During summer, the air pressure inside motorcycle tires increases with rising temperatures, making regular tire pressure checks essential for safety and optimal performance. Overinflated tires become hard, reducing their contact surface with the road, which can compromise motorcycle balance and increase the risk of accidents. The hot season impacts not only the rider but also the motorcycle itself. Particularly, fluctuations in tire air pressure due to temperature changes can make even routine trips hazardous if ignored. Incorrect tire pressure is a common, though often overlooked, cause of many accidents. Overinflation weakens road grip, while underinflation leads to quicker tire wear and reduced mileage. Therefore, checking the tire pressure (PCI) before riding in summer is vital for safety and good performance.
Why does tire pressure change in summer? As temperatures rise, the air pressure inside sealed tires increases. According to basic principles of physics, gas expands with heat, causing tire pressure to elevate naturally. This explains why tires that feel normal during cool mornings can seem much firmer under the midday sun. If this change is not monitored, tire pressure can exceed recommended levels. Extended rides, hot asphalt, and high speeds further increase this pressure. In such cases, only the middle part of the tire contacts the road, reducing grip. The consequences include longer braking distances, destabilized motorcycle balance, and increased chances of slipping while cornering.
What PCI level is appropriate? Generally, front motorcycle tires require 25 to 30 PSI, and rear tires need 30 to 35 PSI. However, this is not universal. The ideal pressure can vary based on the motorcycle model, engine capacity, tire size, number of passengers, and manufacturer recommendations. Most manufacturers provide the correct tire pressure details on the motorcycle’s chain cover, swing arm, fuel tank sticker, or user manual. Therefore, it is wiser to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines rather than relying on estimates when inflating tires.
The common belief that “a little extra air pressure is safer during summer” is misleading because the road temperature itself increases tire pressure. Maintaining the correct PSI prolongs tire life, improves fuel efficiency, ensures stable braking, and facilitates better overall motorcycle control. Although a tire with excess air pressure may seem fine at first glance, it carries significant risks. Overinflated tires become rigid and have reduced contact with the road, which can disrupt the motorcycle’s natural balance.
The government has approved the acceptance of a grant equivalent to one million Swiss francs from the Swiss government for the Truth and Reconciliation Fund, established for the families of disappeared persons. Kathmandu, 15 April. The cabinet meeting held on Thursday decided to accept the grant from Switzerland amounting to one million Swiss francs to support the fund created for the relatives of the disappeared individuals.
The government has formed a commission to investigate the assets of chief political officials and senior civil servants who have held public office since the year 2062/063 BS (2005/06 AD). According to the decision taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, the leadership of the asset verification and investigation committee has been entrusted to former Supreme Court Justice Rajendrakumar Bhandari, government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel informed reporters.
The commission members include former Justices Purushottam Parajuli and Chandiraj Dhakal, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganesh KC, and Chartered Accountant Prakash Lamsal. The commission is tasked with collecting, verifying, and investigating the asset declarations of political officeholders and senior employees in public positions.
Forming a high-level investigation commission was a key electoral agenda of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party – RSWAP). Additionally, the government has established a mechanism led by former High Court Justice Premraj Karki to implement the recommendations related to security agencies from the Janajati (NGO) Movement investigation report. This committee includes former Armed Police Force Additional Inspector General Subodh Adhikari and former Nepal Police Additional Inspector General Tek Prasad Rai as members.
Nepali karate star Erika Gurung secured her second consecutive silver medal at the WKF Karate 1 Premier League and advanced to ninth place in the women’s over 68 kg weight category rankings.
Erika won the silver medal after a close 2-1 loss to Kazakhstan’s Sofia Berutseva at the Karate 1 Premier League held in Leshan, China, in late Chaitra 2082 (April 2026).
After earning a silver medal at the 19th Asian Games in 2023, Erika has continued to make history in Nepali karate by winning medals in various international karate competitions worldwide.
