According to computational neuroscientist Vivian Ming, excessive dependence on AI may reduce gamma wave activity in the brain, potentially leading to a decline in intellectual abilities. Our brains naturally seek easier pathways. Currently, AI simplifies numerous tasks for us, accomplishing processes that normally take a long time in mere moments. However, as this reliance increases, there is an ongoing academic debate about the possibility that humans could lose their creativity and intellectual identity. Undoubtedly, the use of AI has made daily life more convenient, but it also raises concerns about the gradual weakening of our thinking and comprehension skills.
Large language models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude have begun performing tasks that require cognitive effort, prompting serious warnings from some scientists. They argue that outsourcing intellectual work could come at a significant cost to humanity. Researcher Natalya Cosmina from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) observed unusual changes in student behavior. Internship applications began to appear strikingly similar, and students showed an increased tendency to forget information they had previously learned with ease.
Cosmina and her team conducted a study involving 54 students which revealed that those who wrote essays using AI exhibited up to 55% less brain activity compared to those who did not. The brain regions responsible for creativity and information processing were nearly inactive due to AI use. Even more alarming, students who completed essays with AI assistance could not recall what they had written afterward and felt no personal connection to their work. This research confirmed that cognitive offloading — transferring mental tasks to machines — diminishes brain capacity.
Computational neuroscientist Vivian Ming explains that logical and deep thinking is humanity’s greatest strength, but reliance on AI deprives the brain of adequate exercise. Studies have shown that reduced gamma wave activity increases the risk of intellectual decline or dementia later in life. AI has been identified as significantly impacting gamma wave activity. Just as excessive use of Google Maps can weaken an individual’s spatial memory, overusing AI may negatively affect reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Experts do not recommend banning AI entirely but advise changing the way it is utilized. Ming advocates for adopting hybrid intelligence, where humans and machines collaborate, but the main responsibility for thinking remains with people. She suggests several strategies: 1. Nemesis Prompt: Engaging AI as a critic or adversary, forcing it to argue why one’s ideas may be wrong, which helps defend one’s thoughts and encourages deeper thinking; 2. Productive Friction: Avoid letting AI provide direct answers, instead prompting it to ask questions that guide one towards the correct solution; 3. Foundational Education: Teaching basic knowledge of any subject independently of AI first, before seeking AI support afterward.
A 21-year-old youth, Sabin Nepali, residing in Hariharpurghadi Rural Municipality-8, Sindhuli, has been arrested by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Samakhusi. Sabin is accused of assaulting and robbing a person in Ramghat Alley, Neurod, on the 9th of Baisakh, and vandalizing the Global IME Bank ATM at Gongabu Checkpoint on the 10th of Baisakh.
He is currently facing a case under cybercrime, and it is known that he has served two months in a juvenile correctional facility. Additionally, he was arrested on the 22nd of Saun on theft charges and had escaped custody during the Janajati Rights Movement.
April 24, Kathmandu – Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on Friday that they successfully intercepted multiple projectiles launched from Lebanon. Meanwhile, alarms were sounded in the border area of Metula, indicating a potential threat. The IDF also reported via X that three ‘Hezbollah terrorists’ were killed after reportedly attempting to launch missiles at Israeli Air Force aircraft. In response, Hezbollah accused the IDF of conducting missile strikes within Lebanese territory. International media outlets have highlighted that both sides have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire in connection with these recent incidents.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has implemented the decision to operate public transportation to Dhading, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa only from the new bus park.
With operations starting from the new bus park, traffic congestion on the road from Gongabu Chowk to the new bus park is expected to decrease.
According to the Transport Office, nearly 2 million vehicles are currently operating in the Kathmandu Valley, causing challenges in traffic management.
April 24, Kathmandu – Public buses traveling to Dhading, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa have now started operating exclusively from the new bus park. Previously, these buses were parked and operated around Machapokhari and Balaju roads but have shifted their operations to the new bus park as of today.
Last Tuesday, a meeting chaired by Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Acting Chief Sunita Dangol and involving concerned authorities decided that all public transportation within Kathmandu would operate from the new bus park located in Gongabu.
