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Digital literacy is the ability to use digital technologies meaningfully, which includes accessing, evaluating, and navigating online information. According to one scholar, being digitally literate means knowing how to use technology responsibly.

Today’s interconnected world allows us to communicate with anyone, anywhere, using digital devices. Individuals can access vast amounts of information from the comfort of their homes in seconds. This connectivity and ease of access have also contributed to career advancement.

Despite its undeniable advantages, digital literacy comes with pitfalls. For instance, not all the information we consume daily is accurate—fake news and dis/misinformation have become major global challenges. Cybersecurity and data privacy risks are also growing concerns.

One prevalent example is social media. Researchers have found that excessive social media use among young people can hinder their holistic development. From early morning until late at night, many spend most of their time on their phones. In a study conducted at St. Xavier’s College, a lecturer asked students to track their digital usage. The results revealed that some students spent up to nine or ten hours daily on digital tools, with some admitting to gaming until 3 AM and sleeping only four hours or less—a clear sign of lacking digital awareness.

Similarly, a World Health Organization study found that over one in ten adolescents (11 percent) exhibit problematic social media behavior. Surprisingly, girls were more affected (13 percent) than boys (nine percent).

Mental health issues, educational distractions, and physical health concerns are other rising problems linked to digital overuse. Therefore, digital literacy is essential—it empowers individuals to use technology consciously and effectively, protecting them from misuse or overuse. This is a call for digital awareness: it’s not just about having digital skills but recognizing the urgent need to use them wisely.

Shelina Bal 

St Xavier’s College, Maitighar

Why do I lose the ones I love? 

Why do the things I cherish the most slip away? 

Every time I find them, they feel like home, 

Yet, in my grasp, they slowly fade  

No matter how tight I hold, they drift beyond my reach. 

Is it fate, or just a cruel coincidence? 

Or perhaps a silent whisper of God’s plans? 

I tremble, afraid to embrace what comes close, 

For loss has carved its name deep in my soul. 

They say time replaces all that is lost, 

Yet the first warmth of love, the first touch of joy 

Can never be replaced, can never be relived. 

I wish I were lucky, I wish I were lucky.

If only I had magic, I’d weave time backwards, 

Bringing back all that once made me whole. 

But all I have left are memories, 

Flickering like fireflies in the dark. 

The ones I love visit me in dreams, 

Yet never stay long enough, making me believe 

That I was ever meant to keep them. 

Supriya Paudel  

BBM, Vth Semester  

United College

Yes, it is back with a vengeance. MSG has sparked a comeback, weathering the storm. After enduring an undeserved bad rap for over five long decades as an unhealthy food additive that made you sick, it looks like it has finally resurrected itself. So, what’s MSG?

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a food enhancer additive produced by fermenting plant-based ingredients such as sugar cane, sugar beets, tapioca, cassava, or corn.

During the fermentation process, the protein containing glutamic acid turns into glutamate. This glutamate triggers our taste receptors, resulting in that quintessential savory taste called umami. You won’t believe it: a mother’s breast milk contains amino acid molecules—not just one but all nine essential amino acids! In addition to proteins, human milk contains free amino acids, glutamate, and glutamine, which are the most abundant.

Created in Japan by Ajinomoto Co Inc in 1908, MSG took the culinary world by storm for its inimitable umami kick, enhancing endless delectable dishes. MSG was the brainchild of a Japanese scientist, Professor Kikunae Ikeda. Over the past century, Oriental cuisine has used the wonder flavor enhancer for its umami zing.

MSG, a flavor enhancer, is frequently added to restaurant dishes, canned vegetables, soups, deli meats, and fried chicken to enhance their flavors. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient ‘generally recognized as safe’. However, the issue still faces a barrage of debates.

Ironically, in the late 1960s, MSG came on a hit list for allegedly being a toxic inclusion to a horde of favorite foods, from Chinese takeouts to soups and salad dressings, not sparing even the most cherished snack like French fries. It looked like the flavor enhancer used for centuries was doomed. MSG became so heavily stigmatized that scores of restaurants resorted to pitching that they’d removed it from their entire menu.

Next followed the ‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome’ panic, fueling the fire. It demonized MSG as dangerous to humans, and evidently, Chinese dishes had to bear the brunt. The syndrome claimed that MSG causes ‘numbness of the neck, arms, and back with headache, dizziness, and palpitations’. However, further investigations uncovered it as a hoax, but the myth remained; the fallacious hype had already done the damage; the bullet had already left the barrel. People remained uncertain and suspicious. However, with this knowledge, righteous people felt informed and enlightened, understanding the truth about MSG.

Today, most of those myths and adverse anecdotal reports about MSG stand dispelled, and the US FDA and global food-regulating bodies like the Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have pronounced MSG ‘generally recognized as safe’. This reassurance should instill confidence in your food choices. Even fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and KFC use MSG to season their hot-selling items, such as fried chicken, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, and French fries.

