New Delhi exuded utmost warmth seldom seen during a foreign minister-level visit from Nepal.

At the core of every malaise is the lack of democratic intent among major political players of the region.

The policy has blatantly failed to reinvigorate the small-and-medium- enterprise (SME) ecosystem.

There is a dearth of institutions in Nepal capable of carrying out large-scale research.

The West has monopolised knowledge products and discourses on the least developed countries’ trade vulnerability.

There is no comprehensive research on the benevolent outcomes of microfinance activities.

The five “transformative” sectors the government has prioritised in the new budget offer little novelty.

The economic revival looks challenging if the government fails to take bold countercyclical measures.

The talk of clean, green, or renewable energy is only tokenism or sugar-coating.

A strong “code of conduct” on public construction can help improve the socio-economic life of Nepal.

Nepal must ruthlessly review its dismal performance in attracting a sizable foreign direct investment.

The politics of vote-buying has replaced ideological and ethical competitions in elections.

The disregard for integrity among leaders has muddied the entire political pool.

Nepali dairy companies have not yet made meaningful efforts to explore foreign markets.

The travesty of the proposed bill is that no authority is willing to take its ownership.