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Santiago fell in love with the merchant’s daughter 

But as for this dream, needed to be slaughter 

Something great was destined by the universe 

He wondered as if his life was nothing but a curse 

On his way, he had to cross lots of hurdle 

And win the game, slowly like a turtle 

After a long journey, he finally got his treasure 

And Fatima, then everything got filled with pleasure

Shakshi Ojha

Grade XI

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

With today’s breakneck pace of the world, the phrase ‘worry less, live more’ sounds no less than a distant dream; worry has become our constant companion. As per Elena makovac.et.al in the verbal nature of worry in generalized anxiety: insights from the brain, “worry describes repetitive thoughts about potentially negative events in the future”. These negative thoughts often lead to restlessness and overwhelming feelings which have a direct impact on our day to day living. The endless news updates, social media notifications, and deadlines that we’re bombarded with, in addition to personal challenges, drain our souls leading to the development of our worries. Financial stress, family issues, social circle, job challenges, comparison of achievement and happiness further adds into the mixture turning our life into a pressure cooker of worry and stress that threatens to boil over. But what if we could loosen its grip? What if the key to a more fuller and meaningful life lay in understanding our worries and learning how to live beyond them.

Even though our worry seems to be intensified with constant pressure and uncertainties, it is important to remember that worrying is not contemporary, it has deep evolutionary roots. As per Hanevik and Hessen, in their paper IVF and Human Evolution, “Humans are shaped by evolution through natural selection, as are all species”. This evolutionary shaping suggests that the tendency of worrying once played a crucial role in anticipating and avoiding potential danger. This article delves into the evolutionary and biological foundations of worry and suggests practical ways to mitigate its impact. We can call worry a ‘survival mechanism’ from an evolutionary point of view. Early humans who engaged in worry-based planning likely had better survival rates and more success in passing the gene to the next generation than the rest. Worry compels us to plan, anticipate danger and seek timely solutions. Individuals who were concerned about predators while hunting would have been more cautious and hence less likely to fall victim. Worry inspired proactive behaviors such as securing shelter, storing food and possibly even developing weapons for protection. 

While worry fairly had an advantage in prehistoric times, it might not have the same effect in the present moment. Today we fret over deadlines, social interaction, hypothetical scenarios- not saying these are less worry-some matters but these situations are far off from life and death. Worrying about an ‘evolutionary tool’ that once ensured survival now often disturbs our piece of mind. 

Worry is a result of the brain trying to predict and get ready for possible dangers. As per Meisner et.al in her research “the amygdala is crucial in a wide array of affective and motivation-related behaviors”. The amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure, has a central role in fear processing and initiates the “fight or flight” response in the body.  The prefrontal cortex- front part of the frontal lobe in the brain, located just behind the forehead- subsequently participates in evaluating the identified threat, frequently resulting in strategies to reduce risk, whereas the hippocampus utilizes previous experiences to provide context to the current scenario. At a physiological level, anxiety stimulates the hypothalamic- pituitary—adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the secretion of cortisol, known as the stress hormone which enhances alertness but may adversely affect memory and emotional control over extended periods. The autonomic nervous system may also be involved, particularly the sympathetic division which could result in superficial breathing and muscle tension. Chronic worry can lead to anxiety, insomnia and even physical health issues like high blood pressure. Studies in neuroscience such as a research done by Molecular Brain, shows “Chronic stress is a psychologically significant factor that impairs learning and memory in the hippocampus”.

There are practical strategies backed up by research and expert insights that can help reduce the impact of worry. One effective approach is practicing mindfulness meditation as it helps us to focus in the present moment, reducing the mental chatter that fuels anxiety. As noted by the American Psychological Association, mindfulness can significantly decrease stress and improve emotional resilience. Setting aside a specific “worry time” each day and telling yourself that you will only think about that problem on that specific allocated time, a concept supported by cognitive behavioral therapy practices, can also help distinguish concerns, allowing you to focus on solutions rather than just being overwhelmed.

The book ‘How to Stop Worrying and Start Living’ by Dale Carnegie offers insight on this topic. He reminds us: “Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what clearly lies at hand.” Similarly, engaging in physical activities such as walking or yoga is another powerful way to tackle worry, as it reduces cortisol levels, ‘stress hormone’ and boosts endorphins, ‘feel-good chemicals’. In addition to these strategies, limiting our exposure to stress-inducing media and seeking support from trusted friends, family or therapists are some other crucial steps. By embracing these and many other insights, we can transform our relationship with worry, enabling us to live a life beyond it.

Esha Dangol 

BA IIIrd Year

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

The 76th Republic Day of India was celebrated amidst a special ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava inaugurated the program by unfurling India's national flag.

During the event, the Indian ambassador conveyed his greetings to the members of the Indian diaspora in Nepal. This was followed by a telecast of the address to the nation from President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

A large number of members of the Indian community attended the function.

On the occasion, Ambassador Srivastava honored the widows and next of kin of deceased soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces by disbursing their dues worth Rs 5 Crore, reads a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

In addition, an amount of Rs 23.29 crore was also disbursed to the widows and next of kin of 219 deceased members of Indian Armed Forces. This payment covers benefits under the Army Group Insurance (AGI) program, including death-in-service benefits, extended insurance benefits, and AGI maturity payments in the year 2024.