Following the decision mandating that all public vehicles operate only from the new bus park within three days, buses heading to Dhading, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa have begun to use this facility starting today.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City established the new bus park in 1999 to manage public transportation entering the valley and provide parking facilities. While most buses heading to various districts have operated from this new bus park, vehicles bound for Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Dhading had been operating from parking areas near Machapokhari.
Although the national bus park occupies 161 ropani of land in Gongabu, Ward 26 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, buses to Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Dhading used routes from Machapokhari and Balaju near the park. Now, buses and microbuses using the Prithvi Highway, one of the main roads from Gongabu Chowk to the new bus park, will operate exclusively from the new bus park.
Drivers heading to Dhading, Rasuwa, and Nuwakot had long resisted moving their operations to the new bus park. Superintendent Nareshraj Suvedi, spokesperson for Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, stated that improper parking on roads has contributed significantly to traffic management problems in the valley.
He added that the difficulty in managing traffic increases when long-distance vehicles repeatedly enter and exit the ring road, and he expects traffic congestion around the ring road to reduce with the implementation of the metropolitan city’s decision.
Pankaj Malla, Human Resource Head at Lotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., which operates the new bus park, shared that separate tracks and ticket counters have been arranged specifically for public vehicles heading to Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Dhading.
According to the Transport Office, more than two million vehicles are currently operating within Kathmandu Valley. The increase in private and public vehicles throughout the capital and the country, without corresponding road expansions, has made traffic management increasingly challenging.
Married life is a blend of two different mindsets, cultures, and worldviews, requiring both emotional satisfaction and responsibility. In Nepal, marriage is not merely a personal decision but a deeply rooted social institution connected with family and society. Communication, trust, respect, and love form the essential foundations of a harmonious marital relationship, and maintaining these elements demands conscious effort. Marriage is one of the most sensitive, complex, and significant relationships in human life. It is not just the union of two individuals but an integration of distinct thoughts, cultures, experiences, expectations, and life perspectives. Although marriage appears as a stable institution, its inner structure is continuously evolving. Relationships transform over time, influenced by circumstances, social factors, economic conditions, and personal growth. Nowadays, marital bonds are not as fixed and certain as they once were. Individuals now hold independent thoughts, seek their identity, and desire emotional fulfillment alongside responsibilities. Therefore, conscious effort is essential to nurture a successful and harmonious marriage.
The history of marriage is intertwined with the development of human civilization. In early societies, marriage primarily served biological and economic purposes. People began practicing marriage to produce offspring, share labor, and protect property. However, this perception has shifted, and now alongside emotional satisfaction, self-respect, freedom, and personal identity are also sought after. In earlier times, spouses tended to fully support and dedicate themselves to each other, whereas today, there is an increased emphasis on maintaining self-respect and carving out “me time”—time for oneself. Over time, marriage has taken various forms: in ancient societies, it focused on family and clan continuity; in medieval times, it was linked to social status and political alliances; and in modern times, people associate marriage with love, intimacy, and personal fulfillment. In a society like Nepal, marriage remains deeply connected with traditions, customs, and social values. Here, marriage is not only an individual decision but also a familial and social one.
Marriage is considered crucial in human life for various reasons. Emotional support fulfills a fundamental human need for companionship. Marriage provides that emotional support. Emotional support is a vital foundation of married life because humans live not only with physical needs but also emotional ones. Every person needs someone in life who understands, accepts, and stands by them during difficult times. Marriage offers a secure and close relationship that meets this need, where individuals can freely express their happiness, sorrow, fears, insecurities, and expectations. During times of stress, failure, financial pressure, or family problems, even small gestures of companionship, attentive listening, and empathetic behavior from a spouse can significantly reduce mental burdens. Similarly, sharing joyful moments, appreciating small achievements, and taking pride in each other’s successes deepen and enrich the relationship.
A 27-year-old man from Phakphoktum Rural Municipality-6 in Ilam, Sujan Limbu, also known as Sushan Thegim Limbu, has been arrested by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office on charges of defrauding more than 40 women through social media platforms. According to SP Rameshwar Karki of the Crime Investigation Office, Sujan deceived women by pretending to be in love via WhatsApp and tricked them into paying taxes to receive parcels, resulting in financial fraud.
