Most food ingredients in Nepal have medicinal properties, and none more than turmeric. The colourful and aromatic spice got added recognition during the pandemic after word spread that it was a cure for Covid-19 infections. Now, a botanist has discovered what appears to be a new species of wild turmeric in the mountains of Karnali Province in western Nepal. This hitherto unknown variety of turmeric belonging to the family Zingiberaceae has recently been recognised as the new species Curcuma nepalensis in the journal Annales Botanici Fennici. Ginger and turmeric are two popular plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family which has 57 genera. The Curcuma genus has 160 known species spread across Australia and South and South East Asia. C. amada, C. longa, and C. zedoaria are grown in Nepal, while C. angustifolia and C. aromatica are found in the wild here. The two wild species are also found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, and C. aromatica is also widespread in Cambodia, China, South-Central Tibet and Sri Lanka. The C. longa turmeric is native to India. Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/let-s-not-forget-mosses">Let’s not forget mosses</a>, Achyut Tiwari  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/2023103011108_8b85e082b1248fe22b916e39b17feb89a587134638457c95c5081f34af3a3b9e.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="2023103011108_8b85e082b1248fe22b916e39b17feb89a587134638457c95c5081f34af3a3b9e" data-rendition-name="original" width="1677" height="2000" loading="lazy" alt="New turmeric species NT"> </figure>  Curcuma gives unique and visually striking inflorescence that emerges from the base of the plant. It has colourful bracts that often resemble petals of a flower in various shades of pink, purple, red, orange, or white. The new Curcuma samples in the Karnali were gathered by Sajan Subedi and citizen scientist Saroj Kumar Kasaju from Surkhet. Its distinctive floral features were never see before, and they suspected it might be a new species for Nepal. They then consulted an Indian botanist from the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Science in Kerala, Mamiyil Sabu who is an authority on plant group Zingiberales, and has spent the past three decades studying the taxonomy of the Indian Zingiberaceae, contributing to the discovery of seven Indian Curcuma species and two new combinations. He has altogether discovered 67 new species from the family Musaceae, Zingiberaceae, Balsaminaceae, Rubiaceae, among others. Read also: <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/the-malayan-rainforest-and-its-rare-flower">The Malayan rainforest and its rare flower</a>, Hum Gurung  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20231030121052_66dfe28da107541f35931b90a0b02ca64a6e8f6ff4f82786900aa705c97915a4.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20231030121052_66dfe28da107541f35931b90a0b02ca64a6e8f6ff4f82786900aa705c97915a4" data-rendition-name="original" width="3992" height="3656" loading="lazy" alt="New turmeric species NT"> <figcaption>Curcuma nepalensis spike with flowers</figcaption> </figure>  Sabu noted distinctive features of the specimens from Nepal, and to study its morphology Subedi and Kasaju planted their new Curcuma specimens in Kathmandu. By observing its traits, they were certain it was indeed a new species. Root tubers of Curcuma nepalensis are ovoid, white, glabrous outside, pearly white inside, non-aromatic. Each plant has 3-4 leaves and its pseudo stem is buried deep in the soil. The spike consisting of 14-28 bracts that are red with yellowish veins towards the tip.&nbsp; Curcuma nepalensis (Zingiberaceae) shares many similarities with C. aurantiaca and C. petiolata but also has enough distinct features to stand on its own to be classified as a new species. The former is distributed from India to Java, while the latter one is found in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar. Read also: <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/save-nepal-s-orchids">Save Nepal’s orchids</a>, Reshu Bashyal  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20231030121056_fe002a555fa335b5637aa11450b8866deee5952c6268f16c87e89ddfe4d28bf1.jpg" data-media-id="editor_5" data-image-id="20231030121056_fe002a555fa335b5637aa11450b8866deee5952c6268f16c87e89ddfe4d28bf1" data-rendition-name="original" width="1000" height="1177" loading="lazy" alt="New turmeric species NT"> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure>  The other indigenous Curcuma angustifolia found in Nepal is a starch-rich plant with nutritional value. Its rhizome flour is eaten with milk for health benefits. It is also used to treat ailments of the lungs and the digestive system. It is also the main ingredient in cakes, biscuits, and other baked goods. Similar to this, the rhizome of the native Nepalese Curcuma aromatica is frequently used in traditional medicine for bacterial and skin diseases. The new Curcuma nepalensis could similarly contain useful chemical compounds healing properties, and hence needs to be extensively studied. Read also: <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/between-existence-and-extinction-in-nepal/" target="_blank">Between existence and extinction in Nepal</a>, Sonia Awale Kamal Maden is a botanist and a biodiversity researcher.

