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Stephan King is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror and thriller writers of all time, with famous novels such as The Shining, IT, and Pet Sematary. However, 11/22/63 proves that his storytelling isn’t limited to just horror classics. Rather than focusing on horror, it is a gripping modern day time travel novel filled with fascinating subplots and a world that is difficult to leave behind. As my introduction to Stephan King’s work, 11/22/63 left a lasting impression and demonstrated why he is one of the most celebrated authors.

The story is set in 2011, where Jake Epping, a high school English teacher, is given a mission to prevent the assasination of President John F Kennedy on 22 Nov 1963 (11/22/63).

This becomes possible when his friend Al Templeton shows him a way to time travel through a mysterious portal present in the pantry of his diner. Al initially intended to complete the mission himself and had spent years gathering information. But after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he entrusted this mission to Jake.

The novel’s approach to time travel is particularly interesting. The portal always sends its users back to 9 Sept 1958, regardless of when they enter it. This meant that Jake must spend more than five years living in the past before he could prevent Kennedy’s assassination. Yet, no matter how long he remains in the past, only two minutes pass in the present.

What stood out most to me about this book was its setting, character development, and numerous side stories. However, Stephen King’s greatest strength in this book was his world building. As you read, you can vividly imagine the daily lives and lifestyles of people in late 1950s America. From hairstyles and clothing to popular music and everyday conversations, everything feels incredibly genuine. It is obvious that King did a lot of research into recreating the era. Even the slang and expressions used by the characters felt authentic and added that extra layer of immersion.

King also succeeds in making the characters believable and memorable. While the main plot is stopping Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating Kennedy, this novel goes far beyond that. It is filled with subplots that enrich the world and strengthen the main narrative. Oswald is portrayed with depth, making him feel more like a complex human being than a historical figure. Jake’s relationship with Sadie Dunhill provides one of the book’s most engaging subplots and adds emotional weight to the story. King’s ability to weave together multiple storylines without making them feel unnecessary is one of the novel's greatest achievements.

Beyond its time travel premise, 11/22/63 explores the consequences of trying to alter history. Throughout the novel, Jake repeatedly discovers that the past does not want to be changed. This idea added tension to even the smallest decisions he made. The book questions whether one person should have the power to rewrite history. The possibility of creating a worse future by changing a tragic event kept the readers on their toes. These types of questions and themes span throughout the novel, making it more than just a conventional time travel story.

The book’s only major weakness is its pacing. Certain sections during the initial setup, as well as the middle expansion, felt a bit slower in comparison. However, I do understand why it is essential to the plot. It contributed towards a more detailed world building, allowing readers to become invested in the characters and ultimately making the payoff at the end much more impactful and stronger.

The ending was another highlight for me. It felt spot on, emotional, and perfect for this type of story. It was particularly interesting to learn that the published ending was revised after suggestions from Stephen King’s son, author Joe Hill. 

Overall, 11/22/63 has made me eager to explore more of Stephen King’s catalogue. It’s an exceptional world, with interesting characters, and storytelling left a lasting impression on me. While it may feel slow at times, you will certainly feel every chapter’s importance later on when it pays off making the journey worthwhile. If you like historical fiction, science fiction, or character driven novels, then you will certainly enjoy 11/22/63.

Nepal’s budget for the fiscal year 2026/27 has sparked discussions across the country. While the government has shown ambitious plans for economic growth, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and public services, the real question remains: How much do ordinary citizens know of these policies and what are their thoughts? To find out, I spoke with people along the route from Imadole to a badminton club in the area, gathering their opinions on the new budget, its positive aspects, and its negative aspects.

Ayush Deep Neupane, 24, Architect

The problem currently is that there is a crisis going on. There are issues of homelessness and joblessness. The bus fare has increased to Rs 25. Going and coming costs Rs 50, and over a month it adds ups. But the average salary is still around Rs 25,000. This is a time to give relief to working people and lower income people. In this budget, the government increased the salaries of government workers, but what about those in the private sector? I am struggling to save money, and the government is taking even more. The government justifies increasing taxes by saying it provides services, but Nepal's taxes are comparable to countries like India, Vietnam, and Armenia, while the quality of services remains poor. Transportation and education are expensive, government insurance is not very effective, and private insurance is costly. It feels like the burden is falling on people who are already struggling to save money. For example, they are even increasing the cost of electricity by adding VAT.