One woman filed a complaint accusing him of defrauding her of NPR 200,000. On Baisakh 11 (April 24), the suspect was apprehended in Kathmandu.
Reports indicate that Sujan contacted over 40 women via social media, feigning romantic interest. He convinced them that parcels were arriving and that tax payments were necessary at the airport to collect these parcels, exploiting this pretext to extort money.
Authorities have confirmed that this modus operandi was used repeatedly to deceive the victims.
New Diamond Youth Sports Club and Everest Volleyball Club achieved victories on Friday in the Red Bull 10th PM Cup NVA Women’s and Men’s Volleyball League 2083. Everest secured their first win by defeating the departmental team Nepal APF Club 3-1 in sets. The set scores were 25-20, 16-25, 25-17, and 25-16 in favor of Everest. Previously, in the opening match held on Thursday, Everest had lost to Nepal Police Club.
Similarly, New Diamond dominated their match on Friday by defeating Sudurpashchim Province decisively with set scores of 25-11, 25-3, and 25-1. This match took place at the Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor. Meanwhile, three matches are scheduled for the men’s category on Friday.
The Nepal Student Union (NSU), the student wing of the Nepali Congress, has urged the government to identify homeless populations using clear criteria and coordinate with local authorities to develop long-term solutions. The NSU criticized the government’s current plan to forcibly evict homeless communities in Kathmandu without providing alternative arrangements, describing it as a violation of basic human compassion. They emphasized that such actions disregard the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations living below the poverty line.
On April 24, in Kathmandu, the NSU spokesperson Suraj Sejuwal released a statement highlighting the need for a humane approach. “The government’s priority should not be forced eviction but rather the identification of homeless individuals based on clear standards, followed by a resettlement plan developed in coordination with local governments,” the statement said. “Otherwise, these measures will only deepen the existing problems, not resolve them.”
The NSU called upon the government to fully respect human rights and promptly devise fair, inclusive, and sustainable solutions. “Homeless and disadvantaged Nepali citizens living under the poverty line deserve the state’s protection and support the most. Evicting such individuals without providing alternative options is unacceptable under any circumstances,” the union stressed.
The government is preparing to clear squatter settlements in three locations of Kathmandu, with officials planning to temporarily relocate residents to three designated sites.
A team formed by security personnel and the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police conducted public announcements via loudspeakers in the Thapathali, Manhara, and Sinamangal squatter settlements until Friday evening, urging residents to vacate their homes.
Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Chief Vishnu Prasad Joshi stated this operation was conducted in accordance with a circular issued by the District Administration Office. Plans are underway to accommodate evicted individuals in locations such as various party halls.
However, a land rights activist warned that forcible relocation by the government without consultations could provoke resistance from the community.
Prime Minister Valendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen,’ had previously unveiled a 100-point plan which includes a phased approach to allocate land or integrated resettlement arrangements for landless squatters and those living in unplanned settlements.
Dipaa Dahal, press and research specialist at the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized that the government is taking this step with adequate preparation, aiming to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent squatters to ensure proper management of actual landless residents.
Public Announcements and Warnings Around Squatter Settlements
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shah directed heads of security agencies to clear structures encroaching on riverbanks, including public, government, and leased lands.
To implement these directives, the Kathmandu District Administration Office issued a six-point notice. Security forces and metropolitan police teams announced these notifications via loudspeakers in three squatter settlements across the capital on Thursday and Friday.
The notice stated that illegal residences must be vacated by 7 p.m. on Friday, with demolition operations commencing at 6 a.m. on Saturday to completely clear the encroached land.
It warned that anyone obstructing the process would face strict legal action. Those removed from the sites are to be relocated to various government-designated settlements equipped with basic minimum facilities.
Photo Source, Nepal Photo Library
In an interview, Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Chief Vishnu Prasad Joshi noted that public announcements were made in the three squatter areas, with some families already vacating their residences and others registering for temporary housing.
“The government is considering accommodating these individuals in various party halls. A final decision is expected by this afternoon,” he said.
According to officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs, decisions regarding the management of displaced persons will be made in a meeting scheduled for the afternoon at the Ministry of Urban Development.
