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In today’s digital age, popular culture has become an omnipresent force in shaping how people experience happiness. From box office movies to viral TikTok clips, from social media trends to celebrity lifestyles, these cultural products create what might be called second-hand happiness: the joy or satisfaction we derive not directly from our own experiences but from observing others. While popular culture offers chances for connectivity, it also creates challenges: it can replace direct experiences with mediated ones, foster dependence on external validation, and generate fleeting satisfaction that leaves us constantly seeking the next emotional fix. Understanding this dual nature—how popular culture both enriches and potentially diminishes our well-being—is essential for navigating modern life consciously.

Consumerism and fleeting satisfaction

One major way popular culture shapes our happiness is through consumerism. We buy not just products but also the promises of happiness they bring. New gadgets, stylish clothes, and trendy lifestyle items create real but short-lived excitement. For example, when a new smartphone is released, it generates excitement, social media posts, and buzz. However, within weeks, the novelty wears off, and many consumers find themselves searching for the next product. This cycle illustrates the hedonic treadmill of consumer culture, where material goods offer real but diminishing returns, gradually teaching us to pursue happiness through external purchases rather than personal growth or meaningful relationships.

Social media: Validation and community

Social media has fundamentally transformed how we experience and share happiness, creating both unprecedented opportunities for connection and new forms of dependency. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter quantify social interaction through likes, comments, and shares, which can serve as both meaningful feedback and shallow validation. Content creators who share their creativity on TikTok and receive thousands of supportive reactions experience real encouragement that can fuel their imaginative progress. Yet the same metrics can become addictive, training us to measure our self-worth through digital approval and creating anxiety when expected validation doesn’t materialize.

This duality is crucial to recognize. For marginalized groups such as youth struggling with identity, individuals with rare illnesses, or people with unique interests, online platforms can be transformative. They offer access to support networks, role models, and communities that might be impossible to find locally. To illustrate, a teen exploring identity may find acceptance and understanding online, profoundly improving their mental well-being. Yet, connections often coexist with a culture of superficiality, where users curate idealized versions of their lives for external validation.
The challenge is not the digital validation itself but our overreliance on it. We tend to replace real relationships and personal growth with online approval. The question becomes not whether to engage with social media, but how to maintain agency over when and how it shapes our emotional lives.

The political economy of manufactured desire

Understanding popular culture’s relationship to happiness requires examining the economic structures that produce it. Marx’s analysis of capitalism offers useful insights here: under market systems, our emotional lives increasingly become sites of profit extraction. We don’t simply consume entertainment; we become what might be called ‘affective laborers’, generating content, engagement, and emotional investment that platforms monetize. Every Instagram post, TikTok video, or product review we create adds value to corporate platforms while these companies capture the economic rewards.

Also, let us consider the influencer’s economy: they produce lifestyle content that generates genuine entertainment and community while simultaneously functioning as advertising. Followers experience real enjoyment watching their favorite creators, but they are also being subtly directed toward consumption patterns that benefit brands and platforms. The happiness we feel is authentic, yet profit-seeking entities have carefully shaped it. Fashion and beauty industries, for instance, do not simply respond to consumer desires—they actively manufacture dissatisfaction through trends and standards, then sell products as solutions.

This doesn’t mean all popular culture is manipulative; however, it reminds us to stay aware of its economic motives. Industries profit by keeping us emotionally invested, often prioritizing revenue over our well-being. Recognizing this helps us engage critically, asking who benefits from our insecurities and what desires are shaping us.

Reconsidering second-hand happiness

Second-hand happiness deserves a more nuanced treatment than simple dismissal. Shared cultural experiences—watching a movie, celebrating a sports victory, following a beloved content creator’s journey—can generate authentic joy and meaningful connection. When we laugh at a comedy show or feel inspired by someone’s success story, that happiness is real, not illusory. Humans are fundamentally social creatures who naturally derive pleasure from collective experiences and from witnessing others’ achievements.

