Author: space4knews

April 17, Kathmandu: Former Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel has called on the government to further refine and sustain the program he initiated to prevent premature deaths among mothers and women caused by cervical cancer. Through a social media post, he recalled launching a free cancer screening program aimed at ending the high mortality rates faced by many mothers and women due to delayed testing. On the occasion of Matatirtha Aunsi, he extended his best wishes to mothers and urged the government to continue this initiative.
“Considering that women’s health often remains a secondary priority in society, during my tenure at the Ministry of Health and Population, we established a free cancer screening service to end the tragedy of mothers and women dying from lack of timely testing. On this important day, I express full confidence in the current government to further enhance and sustain this program,” he stated.
While serving as minister, Paudel spearheaded campaigns including the HPV vaccination drive to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer—the leading cause of female fatalities—and the national cervical cancer screening program for women. Both initiatives aimed to curb the rising female mortality due to cancer. Marking the occasion of Matatirtha Aunsi, Paudel reminded of these efforts and recommended that the present government prioritize them. “We remain committed to fulfilling the responsibility of building healthy families and a prosperous nation through healthy women,” the former minister affirmed in his message.

The Cricket Association of Nepal has announced a 15-member squad led by Dipendra Singh Airee for the upcoming T20I series against the UAE. The series is scheduled to take place at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on Monday and Tuesday.

The T20I squad sees the return of skilled players Kushal Malla and Arjun Saud, while Santosh Yadav and Hemant Dhami will be making their international debuts. Malla last competed in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, whereas Saud last played internationally in 2022 against Kenya.

The Cricket Association of Nepal has designated Dipendra Singh Airee as captain of the T20I side, with Rohit Paudel appointed to lead the ODI team. The Nepal squad for the series includes Dipendra Singh Airee (captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Jora, Arif Sheikh, Basir Ahmad, Gulshan Jha, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nandan Yadav, Santosh Yadav, Arjun Saud, Hemant Dhami, Sahab Alam, and Sher Malla.

Comedian Sundar Khanal has introduced a new TV show titled ‘Comedy Baaz’ following the third season of ‘Comedy Darbar.’ ‘Comedy Baaz’ will be a roasting show with a core concept based on a battle format and will be broadcast via Image TV and YouTube. The show is set to premiere in the second week of Baishakh and will feature Sundar Khanal alongside artists like Aarti Thapa and Pawan Khatiwada.

Kathmandu – After departing from the third season of the TV show ‘Comedy Darbar,’ comedian Sundar Khanal has come forward with a fresh comedy program. He released the teaser for the show on Friday. The new show has been named ‘Comedy Baaz.’ The teaser emphasizes the show’s focus on action, although detailed information about its structure has not yet been disclosed.

According to reports, ‘Comedy Baaz’ is a roasting-style comedy show that invites guests from various fields to present humorous content. Khanal explains that the show’s main concept is based on the ‘battle’ format, which will be fully showcased in the complete episodes. The program will be aired through Image TV and Sundar Khanal’s YouTube channel.

As seen in the teaser, the show’s hosts officially announced are Sundar Khanal and Aarti Thapa. Other participating comedians include Pawan Khatiwada (Macury), Bishwas Timalsina (B.T. Kancha), Saroj Bhandari, Sita Nyaupane, Sushant Basyal, Ashish Nyaupane, and Nischal Aryal among others. The broadcast is scheduled to begin from the second week of Baishakh. Most of these comedians are members of the ‘Comedy Darbar’ team and have stated that they will actively participate in both programs.

The United Nations has urged prioritizing forest management by linking forests with national economic development and employment growth. In Nepal, forests cover 46 percent of the total land area, yet their contribution to the country’s GDP is only 2 percent, and forest products fall short of meeting domestic timber demand. Through scientific forest management, it is possible to produce 150 to 350 million cubic feet of timber annually and create one million permanent jobs.

As American President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, “Our nature and trees must be given respect equal to that of human beings.” His words underscore that sustainable conservation and restoration of nature and forests should be a top priority for all countries.

