Author: space4knews

Kathmandu – The release date for the dark comedy film Zero Degree, produced under the Meghauli Films banner, has been set. The producers unveiled the first glimpse on Thursday, announcing that the film will be screened during the Tihar festival. The initial teaser has sparked audience interest by showcasing actor Vijay Baral in a distinct and intriguing role as Ward Chairperson Punya Chaulagai.

The first-look video features dialogues resonating in the background such as, “Where there’s a problem, there’s Punya Chaulagai,” followed by Punya’s remark, “Who else but me belongs to this village?”—clearly establishing him as a shrewd local representative. Baral appears with thick mustache, glasses, a traditional Dhaka topi, and a suit, creating a highly symbolic and satirical image.

One notable scene depicts Vijay sitting behind a nameplate labeled “Punya Chaulagai Ward Chairperson,” receiving money. Ironically, the wall behind him displays a prominently plastered sign that reads, “Stop Corruption!” This strongly hints at the film’s dark comedic critique of the realities within Nepalese politics and the dual nature of its leaders.

Additionally, the video shows Chairperson Chaulagai riding a white horse while carrying two standing fans, alongside villagers struggling to carry a large wooden box along a mountainous path, adding layers of mystery and depth to the narrative. The story centers on a remote village with limited road connectivity, where after the passing of parents, children living abroad are unable to return. When villagers carry a deep freezer uphill to preserve the deceased’s body, a series of chaotic and amusing events unfold. The wooden box carried by the villagers in the video evidently contains the deep freezer.

Zero Degree is co-directed and scripted by the duo Sajan Kafle and Akash Baral, who previously collaborated on Behuli from Meghauli. The film has been shot in picturesque locations such as Dhital village in Kaski, Armalakot, Gharmi, and Bagar. The cast includes Prakash Ghimire, Rajan Bhusal, Sanisha Bhattarai, Vasundhara Bhusal, Ramesh Budhathoki, Lokendra Lekhak, and Sanjog Rasaili.

May 27, Kathmandu — The government of Nepal has been expanding irrigable land across the country through effective management. According to the Ministry of Finance’s progress report for the current fiscal year, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has extended irrigation facilities to 1,590,388 hectares through federal level projects. Among this, irrigation services are available year-round on 532,655 hectares of arable land.

To ensure year-round irrigation, the government has advanced several large and significant initiatives. The ministry reports that underground irrigation schemes have increased irrigable land by 546,448 hectares. Additionally, 6,088 hectares have been added through lift and reservoir irrigation programs. Embankments spanning 1,518 kilometers have been constructed along major and medium-sized rivers, protecting 13,891 hectares of land.

Under the underground irrigation projects, irrigation services have been extended over 1,037,848 hectares. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has established and put into operation 192 water measurement centers and 355 meteorological stations. To manage risks related to river erosion, flooding, and landslides, significant allocations amounting to NPR 559 million have been designated for major rivers such as Mahakali, Karnali, Narayani, and Koshi during the current fiscal year.

Embankments measuring 1,494.71 kilometers have been constructed along rivers including Mahakali-Darchula, Karnali, Narayani, Babai, Bhadra Aarhi, Khando, Triyuga, Koshi, and Bakraha. Up to the end of Falgun, protective and rescue efforts have been ongoing for 15 risk-prone markets, according to the ministry. Landslide-prone areas have been identified and subjected to studies and research, with landslide management work underway at 53 locations. Furthermore, 12 basin master plans have been prepared, and 3,164 lift irrigation systems have been expanded. Maintenance work has been carried out on 2,557 hectares of surface irrigation facilities, alongside the addition of 174 hectares of new surface irrigation systems.

14 Jestha, Khotang – The victims wounded in the shooting incident that occurred 25 years ago in Khotang during the protest against the Lauda airplane purchase case have yet to receive compensation. On Jestha 13, 2058 BS (May 27, 2001), a torch rally demonstration in Diktel opposing the Lauda airplane purchase was fired upon by police, injuring four individuals. These injured protesters have not been compensated to date.

The wounded included Dipnarayan Rizal from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-6 Nerpa, Dipendra Rai from Ward 2 Solma, Bidyamani Tamang from Ward 13 Nunthala, and Pratap Rai from Kapilasgadhi Rural Municipality-2 Khartamcha. On Baisakh 8, 2079 BS (April 21, 2022), the National Human Rights Commission resolved to grant each of the four injured individuals NPR 100,000 as compensation and recommended the same to the Government of Nepal on Jestha 17, 2079 BS (June 1, 2022). Despite four years passing since the recommendation, the victims have yet to receive any state compensation, Rizal has lamented. At the time of the incident, they filed a complaint with the Commission demanding action against the police officer who fired the shots and called for compensation.

