At the dawn of another year, setting financial resolutions becomes crucial for a stable future. It can serve as a roadmap towards economic well-being, empowering individuals to manage money more effectively. Proper management of expenses aids in reducing debt, making savings, and creating new investment windows. Prioritising financial goals ensures a more organised and secure financial journey. Overall, it fosters the path towards achieving long-term aspirations. Let’s take a look at some practical resolutions to manage your finances in 2024. Top 10 Financial New Year’s Resolutions and Ways to Fulfil Them Creating a Budget and Sticking to It Creating a proper budget is key to managing money smartly. Try using apps or spreadsheets to split your money between what you need, what you want to save, and what you can spend on non-essential or luxury things.  By keeping a close eye on your spending and sticking to your budget, you can avoid spending money on things you do not need. It helps you keep your expenses within your budget. Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year Practising Mindful Spending Being mindful about spending means making choices that align with your goals and it leads to a more stable financial future. It is very important to take a mindful approach to spending by thinking before you buy. Try to focus on what you truly need rather than what you want right now. You may consider if your purchase brings long-term benefits. This way of spending helps you control your money better and keeps you on track to reach your financial aims.  Paying off Debts and Loans One should make it a priority to clear off debts with high interest rates as they can weigh one down financially. For instance, credit card debt needs to be paid in due time to avoid fines. To repay big debts arranging money from savings or low-interest loans can be considered depending on the situation.  In the new year, one can prepare a repayment plan to settle all debts and get financial freedom. Read more: 5 New Year Resolutions that are actually achievable Building an Emergency Fund Life can surprise us, so it is wise to have a safety net for unexpected costs. Try to stash away money for an emergency fund that can cover living expenses for three to six months if needed. You may look into FD or DPS packages offered by different banks or financial institutions. This practice can help you save more money while making sure you can access them easily.  Whenever you hit a milestone on your savings journey, take a moment to celebrate your progress towards your financial safety net.

Resolutions give us an opportunity to outline our aspirations and step towards personal growth. Beginning of the year is a great time for setting resolutions to embrace fresh beginnings with the pursuit of positive change. However, not all resolutions last longer. People often fail to keep resolutions. Let’s find out how to keep the New Year’s resolutions. Why New Year Resolutions Fail Tradition over Purpose Many resolutions arise from tradition rather than a genuine need for change. When resolutions are set solely because it is customary at the start of a new year, the motivation to pursue them may dwindle compared to goals rooted in a true necessity for transformation. Failure to Anticipate Obstacles A common oversight to fulfil resolutions is the lack of foresight regarding potential obstacles. The barriers are different for every individual. If someone neglects to identify and plan for potential barriers, it can significantly increase the likelihood of encountering setbacks in achieving his or her resolutions.   Read more: How to Spend the Weekend in a Creative Way Unrealistic Goals and Lack of Accountability Setting excessively challenging or overly simplistic objectives often leads to failure. Lack of accountability further diminishes the likelihood of accomplishing these goals. Studies reveal that accountability doubles the chances of achieving set objectives.  Neglecting Tracking and Planning Neglecting regular progress tracking and inadequate planning contribute to failure. Establishing a routine review system and meticulous planning are essential to keep resolutions. This process fosters consistency and allows for adaptations to challenges that may arise along the way. Unclear Purpose and Self-Doubt Unclear reasons behind resolutions and succumbing to self-doubt are detrimental. People tend to set goals without a clear roadmap. It leads to frustration and eventual abandonment of their resolutions. A strong emotional connection to goals helps dispel excuses and strengthens commitment.  Read more: Good Stress: What Are the Benefits of Eustress? 10 Tips to Help You Keep Your New Year's Resolution Set Specific and Measurable Goals  First, establishing clear, measurable objectives is foundational. Try to begin by establishing precise, measurable objectives that can be effectively tracked. Specificity ensures clarity in what you aim to achieve and aids in progress monitoring and strategy refinement.  Measurable goals provide a tangible way to track the advancement and make necessary adjustments for success. When goals are well-defined, they become more manageable, and progress becomes more apparent. Read more: How to Enjoy Your Own Company: Tips to Overcome Loneliness

