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Besides time off from work and good food, Dashain is also when you are in the mood to give gifts to your family and friends. After all, what’s the holiday season without spreading a bit of cheer? But giving gifts can be stressful especially since it’s hard to know what the other person might want or appreciate. We have curated a list of things that might bring a smile on your friend’s face because these are thoughtful and practical. 

Pretty plants

We believe you can never go wrong with gifting plants. Choose a nice ceramic planter to go along with the indoor plant you have picked and that’s it. It doesn’t get easier than this. We especially recommend succulents in tiny pots if you have to give a bunch of gifts at the office. 

Puja essentials 

Visit your local store that sells items for religious rituals and create a customized packet of things that one might need during Dashain. You could include incense, a box of matches or a lighter, some colors for tika, and other random things. Pack these in a nice gift box and you are all set. 

Homemade cakes

Instagram has some really great recipes for scrumptious cakes that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. There are recipes for oven-less, flour-less healthy cakes as well. You can make a batch of these to give to friends and family. It’s personal and they will appreciate the effort.

Cute ceramics

Incense stick holders, candle stands, flower vase, and other little decor trinkets make for great gift ideas this holiday season. You can be sure that they will be used and the receiver will think about you every time he/she uses it. We recommend you browse through stores like Sana Hasthakala in Jhamsikhel or Dhukuti in Kupondole to get your hands on some delightful goodies. 

Dried flowers

Fresh flowers can get a little expensive during festivals and they are hard to maintain as well, especially when there are many other things to do. This is when a bouquet of dried flowers can be a lifesaver. You can make some yourself beforehand and give these out during the holidays. Most flowers dry nicely if you hang them upside down in the sun. 

Non-life insurance companies have received a total of 1,984 claims due to arson and vandalism during the GenZ protest in Kathmandu and different parts of the country on Sept 8 and 9. Government offices, business establishments and private homes were torched and vandalized after security personnel used excessive force to disperse protesters. A total of 74 people died in different parts of the country during the protest. Hotel Hilton Kathmandu has said that it alone suffered damages worth Rs 8bn.

Hundreds of government and private vehicles were torched and vandalized in those two days. According to the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), the estimated value of these claims is around Rs 20.7bn. Fourteen non-life insurance companies and four non-life microinsurance companies have received claims for losses during the GenZ protest.

Seven companies have received claims worth more than a billion rupees each, while the rest have claims below that threshold, according to the NIA. The unusual circumstances created by the protests have placed heavy compensation obligations on insurers.

Among individual insurers, Shikhar Insurance has received the highest number of claims so far, with 366 cases amounting to Rs 2.39bn. However, in terms of value, The Oriental Insurance and Siddhartha Premier Insurance top the list. Oriental has registered 40 claims totaling Rs 5.14bn, while Siddhartha has logged 258 claims worth Rs 4.93bn.

Other major insurers by claim value include IME Prudential Insurance with 24 claims amounting to Rs 1.59bn and Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance with 233 claims worth Rs 1.47bn. Together, the top five insurers account for a significant portion of the total claims. Among microinsurers, Protective Microinsurance tops the list with nine claims totaling Rs 113m, followed by Star Microinsurance with six claims worth Rs 67m. Similarly, Nepal Microinsurance has received 15 claims worth Rs 56m, while Trust Microinsurance has the smallest exposure, with eight claims totaling Rs 42m.

An official at the NIA said the regulator has instructed insurance companies to ensure timely settlement of claims for policyholders affected by the exceptional circumstances.

Distraction doesn’t always come with noise. It doesn’t always pull you into  chaos. Sometimes, it comes gently through something beautiful, something  new, something that simply feels different. You may not even realize its  presence at first, but over time, it begins to erode your focus, disconnect you  from your roots, and lead you down a path where you slowly forget what you  once worked so hard to build. Distraction can kill you from the inside not  instantly, but gradually, and often quietly. 

