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CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has said that the Government Reform Center is to be established at Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) to move ahead in the direction of achieving the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali' by maintaining good governance.

The UML General Secretary argued that the Center is necessary for effective delivery of services and to further channelize the government's work towards the country and people.

Leader Pokhrel said this while talking to journalists in Janakpurdham today.

He added that homework has been started for setting up the Center at the OPMCM and the Center's units in every office.

He asserted that the incumbent government formed from the coalition between the two large political parties is making every possible effort for fulfilling the people's expectations.

According to him, the government entities were delivering services in an effective manner as compared to the past. He also said on the occasion that investment climate also has been made in the country at present.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 500 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 150, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 150, 700 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 25 and is being traded at Rs 1,790 per tola today.

Scores of people were killed on Sunday when a passenger jet crash-landed at an airport in southwestern South Korea, with the aircraft careening down the runway on its belly before bursting into flames, CNN reported.

At least 96 people have been confirmed dead so far, according to the local fire department. Two people, both crew members, were pulled alive from the crash site however rescuers have warned there is little hope of finding further survivors.

Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok was carrying 175 passengers and six crew when disaster struck at the airport in Muan county, just after 9 a.m. local time Sunday (7 p.m. ET Saturday). The accident was caused by a landing gear malfunction, officials said.

 Footage of Sunday’s crash broadcast by multiple South Korean news outlets showed the plane sliding on its belly at high speed, hitting an earthen embankment and erupting in a fireball.

Neither the back nor front landing gear was visible in the footage – broadcast by networks including YTN, JTBC and MBC – as smoke poured from the back of the sliding aircraft, according to CNN.

Firefighters were later seen using water cannons to extinguish the blazing wreckage of the aircraft, which was listed as a Boeing 737-800 on flight-tracking site FlightAware. Several parts of the aircraft were also seen strewn across the runway.

 The victims include 47 males, 48 females, and one child whose gender could not be determined, according to the South Jeolla Fire Service. Both of the survivors were crew members, one male and one female, according to the rescue team.

Two Thai nationals were among those on board, according to the South Korean Land Ministry, which said officers from the national Incident Investigation Committee had arrived to look into what caused the accident.

Rescue workers will search for the “black box” flight data recorders after recovering the bodies of the remaining victims, the Transport Ministry said in a briefing. The recorders offer aviation safety investigators critical facts when piecing together what happened after an incident.

More than 700 personnel from the police, military, and coast guard have been mobilized for on-site response efforts, the ministry added.

Boeing extended its condolences to those who lost loved ones in the crash.

“We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding Flight 2216 and stand ready to support them,” Boeing said in a short statement posted to its X account.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew,” the company added.

The US aviation giant has had a turbulent time in recent years, including two 737 Max crashes, a tragedy for which the company agreed to plead guilty to deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration during the certification process for the plane, CNN reported.

However, analysts have described the Boeing 737-800 as a reliable workhorse of the skies with an extremely strong safety record.

Jeju Air’s chief executive said the aircraft had shown “no signs of issues” prior to Sunday’s accident.

“At this time, it is difficult to determine the cause of the accident, and we have to wait for the official announcement of the investigation by the relevant government agency,” Kim Yi-bae said during a press briefing at the airport.

South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, arrived at the crash site in the early afternoon. Choi had earlier instructed emergency responders to mobilize “all available” equipment and personnel to respond to the crash, according to a press release by the interior and safety ministry.

The tragedy comes only two days into Choi’s acting presidency, the latest chapter in a time of political chaos in South Korea.

The country’s current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was stripped of his powers by parliament two weeks ago following a short-lived martial law order that plunged the country into political disarray. He is currently suspended while a top court decides his fate.

Han Duck-soo, the man who stepped in to replace Yoon as acting president, was impeached by parliament on Friday, meaning Choi – the finance minister and deputy prime minister – stepped in for him.

Sunday’s crash is “very perplexing” given that both the aircraft and carrier have a strong safety record and flying conditions were excellent, an aviation journalist said.