Hira Neupane, 45, Housewife

I haven't looked at the budget in detail. But I find that there have not been many services or policies aimed at common working people. The increase in government employees' income is good, but this increase in income could also cause the prices of goods to rise. So, what will the labour and working class do? I looked at previous years' budgets as well, and there was no significant impact that made our lives easier. At least this year, I am hopeful that they will do something to improve our lives, whether through better services or other measures.

Gopini Sanjel Ghimire, 50, Shopkeeper

Everyone is having a hard time right now due to the recent increase in prices, from bus fares to the shortage of gas. The price of gas has gone up by Rs 200–300 before we even realized it. The prices of other goods have also increased. Hoping for something new, we voted for this government as well. So, let's wait and see how these policies will impact people. The main thing is that they should not negatively affect our businesses and daily lives, but instead make life easier. Compared to last year, it does seem better, and I expect there to be some positive changes. The budget appears to be focused on investment, which could be a good thing.

Kabita Oli, 37, Shopkeeper

I don't generally have much interest in budgets and other political matters. I am busy focusing on managing our business, work, and children. It's just that the VAT on electricity seems a bit unnecessary. People with low financial stability will have to suffer because of this. Services like education, health, and electricity should be provided either for free or at minimal cost. So, I disagree with this increase in VAT. Other than that, I haven't looked much into this year's budget.

Krishna Hari Timalsina, 80, Farmer

We expected electricity bills to decrease, but instead they increased. We should be encouraging greater consumption of Nepal's electricity within Nepal by making it more affordable. I believe taxes are necessary, and the government has every right to collect them. However, the government also needs to show results. Where are the improvements in education and healthcare services? There needs to be a clear reason for increasing taxes. If the government provides quality services to the population, then increasing taxes is understandable. But right now, many people feel that taxes are increasing while services remain inadequate, which is why there is public frustration. I have an interest in politics, and compared to previous years, I think this government is doing a good job overall. This is simply one concern that I have. Now, we will have to wait and see how the government implements and executes this budget.

Hira Devi Bhandari, 47, Shopkeeper

I don’t pay much attention to the budget. People like us who live as tenants will have a hard time adjusting to the increase in electricity costs, and it puts us at a disadvantage. Another concern is that when the cost of basic utilities rises, landlords may also pass those costs on to tenants. This means that it can gradually increase the overall cost of living. For families who already have difficulty managing rent, food, education, and other daily expenses, even small increases can make a huge difference. Other than that, I have not looked into the budget in much detail.

Krishna Prasad Pantha, 60, Retired bureaucrat

The size of the budget is considerably large. Overall, my analysis of the current budget is positive. It seems to consider almost every sector and focuses on industrial development, the market, and the country's economic and financial capacity. Its emphasis on infrastructure development and good governance is also a strong aspect. The plan to close down institutions and organizations that have been operating at a loss for years without significant productivity is a good decision. Redirecting those resources and budgets to more productive sectors could be great for the country. The government has also set a target of 7 percent economic growth. However, reaching that target may be difficult. There could also be challenges in managing and financing such a large budget, especially considering our current debt levels and overall financial situation, which is not very strong. One concern I have is the VAT on electricity consumption above 50 units. This could have a significant impact on common working-class people. If there is an opportunity to review any part of the budget, it should be reconsidered. The focus on digital platforms and the expansion of digital services is another very positive aspect of this budget. Overall, the budget appears ambitious, but its success will depend on the government's financial commitments.

Shyam Prasad Ojha, 52, Development professional  

The current budget seems to be very large. Its objectives and goals appear to match the country's needs. However, the main question is where Nepal will obtain the financial resources to support it. How will Nepal finance such a deficit budget? The country's existing debt obligations could create challenges in securing and managing the required funding. The idea of taxing luxury and expensive vehicles at higher rates while imposing lower taxes on more affordable vehicles seems fair in principle. However, we still have to see how these policies will be implemented in practice. Overall, the budget appears strong in theory, although some of its targets and plans seem somewhat ambitious. The focus on the development of AI and digital platforms is also a very positive aspect. In today's world, investing in technology is extremely important, and it could help Nepal keep pace with global technological advancements. Expanding digital services and technological capacity may create new opportunities for economic growth and modernization in the future.

