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Belgium-based author Pancham Adhikary’s fiction work ‘Pravasi Ko Desh Hunna’ (No land for an immigrant) has been released.

With his second book, author Adhikary delivers 14 stories woven by the memories of adventures and nostalgia of youth in homeland, and a thought-provoking exploration of loss, and self-determination abroad. His work frequently addresses themes of identity and belonging from sophisticated creatures of multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism. 

His stories are written in a comprehensible style, combining narrative elements with real life experiences. A thought-provoking blend of diasporic fiction and philosophical exploration, pushing the boundaries of reality and consciousness.

He uses primarily the genre of realism, with the fusion of magical realism,  in a very lovely way, to blend our two worlds, the real one and the one we often dwell in, an imaginary world. 

Adhikari’s earlier novel ‘Pathik Pravasan’ was published a decade ago.

‘Pravasi Ko Desh Hunna’ is published by Shikha Books. The main distributor of the book is Gyanjyoti Book Shop, Advaitamarg, Kathmandu. The book is available in bookstores in the major cities of the country. The price of the book in Nepal is Rs 425, and $7 abroad.

I’ve been struggling with feelings of frustration because it seems like my family members never appreciate what I do. Whenever I achieve something significant or express my opinions, they tend to take the spotlight away from me and dismiss my contributions. How can I manage these toxic family interactions and maintain my well-being?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

I understand that feeling frustrated and unappreciated by your family is incredibly difficult and can be very disheartening. Your accomplishments and opinions are important, and it’s crucial to find a way to assert their significance while also taking care of your own well-being.

Feeling frustrated and undervalued can often stem from family dynamics where your efforts may go unappreciated. These emotions might also arise from unmet emotional needs and personal fulfillment. To begin addressing these feelings, try journaling as a way to process your emotions and gain self-awareness. Write down specific instances when you felt dismissed, including the details of where, when, and what mattered. This can help you better understand and accept your feelings.

Improving and developing your communication skills can be beneficial, such as practicing assertive expression of your feelings. For example, using ‘I’ statements can foster better self-connection. Additionally, calmly and consistently sharing your boundaries with your family is important. Express to them that you would like to be appreciated and acknowledged for your roles in the family. Instead of hoping they will understand your needs on their own, gently communicating your feelings can make a big difference.

It's important to have a close support group or circle of friends where you feel comfortable and appreciated. Sharing and celebrating your achievements with trusted individuals outside your family can be very fulfilling. These friends can offer genuine responses and support, helping you feel valued. Seeking validation from close friends or individuals outside of your family can provide the encouragement and recognition that you might not always receive at home.

If you feel like you don’t have a close support group, it’s important to focus on self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge your own feelings and accomplishments. Practicing self-affirmation can help with this. Reflect on what you are going through and celebrate your achievements, focusing on what has gone right rather than what has gone wrong. Embrace the mindset of ‘I’m my own best friend,’ and remind yourself that you are there for yourself.

Keep in mind that your value isn’t determined through validation of others, but rather by your own recognition of your worth and accomplishments. It’s your self-perception that should shape your sense of self-worth.

If you find that these strategies aren’t working for you, professional support might be beneficial. If your frustrations persist, seeking help from a therapist can provide you with detailed strategies to cope. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your emotions and family dynamics, and it can help you develop personalized plans to maintain your well-being.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reported a profit exceeding Rs 11 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, 2080-81 BS (2024-25).

During this period, NEA achieved a profit of Rs 11 billion 60 million.

NEA's financial details (unprocessed) data until the month of Chait (mid-April) show that the organization earned a total revenue of Rs 93 billion 940 million during the given period. The figure doesn't include the tax.

According to proactive disclosures, NEA's total expenditures, including electricity purchases, administrative costs, and project investments, amounted to Rs 82 billion 880 million.

In the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, the NEA's profit amounted to Rs 8 billion 880 million, with a total annual profit of Rs 13 billion 370 million.

The accumulated profit of the NEA has reached Rs 33 billion 64 million.

The NEA has been earning profit since the fiscal year 2072-73 BS (2015-16). Before this, it was incurring an annual loss of Rs 8 billion 890 million. 

The NEA said that control of electricity leakage, increasing domestic consumption and imports to India, and austerity in expenditures are among the factors leading to the profit for the organization.

Netting Rs 68 billion 890 million from power supplies, NEA also exported surplus power from domestic consumption to India, with a value of Rs 13 billion 420 million in this period.

Satish Kumar Singh of Janamat Samajbadi Party has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Madhes Province on Friday.

Province Chief Sumitra Subedi Bhandari in accordance with Article 168 (2) appointed Singh to the post after Singh submitted his claim with the support of CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist) and Nagarik Unmukti Party, among others.

Newly appointed Chief Minister Singh is scheduled to take oath of office and secrecy today itself.

Singh was elected as PA member from Saptari 2 (A) in the election held in November 2022.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year aims to develop the country as a hub of information technology (IT).  The budget has announced a decade for the IT enhancement, he added.