The government stated that houses constructed without authorization on riverbank public, government, and leased lands have obstructed public access and essential infrastructure, prompting the order for clearance.
It also warned that defiance of maps and laws would result in coordinated enforcement and demolition operations by local administration, police, and the metropolitan municipality.
Activists’ Protests
Photo Source, Bhagwati Adhikari
Last month, a protest was held in Kathmandu opposing the campaign led by Prime Minister Shah to evict squatter settlements.
Land rights activist Bhagwati Adhikari told the crowd that the government advanced this initiative without community consultation and vowed to resist the move.
“In our assessment, the government is not responsible. We are protesting peacefully against this decision. Should bulldozers arrive tomorrow, it could lead to resistance and counter-actions,” she warned.
She also said the government made these decisions without discussion with the community and that a formal complaint was filed with the National Independent Party.
“The issue of where to relocate residents must be clearly addressed, involving coordination with local bodies and the community. A unilateral decision is unacceptable. We are engaging with leaders of the National Independent Party to convey our concerns.”
She added that efforts are ongoing to maintain regular contact with the party’s members of parliament representing the area.
Claims of Legal Violations
Human rights organization Amnesty International expressed concern that this move could render hundreds of families homeless.
Neerajan Thapaliya, Director of Amnesty International Nepal, stated in a press release that the government’s attempt to vacate squatter settlements within two days contravenes both domestic and international laws.
He termed this decision as a preparation for “forced eviction.”
The National Independent Party’s electoral manifesto promises to establish a high-level National Land Rights Authority empowered to distinguish genuine landless and fake squatters through satellite mapping and digital biometric verification.
It commits to constructing integrated, facility-equipped model settlements to provide permanent housing and land ownership (land title certificates) for genuine landless people.
Prime Minister’s Office Response
Photo Source, EPA
Dipaa Dahal, press and research advisor to Prime Minister Valendra Shah, reiterated that the government took the decision with thorough preparation.
“The government has acted with restraint and security. Genuine and fake squatters will be identified, and real landless persons will be appropriately managed,” she affirmed.
The District Administration Office notice mentions preparations to provide adequate housing for the landless within 10–15 days.
Officials noted that the Ministry of Urban Development is managing temporary housing arrangements immediately, while the Ministry of Land Reform will oversee the management of actual landless people after cost recovery.
According to previous reports by the Land Problem Resolution Commission, over 2,500 landless squatter households reside in the Kathmandu Valley, including temporary settlements.
Land rights activists claim there may be approximately 5,000 landless squatter and temporary households in Kathmandu. Government officials suspect that many may actually have land and that further investigation is necessary.
When Shah was previously mayor of Kathmandu, he attempted to clear squatter settlements along riverbanks; this led to clashes in Thapathali, with then-Prime Minister KP Oli expressing opposition.
After attaining power, Shah pledged to digitally document squatters and irregular settlers within 60 days and resolve the landless squatter issue within 1,000 days.
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The police have removed the ticket counters in the Machhapokhari area for buses heading to Dhading and Nuwakot. From now on, these buses will operate exclusively from the new bus park. The metropolitan city has mandated that all public buses departing the valley must do so from within the bus park, prohibiting operations from any other locations. Kathmandu, 11 Baisakh.
According to the Metropolitan Traffic Police, buses and microbuses traveling from Machhapokhari to Dhading and Nuwakot have been removed starting today. These vehicles will only operate from the new bus park. Similarly, ticket counters around the busy Mall area have also been removed by police. The metropolitan city has enforced a rule requiring all public transport buses leaving the valley to depart solely from the new bus park, and the traffic police are making the necessary arrangements accordingly.
Prem Tamang, 33, from Likhu Rural Municipality-5 in Ramechhap, has been arrested by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. On October 7, 2020, Tamang fatally stabbed 65-year-old Chandrabahadur Yonzon in Changunarayan Municipality-8, Bhaktapur. The police reported that after the murder, he also stole some belongings. Prem Tamang was sentenced to life imprisonment on September 6, 2021. During the Janajati Movement, he escaped from Sundhara Prison. He was recently apprehended from Miter Park. According to SP Rameshwar Karki of the Crime Investigation Office, Tamang has been sent back to Sundhara Prison.
