LONDON – At the start of a new decade, many commentators are understandably focused on the health of the global economy. GDP growth this decade most likely will be lower than during the teens, barring a notable improvement in productivity in the West and China, or a sustained acceleration in India and the largest African economies.

Today is a special day in the United States of America but actually this same day should hold a very special importance throughout the world, including Nepal. It is a special occasion because it celebrates Dr Martin Luther King, the civil rights hero who sacrificed his life for freedom, justice and equity for all, especially for those citizens who were the descendants of African slaves, who for centuries, had their basic rights denied and for whom King fought a peaceful battle.

The tradition of treating guests as deities (atithi devo bhawa) may be theoretically sound but it is practically an impossible and flawed concept as no human beings can shoulder the burden of fulfilling all the unrealistic expectations and wishes of the people. Hence, the concept of hospitality and relevance of tourism has to be redefined at regular intervals to adjust to the ethos of the epochs and ever-changing socio-political dynamics.

The traffic lights are out of order. They have been dead since I started walking the route. I always have to cross this section of the road to reach my workstation. It’s a long-stretched singular road with interior subways adjoining it. Making a cross always feels like an uphill battle. The traffic police are occasionally spotted at duty.

Nepal is changing fast. The change is evident in socio-economic and political arenas. Some changes are encouraging, others problematic. Dr Ram Sharan Mahat’s new book Trials, Tremors and Hope: The Political Economy of Contemporary Nepal is a comprehensive account and analysis of the major aspects of this change. It provides commentary on political economy of modern Nepal in a historical perspective.

ROME – Voter suppression first emerged in the United States between 1885 and 1908, when 11 southern states enacted laws designed to discourage or hinder former slaves and their descendants from voting. Since then, similar strategies have been tried in Canada, Australia, and Israel. And now, electoral discrimination may be coming to Europe, with several European Union member states exploring ways to block or discourage key constituents from voting.

I just could not avoid talking about Ukraine International Airlines (PS) horrendous misfortune this time even if wishing to move to another topic. Writing on different aviation aspects carries a risk of being contemptuously labeled as “one person expert” by people within the fraternity. Even as one such comment came to be known through social media, but the person labeled thus remained unnamed.

In this era of ‘me too’ and ‘acid attacks’, we are hearing more men and boys making the same type of mistakes again and again.  Under such circumstances, I think it is time we asked ourselves: Where did we go wrong while raising our boys? Are we still influenced by our patriarchal society’s male preference? Frankly speaking, I don’t have the answers to these questions, but male preference is gradually decreasing.

One would say, sati system, an ancient Hindu tradition, wherein a widow would burn herself to death on her husband’s pyre is abolished. It has, literally. Figuratively, it isn’t uncommon to witness women burning in pyre of gender biases compelled to let go of leadership position they rightfully hold just because male counterparts fail to adhere to their responsibilities.

People and policies are important underpinnings of any organization. Policies are important frameworks because they contain organization’s visions. It is important, therefore, that policies are sound, realistic, time-suited and reflective of the ideals and objectives organizations stand for.