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My ex-partner was toxic and manipulative. His behaviors blurred the line between love and control, and despite differences in religion, I defended him against my family. However, things became extreme and he started scaring me. His actions, including repeated cheating, became aggressive and frightening. He emotionally tortured me and even resorted to physical force. Eventually, I found the courage to end it. 

I’m 24. Today, I’m in a relationship with a man who treats me well. However, the lingering trust issues from my past haunt me, causing anxiety. I acknowledge that it’s unfair not to trust my current partner, but the scars of my past continue to affect my present relationship. How do I overcome the trauma?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health 

Overcoming such a toxic relationship requires both time and intentional effort. I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you experienced, and I acknowledge the courage it took for you to share your experience.

The first step is to acknowledge your feelings. Recognize that having trust issues is normal, and allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. Would you consider journaling your thoughts and feelings? Doing so can provide emotional awareness regarding your stressors or triggers. Journaling serves as a therapeutic method to process your emotions and track your progress throughout the journey. It may help you gain a different perspective and think outside the box.

Secondly, engaging in open communication opens the door for understanding. Talk to someone trustworthy, it doesn’t necessarily have to be your current partner, but choose someone you feel is reliable. It’s crucial to share and vent your feelings, fostering a sense of release and connection during the healing process. Expressing yourself can be a vital step towards gaining support and navigating through the emotional complexities of recovery.

Also, engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Reflect on your growth and resilience, acknowledging the progress you’ve made. As you transition, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate your journey. Reflecting on your growth and resilience can serve as a source of strength and motivation as you continue moving forward. Acknowledge the strength it took to live through a toxic relationship and appreciate the progress you have made. Recognizing that you’ve moved beyond the confines of that relationship to be here today is a significant achievement. Celebrate the fact that you’ve chosen a path towards healing and growth, and embrace the positive changes you’ve implemented in your life. 

About the present, understanding patterns can empower you to recognize similar situations and navigate them more effectively. It’s crucial to comprehend that trust is built over time, and having realistic expectations for both yourself and your partner is essential. Recognize that not everything can be erased from your mind instantly. Building trust is a journey, not an instantaneous destination. Focus on building self-confidence and self-worth, recognizing that you are going through a challenging time. Engage in self-care, surround yourself with positive influences, and seek out uplifting experiences. Practice self-compassion and avoid self-blame.

Healing is a unique journey for each individual, so it’s perfectly okay to seek professional support. Professional assistance in self-care paves the way for a brighter and healthier future. It’s important to understand that the healing process takes time. By reaching out to professionals, you equip yourself with valuable tools and guidance, creating a supportive environment that facilitates personal growth and recovery. Remember, investing in your mental well-being is a worthwhile endeavor on the path to a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the incumbent government, which has put democracy and civil rights in top priority, would always protect the freedom of expression.

At a program organized on the 39th Anniversary of Nepal Television here today, Prime Minister Dahal shared, "I believe in free democratic practice, not in control and direction. So, I want to see the broadcast contents following the basic norms of democracy, civil rights and freedom of expression in Nepal Television."

Stressing that the first television of the country should be made updated as per the latest changes in information and communication sector, he mentioned that Nepal Television should not make any delay to establish its production and broadcasting through new technology.

The Prime Minister suggested the NTV to move ahead with a long-term plan and clear vision for the development of the organization, laying emphasis that it should produce its contents based on the interest of the general people.

Sharing the information that preparation was underway to pass the bill, which has been tabled in the Parliament to form a public service broadcasting organization by merging the Nepal Television and Radio Nepal, with timely revision, he added, "Prepare resolution for projects making positive impacts in coming days. I and the government will support it."

PM Dahal explained, "Television is a combination of technology and talent," pointing out the need of adopting the interest of spectators and audiences having access to digital platforms and internet access.

He also asked the Nepal Television to adopt high professionalism and creativeness, ensuring audience interest and facility to watch programmes in their convenient technology.

PM Dahal reminded that the government has been urging for adoption of self-regulation to make the media using the newest technology credible, responsible and accountable.

