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The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 70.81 points to close at 2,931.65 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 10.56 points to close at 512. 47 points.

A total of 64,876,217-unit shares of 339 companies were traded for Rs 27. 24 billion.

Meanwhile, SuryaJyoti Life Insurance Company Limited (SJLIC), Himalayan Life Insurance Limited (HLI), Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI), RASUWAGADHI HYDROPOWER COMPANY LIMITED (RHPL) and Swet-Ganga Hydropower & Construction Limited (SGHC) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 65 trillion.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is on a two-day official visit to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar on Monday.

Various aspects of bilateral relations as well as economic and development assistance and projects among others were discussed in the meeting.

On the occasion, Minister Rana through visiting Foreign Secretary Misri raised the issue of the availability of more air routes to Nepal to increase Nepal-India 'air connectivity' with India.

She also urged India to take initiatives to establish a laboratory for testing the quality of vegetables and fruits imported through the border areas of Nepal and India.

Minister Rana also raised the issue of taking the remaining works of Pancheshwor Project ahead in the meeting.

Similarly, she through Foreign Secretary Misri also urged India to provide necessary help to release water of  Tanakpur Dam into the canal and to control and reduce the risk of floods in Bandganga, Khando and Rapti rivers.

Minister Rana also raised the issue of inaugurating the bridge of Darchula.

Sher also discussed the issues of giving continuity to the dialogue on trade and transportation.

The minister thanked the India government for its support in rescuing and providing relief to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot.

The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal on Sunday.

Visiting Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel at the latter's office in Singha Durbar today.

On the occasion, they discussed various topics, including economic and development cooperation, expediting the construction of ongoing projects and the mutual relations between the two countries.

The Indian Foreign Secretary arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday in the course of a two-day visit to Nepal at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal.

Foreign Secretary Misri paid separate courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday itself.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 148, 700 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 148, 800 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 148, 000 per tola.

Meanwhile, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,715 per tola today.

Eight persons have taken ill after consuming wild mushrooms in Gulmi on Sunday.

Seven members of a family and a relative have fallen sick after consuming toxic mushrooms.

The District Police Office, Gulmi informed that a total of eight persons—seven members of a family of Top Bahadur Thapa of Khanigaun, Resunga Municipality-8, and his relative have taken ill.

Top Bahadur Thapa (65), his wife Dil Kumari (62), son Bikash Thapa (29), grand-daughters Dipadika Thapa (10), Binisha Thapa (12), daughter Srijana Kaucha (42) and Gita Thapa (39) have fallen sick, Inspector Ram Kumar KC of the District Police Office, Gulmi said.

Tom Bahadur Thapa's elder son-in-law, Osan Kaucha, had brought the mushroom from Resunga Community Forest on Sunday afternoon.

They fell sick soon after eating the mushroom, police informed.

They have been taken to the Lumbini Medical College for further treatment following primary treatment at the Gulmi Hospital.

Police said that their condition is normal.

Devotees are seen thronging the Pashupatinath and other Lord Shiva temples across the country since early this morning.

Devotees have flocked to the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu since early morning. Many devotees throng the Pashupatinath temple as the month of Shrawan and Monday are specials for offering worship to the Lord Shiva.

According to the Pashupati Area Development Trust, arrangements have been made for the devotees and Bol Bum revelers to easily worship at the temple.

It has been learnt that security, volunteer mobilization, worship management, health camp, drinking water and other arrangements have been made for the devotees and visitors.

Similarly, devotees have been taking holy dips and offering prayers at Pashupatinath, Gokarneshwor, Santaneshwor, Doleshwor, Kirateswor, Bhaleshwor, Sanga (Kavrepalanchowk), Devghat (Tanahun) and Galeshwor (Myagdi) since early this morning.

The word “toxic” has recently become a social media buzzword. While the term may be trending, toxic personalities and their ability to create dysfunctional relationships have been a persistent issue. Recognizing these toxic traits and knowing when to say "goodbye" is crucial. But how can we tell if we're dealing with a truly toxic person or just someone who’s occasionally difficult?

It's no secret that toxic people are a serious problem. They can hijack our self-esteem, disrupt our mood, stress us out, make us question our sanity, distance us from healthy relationships, and drain our mental and emotional energy faster than a phone battery at 1%.

