Author: space4knews

The parliamentary party of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has begun a meeting at its office in Singha Durbar to select candidates for the chairperson positions of parliamentary committees. Elections for chairpersons of 10 committees under the House of Representatives and 2 joint committees are pending, while the chairpersons of the subject committees in the National Assembly have already been elected. The House of Representatives had finalized the members of the subject committees on Chaitra 27, and the Speaker has set the date for the chairperson elections for next Friday. (3 Baisakh, Kathmandu)

The ongoing meeting at the parliamentary party’s office is focused on selecting candidates for the chairperson posts of the parliamentary committees. The Federal Parliament comprises 16 parliamentary committees: 10 under the House of Representatives, 4 under the National Assembly, and 2 joint committees. The chairpersons of the subject committees under the National Assembly have already been elected. Elections remain pending for the chairpersons of 10 committees under the House of Representatives and 2 joint committees. On Chaitra 27, the House of Representatives determined the members for the subject committees. On the same day, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced that the chairperson elections for the parliamentary committees would take place next Friday. To be elected chairperson, a member of the respective committee must be proposed by one member and supported by another member of the same committee to submit their candidacy.

April 16, Kathmandu – Prime Minister Balindra Shah (Balen) is holding his first-ever meeting with the chief ministers of all seven provinces today following his assumption of office. The meeting is scheduled for 2 PM at the Prime Minister’s and Council of Ministers’ Office in Singha Durbar.

The agenda will focus on accelerating development and construction projects, ensuring equitable allocation of resources, and addressing various administrative and economic challenges faced by the provinces. Additionally, discussion will center on strengthening cooperation between the central and provincial governments to effectively implement national priority plans.

Expectations for the meeting include fostering a shared understanding on the current economic situation, infrastructure development, improved service delivery, and maintaining good governance. This meeting is considered a significant step toward more effective federalism and delivering tangible benefits directly to the public.

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The government’s decision to start the 2083 academic session from 15 Baisakh while declaring Saturdays and Sundays as holidays has directly impacted the educational rights of over 7.14 million students. The reduction of 52 days from the minimum 180 days of direct teaching, as mandated by the Curriculum Development Center, is expected to have long-term negative effects on student learning. Prior to this decision, the government has not presented any concrete plans for curriculum revision, alternative teaching methods, or teacher capacity development.

This decision has sparked intense debate within the education sector. Although it appears to be driven by administrative convenience or restructuring efforts, its implications are complex and far-reaching. It raises questions about instructional time, curriculum structure, learning quality, and the overall credibility of the education system. Unplanned decisions should not disrupt the academic calendar, especially when the system to commence the session in Baisakh has been established through years of practice, research, and management.

The postponement of the enrollment campaign until mid-Baisakh calls into question not only the timeline but also the overall trustworthiness of the system. This is not merely a 15–20 day delay; it threatens to seriously impact the entire academic cycle. Such decisions are likely to have long-lasting negative effects on students’ learning psychology and quality. Education should be managed based on scientific studies and consideration of long-term impacts, rather than for administrative convenience or temporary financial pressures.

The education system is the backbone of the nation. Every decision related to it must be based on long-term thinking, in-depth studies, and broad consensus. While reform is necessary, it must be undertaken thoughtfully, or else there is always a risk of disorder under the guise of improvement. The government has yet to announce any concrete plan to compensate for the 52-day shortfall. There has been no visible scientific preparation regarding curriculum revision, content adjustment, or alternative teaching methods before making this decision.

Kathmandu, April 15 – After the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) suffered a significant defeat in the House of Representatives election, the party has yet to conduct an institutional review. However, the activity of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has intensified. Since the election on March 6, Bhandari has met UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli three times.

On the most recent occasion, last Sunday, Bhandari went to Maharajgunj Teaching Hospital to meet Oli. Prior to this, she held a meeting with Oli on March 30 and had also met him before his arrest on March 28. Notably, the three meetings Bhandari arranged with Oli carry distinct contexts. On March 13, she visited Gundu to express condolences after the death of Oli’s father on February 10. The subsequent meeting related to Oli’s arrest, and the meeting on March 30 concerned preparations for Oli’s gallbladder surgery.

Sources reveal that during these meetings, Bhandari did not only express sympathy for Oli but also discussed the crisis within the party. She has already proposed the reorganization of the UML to Oli and has accelerated her engagements with other party leaders.

During the meeting last Sunday, Bhandari and Oli engaged in an extensive discussion covering the election loss, national politics, and possible solutions. According to sources, Bhandari emphasized the necessity of party reorganization as a method to resolve UML’s crisis, expressing doubts about the party’s revival under Oli’s leadership. However, Oli has not shown positive responses to her proposals.

Bhandari’s personal secretary, Rajkumar Rai, commented, “Meetings are ongoing with those coming to see her.” Bhandari continues dialogue with top leaders of the party. In the second week of March, she convened a discussion at her residence with UML officials, where most participants agreed on the conclusion for party reorganization. Despite Oli managing party affairs even from the hospital, Bhandari appears to have brought the reorganization issue to discussions beyond the party’s sphere.

