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A total of one hundred tuberculosis cases have been confirmed in Okhaldhunga.

Data from the District Health Office indicates that these cases have been recorded from the fiscal year 2081/82 BS to the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS.

Bibek Pokharel, Information Officer at the office, reported that during the fiscal year 2081/82, there were 65 male and 30 female cases of tuberculosis. He also mentioned that in the current fiscal year, three men and two women have tested positive for the infection.

Last fiscal year, Siddhicharan Municipality reported the highest number of tuberculosis cases, totaling 40.

According to Information Officer Pokharel, infections were also confirmed in one individual from Chishkhugadhi Rural Municipality, 15 from Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, 14 from Khijidemba, 13 from Manebhanjyang, six from Champadevi, four from Likhu, and two from Molung Rural Municipality.

Private power producers have accused the Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon) of causing massive financial losses to the energy sector by delaying approval for public share offerings. 

The Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN) has claimed that the delay in approving initial public offerings (IPOs) for hydropower companies has cost the industry more than Rs 108bn. According to IPPAN, Sebon has stopped granting IPO approvals to companies with a per-share net worth below Rs 90, citing instructions from the now-dissolved Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives. 

As many as 43 hydropower companies with a combined installed capacity of 975 MW are awaiting IPO clearance, while seven others are waiting for the Sebon’s nod to issue rights shares. Because of the delay, these 50 companies have been unable to raise Rs 23.27bn from the capital market. IPPAN added that the delay has led to an additional Rs 12.4bn in interest payments, project cost overruns of Rs 24.3bn and lost government revenue amounting to Rs 71.7bn.

IPPAN has given a 15-day ultimatum to the capital market regulator to address its demands. It has warned that hydropower producers would launch a protest if the government fails to act. The association also objected to Sebon’s introduction of the term “real net worth,” which it said is not mentioned anywhere in Nepal’s laws or international financial practice. Under this criterion, Sebon has rejected IPO applications of companies like Richet Hydropower, Beni Hydropower, Unique Hydel, Yambling, Laughing Buddha and Puwa Khola, IPPAN officials claimed.

“This has created serious problems in the overall development of the energy sector,” IPPAN President Ganesh Karki said. “The private sector would be forced to pursue legal and protest actions if the issue is not resolved soon. The delay by Sebon, the influence of middlemen and lack of transparency in government decisions have eroded private investors’ confidence.”

Private producers generate around 3,050 MW out of Nepal’s total installed capacity of 3,700 MW. Projects with a combined capacity of 5,416 MW are under construction. According to IPPAN, Rs 1,500bn has already been invested in the sector. In addition, projects with a combined capacity of around 9,000 MW have applied for power purchase agreements (PPAs), while feasibility studies are underway for projects totaling 12,000 MW.

The government has unveiled the 'Immediate Reform Action Plan–2082 BS to Enhance the Effectiveness of Public Services' aimed at the growth and expansion of the industrial sector.

This comprehensive plan outlines 20 action points for the industrial sector, eight for the commercial sector, and 11 for the supply sector.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha has introduced this action plan with the goal of completing it within the next five months.

The Ministry has announced that a work plan, which focuses on the ability to swiftly enhance service delivery in response to changing conditions, has been established during a ministerial-level meeting and is now in effect.

Following extensive discussions with stakeholders and representatives from the industrial and commerce sectors, the Ministry has rolled out the work plan, which is expected to foster an industrial environment and pave the way for economic growth.

The work plan also features a timeline, setting targets to accomplish seven tasks by the upcoming month of Kartik, eleven in the following month, one by Poush, eighteen in Magh, and two in Falgun.

Finance Minister Rameshwar Prasad Khanal has called on the international community to explore Nepal, highlighting the country's abundant natural and cultural heritage.

Minister Khanal conveyed this message during a discussion on 'Sustainable Tourism: For Employment, Livelihood, and Economic Growth,' hosted by the World Bank Group on Thursday.

He emphasized that tourists are greeted with exceptional hospitality and top-notch services.

The event saw participation from representatives of various nations.

A diyo (oil lamp) is an essential part of many Nepali households. Despite its deep cultural and spiritual significance, traditional diyo making is a dying profession, as electric lights and decorative alternatives are becoming more common in religious rituals. Members of the Prajapati caste have long been known for their skilled work with clay. To understand the current state of diyo making, ApEx spoke with some members of the Prajapati community.

Shiva Prasad Prajapati

Yes, it’s true that diyo holds cultural significance in our households. Even today, many rituals and pujas are incomplete without lighting a fresh diyo. That connection to our roots still exists, and I’m proud to be part of preserving that tradition. With modern electric lights and battery-operated alternatives, the younger generation often finds them more convenient. This shift has definitely impacted the demand for traditional clay diyo, but still the amount of the diyo we make are more as usual. Many of us do it more for the love of the craft and to keep our heritage alive than for profit. I believe if more people understood the effort and meaning behind each diyo, they might choose it over mass-produced or electric alternatives.