Traditional economics considers forest products primarily as timber or wood, but forests also provide other environmental goods and services that significantly contribute to the economy. Presently, the market value of these environmental goods and services is increasingly being included in GDP calculations. According to United Nations statistics, the world has 4.1 billion hectares of forest area, comprising 32 percent of total land area. However, tropical forests are highly threatened due to deforestation. Since forest areas provide vital social services such as food production, water supply, climate stability, and carbon sequestration, expanding forest cover in the public interest is essential.

Nepal has significant potential for timber production from species like Sal, Pine, Sissoo, Khair, and Asna, yet the current annual timber output is only 20 million cubic feet, insufficient to meet domestic demand. With scientific and intensive forest management, annual timber production could increase to between 150 and 350 million cubic feet and create one million permanent jobs. This could contribute at least 15 percent to the national GDP. The current government’s policy appears new, transformative, and production-oriented, and it is expected to fully support the bio-economy.

(Author: Ghimire – Expert in Forestry, Environment, Climate, and Environmentally Friendly Development)

Veteran makeup artist Ashok Roka passed away on Thursday evening at his home in Ghattakulo. The Film Technicians Association and the Film Development Board have expressed deep sorrow over his demise. His mortal remains will be kept at Pashupatinath Aryaghat on Friday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

Ashok Roka’s passing has left the entire Nepali film community stunned, heartbroken, and in mourning. He had been active in the Nepali film industry since 1983 (Bikram Sambat 2040), contributing over four decades to the field. He played a crucial role behind the scenes by providing actors with lifelike costumes, emotions, and appearances tailored to their characters.

Roka worked on more than 100 films, including notable titles such as Jwala, Uttal, Allare, Aphno Manche, Chandani, Arjun, Devta, Aadikavi Bhanu Bhakta, Naso, Nai Nabhanne La, Chino, Dharma Sankat, and Mayajabar. His discipline, dedication, and devotion to cinema have continually inspired newer generations.

His death is regarded as an irreplaceable loss to the Nepali film industry, which has lost an experienced, humble, and dedicated artist. According to Pushkar Lama, president of NEFTA, Roka’s body will be laid for the final tribute at Pashupatinath Aryaghat on Friday from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

A 5-year-old boy, Shankar Oli, from Triveni Rural Municipality-6, Sano Bhurti in Rolpa, tragically died after falling and sustaining injuries while playing in his home’s yard. Shankar had been playing among the grain stores in the yard when he fell and got hurt. He was taken to Nerpa Health Post for medical treatment, where doctors declared him dead. The police are conducting further investigations into the incident. April 17, Rolpa.

The police confirmed the death of Shankar Oli, son of Balaram Oli from Triveni Rural Municipality-6, Sano Bhurti, Rolpa. The boy was injured from a fall while playing with grains in the household yard. After getting hurt during play, Shankar was rushed to Nerpa Health Post for treatment but was declared dead upon arrival, according to Sunil Thapa Nepali, Superintendent of Police and information officer at the District Police Office, Rolpa. Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Baisakh 4, Dhankuta – Cultural and artistic activities are rapidly expanding in the Eastern Hills. To further promote this growth, the ‘Purwanchal Got Talent 2082’ competition is set to take place again this year in Dhankuta under the Talent Search program. The Tinzz Crew Dance Training Center Dhankuta announced at a press conference on Friday that the final competition will be held on Baisakh 5 at Tallo Tudikhel, Dhankuta district. The organizers have stated that this competition, launched to showcase local art, culture, and youth talent, will be conducted in a more organized and extensive manner this year.

Specifically aiming to identify talent from rural areas and elevate it to national levels, the program focuses not only on competition but also on talent development, creating new opportunities, and cultural preservation. According to coordinator Suman Yogi, participants will have the opportunity to present their skills in various forms, including dance and singing.

The judging panel includes Yusin Yasmali Magar, Sushant Limbu, and Dipesh Magar for dance, while Juni Khaling Rai, Dinesh Bharti, and Mahesh Rai will evaluate the singing category. A special highlight of this year’s competition will be performances by artist Digi Raj Paudel and Virat Tamang, a contestant from ‘The Voice of Nepal Season 6.’ The prize money adds to the event’s appeal, organizers stated. The first-place winner in singing will receive NPR 500,000 in cash, an equivalent amount in life insurance premiums, opportunities for music recording, gift hampers, a trophy, medal, and certificate.

