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In today’s ever-evolving workforce structures and requirements, aging can be a significant topic for discussion. The skill sets that young people offer to the workforce vary immensely from ones presented by older people, and so do crucial contributing factors such as work ethics, performance, expertise, technological proficiency, and stability. The question lies in whether the benefits of employing one age group greatly outweighs the other, or is embracing generational diversity the way to go. 

With the advancing role of technology in almost every field concerning human lives—including and prominently in the workforce—the youth of today seem to stand an advantage compared to the old. According to a study on digital literacy among different age groups published in the Journal of Communication Vol 5, in 2024, among 1,200 Korean participants, younger ones aged 18-35 demonstrated higher digital literacy compared to participants aged 50-65.

On the flipside, the expertise and experience of older people can simply not be matched by the younger ones. Due to the level of job security in the past—which has now been on the decline - the older employees have  mostly committed to one field of work, sometimes even to one firm. Such commitment ensures immense expertise in the respective field. According to a survey of 35,00 published in the Forbes, 43 percent of younger workers (18-24) say that they are scared of losing their job, 10 percent more than last year’s number. 

However, the lack of job security in recent years, especially after the pandemic, might be advantageous to the youth. As they are forced to switch between jobs, exposed to multiple fields of labor, and even take on multiple part-time jobs at once, the youth tend to carry a broader set of skills and an interdisciplinary understanding of matters. They are also—as is obvious—more skilled in physically-demanding fields, such as construction. 

Work ethics are seen to be more engraved in older people. According to an article from Effulgence published in July 2021, a study investigating work ethic across generations found the theory that older generations score higher in hard work to be true. Scores of hard work increased with age, with Gen Z (12-27) scoring 3.7 and Gen X (44-59) and Baby Boomer (60-69) scoring 4.0. 

With arguments working in favor of both young and old employees, it can be established that a diversity in the workforce ensures optimum productivity and results. While younger workers are more physically and technologically inclined with tendencies to engage in broader fields of work, older ones contribute with their expertise, experience, and impeccable ethics. A mixture of both can be deemed necessary for a successful workforce. 

Sadikshya Khadka

A-level graduate

Rato Bangala School

The NADA Auto Show 2024 is set to take place from Aug 27 to Sept 1 at the Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. The event, now in its 16th edition, will provide a platform for industry players to showcase their latest innovations, amid efforts to revitalize the sector facing economic challenges, claims the organizer.

This year’s event will feature 95 exhibitors across 130 stalls, representing 24 four-wheeler brands, 19 two-wheeler brands, and 12 light commercial vehicle brands. In addition, 33 companies specializing in lubricants, tires, batteries, and other auto components will participate, along with seven financial institutions offering financing solutions for prospective buyers.

The NADA Auto Show 2024 comes at a time when Nepal’s automotive industry is facing economic difficulties, with organizers hoping the event will help stimulate the market. The strong participation from both exhibitors and financial institutions signals optimism within the industry, according to the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal.

The exhibition will be divided into sections, including areas for four-wheelers, two-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, and auto components, to facilitate a smooth experience for attendees. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore new vehicle models and technology, along with financing options and business opportunities, says the organizer. “The event is expected to attract around 75,000 visitors over its six-day duration.” In addition to the exhibits, attendees will have a chance to win a HERO XOOM Scooter as part of the door prize.

Gold prices have been breaking records in the international as well as national markets for the past four to five months. In the beginning month of this fiscal year, the price of gold per tola (11.66 grams) surpassed Rs 150,000. Trading at Rs 152,600 per tola, a new record has been set in the domestic market on Sunday. 

This is an all time high. Will the record remain? Analysts claim it might even go higher. Improvements seen in US economy and the share market have affected the prices of gold, says Kiran Bhai Bajracharya, general secretary of Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association (FENEGOSIDA)

Why are prices escalating?

Compared to the international market, Nepali markets seem to be experiencing higher increases. Due to the increase in customs on gold imports from 15 percent to 20 percent this fiscal year, gold prices are soaring, says Manik Ratna Shakya, former chairperson of FENEGOSIDA. Appreciation of the American dollar, as well as rise in taxes, have led to higher gold prices in Nepal compared to international markets. Traded at $1,288 per ounce five years ago, gold price in the international market today has almost doubled. In the domestic market, however, the price has increased by around two and a half times. 

“The reason for increasing gold prices in Nepal is the high customs rate. This increases the cost.” says Shakya. “A few years ago, Rs 10,000 was paid in customs duty. Now, the customs charge Rs 28,000,  making gold more expensive. Along with that, the dollar exchange rate has also been increasing. As the value of the dollar increases, so does the price of gold.” 

Looking at previous patterns, Shakya analyzes the price to rise further. Prolonged Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine wars have also contributed to the increase in gold price, as many countries consider gold a secure and rewarding asset.

How much gold do countries have?

As gold is valued all around the world, all countries want to secure it as a source of wealth. According to the World Gold Council, in recent times, China, Germany, and India rank highest in the purchase of gold. Although America currently owns more than eight thousand tons of gold, its lead has diminished in the past decade, with China holding more than 20,000 tons of gold. 

