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The Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb has a pear-shaped profile, but with a less curvy design and sharper lines than most commonly available LED bulbs. Unlike standard bulbs, the Xiaomi offering has a metallic base and is quite heavy. The matte finish lends a premium touch to it and helps with heat dissipation.

 A key advantage that the Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb has over some competing smart home products is that it does not require a separate hub or a bridge to connect with, as it comes with in-built Wi-Fi. You just plug it in and you are good to go.

The Mi LED Bulb is controlled using the Mi Home app, which acts as a unified control hub for nearly all the connected smart home devices offered by Xiaomi. To start things off, fit the Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb into the socket and download the app.

Once the bulb lights up, open the Mi Home app and sign in with your Mi account. If you don't already have one, creating it takes less than a minute. Once you have signed in with your Mi account, tap the '+' button at the top of the home page and connect with the Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb. The phone will use Bluetooth to search for the Mi LED Wi-Fi Smart Bulb, and once it discovers it, the two devices will sync.

The installation and setup process is quite simple and can be completed in five to ten minutes. The Mi Home app has all the features that you need to interact with the bulb, but that's only half of the device's intended use case scenario. The Mi Home Smart LED bulb can also be controlled via Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants.

Have you been thinking of going on an international tour with your family, friends or loved ones but have not had the time to plan your trip? With the festive season starting soon, the holidays are on their way! If you choose one of our recommended tours, you won’t have to go through the hassle of waiting for your visa for eternity.  

Singapore

Enjoy the luscious sights and sounds of Singapore this Dashain and Tihar, with a guide in tow, for around Rs 100,000. In this four-night-five-day package you will explore the city by driving round the Civic District, pass by Padang, the Cricket Club, the historic Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall. You will also explore the world-famous Merlion Park. Then visit the Thian Hock temple and National Orchid temple. This will be followed by a beautiful morning in Sentosa, the island of peace and tranquillity. Prasit Dhakal, sales and reservation officer at Laser Travels and Tours, says that if you want to experience a first-world place with diverse people and cultures, then you should visit Singapore. Visa on arrival. Call 5591381 for details.

Cambodia

The land of the Angkor Wat temple, the largest religious monument in the world first built in the 12^th century, Cambodia is a special destination for history lovers. The beautiful islands and lively night markets are sure to energize you. Anjila Yonjan, ticketing officer at Shikhar Holidays, informs that standard package of five days and four nights takes you to Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the Genocide museum, plus capital Phnom Penh. The trip costs you around Rs 80,000 a person, inclusive of round-trip air ticket, accommodation, breakfast, guide, and taxes. Visa on arrival. Call 5530857 for more details.

The Maldives

This land of coral islands where you can jump into clear blue seas and watch the most majestic sunsets, the Maldives is a must visit for people who love oceans. Once thought of as only a honeymoon destination, the Maldives caters to all kinds of tourists. You can go on a cycle ride to experience nature on its true form, try scuba diving, explore the capital, and visit a local village. Manish Kuinkel from Ace Travels informs that a trip of four nights and five days to the Maldives will cost you around Rs 160,000. Certainly one of the most exotic destinations in Asia. Visa on arrival. Call 4411830 for details.

Thailand

We know this is a clichéd choice but then Thailand has so much to offer. In Thailand, you can marvel the gleaming temples, catch a tuk-tuk along the bustling Chinatown in Bangkok, or take a long tail boat through the floating markets. Good hotels welcome you with the famed Thai hospitality. The Bangkok trip would not be complete without a glimpse of its famous nightlife. Sushmita Shrestha, sales and marketing officer at Raintree Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd, says this is a cheaper option compared to other international tour packages. It will cost you around Rs 65,000 for four nights and five days, inclusive of airfare, lunch, transport, visa, and a guide. You are sure to love the coral island in Pattaya. Visa takes five business days. Call 4225975 for more details.

Package tour: Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand

Or, with the Dashain holidays rather long, you can visit three different countries in one go. Well Nepal Travel and Tours offers a 10-day package to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand at just Rs 130,000. The company’s Ramesh Ghimire says the package is for people of all age groups. Starting from places like The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pao in Bangkok, you are sure to have an exciting tour. In Singapore, you will visit Universal Studios, Singapore Flyer, Asian Civilization Museum, Peninsula Plaza, Botanic Garden, Singapore Art Museum and Great World City. In Malaysia, you will be guided in places like Jamek Masjid, Tugu Negara, Thien Hou Temple and King Palace. Even though so many places are covered, you will still have enough time to relax and explore these beautiful destinations. Visa needed for Thailand. Contact 9851136944 for details.