The movement arose after the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala’s government irregularly decided to purchase Lauda aircraft, prompting protests by six leftist groups. During the protests in Khotang, the UML and Janamorcha parties staged torch rallies as a form of resistance. During this demonstration, police opened fire indiscriminately, injuring four students. Among the wounded, Pratap passed away on Magh 28, 2062 BS (February 11, 2006). On the 25th anniversary of the Lauda case, an interaction and reunion program with the injured families was held in Diktel on Wednesday. Organized by Hotel Shubhdin Parivar, the event brought together the families of all four injured, eyewitnesses, and leaders in Kathmandu for a discussion.

The torch rally held in the evening demanding the resignation of the then Prime Minister over alleged embezzlement in the Lauda plane deal was shot at by police in front of the District Police Office while returning from Hatdanda in Diktel. During the rally, Dipendra suffered gunshots wounds to both legs and hands, Dipnarayan to his left leg, Bidyamani to her left leg, and Pratap to the left arm near his elbow. Dipendra sustained severe leg injuries, and his deep gunshot wound remains visible to this day. At the time of the incident, both Dipnarayan and Dipendra were actively involved in student politics and remain politically engaged. Bidyamani, then an 11-year-old student studying in grade 6, and 8-year-old Pratap, studying in UKG, were among the injured. The shooting during the Lauda case protests is locally remembered as the Diktel Shooting Incident.

Caption: Dipnarayan Rizal (right) and Dipendra Rai injured in the Lauda case along with their families.

The reconstruction of the BP Highway, damaged by floods, is progressing rapidly with the support of the Japanese government and investment from Nepal. Japan has agreed to provide a grant of 280 crore yen, while the Government of Nepal is investing 850 crore rupees. Infrastructure Development Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel, while monitoring the reconstruction sites, has instructed contractors to complete the work within the scheduled timeframe.

The BP Highway, devastated by floods eight months ago, is witnessing swift reconstruction efforts. The reconstruction project gained momentum following the foundation stone ceremony held two days ago by Infrastructure Development Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel and Japan’s Ambassador to Nepal, Maeda Toru. The road reconstruction is being carried out with Japanese assistance.

The work covers a 30-kilometer road segment damaged by last year’s floods and landslides. With financial and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and investment from the Government of Nepal, the highway is being upgraded and rebuilt. An agreement has been reached with Shimizu Corporation to construct 3.2 kilometers of the Piple–Barkhekhola section, funded by the 280 crore yen Japanese government grant, while the Nepal government has secured 850 crore rupees to develop the remaining three sections.

In addition to reconstruction, the highway will be upgraded to a two-lane road. Five bridges along the route will also be converted to two lanes. To prevent future flood damage, work is progressing rapidly on RCC retaining walls, plump walls, and road widening. The project aims to complete asphalt paving by next year, making the BP Highway safer and more organized than before. Originally started with Japanese assistance in 1996 (2053 BS), the highway was handed over to the Government of Nepal in 2015 (2072 BS).

Known for his staunch opposition to Israel, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has long been vocal against the Jewish state. He has persistently expressed strong criticisms ranging from Holocaust denial to denouncing Israeli governance. Furthermore, he actively supported advancing Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli officials frequently cited his name when warning of threats emanating from Iran.
Against this backdrop, the New York Times has reported that Israel and the United States had plans to position Ahmadinejad as a post-war leader in Iran. According to the report, a raid was conducted to free him from Iranian detention. However, the plan purportedly failed after Ahmadinejad was injured during the assault. Neither Ahmadinejad nor his associates have commented on these claims, and no information about his current status has been disclosed.
American and Israeli experts have expressed skepticism regarding these details, questioning why the US or Israel would collaborate with someone known for vehement anti-Israel rhetoric. These contradictions have led some observers to view Ahmadinejad’s political persona as multifaceted and complex.
Ahmadinejad first rose to prominence in 2003, when he was elected mayor of Tehran, a position that brought him into the political spotlight. He became president in 2005, campaigning on a platform emphasizing justice, simplicity, and anti-corruption measures. However, his aggressive statements about Israel, the US, and the Holocaust quickly made him a controversial international figure. His rhetoric was often explicitly anti-American and anti-Jewish.
After leaving office in 2013, Ahmadinejad clashed with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as other security apparatuses. Subsequently, he was repeatedly barred from running in presidential elections. According to Iran’s National Security Studies chief speaking to the New York Times, Ahmadinejad has exhibited unpredictable and contradictory policy positions.
Three US analysts who spoke to BBC Persian voiced doubts about the asserted plan to reinstate Ahmadinejad in power. Max Abrahams, a political science professor at Northeastern University, described the report as “highly questionable.”
Who exactly is Ahmadinejad? Some Iranian commentators say his recent activities raise questions about his political standing and ambitions. Analysts suggest his policies have isolated Iran internationally, intensified the nuclear crisis, and enabled Tehran to send stronger political messages against Israel.
Yet the fundamental contradiction remains: a politician long known for vehement anti-Israel rhetoric is now being presented as a potential future leader of Iran, prompting many to question the true nature of his political image.