Swyika KC, 25, Pharmacist

The increase in VAT on electricity is a negative aspect of this budget. On the other hand, the increase in the salaries of nurses who work night shifts is a very positive step. However, other workers who also perform night duties should receive similar wage increases for their night shifts. The reduction in taxes and charges on electric vehicles is also a good decision. It will encourage the use of electric transportation. At the same time, the prices of utilities and everyday goods are increasing. Therefore, wages should also increase to keep pace with inflation, similar to how the salaries of government employees were raised. Private workers are also not getting adequate holidays. During this week's four day public holiday period, many of us only received our usual one day off. If employees work additional hours or on holidays, they should be compensated with extra wages. Overall, it feels like the budget has mainly focused on government workers. While there are some positive measures, I would have liked to see more attention given to the concerns of private-sector employees and ordinary working people.

Bhagirath Bhattrai, 30, Fruit seller

For Nepal to move forward and become a developed country, we need reliable sources of revenue. One way to do that is by increasing exports and reducing our imports. To achieve this, the government is focusing on increasing domestic production and encouraging goods to be produced within Nepal. From that perspective, an additional Rs 5 on every Rs 100 of electricity consumption is not a very large amount for many people. We need to understand that the government requires revenue to invest in the country's development. Of course, some people may be significantly affected by such increases. But, for many of us, we need to think of this in a  positive way. We should also make a greater effort to buy products made in Nepal and support domestic industries. For these reasons, I think this year's budget is a positive one overall. We just need to work together to make these goals a reality.

Samidhya Shrestha, 45, Private sector employee

From a woman’s perspective, Nepal’s budget is more growth-oriented than welfare-oriented. It emphasizes entrepreneurship, employment generation, digitalization, infrastructure development, and private-sector investment, which can create long-term opportunities for women to become more economically independent. Overall, the budget has the potential to improve women's economic participation and income opportunities, but its real success will depend on effective implementation, accessibility of programs, and whether the benefits reach women across urban and rural Nepal. If implemented well, it could contribute to greater financial empowerment for women; if implementation falls short, many of the promised benefits may remain largely on paper.

Suchita Amatya, 44, Businesswoman

The good aspects of this year’s budget are the increase in the salaries of government workers, as well as the investment-focused policies aimed at making Nepal an attractive destination for foreign and private investment. However, the increase in electricity prices might cause some hardship among the working class. Along with electricity, the prices of petrol and cooking gas are also rising, which means that switching to alternatives such as induction cooking is less convenient. I also support the provision that encourages those who are financially well-off not to take social security allowances, while ensuring that those who genuinely need them can continue to receive them. Overall, I think this budget is better than the previous one. I believe that this government needs to set a new precedent for the future.

It has been barely two months since Balen Shah was inaugurated as the Prime Minister of Nepal, and his government has already begun working on various reforms and administrative changes. But how does the public perceive him? Are people supportive, critical, confused or simply hopeful?

This vox pop presents the opinions of people this reporter met along the route from Kausaltar to Koteshwor and their perspectives on the government, its performance and the direction they believe the country is heading toward.

Abhisekh Aryal, 20, Student

Regarding the squatters issue, I don’t really follow such news closely. However, I am a nature lover, so I really want the government to focus on cleaning and preserving rivers and nature. I don’t know much about what the government has been up to, but I want them to focus more on nature conservation. I have witnessed changes, even though they have been small. I have noticed improvements related to traffic as well. I just think that the public has very high expectations from Balen. How much can he really achieve in just five years? 

Sudarshan Upreti, 43, Shopkeeper

There are both good and bad sides to this government. Administrative work has been really great. There was a need to remove the squatters, but the removal should have been more systematic. Dressing up for various events is a personal choice, so I don’t really care about or follow it. However, when it comes to speaking in Parliament or with the media, it cannot be classified as a personal choice because he is our Prime Minister. The things he does should be addressed, even if not on a frequent basis. The public also has very high expectations from Balen. However, you can’t improve a country overnight. 

Subash Chand, 22, Student

The performance so far has been great—around 7.5 out of 10. Right now, they are focusing on good governance. The previous government talked about removing the squatters and providing them with land, but that was never achieved. However, the current government has already said that they will provide them with land and informed them about moving to another place. But they did not move there. There may have been some problems that I did not understand.

Despite everything, the government has been doing its work. From the promise of providing everyone with their pending driving licenses within a week, I think they are making smart moves. I also think it is a smart decision not to give many interviews, as that would only attract more controversies and debates. So, it is better to work quietly. I am also really glad that the current government is working in accordance with the law. There have been many changes. The Yatayat administration (transport management offices) is improving. Earlier, there used to be a lot of bribery, but nowadays workers are afraid of taking bribes. It has only been a few months, but I am really satisfied with the progress so far.