Attend acoustic nights
In Kathmandu

Every Wednesday from around 7:30 pm to 11 pm, The Bar Bar Black Sip in Thamel organizes an acoustic night. While listening to some live acoustic music, you can order great drinks available at the bar such as Vodka Paradise, White Russian and Coronarita. Additionally, Wednesdays are also ladies’ night so they provide free Somersrita and shots for ladies from 7 pm to 9 pm as a welcome drink. This barbecue restaurant, beside Saatghumti parking lot, is a great place to spend relaxing evenings. Call 9803859320 for more details.

Party
In Pokhara

Party Nepal, one of the largest event management companies of Nepal, is organizing the fourth edition of its pool party “Grind” in the beautiful city of Pokhara from September 20-21. With the tagline of “Let’s get out of the box” this party is designed to mobilize a substantial number of domestic tourists. ‘Grind 4’ is a quick escape for the young entrepreneurs, corporates and expats from Kathmandu. The event features pool party with Nepal’s top DJs, group games and activities, spa, yoga, and gym. Priced at Rs 15,000 for men and Rs 12,000 for women, the ticket includes one-way flight, hotel accommodation, food, and drinks. Call 4440203 for details.

Ride a bike
In Kathmandu

Join some of the most passionate motorcyclists in the country as they take part in the fourth Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride (DGR) in Nepal on September 28. The prime motto of the classic and vintage motorcycles ride is to raise funds and awareness on men’s mental health and prostate cancer around the globe. This year’s DGR will bring together over 120,000 well-dressed gentlefolk in 700+ cities on stunning motorcycles across 110+ countries. The goal for 2019 is to raise awareness and $7m for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health on behalf of charity partner the Movember Foundation. For registration and local ride details, check out https://www.gentlemansride.com/

In no ways does The Annapurna Express promote the use of vape or any other smoking aid. But when it comes to vape tricks, it is an art, just like other forms of it and thus worth our appreciation. With the increasing use of vapes for recreation or as an alternative to cigarettes, this week we feature some young vapers to learn more about this budding art.

Spunky Vapes, 22

Someone who started vaping after learning tricks from hookah (the device used to smoke nicotine since the old times) Spunky Vapes (he does not want to reveal his real name) is currently pursuing a Bachelors in hotel management. “I have been performing tricks for around two and a half years. It all started by watching YouTube videos of famous international vapers,” he says. Spunky has also just started doing vaping on a commercial basis. With the increase in the number or good vapers in the Nepali vape community, he believes vaping could even be a career choice one day. He plans to open a vape lounge of his own.

The easiest trick that he learnt: Blowing O

Basic trick to start from: Smoke rings

Sohel Shakya, 18

A self-taught talent who honed his skills by constant practice, Shakya’s tricks can woo anyone for the delicacy with which he performs them. “I started vaping out of fascination almost three years ago. Now I see it as my biggest passion,” states Shakya. But due to the limited scope of vaping in Nepal, Sohel does not intend to take it as something more than a passion. He does want greater recognition of vaping as something more than ‘blowing smoke’ though. No, Shakya does not plan to open a vape lounge of his own.

The easiest trick that he learnt: Cheerios or smoke rings

The basic trick to start from: Jellyfish

Samrat Sherchan, 18

One of the known names in the vaping bailiwick after winning an online video submission tournament organized by Vape Nepal, Samrat has been the choice performer for various restaurants and casinos. It’s been just one year since he started vaping and even in this short time he seems to have come a long way. He too was first attracted by the videos of the western vape community. Although Sherchan is the most accomplished among the three in the vape community yet he has no plans to take it up as a career. “I do not intend to open any vape lounge as I see no potential in Nepal,” says Sherchan who’s currently planning his Bachelors in business administration.

The easiest trick that he learnt: Jellyfish

The basic trick to start from: Jellyfish

How injurious is vaping?

