The government's policy and intention to close social media

 The government's policy and intention to close social media

Many of our ruling parties feel that they came to power forever

Why did the government initially consider the option of banning while regulating? This must be reviewed within the ruling coalition, the Congress-UML. Social media companies should also take the initiative to protect the personal rights of ordinary users while addressing the interests of Nepal.

The government's decision to register social media, or else regulate or close it, has basically taken two legal bases. One, the Directive 2080 on Regulating the Use of Social Media. Two, the latest order of the Supreme Court.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has already directed the Telecommunication Authority to close 26 social media networks, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, based on these two legal bases.

Internet service providers will probably implement the authority's letter by tomorrow, Friday evening. After that, most of the social media networks that are running like parts of our own bodies will no longer be active. Only a few networks, including Viber and TikTok, will be options.

While Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of UML, was giving the directive, his own party MP and former Minister for Communications Gokul Baskota was heard to sarcastically say, ‘The government has started preparing to make North Korea.’

Communists often like to exaggerate. We do not think that the country will become North Korea if the above-mentioned networks are shut down. This is the interesting and strange aspect of Nepal’s politics, that rivals form the government together. And then an opposition is born from within the party.

If we analyze former Minister Baskota’s comments outside the power struggle within UML, there is certainly a fear that civil liberties will be compromised under the pretext of binding networks within the legal system.

A common question that can be raised about network operators, including Facebook, is that they do not have to register and be regulated according to the laws prevailing there in various other countries, let alone register in Nepal, let alone even give a proper answer? Isn't it necessary for multinational companies that operate smoothly in Nepal to be registered in accordance with the rules? Or do these companies consider themselves above the country itself?

Many in power, including him, are not happy that social media users who once praised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli day and night are now being criticized.

Companies such as Meta should enter into effective dialogue to be included in Nepal's legal system and registered. They should also take the initiative to protect the personal rights of ordinary users by addressing Nepal's concerns.

This is necessary because the style of network operators who deprive themselves of financial benefits by deriving income from the content of Nepali network users and even content creators is not logical. Since such social media platforms are not tied to the formal tax system, money is being smuggled through illegal channels. They should consider this aspect themselves.

But when considering these aspects, our question is not only aimed at network operators. The government of our country, which is faced with the responsibility of implementing the Directive 2080 on the systematic use of social media and the latest mandate of the Supreme Court, is not the only one. The more important responsibility is to protect and implement the nation's constitution, which must fully respect the freedom and privacy of citizens. And even the interpretations of the court cannot deviate from the original spirit of the constitution.

If we listen to the views of Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, he seems to be as tolerant of the different opinions of citizens as he seems to be towards Meta and other network operators. Otherwise, instead of repeatedly issuing information, he would have adopted digital diplomacy through another effective channel by now.

Let us remember that many in power, including him, do not like the fact that social media users who once praised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli day and night are now criticizing him.

Many of our rulers feel that they have come to power forever. The momentary lust for power makes them addicted to the level of blindness. What needs to be kept in mind is that at the moment, the Maoist Center is in opposition and is opposing the government's move. Whereas earlier, when the government took a similar step to ban TikTok, Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the Prime Minister, and Rekha Sharma was the Minister of Communications.

Be it the press or social media - the voice of the citizen is dominant there. The mobile phones in the pockets are each person's mouthpiece. Not everyone's voice reaches the media. Some entrepreneurs here need Facebook, Twitter (X) not only to run the media, but also to promote the activities of the Prime Minister himself.

We press workers edit the content, and then publish it. On social media, sometimes it reaches a level of indiscriminateness. Some of the fake ID holders do not only express themselves freely, they also do character assassination. Even though organizations such as Meta have created community guidelines, it is not uncommon to worry about where the flood of unedited content will lead society. That concern is not only of the state, but also of the citizens.

But the content should be moderated within 24 hours of the letter being sent to the police showing this. Why promote the authoritarian trend of "take it or leave it"? Why make the government unnaturally stronger than the citizens by showing Meta or another company? What bravery is there in silencing the voices of the citizens who elect the government!

There is no reason for social media platforms to be forced to meet certain standards of the state. Their method of taking everything they can from the state and giving nothing to the state is not right.

Gurung's speech and behavior in the process of regulating social media, starting from the Media Council Bill, advocates for freedom of expression directed by the government. What Prime Minister Oli himself should consider is that the question here is not only about Meta and other big technology companies, but about those common people, some of whom cannot read or write.

They have not been able to connect with the government's goal of declaring a fully literate nation. They connect with their children and grandchildren abroad through video calls just by seeing pictures on Facebook or WhatsApp. They run small retail businesses.

