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Acne is a skin condition that most of us face in our lifetime. Acne can be caused due to various internal or external causes like hormonal changes, excess oil production in the skin, bacterial growth or infection, dietary factors (oily, spicy, high protein diet, excessive dairy consumption, etc), genetics, environmental factors (humidity, pollution, hygiene and sanitation), stress, comedogenic skin care products or due to certain medications.

 Some people claim that acne comes and goes on its own at a particular age. But does it really go away on its own? Well, in my case, I would say “no.” After hearing a lot of suggestions and comments—from well-known skin specialists to lesser-known practitioners to beauty influencers—I finally decided to go to a dermatologist.  My dermatologist recommended that I take “Isotretinoin,” the so-called ultimate acne healer.

Isotretinoin is also known as Accutane—classified as a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A—that can only be prescribed by a doctor. It is an effective medication for many acne patients. When the acne doesn't go away on its own or doesn't respond to any medications or treatments, Isotretinoin is the medication that is introduced to patients. It cannot be taken by patients without a clinical prescription.

As everything has its good and bad sides, Isotretinoin has benefits and side effects too. It works by significantly reducing oil production in the skin and addressing multiple factors that contribute to acne. Isotretinoin makes the oil glands present in the skin smaller, reduces oil production, and stops pores from getting clogged. It changes how the skin cells grow in hair follicles and reduces swelling, which helps to minimize pimples and small bumps.

According to multiple studies, Isotretinoin can reduce acne in 80-90 percent of people. The treatment usually lasts five to eight months but may last longer for some patients, depending on the severity of acne, and the doses vary from patient to patient. Patients with mild to moderate acne are usually given lower doses and for patients with severe acne higher doses may be prescribed. The acne might get worse when starting the medication but improves with time. 

I was prescribed 20 mg of Isotretinoin for seven months by my dermatologist. It reduced my acne over time but also triggered multiple side effects on my body. I had dry lips and skin, so the skin would peel due to dryness. I had dry eyes, which were reduced with the use of eye drops, and then there were occasional nosebleeds, joint and muscle pain, hair fall, headaches, menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal issues, and mood swings. 

Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from taking Isotretinoin, as it can cause birth defects in a child. The severe side effects include severe depression, increased suicidal thoughts, triggered anxiety, and mood swings in patients. It can also cause liver damage or abnormalities, darker urine, and excessive abdominal pain. There is a risk of permanent vision loss, too. Some even experience skin blisters and infections. Some people also experience joint pain, bone problems, and fractures. Some report severe cases that include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. It may also cause difficulty in breathing and severe gastrointestinal issues.

In our society, there are specific beauty standards set for girls, and we often feel pressured to meet them, sometimes even at the cost of our well-being. People with acne face constant remarks about their appearance and are bombarded with various skin advice. Living with acne is a difficult experience. While makeup can temporarily conceal acne scars, it’s not a long-term solution, as it isn’t something we can rely on forever. 

Isotretinoin should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription or under medical supervision.  As a patient myself, I accepted all the side effects of healing my acne and getting better skin. Isotretinoin may be known as an “acne healer,” but it also carries the label of a “body killer,” as we can’t unsee its results and side effects. 

Anushma Dhungel 

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

With the global job market evolving rapidly, international education has become essential for career success. Recognizing this trend, Study Group has expanded its support systems to help Nepali students navigate higher education abroad. During a media briefing in Kathmandu, Study Group CEO Ian Crichton highlighted the increasing number of Nepali students enrolling in UK universities. “Nepali students have long sought opportunities abroad, driven by academic and career aspirations,” he said.   With over 25 years of experience and partnerships with more than 50 universities worldwide, it connects students with top institutions. Its recent collaboration with the University of Huddersfield has led to a new campus in London, offering students quality education and access to the city’s job market.  