Imagine a flower, deeply rooted in the soil. She has grown there, watered with  care, nurtured with love, strengthened by the patience of time and the hope of  sunlight. Slowly, she begins to bloom a result of all the effort, waiting, and  quiet resilience. But one day, as she stands tall in her garden, a gentle breeze  passes by. It brings with it the scent of freedom, the idea of movement, and a  taste of something the flower has never felt before. She sees butterflies float  by with such grace. She sees the sky not just above her, but as a dream she  longs to touch. She begins to wish to fly, to leave the stillness of the soil, to  wander in the wind. And so, she prays for the wind to take her, to carry her to  joy and freedom. 

When the wind finally comes, she is ready. Excited. Without thinking of where it  might lead, or what she might be leaving behind, she lets go—of her stem, her  leaves, her roots. She lets herself be carried by the breeze. And for a while, it is  beautiful. The feeling of lightness, of flowing freely without any weight, without  any responsibility. She feels seen by the wind, loved by its touch. She even whispers gratitude, saying, “You made me feel free. You reminded me what it’s  like to be alive.” The wind, in that moment, becomes everything she thought  she was missing.  

But in chasing that moment, in leaving behind her grounded life, she forgets  something important: the time it took to grow. The care it took to survive. The  foundation that made her bloom in the first place. The flower does not realize  that while the wind can carry her for a while, it cannot hold her forever. The  roots she abandoned were what made her strong , what gave her life. The  distraction ,sweet, freeing, seductive, pulled her away from herself, and by the  time she sees the truth, it may be too late. 

This is how distraction works in our lives too. It arrives in the form of things we  think we need: people, experiences, or moments that offer quick joy or a  temporary escape from our reality. But in following that fleeting feeling, we may  detach from what grounds us. We may leave behind values, discipline, peace,  or even love all in search of something more exciting. And while there is  nothing wrong with change or curiosity, it becomes dangerous when we  abandon ourselves in the process.

Distraction doesn’t always look like destruction. Sometimes, it looks like  freedom. And that’s why it’s powerful. But we must remember: not everything  that feels good will help us grow. And not every breeze that touches us is  meant to carry us away. 

Supriya Paudel  

BBM VI Semester  

United College

From the time they are young, girls are often told to “be a good girl.” At first, it sounds like a harmless phrase, maybe even a sweet reminder. But behind those words is a lifelong burden of expectations. Being a “good girl” comes with silent rules that decide how a woman should behave, speak, and even think. It is a label society uses to control women, shaping their lives around pleasing others rather than living freely.

In many cultures, including ours, the idea of a “good girl” is linked to how much a woman can fit into set boundaries. She is expected to be quiet, polite, modest, and obedient. She should dress a certain way, speak softly, and never challenge authority. The moment she steps outside these unwritten rules, she is quickly judged. People may call her rude, rebellious, or disrespectful. These words are not just casual comments. They bring real consequences like gossip, judgment, exclusion, or even violence. According to a 2019 UNICEF report, one in three girls worldwide experience gender-based discrimination or violence by the age of 18, highlighting the serious impact of these social expectations.

This pressure follows women at every stage of life. As a child, it could mean being told not to play rough games or talk too loudly. As a teenager, it might restrict her from going out with friends or expressing her opinions openly. As an adult, it often shows up in the form of limited freedom at work, in marriage, or in making personal choices. Many women grow up hiding their true thoughts and dreams just to avoid being labeled the wrong way.

The consequences of this pressure can be far-reaching. Women who do not conform to these standards may face social isolation, difficulty in career advancement, and challenges in personal relationships. Mental health issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem are common among women who feel forced to suppress their true selves to fit societal expectations.

But things are changing. Around the world, women are starting to push back against this outdated idea. They are standing up and saying that being a “good girl” does not mean being silent or submissive. A woman can be confident, ambitious, outspoken, and still be good. She can make bold decisions, follow her dreams, and question unfair rules. Being a good person should be about honesty, kindness, and respect, not about fitting into a narrow idea of how women should behave.