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New turmeric species in Nepal

Mahendra Singh Limbu was retracing his steps up the Mewa Khola in 2018 when he and fellow lepidopterist Karen Conniff saw what looked like a new species of dragonfly sunning itself on a leaf. It was a female, but to ensure that it was indeed a new species they also had to find a male. So, they returned a few months later to the same spot with a scenic waterfall in the middle of a forest alive with songbirds and an orchestra of crickets.&nbsp; They took separate tracks along the brook, minutely inspecting leaves and pools. Limbu spotted a dragonfly and quickly took a photo, and gestured to Conniff to come over. They both examined the distinctive stripes on the dragonfly’s back: it was the same species, but more importantly, it was a male. &nbsp; Conniff submitted her paper to the German scientific journal, <a href="http://archive.nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=19301#.XAj3DdszaUk">Odonatologica</a>, where after peer review it was published and the Microgomphus phewataali was <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/banner/project-dragonfly">officially recognised as a new dragonfly species</a> endemic to Nepal. Its scientific Latin name is derived from Pokhara’s famous lake near where the dragonfly with the distinctive green and black patterns on its back was found. There are more than 5,000 species of dragonflies and damselflies, of which 140 have been recorded in Nepal -- some of them found nowhere else in the world. Like Microgomphus phewataali there could be many more dragonflies in Nepal which have not even been classified yet. Conniff has now returned to the United States, and Limbu continues to research butterflies, moths and dragonflies in Shivapuri, Pulchoki and other forests around Kathmandu Valley. He often comes to Pokhara to exchange notes with <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/and-the-metaphor-of-metamorphosis">another butterfly expert, Colin Smith</a> who has made Nepal his home and is known by his friendly nickname <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/and-the-metaphor-of-metamorphosis">Putali Baje</a>.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20230811200820_9627c56f3d4875df0db6fbe0ffaee4f2e21676d273651622d88a1fe1635d225d.jpg" data-media-id="editor_4" data-image-id="20230811200820_9627c56f3d4875df0db6fbe0ffaee4f2e21676d273651622d88a1fe1635d225d" data-rendition-name="original" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" alt="Dragonfly NT"> </figure>  In his last trip to Pokhara, Limbu returned to Mewa Khola to see how the dragonfly habitat was surviving against the city’s rapid urbanisation. What he found was worrisome. “It was much dirtier than five years ago,” Limbu said. “There was no water tumbling over boulders. The waterfall in the middle of the jungle had gone dry.” The slope was a tangle of pipes extracting water from further upstream to supply houses and lodges below, and Mewa Khola was dead. He made a desperate and futile search, but not only could he not spot the Microgomphus phewataali, but there were very few other butterflies and dragonflies in the undergrowth. In an interview with Nepali Times in 2018, Karen Conniff had already predicted: “The habitat of the dragonfly faces extreme stress from water overdraft for Pokhara’s rapidly growing tourism centre. The habitat could vanish in a few years if people do not stop drawing water from there.” For Limbu, the elation over the discovery of their new species is now overshadowed by a sense of dread about what lies ahead for Nepal’s endangered, and yet undiscovered, butterflies and dragonflies.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20230811200820_b22d4e9c2e7ec7d9917af39fc5c57fba112a232961dfe58fc85a4f9a77d0e333.jpg" data-media-id="editor_5" data-image-id="20230811200820_b22d4e9c2e7ec7d9917af39fc5c57fba112a232961dfe58fc85a4f9a77d0e333" data-rendition-name="original" width="2500" height="1875" loading="lazy" alt="Dragonfly NT"> <figcaption>Phewa Lake  in Pokhara. Photo: YUVARAJ SHRESTHA</figcaption> </figure>  Much of the dragonfly’s life cycle is spent underwater as larvae after hatching from eggs that are laid in clear still water near streams. Some larvae live for up to seven years underwater before maturing into winged adults. They live only a few weeks during which time they fly around to mate and procreate.