April 15, Kathmandu – Following a historic achievement by clinching a second consecutive silver medal at the WKF Karate 1 Premier League, Nepali karate star Erika Gurung has also made significant progress in the WKF world rankings.
According to the latest WKF ranking updates, Erika has attained ninth place in the women’s over 68 kg weight class. This success follows her silver medal win at the Karate 1 Premier League held in Leshan, China, at the end of Chaitra 2082 (April 2026).
Erika reached the finals once again but narrowly lost 2-1 to Kazakhstan’s Sofia Berutseva in a competitive match, claiming the silver medal this time as well.
Previously, in Magh 2082 (January 2026), she made history by winning a silver medal at the Karate 1 Premier League in Turkey and was ranked 13th. This time, she has risen two places higher.
Erika Gurung’s consistent top-tier performances in international karate have marked a historic milestone for Nepali karate.
In the 2026 Karate 1 Premier League season, Erika has maintained a second position in the rankings overall, following Sofia Berutseva, who holds the top spot.
After emerging as a silver medalist at the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, Erika has consistently participated in international events and continued to secure significant medals.
Erika first competed at the Karate 1 Premier League in 2025 in Morocco, where she secured a bronze medal.
She has also competed in the World Championships and collected several medals in various international competitions.
Erika has consistently challenged and defeated many of the world’s top-ranked karate players.
Her prominence in Nepali karate began with her silver medal win in the 68 kg weight category at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. Prior to that, she also secured a gold medal at the World Senior Karate Championships.
Following her silver medal performance in Hangzhou, her profile rose significantly. Additionally, she earned a silver medal at the Asian Karate Championship held in Hangzhou.
The field data collection for the National Economic Census 2082 has been ongoing in 77 districts from 2nd Baishakh 2083 to 7th Asar 2083. The census gathers statistics related to industries, trade, service sectors, private businesses, cooperatives, and public institutions, including their numbers, employment, production, and service flows. To conduct this field data collection, 4,433 trained enumerators and supervisors have been deployed, and an online system has been set up for submitting details.
As of 2nd Baishakh 2083 in Kathmandu, the National Economic Census 2082 data collection has officially started. According to Dhundhiraj Lamichhane, spokesperson and deputy chief statistician of the National Statistics Office, the census aims to present a comprehensive statistical picture of the country’s overall economic condition under the slogan “Economic Census for Measuring the Economy.” The census will continue from 2nd Baishakh 2083 to 7th Asar 2083. This is the country’s second National Economic Census, incorporated by the government in the current fiscal year 2082/83 policy program and budget. During this period, the office coordinated with more than two dozen organizations to facilitate smooth conduct of the economic census.
The office established and operated district-level offices from 1st Chaitra 2082 to 30th Asar 2083 for the purpose of conducting the economic census. The data collected is planned to be processed and analyzed for publication starting fiscal year 2083/84. According to the office, the census is collecting information on the number, geographical distribution, employment, production, and service flows of industries, trade, service sectors, private businesses, cooperatives, and public institutions. The National Statistics Office noted that the economic census is essential to understand the country’s economic structure, gather insights on employment conditions, and develop future economic plans. This census will include data collection from all industries, trades, service sectors, and businesses large and small across the country.
Sundarbar Vaidyakhana is set to produce Ayurvedic medicines such as Shilajit and Mimiyal this year following the World Health Organization’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Currently, Vaidyakhana is manufacturing 103 types of medicines this fiscal year, surpassing its initial target, stated Executive Director Dr. Pradeep KC. Over the past five years, the institution has shifted from losses to profitability by increasing medicine production, utilizing 55,000 kilograms of raw materials annually. Kathmandu, 16 April.
Sundarbar Vaidyakhana is preparing to align its Ayurvedic medicine production with the WHO’s GMP standards to ensure high-quality manufacturing practices. Executive Director Dr. Pradeep KC confirmed that medicines including Shilajit and Mimiyal will soon be produced under GMP guidelines. From the next fiscal year, production of powders and tablets will also comply with these standards.