Ranjana Prajapati

I learned this craft from my parents. Lighting a diyo every morning feels like lighting the blessings for the day. But these days, it’s getting harder. Fewer people come to buy clay diyo, especially young people. They prefer electric lights or decorative items that are easier to manage. I understand—times are changing, but it still hurts to see something so meaningful being replaced. For us, making diyo is not just for festivals; it’s a way of holding on to culture. I just hope the new generation also sees the value in these small, sacred things.

Budhi Ram Prajapati

During Tihar or even daily rituals, everyone used to light clay diyo. My hands have shaped thousands of them, each one with care, knowing it will light someone’s prayer or celebration. Now, people want quick solutions—electric lights, plastic decorations. The art of making diyo is slowly fading, and young people don’t want to learn. There’s not much income, and it’s hard on the body too, especially at my age. This year I didn’t do any of it because of my condition. This is not just work, it’s my identity but I feel very weak these days to do it alone. Some loyal customers still come, especially elders who know the value of real clay diyo.

Even as a college student and a working professional, I still have to take permission from my parents to do many things. I’m not saying it’s a burden but why can’t I just inform them and go out and make my decisions. How do I stop seeking approval from family members who never give it?

Answered by Rika Rijal, consultant psychiatrist

Many young adults, especially in South Asian households, find themselves caught in a silent struggle: the need to seek permission from family members, even when they are capable of making their own choices. As a working college student recently shared with me, “Why can’t I just inform my parents and go out, instead of constantly waiting for approval that rarely comes?” This question captures a conflict that countless young people face—the desire for independence, weighed against family expectations and cultural norms of obedience.

Growing up in families where respect is equated with compliance, it becomes natural to wait for someone else’s ‘yes’ before we act. Over time, this conditioning can make us doubt our own ability to make sound decisions. We begin to ask: “Am I allowed?” instead of “Is this right for me?”

But there is a subtle but powerful difference between seeking permission and informing. Seeking permission means handing over control—waiting until someone else validates your choice. Informing means asserting your autonomy while still keeping loved ones in the loop.

Instead of asking, “Can I go out after class?” try saying, “I’ll be going out after class and will be back by eight.” This shift in language is not disrespectful; it’s a gentle way of communicating independence. Also, breaking free from approval-seeking doesn’t mean shutting out family. It means learning to trust yourself.

This is also a reminder for parents. Children who grow into adults need room to make choices. Respecting their autonomy doesn’t mean losing them; it means watching them grow stronger, more confident, and more responsible.

In the end, independence isn’t rebellion—it’s growth. By moving from permission-seeking to self-trust, young people can honor their families while still stepping into their own lives with confidence. The more you try to hold someone, the stronger their desire for freedom grows.

The Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with political parties to discuss the House of Representatives election slated for March 5 next year.

Invitations were sent to political parties that were part of the dissolved House of Representatives (HoR) and those that secured at least one ward member in the last election, encouraging them to join in the preparations for the forthcoming election.

Meen Bishwakarma, Head of the Publicity Department of Nepali Congress; Guru Baral, Vice Chair of the CPN-UML; Dev Gurung, Secretariat Member of the CPN (Maoist Center); Kabindra Burlakoti, General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP); Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Senior Vice Chair of the CPN (Unified Socialist); along with representatives from various other parties were present in the meeting.  

During the meeting, Acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari called on the parties to take an active role in fostering an election atmosphere now that the election has been announced and preparations are underway.

Following the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, the government was established under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, leading to the dissolution of the House of Representatives, with the upcoming election date confirmed for March 5 next year.

As part of its globally recognized “Time For” campaign, Malaysia Airlines has launched “Time for Comfort in the Skies”, encouraging travelers to rediscover the joy of premium flying at 30,000 feet.

Showcasing the airline’s hallmark Malaysian Hospitality, the campaign vows comfort, exclusivity, and value across both Business and Economy Class, reads a statement issued by the Airlines.  

The campaign runs from 7–22 October 2025, with Business Class fares starting at Rs 116,431 for immediate travel till August 31, 2026, and Economy Class tickets from Rs 50,094.

Non-members are encouraged to sign up for free to unlock more exclusive perks.

Available for a wide selection of destinations across Malaysia Airlines’ global network, these special fares give travelers more reasons to take to the skies — whether it’s a leisure escape to London or Brisbane, a cultural journey to Dhaka or Hong Kong, or a quick domestic retreat to Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, or Penang.