The Boeing 737-800 is one of the most widely used aircraft in the world and each one is used for about four or five flights per day, Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, told CNN’s Paula Newton.

“It is the most reliable aircraft in the world, and it’s been in service for 20 years,” he said. “Everybody knows how it works. And it works really, really well. And the maintenance done in [South] Korea is as good as it gets around the world.”

South Korean fire officials have said there may have been a landing gear malfunction and footage showed the aircraft sliding on its belly.

“It’s a little bit unclear whether or not the undercarriage collapsed on landing or whether the undercarriage was not deployed at all. This is a really serious issue that obviously investigators will be very much focused on,” Thomas said.

He added “it is perplexing” that the crash happened, given it was landing under dry and sunny conditions at a good airport.

New Year means a fresh new start. It means you get a do-over, a change to right the wrongs and give your life the revival it needs for it to be more enriching and uplifting. We all make elaborate plans for the new year. We promise ourselves that this year we will live our best lives by doing all the things we have always wanted to do. Two weeks into the new year, we are struggling to keep up with the resolutions, have given up on quite a few, and, slowly but surely, falling back into our old ways.

Are we destined for another year of the same old cycle or can 2025 be different? We can’t do the same thing again and again and expect different results so get ready to deviate from your usual routine and style. We assure you, you will be able to stay on top of your resolutions this way.

Rule #1: Set realistic goals

Resolutions fail because they aren’t realistic. You can’t expect to lose five kilos in a month or wake up at 6:00 am and exercise for an hour every day if you haven’t been doing so for a long time. Sudden changes in your routine is only going to disrupt your lifestyle so make sure you are setting achievable goals. Instead of trying to lose five kilos in a month, aim for two kilos. If you are accustomed to waking up at eight, try getting up half an hour early for a few days and exercising for 20 minutes to start with.

Rule #2: Break down your resolutions

Oftentimes, our resolutions are too broad and not well defined. This makes them vague and open to interpretation and tweaks. It’s a good idea to break down your resolutions to actionable plans if you want to ensure you incorporate them into your lifestyle. Write down a step by step plan of your resolutions and approach them one at a time. For example, if your resolution is to read more, map out how exactly you are going to do that. Say you will read one newspaper article on day one, five pages of a book on day two and build up from there. The idea is to make bite-sized resolutions of your goals to ensure they get done.

Rule #3: Get a resolutions partner

Sharing resolutions with a friend or a family member is one way of making sure you both stick to them. For example, you want to learn a new language. If you have a friend who also has the same goal then you can take classes together and make sure you stick to it. You can hold each other accountable. If you want to go to the gym, a fitness buddy is sure to motivate you to wake up an hour early and exercise. If you want to eat healthy, then you can make a pact with your partner or parent to stop eating anything with added sugar in it for a month. Having a partner who shares the same resolution(s) as you will motivate you to be disciplined.

Rule #4: Be gentle and allow room for mistakes

The problem with resolutions is that we are too strict and make overly ambitious ones.

When you are making resolutions for the new year, allow room for mistakes. Don’t let one misstep make you give up on the goal altogether. Understand that you will falter and there will be hiccups. Just don’t let those stop you from continuing on your journey. If you skip a day at the gym, make sure you restart your fitness journey from the next day. Don’t let one mistake ruin your process. One of the main reasons why resolutions fail is because we allow no room for error. But being gentle with ourselves and giving ourselves multiple chances to do something is a better way to make a lifestyle change than being too rigid by leaving no room for mistakes.

Rule #5: Plan and start ahead

New Year resolutions start on January 1. And that is perhaps the worst thing we can do while trying to change our lives. We can’t expect to be a certain way and follow a particular schedule and then try to do a complete overhaul in less than 24 hours. It’s just not practical and possible. So, don’t wait until the last minute to make new year resolutions. Start a week or two early and take it slow. If you have waited till Dec 30 or 31 to make your resolutions, give yourself a week or two to ease into the new lifestyle. The key is to take things slow and ease into it rather than rushing into it and abandoning your resolutions mid way because they feel unachievable. 

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.