May 28, Salyan – Three illegal firearms were recovered in Salyan district. These weapons were found hidden within a community forest and seized by police officials. The firearms were discovered abandoned in Siddhagufa Community Forest located in Chaur, Ward No. 12 of Banagad Kupinde Municipality. The District Police Office of Salyan provided information regarding this recovery. Upon receiving the tip-off, police conducted a search operation in the area, resulting in the confiscation of the illegal firearms, according to Police Inspector and Information Officer Devaraj Bhattarai. Further investigations related to the case are ongoing, and necessary legal procedures are being followed.

Nepal’s renowned MMA fighter Rabindra Dhant is set to face Kimbert Alintojon of the Philippines today in the quarterfinals of ‘Road to UFC Season 5.’ The bantamweight bout will take place at the Galaxy Arena in Macau, with the winner advancing to the main stage of the UFC. Rabindra has achieved 9 professional MMA victories to date, with only one loss.

On June 14 in Kathmandu, Nepal’s prominent MMA athlete Rabindra Dhant is preparing to compete in the UFC qualifier event, Road to UFC Season 5. This prestigious competition serves as a pathway to the world-renowned UFC main stage. Rabindra is competing in the bantamweight division and will face Philippines’ Kimbert Alintojon in today’s quarterfinal match held at the Galaxy Arena in Macau. The victor in this weight class will secure a spot in the main stage of the tournament.

Throughout his professional MMA career, Rabindra has won 9 fights and suffered just one loss. His opponent Kimbert holds a record of 7 wins and 3 losses. Rabindra is currently one of the most celebrated fighters in Nepal’s MMA scene. Last year, he notably won the title by knocking out India’s Chungren Kavren at Matrix Fight Night 17, held in Greater Noida, India.

April 26, Saptari – The construction of a birthing center in Kachan village, Ward No. 8, Bodebarsain Municipality, Saptari, intended to ensure safe childbirth, has been stalled for the past four years. The construction work has come to a halt due to budget constraints. This birthing center project was initiated under the Federal Election Development Area Program but was left unfinished after the program was discontinued.

At that time, the then Member of the House of Representatives and Minister for Youth and Sports, Tej Lal Chaudhary, had allocated funds for the building’s construction. However, recently, the municipality has not allocated any budget for the birthing center either.

As there is no nearby maternity building, local women are compelled to travel outside for health checkups and maternity care. From fiscal years 2076/077 to 2077/078 (mid-2019 to mid-2021), the municipality formed a consumer committee and spent NPR 60,000; however, due to the municipality’s lack of ownership of the project recently, the investment made by the Nepal Government is going to waste. Locals have expressed ambiguity about the municipality’s responsibility to provide health services.

Baijnath Chaudhary, Chairperson of Ward No. 8, Bodebarsain Municipality, stated that despite four years having passed since the election, the incomplete birthing center’s construction has yet to be finished. He also noted that no proposal has been presented in the municipality’s executive meetings so far regarding this matter.

According to Gajendranath Sharma, the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer, the incomplete building still requires the installation of partitions, windows and doors, painting, and construction of the compound wall. He added that with budget allocation starting from the upcoming municipal assembly session, the birthing center’s construction will be completed.

Arun Chaudhary, Chairperson of the Kachan Birthing Center Construction Consumer Committee, emphasized the need for the local government to allocate a budget and take initiatives to operate the birthing center even after the termination of the Election Development Area Program. Local resident Bilat Das accused the municipality of showing no interest in allocating funds to operate the birthing center.

Similarly, the birthing center building at Simraha, Ward No. 9, Bodebarsain Municipality, is also under construction and remains incomplete, lacking plaster, windows, doors, paint, and a compound wall. Meanwhile, the building at Khadakpur in Ward No. 10 has been constructed, but the municipality has yet to begin its operation.