Kalpit Parajuli

Hindu traditions and economic crisis are the main causes of the activity. Anti-drug activities slam the authorities for minimising its import and turning a blind eye on drug use and trade at Hindu religious festivals.

Sex-based abortions are up because of the country's economic crisis and political chaos. Foreign NGOs are pushing women from poor families to choose abortion and voluntary sterilisation. In a few years, the fertility rate dropped from 4.1 to 3.3.

At least ten young people, mostly girls, have taken their lives over the past three days. Among the causes, the excessive pressure of the families that bind their own position in society to the success of their children. In 2012, the number of students who failed exams has risen by 10%. Catholic schools are the exception.

Since 28 May, the country has been without a constitution and is likely to remain without a government. Thousands took to the streets on June 9 to denounce the government crisis and the collapse of the republic. The protest in favor of the monarchy is the biggest since the deposition of King Gyanendra in 2006. But the majority of Nepalese still believe in democracy.

The government's initiative comes after several cases of suicides and murders due to the economic crisis. From January suicides and homicides have increased by 13%. Wealthy students help to poorer classmates to pay canteen and school books.

A study by Yale University places Nepal near the top of the world's most-polluted country list. In Kathmandu, 70 per cent of residents do not have access to clean water. More than half of residents suffer from respiratory and skin diseases.

Political instability, poor security and the ongoing strikes by trade unions among the main obstacles to economic development. From July 2011 to May 2012, investment fell from 715 million to just over 400.

Two unknown gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead Justice Rana Bahadur Bom. Police fear a revival of terrorism, concerned that new attacks might be carried out against people and sites associated with those in power. Threats are made against politicians and government officials, blamed for the country's chaos. The country remembers King Birendra Shah, assassinated on 1 June 2001 with his entire family.

Nepal's Maoist government signs a six-point deal with the Christian minority. The authorities agree to defend the rights of Catholics and Protestants and ensure their representation in parliament. With the failure of the constituent assembly, the country could implode economically and socially.

The deadline for new constitution expired at midnight last night. The Maoist government announces elections for a new assembly on November 22, but without consulting coalition parties. Catholics pray for peace and harmony in the country.

The judges reject the three-month extension proposed by the Maoists. The deadlines for submitting the Constitution expire in two days, but the text is not yet ready. The country could plunge into chaos. Thousands protest in Kathmandu.

In the past 25 days, tribal groups have brought the country to a halt with strikes and violent demonstrations ahead of 28 May, date when the new constitution will come into effect. Tribals want an ethnically based federal state. The government deploys troops to avoid more clashes between ethnic minorities and Hindus.