Since assuming leadership, Director KC highlighted a significant increase in medicine production at Vaidyakhana. Currently, 103 different types of medicines are being produced. “Our target for this fiscal year was set at 84 types, yet we are producing 103 types of medicines,” he explained. “With collaborative efforts, we have expanded production capacity.” In fiscal year 2081/82, the goal was to produce 77 types of medicines, but only 40 types were made. In previous years, production ranged from 14 to 25 types annually. Dr. KC also noted that the institution, which had been operating at a loss for five years, has now achieved profitability through increased production. Currently, the facility processes 55,000 kilograms of raw materials per year and has executed 85 work contracts out of 101 procurement orders received so far.
April 15, Kathmandu – China has warned that it will take retaliatory measures if the United States raises tariffs on Chinese products. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on social media platform X on Wednesday, also denying that China has provided military support to Iran. Recent international media reports had claimed that China was supplying military aid to Iran. These reports were refuted by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
“Media reports accusing China of providing military assistance to Iran are completely false,” Lin wrote on X. Prior to these reports, US President Donald Trump had warned that if China supplied military aid to Iran, the US would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese imports. “If the US increases tariffs on China based on these accusations, China will take retaliatory action,” Lin added.
The new government has released a draft of the National Strategic Plan against Corruption, proposing legal amendments to bring the Nepali Army, judiciary, and diplomatic missions under investigation for allegations of corruption and illegal asset acquisition. The draft document commits to amending nearly two dozen laws, including the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act 1991 and the Army Act 2006.
Furthermore, the draft mentions introducing eight new laws related to conflicts of interest, and controlling corruption-related activities in non-governmental and private sectors. A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office recently stated that the draft document, which is currently open for public feedback, will be approved by the Cabinet. Following this, the government’s efforts to control corruption will proceed accordingly.
The plan covers issues ranging from the Commission to foreign diplomats’ expulsion, highlighting that currently there are 13 agencies in Nepal working in corruption prevention. These agencies are responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption and money laundering, as well as resolving related allegations. Based on citizens’ feedback, the Cabinet will finalize the national action plan, which includes policy measures, responsible bodies, and timelines to control such offenses.
The draft strategic plan specifically proposes amendments to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act 1991 to include investigations of policy-level corruption and complaints against officials of foreign organizations in Nepal. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority will receive support from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to complete the necessary legislative amendments within a one-year timeframe.
Caption, The Prime Minister’s Office and the Cabinet Secretariat have requested feedback on this draft.Article Information
The new government has released a draft of the National Strategic Plan to combat corruption, proposing amendments to include the Nepal Army, judiciary, and diplomatic missions within the scope of investigations for corruption and illicit asset acquisition.
The draft document commits to amending nearly two dozen laws, including the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act 1991 (2048 BS) and the Army Act 2006 (2063 BS).
It also outlines plans to introduce eight new laws, including legislation related to conflict of interest and corruption control within the non-governmental and private sectors.
A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the draft is currently open for public feedback; after which the Cabinet will approve it, and based on it, government efforts to control corruption will advance.
Provisions for the Commission and Expulsion of Foreign Diplomats
Currently, there are 13 institutions in Nepal addressing corruption, with responsibilities spanning investigation, prosecution, and resolution of corruption and money laundering cases.
Based on public input, the Cabinet will finalize the national action plan, specifying policy steps, responsible agencies, and timelines for crime control.
The draft outlines amendments to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority Act 1991 (2048 BS), mandating investigation into policy-related corruption and allegations against foreign organizational officials based in Nepal.
The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Commission will receive support from the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office for these legal reforms, with a deadline set for one year.
There has been long-standing debate over whether the Commission can investigate or file cases involving Cabinet policy decisions.
