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The internet has become an integral part of daily life, connecting people across the globe and offering a wealth of opportunities. Online security and harassment have grown, especially with the rise of social media use. As digital spaces continue to evolve, it’s important to consider how safe we truly feel while using these platforms. ApEx spoke to three female youths to  reflect on their experiences and the steps they take to safeguard themselves.  

Samira Kiju, 18

I generally feel safe using the internet, but at times, I also feel uneasy. While I haven’t personally experienced any threats, I’ve heard about others facing such issues. To protect myself, I always lock my profiles and avoid sharing personal information as much as possible, posting only a few pictures. I also refrain from sharing my location on social media. I don’t believe that the authorities provide enough protection, as many people face online harassment daily without receiving the support or security they need. This lack of protection puts many people in danger. When it comes to sharing personal details and photos, I only do so with close friends and family, and I keep it to a minimum. I’m not comfortable sharing too much online because photos can easily be misused. 

Anzing Tamang, 20
I generally feel safe while using social media, as I haven’t experienced any significant threats personally. However, I take extra precautions to ensure my online security, such as using complex passwords that are difficult to guess. I believe it’s important not to log into others’ devices or share passwords. I also don’t believe enough protection is taken to prevent online threats or exploitation. While I’m comfortable sharing photos on social media, I avoid sharing personal details, as these platforms are not secure enough for that kind of information. It’s essential to be cautious and use social media carefully. 

Asmita Shrestha, 21

I’ve heard of many cases of online harassment, but I haven’t personally experienced it. I use social media mainly for entertainment, like watching and sharing reels, but I avoid posting personal photos, sharing details, or giving out my passwords because it doesn’t feel safe. In my opinion, full safety is not yet guaranteed in Nepal when it comes to social media.

US Congressman Suhas Subramaniam has officially recognized Annapurna Media Network-USA (AMN-USA) with a formal acknowledgment letter.   The letter highlights Annapurna Media Network’s significant impact, stating: “Annapurna Media Network is a prominent and influential media organization in Nepal. The network has not only become renowned and respected within Nepal but also globally recognized for its commitment to delivering authentic news, cultural representation, and entertainment.”

Calling it a great honor, the recognition further praises the network’s contributions: “I commend Annapurna Media Network and AMN-USA for their efforts and dedication to excellence in media. Their work uplifts the Nepali diaspora and enriches the cultural fabric of our global community. Thank you for joining me in recognizing this extraordinary achievement and supporting the ongoing mission of AMN-USA.”

Issuing the statement, Subramaniam added that the network has not only become renowned and respected within Nepal but also globally recognized to a broader audience with its demonstration of commitment which also reflects the deep cultural relationship between Nepal and the US.

The Ministry of Finance has acknowledged that budget expenditure has not met its target and has decided to reprioritize spending for the remaining period of the fiscal year. This decision follows a review of the first six months of the 2024/25 budget to ensure more effective implementation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel, while assessing the mid-term budget, stated that reprioritization is necessary to meet budgetary targets. He noted that budget execution in the first half of the fiscal year has been mixed.

The government now estimates an increase in expenditure for current, capital, and financial arrangements in the remaining months of the fiscal year. According to the Ministry of Finance, outstanding liabilities from past projects must be managed, and current expenditure should be increased within resource constraints while ensuring capital expenditure remains within desired limits. Budget reprioritization will focus on managing funds for current programs that must be utilized within the next six months by reallocating savings from other areas.

The government had to settle arrears by covering payment obligations from the previous fiscal year. To prevent a recurrence, the Ministry of Finance has decided to control the practice of shifting liabilities by avoiding excess spending in the remaining six months and deferring payments to the next fiscal year.

To curb rising current expenditure, the government has resolved not to create new organizational structures or positions in government offices, regulatory bodies, and public corporations. Expenditure standards have been set to promote fiscal prudence. Additionally, given resource constraints, 25 percent of the allocated budget for current expenditure—excluding mandatory liabilities—has been withheld.

Projects that have not yet entered the implementation phase will be postponed for the rest of the fiscal year. The government will not initiate new projects or programs without proper preparations. Instead, funds will be redirected to legally mandated liabilities, national pride projects, unfinished initiatives, and other priority programs. To optimize resources, low-priority projects with unspent budgets will be deprioritized in favor of more urgent projects.

The government also plans to reduce the number of projects and prioritize them based on necessity. Unnecessary budget sub-headings will be consolidated to an appropriate size, and small, low-cost projects of a similar nature will be merged under a single budget category. Additionally, the procurement law will be reviewed to make the system more competitive, transparent, and development-friendly. A project bank, based on specific criteria, will be established for future project allocation and prioritization.

Under Nepal’s federal governance system, Article 60 of the Constitution mandates financial transfers between the federal, provincial, and local levels to ensure the effective mobilization of financial and natural resources. These transfers are aimed at enhancing cooperation, coexistence, and coordination among the three levels of government.

For the fiscal year 2024/25, the government has allocated Rs 48.8bn to provincial and local levels as equalization, conditional, special, and complementary grants, based on recommendations from the National Natural Resources and Finance Commission. This represents a 2.2 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 170, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 169, 600 per tola on Monday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 945 per tola today.

