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Heavy rains in the evenings and intense heat in the daytime are exacerbating the risk of dengue, malaria and other vector-borne diseases across the country.

With more rainfall predicted this monsoon compared to preceding seasons, health authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures to avoid potential outbreaks.

Data from the World Health Organization show that dengue—an illness transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with dengue virus (DENV)—afflicts 100m-400m people around the world every year.

According to government statistics, Nepal saw one of its worst dengue outbreaks in history, with 52,557 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, in 2022. While the numbers dropped in 2024, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) reported 34,385 cases and 13 deaths, affecting 76 districts across the country. 

Aware of a serious threat to public health arising from the vector-borne disease, the government has already implemented a regular surveillance and monitoring system through an early warning and reporting mechanism.

At the same time, it has strengthened integrated vector management strategies for mosquito surveillance with the objective of controlling vectors that transmit diseases like malaria, dengue and zika. These strategies combine various control methods, including biological, chemical, environmental and public health education, to optimize resource use and achieve sustainable vector control.

The EDCD has projected that more than 60,000 people could contract dengue across the country this year, and prepared an action plan to mitigate possible outbreaks.

The EDCD’s estimate is based on past trends, climatic conditions and the early onset of cases this year. The division is currently coordinating with local governments and health institutions to strengthen surveillance, awareness campaigns and vector control measures.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using protective clothing as well as repellents.

Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has recommended halting construction works for four months—from July to October—to control dengue and save lives. 

Minister Paudel also emphasized the importance of a cleanliness campaign to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and asked all to join it. He stated that raising awareness is key to preventing the spread of dengue. “It is essential to inform the public and work together,” he said. Minister Paudel urged everyone to keep their surroundings free of dengue larvae to protect themselves and others. He also asked citizens to take part in regular sanitation efforts every Friday, from July to October.

Dr Anup Subedee, an infectious disease specialist, emphasized the importance of raising awareness to prevent the spread of dengue. “While awareness programs are going on, the government, local authorities and communities must work together to make them effective,” he said: In particular, the government must remain vigilant, as we expect a rise in dengue cases this season.

Dr Subedee warned that the current period is a transitional phase, with changing weather and noticeable climate shifts. “The peak season for the spread of dengue has not arrived yet. When it arrives, we fear that more people will suffer—possibly for a prolonged period because of the climatic shift,” he added.

Using bed nets, applying mosquito repellent creams for short-term protection, keeping the surroundings clean and removing stagnant water are some of the effective ways to reduce the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr Subedee noted that dengue can come with a variety of symptoms. “Not all cases require hospital visits. For minor symptoms like headaches and body aches, people don’t need to visit hospitals. They can take care of their health at home by taking paracetamol and staying well-hydrated with fluids such as pulses, soup, juice and other liquids,” he said.

Dr Subedee added, “Some cases require medical attention. If someone experiences persistent fever and severe body pain for more than 3-4 days, they should visit a hospital as soon as possible and consult a doctor. In more serious cases, dengue can affect internal organs such as the lungs and pancreas.”

Though rare, severe dengue can lead to serious complications such as acute pancreatitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), affecting the pancreas and lungs. These conditions may result from direct viral damage, immune responses or plasma leakage. Symptoms like abdominal pain and fever can delay diagnosis, and even if fever subsides, dengue should still be suspected in patients showing other symptoms associated with the disease. In severe cases, especially dengue hemorrhagic fever, organ damage and respiratory failure may occur, emphasizing the need for early recognition and medical attention.

Dengue rapid test kits available at government health institutions can help with timely diagnosis that is so crucial in saving lives. Furthermore, the EDCD has approved and published a comprehensive dengue prevention and control action plan on the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025.

With the rise of dengue patients in the hospital, labs and most hospitals take this as an opportunity to take benefit from the citizens. Addressing the issue, Minister Paudel stated, “We will try to make dengue testing free and if that’s not possible, we will set a fixed rate. He warned against fleecing the poor and suffering people in the name of testing.

Minister Paudel admitted that the government needs to do more on the dengue control front, adding that it is preparing to collaborate with the media for disseminating relevant information among the public.

Heart Lamp, a collection of short stories by Banu Mushtaq, caught my attention after winning the International Booker Prize in 2025. I acquired a copy—the English translation by Deepa Bhasti—soon after its release in Kathmandu.

As I delved into Mushtaq’s fictional world, I noticed that all the stories feature female protagonists. Though these women are often portrayed as helpless, submissive, and vulnerable, the author skillfully critiques patriarchy, leaving readers to question whether men truly embody only freedom, assertiveness, and power. The stories also serve as a representation of Southern Indian society at the time, exposing its structures, the struggles of Muslim women, and the hollowness of male pride. For instance, in ‘Stone Slabs for Shaista Mahal’, the husband’s performative love—comparing himself to Shah Jahan—is starkly contrasted by his swift remarriage after his wife’s death rituals conclude.