Speaking at the 'Digital Nepal Conclave 2024' organized by the ICT Foundation here today, the Prime Minister shared the government's goals of exporting IT services worth Rs 3,000 billion in the next fiscal year with the creation of 500, 000 direct employment opportunities and one million indirect jobs in the IT sector.

The budget has announced to establish IT as an instrumental for economic growth, enable a legal foundation for exploring and promoting IT innovations, and promote the development of artificial technology with the regulatory provisions in place, he said, adding that through the budget, the government has pledged to provide a durable and high-speed internet facility, data security and the protection of intellectual property.

The Prime Minister said that institutional measures will be implemented to revise the 'Digital Nepal Framework,' and initiatives will be launched to provide high-speed internet in Kathmandu Valley and Butwal, along with the establishment of an IT Park.

The government accords priority to the use of software developed within the country by public entities and plans to upgrade the government's data center to enhance data storage, security, and utilization capabilities, according to the Prime Minister.

He said that the development and promotion of communications and information technology is one of the top priorities of the government and the new budget highlights the government's three priorities.  Such core priorities are promoting the IT sector, promoting a digital economy, and exploring innovation and job opportunities, he said, adding that ongoing efforts include revising relevant laws and policies to meet these goals.

Prime Minister Dahal said various facts have proved that progress is being achieved in development, prosperity, and self-employment sectors, adding an environment of enthusiasm is being built in the country gradually due to continuous efforts of the government in the sector of production, productivity, and employment creation.

He took time to say that the government is doing its best to seek opportunities for lucrative jobs in the sector of information technology as well as a program along with innovation has been brought at seven provinces establishing a fund of one billion rupees for the first time in the history to promote startup and innovation.

The Prime Minister appealed to youths and entrepreneurs from the IT sector to collaborate in socio-economic transformation efforts through the use of technology.

 "You should not be disappointed. The government is grateful towards your contribution to employment creation and economic development through the IT sector", the Prime Minister said, adding the government is ready to address policy-level issues concerning the IT sector.

Stating that building a corruption-free society by improving 'digital governance' is the responsibility of the government, he said, pledging for the prevention of corruption, guarantee of good governance, smooth service delivery as well as the creation of a strong basis for improving intergovernmental coordination.

Wider discussions are expected to be held in separate sessions on various issues including 'Digitalization' and development, digital economy and investment in digital Nepal, digital empowerment, and inclusion in sustainable development in the event.

More than 600 people representing the IT sector have been participating in the Conclave themed “Harmonizing Digitalization and Development.”

A Nepal Army soldier murdered his wife in Tulsipur, Dang.

Shalikram Budhathoki (36) of Lungri Tole, Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan City-6 murdered his wife Tika Budhathoki (27) by attacking with a khukuri on Friday.

Police said that they are searching for Shalikram who had fled with the khukuri after murdering his wife Tika at around 8:15 am.

Inspector Prakash Thapa of the Area Police Office, Tulsipur said that police are searching for Shalikram who had fled with khukuri after allegedly murdering his wife Tika at 8:15 am.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 145, 000 per tola today.  It was traded at Rs 144, 000 per tola.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 144, 300 per tola.

Meanwhile, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,900 per tola today.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said Nepal was fully committed to work for the collective well-being of the people of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region.

In a message delivered on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of inception of the BIMSTEC, Prime Minister Dahal expressed Nepal's unwavering commitment to the objectives and principles enshrined in the BIMSTEC Charter.

Extending best wishes to the governments and the people of the member-nations on behalf of the Nepal government and on his own, he said regional cooperation stood as a mainstay of stability, economic prosperity and solidarity in today's complex, dynamic and interconnected world.

The BIMSTEC was established as an intergovernmental forum comprising friendly countries of South Asian and SouthEast Asia to realize the shared aspirations of our peoples for a well-integrated, peaceful and prosperous region through strengthened regional cooperation and partnerships, the PM noted, adding the forum has made some landmark achievements and much remained to be done to translate the spirit of its Charter into a concrete reality.

"BIMSTEC as a region holds immense potential and opportunities in uplifting millions of people out of poverty, establishing missing links in connectivity; expanding energy cooperation; enhancing trade, investment and tourism; keeping progress of Sustainable Development Goals and leaving no one behind", the message reads.

By leveraging its diverse strengths and complementarities, BIMSTEC has continued to make strides towards institution-building process, forge synergies for win-win benefits and deepen collaboration in agreed areas of cooperation, the PM stated.

He further said that Nepal as a lead country in the people-to-people contact sector remained steadfast to further work closely with all the member-states in a spirit of unity and friendship for meaningful partnerships to unlock regional potentials for shared prosperity.

The peace, prosperity and collective well-being of the peoples of the region hinges on success stories of BIMSTEC, he noted, highlighting urgency of building broader political commitments and consensus for enhanced collaborations and achieving people-centered development.

He further noted that the coming into force of BIMSTEC Carter since last May has provided added momentum to this end.

BIMSTEC aims to support the rapid economic development of member nations by implementing assistance projects for trade, investment, industry, technology, human resources, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure and connectivity expansion.

BIMSTEC was established on June 6, 1997 with the objective of jointly achieving economic growth and social prosperity of the member nations by embracing the spirit of equality and cooperation.