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The 18th edition of Nepal-India military exercise with the aim of security and expansion of bilateral relations is beginning at Saljhandi in Rupandehi from Tuesday.

The battalion-level joint military exercise named 'Suryakiran' focuses on jungle warfare, counterterrorism in difficult geography, establishment of peace keeping mission as per UN Charter, humanitarian aid in disaster management and relief mobilization, internal capacity building, and environmental protection.

The two-week long training will be attended by Sri Jung Battalion of Nepali Army and the 11th Gorkha Rifle of Indian Army.

Spokesperson of Nepali Army, Gaurab Kumar KC, informed that the joint military training was expected to foster friendly relations and trust between Nepal and India and expand cultural relations as well. Professional collaboration will also be augmented with it.

The 17th edition of the joint exercise was held in Pithauragadh of India last year.

So far, the number of Nepali Army personnel attending the joint training reached 4,215 while the number from the Indian side stands at 4,442.

Such joint exercise had begun since 2067BS.

I dropped out of college and I’m uncertain about my career. I don’t know how to move ahead. What should I do to choose a career path? I find myself torn between pursuing digital marketing and starting my own business. On the other hand, I would also like to explore my interest in culinary arts, given that I enjoy talking and making connections. I’m feeling confused and uncertain. 

Answered by Khushbu Agarwal, Psychologist

Choosing a career path is undeniably one of the most significant decisions we make in life. It has the potential to shape our future, our lifestyle, and even our sense of self. This is why it’s crucial to approach this decision with careful consideration and avoid rushing into a choice.

However, many young people, particularly those who have dropped out of college, find themselves grappling with a daunting sense of career confusion. This confusion can manifest in various ways—uncertainty about their interests, an overwhelming number of options, or simply a lack of direction. This uncertainty can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. But it’s important to remember that it’s a natural and surmountable challenge.

Career confusion, in essence, is an ‘epistemic emotion’. This means it’s a natural emotion arising from the process of learning and acquiring knowledge. It’s a signal that you’re grappling with complex questions about your future and seeking deeper understanding. Feeling confused about your career path can motivate you to explore different options, research potential fields, and connect with professionals in those areas.

After dropping out of college, it’s understandable to feel a heightened sense of uncertainty. This is a significant life transition, and it’s natural to feel a bit lost. The key is to channel this uncertainty into productive exploration. Begin by identifying your core values and interests. What matters to you? What activities bring you genuine joy and fulfillment? What are your natural strengths and talents?

Once you have a clearer understanding of your values and interests, it’s time to explore potential career paths. Conduct thorough research on different fields that align with your interests. Read articles, watch documentaries, and attend industry events to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of these professions.

Don’t underestimate the power of self-reflection. Tools like personality assessments can offer valuable insights into your personality traits and potential career paths. Consider creating mind maps to visualize your thoughts and connect different ideas. Weighing the pros and cons of different career options can also provide valuable clarity.

Career exploration is an ongoing journey, not a race. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain along the way. Embrace this uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Prioritize your well-being during this period of transition. Engage in activities that bring you joy, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and develop effective stress management techniques.

It’s crucial to understand that your career path isn’t set in stone. It’s a dynamic and evolving journey. Be open to exploring new interests, adapting to changing circumstances, and embracing new opportunities as they arise. Many successful individuals have forged fulfilling careers in fields they never initially considered.

Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and step outside your comfort zone. Explore new options, experiment with different roles, and embrace the learning process.

Career counseling can be an invaluable resource during this period of transition. A qualified counselor can provide guidance, help you understand yourself better, and assist you in making informed career decisions.

Finally, it’s essential to consider the job market trends in your area of interest. Some careers are in high demand, while others may have limited job opportunities. Researching the job market can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of career success.

Local residents in Mustang have long relied on collecting firewood during the winter, a practice that has been followed for centuries. Mustang, divided into upper and lower regions, is home to 16 Conservation Area Management Committees (CMCs) operating under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Among these, 10 CMCs, covering areas from Waragung Muktikshetra to the lower Mustang, organize annual firewood collection during winter. The committees, in coordination with ACAP Jomsom, implement time-specific schedules for collecting firewood from designated forests. This activity takes place across three local levels of Mustang, ensuring firewood needs are met during the harsh winter months.

After harvesting summer crops and sowing winter crops, farmers in Mustang find some respite from agricultural duties, although activities like apple orchard management continue. Firewood is essential for cooking, heating homes, and preparing livestock feed during winter. To meet these needs, the local conservation management committees, in partnership with village communities, arrange joint firewood collection efforts, often in the lakeside forests of Mustang.

Chandra Bahadur Thakali, chairman of the conservation management committee in Ghar Pajhong-4, Jomsom, explained that since December, registered households in Jomsom have been permitted to collect firewood. Residents brave the freezing temperatures, setting out early in the morning to gather firewood, prioritizing dry wood. However, if only raw firewood is available, it is also permitted for use. Pramod Raj Regmi, head of the ACAP Jomsom office, emphasized that the local conservation committees have the authority to manage and use natural resources responsibly, including firewood, except during restricted months like June and August.

Villagers often rely on oxen, donkeys, horses, and mules to transport firewood back home. Those without animals carry the firewood themselves. Strict regulations ensure that raw firewood is not cut, and violations result in penalties enforced by the conservation committees. Regular monitoring by the committees and local representatives ensures compliance with the standards.