Kathmandu – Starting Friday, the Nepali film ‘Paralko Ago’ and the Hollywood movie ‘Michael’ have been released nationwide in theaters. Both films have been highly anticipated by audiences. The 133-minute Nepali film ‘Paralko Ago’ is based on the renowned story of the same name by Gurup Prasad Mainali. Directed by Laxman Sunar, it stars Suhana Thapa, Saugat Malla, Prakash Saput, and Sirjana Adhikari in leading roles. The film explores themes of family and married life, making it particularly appealing to family audiences. If you have previously read the story ‘Paralko Ago’, you may enjoy its cinematic adaptation.
Meanwhile, the Hollywood film ‘Michael,’ which also premiered Friday, is based on the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The movie chronicles his journey from childhood to superstardom. The narrative begins in the 1960s with the Jackson Five group, where a young Michael is compelled to practice music under the strict discipline of his father. Amid challenges, his extraordinary talent emerges, and gradually he establishes himself as a solo artist. He gained worldwide popularity with albums such as ‘Off the Wall,’ ‘Thriller,’ and ‘Bad,’ earning the title ‘King of Pop.’ The film focuses on his rise to fame, complex family relationships, and relentless pursuit of excellence as an artist. The storyline primarily concludes during the peak of the 1980s, particularly around the ‘Bad Tour.’ This biographical musical drama is directed by Antonio Fucó and stars Michael’s nephew, Jafar Jackson, in the lead role.
Former acting president of Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has called for a group meeting on 15th Baisakh.
The meeting is set to be held at Hotel Smart in Dhumbarahi, inviting office bearers elected at the 14th general convention, central members, district presidents, and regional presidents.
After the Supreme Court dismissed a writ petition regarding the party’s official status, Khadka held a meeting with former central members on 6th Baisakh.
11th Baisakh, Kathmandu – Former acting president of Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has convened a group meeting scheduled for 15th Baisakh.
According to a central member close to Khadka, the gathering includes office bearers elected at the 14th general convention, central members, district chairs, and regional chairs. The meeting will be held at Hotel Smart in Dhumbarahi.
Khadka’s secretariat has confirmed the call for the group meeting. According to the secretariat, Khadka called the meeting after the 6th Baisakh gathering.
Following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the writ petition concerning the party’s official status, Khadka held a meeting in Dhumbarahi with former central members on 6th Baisakh. Prior to this, he had consulted with senior leaders at his residence in Golfutar the previous day.
On the same day, party president Gagan Thapa visited Khadka at his Golfutar residence. As of now, no public details have been disclosed regarding their discussions.
According to Congress General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire, the meeting between President Thapa and former acting president Khadka was a courtesy visit. “It was limited to a courtesy meeting only,” he said.
April 24, Kathmandu – The Nepal Medical Council has removed the names of 17 Nepali doctors who obtained foreign citizenship from its official registration records. The council stated that this decision was taken in accordance with the Nepal Medical Council Act, its regulations, and the Nepal Citizenship Act. Since these doctors have renounced their Nepali citizenship and acquired foreign passports, their names were consequently deleted from the registration list. The doctors involved hold citizenship from countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Portugal, and India.
Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, has expressed serious concerns regarding the suspension of the parliamentary session. Following President Ramchandra Paudel’s call, the parliament was suspended within 24 hours on the government’s recommendation, raising doubts about the possibility of issuing ordinances during this period. General Secretary Paudel has urged the government to uphold the dignity of the democratically elected institution and proceed with transparency.
Kathmandu, 11 Baisakh – Commenting on the suspension of the parliamentary session, General Secretary Paudel said, “This incident has raised suspicions that the government, despite having a strong majority, is attempting to bypass the parliament’s trust and transparency in policy-making by resorting to the ordinance route.” He questioned why the government’s political confidence appears diminished despite having an easy parliamentary arithmetic and favorable political circumstances.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency in democratic processes and procedures, General Secretary Paudel noted that seeking outcomes by violating procedures undermines both practice and dignity. He stated, “Therefore, I request the government to elevate the dignity of the democratically elected institution and to move forward transparently with full trust in the honorable parliament.”