On the occasion of Bangladesh’s 52nd anniversary of independence, the United States Congress introduced a resolution on March 29 — recognizing and commending Bangladesh and its remarkable socioeconomic progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina introduced the resolution at the Congress as the co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus. Joe Wilson Sr. (born July 31, 1947) has been serving as the US representative for South Carolina's 2nd congressional district since 2001. He earlier served as the South Carolina state senator from the 23rd district from 1985 to 2001. Read more: Declare Pakistan army action in 1971 ‘Genocide’: US congressmen introduce resolution While placing the resolution, Congressman Wilson recalled that 51 years ago on April 4, 1972, the United States recognized Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. During the nine-month-long Bangladesh Liberation War, members of the Pakistan Armed Forces and pro-Pakistani militias killed hundreds of thousands of people and injured many more, the resolution said. The war for independence was a struggle for democracy and freedom led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it noted. It said Bangladesh has made enormous strides in the last five decades from one of the poorest nations to having one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with the GDP per capita increasing to $2,457 in 2021 according to the World Bank which now exceeds that of its regional neighbors. Read More: Japan is a true friend , trusted partner of Bangladesh since independence: Envoy The resolution mentioned since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh's economy has grown from $9 billion to $450 billion, life expectancy has risen from 47 years to 73 years, and the adult literacy rate has risen to more than 75 percent. Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has made substantial socioeconomic progress in food production, disaster resilience, poverty reduction, improved health, education, and women's empowerment, it noted. The resolution said Bangladesh has successfully maintained a moderate Muslim society and curbed extremism in the country, and its people have sought to maintain support for democracy and rule of law rather than descending into authoritarian rule. The resolution said the United States and Bangladesh have extensive cooperation on matters of regional and global security, counter terrorism, and climate change. Read More: India would help restore democracy as it helped gain independence: Fakhrul The US is the largest export market for Bangladesh and one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment, it said, adding the nation of Bangladesh has also contributed to the US economy through bilateral trade and international security cooperation in return. The resolution said the American people appreciate the generous and indispensable role that Bangladesh performs in accepting and sheltering more than 1 million Rohingya people from a genocide perpetrated by its neighbor, Myanmar. The United States has contributed the largest amount of humanitarian aid to address this crisis, totaling more than $2 billion. It said the American people welcome that Bangladesh is one of the world's largest contributors to United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts globally. Both countries seek to enhance their people-to people and government-to-government relationship for shared prosperity. The resolution mentioned that Bangladesh has expressed gratitude to the United States for contributing more than 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Bangladesh. Read More: Sultana Jesmin’s death in RAB custody won’t impact Bangladesh-US relations: Momen The resolution said the American people recognize and commend the nation and people of Bangladesh as they celebrate five decades of independence. The United States extends its sincere determination to remain a constructive partner of Bangladesh in achieving mutual economic, social and national security objectives now and into the future, the resolution concluded.

Quad countries have strongly emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity and expressed their deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. "In this regard, we emphasize the need for complete cessation of violence, the release of all those arbitrarily detained, resolution of issues through dialogue, unhindered humanitarian access, and transition to an inclusive, federal democratic system in Myanmar," account to a joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of the governments of Australia, India, and Japan on the occasion of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi. Towards this, they reaffirm their consistent support to the ASEAN-led efforts, including the work of the ASEAN Chair and Office of the Special Envoy, and called for the full implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. "We also encourage the international community to work together in a pragmatic and constructive way towards resolving the crisis in Myanmar," the joint statement issued by the US Department of State on Friday night after the Quad Ministerial Meeting. The Foreign Ministers of Australia, India and Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States of America met in New Delhi, India on March 3 for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. They will work closely to align and complement the Quad’s agenda with Japan’s Presidency of the G7, India’s Presidency of the G20, and the United States’ APEC host year in 2023, according to the joint statement. "We will continue to meet regularly to deliver concrete benefits and serve as a force for good, deepening practical and positive cooperation for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific region," it reads. The meeting reaffirmed the Quad’s "steadfast commitment" to supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive and resilient. Read more: Quad FMs, wary of China’s might, push Indo-Pacific option "We strongly support the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force and freedom of navigation and overflight, and oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, all of which are essential to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," they said. They underscored the importance of achieving SDGs in a "comprehensive manner" without prioritizing a narrow set of such goals, and reaffirmed that the UN has a central role in supporting countries in its implementation. They recognized that peace and security in the maritime domain underpins the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and reiterated the importance of respect for sovereignty, consistent with international law. The Quad members are determined to "deepen engagement" with regional partners, including through information-sharing, capacity-building and technical assistance, to strengthen maritime domain awareness; to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; to enhance their capability to protect and develop offshore resources, consistent with UNCLOS; to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight; and to promote the safety and security of sea lines of communication. They wwelcome the announcement of the first class of Quad Fellows, who will begin their academic pursuits in the United States in August 2023. The next Quad Leaders’ Summit being hosted by Australia will be held this year.