Residents from villages like Jomsom, Thini, Dhumba, Syang, Marpha, Chhairo, and Chiwang travel to forests near the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri foothills for firewood collection. Similarly, in Thasang Rural Municipality, locals gather firewood from forests under their jurisdiction. According to Sojan Hirachan, a resident of Thasang-2 Saura, the conservation management committee and village headmen determine specific periods for firewood collection.

Farmers like Lekh Bahadur Gurung of Jomsom maintain huts near the forests, enabling them to collect multiple loads of firewood daily. Gurung begins his day at 4 am, heading to the forests near Nilgiri Lake to gather enough firewood to last the year. “It’s cold, but I enjoy collecting firewood in the forest more than in the village,” he said. Similarly, farmer Manoj Gotame, who has temporarily set aside his agricultural duties, also collects firewood with the help of his huts. “The forest has been opened for 10 days by the Conservation Management Committee and village representatives,” Gotame noted. “Firewood is essential for families and livestock, and this collection will suffice for a year.”

Storing firewood on rooftops is a longstanding tradition in Mustang, symbolizing prosperity and preserving local art and culture. Villagers believe that having a large stockpile of firewood in front of the house is a sign of affluence. While the development of road networks in Mustang has reduced the dependence on firewood, it remains an integral part of daily life and cultural heritage in the region.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed grief over the demise of former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

"I would like to express heartfelt condolences on the demise of Manmohan Singh," the PM said. 

In a post on his Facebook wall today, PM Oli stated that he has recalled his talks with Dr Singh on the issues of Nepal-India mutual interests.

Former Indian PM Dr Singh, also a pioneer economist, died on Thursday. He was 92.

The progress of the under-construction dry port at Timure in Rasuwa has received a good push with the completion of 72 percent of the estimated task.

The dry port being developed with the technical and financial assistance from the government of China along the Nepal-China border has achieved 72 percent of the target, Executive Director of Nepal Intermodel Transport Development Board Ashish Gajurel told after the inspection visit of the project.

An embankment on the bank of Bhotekoshi river, entrance gate, access route, buildings of the warehouse and other facilities have been completed so far.  

According to Gajurel, the project is expected to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year.

With the completion of dry port construction, there will be a joint inspection site, parking lots for 300 heavy trucks and 100 small-sized vehicles among other facilities.

The Koshi Province has recorded almost 3,500 road accidents in the past five months of the current fiscal year, killing 191 persons.

The Highway Security and Traffic Management Office of Nepal Police in Itahari stated that 191 persons died and 327 others were critically injured in the accidents.

The highest number of road mishaps were related to the motorcycle followed by tempo, jeep and car, Information Officer of Highway Security and Traffic Management Office Rameshwor Twati said.

He said the number of motorcycle accidents has increased due to lack of zebra crossings and traffic symbols along the East-West Highway in the province where upgradation of Asian Highway is ongoing.

Carelessness in driving and high-speed have claimed lives in the accidents, Information Officer Twati shared.

Hyundai Motor Company’s acclaimed Hyundai IONIQ 5 has set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change achieved by an electric vehicle. Organized by Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) and driven by a professional team from Evo India, the record-breaking journey witnessed the IONIQ 5 navigating an altitude change of 5,802 meters. The expedition began at Umling La in Leh Ladakh, India’s highest drivable point at 5,799 meters above sea level, and concluded in Kuttanad, Kerala, located three meters below sea level.

Spanning 14 days and over 4,900 kilometers, the journey pushed the IONIQ 5 through extreme terrains and weather conditions, from the freezing Himalayan mountain passes to Kerala’s humid coastal plains. The car’s advanced engineering and resilient performance underscored its capabilities in navigating such diverse environments. Commenting on the achievement, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, stated, “We are incredibly proud to see the Hyundai IONIQ 5 create history. This achievement is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological excellence. The IONIQ 5’s performance in extreme conditions reflects its engineering prowess and reinforces our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’”

Developed on the cutting-edge Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a futuristic electric vehicle inspired by Hyundai’s iconic PONY. With a high-capacity 72.6 kWh battery, it offers exceptional range, advanced safety features, and state-of-the-art technology, setting a new standard in electric mobility, claims the company.

Hilton Kathmandu marked the start of the holiday season with a grand Tree Lighting Ceremony, drawing dignitaries, guests, and the local community for an evening of festive joy, music, and goodwill.

The event’s highlight was the illumination of a magnificent Christmas tree, led by Shmulik Arie Bass, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal. This act of lighting the tree symbolized the spirit of Christmas—hope, unity, and celebration.

Adding to the festive charm, children from Mendies Haven Children’s Home performed Christmas carols, creating a heartwarming atmosphere with their melodies. His Excellency, the Ambassador of Thailand, further enhanced the occasion by inaugurating Hilton Kathmandu's elaborately decorated Christmas chalet.

In line with Hilton’s commitment to community upliftment, 50 percent of the day's sales from the chalet will be donated to Mendies Haven Children’s Home, which provides care and support to children in need.

General Manager Sridhar Thota emphasized the spirit of giving during his speech, stating, “The festive season is a time of togetherness and giving back. At Hilton Kathmandu, we are proud to bring the community together while supporting noble causes like Mendies Haven Children’s Home. We hope this celebration inspires joy and generosity in everyone.”

The ceremony welcomed a host of distinguished guests, including local dignitaries, business leaders, and media representatives. Guests indulged in Christmas-themed treats such as mulled wine, hot chocolates, and a special holiday hi-tea selection, all set against the backdrop of holiday decorations and warm festive aromas.