The quality of our relationships is one of the most significant factors in our health, happiness, and success. The healthier our relationships, the healthier our lives. Conversely, problematic people can create problematic lives. Whether it's a dysfunctional friend or a difficult partner, their toxicity likely affects us to the point where it may even trigger toxic responses within ourselves.

Spotting a toxic relationship

We all have an instinct for recognizing difficult personalities, but when does someone's behavior cross the line from merely annoying to genuinely toxic? Toxicity can be somewhat subjective—everyone has different tolerance levels and values regarding conflict and loyalty. However, there are clear signs that a person or relationship has become objectively toxic and needs to be addressed.

It's also important to remember that there's a difference between toxicity and dysfunction. The word "toxic" is often used casually these days, but conflict doesn't automatically equate to toxicity. Problematic behavior isn’t always poisonous, self-interest isn't always predatory, fighting isn't always hurtful, and being challenged isn't always manipulative.

For example, a friend who challenges your opinion, a partner who refuses to validate your behavior, a peer with a different worldview, or a family member who questions your life choices—these people aren't necessarily toxic, even if they occasionally come across as tough or overbearing.

Five clear signs of a toxic person

1. They disrespect your boundaries

Toxic people see boundaries like a challenge on a reality TV show as if it’s there to be tested and crossed upon. They see the firm “no” as an invitation to turn up the drama. The thought of not having access to you is intolerable, and they’ll fight tooth and nail to keep the connection.

2. They are manipulative

Toxic people are grandmasters of manipulation. They’re not interested in mutual respect or love; they’re in it for power, control, and their own gratification. If you ever feel like a pawn in someone else’s game, it’s a clear sign to trust those gut feelings and cut them loose.

3. They always have to be right

For toxic people, admitting they are wrong is like Superman being exposed to kryptonite, it’ll make them weak. They will do everything in their power to twist your words and shift blame. Arguing with them is pointless, they are never wrong. They are always one step ahead to point out others’ mistakes while ignoring their own. 

4. They are always the victim

Toxic people love playing the victim card. Instead of owning up to their part in a setback, they shift into self-pity mode to gain sympathy and avoid accountability. If someone is constantly shifting the blame and seeking validation, they’re likely a toxic presence.

5. They leave you feeling drained

The ultimate sign of spotting a toxic person is to pay attention to that ‘icky’ feeling. It is your body’s way of telling you something is off. If you consistently feel exhausted after being around someone, it is high time to cut ties for the sake of your own well-being.

Occasional turbulence on a flight doesn’t mean we need to jump out with a parachute, but if the plane is perpetually on fire, It is time to find the nearest exit. So, the next time we find ourselves entangled with someone who disrespects our boundaries, manipulates like a puppeteer, always plays the victim card, or leaves us feeling like a deflated balloon, know that it is time to cut them off. Life is too short to be spent walking on eggshells or in the company of people who dim our light.

Aishwarya Koirala

BA IIIrd Year

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel on Sunday.

Various issues of bilateral relations were discussed in the meeting held today at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, the Office of the President's Office said.

On the occasion, President Paudel said that Nepal and India should work together to reduce the impact of climate change.

"Since the safety of the mountains and water depends on the safety of mankind, it is necessary for both countries to work together to reduce the effects of climate change", said President Paudel's press advisor Kiran Pokharel.

President Paudel mentioned that Nepal and India have centuries-old bilateral relations and it will further be strengthened during the tenure of Secretary Misri.

President Paudel thinks that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries should be strengthened for mutual benefit and prosperity.

His press advisor Pokharel said that modernization of agriculture, infrastructure development, hydropower, trade, investment, tourism and human resource development are the priorities of Nepal.

President Paudel mentioned that Nepal has a huge potential for hydropower development, sustainable and easy energy trade.

On the occasion, Indian Foreign Secretary Misri expressed his commitment to work together on the issue of reducing the effects of climate change as it is a challenge for both countries.

He said that India is also willing to work on the priority of Nepal, such as energy, agriculture, and tourism, among the many priorities of the Nepal government. He also informed that India is willing to work in new and priority areas by completing the ongoing projects as soon as possible.