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Author: space4knews

पेटमा भरिएको ग्यास निकालेर छिट्टै राहत दिने ४ घरेलु उपाय

4 Home Remedies to Reduce Stomach Gas

Ginger, mint, timur, and lukewarm water can be used as home remedies to reduce stomach gas. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the gas problem occurs frequently. Due to a hectic lifestyle, irregular eating habits, excessive intake of oily and spicy food, insufficient water consumption, eating quickly, and decreased physical activity, gas accumulation in the stomach has become common in many people. Staying empty-stomached for long periods, eating late at night, swallowing food without proper chewing, or staying stressed can also cause gas formation in the intestines. This results in symptoms such as bloating, burping, stomach hardness, digestive disturbances, stomach pain, and sometimes discomfort extending to the chest. In most cases, these problems are related to diet and digestion. Improper digestion increases acidity in the intestines, leading to gas formation. Constipation, lentils, cabbage, cold drinks, excessive tea or coffee, dairy products, and sedentary habits can exacerbate the problem.

Before taking medicines, consuming readily available natural ingredients at home such as ginger, mint, fennel, or spices like timur along with lukewarm water in appropriate amounts can provide relief from mild gas.

1. Ginger to Stimulate Digestion: Ginger is one of the quickest home remedies to reduce stomach gas. Its active compounds increase the activity of digestive juices and enzymes. This helps move food quickly through the stomach, preventing gas buildup in the intestines. Ginger is particularly useful when experiencing bloating, heaviness, or discomfort due to gas. To prepare, crush a small piece of fresh ginger and boil it in a cup of water for 5–10 minutes. Once lukewarm, drink it slowly. Taking this after meals or when the stomach feels bloated provides relief to many. Some medical sources also state that ginger relaxes stomach muscles and helps release trapped gas.

2. Mint Relaxes Stomach Muscles: Menthol in mint relaxes the muscles of the stomach and intestines. When intestinal muscles are tight, it becomes difficult to expel gas. Mint alleviates this tightness, helping trapped gas exit more easily. It is effective for bloating, suppressed burping, heaviness, or cramps after meals. Fresh mint leaves steeped in hot water for 5 minutes can be consumed, or if leaves are unavailable, mint tea can also be used. Regular intake of mint tea after meals may reduce gas formation tendencies.

3. Timur Reduces Trapped Gas: Timur, a common spice in Nepalese kitchens, is traditionally used to alleviate stomach gas. Its pungent and aromatic properties stimulate the digestive system. It helps reduce gas formed in the stomach and intestines due to improperly digested food. Crush a few timur seeds and add them to lukewarm water or boil them for 5 minutes before drinking. This remedy is useful when experiencing bloating, suppressed burping, or inability to pass gas after meals.

4. Lukewarm Water and Mild Walking: Often, gas gets trapped in one place in the stomach. Drinking lukewarm water slowly and walking lightly for 10–15 minutes is an effective remedy. Lukewarm water soothes the digestive system, increases intestinal movement, and helps move trapped gas downward. Habitually lying down immediately after eating may worsen gas. Therefore, sitting for a while, walking slowly, and staying active after meals helps naturally expel gas. Since gas problems are mostly linked to lifestyle, this remedy is useful in the long term as well.

When to Be Concerned? If the gas problem occurs repeatedly, accompanied by severe bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acidity, stomach pain, or weight loss, it may not be a simple case of gas. Such symptoms could indicate intestinal sensitivity, lactose intolerance, constipation, acid reflux, or other digestive disorders. Although home remedies provide temporary relief, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the problem recurs.

How to Break the Habit of Buying Unnecessary Items

Summary

Prepared after review.

  • Cleaning drawers, bathroom racks, or kitchen corners can bring a unique type of mental peace.

With the arrival of spring, nature renews itself as fresh shoots grow, and similarly, this season often brings a renewed energy to our lifestyle. For many, it is an ideal time to discard old and unnecessary household items – a practice often referred to as ‘decluttering.’

The concept of ‘soft decluttering’ has become quite popular recently; it encourages removing unwanted items from small, specific areas. However, simply emptying drawers and racks is not enough. The real challenge is to prevent those spaces from being filled again with new unnecessary purchases.

People tend to accumulate items out of habit. When we gather unneeded things, that is when we get the chance to save money, avoid management hassles, and live more sustainably and environmentally friendly lives.

Author Ashley Piper states, ‘Not buying new things is not only about saving money; it’s about being responsible toward yourself and your environment.’