Previously, the Commission had recommended clearer definitions and limitations on investigating policy decisions through annual reports to the government.
The draft defines corrupt activities in the private sector and specifies offences, punishments, and designated authorities for investigation, prosecution, and case adjudication.
If evidence is found of corruption or money laundering involving public officials of foreign missions or international organizations in Nepal, legal action will be taken with cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law, and the Commission.
Within one year, diplomatic staff could be declared ‘persona non grata’ and expelled, while non-diplomatic personnel would be investigated and prosecuted. This includes strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation mechanisms.
The draft acknowledges potential implementation challenges arising from diplomatic matters and states that establishing bilateral and multilateral mechanisms will take time.
What Does the Plan Say About the Nepal Army?
Image source, Nepal Army
The draft commits to harmonizing the Army Act 2006 (2063 BS) with the Anti-Corruption Act 2002 (2059 BS).
It proposes forming a three-member committee, chaired by the Deputy Attorney General, to investigate and prosecute corruption and theft within the Nepal Army. The committee will include the legal branch chief of the Ministry of Defense and military legal officers of lieutenant colonel rank.
Currently, initial legal proceedings for such cases are tried by the military special court; however, some experts have demanded these cases be tried in civil courts.
The draft indicates necessary amendments will be made to the Army Act within one year to comply with the UN Convention against Corruption, aligning it practically with the anti-corruption law.
The Anti-Corruption Act 2002 (2059 BS) applies not only to Nepali citizens and government officials but also to non-Nepalis residing abroad.
The law states that those who take or give bribes face imprisonment from 10 to 14 years and a fine exceeding 100 million Nepali rupees, depending on the severity of the offence.
The document also notes that secret intelligence information for money laundering investigations may be obtained from the Nepal Army.
It mentions, “There will be mandatory cooperation among the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, the Judicial Council, and the Nepal Army for information received through the Financial Intelligence Unit.”
The Financial Intelligence Unit, operating under the central bank, monitors suspicious financial transactions.
What Does the Strategic Plan Say About the Courts?
The plan proposes amending the Special Court Act, Judicial Council Act, and Impeachment Act.
It introduces provisions for suspension of officials immediately after an impeachment proposal is registered and mandates resolving the matter within two months. If approved, investigations into corruption-related offences could proceed.
Within one to two years, the plan calls for restructuring the Judicial Council to create an independent body responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating complaints such as illegal acquisition of judges’ assets.
It also highlights coordinating implementation of various study reports aimed at eliminating bias, partiality, and complacency within the judiciary.
Statements From the Prime Minister and Cabinet Officials
Image source, Getty Images
Caption, Good governance and the end of corruption were major demands of the Gen J Movement.
Hemraj Aryal, spokesperson for the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office, said this draft will be revised based on citizen feedback and will determine the government’s anti-corruption priorities.
He stated, “Nepal is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. We must adhere to its provisions. This is why we are preparing a second strategic plan, with necessary institutional, legal, and policy reforms reflected in it.”
The government is committed to strict anti-corruption enforcement, and after signing the international convention, Nepal must implement the stipulated measures. Courts and public institutions also need to be steered towards good governance, reflecting the wide scope of this plan.
Nepal ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2011, becoming a party state.
The country’s first national anti-corruption strategy was introduced earlier in 2012 (2069 BS).
Officials claim progress in lawmaking and other goals, but governance advocates recognize corruption as a major ongoing challenge in Nepal.
Transparency International’s latest report scored Nepal 34 points, ranking it 109th out of 182 countries in perceived corruption.
During the Gen J Movement in September, the primary demands included good governance and an end to corruption.
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Prime Minister Balen Shah has become the most followed Nepali individual on social media. As of 5 PM on Wednesday, Balen’s Facebook followers reached 4,351,374. He surpassed actress Rekha Thapa in follower count on January 2.