It also provides foundation programs to bridge academic and cultural gaps, focusing on fields like AI, robotics, and healthcare. To support affordability, it offers scholarships and tuition discounts, while UK policies allow students to work part-time. By working with educators and media in Nepal, it aims to guide students in university selection and career planning, ensuring they succeed internationally and contribute to Nepal’s development.

When I boarded the bus for a college field trip to Pancha Kanya Secondary School in Dakshinkali Municipality-8, Chyamalle, I had only a vague idea of what to expect. 

Arriving at Pancha Kanya Secondary School, I was immediately struck by the sweet, lovely atmosphere that enveloped the place. Dozens of curious eyes peeked from the schoolyard as our group approached. The children greeted us with shy smiles and polite bows, their innocence shining through every glance. All of them were Tamang children, and many wore simple, tidy school uniforms with pride. Their giggles and whispers created a melody of youthful energy. At that moment, I could sense a genuine warmth and a close-knit community spirit—everyone seemed to know each other like family.

My friend Semona Bhattarai and I had volunteered to conduct a special session for the sixth graders. We stepped into the Grade 6 classroom, greeted by 16 eager faces (six girls and 10 boys, all around 11 or 12 years old). Some children murmured “Namaste” while pressing their palms together, and we returned the greeting warmly.

We had a little free time to just talk with the students. They crowded around us in the courtyard, eager to share their names, their hobbies, and bits of their lives. There was a contagious excitement in the air as the kids realized we genuinely wanted to hear from them. Despite our linguistic differences, we managed to communicate through simple Nepali, a few Tamang words I picked up, and a lot of hand gestures and laughter. In those casual chats, I learned so much more than I expected from these young minds.

One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was when I asked a group of children what they dreamed of becoming when they grew up. Their answers were simple, honest, and beautiful. One boy piped up that he wanted to become a driver like his father, steering big buses or trucks on the mountain roads. Another shy girl mentioned she hoped to operate a dozer (bulldozer) because she had seen one clearing a landslide once and it impressed her. A couple of boys proudly said they wanted to join the army to serve the country and protect their village. 

These weren’t the typical answers I’d hear from city kids, who often talk about being doctors or engineers or pilots. Instead, each child’s dream reflected the life and the heroes they saw in their own community. Their ambitions, though thumble, shone with sincerity and practicality.

Hearing these dreams made me reflect on my own upbringing and aspirations. As an urban college student, I realized I had grown up with so many privileges I took for granted- english- medium schools, computer labs, and endless options for my future. Here were kids whose ambitions were shaped by the immediate world around them, and they were no less  passionate about their goals.

It was an eye-opening moment for me. I recognized that the reality of Nepal lies beyond the bubble of my city life. The majority of Nepal’s population lives in communities like this Tamang village, where resources are limited, lifestyles are simple, and dreams are woven from daily life and family traditions. That afternoon, these children gave me a precious gift: a genuine glimpse into the heart of my country that I had never truly seen before. 

As our time at Pancha Kanya Secondary School came to an end, the entire Grade 6 class gathered to bid us farewell. The students presented us with small tokens of appreciation—some had picked wildflowers from the hillside, and a few had drawn little goodbye cards with pencil sketches of smiling faces. I even got a tight goodbye hug from the once-shy boy who had asked me for a hug earlier.

My heart felt full and ached a little at the same time; I was touched by their gesture and sad to part ways. On the bus ride back to the city, I sat by the window, quietly replaying the day’s events in my mind. The mountains slowly gave way to clusters of buildings, but I knew I was not the same person who had left that morning. This field trip had quietly transformed me.

Prashansa Sharma

BA, Thames International College 

In the face of global trade uncertainties, Nepal must proactively adapt to geopolitical shifts while diversifying its economic partnerships. Strengthening regional ties, investing in domestic industries, leveraging supply chain shifts, and prioritizing digital transformation will be key to sustaining economic growth and reducing external dependencies. A well-calibrated trade strategy, backed by strong governance and infrastructure development, can enable Nepal to navigate the evolving global trade landscape with confidence.