The 19th edition of the food festival organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN), Sauraha, Chitwan has kicked off in Chitwan today.

The annual event aims to promote the tourism industry in Chitwan, according to REBAN Chitwan Chair Dhruba Giri. It has been organised in the north to the Sauraha-based Tourist Bus Park.

Bagmati Province Minister for Culture and Tourism, Bimal Thakuri, is scheduled to inaugurate the festival this evening. The fund to be collected from entry fee will be spent for the beautification of a touristic route in Sauraha, it is said.

The festival is expected to boost tourist arrivals by 40 percent during the festival period. It will run till February 14, according to festival coordinator Shambhu Prasad Mali. The festival will feature a cultural exhibition, exhibitions of local culinary, and the organisation of the first REBAN women soccer competition, inter-school dance competition and badminton competition as well.

Adopting a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle is kinder to the planet and friendlier on the pocket as well. Contrary to what many people think that eco-friendly living requires a complete overhaul of your current lifestyle, it’s actually quite easy to transition into a sustainable way of life. You just have to be mindful of what you are using and how. If you want to go green but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Rule #1: Use what you have

The main rule to follow while choosing a sustainable life is to use what you have and not buy something on a whim or because you think it’s an eco-friendly alternative to what you are currently using. You don’t need a brand new steel tumbler if you already have a water bottle. Try to see if you can repurpose what you have to fit your needs. Think before you throw things out. Use chipped cups and bowls as planters. Use old tote bags to carry groceries.

Rule #2: Support small and local businesses

When you need something and have to shop, choose brands that are sustainable and make use of local resources instead of relying on imported products and cheap Chinese goods. Brands like Eco-Saathi Nepal and Nepal Knotcraft Center have straw and bamboo products for daily use. Abir Nepal and Ekadeshma have clothes made of linen, cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers. By supporting local business, you will help create a circular economy that is so important for sustainability.

Rule #3: Learn to compost and grow your food

If you have a small garden space or even a tiny balcony, you can grow different herbs and vegetables. This will reduce your grocery bills as well as the use of plastics that many food products, even produce, seem to come wrapped in these days. Composting your food scraps will reduce landfill waste as well as create a nutrient rich soil in your garden. It’s a fulfilling hobby as well that will make you reevaluate your relationship with food and trash.

Rule #4: Be resource efficient

Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Use LED bulbs instead of CFLs or tube lights. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to ensure you aren’t wasting water. If you can, store the water you use to wash your vegetables to reuse in the garden. Try to take two minute showers to conserve water. Maintain your appliances so that they last long and you don’t have to replace them time and again. Keep cords and wires in a storage box even if you don’t need them as chances are they might come in handy as you update your gadgets. Many people are guilty of throwing out cables only to buy new ones six months or a year down the line.

Rule #5: Buy second hand when you can

There are many thrift shops and stores selling second hand wares these days. From clothes and bags to phones and household appliances, you will probably get everything you need at thrift stores. Many of these businesses are online as well so you don’t even have to go anywhere to get what you need. The good thing is that most of the items they sell have been gently used so you won’t even be able to tell the difference between them and new ones. So whenever you have to buy something, see if there is a second hand version available and if that will work for you. 

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has underlined the need for holding dialogue to resolve the dispute over Pathivara cable car.

He had a meeting with the agitating side and stakeholders at his ministry on Monday evening.

During the meeting, the Home Minister said all sides concerned should be further serious to sort out differences and forward development works.

The Minister held the discussion after the discussion between the talk teams- formed by the government and by the agitating side- failed to strike a deal on Sunday.

The meeting with the Home Minister was also attended by CPN-UML leader Yogesh Bhattarai and leaders of indigenous community.

Spokesperson at Home Ministry, Ramchandra Tiwari, shared that the agitating side met with the Home Minister on Monday evening where Minister Lekhak reiterated dialogue and consensus on the pressing issue.

The Minister recalled a peaceful measure to seek a solution, while the agitating side demanded a formation of a high level talks team.

The initiative to construct a cable car to reach the famous pilgrim site, Pathivara in Taplejung, has courted controversy of late.

Stakeholders have stressed the need for resolving a dispute over the construction of a cable car in Taplejung through dialogue. The Pathivaradham is a famous pilgrim site in Taplejung district.

They also viewed the development work should be environment-friendly.

Speakers at a press meet said dialogue was the best option to settle the differing stands surrounding the cable car construction.

The press meet was organized by Phungling municipality on Monday. It was attended by local level people's representatives, representatives from various organizations, business community, and media persons.

Mayor Amir Maden said Taplejung district was waiting for development work for a long time. The cable car can be an effective medium to launch developments here, he said, adding that the dispute, however, needs immediate resolution.

The cable car is not only a ropeway to facilitate those visiting the famous pilgrim site in the district but also a means to create jobs and promote tourism, he argued.  The mayor also urged the 'no cable car group' to join dialogue for clearing hurdles.

General Secretary of Taplejung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kamal Limbu, viewed it is essential to forge unity and be univocal on construction of cable car in Taplejung.

Other speakers representing the political parties also underlined the need for holding dialogue to sort out problems and find amicable solutions.