&nbsp; In its brief life, the dragonfly eats mosquito eggs and larvae, but does not survive if there is no water, or if it is polluted. Researchers have also found that dragonflies found in Nepal migrate over unbelievable distances to and from Japan and Africa, riding prevailing winds. &nbsp; “Dragonflies are indicator species,” explained Limbu. “If you see fewer of them you know that the ecosystem is in danger.” Worldwide, insect populations have dropped drastically due to pesticide use, habitat destruction and the impact of the climate emergency.&nbsp; Pokhara Valley is an example of how unmanaged urban expansion can harm delicate ecosystems. The city is now repeating all the mistakes that Kathmandu made with similar consequences. In fact, Pokhara has even more biodiversity than Kathmandu because of its higher annual rainfall and greater elevation range from tropical valleys to alpine meadows below Annapurna. <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/pokhara-s-shrinking-lakes">Pokhara’s numerous lakes</a>, water bodies and wetlands also make it an ideal habitat for various insects, including dragonflies. Mewa Khola and its waterfall are flowing again after recent monsoon rains, but dragonflies need the stream to flow also in the dry season. On his recent trip, Limbu saw butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, but they were common varieties found around Nepal. But on the recent trip, while stepping carefully through the undergrowth he could not stop himself from exclaiming excitedly: “Watson bush brown.” This was the new species he had discovered in Pokhara’s Banpale Danda in 2017, and he was happy to make its acquaintance again.&nbsp;  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20230811200820_736d4ec79d958c0a5da6146806c41eb6193c9420b08083727c75f2a4a0846a0b.jpg" data-media-id="editor_7" data-image-id="20230811200820_736d4ec79d958c0a5da6146806c41eb6193c9420b08083727c75f2a4a0846a0b" data-rendition-name="original" width="1250" height="941" loading="lazy" alt="Dragonfly NT"> <figcaption>Mahendra Limbu with moth expert Toshiro Haruta in Godavari in 1992.</figcaption> </figure>  Besides the <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/pokhara-s-shrinking-lakes">140 species of dragonflies</a> so far classified in Nepal, there are 660 species of butterflies and moths. Limbu worries that many more unknown species will be extinct even before they can be classified because of the destruction of their fragile ecosystems.Limbu has been interested in insects since his school days in Godavari, and pursued entomology during higher studies in the UK.&nbsp; In 1992, he worked with Japanese biologist <a href="http://www.moth.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Moths-of-Nepal-part-2.pdf">Toshiro Haruta</a> to collect Nepal’s moths and publish five books on the subject. Haruta was working on his next moth book, when he died in 1996. After that Limbu worked with Colin Smith ‘पुतली बाजे’, and is working on a book on the butterflies of Nepal. Meanwhile, he still visits Phewa Tal in search of the elusive Microgomphus phewataali, but the trail is getting cold. After a fruitless search last month, Limbu was sitting dejected on a boat to be ferried to the other side of the lake. Just then, a dragonfly fluttered by and sat on his companion’s shoulder. He told his friend not to move, and took out his camera to take a series of photos.&nbsp; Immediately, he recognised the insect. It was none other than the Microgomphus phewataali that had flown over to say, “Looking for me?” Limbu broke into a wide smile, feeling that all was not lost. But he is still worried about dry streams and unregulated destruction of the <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/pokhara-s-shrinking-lakes">natural habitat surrounding Pokhara</a>. In a voice trembling with relief and trepidation, he said: "There is not much time left.”

