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Charang and Chaile of Mustang are to get a 33kV substation soon. At an initiative of Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality of Mustang, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has initiated the process of constructing two 33 kV electricity substations in Charang and Chaile in Upper Mustang.

The NEA has prioritized the construction of a 33 kV electricity substation in order to solve the severe electrical problems faced by Mustang and to provide reliable power to the Korala border, which borders northern China, and its physical and technical management work has been underway.

The NEA had invited bids for the construction of 33 kV substations in Charang and Chaile in the previous fiscal year. Lopsang Chomphel Bista, chairperson of the rural municipality informed that the final decision on the substation contract called for by the Authority will be made by February. “The work on the extension of the power line has now reached the final stage. It will be decided soon which company will get the substation,” he said. “As soon as the contract is finalized, the construction of the substation will begin.”

As the substation contract process reaches the final stage, an on-site inspection of the site where the 33 kV electricity substation will be built in Charang and Chaile of Mustang has been conducted. According to chairperson Bista, the site for the 33 kV substation was selected two years ago. He claimed that the long-standing electricity problem faced by Mustang district will end forever after the construction of the 33 kV substation along with the expansion of the 33 kV transmission line.

Mustang has an 11 kV transmission line in operation. Due to this, there have been extreme problems in electricity supply time and again. Although the NEA has a 33 kV transmission line in Kowang, the lack of a 33 kV substation in the area above it used to cause a lot of trouble in electricity supply. When there was a technical problem with electricity in any place in Mustang, the entire district would be in darkness. Chairperson Bista said that if the NEA completed the construction of the 33 kV line and substation, such problems would not have to be faced, he said. The distance of the 33 kV substation is 50 km. The NEA has made preparations to place two substations at a distance of 103 km from Kowang to Charang. For this, the NEA had called for electricity substation contracts in October of fiscal year 2023.

Similarly, a contract for the construction of a 33 kV electricity substation in Upper Mustang was called for on 6 July 2023. The authority had signed a contract agreement with Paradise Builders to complete the work of expanding electricity poles and other works within two years at a cost of Rs 276.5m and the work has been started.

Santosh Pyakurel, electrical engineer of the company, informed that the work of 33 kV electricity transmission in Mustang has been completed and the work of pulling wires has begun. According to him, out of a total of 2,265 poles to be expanded, 1,800 poles have been expanded.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Poudel, has said the government has focused its attention on the issue of protection of the Constitution, its effective implementation, development, good governance and permanent solution to various problems.

At a discussion with the newly elected team of the Rupandehi chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists on Sunday, DPM Poudel clarified that the government brought ordinances in recent periods to resolve the existing problems of the country and its positive results would be gained gradually.

He urged media persons to publish and disseminate true information among the general people by studying thoroughly the content of the ordinances.

The DPM mentioned, "The incumbent government was formed in a difficult situation. The government has been taking the country towards a positive path. The alliance between the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress will last till 2084."

Attempts were made to spread rumor that the Social Networking Sites Regulation Ordinance is against press freedom and freedom of expression, he shared, clarifying that the government is always in favor of press freedom and freedom of expression.

DPM Poudel added, "Everyone should be responsible for their actions. Those doing good work should be rewarded and those doing crime should be punished."

He assured of providing support from his side to fulfill the plans forwarded by the FNJ Rupandehi and urged media persons to make the development activities carried out in Rupandehi as the matter of discussion.

Similarly, President of FNJ, Rupandehi, Dinesh Pandit, briefed DPM Poudel about the current situation and future plan of FNJ, Rupandehi.

President Ram Chandra Paudel attended the Basanta Shrawan ritual at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square premises this morning on the occasion of Basanta Panchami.

On the occasion, President Paudel listened to a special melody at the auspicious hour of 7:55 am and received tika and Prasad offered by the priest.

There is a tradition of listening to a special melody by the President from the position of the Head of the State on Basanta Panchami every year.

A contingent of the Nepal Army presented a guard of honor to President Paudel.

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, high-ranking officials of the government and chiefs of security bodies were present on the occasion.

The festival is celebrated as Shree Panchami and Saraswati Puja offering prayers to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge.

