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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that it was common to have some issues between neighboring countries and they could be resolved by holding open dialogue.

Releasing a book written by former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa in the federal capital today, the Prime Minister said there would be no problems between the neighboring countries if solutions were sought on the basis of evidence abiding with international obligations along with judicious national interests.  

Releasing the book titled Kutniti Ra Bhurajniti (Diplomacy and Geopolitics), Prime Minister Oli said Nepal maintains balanced relations with both neighboring countries based on honesty and impartiality. "We will not use any card of a neighbor against another. We will not wish for anyone's misfortune. We will not let our land be used against any of the neighbors. We support neutrality and peaceful resolution," the PM said.     

We abide by the UN principles, PM Oli said, adding that we should dare say it is inappropriate if it was violated.  He was of the view that evidence should be furnished rather than arguments.

We are sensitive to the issues of world peace and security of Nepali citizens. No country should infringe on another country's pride for serving one's interest, PM Oli reasoned.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli urged the Indian side to receive the report of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG), which was formed after the consensus of the top leaders of Nepal and India for the review of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 and others.  It would be easier to hold further dialogue on the issues of border disputes, among others.  

Likewise, Prime Minister Oli said that the treaty of trade and transit with China, signed when he was the Prime Minister in 2015 and during India's blockade over Nepal, was an epoch-making event.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed the Nepal Police that takes the major responsibility for maintaining peace and security in the country to always be alert to the prevention of untoward incidents.

The Prime Minister wanted the Nepal Police to make a prognosis of offenses, investigate them and take maximum measures for the prevention.

While inaugurating a newly constructed building of the District Police Range Kathmandu at Bhadrakali of Kathmandu metropolis-11 today, the Prime Minister directed the police personnel to remain highly alert to potential forces unleashing instability and anarchy, and to deliver with the dedication to the interest of citizens.

"The incumbent government will not tell the Nepal Police not to arrest any criminals, any accused and ask for framing the innocents," he said, adding that the incumbent government was formed with the sentiments for delivering something for the cause of the nation and people.

He said that the Nepal Police is expected to serve the citizens at its best level and abide by the Constitution and law.

The Prime Minister of the coalition government said the government wishes to promote stability in the country. He also assured that no employee in the police institution has to seek undue favor from anyone else for promotion and transfer. "This government does not entertain undue approach and influence," he said, urging police personnel to deliver confidently.

The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.26 billion and the Nepal Police purchased 15 ropanis (one ropani is equivalent to 5476 sq feet) of land owned by the then Nepal Food Corporation at a cost of Rs 1.10 billion to build the advanced building for the Range that first started its service in 2012 BS from Hanumandhoka.

Scrub typhus patients have increased in Makwanpur district of late.

With the beginning of August, the patients of scrub typhus, which appears intermittently in Makawanpur, have started to appear in large numbers recently.

Krishna Bahadur Mijar, Head of the District Public Health Office, informed that the number of scrub typhus patients in Makawanpur has reached 70 since this last July.

Like dengue infection, most scrub typhus patients have been found in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City. Mijar said that 39 scrub typhus patients were found in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City.

Similarly, nine scrub typhus cases were found in Makawanpurgadhi, six in Manhari Rural Municipality, seven in Bakaiya Rural Municipality, four in Bhimphedi Rural Municipality, one each in Bagmati Rural Municipality, Kailash Rural Municipality and Raksirang Rural Municipality.

Chief Mijar urged people to take precaution as scrub typhus can be caused by the bite of a mouse mite.

Likewise, the number of dengue infected people is increasing in Makawanpur in the last one month.

Since Mid-July, 143 dengue infected people have been found in Makawanpur district.

Babita Hamal is the Managing Director of Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort in Dhulikhel, owned by Om Stone Asia Capital Pvt Ltd. The resort, which opened in July 2023, is just over an hour’s drive from Tribhuvan International Airport and 25 km from Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ApEx spoke with Hamal about the resort’s business and the broader hospitality sector.

What inspired you and your team to join the hospitality industry, and what has been  your journey so far with Dusit International? 

My husband had the privilege of leading several remarkable hospitality projects across  Southeast Asia, Africa and the Caribbean islands. After nearly 19 years abroad, we made the decision in 2016 to return to Nepal, driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to our homeland. We have always believed that tourism holds the potential to transform Nepal, given the country’s abundant natural resources, rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. Particularly in rural areas, tourism projects serve a broader purpose by boosting the local economy and providing  employment opportunities to local communities. 

Dusit International’s commitment to excellence and their supportive team have been instrumental in our journey. The visionary leadership of the Group CEO, Suphajee Suthumpun, has been a  source of great inspiration, guiding us as we navigate this new industry. Their emphasis on  maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional service has resonated with our own values,  making Dusit the perfect partner for this flagship endeavor in Nepal. 

From the initial stages of planning to the grand opening and beyond, the entire Dusit team has  been with us every step of the way. This partnership has not only introduced a new standard of  hospitality in Nepal but has also allowed us to learn and grow, ensuring that our guests receive  an experience that is both unique and unforgettable. 

Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort is located in a unique setting in Dhulikhel. What was the vision behind choosing this location? 

Our goal was to create a sanctuary where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of  city life, yet remain connected with the cultural richness of Nepal. The location allows for easy  access to both the vibrant city life of Kathmandu and the tranquility of nature, making it an ideal  choice for our resort. Moreover, being the first international chain in this vicinity, we saw an  opportunity to bring Dusit International’s renowned hospitality and wellness expertise to a location that has historically been cherished for its tranquility and cultural heritage. 

Since the resort has been operational for about a year, what have been some of the  key challenges and successes you’ve experienced so far? 

Reflecting on the past year since the resort’s opening, we’ve encountered both challenges and significant successes that have shaped our journey.  

Tourism investments, particularly in a high-capital sector like ours, demand a long-term approach to investment recovery. One of the most significant challenges facing us, common among tourism investors in Nepal, is the country’s limited infrastructure. For instance, while our  resort is relatively close to Kathmandu, the road conditions make travel uncomfortable for our  guests. This highlights a critical area where government intervention is necessary, as inadequate  infrastructure impacts the entire tourism industry across Nepal.

Another key challenge has been managing human resources, particularly in the context of  finding skilled professionals, who align with our brand's ethos and high standards. On the success  front, our ability to blend Nepali and Thai hospitality traditions has resonated deeply with our  guests, resulting in high satisfaction rates and repeat visitors. The overwhelmingly positive response from both local and international guests, as well as recognition from esteemed platforms like TripAdvisor, has been incredibly rewarding. 

Sustainability is a major focus in the hospitality industry today. What initiatives has Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort implemented to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility? 

We’ve implemented a strict no-plastic policy and have an efficient waste management system to minimize our environmental footprint. By collaborating with local farmers, we source fresh, organic vegetables, supporting the community and reducing food miles. These efforts align with Dusit’s Four Gracious Pillars, ensuring that our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the guest experience. 

How does the resort engage with the local community, and what steps are being  taken to support local businesses and culture? 

We offer immersive experiences, such as village tours and visits to local farms, allowing  our guests to connect with and appreciate the rich culture and traditions of the area. Additionally, we're proud that more than 50 percent of our employees are hired locally, ensuring that our operations directly benefit the community and support local businesses. 

What are your future plans for Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort? Are there any new  projects or expansions on the horizon? 

We are excited to announce that we will be expanding our resort with additional 26 keys, set to open by Q4 2024. This will complete our project of 72 keys (86 rooms), allowing us to offer even more guests the opportunity to experience the unique beauty and serenity of our Himalayan retreat. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring hospitality professionals who wish to follow in  your footsteps? 

My advice would be to always put guest experiences at the forefront of your efforts. Empower your team to take ownership and innovate. Cultivate a culture of care and collaboration, and never stop learning and adapting to new trends and challenges in the industry.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 152, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 152, 300 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1,840 per tola today.

Devotees have been thronging Krishna temple in Patan, Lalitpur since early this morning to worship Lord Krishna on the occasion of Shree Krishna Janmashtami.

Devotees of Vedic Sanatan Hindu religion are celebrating 'Shree Krishna Janmashtami (birth anniversary of Lord Krishna)' with reverence and devotion across the country today.

Lord Krishna - the pioneer of Knowledge Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga was born in the midnight of Bhadrakrishna Ashtami in the Dwapar era, so the day today is called 'Krishna Janmashtami' and the night is called 'Mohratri'.

On this day, worship is offered to Lord Krishna in Krishna temples across the country with citation of hymns and scriptures. Devotees stay awake throughout the night.

Born as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu to protect all human beings from injustice, tyranny and demonic tendencies, Shri Krishna inspired the human community to do good deeds by being in favor of truth throughout his life.

'Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta' is considered to be a holy book in Hindu mythology. The book is believed to have been translated into the largest number of languages in the world.

Lines have been arranged for the devotees in the south and north sides of the temple.

Nepal Scouts volunteers as well as Lalitpur Metropolitan Police personnel have been mobilized to manage the lines of devotees.

Shree Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated by the Hindus throughout the country today with devotion and veneration amidst a variety of programs.

According to scriptures, Lord Shree Krishna was born in the midnight of Bhadrakrishna Ashtami day as per the lunar calendar during the Dwapar era.

Lord Krishna is considered as the incarnation of Lord Bishnu, the protector of human beings from evil, injustice and devilish forces. He is also regarded as the proponent of the three principles of Gyanayog, Karmayog and Bhaktiyog.

Shree Krishna Janmastami is celebrated to cherish the good deeds of Lord Krishna for a happy and prosperous life. Lord Krishna, born to Basudev and Devaki and held prisoner by Kansha in Mathura, guided humanity on the path of knowledge, truth and immortality, the legend says.

Lord Krishna is also known as "Gopal" for his dedicated service to the cows as a herder. He is also known as "Manmohan" for the melodies he used to play on his flute, charming everyone.

