Submit your Article

Voting for the local level by-elections started this morning.

The voting began at 7 am, and it will continue till 5 pm today.

A total of 2,26,799 people are exercising their voting rights in the by-elections being held for various 41 posts. The by-elections are conducted for the posts of a mayor and a deputy mayor at the municipality; two chairs and four vice chairs of rural municipalities, and 33 ward chairs totaling 41 posts.

Any one of the official documents from among voter's ID card, citizenship certificate, National ID card, passport, PAN or driving license can be produced to cast the vote.

A total of 376 candidates from various 20 political parties and independent ones are in the fray.

The EC has urged all concerned voting officers and employees to ensure a free and fair atmosphere for voting. Similarly, cooperation from political parties, voters, media and observers has been sought for the successful conduct of the election.

The 37th World AIDS Day is being marked by organizing public awareness programs across the country today. The theme of the Day for this year is: 'Take the right path: My health, my right!'

The public awareness programs are being organized at the initiative of the National AIDS and Sexual Disease Control Centre. Director at the Centre, Dr Sarbesh Sharma, informed that the HIV transmission declined by 91 percent by 2023.

Since 2010, HIV transmission has declined by 39 percent. Similarly, the death caused by this disease also decreased by half.

However, Afghanistan, Egypt, Fiji, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Papua New Guinea witnessed HIV transmission by 100 percent from 2010 to 2023.

Nepal is one of the countries declining HIV spread by 75 percent. Similar success was achieved in Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe, the Centre added.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated, "Ending AIDS requires that we prioritize and reach everyone who is living with, at risk for or affected by HIV, including men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons and other closed settings, as well as their partners."

How can unhealthy relationship dynamics, such as emotional manipulation or constant conflict, impact the mental health of teenagers or people of any age group for that matter?  What are some signs to look for that someone might be struggling with their mental health as a result of being in unhealthy relationships?

Answered by Dr Rika Rijal, consultant psychiatrist

Unhealthy relationship dynamics, including emotional manipulation and frequent conflict, can have significant and far-reaching impacts on mental health irrespective of age. These negative interactions erode self-esteem, foster anxiety, and can contribute to feelings of isolation and depression.

Emotional manipulation often involves tactics like guilt-tripping, or using affection as a means of control. For teenagers, who are still developing their sense of identity and emotional resilience, being manipulated can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and an increased risk of depression and other mental disorders.

Similarly, constant conflict, and thus repeated exposure to arguments and hostility, whether in romantic, or family relationships, activates the body’s stress response. Chronic exposure can lead to heightened stress levels, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased vulnerability to mental health issues such as anxiety disorders or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Recognizing that someone is affected by toxic relationships is crucial for timely intervention. You might notice some behavioral changes in that person. S/he may withdraw from friends and activities they once enjoyed, display irritability, or show sudden drops in academic or work performance.

You might even notice signs like persistent sadness, low self-worth, or a pervasive sense of hopelessness. Stress and emotional distress often manifest physically through unexplained headaches, or frequent illness due to a weakened immune response. People exposed to unpredictable or manipulative relationships might become overly anxious about making decisions or may doubt themselves frequently. An individual might go to great lengths to avoid situations, people, or conversations that may trigger conflict or emotional pain.

If these signs are present, it’s essential to reach out and offer support. Encouraging open dialogue and connecting the individual with mental health professionals can make a significant difference. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to help people rebuild self-esteem and resilience after experiences of emotional manipulation or chronic conflict. Promoting a supportive, understanding environment is key in helping anyone affected by toxic relationships regain their mental and emotional balance.

Are self-help books actually helpful? That’s debatable. It depends from person to person and on what someone is looking for at a particular point in their life. I know people who hate self-help. They find it preachy and pretentious. Then there are others who only read self-help, attracted to them as moths are to light. It gives them perspective and helps them make sense of things, they say. I fall somewhere in the middle. I don’t dislike the genre but I also don’t buy every new book that comes out making bold claims to change your life or transform the way you look and feel.