Basanta Panchami is being celebrated all over the country by paying homage to Goddess Saraswati, known as the goddess of knowledge, on Monday. 

Also known as Saraswati Puja, writers, artists, journalists, teachers and students worship their tools, pen, paper, pencil and musical instruments as goddess Saraswati.

There is also a belief that you will be blessed if you begin your learning after worshiping Saraswati. The day is also regarded as auspicious for social and religious functions like marriage, bratabanda, gufa and belbibaha.

It is considered auspicious to start education for children and to pierce their nose and ears. Devotees, especially students, throng the temples of Goddess Saraswati since early morning today.

Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Paudel and Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav have extended their best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Basanta Panchami and Saraswati Puja.

President Paudel said Saraswati Puja is a festival that always energizes and inspires us for innovations.

In the message, he underscored the importance of worshipping Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, knowledge and music. Today is also the day of enrolling children in school and initiating their formal education as it is believed to bring the divine blessings of Goddess Saraswati, it is said.

President Paudel wished that the Saraswati Puja would help preserve and promote original rich cultures by maintaining unity in the country's social and cultural diversity.

Similarly, Vice President Yadav expressed the belief that strong unity in social diversity has helped further strengthen national unity of the country.

In the message, he mentioned that this festival has connected all areas, territories, religions, communities and cultures by protecting multi-castes, multi-languages and multi-cultures.

The Pratibimba photography exhibition, held last week at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities facing climate change and housing injustice. Organized by the All In Foundation in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Nepal, the exhibition provided a platform for vulnerable groups to share their experiences through photography.

Featuring images captured by 10 youth participants from Rohingya refugee communities, informal settlements, and daily wage workers, the exhibition highlighted stories of resilience, survival, and hope. The young photographers used mobile phones to document their daily realities, offering a powerful perspective on the challenges of displacement and environmental threats.

A key theme of the exhibition was its decolonial approach, allowing marginalized voices to reclaim their narratives. As participant Nirmal Aryal noted, “This exhibition became a decolonial act, a mirror that centered our stories, perspectives, and truths, amplifying them in ways that defied the limits of language.”

A panel discussion on climate change and housing injustice featured experts such as Rupa Basnet, Srichchha Pradhan, Tashi Lhazom, and Sushila Diyali, moderated by Arnab Chaudhary. Discussions focused on legal frameworks, youth advocacy, Indigenous knowledge, and the role of visual storytelling in raising awareness. Additionally, Tashi Lhazom’s documentary ‘No Monastery, No Village’ was screened, further emphasizing the struggles of Indigenous communities affected by climate change.

While the physical exhibition has concluded, a virtual version remains available, allowing a global audience to engage with the impactful narratives. Organizers hope the exhibition will continue to inspire conversations and action on climate justice and housing rights.

A new bill introduced in the Federal Parliament seeks to regulate social media platforms and users, sparking intense debate among lawmakers, digital rights activists, and the public. The Social Media Regulation Bill, tabled in the National Assembly, proposes stringent measures to curb misinformation, regulate platform operations, and enforce digital accountability. However, concerns over potential threats to freedom of expression and excessive governmental control have raised critical questions about its implications.

The bill mandates that all social media platforms operating in Nepal must obtain a government-issued license within three months of its passage. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, YouTube, and LinkedIn will be required to comply. Failure to do so will result in penalties ranging from Rs 2.5m to Rs 10m and a potential ban on operations within Nepal. For individual users, the bill outlines severe punishments for offenses such as creating fake accounts, spreading misinformation, cyberbullying, hacking, phishing, deepfake content creation, and sextortion, with penalties ranging from heavy fines to multiple years of imprisonment. Additionally, public officials found violating the law will receive a 50 percent increase in penalties, while crimes involving minors will result in additional prison sentences.

Nepal’s digital landscape has faced challenges such as misinformation, cybercrime, and online abuse, making a legal framework necessary for accountability. The rise of deepfakes, online scams, and social media-driven conflicts has created an urgent need for clear regulations. Ensuring that social media companies verify user identities and establish rapid-response mechanisms for complaint resolution is a step in the right direction. Moreover, requiring platforms to store and provide user data for legal investigations will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to tackle digital crimes effectively.

