These are some of the best stories from The Kathmandu Post (March 8, 2020).

There are more women in politics, but few and far between at decision-making level

Despite an increased participation of women in politics over the past two decades or so, their progress in leadership positions continues to be hindered, primarily by male leaders who are unwilling to make way— or even choose—qualified women. As a result, female politicians have often been sidelined by their male counterparts from leadership and decision-making roles, a pattern that reflects just how patriarchal Nepal still is.

Read the full story here.

With wider visibility and legal sanctions, parents of queer individuals are coming around

For many parents, despite what they might personally think or how they feel, it is often a fear of wider society that drives their reluctance to accept their children as they are. While some individuals might be accepting of the LGBTIQ community, society at large remains closed-minded and conservative.

Nineteen-year-old Sazda, who learned she was bisexual when she was 18, has so far only come out to her immediate family members and close friends. Having a mother who she shared everything with, she did not hesitate to reveal her sexual orientation with her.

Read the full story here.

With its financial condition improving, loans overtake grants in Nepal’s foreign aid portfolio

Nepal received more loans than grants over the last two fiscal years as major donors started discontinuing providing grants to Nepal.

While this has contributed to an increased indebtedness, there is no threat to Nepal’s economy at the moment as there is still a lot of scope for borrowing more, say government officials.

Read the full story here.

Revenue Investigation body issues public notice to firms involved in suspicious transactions

The Department of Revenue Investigation has issued a notice to 130 firms and their proprietors to report to the department as it plans to file cases against them for their alleged involvement in suspicious transactions, including the buying and selling of fake bills.

The notice, published in the Gorkhapatra daily on Thursday, states that the firms have been asked to appear before the department within seven days as they didn’t respond to several notices served to them.

Read the full story here.

Prices of essential medicines likely to be increased

With India curbing the supply of raw materials for dozens of drugs, the prices of essential medicines are likely to increase in Nepal.

India, the global supplier of generic drugs, which has already slapped a ban on the supply of surgical masks, gloves and other health safety equipment in Nepal, had decided to restrict the supply of 26 pharmaceutical ingredients, including finished products, a few days ago.

Read the full story here.