Kathmandu – In addition to being a hip-hop artist, Prime Minister Balen Shah has emerged as the Nepali personality with the highest number of followers on social media. He has overtaken Sanvi Bhagat, a content creator from Janakpur, who previously held the second position. As of 5 PM Wednesday, Balen’s Facebook followers numbered 4,351,374, while Sanvi Bhagat had 4,320,856 followers.
On January 2, Balen surpassed actress Rekha Thapa in follower count, whose followers stand at 3,449,000. Earlier this week, upon disclosing his financial details, Prime Minister Balen stated that his income comes from social media activities. Known for rising through hip-hop music, Balen’s official Facebook page is categorized as both a ‘musician’ and a ‘band’.
Singer Shantishree Pariyar was honored at the newsroom after being included in the country’s list of 50 most influential women. Following the recognition, she shared photos on social media of herself receiving a trophy and certificate, expressing that the honor has instilled in her a greater sense of responsibility and duty. Shantishree moved to Kathmandu at the age of 16 with dreams of a music career, eventually becoming a respected and hardworking name in the folk and pop music scene.
Upon her selection among the “50 Most Influential Women of the Country,” Shantishree said she felt deeply proud. She received the award on Wednesday at the newsroom, where Editor-in-Chief Basanta Basnet presented her with a trophy and certificate as a mark of recognition. Although other awardees gathered at an event held in Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Shantishree was unable to attend in person there.
Sharing pictures of the award ceremony on social media, Pariyar expressed her enthusiasm and remarked that the honor has increased her sense of responsibility and duty. She wrote, “Such a beautiful and proud title. I feel extremely honored to be recognized as one of the top 50 most influential women of the year.”
Due to prior commitments and a busy schedule, she was unable to attend the official ceremony in person but made a special visit to the newsroom to collect her award. Shantishree is a prominent singer in the folk and pop music genres and has recently released a string of hit songs.
Caption, After the Gen Z movement, party president Sher Bahadur Deuba had appointed Purna Bahadur Khadka as acting presidentArticle Information
Nepli Congress leader Purna Bahadur Khadka has claimed to BBC Nepali that he remains the acting party president until the Supreme Court rules on the party’s official status dispute.
Responding to the Central Disciplinary Committee’s decision to seek clarification from him within seven days, Khadka described the move as “pointless.”
“I learned about it through the media. Requesting clarification from me is ridiculous and pointless,” he told BBC News Nepali.
Khadka responded to the Disciplinary Committee’s allegations that he used a “fake letterhead,” asserting that it was “official.”
“I heard the letterhead was fake, but it is not. It is an official letterhead. As acting president, the case I filed in the Supreme Court is pending. Until the Supreme Court issues a verdict, no one can strip me of the acting president status,” Khadka argued.
When asked if he would refuse to provide clarification, he said, “I have already answered you. After saying this much, where else would I give clarification? Asking for clarification is absurd and pointless.”
Asked what he would do if the party expelled him for not complying within seven days, he replied, “I have nothing more to say at the moment. We can discuss it another time.”
Reasons for Not Contesting the Election
He argued that the decision by the 14th General Convention-elected executive committee and the Election Commission’s ruling on its legitimacy were “contrary to Nepal’s constitutional arrangements.”
The Election Commission had granted recognition to the executive committee led by Gagan Thapa, elected at the special general convention.
“That is against existing law, contrary to the Political Parties Act, and violates Nepali Congress bylaws,” Khadka stated.
“Moreover, the Election Commission’s ruling contradicts its own precedent in various past party disputes. Therefore, the special convention is illegal,” he added.
“As acting president, I have filed a case in the Supreme Court asserting that all office bearers elected by that convention are illegitimate.”
“Because the special convention was unlawful, the committee elected by it is also illegitimate. It is politically unethical for office bearers elected by that committee to contest elections with certificates signed by them. Thus, I am not participating in the elections and will not contest,” Khadka explained.