The issue is not vicarious experience itself but the balance and awareness with which we engage in it. Problems arise when observation replaces participation. To illustrate, when we watch travel vlogs instead of exploring our own surroundings. Difficulties also emerge when external validation becomes the main source of our self-worth. We may begin to spend more time following the lives of others than nurturing ourselves. Moreover, the constant comparison encouraged by social media often leaves us feeling inadequate and dissatisfied.

A healthy relationship with popular culture means enjoying shared experiences and digital communities while maintaining direct engagement with our own lives. It means appreciating an influencer’s aesthetic without feeling our home must match it or celebrating friends' achievements online while also pursuing our own goals offline. The goal isn’t to eliminate second-hand happiness but to ensure it complements rather than replaces first-hand experience.

Moving forward

Happiness remains fundamentally personal, rooted in direct experiences, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Popular culture can enrich these aspects by providing inspiration, facilitating social connection, and offering entertainment and meaning. However, it functions optimally as a complement to direct experience rather than a substitute. The most fulfilling lives likely integrate both: engaging with shared cultural experiences while actively cultivating personal goals, relationships, and creative expression.

Maintaining balance within systems designed to capture attention and shape desires toward consumption requires deliberate effort. This includes setting boundaries with technology, reflecting on what genuinely satisfies us, investing in meaningful relationships, and engaging with cultural products critically rather than passively.

As popular culture continues to evolve, awareness of its mechanisms allows individuals to enjoy its benefits without yielding their well-being to external validation or manufactured desire. The objective is not to choose between first-hand and second-hand happiness, but to ensure that engagement with culture enhances, rather than diminishes, personal well-being. In this way, individuals can participate fully in contemporary culture while preserving the internal sources of satisfaction that sustain them.

China’s Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee and the Xi–Trump meeting in Busan took place only days apart. On paper, one was a domestic political gathering and the other a diplomatic encounter on the sidelines of a multilateral summit. They were not linked in official statements, and neither attracted feverish global commentary. Yet, taken together, they offer a glimpse into how Beijing is adapting to a complex international environment.

Fourth plenums traditionally focus on governance questions, party discipline and institutional direction rather than dramatic policy launches. This session followed that pattern. The messaging centered on maintaining steady political control, ensuring policy continuity and fostering cautious confidence. It suggested a leadership that sees no benefit in abrupt moves, either domestically or externally, at a time of uneven economic recovery and external pushback. Three themes stood out.

First, the reaffirmation of party-led governance was not performative symbolism. In Beijing’s worldview, political cohesion and long-term planning are assets in a period marked by technological disruption and geopolitical frictions. The leadership continues to believe that diffuse decision-making would leave China vulnerable to external pressure. Second, economic language emphasised pragmatic adjustment. China did not deny its financial challenges, ranging from corrections in the property sector to demographic shifts. However, rather than promising a sudden return to high-speed growth, the plenum signalled an acceptance that the next phase will be steadier, more industrial policy-driven, and oriented around the security of supply chains and financial stability. 

Third, technology remains the core battleground. US-led restrictions on advanced chips, export controls and scrutiny of Chinese tech companies have clearly been internalized. The Plenum’s language underscored ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on foreign tech inputs and build resilience in critical sectors. This is not isolationism; it is preparation for a world where access to advanced technologies is increasingly politicized. None of this was presented as a crisis response. It reflected a system that was preparing for long-term competition, rather than one that was overwhelmed by it.

The Xi-Trump meeting in Busan fit into this context of calibrated pacing. The discussions did not produce groundbreaking agreements, nor were they expected to. Tariffs, agricultural purchases and fentanyl precursors figured in public remarks. The more telling aspect, however, was tone—measured, practical and devoid of the sharpness seen in earlier phases of US–China confrontation. For Beijing, arriving in Busan after the plenum mattered. It allowed Xi to approach talks from a position of internal consolidation, not defensive anxiety. For Washington, under a Trump return that values transactional gestures, a calmer exchange made tactical sense too.

