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The government is all set to run the National Vitamin 'A' Campaign for children from the second week of April. Director at Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Service Dr Bibek Kumar lal said that vitamin 'A' and de-worming tablets would be administered to the children across the country on April 19-20. According to him, vitamin 'A' capsules would be administered to the children from six to 59 months and de-worming tablets to the children from 1-5 years. The Division has issued a circular to the province and local level to lend support to make the campaign a success.

Police have arrested an Indian national with 3 kg cocaine from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). A team of Narcotics Bureau apprehended the Indian national while he was leaving for New Delhi on an Indigo Air flight on Tuesday. A police source said that the Indian national was detained after the x-ray machine of the departure room detected the cocaine. The Indian national has been identified as Bhanlalmi. The Narcotics Control Bureau is organizing a press conference at 2 pm today to inform about the incident.

The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has urged visitors to the temple not to carry plastic materials, bearing in mind the increasing environmental pollution around the temple area. The Trust today issued a notice informing the public about its decision to ban plastic materials on the temple premises from today, citing it as a major cause of increasing pollution in the temple area. It has sought the cooperation from all to implement the decision. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation's three-month long weekly cleanliness campaign is underway in the Pashupati area.  

Nayan Raj Pandey is a well-known writer who has made a significant contribution to Nepali literature. He has written several noteworthy books like ‘Ular’, ‘Ghamkiri’, ‘Loo’, and ‘Sallipir’, which explore themes like love, loss, and relationships. His writing style is descriptive, and reflects on the nuances of Nepali culture and society. Parusha Khadka from ApEx talks to Pandey about what goes on behind the writing process. What’s the story behind you being a writer? From a young age, I loved to read. I would spend most of my time reading books in the library. As I grew older, I realized that my love for literature was not just limited to reading. I wanted to be a writer. In fact, I was so inspired by the power of language and storytelling that I even sent poems to Radio Nepal, hoping to share my work with a wider audience. Also, I wouldn’t be the person I’m right now without my family’s support. Several relatives of mine come from the same background, and they have played a major role in nurturing my creativity and supporting my literary aspirations, for which I’m extremely grateful. What is your writing process like?  I have come to realize that I’m most productive in the afternoon, when the sun is shining and the day is well underway. I prefer to write on my laptop, which allows me to easily edit and revise my work. I try not to work during the night time, as I’m more creative and focused when I’m well-rested. Like every other writer, I presume, I look for a peaceful environment to write, where I can concentrate well and let my imagination run wild. Sometimes, I can write for 12 hours straight without taking a break. Sometimes, I get writers’ block, in which case I take some time off to relax and refresh my mind. What do you think is the most challenging part of writing? I have always challenged myself and pushed the boundaries of what’s expected in storytelling. I strive to create unique and original tales that stand out. This often means thinking outside of the box and exploring new/creative avenues that others might not have considered. As good as the idea seems, its execution is equally difficult. One of the biggest challenges I face is while developing characters that are not just relatable, but also distinct and memorable. I believe strong characters are the foundation of any great story, and I put a lot of effort into creating complex, nuanced, and at the same time, authentic individuals. Also, I think that storyline itself should be the driving force behind any writing. By developing a narrative that is compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking, I hope to create a work that not only entertains but also resonates with my audience on a deeper level. Among your own books/writings, do you have a favorite? I consider all my books to be like my children, and it’s difficult for me to choose just one. I believe that all of them have equal importance and value. Each one has a story to tell and a message to share, and I’m grateful for the opportunity I received to share them publicly. Whether a book is read by thousands or just a handful of people, the act of writing and storytelling is a meaningful and rewarding experience that I will always treasure. Are you working on anything at the moment? I will be publishing a novel soon. Since I’m always looking forward to pushing myself to do better, writing this novel is not going to be easy. But, I also know that nothing makes me happier than being able to do something new and create something different. I’m prepared to work hard and bring this book to life. What message do you have for readers looking to explore Nepali literature? For readers who are looking to explore Nepali literature, I would recommend them to start with novellas, or short stories. This will help them understand the themes and styles of Nepali literature. It will also help them find authors whose work resonates with them. I would also recommend readers to explore non-fiction on Nepali society and culture. Also, engage with authors on social media. Readers’ feedback is valuable, and works as an encouragement for every writer. Pandey’s Picks  Tyas Bakhat Ko Nepal by Sardar Bhim Bahadur Pande This book by Sardar Bhim Bahadur Pande contains stories heard/experienced by people during the last three decades of the Rana regime in Nepal. Modiaain by BP Koirala This is a novella written by BP Koirala where a mother narrates the story of Mahabharata to her son, from a woman’s perspective. It’s based on Hindu mythology and the analysis of Bhagavad Gita. Sipahiki Swasni by Mahesh Bikram Shah Sipahiki Swasni by Mahesh Bikram Shah depicts the story of a soldier’s wife. It’s set against the backdrop of the 10-year-long armed conflict in Nepal.