Submit your Article

Naruhito, Emperor of Japan expressed concern over the lasting scars of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster, ahead of the March 11 anniversary. In remarks released for his 66th birthday, the emperor said that while infrastructure recovery has progressed, rebuilding livelihoods and communities remains a challenge. He said many survivors still carry deep emotional wounds despite the passage of time.

AP reported that the 2011 disaster killed nearly 20,000 people and triggered reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Entire communities were evacuated due to radiation fears. Although many areas have reopened, a significant number of former residents have not returned, citing limited job opportunities and a weakened sense of community.

Naruhito, joined by Masako, their daughter Aiko, and Crown Prince Akishino’s family, greeted well-wishers from the palace balcony, AP wrote. He stressed the importance of passing down lessons from past disasters to younger generations and preparing for future emergencies.

According to AP, the emperor also voiced hopes that Princess Aiko would contribute to international peace and carry forward historical awareness. Under Japan’s male-only succession law, supported by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Aiko cannot ascend to the throne and would lose her royal status if she marries a commoner.

Social media addiction has been compared to casinos, opioids and cigarettes. While experts debate whether heavy use qualifies as a true addiction, many people say they struggle to step away from platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Critics argue the apps are designed to keep users scrolling, generating billions in advertising revenue.

AP reported, Dr Anna Lembke, an addiction specialist at Stanford University School of Medicine, defines addiction as compulsive use despite harm. She says constant, frictionless access makes social media especially hard to resist. However, social media addiction is not officially recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the standard guide used by mental health professionals.

According to AP, experts recommend small changes to reduce screen time. These include turning off notifications, moving apps on the home screen or using built-in tools like Screen Time on phones. In more serious cases, users may consider greyscale settings, physical phone lockboxes or therapy to address underlying issues such as anxiety, stress or loneliness.

Iran and the US will hold a third round of nuclear talks on Thursday in Geneva, Oman’s foreign minister said. Badr Albusaidi confirmed the meeting as concerns grow over the risk of military conflict between the longtime rivals. Oman is mediating the indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

According to Reuters, tensions have risen after Donald Trump warned that “really bad things will happen” if no agreement is reached over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said recent talks had produced “encouraging signals” but stressed Tehran is prepared for any scenario.

Iran has signalled it may offer fresh concessions, including sending part of its highly enriched uranium abroad and diluting the rest, Reuters wrote. However, it insists any deal must lift economic sanctions and recognise its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff questioned why Tehran had not “capitulated” under pressure, citing concerns that Iran’s uranium enrichment has reached 60 percent purity. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded that Iran would not surrender but said diplomacy remains possible, Reuters reported.

Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed deep sorrow over the fatal bus accident that had occurred in the wee hours today at Bhainsegauda in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-5, Dhading. 

The bus (Ga 1 Kha 1421) heading towards Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River, killing 17 people and injuring 27 others. 

In a press release today, the NC President has, on his behalf and the party, extended heartfelt tributes to the deceased and condolences to the grieving families. 

He has urged the government to take all necessary arrangements so that the injured could access quality treatment. 

The party has also drawn the government's attention to the need for taking measures for addressing growing cases of road accidents lately. It wants the government to form a taskforce to find out reasons behind such accidents.