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The cooperative fraud allegations against Rabi Lamichhane have shaken the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s image. While some might still believe in him, others, especially those affected by the fraud, seem to have lost trust. The real question now is whether the party can recover its lost reputation, or if the scandal will leave lasting damage. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx asked three people how they think the recent allegations of cooperative embezzlement against Rabi Lamichhane will impact the Rastriya Swatantra Party, especially since it has positioned itself as a party of integrity and change? Do they believe this controversy will affect how people see the party and its leadership, or will supporters continue to trust them?

Dibya Dahal, 22

The recent allegations of embezzlement against Rabi Lamichhane could pose a significant challenge to both his leadership and the reputation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). As a party that has positioned itself as a beacon of integrity and reform, any accusations of financial misconduct could damage the trust it has cultivated, especially among younger voters drawn to Lamichhane’s anti-establishment stance. The key issue is whether the public will view these allegations as a personal failing of Lamichhane or as indicative of broader problems within the party.

The controversy tests the party’s ability to uphold its core values in practice. Lamichhane’s popularity has been built on a persona of transparency and fighting corruption, so these claims might seem particularly damaging. His established image as a reformer might still shield him from losing widespread support. How Lamichhane handles the situation—whether he confronts the issue head-on or tries to deflect responsibility—will be crucial.

Anurag Shrestha, 26

The success of the RSP party is built on a backdrop of mistrust towards established political parties. However, credit must be given to Rabi Lamichhane who has played a significant role in establishing the party as a political force. Most MPs and senior RSP leaders were relatively unknown before the last election, with figures like Sumana Shrestha, Biraj Shrestha, and Manish Jha only recently gaining prominence.

Lamichhane has long been a controversial figure, facing allegations ranging from personal issues to embezzlement during his time in the United States. Despite predictions of the RSP’s collapse following Lamichhane’s passport fiasco, the incident had little negative impact on his or the party’s image. Regarding the cooperative case, the parliamentary report called for further investigation, leaving some ambiguity regarding his role in it. The RSP views this as a victory, accusing main parties of political vendetta. But if Lamichhane is convicted or if a new political force arises, his controversial past might pose significant challenges for both him and the party.

Sushant Thapa, 31

If Rabi Lamichhane is guilty, the court proceedings should verify it. The committee which is formed to examine the embezzlement can’t be fully trusted. This kind of practice will lead to favor and fear politics. Lamichhane seems to be receiving special treatment with this kind of committee which is not good. The legal matters and its decision should be related to the court. There should not be a dual legal system in the country. The image of the party can be hampered if he is found guilty. It will be a challenge to the party to maintain their public image. People trust actions and not mere ideologies. The controversy seems to be a weakness of those who are in power.

In 2023, more than 80,000 Nepali students sought permission to study abroad, showing a strong need to improve the education system in Nepal. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out what they think must be done to improve the quality of education in Nepal to encourage students to stay back.

Milind Osti, 26

Youngsters are choosing to pursue education abroad in search of better opportunities. To strengthen the quality and reputation of national universities and colleges and encourage students to study in their home country, the government can take several key steps. First, improving infrastructure and ensuring easy access to resources is crucial. Investing in modern facilities, laboratories, and technology can enhance the learning experience for students. Additionally, increasing funding for academic programs can motivate students and elevate the quality of education.

Focusing on faculty and curriculum development is essential. This can make local universities more appealing as well as benefit academic excellence. Furthermore, establishing partnerships with international universities and engaging in collaborative projects can provide students with valuable global exposure. It’s also important to offer opportunities for personal and professional development to persuade students to pursue their higher education in Nepal.

Sahib Baidya, 26

To enhance the quality and prestige of Nepali universities and colleges, the government should prioritize increasing investment in higher education infrastructure and resources, including modern facilities and updated technology. Implementing robust quality control measures and fostering partnerships with international institutions can elevate academic standards and ensure curriculum relevance. Offering competitive salaries and professional development opportunities for faculty will attract and retain talented educators. Promoting research and innovation through grants and support for student-led projects can also boost the global reputation of Nepali institutions. Finally, creating strong industry linkages and internship opportunities will better align academic programs with job market demands, encouraging students to view local education as a good alternative to studying abroad.