Devotees throng the temples of Lord Krishna including the famous Shree Krishna Temple of Mangal Bazaar in Lalitpur. The renowned and artistic Shree Krishna Temple made up of stones was built by the then King of Patan, Siddhi Narsingh Malla.

Various religious organizations and institutions celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna by organizing colorful processions with the idols of Lord Krishna flanked by decorative portraits.

Devotees, especially women, spend the night chanting prayers and devotional songs, dancing and lighting oil-fed lamps.

Three weeks until exams and you’re all set to conquer that mountain of notes. But somehow the internet’s irresistible trap pulls you in. One minute, you’re telling yourself you’ll just check Instagram for a second, next, you’re deep into a Netflix binge and—poof! your prep time is gone. With just one day left, you skim through the entire syllabus, promising you’ll start early next time. But this cycle is like your persistent ex—it just won’t stop chasing you. Sounds familiar?

In today’s hyper-connected world, our phones have become like those sirens from Greek mythology. It is luring us into the digital Bermuda Triangle. Our notifications buzz, and before we know it, we're in this whirlpool of mindless scrolling. But let’s face it, we all know that watching viral cat videos or the maddening Tiktok trends, isn’t going to help us write our assignments or pass our exams. So, why do we keep diving into this self-sabotaging scroll-fest?

Here are a few reasons that spring to mind: Smartphones are designed in such a way, they are meant to be addictive. With every little notification, our brain’s reward system, which is driven by several neurotransmitters, releases a little hit of the ‘feel-good’ chemical called dopamine, the same chemical that makes gambling or drugs so alluring. Interestingly, as time goes by, the pleasure from these small dopamine hits can decline, which can turn into a need for more frequent stimulation to get the same level of pleasure. This creates a loop where we continue to scroll, not because it particularly makes us feel good, but because it helps us distract ourselves as a form of escapism. 

Also, most of us often have a tendency to believe that we can control our time spent on social media and will get back to our tasks shortly. This cognitive bias leads us to underestimating how much time we spent scrolling and overestimating our ability to manage it effectively. Another propensity is that we focus on immediate gratification over prioritizing long-term goals like academic achievements, which takes consistent effort and dedication and is mostly not very enjoyable as well. This need for instant gratification that we get from surfing social media with its bottomless bowls is more enticing than the gradual satisfaction that comes from doing significant tasks.

Now here’s the kicker, screen addiction isn’t just a harmless distraction. Much research has shown that excessive use of smartphones can severely hamper our focus and memory while also altering the volume and density of gray matter in our brain, which are crucial for processing information and cognitive functioning. When we are glued to our phone, our brain is on a constant dopamine drip, making it nearly impossible to concentrate. The result? You’re skimming through the entire syllabus at the last minute, and those solid study plans you made? They’re now just a faint memory.

There’s more. This silent epidemic doesn’t just wreck our grades; it’s also a stealthy assassin of our overall wellbeing. It has also been seen that excessive phone use is highly linked with anxiety, depression, insomnia, feeling of never-ending restlessness, the list goes on…. That constant need to check our phone is like a hamster wheel, making us feel mentally and emotionally exhausted, which prevents us from being productive and getting better results.

A willpower issue?

Some people might say, ‘Just stop doing that!’ But if we were to acknowledge it’s an addiction, that is like telling a smoker, ‘Hey, just quit smoking!’ Sure, it makes sense, but it doesn’t work. Relying on willpower alone is like bringing a butter knife to a sword fight.

So, how do we fix this compulsive overconsumption? Simple. Fight fire with fire. No pun intended!

There are technologies designed specifically to help us quit our tech addiction. Personally, I use an app called Opal, which has been a game-changer. It tracks our screen time and also blocks distracting sites for the next 24-hours when we reach a certain time limit, acting as a digital personal trainer for our brain. 

Turning off less important notifications is another smart move. Our phone doesn’t need to buzz every time someone likes our post or sends us a message or we get a new email. By silencing the noise, we can reset our focus and stay on track with our important tasks.

Another nifty trick is to use the Pomodoro Technique. It is a time management method, which helps to improve productivity and focus by breaking work into intervals, typically 25 minutes. Instead of working for just 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break, we can try working for 50 minutes and then rewarding ourselves with a 10-minute break for better attention and efficiency. 

Additionally, we can designate certain areas in our house where gadgets are off-limits, like our study space or the dining table. This physical separation can help us reduce mindless checking. Avoid taking the phone to bed. It interferes with the sleep we need to function fully the next day. Instead, buying an alarm clock is a much better option. Lastly, digital detoxing is another way to mitigate the problem. We need to have a life outside of our screen. Dedicating two or three days a week to going screen-free and using that time connecting with friends or family in real life, enjoying nature, or getting into a new hobby can be a refreshing reset that can work wonders for our cognitive functioning. 

It is important to remember that there are people behind the screen, who are cashing in on our attention, hooking us to keep us distracted. So, we must take it upon ourselves to set boundaries and do better.

Aishwarya Koirala

BA IIIrd Year

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar