KATHMANDU, June 13: Normal life in core tarai districts remained tense on the first day of the four-day strike called by Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) on Tuesday.

Hari Sharma has closely observed Nepali politics from both in and out of government and is widely known for his erudite, independent analysis. So what does he make of the upcoming local election? Will the election help solve the larger political and constitutional issues? How will the new political actors fare? And what can Nepalis look forward to? The veteran political analyst sat down for a chat with Republica’s Biswas Baral and Mahabir Paudyal at his home in Kapan, Kathmandu on Wednesday morning.

Nepali cuisine is rich in carbohydrate with most of us consuming rice twice a day along with fried oily vegetables.  Not only does this kind of diet take its toll on our health in the long term, it also makes it harder for us to lose weight and maintain our figures. The tire around the waist just seems to grow bigger with each passing day. The Week talked to Sumeru Yog Kendra’s Sarita Dangol to find out some Yoga aasans you can do at home to target the stubborn belly fat. These basic exercises don’t  need much preparation or equipment but since they are done while lying down you will need a special yoga mat.  You can easily get it at fitness stores or even department stores around town.