At Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Balen Shah, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Ravi Lamichhane, and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagley engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the upcoming fiscal year’s policy and program. This meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers amid the final preparations for the forthcoming budget. Kathmandu, 12 Jestha.
Focused on the fiscal year 2079/80 policy and program, Prime Minister Balen Shah, Chairman Ravi Lamichhane, and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagley held a serious dialogue at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. According to sources close to the matter, the talks were specifically centered on this agenda.
Prime Minister Shah remained at Singha Durbar for approximately 12 hours. After attending various meetings throughout the day, he joined Finance Minister Wagley and Chairman Lamichhane for a joint discussion following office hours. This meeting has been given special importance as the final framework of the budget is being prepared.
CEOs of modern technology companies must manage numerous aspects such as company profits, board meetings, market competition, and employee morale. However, in the current era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a new challenge has emerged for these leaders. These technology sector figures face the risk of being booed and criticized in public forums. Consequently, they now feel compelled to adopt a “booing strategy.” At various university graduation ceremonies this year, rebellious students have booed some corporate leaders. When these CEOs delivered enthusiastic speeches about the future of AI, job-seeking students expressed strong anger.
At the University of Arizona, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced booing. Similarly, at Middle Tennessee State University, Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records, was met with intense opposition from students when he spoke about AI’s impact on music and media.
In this context, hosts of the well-known technology podcast “Hard Fork” posed a compelling question to Google’s current CEO Sundar Pichai. They inquired about his “booing strategy” for his upcoming speech at Stanford University’s graduation ceremony. This is a significant challenge for Pichai. He leads the world’s largest company steering the AI revolution. On the other hand, the same technology is feared by university graduates who worry about losing their future jobs. On the podcast, Pichai expressed his enduring optimism towards the new generation. He believes the arrival of AI has not changed this outlook. He stated, “My goal at the commencement ceremony is to share my experiences as advice, and that is what I am preparing to do. These graduates will be the key drivers advancing AI’s development and dealing with its impact tomorrow.”
Pichai also expects a positive atmosphere at Stanford University, located at the heart of Silicon Valley and home to some of the nation’s most prominent AI programs. However, public sentiment toward AI appears to be weak. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans feel more concerned than excited about AI’s increasing role in daily life. Many oppose the construction of new data centers required to operate AI chatbots within their local communities. This year alone, at least dozens of large companies have laid off employees, citing AI-driven productivity improvements. Lengthy AI-related processes have made it even harder for young people to find jobs. At the start of 2026, the unemployment rate among new graduates reached the highest point in the past four years. In the podcast interview, Pichai acknowledged that it is natural for people to be worried about the future of technology. He noted, “People are unable to quickly absorb such a massive change. The pace of this change is something the world has never seen before.”
In contrast, this month at Carnegie Mellon University’s graduation ceremony, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang took a more optimistic stance on AI. Huang asserted that AI will be entirely positive and supportive for humanity and young people starting new careers. He encouraged graduates by stating, “Now is the time to fulfill your dreams. There has never been a better time to begin a career.”
The Pokhara Valley Urban Development Committee has formed a three-member committee, chaired by former Justice Shankar Raj Baral, to investigate disputes related to the land of the Bus Park. The committee was established following complaints about irregularities in the compensation and land exchange of 196 ropanis acquired for the Bus Park in 1973 BS. The newly formed committee has been given 15 working days to study decisions and documents from the past 51 years and submit a report. May 25, Pokhara.
To verify allegations concerning land exchanges, sales, distribution, and compensation related to the bus park land acquired nearly five decades ago, Pokhara Valley Urban Development Committee has constituted a judicial study panel comprising three members. Former Justice Shankar Raj Baral is the chairperson, with former District Attorney Govind Giri as a member and Prakash Suvedi, Administrative Officer of the Pokhara Valley Urban Development Committee, serving as member secretary.
The committee’s formation was approved during the executive meeting held on Tuesday. The land in question, 196 ropanis located in Ward No. 9 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, was acquired in 1973 BS for bus park construction. Approximately 9 ropanis were utilized for highway expansion, leaving 187 ropanis, whose management has raised multiple questions. Notably, complaints surfaced that some individuals received compensation without eligibility, distribution processes were unequal, and irregularities occurred in land exchange and sales procedures, prompting the need for an investigation committee.