The meeting illustrated a shared recognition: neither country benefits from sustained escalation at this moment. China is navigating an economic transition and rebuilding confidence, while the United States is focused on industrial reshoring, alliance repair, and domestic political contests. Strategic rivalry continues, especially in technology and security, but uninterrupted confrontation is costly, and both sides appear willing to slow the tempo. This was not détente. It was a way to test whether channels can stay open without implying softness.

If one looks at global alignments, markets and diplomatic behavior since these events, the picture that emerges is not sudden stability but a more predictable cadence. Supply chains are diversifying, not breaking. Export controls evolve, but trade persists. Security partnerships deepen, yet complete economic decoupling remains improbable. The US–China rivalry remains as real as it was a few years ago. It simply appears to be settling into a slower, steadier phase one, where each side tests its structural endurance. This rhythm benefits nobody spectacularly, but it also harms nobody dramatically. It suits countries that want time to build capacity, especially powers striving for strategic autonomy, including India and the European Union. 

For New Delhi, the Plenum-Busan period did not signal a change in thaw with China or a weakening Western alignment. Instead, it reinforced an approach that India had already adopted: steady engagement with the West on critical technology and defense, alongside measured management of the China relationship to avoid avoidable shocks.

India’s border concerns with China have not lessened. Military deployments remain robust; infrastructure development in border regions continues. At the same time, diplomatic channels remain open, and senior-level military talks continue. People-to-people and business-to-business ties have also begun growing in the past few months, signalling that both countries are understanding and navigating turbulent geopolitical spaces. 

India is not repositioning away from the United States. Strategic cooperation on supply chains, advanced manufacturing, space and maritime security has only deepened. The expectation that any external partner, even the United States, will perfectly align with India’s priorities has faded. Statements from Washington after Operation Sindoor served as a reminder that every partnership has its chafing points. So, India is doing what rising powers with long memories do: building capability, banking partnerships, and keeping options open. Instead of dramatic swings, we see incremental strengthening in areas such as semiconductor policy, defence co-production, digital infrastructure exports, energy corridors, and tighter coordination with Europe and the Indo-Pacific. 

Ultimately, neither the Fourth Plenum nor the Busan meeting reveals the future. What they tell us, instead, is how major powers behave when they don’t fully trust the world and aren't entirely sure of themselves, either. China tightened its seams before it stepped onto the diplomatic stage. The United States played along, not because it suddenly believes in strategic harmony, but because endless confrontation is exhausting and expensive. And India, watching both, is quietly filing away lessons. Nobody is “winning” here; nobody is collapsing either. This is a moment of political adulthood where states learn to live with discomfort, ambiguity, and the slow grind of structural rivalry. It’s not dramatic, and that’s precisely the point. The future is being shaped in paperwork, quiet conversations and long-term investments, not in summit fireworks.

For India and the region, the task is not to predict which way the wind blows, but to build so that whichever way it blows, you don’t get swept off your feet. Great power politics right now is less a game of grand moves, more like distance running: steady breathing, keeping pace, occasionally accelerating, never collapsing from your own adrenaline. In the years ahead, we can expect headlines, crises, breakthroughs, and provocations again. But these quieter phases matter too.

The author is a PhD candidate at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is also a life member of the International Center for Peace Studies

A new political force—the Nepali Communist Party (NCP)—has been officially announced at an event held in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, on Wednesday. The announcement marks the unification of 10 different communist factions into a single party, seen as a major shift in Nepal’s left-wing politics.

During the unity declaration ceremony, it was decided that Pushpa Kamal Dahal will serve as the party’s coordinator, while Madhav Kumar Nepal will take the role of co-coordinator. The proposal, put forward by leader Mahendra Raya Yadav, was endorsed by the assembly.

Senior leader Jhalanath Khanal of the CPN (Unified Socialist) has been given third priority in the newly-formed party, following an agreement among top leaders, including Dahal, earlier on Wednesday morning. Previously, Bamdev Gautam had been designated third, but Khanal’s dissatisfaction over the unity process led to negotiations. Eventually, he agreed to join the NCP with third priority and attended the announcement ceremony. The hierarchy now places Dahal first, Nepal second, Khanal third, Gautam fourth, and Narayan Kaji Shrestha fifth.

