Nepal has recently introduced a new NPR 100 banknote that prominently features a revised national map, including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura—territories currently administered by India. This development rekindles a long-standing boundary dispute between India and Nepal, carrying significant diplomatic implications.
The central bank of Nepal has issued an updated NPR 100 note that displays the 2020 "new map," which has been endorsed by Nepal’s Parliament. This map asserts that Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are part of Nepalese territory. This decision reflects Nepal's political stance on the ownership of these regions.
The areas in question are disputed due to differing interpretations of historical maps by both nations regarding the origin of the Kali River:
India views the inclusion of disputed territories on currency notes as a unilateral action that complicates diplomatic relations. The Indian government has emphasized that border issues should be resolved through established diplomatic channels, rather than through symbolic gestures like modifications to maps.
The issue dates back to 2020 when Nepal's Parliament approved a revised national map in response to India's road construction to Lipulekh. Nepal maintains that its earlier maps already included the contested areas. Currently, only the new NPR 100 note bears this map revision.
The Kalapani issue is significant as it relates to national identity, sovereignty, and regional stability. India and Nepal share an open border and strong interpersonal ties, making such symbolic disputes particularly sensitive. Political shifts in Nepal often influence the prominence of the map issue, impacting bilateral relations.
Nepal's new NPR 100 note features a revised map that claims Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal, reviving a long-standing boundary dispute with India. While Nepal views this as a continuation of its 2020 decision, India perceives it as a unilateral move that does not alter the realities on the ground. The matter touches upon national identity and diplomacy, necessitating careful management to maintain the deep ties between both nations.
Q1. Why did Nepal update the banknote now?
Answer: The update reflects the 2020 decision to adopt a new national map, with the printing process now completed as part of a currency redesign.
Q2. Does this change the ground reality along the border?
Answer: No, the ground realities remain unchanged as India continues to administer the region. The map does not alter the operational boundary.
Q3. Has Nepal used this map earlier?
Answer: Yes, the revised map was previously featured on the NPR 1000 note, with the new NPR 100 note now incorporating the same changes.
Q4. What is India’s official response?
Answer: India has declared that unilateral steps are unacceptable and insists that border issues must be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.
Q5. Why is Lipulekh so sensitive?
Answer: Lipulekh is strategically significant as it serves as a key route for the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage and is located near the India-China border.
Question 1: What recent action did Nepal take regarding its currency?
A) Issued a new NPR 100 banknote with an updated map
B) Changed the currency denomination
C) Introduced a new currency entirely
D) Ceased printing money
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Which territories are included in Nepal's revised map on the new banknote?
A) Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh
B) Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura
C) Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
D) Bhutan and Tibet
Correct Answer: B
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