Raj Bhujel, 18, Student

This government is doing better than previous ones. This has reinforced my decision to stay in Nepal instead of going abroad. I have witnessed changes, such as the removal of squatters, which I believe was a step in the right direction because floods could have easily destroyed those areas. It is safer for everybody, and this had to be done one way or the other. Overall, I am satisfied. However, along with this, the expectations from Balen have greatly increased. I understand why he may avoid speaking too openly in interviews, Parliament, or the news media, as doing so would only create even higher expectations among the public. And if those expectations are not met in some cases, it could create many problems. Looking at these few months of work, as well as all the information I have, I do not see any strong reason to criticize him.

Tej Bahadur Karki, 52, Shopkeeper

It has only been a few months, so it may still be too early to make a final judgment. However, I  believe there was a mistake in the handling of the squatters’ issue. (Removed from informal settlements), where will the squatters stay in the monsoon season? It would have been better to give them a few months of prior notice. Apart from this, there have been quite a few positive changes. Government offices have become more efficient (after the start of a five-day workweek), but this may affect the education sector, including schools (my kids spend their weekly holidays playing, which has affected their studies). Prime Minister Shah should not undermine the Parliament, he should attend it and address it. 

Ankit Shrestha, 32, Ride-sharing

Compared to previous governments, this government is definitely doing better. Removing squatters (from informal settlements) was a good decision, but their issues should be handled more sensitively, especially in view of the oncoming rainy season. The criticism that PM Shah faces for his lack of interest in speaking is unfair. As he is there to deliver, why should he speak unnecessarily? I feel that this government will be able to bring about the changes that we have been seeking for so long. 

Achala Pokharel, 55

The current government is doing a really good job. We expect it to fulfill the hopes we had for both our previous government and the current one. Of course, this cannot happen overnight, but we still hope for change. It seems like things will go really well. There have been many changes, from trends in government offices to traffic rules. The previous government made multiple promises, only to leave most of them unfulfilled. So, when the current government is trying to work in favor of the people without speaking too much, it does not really seem like something people should complain about.

Indu Pokharel, 43

The new system has been working really well. In the case of the squatters, there were more Hukumbasi than Sukumbasi: people had built houses (by encroaching upon riverbanks etc) and rented them out, while the real Sukumbasi were not even living there. Giving them more time would not have solved the problem. Previous governments also tried to remove squatters, to no avail. Going forward, I think the government should focus first on education, then health and then the judiciary. Improving the judiciary system can trigger change in other sectors also. Government offices have also become much more service seeker-friendly. Progress begins with small changes like these, so I am excited to see what happens in the future.

Bishakha Ghimire 19, Engineering student

The government’s performance has been good so far. However, the Parliament was a mess. On one occasion, lawmakers were not maintaining discipline even when the Speaker was addressing the session. The squatters’ issue should have been handled in a more organized manner. Sukumbasi means people without land, yet some affluent individuals—with houses and properties in several places—were found living in squatter settlements. Such people should be identified and legal action initiated against them after conducting a detailed study.
People have also become more conscious about what they say in public. In buses, people used to tease girls openly, but such instances have gone down, thanks to a more efficient reporting mechanism that responds to our complaints more swiftly. One thing the government failed at was in initiating legal proceedings against powerful people. The government put in so much effort to arrest them, but these people managed to walk free on health grounds through judicial intervention. Still, arresting a former Prime Minister was no small feat. 

I believe women and child safety should be the first priority of any government. Since I am a student, I often travel through areas like Basantapur, Koteshwor and Baneshwor for work. I often come across children and other people who ask for money in Hindi, and if you do not oblige them, they start harassing you by commenting on your appearance or character. Issues like these need to be addressed. 

Overall, I think the government has done well so far, but there still is a need for stronger procedural management. 

Sushila Khatiwada, 70

It is way better than the previous government. However, tensions seem to be rising because of the removal of squatters from informal settlements. The intention was great and the government handled the problem better than previous governments did, but the removal should have been accompanied by more serious planning. Nowadays, in this neighborhood, I have noticed that government employees have become more punctual. They leave for the offices on time and stay there full time. I also feel that maybe PM Shah should have addressed the Parliament as speaking on important issues would not have been a bad thing. One thing I feel is that the state should continue its work without trying to create enemies. I just hope that this government continues while offending fewer people and keeping the public satisfied.

Chaya Devi Adhikari, 49

I feel like the government is trying to do good things, but at times its action seems a bit rushed. Maybe the government should take more time and move forward more carefully. That would create a smoother transition. I also feel like Balen Shah, as Prime Minister, should speak his mind more often because it would help the public understand what kinds of things he is working on and what his plans are. In the dispute between Sushila Karki and Balen, I feel like Sushila Karki should not have said those things publicly after previously acting positively toward him. Altogether, the government has made some progress, and I hope it continues to do better. 