The competition is divided into age categories for participants under and over 12 years. The first-place winners in each group will receive NPR 250,000, while second-place winners will get NPR 50,000. This year’s competition began on Ashad 20, with 600 participants from 14 districts of Koshi Province. Initially, 430 contestants competed. After the mega audition, 31 talents were selected for the final round, including 14 singers, 9 senior dancers, and 8 junior dancers.

A large crowd has gathered at Matatirth in Chandragiri Municipality-6 to perform offerings, shraddha, and worship in memory of deceased mothers. Individuals without mothers take a ritual bath in the Matatirth pond, believing it will bring peace to the souls of their departed mothers. Within the pilgrimage site, the statue ‘Sajha Ama’ (Collective Mother), created by sculptor Ram Krishna Bhandari, has been installed.

April 17, Kathmandu – People have flocked to Matatirth in Chandragiri Municipality-6 to perform rituals such as offerings, shraddha, and worship in remembrance of their late mothers. From early morning, crowds are seen bathing, donating, performing shraddha rites, offering tarpan, and worshipping, filling the fair with devotees. Men and women without mothers bathe at the site early in the morning before worshipping Harihar (Vishnu and Shiva). It is widely believed that bathing in the Matatirth pond grants peace to the souls of deceased mothers.

Within the pilgrimage complex, sculptor Ram Krishna Bhandari’s statue symbolizing the universal mother, ‘Sajha Ama,’ has been erected. Every year, individuals without their mothers uphold the tradition of visiting this site, bathing in the pond, and offering sweet food items to commemorate Mother’s Day.

A significant fire at the Janakpur Refinery located in Dhalke Bar, Mithila Municipality-7, has resulted in damage estimated at 150 million Nepali rupees. The fire destroyed steam and thermopool machines, while the coordinated efforts of five fire engines and security forces managed to extinguish the blaze within two hours.

According to police inspector Laxman KC of the local police station, it will take several days to compile a full damage assessment, and the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Refinery manager Sanjay Gupta reported that the fire completely burned the steam and thermopool machines installed at the refinery last night.

The fire was brought under control through the combined efforts of the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Army, supported by five fire trucks dispatched from Janakpur, Mahendranagar, and Dhalke Bar.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the war with Iran will end soon. During a brief discussion on tax day in Nevada, Trump briefly commented on the war, stating, “It should end very soon.” Although he did not provide further details, he indicated that the conflict was progressing well. Trump also praised the U.S. military for launching rocket attacks. Last weekend, negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad ended unsuccessfully. However, mediators including Pakistan are working to initiate a second round of talks. The White House has confirmed that discussions concerning a potential second phase of peace talks are ongoing, though no date or location has yet been finalized.

A 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has now been implemented. The United States has indicated that this ceasefire could last for an extended period. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope that the agreement would create an opportunity for a “historic agreement” with Lebanon. The Iran-backed Hezbollah group has also confirmed its commitment to honoring the ceasefire. The militant group stated that it must agree to halt attacks on Lebanese soil, with the condition that Israeli forces also cease activities in that territory.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would be confined within a “security zone” extending 10 kilometers inside southern Lebanon. Hezbollah opposes this stance as it conflicts with their demands. The U.S. Department of State has emphasized that under the agreement, the Lebanese government must take “meaningful steps” to prevent Hezbollah attacks on Israel. Following the enforcement of the ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement indicating that in the past 24 hours, 380 Hezbollah targets had been attacked.

The Lebanese army, however, reported that Israeli attacks continue in their rural areas, constituting a violation of the ceasefire. President Trump called on Hezbollah to comply with the ceasefire as well. He also mentioned that leaders of Israel and Lebanon had been invited to the White House, though the outcome of these engagements remains to be seen.

Following the enforcement of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, oil prices declined in Asian markets on Friday. The global benchmark Brent crude oil price fell by approximately one percent, trading at $98.50 per barrel. Prices for oil traded from the United States also decreased.

April 17, Tehrathum—A three-day handicraft symposium and painting workshop held here with the aim of highlighting the indigenous arts, traditions, and cultural heritage hidden within Tehrathum’s hilly terrain has ignited a new wave of creative awareness at the local level. This initiative, designed to connect traditional skills and native identities with modern forms of expression, has conveyed the message that art is not only a means of creation but also a mirror reflecting society and identity.