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on Monday.

Rana left for India on a five-day official visit at the cordial invitation of her Indian counterpart Jaishankar.

According to a source at the Foreign Ministry, they discussed various aspects of Nepal-India relations, mutual interests and cooperation.

Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar welcomed Rana to India and posted a picture on social media.

It has been believed that the meeting would strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

A source said that Foreign Minister Rana is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening.

This is Rana’s first foreign visit after being appointed as the foreign minister.

On Monday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Nepal after the formation of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led government.

During his stay in Nepal, he paid courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Oli, ministers, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal among others.

The Ministry of Health and Population has said that Nepal falls under the risk of infection of monkeypox (mpox).

According to Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki, the infection is spreading rapidly in neighboring India and in this context, Nepal too is vulnerable to it.

Last year, one 60-year-old foreigner (female) was diagnosed with the mpox virus in Nepal.

The Ministry has already consulted with the experts concerned regarding preparations required for its prevention.

Budhathoki said that health desks based along the air and border transits and the federal, provincial and local levels have been instructed to remain vigilant to the infection risk and take measures accordingly. 

The Ministry has designated hospitals and doctors in all seven provinces for the prevention and management of the infection.

Since the past few days, the African country Congo is battling with Clade 1b. This variant of mpox is considered to be deadly. Since January this year, it has killed 548 people.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a health emergency over the spread of the virus.

Mpox spreads through direct contact with the infected person or animal, skin-to-skin contact with mpox rash or scabs from an infected, contact with fluid and saliva from the body of an infected, clothing, towels, beddings or objects used by the infected.

Fever, skin rash and bumps in between one and three days of the infection which appears in the face, palm and feet as well, headache, muscle ache, bone ache, chills, and swollen lymph nodes are the symptoms of mpox. It may lead to the loss of eyesight, pneumonia, brain fever, miscarriage (among pregnant) and even death.

The Ministry has hoped for a high level of cooperation from the civic- level in terms of adopting health protocols to prevent the risk which is, as the Ministry said, possible, if the civic are ready for that. 

Three members of a family were killed in a landslide at Majhgaun in Nalgad Municipality-2 of Jajarkot on Monday.  

The deceased have been identified as Lal Bahadur Pariyar (42), Manisa Pariyar (34) and their two-year-old son Shivam Pariyar of Nalgad-2.

Nalgad Municipality Mayor Dambar Rawat said that they were staying in a temporary shelter constructed for the earthquake victims.

A police team led by Inspector Madhav Prasad Chaudhary of the Area Police Office Dalli has reached the incident site, said Mayor Rawat.

The Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa has advised Nepali students planning to study in Canada to exercise caution and thoroughly prepare before embarking on their educational journey. 

The embassy’s advisory comes at a time when international students in Canada are facing unprecedented hardships due to a lack of jobs and rising accommodation prices. The Nepali mission has advised students to carefully study the notice that the embassy published in the last week of April. “Prospective students are advised to conduct thorough research about their chosen college, field of study, associated costs, and the city where the institution is located. Don’t rely on unrealistic, insufficient, or exaggerated promotional materials, as this may lead to various problems upon arrival,” the advisory reads.

The embassy has advised students to gather information from relatives, friends, senior or former students, social media networks and Nepali diaspora organizations in the relevant cities before departing for Canada. This, according to the embassy, will help students better understand the local environment, education system, expenses, housing availability and employment prospects.

The Nepali mission has also advised parents to make adequate arrangements for their children’s tuition, accommodation and living expenses before sending them off to Canada. It added that the misconception that employment can be easily secured immediately upon arrival has landed many students in trouble.

Stating that there is increasing pressure on student housing and employment opportunities across Canada due to a growing number of international students, the embassy has advised students to secure accommodation before arrival and warned against making advance payments based solely on social media advertisements.

The embassy has advised students to be prepared for extreme cold during the winter months and gather information about the local climate beforehand. “Students also need to familiarize themselves with local customs and practices related to daily life in Canada to ease their transition,” it added.

Furthermore, the embassy has emphasized the importance of being well-informed about the quality and credibility of educational institutions before paying tuition fees. Students are also advised to verify landlord information before making any rental payments to avoid falling victim to scams, it added.

Canada has decided to reduce the intake of international students by 35 percent for two years starting September to address pressure on its housing and health sector. It is also discontinuing work permits for undergraduate students enrolled in private-public partnership colleges starting September.

“Students should be aware of their rights and seek legal recourse if they face labor exploitation, abuse, or fraud in the workplace,” it added.

Canada had 1.04m international students in 2023, according to the Canadian Bureau of International Education. Nepalis accounted for two percent of the community that year, according to the Bureau. The number of Nepali students grew by a whopping 166 percent in 2023 compared to 2022.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 300 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 152, 300 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 152, 600 per tola on Thursday.

The silver is being traded at Rs 1,810 per tola today.