Social media and global movements have played a major role in empowering women to challenge these stereotypes. Platforms allow women to share their stories and support each other, creating communities that celebrate individuality rather than conformity. Campaigns focused on gender equality and women’s rights have brought these conversations into public spaces, encouraging both young girls and adults to rethink the old labels.

It is time for society to stop using words like “good girl” or “bad girl” to control women. Instead, we should teach everyone to be themselves, no matter their gender. Empowerment comes when women are respected for who they are, not for how well they follow someone else’s rules. This change has to begin at home, in schools, and in everyday conversations. Parents should raise daughters to be brave, curious, and strong. Teachers should encourage girls to ask questions, lead, and think for themselves. Communities should stand by women who choose a different path. Most importantly, women must believe in their own worth and stop waiting for anyone’s approval.

The world does not need more “good girls” who stay quiet out of fear. It needs women who know their value and are free to live life on their terms. The old idea of the “good girl” belongs in the past. The future belongs to women who refuse to let society define their identity.

Aarya Risal

BSW

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

How do I understand the root of my low motivation and procrastination?

Answered by Karmendra Prakash Shrestha, Junior Project Associate at Happy Minds

First of all, thank you for this thoughtful and important question. The first step to solving any problem, worry, or concern is acknowledging that it exists. Recognizing that you are struggling with low motivation or procrastination is already a meaningful step forward because awareness opens the door to change.

Low motivation and procrastination are very common experiences, and while they may sometimes be misunderstood as laziness, they are usually the result of deeper underlying reasons. For many, mental and emotional well-being plays a key role. Stress, anxiety, or depression can leave a person feeling drained, unable to focus, and less driven to complete even the simplest of tasks. At other times, procrastination may stem from perfectionism or a fear of failure, the worry that the outcome will not be good enough creates hesitation and delays. For some, the issue lies in a lack of clarity or meaning. When a task feels disconnected from personal goals or values, it naturally feels harder to engage with it.

Burnout and fatigue are also common contributors, as constant pressure without rest can sap motivation. Even the environments we live and work in, filled with distractions, disorganization, or unhelpful routines, can make procrastination a default response.

If you are trying to understand your own situation better, self-reflection can be very helpful. You might ask yourself: What emotions come up when I think about starting a task? Am I avoiding this because I’m tired, anxious, or afraid of failing? Does this task align with my goals or values? Have I been giving myself enough rest and balance?

Journaling, mindfulness practices, or simply talking with a trusted friend can help uncover patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. It’s also important to remember that while self-reflection is valuable, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Seeking help from a professional can provide you with tools to better understand and manage what you’re going through. Low motivation and procrastination are very common, and there are effective strategies and support systems that can help you move forward.

You are not alone in this, and there is always a way toward greater clarity, energy, and purpose.

On Sept 9, GenZ-led protests erupted across major cities in Nepal, escalating into one of the most devastating periods in the nation’s  history. In just two days, the unrest claimed the lives of more than 50 people and left the government in disarray. 

Iconic buildings, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament House, and several ministry offices, were set ablaze. As the nation reels from the destruction, voices from all fronts—including social media influencers—are being heard. In this context, ApEx spoke with four people to hear their thoughts on Nepal’s newly formed interim government and what hopes they hold for the country moving forward.

Swikriti Koirala, 24

As a GenZ student of International Relations and Diplomacy, I view these protests as a reflection of generational shift in political consciousness in Nepal. Sept 8 was a legitimate democratic expression of young Nepalis that signals the urgency to address underlying grievances of the citizens. I see the current situation as both a challenge to the state and also an opportunity for change. The new government is making efforts to listen and address the demands of GenZ but will deeper institutional reforms be met in the future is the real question. GenZ wants more than promises. We demand action and accountability. The appointment of Sushila Karki as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal is significant, not only for the history it created but also for the potential it holds in reshaping the governance of our institutions. The expectations are high and I think she can bring proper solutions by setting up inclusive dialogue platforms and laying the groundwork for larger reforms. 