The news has been summarized and edited. US Treasury Secretary Scott Baesert accused China of being an unreliable global partner during the Middle East conflict. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China has made its firm stance clear regarding the situation in Iran. Guo also noted that both sides continue regular communication about President Trump’s upcoming visit to China. Kathmandu, April 16 – US Treasury Secretary Scott Baesert’s allegation that China has proven to be an unreliable global partner during the West Asian (Iran) conflict has drawn a strong response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. According to Reuters, Secretary Baesert said, “China has proven itself an unreliable global partner by hoarding oil supplies and restricting exports of certain goods during the Middle East conflict.” He added, “This is exactly the same behavior it displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic concerning medical supplies.” According to the Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times, on Wednesday, when asked if Baesert’s comments could affect President Donald Trump’s upcoming China visit, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded, “China has repeatedly made its serious position clear on the situation in Iran. Furthermore, both sides maintain ongoing communication regarding President Trump’s visit to China.”

April 16, Dhangadhi – A 6-year-old girl has died after being struck by a tractor in Kailali. On Wednesday night, a tractor with the registration number Se 1 Ta 8758 hit Dinal Chaudhary near her home in the inner road sector of Chauri, Lapkichuha Municipality–5. The local police have confirmed her death.

Dinal was playing on the road close to her house at around 8:45 pm when the tractor collided with her. She was severely injured and immediately taken to Bardagoriya Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, she died while receiving care at the hospital, according to Kailali District Police Office.

The tractor and its driver, 37-year-old Ram Bahadur Chaudhary from Lapkichuha Municipality–5, have been taken into police custody. Further investigation is underway, officials said.

April 15, Kathmandu – Deputy Speaker Ruvikumari Thakur has stated that the dowry system directly undermines the respect, equality, and rights of women. On Thursday, she took to Facebook to emphasize that not only giving or receiving dowry but also attending or hosting feasts based on marriages arranged through dowry transactions is legally punishable.

“It is not just about giving or receiving dowry; accepting marriages arranged on the basis of dowry transactions, participating in such events, or partaking in wedding feasts is both socially unacceptable and legally punishable,” Deputy Speaker Thakur wrote. “This practice inflicts a direct blow on women’s respect, equality, and rights.”

She stressed that those who wish to bring societal change, promote national development, and stand against social evils must begin that transformation within themselves. “If we genuinely talk about social change, envision national development, and want to oppose social evils, then the starting point must be ourselves,” the Deputy Speaker added. “Even small steps taken at an individual level can lead to significant social transformation.”

Deputy Speaker Thakur also noted that she has been receiving wedding invitations but has yet to see any card explicitly stating it is a “dowry-free marriage.” “I want to inform that I am unable to attend any wedding associated with dowry transactions,” she said. “Let us encourage practices of dowry-free, equality-based, and culturally refined marriages.”

April 15, Tehrathum – Recently, efforts to develop rural areas with historical, religious, and cultural significance into tourist destinations have been accelerating. Similarly, Changlung Cave in Sudap, Chathar Rural Municipality-6 of Tehrathum, has become a focal point for promoting domestic tourism through various events. With investments from the local provincial government in physical infrastructure, this site is steadily evolving into a notable tourist attraction.

Continuing the tradition of annual events held on the occasion of the New Year, the “Late Godrilal Memorial Cup Volleyball Tournament and Grand Musical Program 2083” was organized again this year. This three-day festival has played a significant role not only in entertainment but also in increasing the recognition of Changlung Cave. The remarkable attendance of spectators, athletes, and tourists from distant areas highlights the tourism potential of this region.

The program featured authentic cultural performances such as Dhami-Jhankri dances, Kelang Chyabrung dances, and Dhan dances, vividly reflecting the lifestyle and traditional identity of the Limbu community. Santosh Tigela, Chairperson of Chathar Rural Municipality, noted that the expenditure on promoting the area’s cultural and historical sites would contribute to preserving indigenous culture.

The musical events were headlined by local artists including singer Indra Sushil Chongbang and singer Niranta Nembang, along with a performance of the ‘Tatno Geet Yatra’. Additionally, a dance competition showcased local art and creativity, offering a beautiful glimpse of cultural diversity. Traditional costumes worn during the dance performances evoked a strong cultural connection among the audience. According to Santakavir Ankeva, Chairperson of the Changlung Cave Mela Bazar Management Committee, sports, cultural, and musical programs are regularly organized to promote tourism. With expanded access, infrastructure development, and the implementation of long-term plans, this area holds promising potential to become one of Eastern Nepal’s key tourist destinations.

April 15, Kathmandu – CPN-UML leader Surendra Pandey has questioned the rationale behind leftist unity. Reflecting on past unification efforts, he noted that discussions on leftist unity have resurfaced, prompting skepticism. Commenting on the initial alliance between CPN-UML and the then Maoists, Pandey described it as motivated by positional gains and personal interests, and raised questions about the purpose of unity going forward.

“Some of our comrades, citing a crisis in leadership, are once again scrambling for ‘left unity,’” he said. “Yesterday, unity was forged for attaining positions; today, perhaps, it is to preserve their waning existence. But is party unity meant to uphold clear principles and ideology, or simply to fulfill the interests of a few individuals?” Pandey emphasized that instead of focusing on unity alone, it is crucial to consider how to strengthen CPN-UML’s cohesion.

He stressed that unity without shared ideology and clear objectives is meaningless and called for party reconstruction that incorporates capable and skilled individuals, especially youth. “We have bitterly experienced the failure of unity based on no ideological foundation in the past. Remaining silent was our mistake then, but staying quiet now would be a grave folly,” he stated. “We must summon the courage to lead CPN-UML forward on a new path defined not by power struggles and self-interest, but by rules, good governance, and result-oriented leadership.”