By the fifth day inside the Darién jungle, Ramesh (name changed) and his Nepali companions were pushing their physical limits to the edge. They have been following the blue plastic wrapped around trees, which indicated their route ahead.

More than 200 migrants moved together through mud, rivers, and dense forest trails between northern Colombia and southern Panama. One member of their group could barely walk. His legs had given out, possibly due to uric acid complications or a severe sprain. But stopping was not an option. “If you want to survive, you have to keep your spirits up,” Ramesh recalled telling him. The group tied ropes around the man’s body and pulled him up the jungle slopes.

They survived on rationed bread and biscuits. They drank river water from bowls. At night, they slept near the largest groups to avoid animal attacks. For five straight days, there was complete radio silence. Their families had no idea whether they were alive.

Ramesh left Nepal in early 2023, hoping to reach the United States through the so-called “donkey route.” He spent a year moving through transit countries. He would later spend another 15 months inside American detention centres before eventually being deported back to Nepal.

As the United States tightens its deportation policies, Nepal has seen a sharp rise in the number of citizens being returned from America after attempting to enter or remain in the country illegally.

According to Sharad Raj Aran, chargé d’affaires at the Nepal Embassy in Washington, D.C., deportations from the US increased significantly in 2025 and 2026 compared to previous years. “In 2025, a total of 394 Nepali nationals were deported from the United States, while 438 have already been repatriated in 2026, as of the latest record. This shows a clear increase compared to previous years, when annual deportations typically remained below 200 individuals,” said Aran.

Ramesh’s journey began after he travelled from Nepal to Dubai, where he stayed for a month before flying to Baku, Azerbaijan, on a tourist visa. The arrangement had been made through a Nepali agent, whose details he had received from friends and relatives. They communicated via WhatsApp.

“The agent promised to get me into the USA within three to four months,” said Ramesh. The initial deal was set at Rs 6m, but later increased to nearly Rs 6.5m.

Asked whether his agent fully explained the risks and worst-case scenarios involved in the process, Ramesh laughed. “Why would the agent explain the dangers? The only thing he cares about is money. He doesn’t care whether we live or die,” he said.

After arriving at Baku Airport, the group connected to the free Wi-Fi and contacted their agents, who picked them up and took them to an apartment. They stayed there for nearly a month while the agents waited to see whether the Turkey route would open.

But problems at Turkish airports forced a change in plans, sending Ramesh back to Dubai for five to six months. “Dubai is the central transit hub and fallback location whenever planned routes fail,” he explained. The agents covered accommodation and food, but migrants had to pay for personal expenses themselves.

At one point, Ramesh and around 15 other migrants were flown to Gambia, where they narrowly avoided legal prosecution after officials discovered they lacked proper visas on arrival. The group hurriedly collected between $50 and $100 each to secure visas after landing.

After spending a month in Gambia, they moved through Senegal and Nigeria before eventually returning to Dubai after arrangements between agents fell apart. Exhausted by months of uncertainty, Ramesh insisted on returning to Nepal. But his agent persuaded him to continue, assuring him that everything had been arranged.

Ramesh, along with five others, was then transported to South America. After transiting through Israel and Portugal, they arrived in Brazil. “I tore up all my documents except my passport in the bathroom before surrendering to Brazilian authorities,” he explained. Doing so allowed him to apply for refugee status. After spending more than a week in a refugee camp, Brazilian authorities granted him a temporary one-year stay permit. It was all part of the plan. Almost immediately afterward, the agents resumed the northward journey. The route passed through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. 

Then came the infamous Darién Gap. For years, the dense jungle between Colombia and Panama has served as one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors. The crossing is notorious for armed robbery, injury, dehydration, flash floods, extortion, and death. Yet nearly 500,000 people crossed the Darién in 2023, followed by around 300,000 in 2024.

“According to Nepali and American sources, including the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal and NepYork, this route—often passing through the Darién Gap—has seen a steep decline since mid-2025,” said Aran.

Ramesh said armed groups frequently stopped migrants throughout the journey across Central America, demanding money. Without agents accompanying them, he believes the group would have been kidnapped or robbed. He also claimed that police officers in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama routinely accepted bribes to let migrants continue travelling. “We hid our money carefully. If they found it, they would take everything,” he said.