Khanal had held talks with CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli just a day earlier, expressing reservations about the unity process and even hinting at initiating party reorganization. However, he eventually sided with the Dahal-Nepal faction.

The National Unity Convention of the newly-formed NCP endorsed nine key resolutions, which include decisions on the party’s name, election symbol, property and organizational structure. The proposals, presented by leader Barsaman Pun, were approved with applause from representatives.

The key resolutions include:

1. Formation of the unified party named the Nepali Communist Party (NCP).
2. Adoption of a five-pointed star as the election symbol.
3. Recognition of all members of uniting parties as members of the NCP.
4. Integration of central committees and structures of all uniting parties under the new organization.
5. Authorization to the coordinator and co-coordinator to finalize organizational adjustments.
6. Declaration that all people’s representatives elected under previous party symbols (Maoist Center, Unified Socialist, Socialist Party and Maoist Socialist) will now represent the NCP.
7. Transfer of all movable and immovable assets of the merging parties to the NCP.
8. Endorsement of the party’s official manifesto.
9. Adoption of the party’s constitution with necessary suggestions and amendments.

At the ceremony, leader Dev Gurung unveiled the party’s 23-point declaration, emphasizing unity and renewal in Nepal’s leftist movement.

The 23-point declarations:

1. To steadfastly uphold Nepal’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity, dignity, and independence.
2. To work with honesty, loyalty, and dedication toward the nation and its people.
3. To remain firm in the universal truths of Marxism-Leninism and apply them creatively according to Nepal’s specific conditions.
4. To remain committed to the socialist revolution and program, and to move firmly toward achieving the great goal of establishing scientific socialism as envisioned by the party since its inception.
5. To remain committed to democratic republicanism, protect the achievements of the people’s revolution, and work toward strengthening the republic and reforming and restructuring all state organs as necessary.
6. To defend the current Constitution of Nepal while taking proactive initiatives to introduce progressive reforms in the governance system, electoral process, federal structure, and by reducing the number of local levels and representatives.
7. To continuously strive to end corruption, irregularities, and delays, and to promote good governance, transparency, social justice, and national prosperity.
8. To take effective initiatives to establish a high-level, empowered Property Investigation Commission to investigate the assets of all individuals who have held public office and take strict action against the corrupt.
9. To make public service delivery efficient, fast, and effective, and to ensure public access to basic services such as education and health.
10. To fight against all forms of exploitation, oppression, injustice, discrimination, inequality, and social distortions present in the current Nepali society.
11. To struggle for ensuring the rights of women, Dalits, the oppressed, minorities, marginalized communities, indigenous nationalities, and all classes, castes, and regions excluded from the state’s mainstream.
12. To prioritize research and development and advance the overall development of the nation.
13. To take special initiatives to develop an independent and self-reliant economy, create employment opportunities, and eradicate poverty.
14. To work toward the economic, social, and cultural transformation of Nepali society by prioritizing the development of agriculture, industries based on domestic raw materials, tourism, and hydropower through well-planned strategies.
15. To conduct development campaigns that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
16. To remain committed to formulating climate change and environment-friendly development plans and to effective disaster management.
17. To raise the voices of the people and stand with them in their joys and sorrows.
18. To address the issues and aspirations of the GenZ generation.
19. To review past activities comprehensively, correct shortcomings, and move ahead with broad improvements, restructuring, and transformation in working style.
20. To strengthen internal democracy within the party and develop and implement a scientific system for leadership development and transfer.
21. To engage all party leaders and cadres in productive and labor-oriented work.
22. To strictly adhere to communist conduct, discipline, and ethics.
23. To adopt a simple and transparent lifestyle and working approach.

Addressing the event, Coordinator Dahal has credited the GenZ movement for playing a crucial role in forging unity among ten communist factions. He said the sacrifices made by the GenZ protesters exposed the weaknesses within political parties and inspired them to reform.