The narratives mock male chauvinism while celebrating feminine resilience. In one story, a mutawalli (custodian) obsesses over a community member’s burial rites and religious formalities, yet remains indifferent to his own son, who lies critically ill in the hospital. This effectively highlights how men often prioritize superficial duties over genuine responsibilities.

The collection also offers insights into Muslim customs, such as khatna (male circumcision), depicted as both a celebrated ritual and, disturbingly, a means for the poor to earn meager rewards through repeated procedures. Similarly, the titular story, ‘Heart Lamp’, portrays a mother’s quiet strength as she resists self-immolation for her children’s sake. Through these intimate family sagas, Mushtaq lays bare the cruelties of patriarchy—its injustices, traumas, and the suffocating burdens of shame and oppression forced upon women.

Heart Lamp immerses readers in the social dynamics of South Indian Muslim communities, revealing how gender roles shape lives both inside and outside the home. The book also holds academic value, offering rich material for sociological and anthropological studies of the region’s cultural practices.

“If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”—this is one of my mother’s favorite quotes and she tries really hard to live by it. I, on the other hand, always thought being nice was overrated, that it put you at a disadvantage by making you vulnerable to people’s various antics. 

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian writer famous for her novel ‘Purple Hibiscus’, in a talk says being nice means always wanting to be liked. It means silencing inconvenient truths, choosing always to be comfortable, and letting go of courage. It means talking about peace but not about justice. The more I think about it, the more it rings true. Nice people don’t like to rock the boat. They don’t speak up because they don’t want to be seen as ‘difficult’ or go against other’s opinions. Nice people live in cocoons they have created for themselves. 

I sometimes think my mother suffers because of her ‘niceness’. She doesn’t like conflicts and getting into arguments so she will often stay quiet when she doesn’t agree with people. But she will be haunted by what so and so said during dinner or what her sister did during a trip for many days after the incident. She often gets taken for granted by relatives and friends because she is ‘a nice person’ who will do as they want without considering her own needs. 

Having grown up sensing and seeing a pattern where my parent’s niceness empowered those around them in all the wrong ways, I have been petrified of being nice and coming across as someone who will go with the flow without letting my needs and preferences come in people’s way. I always speak my mind and tailor my responses according to what’s coming my way. I’m definitely not the one to ‘let things go’ when people inevitably say weird or hurtful things. I would rather have said things out loud than kept them in. It’s been my guiding mantra in life. 

But recently, I’ve started thinking that I must not confuse being nice with being kind and that these two things are entirely different things and mutually exclusive too. You don’t have to be nice but you must always be kind. By that I mean your intentions should be in the right place. Must I hurt someone to get my point across even when the other person isn’t being reasonable or particularly ‘nice’? Can’t I say the same thing in a softer tone rather than using harsh words? And can’t I always choose to look at the positive side of things instead of pointing out the negatives in any given situation? 

Everyone learns from experience and I had to go through an anxious phase to introspect and come to the conclusion that it’s always best to say something positive and be kind rather freely speak your mind just because you can or because you want to give an aura of someone who is strong, bold, and courageous. 

I have a relative (she’s the wife of a cousin I’m super close to) who never has anything nice or positive to say. Even when I am feeling good and confident about things, the things she says (masked as concern) will sow doubt in my mind. In all the years I’ve known her, I’ve never heard her say anything remotely nice to people. She doesn’t compliment anyone. She doesn’t reassure those who are worried. She is quick to point out what’s wrong and why and how things could get worse during any kind of family discussion. And her words are often final. Any reasoning is met with further explanations on why it is wrong. 

I would always give her the benefit of doubt whenever other relatives complained about her. I thought it was my moral duty towards my cousin whom I’ve grown up with. You don’t speak ill about the wife when you are close to her husband and you value the relationship. But in the past few months I have come to understand what people mean and why many have chosen to stay away from her. 

I have been going through a health issue and despite recovering really well, I’ve been anxious about blood tests and ultrasounds. I’m generally not someone who worries a lot and my intuition is quite strong. But by constantly telling me what could go wrong and sharing horror stories she’s heard, she made my recovery journey an ordeal. Despite feeling well and knowing in my heart that everything is fine, I have put off simple tests and woken up at night drenched in sweat because of nightmares where everything bad she’s warned me about had come true. 

At one point, she had me convinced that I had diabetes or would develop complications from the same because ‘a friend of hers whose case was similar to mine had had diabetes too’. Even when I told her that there weren’t any symptoms of it, she maintained that it was only a matter of time. I had laughed it off initially and even wondered how someone could be so negative but I didn’t realize the impact her words would have on me on a subconscious level till I put off a crucial test for almost a month. When the results of the test came back normal, I berated myself for having stressed about it for so long. 