The committee has been tasked with examining and analyzing decisions made over the last 51 years, studying related documents concerning land exchange and compensation distribution, and preparing a report with a judicial perspective. The committee has been allotted 15 working days for submitting their findings. Additionally, it was emphasized that developing the long-debated Bus Park into an organized, modern, and well-equipped infrastructure demands cooperation from all stakeholders. The committee’s impartial and fact-based report is expected to significantly contribute to the judicial resolution of the Bus Park land controversy, which has persisted for half a century.
Malaysia’s internet regulatory authority has instructed TikTok to take action against objectionable and misleading content targeting the monarchy. In a statement released on Thursday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) directed TikTok to take “immediate corrective measures” regarding a fake account allegedly related to King Sultan Ibrahim. According to the commission, the social media company must strengthen its content moderation policies.
Additionally, TikTok has been ordered to provide a “formal explanation” for its failure to prevent the spread of “highly offensive, false, threatening, and defamatory” content such as AI-generated videos and manipulated images. The regulatory body emphasized the seriousness of false content and material that disrupt public order on online platforms, especially when such content involves the monarchy.
Following unsatisfactory responses to earlier notices, the commission issued this stricter directive. TikTok, established by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. Malaysia, a constitutional monarchy, criminalizes expressions that spread “hatred or contempt” against the royal family under its Sedition Act of 1948.
Scientists have uncovered the oldest known wooden hand tools used in human history for the first time. These traditional tools, found along the shore of an ancient lake in Greece, are estimated by researchers to be around 430,000 years old. An international team of scientists from the University of Reading and the University of Tübingen in Germany discovered these artifacts at the archaeological site known as ‘Marathousa 1’ in Greece.
According to a report published in the scientific journal PNAS, one of these tools was made from alder wood, while another was crafted from willow or poplar wood. This discovery pushes back the known history of wooden tool use by at least 40,000 years. Alongside the wooden hand tools, the site also yielded stone tools and ancient elephant remains, indicating that early humans hunted animals near the lake and used these tools to butcher meat.
Although wood typically preserves less well than stone over long periods, the unique environmental conditions at the site allowed these wooden tools to survive. Scientists believe these wooden implements were used for digging into soil or extracting roots from trees. Previous finds of ancient wooden weapons and tools have been made in the UK, Germany, Zambia, and China, but all those artifacts are younger than the tools found in Greece.
Wild snakes found in the southeastern United States are facing a severe crisis due to aggressive fungal infections and parasitic infestations. A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science reveals that resident snakes in this region are simultaneously affected by multiple diseases. Among these, a deadly fungal disease known as ‘ophidiomycosis’ poses a significant threat to their survival.
Researchers collected and tested samples from over 500 wild snakes representing 29 different species across various reservation areas in the southeastern US. According to Dr. Corina Missin of the University of Georgia, more than 80 percent of the tested snakes were found to be infected. The ‘Pygmy Rattlesnake,’ a venomous species native to the area, was identified as the most severely impacted by this outbreak.
This snake species was found to be infected with both the lethal fungal pathogen and a lung parasite known as ‘snake lungworm.’ The study revealed that 44 percent of the snakes carried two or more infectious agents concurrently. Additionally, 63 percent of the snakes harbored Salmonella bacteria, and 53 percent were infected by parasitic pathogens. Notably, 18 percent of the snakes were infected with Mycoplasma bacteria, which are resistant to antibiotic treatment and adversely affect the respiratory system.
This marks the first documented presence of such bacteria in wild snakes in the United States. Scientists explain that infection by one disease weakens the snakes’ immune system, making them vulnerable to secondary infections. The Pygmy Rattlesnake primarily feeds on lizards and frogs, contributing to the transmission of lung parasites in their respiratory systems. With the destruction of their natural habitats accelerating, wildlife conservationists express deep concern that this internal health crisis could push rattlesnake populations toward extinction.
May 25, Janakpurdham – Junglelal Rai has been removed from his position as Minister of Health and Population of Madhesh Province after the Nepali Congress disciplinary committee asked him for clarification. During the cabinet reshuffle and expansion conducted today by Chief Minister Krishnaprasad Yadav, Rai was relieved of his duties. Narendra Sah, also from the Nepali Congress and a member of parliament elected from Rautahat, has been appointed as the new Health Minister. Sah took the oath of office and secrecy today along with other newly appointed ministers. The disciplinary committee had recently sought clarification from Minister Rai due to allegations of election fraud.