Hrishav Tandukar, 25

To ensure quality education, the government should work towards aligning the curricula with international standards and the needs of the industry. This involves revising the course content regularly and ensuring that the courses are accredited by relevant bodies to boost their credibility. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education should encourage research activities by providing grants and establishing proper research centers in Nepal to support interdisciplinary research and facilitate various collaborations with international institutions. This will help elevate local universities in Nepal within global academic circles.

One of the major areas where the education sector in Nepal is lacking is the enhancement of student services. Few colleges or universities in Nepal offer comprehensive student support services, such as career counseling, academic advising, and mental health counseling. These services play a significant role in the career development and the overall well-being of students. Moreover, the education sector in Nepal should adopt modern teaching techniques, including digital tools and interactive teaching methods, which allow for two-way interaction between teachers and students.

Engineers and architects in Nepal grapple with many challenges, including a lack of professional unity, fair compensation, inefficient contractors, and delayed client payments. Despite these hurdles, there are immense opportunities in enhancing tourism infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage, and managing water resources. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx asked three engineers what were the biggest challenges and opportunities in their field, and how the sector could support innovation and development.

Shree Krishna Shrestha, 22

As a civil engineer in Nepal, I face a lot of challenges. Job dissatisfaction arises from limited career advancement and inadequate compensation. Political instability disrupts projects, and construction sites often lack essential safety measures. Legal issues can be inequitable, political favoritism undermines fairness, and corruption impairs project integrity. Insufficient implementation and oversight lead to delays and substandard results.

Nevertheless, there are many opportunities too. There are government appointed roles in many organizations, including but not limited to the Department of Roads (DoR) and the Nepal Army Engineering Directorate. The private sector offers positions in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Civil engineers can also work with NGOs and INGOs in disaster relief, infrastructure development, urban planning, water and sanitation, sustainability, and rural development. Furthermore, there are prospects in construction entrepreneurship. 

To drive innovation, increased investment in research and expertise is crucial. Breakthroughs in water management, seismic-resistant structures, and transportation technologies are essential. Supporting these innovations will enhance public safety and infrastructure efficiency, benefiting millions across Nepal.

Ankeeta Shrestha, 24

Nepal is a dynamic country in terms of politics, development, innovation, and everything in between. It has immense potential as a developing country, with much work to be done in areas such as tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage, water resource management, and more. Development is directly linked with the engineering and architecture professions. The challenges that come with these fields are immense, and the list goes on.

As a fresh architect just out of academia and with only a year of professional experience, I have tried to find opportunities and look at the brighter side. Many of my batchmates are leaving the country or planning to leave. They are desperately seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Hopefully, the government will recognize the potential of its youth in the days to come so that young architects and engineers can invest their knowledge in their own land.

Surendra Pandit, 24

The government doesn’t invest in scientific research. As an electrical engineer, I’m disheartened to see that there’s no research that coincides with my interests. Many engineers and architects feel the same way and consider this a big problem. Even those involved in some sort of research often face financial hurdles which prevents them from completing it. Engineers in Nepal aren’t able to compete in the global market due to this reason, along with other factors such as fewer employment opportunities, underpaid jobs, and social security concerns.

The only solution to these problems is for the Nepal government to show more concern and invest in scientific research. Additionally, suitable investment opportunities for foreign agencies to contribute to research areas within Nepal must be created. Furthermore, organizations hiring engineers or architects must ensure social security and fulfill the financial needs that are much deserved and needed by these professionals.

KP Oli’s previous term as prime minister was a mixed bag. He did some good things, like strengthening our relationship with China and standing up for Nepal’s territory. But he also had some big misses, like not growing the economy enough or creating more jobs. This time around, whether he can make a real difference depends on what he chooses to focus on. He’s experienced, so there’s hope he can improve. But he’ll need to address past mistakes and focus on what matters most to people. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out what they think about Oli’s tenure as prime minister and whether they think he can navigate the complex political scenario and make any significant difference. 

