby box tailored for Nepal.
• The article highlights her journey and efforts in starting an infant clothing brand, Kokroma, aimed at providing quality baby products in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/o7VH5

Summary:

• Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations that some Nepalis who traveled to Spain purportedly to participate in an international event alongside Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli did not return to Nepal.
• The probe aims to identify those individuals beyond the official delegation, understand the process of their travel, and uncover how their visas were arranged.
• Opposition parties have pressured the government, suspecting that officials may be involved in trafficking people under the guise of attending the event.
• The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau have been tasked with leading the investigation.
• Prime Minister Oli visited Spain from June 28 to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing Development (FFD4) from June 30 to July 3, leading a 21-member official delegation.
• Some individuals who traveled with the delegation reportedly remain unaccounted for and are suspected to have fled to European countries, possibly using forged documents through non-governmental channels.
• Immigration officials confirmed many people received visas to attend the program but are uncertain if all returned.
• Opposition lawmakers raised this issue in Parliament, demanding clarity and accountability.
• PM Oli dismissed the accusations as propaganda aimed at criticizing him.

Archive: https://archive.md/6PXgM

Summary:
In Nepal, pressure groups like doctors, teachers, police, and transport operators are increasingly influencing the lawmaking process, often bending laws to serve their interests. A recent example involves the Nepal Medical Association protesting against penalties imposed by the Consumer Court on doctors and hospitals for negligence. Their agitation forced the government to agree to amend the Consumer Protection Act in their favor.

This is not an isolated case. Similar pressure from doctors led to amendments in the criminal code in 2018. Public transport operators recently pressured authorities to halt a ride-hailing policy despite court approval. Police unions have stalled the Nepal Police Act amendment to protect their interests, and the Teachers’ Federation has influenced the delay of the School Education Bill.

Experts highlight this trend as an intrusion on parliamentary authority. Senior advocate Radheshyam Adhikari says that the political leadership lacks the moral strength to resist these pressures, weakening legislative sovereignty. Former law professor Ganesh Datta Bhatta points out that while lobbying is natural, laws should not be constantly revised under pressure. He also notes poor consultation during lawmaking leaves stakeholders feeling excluded, prompting them to exert pressure afterward.

Overall, the article warns that such interference undermines democracy, weakens parliament's role, and leads to laws that are poorly implemented or manipulated by interest groups.

Archive: https://archive.md/8xjX9

Summary:

Tilaurakot, the ancient capital of the Shakya kingdom and childhood home of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha), failed to get inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris.

• Despite years of detailed archaeological research and documentation, the proposal was deferred following the recommendation of ICOMOS (UNESCO’s advisory body on cultural heritage).
• No member country supported Nepal’s nomination or proposed amendments during the committee discussions, highlighting Nepal’s weak diplomatic efforts.
• India’s reservations played a significant role, as it promotes Piprahwa Ganwaria (near Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh) as the Shakya capital instead of Tilaurakot.
• Experts suggest a joint trans-boundary nomination involving India could improve chances, similar to other successful UNESCO sites shared by countries.
• Archaeological evidence at Tilaurakot includes a walled settlement dating back to the 8th century BCE, artifacts, ancient coins, and structural remains matching descriptions by Chinese pilgrims Faxian and Xuanzang.
• Nepal had placed Tilaurakot on the tentative list since 1996; previous attempts also failed.
• The failure is seen as a diplomatic setback rather than a reflection on the site's historical and archaeological value.
• Experts and officials emphasize persistence and improved international coordination for future nominations.

Archive: https://archive.is/MgNrm

Summary:
A 28-year-old woman named Kamala Aauji Damai from Krishnapur Municipality, Kanchanpur district, died after being bitten by a snake while staying in a menstrual shed (chhaugoth). She was bitten Friday night and taken to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi but died the following evening.

The incident highlights the ongoing practice of chhaupadi in far-western Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province, where menstruating women are forced to live separately in sheds or huts due to social stigma and superstition, despite it being illegal since 2017. The law criminalizes this practice with penalties, but enforcement is weak.

Local authorities have tried to dismantle these huts, demolishing about 60 last year, but people continue to rebuild them. Awareness campaigns alone have not been enough to stop this harmful tradition. In this case, despite living in a concrete house, the woman built a separate shed for menstruation and went there alone when the snakebite occurred.

Archive: https://archive.md/gLiwU

Summary:

• The government of Nepal has drafted a new law to address conflicts of interest among public officials amid widespread criticism of officials engaging in activities that conflict with their duties.
• The draft bill mandates that public officials must recuse themselves from decision-making processes where there is a conflict of interest.
• Officials must submit written declarations upon appointment, nomination, or election, stating they have no conflicting interests related to their workplace.
• The law covers a wide range of public positions, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House, judges, lawmakers, ministers, constitutional body office bearers, local elected officials, and government employees.
• Though some laws exist separately on conflicts of interest and public procurement, Nepal currently lacks an integrated law on this issue. The Supreme Court has also directed the government to create such legislation.
• The bill prohibits appointments, transfers, or postings involving officials with conflicts of interest and requires awareness among officials about potential conflicts.
• If a conflict arises in decision-making within a ministry, another official may be assigned to decide. Similarly, for constitutional bodies, decisions can be delegated to another official.
• The bill also limits unauthorized meetings and correspondence between public officials and foreign individuals or entities. Unauthorized acceptance of benefits from foreigners or foreign governments is banned.
• Receiving foreign aid or support without authorization is prohibited and such actions would be invalidated.
• The law imposes strict penalties for accepting support or gifts beyond a specified limit, including confiscation and barring officials from office for a period.
• Gifts received in an official capacity must be registered with the relevant public body.
• Violations may lead to fines, confiscation of benefits, and other legal consequences.
• The bill is in the final stages of Cabinet approval before being presented to Parliament for endorsement.

This new legislation aims to bring transparency and integrity to public service by systematically addressing conflicts of interest and restricting undue influence.

Archive: https://archive.is/OCoEh