Occasionally I feel like I need a pep talk or some guidance and that’s when I pick up self-help. ‘The Happiness Project’ by Gretchen Rubin is one of my favorite books in the genre and I’m constantly re-reading that. But there are others too that have changed my ways of thinking and helped me bring some discipline into my life. I usually pick up self-help books that don’t have to be read in a single shot or in a linear pattern. I prefer those you can dip in and out of these books but you still find some nugget of wisdom to rewire your brain. Here are three such brilliant books that you can pick up as 2024 comes to an end to ensure you are ready to face 2025 with an open mind.

Living the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

I have heard a lot about ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. It’s supposed to be a transformative book that teaches you how to, as cliché as it sounds, be the best version of yourself. The book was an instant bestseller when it was published in 1992. It teaches people techniques and exercises to become confident and creative. Cameron also ran The Artist’s Way online course on her website, with 12 weeks of videos to supplement the structure of the book. She is also called the ‘Queen of Change’.  In ‘Living the Artist’s Way’ published earlier this year, Cameron shows you how to seek and accept guidance to become more creative. The book teaches you how to connect with the intuitive power within yourself and trust the answers you receive.

The Pivot Year by Brianna Wiest

This is a really easy-to-read book. Though the book is a compilation of 365 daily meditations, you can randomly flip to a page and just read that. If you want to change your life in 2025, then this book can help you do that without overwhelming you. You will gradually learn how to do and see things differently and become a different person. The person you want to be is already within you, says Wiest. You just have to convince your mind to act consistently on what your heart already knows it wants to do. This book is for anyone standing at the crossroads of where you are and where you want to be. There are no studies quoted to back what is said so the book reads like an affirmation of sorts and that helps you simply complex ideas.

You’re a Badass by Jen Sincero

I have to confess that the bright yellow cover made me buy this book. I knew nothing about it. But I’m glad that I picked this one up. It’s basically a pep-talk in 200 something pages that you didn’t know you needed. There is nothing new here but everything Sincero says has been pushed to the back of your mind and you don’t know you need a refresher course until you get one. It’s a simple book that you will be able to breeze through unlike heavier self-help titles like ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear that you need to sit down with a notebook and pen by your side. The theme of the book is basically self-love and each chapter ends with a powerful reminder to be kinder to yourself. If I had to choose one book to help me prepare for 2025, it would definitely be this one.

Janakpur Bolts secured an easy victory over Biratnagar Kings in the Nepal Premier League's inaugural match on Saturday at Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Chasing a target of 128 runs, Janakpur reached 131 in just 15.3 overs with only two wickets down.

A remarkable partnership of 116 runs in 87 balls between Lahiru Milantha and Harsh Thaker was key to Janakpur's win, achieved with 27 balls to spare.

Lahiru Milantha scored a brilliant half-century, amassing 75 runs off 53 balls, while Harsh Thaker contributed 29 runs. 

Anil Sah managed 5 runs, and Aasif Sheikh failed to score.

Biratnagar's bowlers Chris Sole and Pratis GC claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, Biratnagar Kings, batting first, were bowled out for 127 runs in 19 overs.

Employees working in Annapurna Media Network are to get eight-week free online courses from America.

Data Jupiter, an American company in New York, is to give eight-week free courses to the employees working in Annapurna Media Network on various subjects.

An agreement was signed amidst a program organized at Corporate Tower in Tinkune, Annapurna Media Network’s headquarters, on Friday to give free courses to the employees of Annapurna Media Network and to provide educational certificates from America.

Manoj Basnet, General Manager of Annapurna Media Network, and Prof. Dr Rajan Thapaliya, Director and CEO of Data Jupiter, signed the agreement.

Thapaliya teaches data science, computer science and AI as a professor at National University, University of Arizona and The City University of New York among others.

Annapurna will recommend the name of the employees for the course.