Belief in a Swift Supreme Court Verdict
Photo Source, Gagan Thapa/Facebook
Caption, The special general convention of Nepali Congress elected Gagan Thapa as party president last week
He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will deliver a fair and timely judgment on the party’s official recognition case currently under consideration.
“As this concerns Nepal’s oldest democratic party, we believe the decision will be made with due seriousness,” he added.
Following the major political upheaval of the Gen Z movement on September 8-9, then-party president Sher Bahadur Deuba had appointed Khadka, who was then vice president, as acting president.
Subsequently, a special general convention held in Kathmandu under the leadership of then-secretaries Bishwprakash Sharma and Gagan Thapa elected a new executive committee.
Supporters of Deuba continue to consider that committee “illegitimate” and remain waiting for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the party’s official status, they say.
Details of Disciplinary Committee’s Decision
The Central Disciplinary Committee of the Nepali Congress reminded Khadka of a previous caution issued to him.
The committee noted that on March 28, Khadka had issued an “unauthorized” statement using a supposedly fake Nepali Congress letterhead, claiming responsibilities he did not hold within the party, which the committee deemed “wrong.”
“Despite repeated cautions by the Disciplinary Committee, Khadka again issued an unauthorized press release on March 16 using a fake Nepali Congress letterhead, mentioning responsibilities he does not possess,” the statement said, citing a violation of article 34, sub-section 8(g) of the 2017 party constitution (as amended), and decided to seek a written explanation within seven days.
The committee also extended the deadline for filing complaints related to disciplinary violations during last year’s House of Representatives election to mid-July 2026 from the original end of March 2026 deadline.
It further clarified that no action would be taken against complaints submitted after the original deadline but within the extended timeframe.
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April 15, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel has announced plans to modernize the party by fully digitalizing its membership system. Speaking with journalists at the party’s central office on Wednesday, he stated that the digital modernization effort aims to identify the capacities of party members and assign them appropriate responsibilities.
General Secretary Paudel emphasized that this process will enable clear tracking of which member holds which responsibility within the party. He also clarified that existing historical records of the party will not be removed or deleted as part of this digital transformation.
2 Baishakh, Kathmandu – The Central Executive Committee meeting of the Nepali Congress has begun. The meeting started at 2:15 PM at the party’s central office in Sanepa, chaired by Party President Gagan Thapa. Earlier today, the Central Discipline Committee of the Congress held a session, during which it decided to request clarification from outgoing acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka. Khadka has been asked to provide an explanation within seven days.
In today’s Executive Committee meeting, the Congress plans to present a study report on the Gauribahadur Karki Commission report, prepared by a committee led by senior advocate Yadunath Khanal. The Congress had formed this study committee under Khanal’s leadership to review the Karki Commission’s report regarding the events of the Jenaviji Movement on Chaitra 19. Based on this report, the Congress aims to formulate its official stance and recommendations concerning the findings of the Karki Commission.
Samrat Chaudhary, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has taken oath as the new Chief Minister of Bihar. This development followed the resignation of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, opening the path for Chaudhary to assume the top post. Alongside Samrat Chaudhary, Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav from the Janata Dal (United) also took oath as ministers.
Samrat Chaudhary has become the first BJP leader to serve as Bihar’s Chief Minister. After Nitish Kumar, who had been in power for a long time, stepped down, the opportunity emerged for Chaudhary to lead the state. Nitish Kumar recently ended his meaningful political tenure by taking oath as a Rajya Sabha member. This marked the conclusion of his 21-year-long tenure as Bihar’s Chief Minister.
Nitish Kumar initially served as Chief Minister for seven days in 2000, but his permanent term began in November 2005. Along with the formation of the new government, Janata Dal (United) leaders Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav were also sworn in as ministers. The rise of the BJP in Bihar politics and the exit of Nitish Kumar are being regarded as significant developments. Since the BJP has formed the government under its own leadership for the first time, there is growing interest in the state’s future political direction.