To simplify, organize, and add meaning to life, here are a few effective ways to avoid unnecessary shopping.

1. Make the shopping process a bit more difficult

In today’s digital age, shopping has become ‘frictionless,’ meaning extremely easy. With just a click on your mobile phone, items arrive at your doorstep. However, this convenience is also our main enemy when it comes to controlling unnecessary expenses. Introducing a small hurdle or ‘friction’ in the process can encourage us to buy less.

Remove saved card details

Remove your credit or debit card information saved on online shopping websites. When you have to get up, find your wallet, and enter your card details for each purchase, your brain has time to think: ‘Do I really need this? What value does it add to my life?’

Turn off notifications

Block emails, messages, or push notifications from various brands. Businesses send advertisements around the clock. Staying away from constant advertising is one of the best ways to resist temptation.

2. Focus on the present rather than the future

Often, we buy things thinking about our ‘future selves’ rather than our current needs. Thoughts like, ‘I’ll wear this outfit at a party later’ or ‘I will use this item when I do that task someday’ tend to clutter our homes.

Author Courtney Carver suggests asking two questions before purchasing any item:

– Is this useful for my current life?

– Will I use this in the next 30 days?

Sometimes, people buy items influenced by TV characters or social media influencers. They might purchase expensive shoes like a movie heroine, even though they are uncomfortable and rarely worn.

Others buy costly utensils imagining grand celebrations at home, but in reality, they neither have the time nor the interest to throw such events. Thus, only buy items suited to your actual lifestyle.

3. Make a list of desired purchases

Avoid impulsively buying anything non-essential. Instead, develop the habit of listing such items in a notebook or a mobile notes app.

At the end of the month, review the list. Many of the items may no longer seem appealing. Often, temporary impulses or moods make us believe some things are important, but over time, that urge fades.

Many people shop online during stressful, sad, or lazy moments. Recognize your buying patterns. Do you order items during midnight scrolling on TikTok or Facebook? If yes, try to avoid using your phone during those times.

4. Adopt sharing or borrowing habits

You don’t have to buy everything yourself. Stop the habit of hurriedly spending money on things you only rarely use. You can borrow such items from neighbors or friends or allow others to borrow your rarely used belongings.

Especially exchanging expensive outfits for special occasions between friends not only saves money but also strengthens relationships.

Community groups can also be helpful. Active Facebook Marketplace or ‘Buy Nothing’ groups allow people to give away or exchange unwanted items for free.

Some public libraries rent out not only books but tools, sports equipment, or musical instruments. Seek out such resources. Instead of buying an expensive drill machine for a small task, borrowing one is a wise choice.

5. Soft decluttering and mental peace

Cleaning drawers, bathroom racks, or kitchen corners brings a unique peace of mind. ‘Soft decluttering’ teaches us to live in the present. Items untouched in drawers for over 10 years may be useful to someone else. Donating or giving them away can bring joy.

Having fewer things means less hassle with cleaning, organizing, and maintenance. This frees up valuable time and energy for creative activities you enjoy.

In conclusion,

Enhancing your lifestyle is not about continuously acquiring new and expensive items but rather about properly utilizing what you have and freeing yourself from unnecessary burdens. Mindful shopping habits not only improve your financial situation but also help maintain the environmental balance of our planet.

Prime Minister Shah Holds Discussions with Provincial Chief Ministers

April 15, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) held discussions with the chief ministers of the provinces. On Thursday afternoon, at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office, he engaged in talks with the provincial leaders. Five chief ministers from the provinces participated in the meeting. Chief Minister Hikmat Karki of Koshi province was absent due to mourning, and Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah of Sudurpashchim province was abroad for medical treatment, thus they did not attend.

The chief ministers from Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces were present in the discussion.

Malaysia and Thailand Seek BRICS Membership; Japan Voices Concerns Over Shift in Power Balance

Tokyo is closely monitoring the applications submitted by Malaysia and Thailand to join the emerging economies bloc, BRICS. The grouping is viewed as a rival alliance to established economic powers such as Europe, the United States, and Japan. Analysts suggest that these Southeast Asian nations may be attempting to move away from the historically balanced diplomacy maintained among established and emerging power groups, a development that has raised concerns in Japan. According to Japanese assessments, these countries are primarily leaning towards the bloc influenced by China and Russia.