Stating that the dissemination of information content through the use of new technology would be made even more effective by enhancing the credibility of the new media in the long run, he said, "Some policy provisions made by the government that has encouraged the use of technology and the promotion of the journalism sector are for regulation and management, but not for control."

He viewed that the responsibility of the mainstream media and media persons has further increased with the expansion of the social networking sites.

"There remains the risk of a person being harmed, and family and society being broken and ultimately the State becoming weaker due to the false and biased news and information. Therefore, journalists and the journalism sector should be serious and sensitive in fulfilling the professional responsibility of disseminating true, fair and balanced news and information," PM Dahal said.

Stating that the programmes being broadcast 24 hours through all channels from Nepal Television for also reaching the activities of the provincial and local governments to the mass audiences as per the spirit of federalism are worth appreciating, the Prime Minister called for strengthening the mutual goodwill and national unity by internalizing the spirit of the constitution.

He expressed the confidence that the Nepal Television will fulfill its duty towards the State and responsibility towards citizens without controversy as NTV is the official and responsible broadcasting institution.

Dirgha Raj Upadhaya’s journalistic journey began in the far-western town of Dhangadhi in the late 1990s. The technological landscape of that time stood in stark contrast to today’s digital world. The text of the newspaper was first composed by hand using individual letters. It would then be engraved into a plate which was used to print. The coffee culture had not yet begun and people would sip tea while reading newspapers. It took three days for newspapers from Kathmandu to reach Dhangadhi. Upadhayay used to go to different places on a bicycle to collect news. 

After preparing his report, he would submit it to the editor who often found the information lacking. Unfazed, Upadhaya used to run multiple times to collect additional information and rewrite the news. After working a year at a local Seti Samachar daily, Upadhaya started reporting for Kathmandu-based Naya Sadak daily. Simultaneously, he contributed to a local newspaper. Two years later, he was promoted to the position of desk editor at Nepal Times daily. In 2001, he joined Rajdhani daily—another Kathmandu-based paper. After a few years, he assumed the role of Sudurpaschim Bureau chief for the daily.

His daily routine involved navigating the streets of Dhangadhi on a bicycle to look for interesting stories. He used to file up to eight news stories daily, wielding his pen with equal prowess across politics, economy, sports, education, and society beats. In an era devoid of computers and laptops, news reports were transmitted via fax machines to Kathmandu. The cost of sending a fax was Rs 20-25 per page in those days. Yashica camera and Kodak films bore witness to arduous journeys of the bygone era when, at times, an entire film had to be sacrificed to get one good photograph.

Then came the era of the Internet. Maya’s Computer first provided Internet service in Dhangadhi using the connection from Nepalgunj. The cost was Rs 15-20 per minute. But the Internet was so slow that it would often take 20 minutes to send a single photograph. A major share of the salary would go to foot Internet bills. But the satisfaction derived from printing the front-page news byline with accompanying photos would have been incomparable. Eventually, digital cameras and computers emerged, followed by laptops and the advent of the offset press.

Meanwhile, the country grappled with extreme conflict as the armed struggle initiated by the Maoists reached its zenith. Maoists infiltrated cities, and even in Dhangadhi, gunfire echoed across the bridge of the District Police Office in broad daylight. Employing guerrilla tactics, the Maoists targeted police and politicians within the market. Upadhaya found himself in the  crossfire while covering the intensity of clashes between Maoists and security forces for his media. He witnessed the attack on the Ward Police Office and the Jaukaku District Jail in Dhangadhi. 

However, his journalistic integrity remained intact despite threats from both sides. He traveled to numerous places, including Pandaun, Khimdi, Chisapani, Lamki Police Station, Bankhet, Shankarpur, and Kanchanpur to cover news stories. He reached Achham following the Maoist attack on Sanfe and the headquarters of Mangalsen in Achham. He also prepared news reports about the wives and children of police personnel killed in the Maoist attack at Banbehda in Kailali. He traveled from Bajura to Rolpa during the insurgency, becoming a firsthand witness to the Maoist armed struggle.