Mahendra Joshi, 40

Oli’s tenure as prime minister looks bleak as he has to do many things in a short span of time. He will always be under pressure while making important decisions due to the coalition government where Nepali Congress can keep him in check. Delving into his checkered past, he hasn’t made any substantial changes. Also, there are some caveats which can curb his freedom. Nevertheless, some of his ministers in the cabinet may prove their potential and try to win people’s confidence as it will pave the way for them for the coming election. At the worst, in this hung parliament where every coalition is tried and tested, it won’t be a surprise if the country goes for mid-term polls. 

Dipika Sunar Budhathoki, 24

His tenure as prime minister is expected to bring significant changes and development in the country. During his previous tenure, Oli made some remarkable achievements, including opposing India’s blockade of Nepal, strengthening trade and transit treaties with China, and unveiling new maps of the country that included the disputed territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. However, he also failed to deliver on economic growth and create employment opportunities. These achievements and failures, along with the current political scenario, will significantly affect Oli’s tenure. How he will fare depends on his priorities. He must ensure that his actions align with the national interest. As an experienced campaigner with sound knowledge in diverse areas, we can give Oli the benefit of the doubt. 

Sugam Gautam, 24

Given his past performances, PM Oli will, in all likelihood, have a forgettable stint in office. A shrewd politician, Oli often garners attention for his witty remarks and sharp comments, frequently aimed at his foes. Someone should remind him that he has yet to deliver on his promises to introduce railways and ships. Hopefully, he will manage to fulfill these lofty projects this time around. Even if he doesn’t, we won’t be surprised. I believe Oli will pull every trick out of the hat to retain his coveted position. Meanwhile, he will keep a close watch on both Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, just to ensure they don’t do something behind his back.

AI is changing how students learn by offering personalized lessons, instant feedback, and better accessibility. It helps spark creativity but can also make students too dependent on technology, raise privacy concerns, and possibly introduce biases. AI-generated content might also affect originality and thinking capacity.

To get the most out of AI in education, it’s important to use it alongside traditional teaching methods to keep students thinking critically and developing their own ideas. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out how they think AI is impacting students’ learning experiences, creativity, and originality, and if they saw AI as a positive influence on their education.

Sushant Thapa, 31

Students are relying too much on spoon-fed answers of AI rather than being research oriented. Students will be unable to do critical reasoning when AI spoon-feeds them. AI paraphrases and summarizes the information that it takes from sites like Bing and hence it only makes associations weaker. Relying blindly on AI cannot fulfill socio-cultural knowledge which is part of originality in understanding. AI will not make students self-reliant hence their creativity will be lost. Students must search for what they do not understand, and hence carry on with their research. AI is not the solution for easy learning. AI can even misguide you through incorrect text. AI mustn’t replace teachers because teaching also involves understanding the minds of the learners.

Sanskar Silwal, 23

AI offers personalized learning, generative pre-trained transformers and adaptive learning platforms provide instant feedback, allowing students to grasp complex concepts more effectively. The recent Apple AI on iOS 18 has amazed Apple users with its problem-solving capabilities, helping mathematical students by providing instant solutions to complex equations and improving their understanding of advanced concepts.

As a computer engineering student, being active in the field of technology has helped me understand AI and how its use can enhance a student’s learning experience, and creativity but also bring challenges in originality of their critical thinking. The ease of access to AI tools might tempt students to rely on them rather than developing their own ideas, potentially undermining critical thinking and authentic creativity. Despite the challenges, AI positively impacts education by democratizing access, equipping students with advanced skills, and preparing them for a tech-driven future.

Rashmi Poudel, 22

The advent of AI has opened a wide horizon of learning opportunities for students. With easy access to information, overcoming various learning hurdles has become possible. Nevertheless, the boom of this seemingly omniscient technology has also diminished students’ creativity. As AI becomes more efficient at solving problems, students are undermining their cognitive abilities. Consequently, the potential of neural networks, which are biologically wired to activate and sharpen with every act of brainstorming and divergent thinking, becomes dull over time. Thus, students lose faith in their own creative thoughts and ideas, undermining the originality and authenticity of their tasks. The influence of AI on students’ education is ambivalent. To make AI a means rather than an end to learning, students must use their own judgment.