Although no performer mentioned above claims to have suffered from any health problem due to vaping, it does not mean it is completely safe. “The American flavors are stronger than Malaysian flavors. Once you get used to the Americans, you find the Malaysians soft. However it’s all about the nicotine which does harm if smoked in any form, be it vape or cigarettes,” says Spunky Vapes. Vapes could be a good alternative for chain smokers who intend to give up cigarettes and opt for something with milder nicotine intake. But a recent study published in the journal Radiology showed temporary changes in blood vessel functioning after vaping in healthy people, with a potential long term impact. So, again, The Annapurna Express does not promote the use of nicotine or any such chemicals.

When an APEX team visited Shukraraj Tropical & Infectious Disease Hospital at Teku, Kathmandu on the morning of September 9, there was a huge crowd inside its premises. Even those suffering from minor fever and throat problems seemed worried about possibly contracting the dreaded dengue and had thronged to the only tropical and infectious diseases hospital in the capital. They were lined up in long queues waiting to consult the doctors. Among the doctors they wanted to see was the hospital’s Chief Consultant and Spokesperson Dr. Anup Bastola. This morning he was busy checking patient reports and counselling people not to panic but to consume plenty of liquid (and medicines, when needed). Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Dinesh Gautam had caught up with Dr Bastola before the start of his busy shift to learn about the recent outbreak of dengue fever, preparations for its control, and possible precautionary steps.

Why has the dengue fever that had before been confined to some Tarai districts spread over Kathmandu and other hilly districts?

The mosquitoes which transmits dengue were prevalent in Kathmandu valley for many years, as was the case in Pokhara and other parts of the country. Dengue is spread through the bite of Aedes female mosquitos. When a mosquito bites a person who has dengue virus in blood, the mosquito gets infected. Later the inspected mosquito can transmit the virus to a healthy people. Similarly, mosquitoes that comes from eggs of infected mosquitoes can transmit dengue to people. Now, the temperature of Kathmandu is right for the growth of mosquitoes as well. Last year, we had identified some dengue-infected folks in Khusibu area who had gotten the virus via the dengue-infected people outside the valley.

Mosquitos then bit those Khusibu residents and the virus spread in other areas of Kathmandu. This year, too, the outbreak of denuge began from Khusibu, Thulo Bharyang and Balaju areas of Kathmandu valley and the number of infected is increasing by the day. It is spreading due to the travel of infected people from one place to another. As far as the hilly areas are concerned, there is rapid urbanization and development. Several goods and materials are transmitted there from Tarai/Madhes areas. The mosquitos also travel from Tarai along with humans and various means of transport.

Is it because of climate change and urbanization that dengue is spreading fast even in hilly areas?

Yes, dengue is spreading due to rapid urbanization. Even our hilly districts these days have the temperature and humidity suitable for the growth of mosquitoes. Human migration is a major reason for its spread. Dengue would not have spread in Kathmandu valley had infected people not travelled here. For example, during Dashain, people from Tarai/Madhes and even abroad visit Kathmandu, bringing the virus with them. It is not only in Nepal, dengue is fast spreading in other South East Asian and South Asian countries as well. Even the mountainous country of Bhutan is not immune. Dengue is spreading in the hilly areas of India too. Human migration, rising temperature due to climate change and urbanization are the major culprits.

Was such a rapid spread of dengue anticipated?

This year, there have been some unusual developments. In the past, there was an outbreak at the end of the monsoon season. So we expected dengue to appear during this Dashain season as well. But this year it started to appear in April-May. First, there was an outbreak in eastern parts such as Dharan and Morang. If you see our immediate history, there was a big outbreak of dengue in Tarai in 2009, then in 2013-2014, in 2017, and now. The numbers are already large this year. This will further increase in coming weeks and months.

Are we prepared to fight dengue?

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Department of Health has already taken some measures. Now, we have three tiers of government and we have allocated budget for all levels to fight dengue. We have purchased necessary kits. Similar, the division has launched training programs, inviting representatives from the concerned provincial and local level departments as well as health officers. But possible areas of dengue outbreak are always unpredictable. For example, on the basis of this year’s outbreak, we make preparations for next year but we may be wrong. What we lack is strategic planning.