Simultaneously, he served as the Sudurpaschim Bureau chief for Image Television and Communication Corner from Dhangadhi. He contributed articles to publications like Himal, Nepali Times and Nepal showcasing his versatility across various journalistic platforms. Additionally, he assumed the role of a regional editor at Sancharika Group. In the 60s, Upadhyay ventured into the daily newspaper publishing business alongside fellow journalists in Dhangadhi. In the late 2000s, he started his own newspaper named Paschim Today. He is serving as the chairman and chief editor of Sudurpaschim, the only broadsheet daily of the province, a FM radio station with a capacity of 1,000 Watt and PashchimToday.Com online news portal.

From 2013 to 2023, his extensive travels took him to various countries worldwide for reporting and programs. He brought compelling stories from Bangladesh, China and Jordan. As a delegate of the UNMISS mission, he reported on the impacts of conflict on children and delved into the intricacies of ethnic conflict. His reports covered the role played by peacekeeping forces in maintaining stability and scrutinizing Ethiopia’s developmental progress. He traveled to Myanmar to cover its first general election. He has traveled to 20 countries for reporting. In 2022, he participated in a three-week-long IVLP program of the US government which further enriched his understanding of global dynamics and strengthened his commitment to international journalism.

Throughout his journalism career, Upadhaya assumed various roles within the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), advocating for freedom of the press and expression. While serving as the president of the Kailali district committee of FNJ, he played an active role to secure the release of Lucky Chaudhary, abducted by the Maoists. Under Upadhaya’s initiative, all newspapers that had shut during the insurgency reopened. He also helped secure the release of journalist Nagendra Upadhyay from military custody. 

Following the disappearance of Jagat Prasad (JP) Joshi, a journalist working for the Maoist mouthpiece Jandisha, Upadhaya urged the police to initiate a search. Those responsible for Joshi’s kidnapping and subsequent disappearance were eventually arrested. Recognizing his work, FNJ bestowed ‘Best President Award’ on him in  2009.

He played a pivotal role in establishing the Rotary Club in Dhangadhi in 2013. After the 2015 earthquakes, he led distribution of relief materials from Dhangadhi to affected districts. He also initiated a water supply project in Godavari Municipality for over 1000 households. During the Covid pandemic, he supported over 30,000 Nepalis arriving from India through the Humanity Foundation. He helped bring PCR machines for government hospitals and distributed hygiene packs to 1,500 women in quarantine.

During the second wave of covid, his team launched a free oxygen campaign and established an oxygen bank for the common people. He also helped raise Rs 1.2m for the treatment of late journalist Karna Bohra’s wife. For him, the true meaning of life lies in the ability to save others.

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

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 118, 700 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 117, 600 per tola on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 118, 150 per tola. It was traded at Rs 118, 050 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,420 per tola today.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has underlined the need to exert all possible efforts to attract the students going abroad for education and employment in the home country.

In his address to the 12th general assembly of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Prime Minister Dahal stressed the need to introduce measures for creating employment opportunities and attracting students in the country.

Expressing pleasure over the rise in the enrolment of students in agriculture science, PM Dahal said the AFU should play a crucial role for the development of agriculture and forestry.

Noting that the targets of production and productivity could not be attained without cooperation from university teachers, agriculture scientists, students and technicians, he said, "Youths' attraction to agriculture has not increased. They should be brought to agriculture by adopting any measures. It is to spur productivity".

The Prime Minister further said he wished to see the effective role in technology production through the better education, research and extension system in the future.

The country's agriculture education, research system and agriculture and forestry university also have witnessed challenges, he said, adding, "The AFU can play a crucial role for the development of agriculture and forestry".

PM Dahal expressed happiness over the establishment and operation of eight agriculture faculties, colleges and two agriculture science centers in different provinces and suggested running educational programs in the approved colleges of Syangja and Gorkha.

He stressed the spectacular role of the university in increasing production and productivity, thereby promoting export and slashing national loss.

He said the university should provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve economic conditions and employment through scientific forestry management.

The PM underlined the need to run constructive campaigns to sustainably operate teaching and research maintaining higher quality.