At several points during the journey, Ramesh’s wife sent money through informal hundi networks to an agent in Dubai, who then arranged cash deliveries along the route. Eventually, the group reached Mexico, where they stayed for about a week in temporary camps near the border before smugglers organized small groups to cross into the United States.

American police vans were already waiting. “They checked us thoroughly. Then they took our fingerprints and photographs,” Ramesh recalled.

A central misconception among many Nepali migrants is that simply reaching US territory guarantees the right to stay or seek asylum. “In reality,” said Aram, “asylum processes in the United States are highly complex, time-consuming, and increasingly stringent.”

Several Nepalis fighting deportation cases were denied asylum after judges concluded that Nepal no longer faced the kind of political instability necessary to justify protection claims.

Ramesh was first detained in Arizona while awaiting an interview. Before that could happen, however, he was transferred to a private detention facility in Louisiana, where he remained for more than a year. He described the detention system as deeply commercialized. “These detention centres get $250 per refugee every day they keep people in jail. It felt like a business,” he said.

When Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, Ramesh said many detainees believed their chances of remaining in America had significantly worsened.

“One of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents told me it was highly unlikely I would win the case, and that it would be better to accept voluntary deportation,” he said. “I realized continuing the fight was pointless. I would only end up receiving bans from more countries.”

Ramesh decided to take voluntary deportation. The process took a few months as the US authorities had to coordinate with the Nepali embassy to verify his identity and issue travel documents.

Unlike some deportees transported on chartered flights, Ramesh was flown back on a commercial Turkish Airlines flight. Two ICE officers escorted him to the airport. While waiting for departure, one officer asked how much money he had spent trying to reach America.

“When I told him around $50,000, he was shocked,” Ramesh recalled. “He said, ‘That’s a huge amount. Some of us here don’t even have that kind of money. Why would you spend so much just to come here?’”

That question stayed with him. “I remember feeling anxious at every stage,” Ramesh said. “In Dubai, we worried about where we would go next. In Brazil, we worried about what would happen next. The fear never stopped.”

Today, Ramesh describes the ordeal as a harsh life experience and sometimes jokes that it was like a sightseeing tour through 18 countries. But he strongly discourages others from attempting the same route.

“Experiencing something is very different from just hearing about it,” he said. “Whenever people ask me about this process, I tell them not to do it. But in the end, it depends on the person. Some of my friends still went even after I warned them.”

Aran also had a message for Nepalis considering such journeys: “Nepali citizens should refrain from using irregular or undocumented routes to reach the United States. These routes are unsafe, exploitative, and often end in detention or deportation.”

‘The aspiration to migrate to US is driven by a combination of economic, educational, and social factors’ 

Sharad Raj Aran, chargé d’affaires, Nepali embassy in America

How closely are Nepal and the United States currently coordinating on immigration related matters? 

The Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., maintains a consistent line of communication with the US Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure that cases involving Nepali nationals are handled in accordance with both nations’ laws and humanitarian standards. In the current fiscal year, four coordinated return flights have already taken place, safely repatriating nearly 600 Nepali nationals.

Has the US Embassy observed any recent increase or decrease in illegal migration attempts by Nepalis? 

Since March 2026, no recorded cases have involved entry or attempted entry through the US–Mexico border, showing a significant improvement from prior years when the route was more frequently used by irregular migrants.

What are the primary reasons, in your view, that drive many Nepalis to pursue migration to the US? 

The aspiration to migrate to the United States is driven by a combination of economic, educational, and social factors. Many young Nepalis view the US as a land of opportunity, offering world-class universities, better employment prospects, and stable social systems that promise long-term security for families.

What happens procedurally when a Nepali national is detained from the United States?

When a Nepali national is detained by US immigration authorities, the detention facility or ICE office notifies the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, DC. The Embassy then verifies the person’s identity through official records and Nepali agencies and issues a one-time travel document to facilitate lawful repatriation. The Embassy’s role is to ensure due process and humane treatment throughout this procedure.  

Do you expect US immigration policies concerning undocumented migrants to change in any significant way? 

The current administration’s emphasis on enhanced border security, fast-tracked immigration court proceedings, and “America First” economic priorities indicates tighter screening and reduced tolerance for undocumented entry or visa overstays. The Embassy of Nepal will continue to work constructively with US authorities to ensure that humanitarian considerations are upheld while reinforcing the shared commitment to lawful, safe, and orderly migration.

When was the last time you read a book? Not for school, not for exams, but because you wanted to read it. Was it a few days ago, or is it in months or even years? Three decades ago, books were the primary source of information and knowledge.