Saving Dragonflies to save Pokhara

“Let's have another cup of tea,” <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/ujwal-thapa-s-light-shines-on-n0tfurod">Ujwal Thapa</a> of the alternative Bibeksheel Nepali party told the young activist Pukar Bam ten years ago. The two had 12 cups of tea that day, discussing ways to get Nepal out of its political deadend. Thapa contested the Constituent Assembly election in 2013 as an independent from Kathmandu, and formed Bibeksheel Nepali to galvanise youth impatient for change, fielding candidates in the first federal election in 2017.&nbsp; Ujwal Thapa was a political guru who was way ahead of his time, and his protégés were among the RSP’s winning candidates in last week’s election. Pukar Bam was a core member of Bibeksheel Nepali until its dissolution, and won the Kathmandu-4 seat this time. Other former Bibeksheel members who won the election from the RSP in Kathmandu include Ranju Neupane from Kathmandu-1, Sasmit Pokharel from Kathmandu-5, and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha in Kathmandu-8. As votes were counted and the results from Kathmandu began to come in, the candidates paid fulsome tribute to Ujwal Thapa’s mentorship and in inspiring idealistic youth to become a part of an alternative political force.&nbsp; Today, as RSP members of Parliament, they are no longer an alternative, but a part of Nepal’s new mainstream politics. Thapa returned to Nepal after finishing his undergraduate computer science degree in the US at the peak of the Maoist insurgency. His foray into politics began when he traveled to Nepal’s western mountains to train communities in mediation. After the war, he started a computer design company for young entrepreneurs entering the workforce. But he became frustrated with the inability of the second Constituent Assembly to promulgate the Constitution, and the power struggle between political parties played out in the streets that led to frequent shutdowns paralysing the country.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260313120348_d18647d53a3b2927328067c35b2e3e6eecf9aefe13f23384e73a2c17211cd9cb.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20260313120348_d18647d53a3b2927328067c35b2e3e6eecf9aefe13f23384e73a2c17211cd9cb" data-rendition-name="original" width="823" height="682" loading="lazy" alt="The RSP's activist DNA"> <figcaption>Thapa with Pukar Bam, who was elected to Parliament last week from Kathmandu-4. Photo: PUKAR BAM / FACEBOOK</figcaption> </figure>  PROTEST TO POLITICS Ujwal Thapa had had enough, and rallied people from across walks of life, leading peaceful, silent demonstrations proclaiming 'नेपाल खुल्ला छ' against prolonged, violent strikes. Citizens fed up with the main political parties organised to defy the shutdowns. Thapa’s activism and vision for a new Nepal drew disenchanted and previously apathetic youth into politics and to join the Bibeksheel Nepali Party in 2013.&nbsp; Thapa was the pioneer of alternative politics in Nepal, and was leading a youth force long before the GenZ became synonymous with Nepal’s September Storm. He mentored and guided social activists who are today influential youth leaders engaged in non-traditional politics. “Ujwal Thapa, with his entrepreneurial spirit, wanted to address people’s pain-points, and believed that activism was the starting point to alternative politics,” explains <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/opinion/nepal-loses-rare-purpose-driven-leader">Ashutosh Tiwari</a>, former member of Bibeksheel Sajha party. “He sought to build confidence, motivate, and build a community for young people, which drew a lot of people into Bibeksheel.” He adds: “ And while people might say that Bibeksheel never got big, that was never its point. Its function was to be an early talent incubator, which is what it did as evident by the result of this election.” Thapa died in 2021 of complications related to Covid-19, and Bibeksheel had two mergers with Rabindra Mishra’s Sajha Party before being permanently dissolved in 2021. But many of its idealistic members joined Rabi Lamichhane’s RSP, formed just four months before the 2022 federal election. Such was the groundswell of support for change that the RSP became the fourth-largest in Parliament. In 2017, Ranju Neupane (then Ranju Darshana) was the youngest mayoral candidate for Kathmandu at age 21, and contested the federal election in 2022. Pukar Bam himself lost the 2022 election in Kathmandu-1 as an independent.