“There will be considerable concern and apprehension expressed in Tokyo about this,” said Go Itol, professor of politics and international relations at Meiji University in Tokyo. Speaking with ‘This Week in Asia,’ he added, “Thailand’s relationship with China has been very strong for some time now. We should not forget that Thailand hosts the largest number of Confucius Institutes outside the United States.”

Confucius Institutes, operated by the Chinese government, provide educational and cultural programs but have faced criticism for serving as tools of state propaganda. According to Itol, both Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur may expect economic gains from their swift inclusion in BRICS. Malaysia aims to expand its semiconductor industry, while Thailand seeks to strengthen its domestic automobile sector. Thailand submitted its BRICS membership application in June, followed by Malaysia officially confirming its decision the next month. The BRICS summit scheduled for later this month in Russia is expected to approve both countries’ applications.

Established in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as members, BRICS has since pursued an aggressive expansion strategy. Last year’s summit in South Africa welcomed six new member states. China and Russia appear eager to include countries from the ‘Global South’ that feel sidelined by economically powerful nations, aiming to create an alternative to Western dominance. The original five members accounted for roughly 40 percent of the global population and about 25 percent of the world economy. Analysts believe adding new members will further increase the bloc’s influence. Japan is unlikely to remain passive in response to BRICS expansion.

Itol noted that Japan is expected to accelerate cooperation with Thailand and Malaysia, akin to its recent engagement with Vietnam. He pointed toward strengthening security relations to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. However, Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University in Tokyo, suggested that the membership applications from these two nations do not necessarily signal a major shift in their loyalties.

“This should be seen as a savvy hedging strategy, where they are essentially asking, ‘What can you do for me?’” Kingston explained. Both countries are striving to position themselves advantageously to maximize benefits from all sides.

“So far, I have seen no clear evidence that either side has shifted allegiance; instead, they are cleverly sitting in the middle, waiting to see which side offers greater advantage,” he added. According to Kingston, the main weakness of the BRICS alliance lies in its geographic and political diversity. For instance, South Africa has limited ties with Russia, while Thailand’s cooperation with the United Arab Emirates is also minimal.

“Member states seek to maintain a high value of the coalition, but there is limited alignment on other foreign policy objectives,” he noted. “This is an organization still searching for a coherent and consistent agenda, and it is unlikely that such an agenda will be established in the near term.”

Japan has long played a significant role in Southeast Asia. In addition to substantial investment, it allocates nearly 70 percent of its foreign aid budget to this region in recent decades. “Compared to Chinese, South Korean, or Taiwanese companies, Japanese firms are viewed as more supportive investors. Japan is seen as an easy and responsible partner in infrastructure development,” Kingston said.

He also emphasized Japan’s strengths in adhering to timelines and precision in work. While he considers the likelihood of other regional countries following Malaysia and Thailand in applying to join BRICS as low, he reiterated Japan’s long-term strategic ‘long game’ approach based on shared commitments and strengthening relationships with social and governmental levels.

20 Billion Nepali Rupees in Bank Accounts Inactive for Over 10 Years: Government Prepares to Transfer Funds to State Treasury

Person taking money out of wallet

Image source, Getty Images

Following the new government’s plan to transfer funds from inactive bank accounts to the state treasury, Nepal Rastra Bank has begun compiling details of such accounts, according to the central bank’s spokesperson.

Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Guruprasad Paudel informed that approximately 4.34 million bank accounts in commercial banks have been inactive for over 10 years.

“The balance in these accounts amounts to NPR 2.064 billion,” Paudel added.

Banks and financial institutions are legally obligated to report details of accounts inactive for 10 years to the regulatory body, Nepal Rastra Bank.

According to Section 112 of the Bank and Financial Institution Act, “Banks or financial institutions must submit details of deposit accounts that have not been active or claimed according to the Act for 10 years or more at the start of each fiscal year to Nepal Rastra Bank.”

बन्ने भयो ‘जेम्स बण्ड’ को नयाँ फिल्म, को बन्ला जासुस नायक ?

Amazon MGM Selects Denis Villeneuve to Direct New James Bond Film: Who Will Be the Next Spy Hero?

Amazon MGM Studios has appointed Denis Villeneuve to direct the upcoming James Bond film. However, the studio’s film chief, Courtney Valent, has cautioned fans not to get “too excited” about when the new Bond announcement will be made. Actors Jacob Elordi, Calum Turner, and Louis Partridge are among those rumored for the new Bond role, but a final decision has yet to be reached. James Bond will return to the screen, though the timeline remains unclear.