Date Jupiter will provide an eight-week free online course on a subject of their choice along with an educational certificate.

“We are very excited to collaborate with Annapurna Media,” Thapaliya said, adding, “Every course we offer will be taught by professors, experts in their field, working in the US.”

Data Jupiter will provide free courses in Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber ​​Security, AI, Business Studies, Sales and Marketing and AI Journalism among others.

Basnet said that this cooperation will play an instrumental role in increasing the capacity of the employees working in the company and obtaining internationally recognized certificates.

“This agreement is a significant achievement,” he said. “Our employees will be able to get knowledge on various sectors free of cost through this agreement.”

The Nepal Premier League (NPL) kicks off today with a match between Biratnagar Kings and Janakpur Bolts at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament features eight franchise teams.

On Dec 2, Kathmandu Gurkhas will face Chitwan Rhinos, followed by Karnali Yaks taking on the Bolts later that day.

On Dec 3, Sudurpaschim Royals will play against the Kings, and Pokhara Avengers will compete against the Rhinos.

Lumbini Lions will begin their campaign on Dec 4 with a match against the Kings.

The top four teams from the round-robin league will advance to the playoffs. The top two teams will compete in Qualifier 1, with the winner earning a direct spot in the final.

The third and fourth-ranked teams will play in the Eliminator, with both Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator scheduled for Dec 18.

The loser of Qualifier 1 will have another opportunity to reach the final by facing the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on Dec 19.

The winner of Qualifier 2 will secure the remaining spot in the championship match, set for December 21.

The Nepal Securities Board (SEBON) currently has 76 companies awaiting approval to issue Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). During his first day in office at SEBON’s Satdobato headquarters on Wednesday, newly appointed Chairman Santosh Narayan Shrestha pledged to restart the stalled IPO process. “All IPO-related work at SEBON will now proceed regularly,” Shrestha told ApEx. His initial decision approved Everest Bank’s bond issuance, and he emphasized his commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to modernize and advance Nepal’s capital market. Shrestha highlighted the need to address challenges in the short, medium, and long term, prioritizing previously delayed initiatives. He affirmed that SEBON’s goal is to strengthen Nepal’s economy through capital development and mobilization, with investor safety as a top priority. “The stock market relies on investor confidence, and we are committed to maintaining that trust,” he said.

SEBON recently approved the IPO issuance of Guardian Micro Life Insurance on Nov 22, granting permission for 2.25m shares, equivalent to 30 percent of the company’s 7.5m shares at a face value of Rs 100 each. Among the 76 companies awaiting approval, the majority—37—are in the hydropower sector. Other sectors include five companies in hotel and tourism, two in investment, 13 in manufacturing, one in microfinance, three in microinsurance, and 15 in miscellaneous categories. Collectively, the companies aim to issue over 333.43m shares worth Rs 485.84bn. While most shares are priced at Rs 100 each, some, such as Akama Hotel and Nepal Broadcasting Channel, are priced at Rs 50. A few companies propose shares at a premium, with prices ranging from Rs 210 (Pratikita Shivam Holdings) to Rs 400 (Chhayadesi Complex).

Since Chairperson Shrestha’s appointment, the stock market has shown continuous growth. The NEPSE index recorded a double-digit gain of 38.81 points on Wednesday, reaching 2,755.47. This marked the fourth consecutive day of upward momentum. On Wednesday alone, 17.18m shares from 316 companies were traded for Rs 9.31bn, with eight companies, including Vishal Bazar, Karnali Development Bank, and Support Microfinance, hitting the upper circuit with a 10 percent increase. While prices for 199 companies rose, 40 saw declines, and five remained stable. Despite the overall bullish trend, some investors face losses, such as those holding shares in Mithila Microfinance, which dropped by 10 percent. Janaki Finance led trading by value, with shares of NRN Infrastructure, People’s Hydropower, and Nepal Finance also seeing significant transactions worth Rs 240m–240m.