We do not have our own social media. There are internationally established platforms, which are run by common people. Some of the government's mechanisms, their emails, etc. are connected. Why did the government initially consider the option of banning them while regulating? This must be reviewed within the ruling coalition, the Congress-UML.

There is no reason for social media platforms to be forced to meet certain standards set by the state. Their method of taking everything they can from the state and giving nothing to the state is not right. It is the government's responsibility to bring them into dialogue through technology diplomacy and regulate those who do not. This responsibility cannot be fulfilled by simply posting information on the wall. There are many technology enthusiasts in this country. It is better to ask elected representatives among them to communicate with the relevant companies!

Facebook is starting to shut down

 Facebook is starting to shut down

Ncell, World Link and Nepal Telecom shut down Facebook

World Link CEO Keshav Nepal informed that Facebook has been shut down as per the government's directive.

The social networking platform Facebook has started to shut down in Nepal. Internet service provider company World Link has shut down Facebook a while ago.

Now, Facebook has stopped working from World Link's IP address. World Link CEO Keshav Nepal informed that Facebook has been shut down as per the government's directive.

Internet Service Providers Association President Sudhir Parajuli said that the process has started and it will take some time for all internet providers to shut down.

'The process of shutting down social networks has moved forward as per the directive from the government. The extensions are being shut down,' he said.

In accordance with the same government directive, Nepal Telecom has also shut down social networking platforms that are operating without registration. Telecom issued a notice on Thursday, stating that it has closed the unregistered platforms as per the directives of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.

‘The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has written to this company to deactivate the unlisted social media platforms operating in Nepal in accordance with the order of the Honorable Supreme Court, the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal, the decision of the ministerial meeting of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Directive to regulate the use of social media, 2080, through its letter dated 2082/05/19, Ch. No. 597, and accordingly, we request you to provide information on the details of the closure of such social media platforms for the time being,’ Telecom said.

The matter of re-opening the closed platforms will be as per the directives received from the authority in the coming days.

Similarly, Ncell had stated that it has closed the social media platforms including Facebook that were operating without registration.

Earlier, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority had directed the Internet Service Providers Association to close 26 social media platforms based on the Supreme Court order, the decision of the Cabinet of the Government of Nepal on Bhadra 5, the ministerial decision of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology held today (Thursday), and the Directive on Managing the Use of Social Media, 2080.

The government had also decided to close the social media platforms Facebook, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, Meebee, VK, Line, Emo, Jalo, Soul and Hamro Patro.

The government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had brought social media regulatory guidelines on 23 Kartik 2080, including making arrangements for social media to be registered and have a contact point in Nepal.

Immediately on 27 Kartik, the Cabinet meeting decided to ban TikTok, saying that it was spreading social hatred and violating social dignity.

In which countries is Facebook registered?

The Supreme Court has mentioned in its decision that 105 laws have been formulated in 78 countries to regulate social media. Although the models for regulating social media are different, we find that many countries have implemented the system of legally registering and establishing an office or appointing a resident representative, as in Nepal.

Talking about South Asia, social media including Facebook are already registered and operating in India. Contact persons have been appointed to hear local complaints and address them. There is no mandatory provision for the contact person to be within India. He or she must hear the complaints of users within India, regardless of where he or she lives.

Pakistan's rules also require social media companies like Facebook and Twitter to set up local offices. Similarly, Facebook has opened its liaison office in Tel Aviv, Israel.

In India, Facebook has opened its liaison offices in Gurgaon and three other states.

Are there elderly people who take regular medicines at home? 5 things to pay attention to

 Are there elderly people who take regular medicines at home? 5 things to pay attention to

Diabetes, cataracts, high blood pressure, arthritis and mental problems can appear in old age and advice from a psychiatrist should be sought.

Keep medicines in a safe place, make a list of medicines, double check to avoid taking the wrong medicines and follow the doctor's instructions.

With increasing age, various diseases take hold in the body. The body becomes weak. Problems such as diabetes, cataracts, high blood pressure, hearing loss, heart disease, joint pain and arthritis can appear. Similarly, mental problems such as depression, dementia, sleep problems, etc. can appear.

Old age is a stage of life. There is a possibility of getting diseases in this state. Many things have been neglected due to urbanization. In such a situation, people do not respond properly to the elderly and try to stay away from them.

Due to this, the elderly also fall into depression. In old age, advice from a psychiatrist should be sought so that these diseases do not harm the body. Then the long list of medications begins. Sometimes some medications have to be taken for life. However, with advancing age, caution should be exercised when taking medications, otherwise they may cause harm instead of benefit. According to many studies, many people over the age of 65 are dependent on medications. Therefore, medication management is very important.

How to pay attention to the elderly's medications?