Amazon MGM Studios recently released brief details about the upcoming movie. After taking creative control of the espionage franchise, the studio selected Villeneuve—known for his success with films like “Dune”—to direct the new chapter. Additionally, “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight has been tasked with writing the screenplay. Alongside Villeneuve, producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman now face the significant challenge of casting an actor who can embody the iconic James Bond character.

Despite showcasing its upcoming film slate, the studio provided no hints regarding the identity of the new Bond. Courtney Valent explained, “I know everyone is eager to hear when the next James Bond will be announced. But don’t get too excited. We are approaching this project with great care and respect. This is a lifelong dream for us, and we are not taking it lightly.”

Discussions around the next Bond actor are gaining momentum. Names such as Jacob Elordi, Calum Turner, and Louis Partridge have surfaced in speculation. Whoever is selected will inherit a major responsibility; Daniel Craig, regarded as one of the greatest Bonds alongside Sean Connery, reshaped the franchise with films like “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall.” Craig has already confirmed he will not return to the role following 2021’s “No Time to Die.”

Delivering a successful “Bond 26” is crucial for Amazon. The company spent over $8 billion acquiring MGM Studios in 2022, largely motivated by the Bond franchise. Consequently, expectations for the new film are high, with hopes that it will achieve the classic success of “Goldfinger,” rather than fading like “A View to a Kill.”

Nepali Congress MP Khadka Registers Nomination for Chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee

April 16, Kathmandu: Nepali Congress Member of Parliament Bharat Bahadur Khadka has officially filed his nomination for the position of Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee in the House of Representatives. Earlier today, the Nepali Congress parliamentary party decided to nominate Khadka for this role. Following this decision, Khadka submitted his candidacy.

Today, the House of Representatives has scheduled the nomination process for parliamentary committees. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), holding nearly a two-thirds majority in the House, has decided to allocate the chairpersonship of the Public Accounts Committee to the principal opposition party, while its own members will lead the remaining committees. Meanwhile, opposition parties have also reached a consensus to support the Nepali Congress candidate for the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee.

Government Decides to Increase Lok Sabha Seats by 50 Percent

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated during the Lok Sabha debate on the Delimitation Bill that the number of Lok Sabha seats in each state will increase by 50 percent. According to his information, the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha will rise to 815, with 272 seats reserved for women. The government has already introduced the Delimitation Bill in Parliament today. Opposition parties have accused the bill of increasing seats in northern states where they are strong while weakening the representation of South Indian states.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced opposition to the delimitation, pledging to contest it in the April 23 elections. Congress MP K.C. Venugopal opposed the bill in Parliament, stating, “In 2023, Parliament had made arrangements for 33 percent reservation for women. Opposition leaders demanded that this be implemented from the 2024 elections, but it was not.” Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh explained that the opposition is due to the association of delimitation with women’s reservation.

Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “The BJP’s plan is to manipulate delimitation of all Lok Sabha seats in their favor for the 2029 elections.” He added, “Voter distribution is uneven, and the geographically divided constituencies appear disconnected from others.” Opponents have also described this as a political strategy aimed at appealing to women ahead of elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the bill as extremely unjust and harmful to southern states. BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla dismissed the allegations made by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, stating that women have waited 30 years for these rights, and they are now being implemented.

रास्वपा संसदीय दलको उपनेता गणेश पराजुली – Online Khabar

Ganesh Parajuli Elected Deputy Leader of Rashwap Parliamentary Party

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has selected MP Ganesh Parajuli as the deputy leader of its parliamentary party in the House of Representatives. Kathmandu, 3 Baisakh – In today’s parliamentary party meeting, Kavindra Burlakoti was chosen as the party’s chief whip, while Prakashchandra Pariyar and Krantishikha Dhital were appointed as whips. The parliamentary party leader of Rashwap is Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

Small Business Owners in Lahan Protest Against Management of Local Market

Small business owners in Lahan Municipality-5, Siraha, have protested against the commencement of a modern commercial building construction at the local market with a budget of NPR 44.1 million. When Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary arrived for the foundation stone laying ceremony for the market management project, business owners disrupted the event with slogans and protests. Businesswoman Gudiya Khatun expressed concerns about displacement, stating, “We want the first option.” Meanwhile, the mayor assured that a solution would be reached through dialogue.

The Lahan Municipality’s initiative to modernize and upgrade the market has sparked unrest among local traders. The mayor’s event for laying the foundation stone of the market management and construction work on Thursday was interrupted by protesting business owners. The municipality planned to build a commercial building at the site with a budget of NPR 44.1 million.