There is a need to map out possible areas of dengue outbreak for successful prevention. But the government does not appear serious about it.

We make plan for next year on the basis of current outbreak. This approach is not flawless. After the outbreak in Khusibu last year, we had discussed the possibility of outbreak in other areas but we failed to come out with the right policy and planning. When it comes to controlling the dengue outbreak, the efforts of Ministry of Health and Population is insufficient. There is a need for integrated planning and intervention. There is a need for behavioral change at the individual level. Now, we have a strong government at the grass-root level and they can play vital role in controlling dengue. We need a systematic campaign to search and kill mosquito larvae. We can control it if every ward launches a campaign to search and kill the larvae. When it comes to long-term planning and policy, all line ministries should sit together. The government has to think seriously and all government bodies should be engaged. In the past, we used to think the outbreak would be confined to Tarai. We were wrong. There is possibility of a pandemic in coming years if we don’t start preparing now.

What kind of policy interventions can there be in controlling dengue?

Other countries have strong legislation. In Singapore, if government authorities find mosquitoes breeding in the houses of common people, they would be subjected to a fine of $200. In June, dengue larvae were found in the houses of 900 households in Singapore and they were punished. So only government efforts are insufficient. Now, we are in a very primitive stage. We have to start thinking long-term. Every social organization should be involved. In India, state governments are promulgating several laws. In Kathmandu, there are abandoned tires, mismanaged flower pots, unruly bushes everywhere. These are perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Along with laws, what is needed is a mega-campaign of people to control dengue.

What is the status of facilities and manpower at local level to fight dengue?

The staff adjustment process is underway. So there is lack of doctors in some places. Similarly, local governments are yet to manage the required human resources. We need to ensure manpower at local level who can identify the symptoms of dengue to prevent possible deaths. Now dengue has spread over 44 districts and Province no. 3 is highly vulnerable.

There are some misconceptions about dengue. Some say people would be infected only if mosquitoes bite during the day while others say morning and evening are the risky times.

You could be bitten round the clock. For example, if you go in the jungle or to a park in the day, such mosquitoes can bite you and you may develop dengue fever. But these mosquitoes will be more active in mornings and evenings. So it is better to stay at home in the evening and take precautionary measures. In broad daylight, the mosquitoes will be less active.  

What are the dengue symptoms? And how can it be cured?

The main thing to understand is that we can see symptoms only in 10 percent of infected people. For example, if 10,000 are infected, there will be clear symptoms only in 1,000 people. Of them, 500 show the symptoms of viral fever and remaining 500 show symptoms of dengue fever. But with proper medical care, only around 1 percent of those with dengue fever will die. This dengue fever is dangerous. Its symptoms are sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and vomiting, among others. You may see red rashes in the body. People suffering from dengue should consume plenty of liquid and use only paracetamol, not other medicines. Only those people who suffer from repeated vomiting, pain in stomach and respiratory problems should be admitted to hospital.

Who are most vulnerable groups?

Infants, pregnant women, fat people, and people having other diseases such as blood pressure and diabetes are vulnerable. If these people contract dengue, they need to be admitted to a hospital as they are likely to see more complications.

What lesson can we learn from the current spread of dengue?

First, we have to think about safety measures to stay save. Our priority should be searching the larvae and killing them everywhere. For example, just like the Bagmati clean-up campaign, we need another mega-campaign. People and all institutions should come together for this. We have to decrease the density of mosquitoes. At the individual level, we have to change our behavior. It should be no less than a national agenda.

Tens of thousands of Nepali speakers in India’s north-eastern state of Assam feel let down by the upgraded National Register of Citizens (NRC) of India that was published on August 31. (Assam is the first Indian state to upgrade its NRC compo­nent.) As many as 80,000 Nepali speakers have been excluded from this NRC list and they are worried about being stateless. But Ganga Poudel, vice-pres­ident of the Gorkha Develop­ment Council, says all hope is not lost. Anyone excluded from the final list has 120 days to appeal against the decision through a foreigner’s tribunal. Poudel says he would do all he can to help those whose names did not appear on the list.

A total of around 31.1 million people in the state had applied to have their names listed, but about 1.9 million people were excluded. Most of them are people who migrated to Assam from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Poudel says those people whose citizen­ship is questionable or whose surnames differ from those of their parents or children have been left out.