The cost of fast fashion is low on the consumer’s pockets. But textile workers and the environment end up paying a high price. Fast fashion is cheap because the workers aren’t paid adequately. Clothes aren’t of good quality and are quickly discarded. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10 percent of global carbon emissions. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out their thoughts on the impact of fast fashion on the environment and how people can make more sustainable choices.

Aayush Shrestha, 24

Fast fashion’s environmental impact is alarming, driven by quick, cheap production to meet trends. This results in massive waste, with textiles filling landfills and synthetic fibers taking centuries to decompose. Resource depletion is severe, as cotton production for a single t-shirt uses thousands of liters of water, and the dyeing processes pollute water supplies. The industry’s carbon footprint is also significant, from manufacturing to global shipping. To counter this, consumers can buy less and choose well-made, timeless pieces, support sustainable brands with fair trade certification and shop secondhand. Proper care, such as following washing instructions and repairing clothes, extends their lifespan. By educating ourselves and others, we can shift towards more sustainable fashion consumption, thereby reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

Aarju Joshi, 27

Fast fashion is characterized by rapid production scales, where trends in clothing styles and often subpar materials have severe and negative effects on the environment. We can choose to be more sustainable by buying less, choosing well made, good quality items, supporting sustainable brands, opting for secondhand and thrifted items, prioritizing quality over quantity, and caring for your clothes. As a fashion student studying in Thailand, I’m exploring and researching thrift stores, sustainable design, and methods that have less impact on the environment. I believe that with a strong sense of fashion, we can transform any design or vintage clothing into trendy and innovative styles that align with our fashion preferences.

Sumnima Bantawa, 22

Fast fashion has a great impact on the environment. According to research, around 85 percent of the fast fashion ends up in landfill. But in the context of Nepal, we Nepalis love to reuse everything. The new shirt gets worn until it turns into a mop. The mop isn’t even the last stage. It’s then turned into fillers for ‘chakati’ or ‘dasna’ at last. I love how I have learned to make the most out of every product from my mother. Like cutting the moisturizer tube to scoop out the last bit of it, which ends up lasting more than a week, and DIY-ing the clothes you own for new looks, for instance, cutting my jeans to turn it into a skirt. To stay sustainable I purchase from thrift stores and once I’m done with styling and taking pictures I thrift it back, at a lower price. I do the same with my new clothes. It’s a cycle.

People might be able to create a positive environmental impact by practicing conscious consumerism, waste reduction, recycling, supporting sustainable practices, and campaigning for environmental policy. It’s essential for fostering a healthy environment and guaranteeing sustainability for future generations. Aaradhana Shrestha from ApEx spoke to three people to find out how important it is for people to take responsibility in addressing environmental challenges, and what efforts they have made to help ensure environmental sustainability.

Soni Pokharel, 23

Environmental protection is a key responsibility of each individual. We have to be more serious about the actions we take on a regular day. Everyone is well aware of the heat waves and climate change across the world. We have all felt it. The summer has possibly been the hottest ever in Nepal. We should definitely take this as a sign for a change in our behaviors and try to reduce our carbon footprint. Replacing all plastic products with sustainable products, recycling the waste we produce inside our homes, saving electricity and water are the actions we could take. These conscious acts will definitely help save the environment in the long run. We need to do the right thing and be aware of our actions.

Yugesh Paudel, 23

Change or positive transformations in the environment often don’t demand big actions. Planting a small plant, reducing unnecessary water waste, being conscious of the food we consume, where it comes from, and not wasting the food, opting for an electric vehicle in place of petrol or diesel one—these simple mindful activities can save our environment. It’s easy to grab a bottle of a cold drink in the summer but we overlook the amount of water it requires to manufacture a bottle. We could be saving thousands of liters of water if we were a little more mindful of the things we consume.

Sneha Shrestha, 22

I care deeply about the factors that lead to environmental pollution in my community. I founded the Clean Ranibari Society which empowers women in my community to use barren land for nutrition gardening with proper waste management. My passion for environmental sustainability also led me to found and represent the startup Avani in the Hult Prize Melbourne Summit 2023 at the Melbourne Business School in Australia, which aims to solve landfill issues with mycelium products. For a long time, I, and perhaps you, have dreaded the future of our common home. But there's a chance for us to make amendments, complete our journey of impact, and live in harmony with nature. All we need is the will to do so.