Does this stereotype still hold up in 2026? With information available so easily in a short and concise form on the internet, the value of books seems to have shifted to other forms. 

Nowadays, reading has vanished as a habit but emerged as an obligation, laborious task or even  punishment in some cases. Reading is nowadays associated with academic requirements rather than personal enjoyment and interest.

Interviews with youths of various ages reveal a pattern that is quite concerning. Some admit to not having read a book for years, while others responded saying that their reading habit has been in decline. “Doom scrolling takes up all my free time ”, said Bizen Kawan, 18, describing how social media and shorts have caused a decline in his reading hours.

Most of the people that rarely read a book or those who haven’t picked up a book in years admit that it is not that they don’t want to read books, they very well express a clear intention of wanting to return to their old reading habits. 

“It’s been a year since I last read a book. However, I do want to read more books, but chatting with friends replaces that time,” said 16-year-old Richa Chaurasia. 

Although many youths express a desire to read, they aren’t able to sustain and implement this habit in their routines. Mostly because work, fatigue, digital entertainment and games are often given more priority compared to reading. Saras Shrestha, 22, who works at a wooden artifact shop in Labim Mall, expressed his lifestyle: “Office and game time are taking away the book reading time.” This is the reality of many youths. 

But this does not indicate a disappearance of reading. Even if it is less frequent, people still manage time for books. “The last book I read was a month ago, but I still like reading mystery books on the local bus,” said 19 years old Ozern Shrestha. 

When asked why they do not read on a regular basis, most answers were the same causes: social media, chatting with friends, games, digital entertainment, and doom scrolling. 

Contrary to the belief, this is not an unconscious and absent minded shift. Most of the youths were fully aware of the impact of these digital platforms on them. “I feel like the social media and short form content affects my reading by using up all the leisure time we have,” said Chloe Lama, 20. 

“I have not completed a single book since high school. I want to read some non-fiction and self-help books, but social media has decreased my attention span,” said Kawan. 

A recent publication ‘Feeds, Feelings, and Focus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining the Cognitive and Mental Health Correlates of Short-Form Video Use’ shows a clear pattern of heavy shortform content causing decreased attention span and less focus. There was also a large meta study consisting of around 100,000 people that found that frequent users of the platform performed worse in attention, control, and working memory, which are key cognitive abilities necessary for reading and studying.

Yet, reading is not disappearing entirely. It seems to be evolving into other platforms. There are many people reading books through different formats. While the majority of people prefer physical books, there are some youths that prefer ebooks and audiobooks because of their convenience.

“I like to read books while travelling in public transportation, e-books are way more convenient for my case,” said 19-year-old Shrestha. Others are drawn to genres like self-help, which most youths believe are practical and applicable to their lives. “I like books like Atomic Habit as it focuses on habits and personal development, which feels more useful than fiction,” said KC. 

Along with this, TikToks, Instagrams, and Reddit have become an unexpected source of book recommendations for young people.

The majority of the youths want to indulge themselves in reading culture. But students say there are fewer libraries in Nepal. “The very concept of libraries is appealing, but in the context of Nepal, with limited access, no borrowing culture, and an ambient environment, it is hard for us to visit it,” said Lama. This shows a flaw in our current system.  

When this concern was raised with book editor Ramesh Parajuli, he offered a more critical perspective. “The fact that libraries are necessary does not seem to be fully recognized by our country,” he said, pointing to the recent closure of a library at Bhrikuti Mandap. A library that was established through community effort, but unfortunately was shut down after it had not paid the rents. 

Along with access to libraries, some youths pointed out the need for books themselves to be more engaging and interesting. “We need to add more images in books to make them more appealing to youths, as pictures are a strong way of capturing and retaining attention,” said Shrestha, 22, who is currently reading the manga series Berserk. He believes that the picture format would help sustain interest in the story. He also suggested that similar approaches like this can help books to match the changing attention pattern.

There also seems to be a trend of a decrease in the consumption of Nepali literature. In a small sample of 20 youths, 17 of them reported reading English literature. Parajuli said, “There is a much larger catalogue of English literature in comparison to Nepali literature. Furthermore, there is limited specific content targeted towards young adults in Nepali literature. From an early age, we also tend to encourage our children to read English books.”

In an age where information is instantly accessible in a digestible format, the value of reading is in something deeper. As Parajuli explains, there is a core difference between information and knowledge. “When you search in the digital world, you find information. When you read a book, you gain knowledge.” 