The AFU was established in Nepal in 2067 BS realizing the need of technical university for education and research in the areas of agriculture, livestock, veterinary, fishery and forestry.

Nepal has been ranked 108th position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report launched by the Transparency International (TI), showing a slight improvement than in 2022.

In 2022, it was ranked in the 110th position with 34 scores. 

In the assessment of 180 countries in the world, Denmark is in the first position with 90 scores indicating the lowest corruption followed by Finland in the second position, New Zealand in the third, Norway in the fourth and Singapore in the fifth. The consecutive rankings are held by Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. 

Somalia is in the 180th rank indicating the highest corruption problems while Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen. Nepal's two closest neighbors India ranked 93 with 39 scores and China in 76 with 42 scores.

The report was based on analysis of data from the World Bank, World Economic Forum and other organizations.

The index is calculated using data from 13 external sources.

According to TI, its 29th annual corruption perceptions assess how countries have responded to corruption over time, reviewing progress and failures over the last decade and beyond. It is specifically focused on how weakening justice systems contribute to a lack of accountability of public officials, thereby allowing corruption to thrive.      

The report stated that over two-third countries' scores are below 50 out of 100, strongly indicating that they have serious corruption problems.

Visiting British Army Chief General Sir Patrick Sanders today paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Purna Bahadur Khadka.

Welcoming the British Army Chief at his office in Singha Durbar today, the Minister expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen the ties between Nepal and the UK.

In the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister said Nepal and the UK long-standing bilateral ties have extended to people-to-people level.

Both countries, he said, share similar values in democracy, human rights, rule of law and independence, human values and dignity, he said. 

Reflecting on the centenary celebration of the Treaty of Friendship last year, Minister Khadka remarked that it solidified the foundation for strong bilateral ties for the next century. Recognizing the UK as a significant development partner, he acknowledged their support to Nepal during challenging periods.

While commending the contributions of the British Gurkhas to the UK Army, Minister Khadka urged a positive response to the concerns of the Gurkha armies, retired before 1997, who demand perks and pensions on a par with their British counterparts.

Citing that despite prolonged discussions on the matter, a substantive conclusion is still awaited, he called on the British government to adopt a more liberal approach to address these demands.

Underlining the significance of military exchanges between Nepal and the UK, Minister Khadka highlighted the participation of 10 Nepali armies in the Cambrian patrol in October 2023. He also commended the British government for establishing the 'Explosive Ordnance Disposal Holding Unit' for the Nepali Army.

During the meeting, Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, stated that he has taken seriously the topic related to the British Gurkha soldiers which the DPM and Defence Minister Khadka had brought up. He said a situation has arisen in which the UK and Nepal have to work together in establishing international peace as the international security climate is becoming more complicated.

Stating that as the nation contributing the second largest number of troops to the United Nations peacekeeping mission Nepal's role in establishing international peace is significant, the Chief of the British Armed Forces said that Britain is willing to collaborate further with Nepal in the coming days. He also gave assurances that Britain shall continue to provide the cooperation that it has been giving to Nepal despite its adverse economic condition.

Defence Ministry Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma, Joint Secretary Baburam Adhikari, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the British Ambassador and other officials were present during the courtesy meeting.

CoAS Sharma British Army Chief Sanders meet

Meanwhile, Chief of the Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma and Chief of the British Army Sanders held a meeting at the Army Headquarters today.

On the occasion, they held discussions on the mutual ties subsisting between Nepal and Britain for centuries, on promoting cordial relations between the armed forces of the two countries and on matters of mutual interest, according to the Nepali Army, Public Relations and Information Directorate.

Prior to the meeting, a contingent of the Nepali Army presented a guard of honor to the British Army Chief.

General Sir Patrick Sanders is currently on a six-day visit to Nepal.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 14.88 points to close at 2,119.61 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 0.65 points to close at 381. 71 points.

A total of 15,178,368-unit shares of 308 companies were traded for Rs 5. 54 billion.

Meanwhile, Chandragiri Hills Limited, Samaj Laghubittya Bittiya Sanstha Limited and Rawa Energy Development Limited were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Mid Solu Hydropower Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 8.35 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 33 trillion.