Christopher Sharma

€ 3.2 billion per year remittances from migrant workers account for 24% of the local economy . In five years, more than 2630 Nepalese have died in mysterious circumstances in Arab countries .

Political leaders welcome the pontiff's recent calls for peace and reconciliation, committing themselves to give Nepal a new secular constitution after centuries of Hindu monarchy.

Since last year, sales of Christmas-themed gifts and decorations shot up 100 per cent. Kathmandu handicraft shops have extended their hours to meet demand. "Since the fall of the monarchy, people are freer and we sell items not only to Christians but also to Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims," one gift shop owner said.

For civil aviation experts, the six expensive Chinese planes bought for US$ 70 million could prove unsafe for passenger. Meanwhile, the EU bans Nepali planes, jeopardising their access to international routes.

Houses and shops of capital already decorated. Among the best-selling images are those of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Young Hindu volunteers help Catholics decorate Cathedral of the Assumption in Kathmandu. The former hotel of the Hindu monarch organizes a Christmas party for diplomats and VIPs themed on harmony between the faiths.

In recent days, dozens among politicians, officials and bureaucrats have flocked to Hindu temples in the center of Kathmandu. The move is a way to escape the crackdown on corruption launched by the Commission for the investigation of abuses committed by the authorities ( Ciaa ). At least 64 senior officials must respond to abuses of power and corruption. Lokman Karki , president of Ciaa , states: "No Hindu deity will save them ."

Launched November 29 in Kathmandu, a program for food security that takes in Nepal , India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Nearly 2 million euros for the formation of small farmers and promotion of new farming techniques . Among the beneficiaries , Dalits and indigenous peoples.

Nepal beat Hong Kong. For some people, the victory owes a lot to prayers by Hindus, Muslims and Christian fans. The upcoming T20 is set for Bangladesh in 2014.

Rajesh Talwar and Nupur Talwar committed murder to punish an alleged affair between their 14 year old daughter and the Nepalese domestic worker, Yam Prasad Banjade . Dating to 2008 , the crime sparked strong debate among Muslim , Hindu and secular Indians. Interviewed by AsiaNews, Banjade’s wife welcomes the judgment. Impoverished, the woman hopes to be compensated for her husband’s murder.

In the western districts forced marriages are still widespread: During special "festivals", young men choose the most beautiful girls and kidnap them, forcing them to marry. In Nepal, this practice is illegal, but the silence of the people prolongs this tradition. Girls as young as 11 among victims.