As many as 2.5 million Nepali-speaking people live in Assam. About 25 percent of them were missing from an earlier draft list. “We were confident that these names would appear on the final list, but that did not happen,” says Poudel. He adds that some may be rendered stateless if they are not able to submit certain documents to prove residency.

Indian media have men­tioned that if the victims do not get justice in international courts, they can knock on the doors of the Indian High Court and Supreme Court. Many independent bodies claim that although this option is available, as many as 25,000 Nepali-speakers would still not make it to the list. Those whose names did not appear on the list could be arrested and detained. But Assam’s Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal says that just because their names are not on the list does not mean they will be taken into custody.

Assam shares borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh and is considered a sensitive state. The Indian government claims that there is illegal trafficking of humans and animals into the state. It says the list was updated in order to check ille­gal immigrants from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Secu­rity in Assam has been beefed up since the publication of the list.

There are Nepalis in every district of Assam. The major­ity of residents in Surajpur district are Nepalis, and there is a big group of people from western Nepal in Kamrup metropolis.

The All Assam Gorkha Stu­dent Union has asked for a thorough investigation as it believes the list is flawed. Pres­ident Prem Tamang has been protesting the process of cre­ating this list from the start, claiming that it discriminates against Nepali speakers.

According to the 2011 population census, there are about 31.1 million people in the 33 districts of Assam.

   Q. What is the most difficult part of your job?

A. Less ‘me’ time.

Q. Your makeup (style) icon?

A. Huda Beauty and Bobbi Brown. The story of them building their empire is inspirational.

Q. Favorite makeup brand?

A. No brand in particular but few things from every brand!

Q. What is the biggest project you’ve been a part of?

A. The Beauty Bar and its three branches.

Q. What is a makeup trend that you hope goes away and never comes back?

A. I love all makeup looks but perhaps the weird squiggly eyebrows.

Q. What are you proud of but never have an excuse to talk about?

A. That I came back to my country.

Q. What’s an opinion you hold that most people wouldn’t agree with?

A. Veganism.

Q. What’s one superpower you would not want?

      A. I wouldn’t want to know everyone’s thoughts... that would make life so sad.

Better sense prevailed and the nearly month-long standoff in the federal lower house over the twin ‘extra-judicial killings’ in Sarlahi ended after a deal between the ruling and opposition parties. Earlier, the Nepali Congress and the RJPN, the two opposition parties, had been stalling the house, asking for a parliamentary probe into the police shootings of Kumar Poudel, a leader of the underground Netra Bikram Chand Biplob-led CPN, and Saroj Narayan Singh, an RJPN cadre. Eventually, the opposition parties agreed that there was no point in running a parallel parliamentary probe when the National Human Rights Commission was already investigating the incidents.

Instead, a seven-member cross-party parliamentary panel has been formed under senior NCP leader Subhas Chandra Nembang to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. The panel is to submit its report to the parliament in a month. The resumption of parliamentary proceedings is great news. But it would be a travesty of justice if any attempt is made to quietly bury the twin incidents in Sarlahi. Now the onus is on the NHRC to unearth the truth. According to preliminary investigations by two other rights bodies, the Advocacy Forum Nepal and the Informal Sector Service Center, there is strong evidence to suggest that Poudel was not killed in crossfire, unlike what the police has been claiming.

They noted some peculiar activities in the lead up to Poudel’s death that made them doubt the official government version. The rights bodies found that locals had been barred from walking in the vicinity of the incident site from early in the morning of June 20, the day the CPN leader was supposedly killed. Also, no local they talked to said they had heard a gunshot throughout the day. The local police were also curiously kept in the dark about the whole affair. These are disconcerting findings.

The conclusion of the two rights bodies that there has of late been a disturbing increase in the number of ‘fake encounters’ is not reassuring. It suggests that the federal government is intent on taking the law into its own hands. Whether or not the government wants to sit down for talks with the Biplob outfit, there can be no justification for killing its cadres in cold blood. If it does so, public sympathy for the banned outfit is bound to grow, which will be a troubling development. It will also seriously undercut the legitimacy of perhaps the strongest government in Nepal’s democratic history, an even more worrisome consequence