Organized by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts based in Naxal, Kathmandu, in collaboration with Manglung Municipality, the workshop saw enthusiastic participation from artists, students, and art enthusiasts from various parts of the district.

Throughout the three days, the program focused on practical exercises in handicraft production and painting, utilizing local resources and materials. Participants practiced capturing the historic sites, rural lifestyles, and indigenous culture of Tehrathum on canvas. In this regard, Jung Pahadi, a member of the Sculpture Department at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, explained that the event was organized to showcase local art, skills, and historic heritage through painting—to promote tourism.

According to him, activities like these not only bring to light neglected potentials but also positively impact the local economy. Naradmani Hartmchhalli, the Chancellor of the Academy, emphasized that art serves as a powerful medium for social unity and cultural preservation, stating that such programs are conducted with the purpose of connecting communities through art.

He further noted that sustainable cultural development is achievable only through the combination of traditional values and modern creativity. Another key aspect of the workshop was its emphasis on promoting indigenous themes. Sanjay Bantawa, Head of the Painting Department at the Academy, pointed out that creative works grounded in the local environment, culture, and lifestyle truly reflect the community’s authentic identity. “Art based on indigenous themes preserves our originality and helps transmit it to future generations,” he remarked. This workshop functioned not only as a skill-development platform but also as an important stage to showcase the talents hidden within Tehrathum. It is anticipated that continuous local initiatives like this will contribute to the preservation of art and culture as well as to tourism promotion.

Bhim Bhandari, who returned from Bahrain due to health problems, has become self-reliant through the goat farming business he has been operating for the past eight years. Currently, there are 150 native Khari goats in Bhandari’s shed, and annually 15 to 20 young goats are sold. Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality has provided vaccines against the pandemic-related infection and technical services, while the Bhandari couple has requested free treatment and livestock insurance. April 17, Myagdi.

Bhim Bhandari, 39, from Faleyagaun Ward No. 3 of Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality, initially went to Bahrain seeking employment but had to return home within four years due to health issues. Despite the responsibility of managing three children, elderly parents, siblings’ education, and household chores, Bhim did not lose hope after returning from abroad. Unemployed upon his return, he devised a plan for goat farming. The mobile goat farming business he started eight years ago has provided him self-employment and financial independence.

“When I returned from abroad, I was worried about how to cover household expenses,” he shared. “After starting goat farming in a mobile shed, I felt I no longer depended on others for employment and running the household.” Bhim has continued the goat farming tradition inherited from his forefathers by managing it systematically. The herd, which began with 50 goats, now has 150 native Khari goats. His wife, Bipana, also supports him. The Bhandari couple sells 15 to 20 young goats, as well as some breeding and mother goats, annually and are satisfied with the goat farming business.

The draft of the national commitment document presented by the new government depicts Nepal as a ‘buffer state.’ Diplomatic experts have expressed concerns that this characterization could undermine the country’s sovereignty and have called for corrections. Small countries situated between two competing powers are often described as ‘buffer states’ to reduce the risk of direct conflict between those powers. However, the government’s recently released commitment document transforms Nepal from a ‘buffer state’ into a ‘Vibrant Bridge’ connecting India and China, emphasizing a dynamic linkage.

The terminology has drawn dissatisfaction from diplomatic experts, including two former foreign ministers, who have indicated that the term will likely be removed before the document is finalized. A former foreign secretary cited examples where both India and China rejected the concept of a trilateral partnership, stressing that Nepal should prioritize its national interests when setting policies. Although informally used, the term’s appearance in an official document has highlighted a narrative of creating trilateral cooperation between China, India, and Nepal, expanding relational networks, and positioning Nepal as a bridge between the two powerhouses—an idea previously expressed by Kathmandu’s top leadership.

However, the inclusion of Nepal as a ‘buffer state’ in the government document, prepared based on all parties’ manifestos, has triggered dissatisfaction among diplomatic experts regarding the move initiated by the government led by the National Independent Party. Diplomat Dinesh Bhattarai, who has advised two former prime ministers, remarked, “Historically, we are a sovereign nation and have never wished to exist under anyone else’s security umbrella.”