Stay Informed

Bini Dahal

Reading the news is both an important skill and an essential habit today. The rising prevalence of social media and the availability of instant news updates have certainly kept us informed. However, the consumption of this bite-sized news does not exactly help in strengthening our knowledge base, vocabulary or our ability to critically analyse and link matters. It is through full-length articles and opinions that we are able to reap these benefits.

This is precisely why competitive exams, particularly those for government positions, emphasise the importance of daily newspaper reading for aspirants. Staying up-to-date with current affairs not only sets us apart from the crowd but also equips us with robust writing skills. Recognising the multitude of benefits, I have committed myself to reading at least two newspapers, one in English and the other in Nepali. 

And it is a fruitful yet a challenging task. I have realised I now can hold conversations on most of the matters, be it domestic or international. But on the flip side, I seem to have developed a growing sense of disappointment and frustration towards the system and the society. Each time I begin reading a newspaper, a question arises: How come newspapers have nothing positive to talk about? 

Corruption cases seem to have erupted like active volcanoes in the country. The investigating authority is placing a number of government officials under its radar to investigate corruption incidences. The economy is in tatters and the country is seeing a mass exodus of youths. 

The medical health practitioners are suffering from physical assaults and have come on the street to protest. Teachers are protesting against the Educational Bill. The protest among individuals belonging to different religious groups seems to be a problematic development. In the far-west, earthquakes and aftershocks are causing suffering for the people. Overall, the governance system seems to be in a questionable position and the idea of good governance quite unattainable.

Reading these news items can be actually very draining and frustrating. While I can now share information about what's happening, it often revolves around negative or adverse events. The overall outlook appears rather discouraging. As another morning dawns, my daily routine requires that I must read the newspapers. However, I find myself in a dilemma, questioning whether I should completely abstain from consuming any news at all. I am forced to remember the phrase “No news is good news”. The concept is that sometimes, it seems more rational to remain uninformed rather than immersing myself in the vast sea of information.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognise that these news reports serve as a reminder not to ignore pressing issues. Problems demand our attention and action, whether from the government, local authorities, policymakers, lawmakers, the general public, or other concerned stakeholders. For instance, authorities and policymakers must pause to consider how to enhance the current conditions for healthcare professionals like doctors.

It falls on us to transform unfavourable situations into better ones and ensure that society and the country progress in the right direction. Hopefully, we will hear news of improved situations and conditions. However, achieving this will require significant effort, seriousness, and commitment from the relevant authorities and stakeholders. Therefore, even if we are compelled to consume negative news, staying informed remains a vital necessity.