MSG’s flavor-enriching effects are due to its umami taste, which induces salivary secretion. In other words, umami flavors make your mouth water, making the food taste better.

The bottom line

MSG is a flavor-enhancing seasoning that naturally occurs in many protein-rich foods, such as poultry, meat, cheese, fresh or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and soy extracts.

‘The reality? You’re consuming far more glutamate from proteins than you ever could in added MSG. An average adult consumes approximately 13 grams of glutamate daily from protein in foods. In comparison, consumption of added MSG comes to about 0.55 grams per day,” writes Dr Andrea Love for the Genetic Literacy Project, an immunologist and microbiologist with over a decade of experience in basic sciences, translational medicine, and clinical research.

Further, “While 1 teaspoon of MSG contains 500 mg of sodium, 1 teaspoon of salt contains 2300 mg,” Kelsy Arndt, a credited dietician, said. “Using MSG can help decrease the total amount of sodium intake in our diet, which should be between 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day. And it can help aid in improving the overall nutritional status of the elderly.” (Source: bannerhealth.com).

Despite its past misplaced notoriety, current studies and evidence have debunked the myth that MSG is toxic. You can now feel secure and at ease, knowing that moderation is the key when enjoying food flavored with MSG. Remember, the US FDA and global food-regulating bodies like the Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have pronounced MSG ‘generally recognized as safe’. This knowledge empowers you to make informed and enjoyable food choices.

Those allergic to MSG may well avoid foods seasoned with the flavor enhancer. Some people may experience adverse effects from consuming MSG due to a condition called MSG symptom complex (MSC), which can cause symptoms such as headache, sweating, and numbness. However, it's estimated to affect people only skin-deep—less than one percent of the general population.

For those who love their food, remember that the small amounts of MSG in your favorite Chick-fil-A’s spicy chicken sandwich and waffle fries or a bowl of Chinese chicken noodle soup are safe. So, relish your meal, knowing that these popular dishes are not only toothsome but safe to consume. Bon appétit!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above text are solely research-based and intended for informative and educational purposes only: the author solicits reader discretion and cross-references or consulting a healthcare practitioner.

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The recently concluded Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Thailand saw several important sideline meetings between heads of state and government.  Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues:  economic cooperation, trade, aviation, tourism, culture, and development partnerships. 

During the visit, eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed—two at the government level and six between non-governmental entities. Among them, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Thailand’s Minister for Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol signed an MoU to foster cultural collaboration. Deuba also signed an agreement on tourism cooperation with Thai Minister for Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong.

Other MoUs were inked between Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Mahidol University, Janata Agro and Forestry Nepal and Kasetsart University, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and Kathmandu University and Siam University. The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) also reached an agreement with the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce signed one with the Tourism Council of Thailand. These commitment partnerships are expected to enhance cooperation across various sectors.

 Prime Minister Shinawatra announced Thailand’s intention to increase investments in Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors. She expressed interest in expanding Thai Airlines' flights to Kathmandu and launching direct flights to Lumbini. She further emphasized Thailand’s plans to prioritize investments in Nepal’s energy, hospitality, and aviation industries. Calling the visit historic, she highlighted the shared goal of deepening connectivity and trade relations.

PM Oli said the visit strengthened Nepal-Thailand relations. He voiced confidence in future collaboration in areas such as culture, tourism, education, and energy. Reflecting on six decades of diplomatic ties, he called for greater engagement, including stronger people-to-people connections. He also encouraged Thai investors to explore opportunities in Nepal’s hospitality and aviation sectors.

Overall, Prime Minister Oli’s visit to Thailand proved to be highly significant. One of the most notable events on the sidelines was his  one-on-one meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders met privately for 45 minutes, and Oli appeared pleased and content afterward—indicating the success of his visit.

Foreign policy must remain dynamic and responsive, as global geopolitics continues to evolve. It is crucial that Nepal reaches a national consensus on its foreign policy framework. Such a policy should transcend individual leaders or political parties. Whether led by Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, or Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepal’s foreign policy should remain consistent, reflecting the nation’s long-term interests rather than shifting with changes in leadership.

There are fundamental bases for foreign policy, and these should be discussed among all stakeholders to reach a consensus. This is a crucial time for such dialogue. While formulating our foreign policy, we must consider factors such as our geography, social norms, cultural and religious aspects, political system, international affiliations, and commitments under the United Nations Charter. If this approach is taken, the policy will be more broadly accepted.

Foreign policy may vary depending on the nature of a country’s relationship—whether we share borders, cultural and social ties, or strategic interests with major powers and donor nations.

Our foreign policy should be firmly aligned with the principles of Panchsheel and the Non-Aligned Movement. At this juncture, Nepal must prioritize sustainable development, peace and security, democratic governance by the people’s representatives, and overall national progress—guided by our geography, social structure, political system, and economic aspirations. As society advances, with improvements in education, healthcare, and global competitiveness, it is essential that our foreign policy reflects these changes.