Aprila Ghising Lama, 25

The protests marked a turning point in Nepal, showing that GenZ is no longer a silent player in the country’s political scene. They showed just how frustrated young people are with corruption and poor governance. It’s clear that youth voices can’t be sidelined anymore, and their demand for accountability has become a political force in itself. Acknowledging youth demands is a start, but what Nepal needs is long-term governance shifts that address the roots of frustration. Prime Minister Karki’s appointment is a step towards progressive and inclusive governance. Tackling corruption, creating opportunities for youth, and pushing institutional reforms is vital. However, with the level of political discord in the country, her real test will be whether she can rise above the noise and prioritize public trust and accountability. What I want to see are systemic reforms that fix the glitches of corruption and inefficiency, along with stronger youth representation in decision-making. 

Deepshikha Ghimire, 25

The recent protests by GenZ indicate genuine frustration and aspiration for change, yet there are still many unheard voices. Our new prime minister has a duty to steer the nation through this pivotal election phase and ensure equity for everyone. I think she can hear the youth, include them in the dialogue, and assist in restoring confidence in our democracy. I anticipate witnessing her progress toward transparency, accountability, and meaningful youth engagement in shaping our future.

Rohan Maharjan, 27

I was quite shocked by how violent the protests became, and saddened by the lives that were lost during the protests. At the same time, I am very proud of the people for rising against the corrupt government. I expect good things in the future. Our new prime minister has already appointed three ministers, including Kulman Ghising, whom I know we can trust. Appointing non-corrupt leaders who can bring growth and development in each sector is exactly what we need. With leaders like her and Ghising, I believe better days are ahead for Nepal. The major change I would like to see is the complete eradication of corruption at every level. I believe corruption is the root of a country’s downfall. I hope we can finally put an end to corruption, and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used properly such as for the development of good roads, quality education, reliable infrastructure, and access to basic necessities for all Nepalis. 

The other day, our classroom was buzzing with a discussion on “Our Aim in Life.” As usual, most of my friends said they wanted to become doctors or engineers. A few mentioned IT professionals or fashion designers. But I noticed something missing—nobody said they wanted to become a farmer. This gave me food for thought. Nepal is known as an “agrarian country,” yet farming is not considered a dream job by young people. Why is that?

Part of the reason is how society looks down on farmers. Even though farmers work the hardest to feed us all, they are rarely respected. On top of that, government policies have often failed them. Every year, we hear news about dairy or sugarcane farmers not getting paid for months, sometimes even years. Farmers also struggle to get fair prices for their crops. They face problems like poor access to fertilizer before planting season, low yields, and lack of support in modern techniques. No wonder young people hesitate to see farming as their future. It feels like a risky path with little reward.

But should it be this way? I don’t think so. If the government invested more in agriculture, things could change. For example, schools could introduce agriculture as a compulsory subject so students learn its importance from an early age. Farmers could be given proper training, fair market access, and incentives. Programs that promote organic farming and sustainable methods would not only make agriculture attractive to youth but also make our country healthier and stronger.

Farmers are the real heroes of our society. Without them, we would not have food on our plates. They deserve more respect, support, and recognition. It is time we say proudly: Kudos to farmers!

Sushant Chaudhary 

Grade X 

Sanskar Pathshala, Dang

The work of removing the landslide near the Tuin river bridge along the Narayangadh-Muglin road section has started since this morning.

The road section remained closed since Friday evening, after a dry landslide next to the river bridge blocked the road.

The landslide debris removal work started this morning with three machines deployed towards Muglin and two towards Narayangadh, Chief of the Division Road Office Narayan Lamichhane. The road can be put back into operation by this afternoon if there is no further landslide.

The obstructed site is located next to the Tuin river at Ichchakamana Rural Municipality-6.

As a result, passengers and vehicles have been stranded on the road since Friday due to the landslide. More than 10,000 vehicles travel on this road daily.

Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal, Information Officer of the District Police Office, shared that water and food are being distributed to stranded passengers under the leadership of the district administration.