“The GenZ youth, who came to the streets on Sept 8 demanding good governance and stability while opposing corruption and political disorder, deeply struck us. Their movement made us realize our shortcomings,” he said. “Their sacrifices inspired us to correct our mistakes and begin a new campaign for transformation.”

Paying repeated tributes to the “martyrs of the GenZ movement,” Dahal said their role was instrumental in pushing the communist leaders toward unity. “Had they not made those sacrifices, we might not have realized our weaknesses and initiated this new phase of unity so soon,” he said. He further pledged that the new party will prioritize the aspirations and needs of the youth not only in the party structure but also in state institutions. “This is a historic commitment and a moment of self-reflection for us,” he added.

Calling Wednesday a “historic day” for the communist movement, Prachanda said, “Possibly, this is the first time that ten different communist groups have united at once. This unity, formed by leaders who have gone through ideological struggles in their respective fronts, is truly unprecedented.” He claimed that the day would be remembered as a milestone in Nepal’s communist and political history. “It is not only historic from the perspective of communist unity but also as a foundation for national unity to resolve the current political crisis,” he said.

Dahal further asserted that no one can stop the newly formed Nepali Communist Party from becoming the country’s number one political force. “Now, no one can stop this party from being the number one party in Nepal. Some reactionaries may lose sleep over it—let them. We will take this unity declaration campaign across the country,” he said. He also urged for humility despite the success. “While appealing for electoral mobilization and national support, we must not fall into arrogance,” he added.

Dahal emphasized that the party has no alternative but to correct its weaknesses. “We will take all advice and criticism seriously. There is no alternative to correcting our flaws and going among the people with full dedication,” he said.

Meanwhile, Co-ordinator Madhav Kumar Nepal appealed to the GenZ generation and social activists to join hands with the new party. “We are ready to work together with the GenZ generation for social justice, good governance, and against corruption,” he said, revealing that several GenZ leaders had joined the party earlier that morning. “I want to congratulate those who joined us and call upon other GenZ friends—let’s move forward together, hand in hand, against corruption, for good governance, and to correct the distortions seen in society and politics,” Nepal said.

He also expressed willingness to collaborate with social activists. “They shoulder great responsibility. We want to move forward with all campaigners working for social change, good governance, and the prosperity of the people,” he added.

Similarly, Narayan Kaji Shrestha stated that the new unity should serve as a foundation for comprehensive integration and reorganization of the communist movement. He also called for joint efforts with genuine democrats to defend the constitution, democracy, and national sovereignty, while urging ideological and cultural renewal within the party.

Meanwhile, Bamdev Gautam has claimed that the newly formed party’s membership will reach 10m. He said the party currently has around 1–1.2m members, but expects the number to rise to 10m as they reach out to the public.

Gautam also called for the introduction of a directly elected presidential system and a fully proportional electoral system. “We must end the current system that changes governments month after month and reform the state’s governance structure by establishing a directly elected president and implementing a fully proportional electoral system,” he said.

Among Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations, Manang, which has been dubbed Himal Pariko Jilla (the District Beyond the Mountains), has always held top priority for both domestic and international travelers. Famous for Tilicho Lake and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manang has been attracting visitors from across the world for decades.

Yet, from a tourism perspective, there are still many beautiful corners of Manang that remain largely unnoticed. Tourists may have set foot in nearly every visible trail and valley, but there are still hidden gems that few people have even heard of.

These places, I believe, deserve to be explored not just for their scenic charm but also for the soothing tranquility they offer to travelers. That’s why two of my friends and I decided to embark on a motorbike journey through these fascinating places.

We left Kathmandu at around 1 pm. The Dashain festival rush had already begun, and as we reached Naubise, we found ourselves stuck in a three-hour traffic jam. Thousands were leaving the Valley for their hometowns to celebrate Nepal’s biggest and longest festival. Despite the slow-moving traffic, my excitement only grew. I was eager to see a different side of Manang, one I hadn’t seen before.

