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Palestinian officials say Israeli forces have killed at least 64 people, including children, in Gaza on the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has recovered the bodies of eight medics, five civil defence workers and a UN employee, a week after their vehicles came under Israeli fire near Rafah in southern Gaza, Alzajeera reported.

As stated by Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's war on Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 50,277 Palestinians and injured 114,095 others. About two months ago, Gaza's Government Media Office increased its death toll to more over 61,700, claiming that thousands of individuals missing under the debris are assumed dead, according to Alzajeera.

At least 1,139 individuals were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led strikes on October 7, 2023, and more than 200 were kidnapped.

The toll from Myanmar’s earthquake continued to rise on Sunday, as foreign rescue teams and aid rushed into the impoverished country, where hospitals were overwhelmed and some communities scrambled to mount rescue efforts with limited resources.

The number of people killed in Myanmar's earthquake grew on Sunday as international rescue crews and relief supplies poured into the impoverished country, where hospitals were overcrowded and several villages were struggling to conduct rescue operations with little funding, Firstpost reported.

The 7.7-magnitude quake, one of Myanmar's largest in a century, rattled the war-torn Southeast Asian nation on Friday, killing around 1,700 people, injuring 3,400, and leaving more than 300 missing as of Sunday, according to the military administration.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta head, cautioned that the death toll could grow, says to state media, three days after making a rare plea for foreign assistance, according to the Firstpost.

Myanmar's neighbours, India, China, and Thailand, have donated relief items and teams, as have Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia. However, inhabitants of Mandalay and Sagaing stated that international relief had yet to come, raising concerns about a serious food, electricity, and water shortage.

The United States pledged $2 million in aid “through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations” and said in a statement that an emergency response team from USAID, which is undergoing massive cuts under the Trump administration, is deploying to Myanmar.The military council has denied international journalists' requests to document the disaster, claiming a scarcity of water, electricity, and hotels, Firstpost reported.

According to the US Geological Survey's forecast modeling, Myanmar's death toll might eventually reach 10,000, with losses exceeding the country's yearly economic output.

With the global job market evolving rapidly, international education has become essential for career success. Recognizing this trend, Study Group has expanded its support systems to help Nepali students navigate higher education abroad. During a media briefing in Kathmandu, Study Group CEO Ian Crichton highlighted the increasing number of Nepali students enrolling in UK universities. “Nepali students have long sought opportunities abroad, driven by academic and career aspirations,” he said.   With over 25 years of experience and partnerships with more than 50 universities worldwide, it connects students with top institutions. Its recent collaboration with the University of Huddersfield has led to a new campus in London, offering students quality education and access to the city’s job market.  

It also provides foundation programs to bridge academic and cultural gaps, focusing on fields like AI, robotics, and healthcare. To support affordability, it offers scholarships and tuition discounts, while UK policies allow students to work part-time. By working with educators and media in Nepal, it aims to guide students in university selection and career planning, ensuring they succeed internationally and contribute to Nepal’s development.

When I boarded the bus for a college field trip to Pancha Kanya Secondary School in Dakshinkali Municipality-8, Chyamalle, I had only a vague idea of what to expect. 

Arriving at Pancha Kanya Secondary School, I was immediately struck by the sweet, lovely atmosphere that enveloped the place. Dozens of curious eyes peeked from the schoolyard as our group approached. The children greeted us with shy smiles and polite bows, their innocence shining through every glance. All of them were Tamang children, and many wore simple, tidy school uniforms with pride. Their giggles and whispers created a melody of youthful energy. At that moment, I could sense a genuine warmth and a close-knit community spirit—everyone seemed to know each other like family.

My friend Semona Bhattarai and I had volunteered to conduct a special session for the sixth graders. We stepped into the Grade 6 classroom, greeted by 16 eager faces (six girls and 10 boys, all around 11 or 12 years old). Some children murmured “Namaste” while pressing their palms together, and we returned the greeting warmly.

We had a little free time to just talk with the students. They crowded around us in the courtyard, eager to share their names, their hobbies, and bits of their lives. There was a contagious excitement in the air as the kids realized we genuinely wanted to hear from them. Despite our linguistic differences, we managed to communicate through simple Nepali, a few Tamang words I picked up, and a lot of hand gestures and laughter. In those casual chats, I learned so much more than I expected from these young minds.