1. Keep all medications and vitamins in one place

If the medications are kept in different places, it is much easier for the elderly in the house to keep them in one place. Sometimes there may be no other members in the house, in which case the elderly can take the medication themselves. However, if the medications are kept in different places, the elderly may forget to take some medications.

For example, some people keep some pills in the kitchen, while others keep them by the bed or in other places. But many medications have to be taken at the same time. In such a situation, they may be missed due to the medications being kept in different places. Which may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, it is important to understand well with the doctor which medicine to take and when. Negligence in time or dosage can put you at greater risk. If the elderly take their own medication, set a reminder on their mobile phone.

2. Keep the medication in a safe place

In general, medications should be stored in a cool and dry place. This means that they should be stored carefully. Otherwise, cold and sunlight can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Medications should be stored out of reach of children or pets. Follow the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for medications that need to be stored in a special place.

3. Create and maintain a medication list

To avoid negative drug interactions, it is important for the elderly to know what regular medications they are taking. Therefore, an up-to-date list of their medications, vitamins, and supplements should be kept.

The name of the medication should be kept, and the condition it is used for. It is helpful to note how many times a day they take the medication or use it. It is important to keep track of whether the elderly are taking each medication prescribed by the doctor correctly.

It is important to know whether the medication is for short-term or long-term use. You should also pay attention to the expiration date of the medication and to ensure that the elderly do not take any medication repeatedly.

4. Double-check to avoid taking the wrong medication

Some elderly people are taking multiple medications, vitamins, or supplements. In such cases, you should be careful not to take any other wrong medication. Use an online drug interaction checker to avoid any interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

5. Make sure the medication instructions are clear

It is important to follow the doctor's instructions with the medication. If this is not followed, the medication may not work properly. Therefore, it is important to follow what the doctor says. This reduces the risk of negative drug interactions and side effects.

Elderly people should understand which medications are safe to take at the same time. Some medications need to be taken with food before taking them, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach. If there is any uncertainty, you should seek clarification and detailed instructions from your doctor.

6 Health Benefits of Giving Up Fried Foods

 6 Health Benefits of Giving Up Fried Foods

Trans fats and high calories in fried foods increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Giving up fried foods helps you lose unnecessary weight and improves heart health.

Giving up fried foods improves your digestive system and makes your skin healthy and glowing.

Recently, people are increasingly reluctant to compromise on their taste. It is difficult to resist when you see stalls of various delicious fried foods in the market. When you want to eat something spicy, spicy, or hot at home, fried foods like samosas, pakodas, chips, and French fries are the ones of choice.

These fried foods have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, scientific studies have provided a lot of evidence about their negative health effects. For example, fried foods contain trans fats, saturated fats, and high calories, which increase problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

If we completely eliminate these foods from our diet, positive changes occur in the body, which improves mental and physical health and also keeps the skin healthy.

1. Unnecessary weight loss

Fried foods are high in fat, which accumulates unnecessary calories in the body and increases weight. These foods are full of high calories and trans fats, which increase the risk of obesity. If fried foods are regularly avoided, calorie intake decreases. The body starts using the stored fat as energy. This also reduces other problems related to obesity, such as joint pain and fatigue.

2. Reduced risk of heart disease

Fried foods are rich in trans fats and saturated fats, which increase bad cholesterol in the body and reduce good cholesterol. This increases the risk of high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease. If fried foods are completely eliminated, heart health improves, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

3. Relieves oxidative stress

Fried/fried foods accumulate unhealthy fats and oxidative compounds in the body, which damage cells and increase stress. This increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cancer and arthritis. Fried foods cause obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and intestinal problems. When these foods are avoided, the body's damaged cell repair process is better.

4. Improves the digestive system

Fried foods are difficult to digest, which leads to acidity, constipation, gas and intestinal problems. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these foods increase reflux and bloating. Fried foods cause discomfort to those with irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux. When these foods are avoided, the digestive system functions better, nutrients are absorbed better and the balance of intestinal bacteria is improved. This leads to overall health benefits, such as improving mood when you give up fast food.

5. Healthy and glowing skin

Many fried foods increase acne, rashes and oily skin problems. They also show signs of premature aging. When you give up fried foods, the natural glow of the skin returns and the effects of aging appear later. This also increases confidence.

6. Reduces the risk of diabetes and improves lipid profile

Fried foods are high in unsaturated and trans fats, which negatively affect blood lipid levels and increase the risk of diabetes. Fried foods increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. When their intake is reduced, the lipid profile improves, blood sugar levels are controlled and the risk of diabetes decreases. Regular consumption of fried foods increases the risk of chronic diseases, but when you give up, the risk of heart disease and diabetes decreases.