When Mayor Chaudhary arrived for the ceremony, the protesting business owners raised slogans and created a tense atmosphere, forcing the mayor’s team to leave without completing the foundation-laying. Following this, angry traders and locals staged protests and blockades in Lahan’s new market area, objecting to the decision to construct the structure without providing any viable alternatives to current occupants.

Longtime small traders at the market have voiced fears of displacement following the municipal tendering for the new building construction. Protest leader Gudiya Khatun stated, “We want the first option. After the municipality builds the grand structure and awards the tender, where will we, the small business owners, go? Until our livelihood is secured, we will not allow the project to proceed.” Lahan’s market is considered the oldest, largest, and busiest in the district, with significant market days every Monday and Friday. Mayor Chaudhary has pledged to resolve the dispute through negotiations.

कारागारबाटै सौतेनी छोराले बनाएका थिए योजना, भान्जा र ज्वाइँसहित ५ जना संलग्न

Stepson’s Plot Leads to the Murder of Sirjana Paudel KC in Pokhara; Five Arrested

Police have concluded that the murder of Sirjana Paudel KC in the main market of Pokhara on the evening of Chaitra 25 was orchestrated by her stepson, Gaurav. Five individuals involved in the plot have been arrested and are under investigation, while Gaurav is currently being brought from prison for further questioning. Police Chief SP Naveen Karki stated that the murder stemmed from family conflicts, property disputes, and inheritance issues.

On the evening of Chaitra 25, 42-year-old single woman Sirjana Paudel KC was attacked near Sabhaghriha Chowk, where two men on a scooter stabbed her in the neck with a kukri and fled the scene. The police apprehended both the assailant and the scooter driver and publicly presented them on Chaitra 27. The person who wielded the kukri was identified as Sirjana’s nephew, 27-year-old Santosh, also known as Shishir KC, while the scooter driver, 32-year-old Kushal Pariyar, was arrested at the beginning of the investigation.

Among those arrested are Sirjana’s nephew, 24-year-old Basant KC, originally from Kusma Municipality-11 of Parbat and currently residing in Zero Kilo, Pokhara Metropolitan City-5, and her daughter’s son-in-law, 27-year-old Navaraj Paudel Kshetri, from Phangara, Falevas Municipality-9 of Parbat, now living in Lamachaur, Pokhara-16. Basant is Shishir’s brother. Although four people—Shishir’s two brothers and the son-in-law—have been detained for their involvement in Sirjana’s murder, the police are expanding their investigation. Meanwhile, the case reveals suspicious aspects related to family matters, including disputes over inheritance, property, and other assets within the family.

High-Level Transfers and New Appointments in the Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health and Population has transferred, appointed, and reverted postings of high-ranking employees at the eleventh level. Health Minister Nisha Mehta has taken necessary steps to reorganize the heads of three major departments to enhance performance efficiency. To prevent misuse of the posting system, the provision under the 1996 Health Services Act has been enforced, which states that employees cannot be posted on transfer duty for more than one month. April 16, Kathmandu.

The Ministry of Health has reportedly carried out transfers, appointments, and reversions of top-tier eleventh-level staff. Following a ministerial decision, Health Minister Nisha Mehta has reshuffled the directors of three key divisions within the ministry. These critical divisions include the National Health Training Center directed by Yashoda Aryal, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division headed by Dr. Roshan Nyaupane, and Dr. Gunanidhi Sharma, recently promoted to the eleventh level. Official confirmation on the specific assignments for these officials is expected shortly, according to ministry sources.

Along with the transfer process, several senior doctors working at the ministry have been reverted to duty at various health institutions. Dr. Chumanlal Das from the Policy and Planning Division has been reverted to Narayani Hospital in Parsa. Dr. Bhim Sapkota from the Health Coordination Division has been assigned to the Kit Laboratory in Hetauda. Similarly, Dr. Saroj Sharma, head of the Quality Measurement and Inspection Division, has been reverted to Bir Hospital. Though Dr. Krishnaprasad Paudel, Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, was transferred to Gajendra Narayan Singh Hospital, he has been instructed to continue serving at the board due to his current executive position.

The ministry’s decision aims to enhance operational effectiveness. Previously, appointments were often made on paper but extended by granting powerful posts. Employees frequently exploited the posting system, holding office for prolonged periods without actual duty. The Health Services Act of 1996 explicitly prohibits postings exceeding one month, but past health ministers have repeatedly violated this provision.