However, while the intent of regulation is justified, the execution raises significant concerns. The bill grants the government the power to order content removal without requiring court oversight. This level of unchecked authority could be misused, leading to arbitrary censorship of dissenting voices, investigative journalism, and politically inconvenient discourse. The ability to ban a platform simply for failing to meet licensing conditions could discourage global tech companies from operating in Nepal, limiting access to vital digital resources. Smaller startups and independent content creators would also struggle under such strict conditions.

Another issue is the vague language used in defining offenses. Terms like “misleading information” or “national interest” remain highly subjective, leaving them open to government interpretation. Criminalizing such behaviors instead of relying on platform-based moderation raises the risk of constraining free expression. Additionally, requiring platforms to store and provide user data without clearly outlining data privacy measures could lead to misuse and surveillance concerns. There is little reassurance that such regulations won’t be weaponized to target political dissidents or activists under the guise of national security.

The bill also requires foreign social media companies to set up local offices or appoint official representatives in Nepal. While this measure aims to ensure accountability, it may create barriers for international platforms that find compliance burdensome. In other countries, overly restrictive policies have led major platforms to limit their services, depriving citizens of diverse digital engagement opportunities. If Nepal follows this path, it risks isolating itself from the global digital economy.

Globally, different countries have tackled social media regulations with varying approaches. India’s IT Rules (2021) mandate content removal but require judicial oversight, while the EU’s Digital Services Act (2022) enforces moderation with strong user privacy protections. Meanwhile, China’s heavy-handed censorship policies serve as a cautionary tale of how overregulation can suppress online freedom. Nepal must ensure that its bill does not follow the latter’s trajectory. Instead of stifling innovation and free expression, it should focus on balancing security with digital rights.

The implications for content creators and social media users are significant. Under this bill, individuals who unknowingly share misleading information could face severe legal consequences. The distinction between intentional disinformation and accidental misinformation is not well defined, which could lead to legal repercussions for ordinary users. Furthermore, the bill allows authorities to monitor and track users extensively, raising concerns about mass surveillance and its potential chilling effect on online speech.

While the bill introduces strict penalties for cybercrimes such as phishing, hacking, and sextortion, it does not provide robust mechanisms for user education or digital literacy. Preventive measures should be emphasized alongside punitive actions. Instead of solely focusing on legal crackdowns, Nepal’s government should invest in digital awareness programs to educate users on responsible social media usage, recognizing misinformation, and securing their online presence.

One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is its approach to fake accounts. While cracking down on fake IDs is important to curb online abuse, enforcing real-name policies could backfire. Many users, especially activists, whistleblowers, and marginalized groups, rely on anonymity for safety. The absence of safeguards to protect these vulnerable users could deter individuals from engaging in online discussions about sensitive topics.

The requirement for content removal upon government request also raises ethical concerns. In democratic societies, freedom of speech is protected through judicial processes, ensuring that content takedown requests undergo legal scrutiny. This bill lacks such oversight, allowing authorities to unilaterally decide what qualifies as objectionable content. The absence of an independent review mechanism could lead to disproportionate enforcement, where criticisms against the government are swiftly removed under the pretext of national security.

The economic consequences of this bill could be far-reaching. If major social media platforms decide to exit Nepal due to restrictive compliance requirements, businesses that rely on digital marketing and e-commerce would suffer. Nepal’s growing digital economy could face setbacks, limiting opportunities for young entrepreneurs and professionals who depend on online platforms for income.

As this bill moves through Parliament, lawmakers must refine its provisions to ensure judicial oversight on content removal, clarify ambiguous terms, and implement strong data privacy safeguards. While addressing online abuse is crucial, broad legal frameworks should not suppress critical discourse or impose excessive restrictions on social media platforms. With digital rights becoming an increasingly important issue, public discourse on this bill will likely shape Nepal’s digital landscape for years to come. The challenge lies in finding the right balance—protecting users from harm while upholding the fundamental right to online expression.

If passed in its current form, this bill could set a dangerous precedent, giving the government excessive control over the digital space. While the need for accountability and regulation is valid, such policies must be carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences. If Nepal truly wishes to foster a safe, free, and responsible digital environment, it must ensure that regulation does not become a tool for silencing voices but rather a means of promoting transparency and security. The coming weeks will determine whether Nepal takes a progressive step toward responsible digital governance or a regressive slide into digital authoritarianism.