One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was when I asked a group of children what they dreamed of becoming when they grew up. Their answers were simple, honest, and beautiful. One boy piped up that he wanted to become a driver like his father, steering big buses or trucks on the mountain roads. Another shy girl mentioned she hoped to operate a dozer (bulldozer) because she had seen one clearing a landslide once and it impressed her. A couple of boys proudly said they wanted to join the army to serve the country and protect their village. 

These weren’t the typical answers I’d hear from city kids, who often talk about being doctors or engineers or pilots. Instead, each child’s dream reflected the life and the heroes they saw in their own community. Their ambitions, though thumble, shone with sincerity and practicality.

Hearing these dreams made me reflect on my own upbringing and aspirations. As an urban college student, I realized I had grown up with so many privileges I took for granted- english- medium schools, computer labs, and endless options for my future. Here were kids whose ambitions were shaped by the immediate world around them, and they were no less  passionate about their goals.

It was an eye-opening moment for me. I recognized that the reality of Nepal lies beyond the bubble of my city life. The majority of Nepal’s population lives in communities like this Tamang village, where resources are limited, lifestyles are simple, and dreams are woven from daily life and family traditions. That afternoon, these children gave me a precious gift: a genuine glimpse into the heart of my country that I had never truly seen before. 

As our time at Pancha Kanya Secondary School came to an end, the entire Grade 6 class gathered to bid us farewell. The students presented us with small tokens of appreciation—some had picked wildflowers from the hillside, and a few had drawn little goodbye cards with pencil sketches of smiling faces. I even got a tight goodbye hug from the once-shy boy who had asked me for a hug earlier.

My heart felt full and ached a little at the same time; I was touched by their gesture and sad to part ways. On the bus ride back to the city, I sat by the window, quietly replaying the day’s events in my mind. The mountains slowly gave way to clusters of buildings, but I knew I was not the same person who had left that morning. This field trip had quietly transformed me.

Prashansa Sharma

BA, Thames International College 

In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, stress has become an unwelcome but constant companion. The pressure of responsibilities, digital overload, and emotional strain leave the mind restless and the body fatigued. But what if there was a way to silence the noise, restore balance, and awaken a deep sense of calm? Sirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic therapy, offers a sanctuary of healing where warm herbal oils flow like liquid meditation, melting away tension and inviting profound relaxation.

Sirodhara is not just a treatment—it’s an experience, a ritual of rejuvenation that dates back to over 5,000 years to the wisdom of Ayurveda. The word itself—Siro (head) and Dhara (flow)—embodies its essence. There’s a continuous, gentle stream of warm oil dripping down over the forehead, particularly targeting the Ajna Chakra, or the third eye. This sacred region, located between the eyebrows, is believed to be the seat of intuition, consciousness, and mental clarity. In ancient times, sages and healers practiced this therapy to bring balance to the body’s energies, particularly Vata and Pitta, which govern the mind, nervous system, and emotions.

But beyond its spiritual significance, modern science now validates what Ayurveda has known for millennia—Sirodhara has profound effects on the nervous system, hormonal balance, and overall health. 

The journey of Sirodhara begins with stillness. As you lie comfortably on a specially designed table, surrounded by the faint aroma of healing herbs, the process unfolds like poetry. Warm oil, chosen specifically for your body type and needs, is poured in a continuous, hypnotic stream over your forehead—right at the Ajna chakra, the third eye. The oil glides in smooth, silken waves, washing away fatigue, dissolving tension, and lulling the nervous system into a tranquil state. Time drifts, thoughts fade, and what remains is pure, undisturbed peace.

From this writer’s personal experience, the sensation of warm sesame oil continuously flowing over his forehead and scalp was nothing short of transformative. The pressure and stress that he had been carrying in his head seemed to dissolve and flow down into his lower body. It felt like all the tension, once accumulated in his mind, was being released from his head, spreading throughout his body. After the Sirodhara, he took a steam bath, and it was as if all the remaining stress that had moved to his lower body was entirely removed. He highly recommends taking a steam bath after Sirodhara for a complete sense of relief and relaxation.

Sirodhara is deeply therapeutic, offering sanctuary to those burdened by chronic stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and mental exhaustion. It calms the racing mind, regulates sleep cycles, and provides relief from the pressures of modern life. The therapy is also beneficial for the body, nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair roots, and improving circulation. 