The digital platforms and tools may provide you with quick and easy answers, but they are based on computer critical thinking. Reading, however, is an active and complex process, which challenges your critical thinking, interpretation and reflection.“When you read something yourself, you feel it, and interpret it, and then it turns into knowledge. It becomes an experience,” he added.

In an era where chess is increasingly defined by engine preparation and majority draws, Javokhir Sindarov, at 20 years old, has produced a dominance in the Candidates 2026 that feels unnatural. Firstly, the Candidates is a tournament that happens every two years where the top eight players are chosen for a double round robin tournament, where the winner gets the chance to challenge the current world champion for their title. And Javokhir, in his first ever candidates, won the tournament with ten out of fourteen points. 

This performance stands out because of modern chess trends. Advanced engines and opening prep have dominated the early phases of the game and have reduced creativity at the highest level. Because of the precise lines and openings, most chess games end in a draw. Statistically, almost 60 percent of the game's in the candidates are a draw. The opening prep of the players takes them to a neutral and simplified position, which, when played perfectly, ends in a draw every time.

Therefore, the only time when the game has a deciding result is if one of the players is caught lacking in some weird opening preparation or if the person blunders—which is quite rare in high level chess. So, winning six games in fourteen rounds in the hardest tournaments surrounded by players such as Hikaru, Anish, and Fabiano is unheard of.

To even begin to understand how great a performance Javokhir Sidarov had in the tournament, let's start with the record he broke. He broke the record for the highest points ever secured in the candidates, which was nine and a half out of fourteen by Ian Nepomniachtchi. There is an understanding about the candidates that you are almost guaranteed to win if you win five games in fourteen rounds and draw most of the others. In comparison, Sindarov had four wins in the first five rounds. Even Magnus Carlson was surprised,” Nobody expects you to go four and a half out of five. I will be curious to go home and check the games”. He destabilized the entire tournament structure.

His playstyle was confident, dynamic and decisive. He won the candidates statistically with one round to spare and finished the tournament with two points higher than the second place. This is one of the most dominating and impressive tournament performances in the world, which you could argue is on par with the Legendary run of Fabiano Caruana in the 2014 Sinquefield Cup, where he secured seven consecutive wins and finished the tournament with eight and a half out of ten points. After Sindarov’s performance, Fabiano Caruana himself acknowledged the difficulty of Sindarov’s run, saying, “Could I have a dream run like Javokhir did here? I don’t know. Scoring plus six in the Candidates is extremely hard. I believe I’m capable of winning the tournament if I’m in good form, but whether something like that happens, I have no idea.”

With all of this, Sidharav wasn't even favoured to win. Hikaru and Fabiano were the clear pre-tournament favourites. This was a great upset. But his victory points to something larger—it reflects a generational shift  in elite chess. Even Nakamura himself admitted this trend, ” So, broadly speaking, it's clear that there is a shift in the generation. I am not having a great tournament, and Fabi is still having a decent result, but it is not what he wanted. I think the trend is going in a direction where chess is getting younger and younger: Javokhir, Gukesh, Vincent, Arjun, and others. Time is running out for the older players like Fabi and me.” This has set the precedent and expectations of the younger generation even higher.

The women’s Candidates, in stark contrast, unfolded as far more equal and uncertain. Anna Muzychuk had a slight lead during the sixth round, but by the eighth round, five players were tied for first with four and a half points. Unlike the open section, where the outcome was almost certain, the women’s section remained uncertain and provoking until the end.

Vaishali Rameshbabu briefly emerged ahead with six points in round ten, but just three rounds later, Bibisara Assaubayeva pulled herself back into the first place tie with seven and a half points. You could feel how quickly the momentum shifted in the women’s field. Even in the last round, there was still a chance of a five way tie. This was the level of competitiveness and closeness the tournament had. The last round was the deciding round. In the end, Vaishali managed to find a critical move, c4, under time pressure. Then she converted a chaotic position into a winning endgame, after which Kateryna Lagno resigned. Vaishali finished with 8.5/14 and is confirmed as a challenger to the world champion's title.

Now, all that's left is the anticipation for the world championship match happening in about six or seven months. This is going to be a great event for the Indian chess fans as both the open and the women's world championship has one indian representative: Gukesh as the defending world champion and Vaishali as the challenger to the women's world champion. The fight between Gukesh Dommaraju and Javokhir Sindarov, and the fight between Vaishali Rameshbabu and Ju Wenjun will be the beginning of the new era of elite chess.