&nbsp;  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260313120348_6302a9b534f57191d9a2cb2c31b31449873c6cc27d375344a248dd90847921dd.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20260313120348_6302a9b534f57191d9a2cb2c31b31449873c6cc27d375344a248dd90847921dd" data-rendition-name="original" width="1729" height="1365" loading="lazy" alt="The RSP's activist DNA"> <figcaption>Photo: SOCIAL MEDIA</figcaption> </figure>  Sashmit Pokharel also ran an unsuccessful campaign as an independent candidate in Kathmandu during the 2022 provincial election. Later, he was a member of the City Planning Commission under Balendra Shah when he was elected mayor of Kathmandu in 2022.&nbsp; Last week, the RSP swept the election with a supermajority of 182 seats in Parliament. Voters placed their trust in the party and its leaders to steer Nepal in a new direction after the youth unrest in September.&nbsp; In many ways, Nepal’s youth have decided, just as Ujwal Thapa once did, that enough is enough with corruption, malgovernance, nepotism and dynastic politics.&nbsp; In the <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/review/the-man-who-shook-our-minds">documentary</a> about his life, Dimag Ghochne Manche, released earlier this year, some RSP nominees who previously worked with and were mentored by Thapa spoke of the impact he had on their lives, career, and activism. Among them is Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, former minister of Youth and Sports who is now a second time RSP parliamentarian. “I tell everybody that if it hadn’t been for Ujwal Dai, I would not have gotten into politics,” he says in the film.&nbsp; It would be unfair to attribute all the success of the hard-fought campaigns entirely to Ujwal Thapa’s protégés and former coworkers.&nbsp; But his ethos and vision for Nepal was what inspired them, and will in the coming years be reflected in national politics through the young idealists he mentored. Says Ashutosh Tiwari: “There are many Bibeksheels outside of RSP in constant and open communication with their old friends who have been elected. They will be keeping the lawmakers in check so that they do no stray too far from the values that they grew up with.”

RSP’s activist DNA

The series Nepal Made profiles Nepali products and the people who make them possible While premium beauty product outlets were closing during the Covid-19 pandemic, two young women gambled on setting up a new skin and haircare brand with natural ingredients mostly sourced from Nepal and suited for the Nepali complexion. Arushree Sharma Khatiwada and Megha Agarwal were batchmates in school before they left for studies abroad, returning to set up Avani Nepal after year-long rigorous research into ayurveda-based cosmetic products. Avani in Sanskrit means ‘earth’, and as the name suggests it is committed to bringing all natural, pure and authentic range of beauty solutions.&nbsp; “We found a gap in the Nepali market demand for cosmetics, which is why we decided on a brand sourced from all-natural Himalayan herbs that are not used or explored properly,” says co-founder Khatiwada.&nbsp; Nepal is a treasure trove for medicinal plants and those with therapeutic properties. After all, legend has it that Hanuman flew right across the subcontinent from Sri Lanka to the Himalaya to find a rare medicinal plant to save the life of Lord Ram, who was wounded in battle. When he could not find the specific plant, he tore off a whole mountain and brought it down. Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/multimedia/looking-good-by-doing-good">Looking good by doing good</a>, Sudiksha Tuladhar  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260314120356_32323fd084540236fe4edb3b98286c131d67c73310279c8038510da1e1ae1bc0.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20260314120356_32323fd084540236fe4edb3b98286c131d67c73310279c8038510da1e1ae1bc0" data-rendition-name="original" width="3024" height="2012" loading="lazy" alt="Avani"> </figure>  Medicinal plants in Nepal range from yarsagumba to jatamasi and 500 other species traditionally used in the Ayurveda as well as now in the wellness industry. Avani is also trying to experiment hibiscus, Himalayan honey and other plants to eventually launch an export drive. Running a business in Nepal is no easy task, especially for small scale locally crafted products but in a few years, Avani has ammased loyal customer base and have many repeat customers. “While it was tricky initially, we were determined to launch our products with the best quality ingredients and in an affordable price range,” says Khatiwada. Following a worldwide trend and emulating the method used by Korean cosmetic brands, Avani has deployed celebrities and influencers to increase its outreach through tikTok , Facebook and YouTube. &nbsp;Actresses Barsha Shiwakoti and Shilpa Maskey and makeup artists like Lemi have reviewed their products favourably. Sutainability is a big part of the brand, and Avani uses glass bottles, cardboard boxes, paper bags for all its products. Plastic use is cut to a minimum, and where used is recycled.