Aishwarya Koirala

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

The gold is being traded at Rs 162, 800 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1,910 per tola today.  

It can’t be denied that we rely all too much on imported goods, whether it be for clothes, perfumes, makeup items, bags, shoes, or toys. Many people ApEx spoke to confessed that they shopped when they traveled and that they don’t find what they need in the local markets in Nepal. They say the choice is between cheap Chinese products that don’t last more than a month and exorbitantly priced branded items that actually cost a fraction of the retail price on the brand’s website or at outlets in India and abroad.

But there are local businesses that actually sell good stuff. And their number is increasing by the day. We have rounded up some local brands and businesses that you can check out the next time you are shopping. We, at ApEx, believe this can help boost the local economy as well as entice entrepreneurs to come up with innovative ideas and products in the long run. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality as these made in Nepal products have been made with care and caution and are some of the best you will ever come across.

Abir

Next time you want to shop for clothes, check out Abir near Pimbahal, Lalitpur. It’s a sustainable clothing brand. All the fabrics—bamboo, cotton, linen, hemp, and their blends—are made in Nepal. In winter, they used wool that was sourced from Nepal. Bini Bajracharya, co-owner of Abir, says they take pride in the fact that their clothes have minimal impact on the planet. The business is run by a small team of 10 to 12 people and they design clothes for both men and women. Recently, they have also started incorporating crochet in their designs, making their pieces unique and interesting. We spoke to some of their customers and they all agreed that Abir’s clothes are comfortable, don’t fade or shrink, and are designed to look great on all body types.

Maya Handicrafts Jewelry

This could be your go-to stop for dainty and stunning pieces of jewelry that you can wear every day. Maya Handicrafts has two physical outlets—one in Sanepa, Lalitpur and the other in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. But you can also browse through their collection on Instagram and order from there as well. However, we recommend visiting the stores to see their pieces up close. You will notice that they are simple and stylish and have been made really well. They have silver jewelry, gold-plated ones, and even some gold and diamond pieces. The prices are reasonable and they have quite a good collection. Their bangles and bracelets are especially made for daily wear. Maya Handicrafts is also a business with a conscience. They help charities and causes whenever they can. In the past, they donated two percent of their sales to Astitwa Nepal to help victims of acid and burn violence.

Nepal Knotcraft Center

If you want to buy home decor items and other little accessories like purses, pouches, and bags, look no further than Nepal Knotcraft Center. They have an outlet in Kupondole and their products are also available in Thames at Ekadeshma Collective. The company was founded in 1984 to create jobs for women and empower them. When it started out, it had three employees. Now, there are hundreds of women from all over Nepal working for the company. Most of the products are made from natural fibers and recycled wood. If you want placemats, rugs, and other home decor pieces like baskets, bowls, wall hanging etc, Nepal Knotcraft Center has a lovely selection of them all.

Jamarko

Founded by a sister duo and now run by their daughters, Jamarko is a paper recycling company that was started in 2001. They make various recycled paper and lotta paper products. They have notebooks, boxes, pencils, wrapping paper, frames, gift bags, and many other items. The designs are appealing and the products, despite being handmade, have a factory-finish to them. The company collects paper waste from various sources and recycles them to make beautiful products that can be used at home. Kritica Lacoul, executive director at Jamarko, says their short term goal is to minimize paper waste whereas their long term goal is to conserve our natural resources and reduce consumption. Buy from Jamarko for a guilt-free shopping indulgence. Another good thing is that their products aren’t pricey at all.

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You don’t have to buy expensive perfumes anymore. These handcrafted blends of essential oils smell great and are really long lasting. There are many variations available for both men and women and the fragrances range from mild to strong. The base of these roll-on perfumes are solvents and not alcohol and that ensures the smells stay for long. The proprietor says he wants to make good quality perfumes that are inexpensive but of good quality. The company also sells essential oils and diffusers as well as hand creams that aren’t greasy and are, again, long lasting. The company has a kiosk in Chhaya Center, Thamel as well as puts up stalls at the Saturday market at Labim Mall, Pulchowk, and the Le Sherpa Farmer’s Market on Saturday.