Sympathizing with the diminishing hope and frustration of the Rohingyas as the repatriation to their homeland is prolonged and as the prospect is dim, South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun has stressed that there is no other way but to repatriate the Rohingyas to Myanmar for the ultimate resolution of the crisis. Reaffirming Korea’s continued support for the protection of refugees forcibly relocated to Cox’s Bazar, Ambassador Lee expressed Korea’s interest in strengthening the host community, supporting the vulnerable population in particular women and children and refugees with disability. Since the outbreak of the Rohingya refugee crisis in 2017, the government of the Republic of Korea has been supporting the operations of the UN agencies and other international organizations in Bangladesh for their humanitarian works in the refugee camp and host community including in Bashan Char. The total amount of Korea’s funding so far is over twenty-three million US dollars. UNHCR is the biggest recipient of Korea's funding followed by UNICEF, IOM, WFP, IFRC and UNFPA. In addition to the government funding, JTS Korea, a Korean Buddhist NGO, provided a total of 200,000 gas stoves to the refugee camp in 2019 and 2022 respectively.  

The wheels of time are running and another year is going to end in our life. As the new year approaches new possibilities are coming. To build a successful life and career in 2023 it is essential to make plans and determinations. However, making big plans and tough targets might lead to failure. Let’s find out 5 attainable New Year resolutions that will help you to be successful in professional life and relationships. 5 New Year Resolutions for Better Life and Career Learn a New Language Learning a new language opens a door of opportunities. Usually, people learn at least one international language in schools besides their mother language. For instance, in Bangladesh, English is taught in educational institutes as an international language. Besides English, there are many other international languages like German, French, Chinese, Russian, etc.  If you can make a resolution to learn a new international language, it will not only help you find new employment options; but also sharpen your mind. Read More: 10 Most Useful Foreign Languages to Learn in 2022 Learn a New Life Skill Many adults lack basic life skills like cooking, swimming, driving, etc. However, your life might go on without knowing the basic life skills. But life skills can make you more confident. And who knows sometimes life skills can save your life during emergency situations. If you wish to learn any certain life skill, but couldn’t do that due to lack of time or other reasons, take it as your new year's resolution. You can reserve a certain time in your daily routine or make plans on the weekend to learn and practice your desired life skill. Read More: 10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College  Learn a New Professional Skill Due to the pandemic many businesses have been affected leaving a blow on the job market in most countries around the world. Therefore, learning a new professional skill like digital marketing, graphic design, video editing, etc can give you scope to earn extra cash through freelancing or outsourcing. What’s more, you can learn advanced skills regarding your current job or profession. For instance, if you are a programmer, make a resolution to learn an advanced programming language that can strengthen your CV, secure your career and help you make handsome incomes.   Read More: Top 10 In-demand Tech Skills Freshers Should Learn in 2023 Adopt a Good Habit  Humans are built with habits. Some are good while some are bad. The new year gives you the opportunity to rethink your habits.  You can make a resolution to build a good habit considering your health, passion and profession. For instance, if you are doing a desk job, try to build a habit of walking one hour everyday or 3 days a week. If you have dreams of traveling abroad, make a resolution to build a habit of saving. Read More: Benefits of Reading Habit for Mind and Body Get Rid of a Bad Habit Certainly, you have some bad habits that are ruining your precious time or health like smoking, social media addiction, fast food addiction, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. Therefore, you can target one or two habits you want to change and make a resolution in the new year. Getting rid of an old habit that you have practiced for years won't be easy; but it won't be impossible either. It takes strong determination and patience.  For instance, if you make a new year's resolution to quit smoking, then find alternatives that can discourage you from lighting a cigarette. You can give yourself incentives for the successful attainment of your resolution. Read More: Post Meal Bad Habits: Things You Must Avoid Right After Eating Meal Bottom Line As a new year comes we grow old. Still, experiencing the new year is a blessing and joyful for everyone. Why not make some resolutions to make our life and health better. So far, we have discussed 5 attainable new year resolution ideas for 2023. You can make your own resolutions to make the upcoming year prosperous, peaceful, and felicitous.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted its first-ever resolution on “situation in Myanmar”, placing an important focus on the Rohingya crisis and its sustainable solution. Referring to the ongoing political unrest in Myanmar, continuous deterioration of its democratic institutions and arbitrary detention of political leaders, the resolution, among others, urges for ending violence and inclusive political dialogue. As the penholder of the Myanmar situation in the Security Council, the United Kingdom tabled the resolution which was adopted by 12 votes in favour. While no members of the Security Council voted against or used veto power to block its adoption, China, Russia and India abstained from voting, according to the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York. Read More: US diplomat for ‘comprehensive approach’ to deal with Rohingya crisis In the context of multifaceted global challenges including Russia-Ukraine conflict, the resolution is a demonstration of the UN’s supreme body’s determination towards resolving the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. This resolution will further renew the attention of the global community towards the Rohingya crisis. Since the exodus of Rohingyas in Bangladesh in 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the position of Bangladesh clear to the international community — that they must return to their homeland in Myanmar from their temporary shelter in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now hosting more than 1.2 million Rohingyas out of humanitarian consideration. Read more: Rights group urges UN Security Council to impose binding arms embargo on Myanmar The resolution commends Bangladesh’s efforts for hosting and providing humanitarian support to the Rohingyas. It also recognizes the implications of the current political situation in Myanmar on the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingyas to Myanmar and on regional security. It underscores the need to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine State, and to create conditions necessary for the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees. The resolution also puts significant focus on ASEAN's role in implementing its Five Point Consensus agreed on in 2021. Read More: Requested US, UK, Japan to take Rohingyas from Bangladesh: FM As an immediate action, the resolution requests the UN Secretary-General and his Special Envoy on Myanmar to submit a report, on the possible support from UN on the implementation of ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus, by March 15, 2023 to the Security Council. The adoption of the resolution will serve as a first step to the regular discussion of the Security Council on Myanmar. It will also strengthen Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts towards sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York made "significant contribution" to the negotiations of the resolution, Bangladesh said. Read more: UN adopts resolution on human rights of Rohingya, other minorities in Myanmar Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York, Muhammad Abdul Muhith, held several bilateral meetings with the strategically important members of the Security Council and ensured that issues specific to Bangladesh’s interest were included in the resolution. This resolution bears the testimony of Bangladesh’s milestone success in multilateral efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