By 4 pm, we reached Muglin, where we stopped for some snacks before speeding up toward Besisahar, the gateway to Manang. Around 8 pm, we reached Dumre, where we had dinner and turned right toward Besisahar. Dumre, located in Tanahun district, serves as a crucial junction linking Manang with Kathmandu and other parts of the country.

At 10 pm, we finally reached Besisahar, completely worn out from a day of riding. After dinner, we went straight to bed. 

The next morning, we set off early for Manang, planning to have breakfast along the way. After crossing the Marsyangdi Hydropower Tunnel, we reached the dam side. Riding alongside the serene Marsyangdi River, with sweeping vistas of emerald hills and timeless villages, was an unforgettable experience.

At around 1 pm, we stopped at Chyamche for brunch. Most travelers pause here not only for food but to admire the majestic Boong Waterfall. Soon after, we came across another stunning cascade: the Octopus Waterfall, a favorite among travelers. We spent nearly half an hour there, soaking in its beauty.

The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the landscape became. Yet, some stretches of the road were in a deplorable state, a reminder of the government’s negligence in developing infrastructure and promoting Manang’s tourism potential.

After several hours of challenging but rewarding riding, we reached Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, situated at 2,670 meters. Surrounded by dense pine forests, Chame is a key stop on the Annapurna Circuit and provides essential services to trekkers. We rested there for a while, enjoying the untamed beauty of the village.

Next, we headed toward Bhratang (2,900 meters)—the apple paradise—where we sampled a few varieties of apple wine, arguably the best in Nepal.

By the time we entered Pisang (3,250 meters), we were mesmerized by the surrounding beauty. The magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak, framed by pine forests, made us forget all our fatigue.

At around 6 pm, we finally reached Manang, our destination. The following morning, we spent time exploring the village and observing local life before setting out to visit the lakes, which was the main goal of our journey.

Green Lake

Nestled at an elevation of 3,600–3,650 meters, Green Lake is one of Manang’s hidden treasures. Known for its crystal-clear green waters and serene surroundings, it offers peace, panoramic mountain views, and refreshing alpine air. The lake’s radiant surface mirrors Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak, a living canvas of nature’s perfection.

The trail to the lake winds through lush forests and alpine meadows. Once revered as a sacred site, the lake has been gradually drying up. Locals say it began losing water after visitors started disrespecting its sanctity and littering the area. Authorities have since installed a notice board urging visitors not to litter or relieve themselves near the lake.

Gangapurna Lake

Gangapurna Lake, formed by glaciers from Gangapurna (7,454m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Khangsar Kang, and Glacier Dome, sits at 3,540 meters. Its turquoise waters, framed by towering peaks, make it one of Manang’s most photogenic sites.

The lake also serves as a popular acclimatization hike for trekkers based in Manang village. In recent years, its popularity has surged among Indian tourists following the shooting of the Bollywood film Uunchai.

Blue Lake (Chindi Lake)

Locally known as Chindi Lake, the Blue Lake is a relatively new discovery in Manang. A pristine spring-fed lake, it enchants visitors with its vibrant turquoise hue and tranquil atmosphere. The trail leading to it meanders through verdant forests, and on a clear day, visitors can see the reflection of Annapurna III shimmering on its surface.
Cradled on the lap of the Annapurna range, Chindi Lake radiates an untouched beauty that makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and solitude.

Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)

Perched at 4,620 meters, Ice Lake, locally known as Kyopar Lake, is one of Manang’s crown jewels. The hike from Bhraka takes five to six hours, depending on one’s pace. The route winds through alpine pastures and rugged terrain, offering sweeping views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu range.

At around 4,000 meters, the crisp mountain air and boundless views reveal how truly rich Nepal is in natural beauty. Before reaching Ice Lake, trekkers encounter Khicho Lake, another small but beautiful body of water. Beyond its natural allure, Ice Lake also holds religious significance for locals.

Manang needs little introduction. It is not just a trekking hub leading to Thorong La Pass and Tilicho Lake, but a place where nature, culture, and adventure converge in perfect harmony.

Photos: Achitra Thieng