&nbsp; “Many people think that sustainable brands are expensive, we want to bust that myth,” Khatiwada told us. “We focus on being eco-friendly using ethically sourced materials that are paraben, silicon, and cruelty free.”&nbsp; Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/proud-to-wear-dolpo">Proud to wear DOLPO</a>, Vishad Raj Onta  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260314120356_da0d7d4082a9aa51c96ecbcb8a2e7a5bc60e27de202fb339a522036aa3f50b49.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20260314120356_da0d7d4082a9aa51c96ecbcb8a2e7a5bc60e27de202fb339a522036aa3f50b49" data-rendition-name="original" width="1048" height="1280" loading="lazy" alt="Avani"> </figure>  Avani has expanded its business to get a toehold in Nepal’s tourism and wellness industry, and the products are carried by spas in leading hotels and resorts in Kathmandu and Pokhara such as the Terraces, Marriott, and Kavya resort, and is in talk with the Hideaway Resort in Pokhara.&nbsp; The skin and haircare brand that initially started with 10 products has since expanded its line to 60 with goods placed in more than 100 stores across Kathmandu. Plans are in the works to expand to India, China and in Japan partnering with Okada. Avani Nepal’s founders say that they support empowerment through employment and training opportunities for women at the company. Khatiwada herself has been engaged with organisations such as Nepal Women Chamber of Commerce, and Nepal Youth Entrepreneur Forum. Additional support from the government such as the provision of lower excise duties has helped but guidance for export and other business regulations is as crucial. Such an environment would also foster opportunities for the youth who are otherwise moving away for jobs or study abroad. “While everyone is trying to go abroad, opportunities can be created here in Nepal itself, with adequate support from the government,” says Khatiwada. “In the meantime, we are eyeing for long term benefits. We are trying to create a legacy for cosmetic brands in Nepal.” Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/java-in-the-himalaya-y1ilc21h">Java in the Himalaya</a>, Vishad Raj Onta

Redefining the criteria for beauty

&nbsp;With a near two-thirds majority, the RSP has a chance that no other party in Nepal has ever had--to reboot how Nepal is run. Winning an election with such an overwhelming majority was one thing, but running an effficient government will be a whole new ball game. From the start, it will not be easy because the country is running straight into a major economic crisis due to the West Asia war.&nbsp; With 125 first-past-the-post direct wins and 57 proportional representation seats — over 47% of the total 10.7 million valid votes — the RSP has 182 seats in Parliament. The Nepali Congress (NC) is a distant second with 38 seats, while the UML is trailing with 25. Three more made it to the national party list: Nepali Communist Party (17), the royalist RPP (5) and the new entry Shram Sanskriti Party (7) led by former Dharan mayor Harka Sampang. Shram Sanskriti’s performance is also a clear indicator that identity politics is still a potent force. The RSP with its majority can now form a stable government for the next five years, but there are issues that may surface with the choice of Cabinet members and other appointments. PM candidate Balendra Shah and party chair Rabi Lamichhane both have big egos and are ambitious, and Nepal cannot afford rumours of a split be a self-fulfilling prophecy. There is precedent. The last two-thirds government under the Communist Party of Nepal formed after the alliance of UML and Maoist Centre in 2022 collapsed following a power struggle between two cop comrades K P Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. History in Nepal has a habit of repeating itself. No elected government in Nepal has ever completed a full five-year term, so the RSP has a chance to rewrite history. Besides egos and the West Asia crisis, the party has other challenges: legacy parties rule local governments and the National Assembly. The RSP’s rejection of provincial elections and federalism in 2022 did not seem to have affected its votes in the Madhes, but local governments at the periphery will be trying their level best to make it difficult for the centre. The RSP’s strategy should be not to alienate the old parties, but try to win them over and collaborate to build bases outside of major urban centres.