The ambassador also unveiled the Bhu Puu - 2025 magazine covering the welfare initiatives of the Government of India for ex-servicemen domiciled in Nepal.

The Embassy also donated books amounting to Rs 23.5 Lakh to 29 educational institutions spread across six provinces in Nepal, according to the statement. This initiative is designed to provide educational materials to students in remote areas, responding to their specific needs and requests.

During the program, the top 50 scorers from Nepal in the Bharat Ko Janiye (BKJ) Quiz, held from November 11 to December 11, were felicitated by awarding them Certificates of Achievement.

The BKJ Quiz aims to inspire foreign nationals and the Indian community living abroad to deepen their knowledge and understanding of India. As part of the prize, the top 30 winners of the quiz from around the world were invited to India for a two-week BKJ Yatra earlier this month.

Among the winners was Nikhil Kumar Das from Nepal, who had the honor of being part of this special Yatra to India.

A video detailing the progress made in India-Nepal relations in the past years was played at the event.

The celebrations also witnessed cultural performance by students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu.

The event was live-streamed on Mission's social media platforms.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 10. 41 points to close at 2,643.93 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 3. 20 points to close at 443. 60 points.

 A total of 15,720,367-unit shares of 318 companies were traded for Rs 9. 12 billion.

Meanwhile, Upakar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (ULBSL) and Mathillo Mailun Khola Jalvidhyut Limited (MMKJL) were the top gainers today with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Bottlers Nepal (Balaju) Limited (BNL), 11% NIC Asia Debenture 082/83 (NICAD8283), Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) and Janaki Finance Company Limited (JFL) were the top losers as their price fell by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 38 trillion.

The CPN-UML called its Parliamentary Party meeting on January 28.

UML's Chief Whip in the House of Representatives (HoR), Mahesh Bartaula, informed that a meeting of the Parliamentary Party has been called at 1 pm in the Lhotse Hall of the Parliament Building, New Baneshwar on January 28 (Tuesday).

He said that the agenda of the meeting is preparations for the winter session of the Parliament starting from January 31.

The Disaster Authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs has called attention of the Chief District Officers (CDOs) towards the effective implementation of the action plan to be safe from cold.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA)'s directive comes in the wake of increasing cold wave in most of the districts in the Tarai and snowfall taking place in the mountainous region as well.

Stating that the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has even issued a special bulletin noting intensifying cold wave in the Tarai region which will continue for some more days, NDRRMA spokesperson Dr Dijan Bhattarai said letters have been sent to all the CDOs for implementing in a more effective way the Cold Wave and Snowfall Preparedness and Risk Reduction Action Plan, 2081 BS.

The Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said a mild cold wave is prevalent in the eastern region of Madhes Province and the Tarai region of Koshi Province at present. Fog and haze have occurred in many places of the Tarai while snowfall is taking place in several places of the mountainous region.

The NDRRMA has issued and executed the Action Plan.

According to the meteorologists, there is a possibility of cold waves and snowfall in various parts of the country from mid-November to mid-March.

According to NDRRMA spokesperson Dr Bhattarai, there is a risk of cold wave in Tarai and inner-Tarai districts during this period, while in the high hilly and mountainous districts, the temperature decreases significantly and there is snowfall, increasing cold.

The Action Plan states that the poor are most affected by the cold wave, extreme cold and snowfall and there may be an outbreak of respiratory diseases during this period; therefore, especially the elderly, children, new mothers, persons with disabilities, chronic patients need special protection in the areas affected during the cold wave and snowfall, and so the necessary relief and rescue materials and the required preparations and response should be planned targeting the affected population.

The Department of Archaeology has begun exploration of the existence of an arms factory in the Patu Ratmata area of Bardibas-3.

A three-member expert team led by the Department's archaeologist Bhaskar Gyawali arrived in Bardibas on Saturday.

This place is a site of archaeological importance based on the conclusions of the previous studies obtained so far, said archaeologist Gyawali.

This place was discovered two decades ago by German researcher Gudon Karwins in Patu, Bardibas-3, on the present BP Highway (Bardibas-Banepa Highway). The expert team has stated that the future exploration work will proceed based on his study and exploration report.

The preliminary study has shown that this factory occupied a large area on the west side of the highway, four kilometers north of the present Bardibas Chowk.

The expert team has stated that the remains of human settlements were found here as far back as seven thousand years ago. The weapons factory may have existed much earlier, according to the expert team.

After the Department of Archaeology formally started work on the weapons factory site, the ancient sites here are now being studied gradually, says Bardibas Mayor Prahlad Kumar Chhetri.

Twenty-six persons were injured in a clash between police and locals protesting against the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara on Saturday. The clash took place at Baludanda, Kaflepati.

Among the injured, 21 are security personnel.

The protesters claimed that four persons were injured when police opened fire on them. According to them, among the injured, three are in critical condition.

Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma said that the situation had become tense after the protesters pelted stones at the police.

The District Police Office has stated that the police have recovered three khukuris, a slingshot and other items from the protesters.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Armed Police Naresh Maharjan, various items were recovered during the search after receiving information that the protesters were armed.

Meanwhile, the Himalayan Construction Private Limited has proceeded with the cable car construction work with a place to complete the construction within 15 months.

 The situation is now normal, according to the District Administration Office.