One of the most remarkable benefits of Sirodhara is its ability to lower cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. Research has shown that Sirodhara naturally reduces cortisol levels, bringing the body back to a state of equilibrium. The warm oil, along with the rhythmic motion of the therapy, activates the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as the ‘rest and digest’ mode—slowing the heart rate, relaxing muscles, and promoting deep breathing. This results in a state of profound calm, reducing symptoms of anxiety and mental fatigue.

Sirodhara also stimulates the hypothalamus, regulating hormones, and promoting a natural sense of relaxation and mental clarity. It’s an effective remedy for sleep disorders, migraines, sinus-related headaches, and chronic stress, helping to restore balance and well-being. 

For optimal results, Sirodhara is best performed three times a month. However, it can also be done regularly as a part of a holistic wellness routine. Just like yoga and meditation, Sirodhara’s full effects are felt with consistent practice, enhancing mental clarity, regulating stress hormones, and improving sleep patterns over time.

Sirodhara is an art, a science, and a gift from the ancient past to the modern soul. It’s an invitation to step away from the rush, reconnect with yourself, and surrender to the healing touch of Ayurveda. 

At Swasthya Dental and Wellness Center, trained Ayurvedic practitioners customize the experience by selecting the finest herbal oils based on your dosha and health concerns. Whether you seek relief from stress, improved sleep, or enhanced mental clarity, Sirodhara offers a transformative journey of healing. As someone who has experienced this therapy, this writer can confidently say that it’s more than just a treatment—it’s a path to emotional balance, physical rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with yourself.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 32.24 points to close at 2,695.55 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.50 points to close at 450. 79 points.

A total of 15,572,862-unit shares of 323 companies were traded for Rs 7. 56 billion.

Meanwhile, Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 9. 97 percent. Likewise, Prabhu Smart Fund (PRSF) Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 5.79 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 47 trillion.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a transitional government, appointing 23 ministers in a new broadened and diverse cabinet, Alzajeera reported.

In the cabinet revealed on Saturday, Amgad Badr, a member of the Druze group, would head the agriculture ministry, while Yarub Badr, an Alawite, was chosen the minister of transportation. Al-Sharaa stated in a speech commemorating the government's establishment that "today's formation of a new government is a declaration of our joint will to build a new state", according to Alzajeera.

Al-Sharaa is anticipated to head the executive branch of the government, which will not have a prime minister.The West and Arab nations have put pressure on Syria's new leaders to establish a government that is more inclusive of the nation's many ethnic and religious groups.

Nepal has urged the United Nations to support the country for the development of technology and sustainable tourism.

A delegation of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), which is presently on the Europe trip, made a call for this during its meeting with the UN Tourism official at Madrid of Spain.

The delegation led by Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Binod Prakash Singh acknowledged the UN support so far, calling for additional cooperation in technology specifically in the area of artificial intelligence, digital innovation and sustainable tourism development.

During a recent meeting with Harry Hwang, Director, Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Nepali delegation's visit to the UN Tourism Headquarters was historic being the first one, pledging the continuity of the UN cooperation to Nepal. He urged Nepal to actively engage in UN tourism related activities and come up with formal proposals with the statement of priorities for additional support.

Director General of the Department of Tourism, Dr Narayan Prasad Regmi, apprised that Nepal is committed to further consolidating the partnership with the UN tourism body to promote the bilateral tourism relations.

Nepal needs the support of UN Tourism to improve its tourism policy, promote inclusive tourism and ensure just distributions of tourism benefits.

The NTB representatives highlighted Nepal's potential for adventure tourism, eco-tourism and rural tourism. "Nepal needs the UN projects and further cooperation to take its tourism industry to a new height," they said.

Prior to this, the NTB organized a promotional program highlighting Nepal's tourism destinations in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in Spain.

The event aimed to enhance the tourism relations between Nepal and Spain was attended by tour and travel entrepreneurs and media persons.

On the occasion, Nepal's ambassador to Spain, Sanil Nepal, talked about the long-standing relations between Nepal and Spain.

NTB senior manager Khadga Bikram Shah gave his presentation focusing on Nepal's natural beauty, adventurous tourism, cultural heritages and hospitality services, suggesting that Nepal could be a major touristic destination for the Spaniards.