“No employee shall be posted on transfer duty at any office for more than 30 days within a one-year period,” the act stipulates, “and if such extended posting occurs, the salary and benefits paid must be deducted from the remuneration of the official who authorized the posting.” The act also specifies exceptional cases permitting postings beyond one month: (a) government-nominated participation in training, seminars, symposiums, or national programs related to natural disasters or infectious disease control; (b) the necessity for permanent appointment to a position; and (c) inability to immediately fill the vacant office chief or unit head positions.

Former ministry officials reported that misuse of the posting system began during the tenure of Health Minister Rajendra Mahato. During his administration, efforts were made to implement the posting system in practice, with subsequent ministers continuing this practice. Such misuse impeded the principle of “right person, right job.” Minister Mehta’s ‘bold’ move has created an opportunity to assign capable health workers to appropriate positions within the sanctioned posts.

लेखा समितिको सभापति कांग्रेसलाई दिने रास्वपाको निर्णय

Rastriya Swatantra Party Decides to Give Chairperson Position of Accounts Committee to Congress

April 15, Kathmandu – The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to hand over the chairperson position of the Accounts Committee to the Congress party. This decision was made during the parliamentary party meeting held at Singha Durbar. Nominations for the chairperson of the parliamentary committees in the House of Representatives will be registered today.
Meanwhile, Congress is preparing to propose Mohan Acharya as its candidate for the chairperson of the Accounts Committee. In the meantime, the UML and the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) have resolved to support the Congress candidate for the Accounts Committee chairperson, according to NCP Chief Coordinator Yubaraj Dulal.

Two Arrested for Theft and Purchase of Gold and Silver Jewelry in Lalitpur

Aman Deula, who stole gold and silver jewelry from Bagdol in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-4, and Swapan Chakraborty, who purchased the stolen items, have been arrested. The theft, involving jewelry worth approximately NPR 7,912,502, occurred on the afternoon of Chaitra 26. Police from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku, arrested both individuals and recovered the stolen gold and silver jewelry. (April 16, Lalitpur)

Two individuals involved in stealing and buying gold and silver jewelry from Bagdol, Lalitpur Metropolitan City-4, have been apprehended. Aman Deula, 32, residing in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-21, was charged with theft, while Swapan Chakraborty, 47, from West Bengal, India, and owner of Arpita Jewelers in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-23, was involved in purchasing and selling the stolen jewelry.

The theft occurred on the afternoon of Chaitra 26, with jewelry valued at about NPR 7,912,502 stolen. During the investigation, police from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku, arrested Aman in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-4 and apprehended Swapan at his shop. Authorities also recovered various gold- and silver-like jewelry from Swapan’s store. The Lalitpur District Court granted a five-day extension for further investigation, and police are continuing necessary inquiries.

Significant Shift in Canada’s Appeal as a ‘Dream Destination’ for Indian Students

At an educational consultancy in Delhi, India, students along with their parents were browsing brochures of universities in Italy, Germany, and Australia. However, Canada, once a top choice, drew noticeably less attention. “Until 2023, most of our applications were for Canada,” said Sobit Anand, the consultancy operator assisting students with visa applications and admissions. But he noted a staggering 80% decrease in these numbers. “People are less willing to apply to Canada, and visa rejection rates have also increased.” According to a report presented by Canada’s Auditor General to Parliament last month, as of September 2025, Indian students constituted only 8.1% of the international student population in the country, down from 51.6% in 2023.

Several factors contribute to this decline, including stricter visa and immigration policies, rising living costs, and diplomatic tensions between the two countries in 2023 (which have since improved). For years, Canada was especially attractive to India’s middle-class families. The country’s private colleges offered accessible study programs and a straightforward path to settlement. The typical route involved enrolling in a two- or three-year vocational course, working after graduation, and applying for Permanent Residency within a few years—a process that usually took about five years, according to experts. However, the situation has changed.

At the start of 2024, Canada imposed a two-year cap on the number of international students enrolling in undergraduate and diploma programs, allowing only 350,000 students annually (excluding postgraduate courses). This policy dealt a significant blow to Indian students. Meanwhile, inflation soared in Canada, leading to sharply increased living expenses and greater difficulty securing employment. Rent in major cities became prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, the required amount for the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)—proof of funds for studying and living in Canada—was doubled in 2024 from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,000. “Collecting such a large sum is challenging for many families, and it increases the uncertainty due to higher visa rejection risks,” explained Sushil Sukhwani of Advice Consultancy Overseas Education.