Submit your Article

Friendship is perhaps the purest form of mutual support—a bond built not on obligation, but on choice, trust, and understanding. On International Friendship Day, we celebrate the connections that bring light to our darkest days, laughter to our routines, and strength when we need it most. True friends stand beside us through life’s highs and lows, offering not just company, but genuine care, empathy, and encouragement. As an ode to that kind of relationship, ApEx spoke to three people about what friendship means to them and their most special bond. 

Rikav Hussain, 26

To me, friendship brings to mind Dipesh or Dalle who has been my friend for the past eight years. I still remember seeing him for the first time in college. He felt like an extension of  me. We haven’t talked often since he went to Australia, and I’ve only met him once since he returned. Friends are meant to support you in times of need but not every friendship should be built on that expectation. Some friendships are more beautiful when they’re free from that kind of pressure. Anyway, let me just say our friendship hasn’t ended. Just like love doesn’t truly die, neither does friendship. These feelings, these energies—once created—can’t be destroyed. Even if someone claims they’ve moved on from love or friendship, I don’t believe it. That emotional energy still exists, somewhere, and it can resurface at any time. I will always have fond memories of Dipesh and wish him well. 

Reshu Ingnam, 34

When I think of friendship, I remember Semi. There was an instant connection, a comfort in each other’s presence that didn’t need words or time to build. It just happened naturally. Unfortunately, she’s not a part of my life anymore. To me, true friendship is about growing together, supporting each other’s dreams, and holding space even when life gets busy or complicated. But sometimes, despite the love and bond, people grow in different directions. There wasn’t a single reason or a falling out, it was just life. Responsibilities, distance, and time created a gap we couldn’t bridge. Still, that doesn’t take away from what we shared. The laughter, the comfort, and the small talks are all precious memories I carry with me. Semi was a meaningful part of my life. She was more than a friend. She was family. A part of her will always live in my heart. If our paths cross again, I hope we can smile at the memories we made together.

Norkey Wangmu Yolmo, 34

Choden is the friend that I remember every time someone asks me to think of a special friend. Working at the same organization has brought us closer through shared interests, experiences, and commitments. We’re on a similar path, facing similar challenges, and whenever those challenges or differences arise, we always take the time to listen, reflect, and find a meaningful conclusion together. What makes our friendship even more special is that we both understand the importance of fun and laughter. No matter how busy life gets, we always make time—whether it’s a quick catch-up or a longer hangout session. Choden isn’t just my best friend. Choden is my chosen family. Thank you for always standing by me, for knowing how to make me laugh exactly when I need it, and for reminding me of who I am when I lose sight of myself. Friendship comes with its own pros and cons. What is needed is trust and faith in the role of friends. 

How can I make deeper connections instead of superficial friendships?

Answered by Rika Rijal, consultant psychiatrist

In an age of social media and fast-paced living, many of us find ourselves surrounded by people, yet feel deeply alone. Surface-level friendships may fill our calendars but not our hearts. So how do we go deeper?

True connection begins with authenticity. Drop the mask. Be willing to show your real self—your fears, hopes, even your awkwardness. Vulnerability invites vulnerability. When you open up, you give others permission to do the same.

Next, listen to understand, not just to respond. Ask thoughtful questions. Remember details. Be present. Emotional intimacy doesn’t come from talking more. It comes from listening better.

Shared experiences matter. Spend time in meaningful activities together: volunteering, traveling, or even having deep conversations without distractions. These moments create emotional anchors.

Lastly, consistency builds trust. Check in. Show up. Keep your word. Depth takes time, but the investment is worth it.

In a world that often celebrates the highlight reel, choose to stay for the full story. Real friendships are not found but built. Also, in this fast paced world, ambition is often glorified, while rest is mistaken for laziness. This imbalance can lead to burnout. People feel exhausted, emotionally drained, and disconnected from their purpose. So, they have issues creating deep connections with fellow people.

It’s important to set boundaries, and to listen to your mind and body. Value deep friendships as a foundation for long-term success. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Friday handed over 40 metric tons of cocoa-based food products to support Palestinians affected by the crisis in Gaza.

He said the donation, made up of locally produced goods, reflects Ghana’s solidarity and commitment to peace. Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s support for a peaceful, negotiated two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, Xinhua reported.

Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana Abdalfatah Ahmed Khalil Alsattari thanked the Ghanaian government and people for their generosity.

Japan experienced its hottest July on record, with average temperatures 2.89°C above normal—the highest since records began in 1898, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The previous record, set in 2024, was exceeded by a significant margin, according to Xinhua.

A temperature of 41.2°C was recorded in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture—the highest ever observed in the country. Parts of Hokkaido also neared 40°C during the same period.

Meanwhile, rainfall on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region and in central Hokuriku was the lowest since 1946, underlining growing concerns over Japan’s intensifying climate extremes, Xinhua reported.

Eight people have died and three are missing after flash floods and landslides hit Dien Bien province, northern Vietnam, in recent days.

Around 60 homes were damaged, and 30 villages remain isolated. Nearly 700 personnel are involved in search efforts, according to Xinhua.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha urged swift relief and emphasized the safety of both residents and rescue teams.

Jordan, Egypt, Germany, the UAE, France, and Spain jointly airdropped humanitarian aid into Gaza on Friday. The IDF said 126 packages were delivered, with Germany, France, and Spain joining the effort for the first time, Xinhua reported.

Jordan reported sending 57 tonnes of food and baby formula, bringing the total aid dropped since last week to around 148 tonnes.

Meanwhile, Palestinian agency WAFA said 24 people were killed by Israeli forces the same day, including five reportedly seeking aid, according to Xinhua.

Four people were killed in a shooting at The Owl Bar on Friday morning in Anaconda, a city in the US state of Montana, according to Xinhua.

The suspect, identified as Michael Paul Brown, is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement has urged residents to avoid the Stumptown area, where a manhunt is ongoing with a heavy police presence.

Montana Highway Patrol confirmed that search efforts are focused near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road in western Montana, Xinhua reported.

US President Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines repositioned in response to what he called “provocative” threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, according to BBC.

Trump said the move was a precaution, warning that Medvedev’s remarks could have serious consequences. The exact deployment location was not disclosed.

The tensions follow Trump’s ultimatum to Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire or face sanctions. Medvedev warned such ultimatums risk war, referencing Russia’s nuclear response system.

The Kremlin has not responded, but Russian markets fell sharply after Trump’s announcement, BBC reported.