The state-run postal system faces stiff competition from efficient private courier services and the Internet. Nepal's Department of Postal Services is taking a hard look at itself-but is anyone else?

Trekking in Mustang, you pay Rs25 for a "sun bath". Fancy name for something many Valley residents are familiar with: solar-heated water.

ADB has sanctioned $120 million for Melamchi, but questions about distribution remain.

The poor in poor countries are twice betrayed: by the rich nations and by their own governments.

No other crown could be so fantastically devised, so priceless. It is a glitter of closely set diamonds and pearls, hung with drop rubies and emeralds the size of plums and atop it, clasped by more diamonds, is a cascade of bird-of-paradise plumes.

"In a constitutional monarchy, the King has to play the role of the referee. He cannot kick the ball himself , but he must make sure that no one commits a foul."