Media entrepreneur Dashrath Sunar’s message to the young generation and fellow media professionals is simple: Prioritize honesty, decency, and positivity in your content, regardless of the platform’s size. As humans, we have the power to influence society positively through truthful and ethical media practices.

Despite having no prior experience with traditional media platforms like television, radio, or periodicals, or online channels, his foray into Nepal’s media landscape has grabbed people’s interest. Witnessing the rapid expansion of digital technology motivated Sunar to consider starting an online YouTube talk show.

VFY (Voice For Youth) Talks was started to introduce innovative program formats, focusing on digital innovations for unique content delivery.

“Despite higher production costs compared to television, I launched VFY Talks on YouTube. This entailed booking full five-star hotels, using red dragon cameras, and hiring a crew of 20 to 25 people on a single day of filming,” says Sunar.

In the early stages, guests appreciated his format of facilitating conversational interactions between two guests, rather than acting as a traditional host. This interactive and sometimes interruptive style resonated well with people, encouraging and motivating him further.

“Since then, I have focused on continuously upgrading the content to achieve substantial scalability. My primary goal has been to maintain and enhance the conversational format while improving production quality,” he says.

“I pitched the concept to superstar Rajesh Hamal, aiming to inspire Nepali youth with a unique motivational format. Hamal suggested evaluating guests based on mission alignment, not follower count,” he says. Many brands and companies focus mainly on how many followers a guest has or what other show they have been on.

However, Sunar strives to create a platform that authentically resonates with the audience and fosters meaningful dialogue.

“When I first spoke with Hamal for the initial episode, he agreed without questions. Initially, our show included live audiences, and we hosted many episodes this way, including 12 episodes with 200 attendees,” he says. “The key reason for Hamal’s appearance is his intellect and broad international experience.”

He recalls a memorable incident. “I met a taxi driver who was Hamal’s fan. The taxi driver had always dreamed of meeting him,” says Sunar, adding that his taxi was filled with Hamal’s photos. “I promised myself to make his dream come true and invited him to my show,” he says.

The taxi driver didn’t know Hamal was a guest. When he met Hamal, he cried. “This was the first episode and it moved and motivated me,” says Sunar. “Posting the video on YouTube boosted the channel’s subscriptions by around 20,000.

Sunar believes in thorough research for each episode, which can be challenging when guests don’t get along. He selects two experts for a chosen topic, aiming for great discussions.

His goal is to deliver different information to both national and international audiences, therefore globalizing Nepal’s media and content. He focuses on developing content that has a worldwide impact, promoting Nepal’s tourism, foreign policy, and international relations.

He wants to prepare Nepali content for the global stage, promote tourism in Nepal, and strengthen the country’s international presence. “Success is not my primary goal as my commitment is unbreakable,” he adds.

“I’m pleased by the backing of worldwide celebrities, politicians, and business leaders. It’s a good indication. My focus is on global issues such as climate change as well as promoting Nepal’s tourism,” he says.

Sunar is originally from Kanchanpur district in the Sudurpashchim Province. When he came to Kathmandu, he found that society followed a single script based on history and culture, with minimal openness and extensive discussion. With digitalization, there has been a shift toward more transparency, encompassing both Western and Eastern traditions.

He is currently working on four projects for the talk show. One is ‘Yatra Nepal Ko with Purnima Karki’ that aims to encourage Nepali tourism. There’s the regular talk show covering a range of topics. Under ‘VFY Global with Rajesh Hamal’ there will be more international interviews. The final is delivering content for the Indian audience through ‘VFY Hindi’.

His objective with VFY Talks is to gain worldwide recognition. “While the purpose of the media is to educate, there is always the risk of prejudice or manipulation. As a content producer, utilizing technology properly is critical to conveying accurate and ethical messages, whether they are positive or negative,” he says.

He believes that the media, from a humanitarian standpoint, should emphasize producing honest and positive material regardless of the size of the platform. His purpose is to offer messages that have a good impact on society, while informing, inspiring, and connecting people around the world.