&nbsp; Some think Balendra Shah’s aloof and uncommunicative nature could hide an authoritarian streak. And Rabi Lamichhane has been scathing about media exposes of his alleged wrongdoings. Despite this, the RSP's strategy should be to avoid alienating civil society any more than necessary.&nbsp; The media’s role in a democracy is to play the adversarial check-and-balance role, especially when one party is so dominant. However, the press must give up its corrosive, cynical coverage that almost hopes the RSP will fail from day one -- especially since social media offers no help on that score. There are so many things wrong with Nepal that even at the best of times, and even with a supermajority government, it would be impossible to solve them all overnight. But voters are an impatient lot, and they expect a lot pronto.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260313080320_388d87c728fce65393a7042b4e649fe73af559b3459c45d8aff7f320acbd62dd.jpg" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="20260313080320_388d87c728fce65393a7042b4e649fe73af559b3459c45d8aff7f320acbd62dd" data-rendition-name="original" width="1500" height="1033" loading="lazy" alt="Page 1 map"> </figure>  Effective governance takes time, and the RSP must be given the chance even if it fails to make course-corrections. Shah and Lamichhane, on the other hand, must show restraint and prove their critics wrong. Instead of posting inflammatory content on their social media feeds and deploying cyber militias to troll critics into silence, they could try developing a thicker skin. The RSP could work on a clear strategy and plan of action to get this country back on its feet. The party's rise was built on emotion, not ideology. But every party needs ideals, just saying it is against corruption is not enough. Its stance on federalism, secularism, inclusion, need to be clarified. The RSP's lofty promise to bring young Nepalis home will be easier said than done. What will they return to? How can we make this worthwhile? And how do we provide jobs for the other 500,000 Nepali youth who enter the job market every year?&nbsp; Nepal will need liberal policies regarding domestic investment and FDI to reform manufacturing, industry, tourism and infrastructure to ensure jobs at home, while also working toward achieving the 7% annual growth rate projected by the RSP.&nbsp; Rabi Lamichhane has introduced the term 'development diplomacy’ to steer the country away from traditional geopolitics toward economic partnerships with India, China, and other international partners. But the environmental cost of mega projects must also be taken into account in the rush to development.&nbsp; The RSP’s anti-corruption drive, implementing a high-level commission to investigate assets acquired since 1990, must also include judicial reform. Meanwhile, quality health services and education must be affordable and accessible.&nbsp; Cleaning up the bureaucracy will be critical. Electoral reform including election spending and out-of-country voting must be a priority from the get go. It is a long to-do list. But for the very first time, the Nepali people are genuinely excited about their new leaders and the promised transformation. Not another Switzerland or Singapore, people just want better development, more efficient service delivery, meaningful jobs at home and an accountable government.&nbsp; That should not be too much to ask. Sonia Awale

As clear as a bell

The Asian Development Bank approved a $40M soft loan for Nepal’s Digital Transformation Project. The project aims to develop a citizen service portal, improve the national social registry, establish a government-wide data exchange platform, digitise 11 high-impact government services, and strengthen cybersecurity. The World Bank had previously approved a $50M loan for the same project.&nbsp;

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As clear as a bell

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