This was when I realized the impact your words have on others, which is why you should choose them with care. Why would you want to be the reason for someone’s anguish? Niceness and kindness are two entirely different things and while it’s okay to not be a nice person, it’s important to be a kind person because it’s more about who you are than what others think of you. 

Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has formally returned to active politics, rejoining her old party, CPN-UML. After 10 years of party politics and seven years as Nepal’s ceremonial head of state, her comeback naturally raises questions: What role will she now play? Will her political approach evolve, or will she repeat her old style? While debates continue, her return deserves a simple acknowledgment: Welcome back to CPN-UML politics, Mrs Bhandari.

Legally and constitutionally, her return poses no barrier. Though some argue that a former ceremonial head of state should avoid re-entering active party politics, this is a moral debate, not a legal one. In today’s realist political environment, morality and principle seldom define political choices. Ultimately, the decision is hers, based on her confidence that she can still serve the nation.

This article, however, centers on the leadership of CPN-UML itself, especially KP Sharma Oli’s continued role. Is this the right moment to challenge Oli’s leadership? The answer is clear: No.

Still relevant and strong

As both Prime Minister and president of CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli continues to lead effectively, directing internal and external challenges. Leadership must always be judged relatively. In comparison to other leaders, Oli remains Nepal’s most competent prime minister in recent times. His past tenure lists achievements crucial to national development and foreign policy.

Oli’s leadership is defined by rationality and conviction. He does not bend to populist trends or social media pressures. His decisions are grounded in logic, reason and what he perceives as the national interest. While populism tempts many leaders, Oli has largely resisted that path.

Importantly, he has defended Nepal’s national interests consistently, whether dealing with territorial disputes or resisting external influence. His governance style prioritizes sovereignty and independence. Even as foreign powers and domestic rivals target him, Oli stands firm. Weakening his leadership now would not only fragment the party but also undermine Nepal’s assertiveness on the global stage.

At a time when divisive forces seek to destabilize both the government and the party, CPN-UML leaders and cadres must stand united. Criticizing Oli for the sake of internal power struggles will harm the party more than it benefits anyone individually.

Strengthen the party

The Statute Convention of CPN-UML, scheduled for September 5-7 in Godavari, comes at a critical time. According to party rules, the General Congress must convene within a year of this convention. Therefore, this is not the time for leadership contests. Instead, the party’s focus should remain on strengthening internal structures, refining policies and fostering discipline.

Party politics is not about personal ambitions; it is about collective organization. The stronger CPN-UML becomes, the more its members benefit politically. Internal conflicts only weaken the party. This is evident in the example of Madhav Kumar Nepal. His breakaway Unified Socialist Party now faces marginalization and existential challenges. His past defiance against Oli earned short-term attention, but long-term irrelevance.

The priority for CPN-UML members should be clear: focus on making the party a decisive force in national politics. Strengthening the party as an institution will naturally open leadership opportunities for capable individuals over time.

Leadership pipeline

While Oli remains the party’s central figure today, the question of succession is valid. Fortunately, CPN-UML has no shortage of future leaders. Figures like Shankar Pokhrel, Bishnu Poudel, Pradeep Gyawali, PS Gurung and Yogesh Bhattarai represent the next generation of leadership. Each brings unique strengths and perspectives, ready to lead when the time comes.

However, succession planning must be strategic, not opportunistic. Oli might serve one more term, using that time to mentor and prepare younger leaders. If Bidya Devi Bhandari’s return strengthens the party, it should be seen as a unifying development, not the beginning of a rivalry. Oli and Bhandari are unlikely to compete against each other for leadership positions; rather, they could jointly support second- and third-generation leaders when conditions demand.

Leadership transitions should emerge from consensus and institutional processes, not factional contests.

In the current context, targeting Oli weakens both the party and Nepal’s political stability. Undermining him serves only adversarial interests, both domestic and foreign. Constructive criticism within the party is essential, but it should be grounded in facts, strategy and long-term goals.

Ultimately, while Oli will not lead forever, it is neither the right time nor the right approach to force leadership change rashly. His rational, nationally focused leadership remains essential in steering both the party and the government.

In conclusion, the future will depend on how wisely the party cultivates its emerging leadership. The CPN-UML’s immediate task is clear: consolidate around its current leadership, strengthen party structures and prepare a new generation of leaders through unity and discipline—not internal fragmentation.

Criticizing Oli without strategic reason weakens the party and empowers adversaries. As long as Oli prioritizes national interests and rational governance, he deserves the party’s support—not unnecessary challenges.

For now, the question is not who will replace Oli, but how the party can become stronger under his leadership, ensuring a smooth and wise transition when the time is truly right.