Adapting to geopolitical realities

Nepal should reduce dependence on major powers like the US and China by expanding trade partnerships within South Asia and beyond. Strengthening economic ties with regional and interregional platforms such as BBIN, SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, IORA, and the African Union can provide alternative markets and enhance economic resilience. Additionally, closer engagement with EU agencies and Middle Eastern economies can help diversify Nepal’s trade and investment sources.

However, deepening foreign trade relations demands strong governance and accountability. Nepal must implement stricter scrutiny on foreign aid to ensure effective fund utilization, while also building trust with international donors.

Overcoming institutional challenges

A major roadblock to regional trade integration is bureaucratic inertia and political unwillingness to implement complex initiatives. Keay challenges include:

• Limited political commitment to advancing regional economic cooperation.
• Under-resourced institutions that lack the capacity to negotiate and implement effective trade policies.
• A shortage of skilled professionals with expertise in international trade and economics.

To overcome these obstacles, Nepal must prioritize institutional reforms and invest in building a capable workforce equipped to navigate the intricacies of global trade.

Solution: Invest in human capital

Nepal must empower its workforce with skills in IT, AI, and fintech to make the economy more adaptable to global shifts. Skilled labor will be a critical factor in leveraging the ongoing supply chain shifts from China to South Asia, where Nepal can benefit through IT outsourcing and low-cost manufacturing.

Diversification and self-sufficiency

To strengthen its economic base, Nepal must focus on domestic revenue generation. Key strategies include:

• Taxation reforms to enhance revenue collection and reduce reliance on foreign aid.
• Industrial growth and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to boost productivity and innovation.
• Regulatory simplification to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and foster a business-friendly environment.
• Digitization of trade and business processes to minimize corruption and improve efficiency.

Strengthening domestic industries

Nepal must reduce reliance on imports by fostering growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Instead of exporting raw materials, Nepal should develop processing and manufacturing capabilities to create value-added products. Agro-based, herbal, natural fiber, and bamboo industries hold significant potential to generate employment and exports.

FDI and trade policy reforms

To attract FDI, Nepal should offer incentives in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. Simultaneously, tracking global trade policies—especially tariffs imposed by the US on China, the EU, and India—can help Nepal identify trade opportunities and capitalize on shifting market dynamics. Key considerations include:

• Analyzing how global firms and markets are adjusting to US tariffs and leveraging these shifts to Nepal’s advantage.
• Assessing the impact of rising consumer costs in the US and negotiating preferential market access for Nepali products.
• Capitalizing on the supply chain shift from China, which is expected to redirect five percent of global production to South Asia. Nepal can position itself as a hub for IT services and cost-effective manufacturing, provided it reforms labor laws to ensure fair wages and job security.
• Rather than pursuing retaliatory trade measures, Nepal should adopt a strategic diplomatic approach, negotiating preferential market access while quietly building trade capabilities.

Infrastructure and trade facilitation

The government must focus on policy reforms, trade facilitation, and accreditation to ensure that Nepali products meet international standards. Key infrastructure investments include:

• Developing transshipment ports to enhance access to international markets.
• Strengthening logistics and port-road connectivity to reduce trade bottlenecks.
• Enhancing trade-related services to streamline export and import processes.

Nepal must also maximize economic diplomacy by leveraging the Hub and Spoke Mission approach. Appointing trade specialists and improving foreign policy foresight and scenario planning within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can strengthen Nepal’s position in international trade negotiations.

Conclusion

Given the shifting geopolitical landscape and evolving US trade policies, Nepal must tread carefully to safeguard its trade interests. The US’s increasing reliance on tariffs and sanctions as economic tools, along with rising tensions between major global economies, calls for a strategic and diversified approach in Nepal’s trade policies. To strengthen resilience, Nepal must focus on regional cooperation, trade diversification, and digital transformation while ensuring robust governance and policy reforms.