US congressman Steve Chabot, along with congressman of Indian origin Ro Khanna, introduced a resolution in US House of Representatives to declare Pakistan Army action against Bengalis and Hindus in 1971 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh as "genocide" and "crime against humanity". The Bangladesh Genocide of 1971 must not be forgotten, Chabot said. "With help from my Hindu constituents in Ohio’s First District, Rep Ro Khanna and I introduced legislation to recognize that the mass atrocities committed against Bengalis and Hindus, in particular, were indeed a genocide," he said. Read 1971 genocide by Pakistani military most heinous crimes in human history Chabot said they must not let the years erase the memory of the millions who were massacred. "Recognizing the genocide strengthens the historical record, educates our fellow Americans, and lets would-be perpetrators know such crimes will not be tolerated or forgotten," he tweeted. "Proud to join Rep Steve Chabot in introducing the first resolution commemorating the 1971 Bengali Genocide in which millions of ethnic Bengalis and Hindus were killed or displaced in one of the most forgotten genocides of our time," Khanna said. Read 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh: Govt efforts on to have UN recognition The 8-page resolution titled "Recognizing the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971" calls on the government of Pakistan, in the face of overwhelming evidence, to offer acknowledgment of its role in such genocide, offer formal apologies to the government and people of Bangladesh, and prosecute, in accordance with international law, any perpetrators who are still living. It condemns the atrocities committed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against the people of Bangladesh from March 1971 to December 1971; recognizes that such atrocities against Bengalis and Hindus constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide; recalls the death and suffering of the countless victims of such atrocities and expresses its deep sympathy for the suffering. The resolution recognizes that entire ethnic groups or religious communities are not responsible for the crimes committed by their members; calls on the President of the United States to recognize the atrocities committed against ethnic Bengalis and Hindus by the Armed Forces of Pakistan during 1971 as crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide. Read Mozammel batting for international recognition of genocide of 1971 The resolution to declare the Pakistan army's action in 1971 as 'Genocide' reaffirms the United States commitment to promoting peace, stability, and intercommunal harmony in the Indo-Pacific region, and the right of all people living in the region, regardless of national, racial, ethnic, or religious background, to enjoy the benefits of democratic institutions, the rule of law, the freedom of religion, and economic opportunity.

A resolution on situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar has been adopted at the third committee of the 74th UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.