Reports of sexual abuse against male victims in Malaysia are rising rapidly. Since 2024, more than one thousand such complaints from male victims have been registered with the Ministry of Women, Family and Social Development. This information was disclosed by Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri, the Minister of Women, Family and Social Development.
According to her, this increasing number of complaints aligns with statistics from the Malaysian police. It reflects the success of nationwide awareness campaigns, which have encouraged victims to come forward. Minister Nancy also noted that complaints from male victims include incidents of unnecessary physical contact and inappropriate touching without consent.
Minister Nancy interprets the rise in complaints as a sign that victims are now more aware of their rights and are no longer willing to endure abuse silently.
The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) has commenced admissions into diploma-level medical education programs without coordination with the Medical Education Commission, directly contravening provisions of the Medical Education Act. Following Education Minister Sashmit Pokharel’s approval of new regulations, CTEVT initiated the admission process for medical diploma programs from the 1st of Jestha.
Medical education reform advocate Dr. Govinda KC criticized this move, labeling the decision—made while the commission leadership position remained vacant—as a serious manipulation affecting public health. Reported from Kathmandu on 12th Baisakh.
CTEVT’s opening of admissions for diploma level medical education has disregarded the act stipulating that entrance examinations and admissions for health certificate level programs must be conducted only under the coordination of the Medical Education Commission. This time, the process proceeded without following that coordination requirement. Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel facilitated this move by issuing new regulations to CTEVT through ministerial-level decision, enabling the admissions process.
After the government removed officials, including the commission vice-chair, via an ordinance annulling all political appointments, the commission was left without leadership. Immediately following this, admissions were opened directly without implementing the statutory process. The advancement of the admission process through ministry-level decisions while the vice-chair post remained vacant has raised legal and policy concerns within the medical education sector.
CTEVT spokesperson Ekraj Adhikari claimed that the council has not violated any laws. He explained that the newly introduced regulation related to examinations was intended to make longstanding procedures more organized, efficient, and scientific. Meanwhile, Dr. Govinda KC emphasized, “The process of awarding medical education certificates is deeply connected to the entire health system of the country, and the absence of proper procedures threatens this system.”
Jagdish Kharel, a member of the National Independent Party, clarified in the House of Representatives that the word ‘tamasa’ he used during the session is not indecent. Ramesh Mall, an MP from the Nepal Communist Party, had objected to the term, calling it offensive and unparliamentary. Responding in the parliament, Kharel stated, “The word ‘tamasa’ is not indecent.”
Kathmandu, 12 Jestha – Jagdish Kharel from the National Independent Party (Rashwapa) made it clear that the word ‘tamasa’ is not an unparliamentary term. During the first meeting of the House of Representatives today, Kharel used the word ‘tamasa’ in reference to the opposition parties’ protests. In the subsequent session, Ramesh Mall from the Nepal Communist Party raised a point of order against this usage.
“It seems that Mr. Jagdish Kharel used the word ‘tamasa’ while expressing opposition to the parties. That word is offensive and unparliamentary and should be removed from the parliamentary record,” said MP Mall. After Mall’s statement, Speaker D.P. Aryal granted Kharel an opportunity to clarify.
Kharel responded, “The word ‘tamasa’ is not indecent.” He added, “The notion that ‘tamasa’ is vulgar or impolite is a misconception. According to the Nepali dictionary, it means commotion or unnecessary uproar. This word has never been used in a disrespectful manner anywhere.”
Kharel explained that he used the word ‘tamasa’ to describe the noise generated during the bill discussion and reiterated, “The word ‘tamasa’ is not indecent.”
The Madhesh government has appointed Sanjeev Kumar Jha and Sujata Bimal to the two vacant member positions of the Janlokpal Commission. The newly appointed members, Sanjeev Kumar Jha and Sujata Bimal, took the oath of office and secrecy from Provincial Chief Surendra Labh. These positions became vacant following the resignation of members Rajkishor Sah and Shobha Mahto last Poush, citing the commission’s ineffectiveness.
Jestha 12, Janakpurdham – The Madhesh government has filled the two vacant member positions in the largely inactive Janlokpal Commission. Sanjeev Kumar Jha from Aurahi Municipality-7, Mahottari, and Sujata Bimal from Sripur-8, Mahottari, were appointed as members of the commission. Both took the oath of office and confidentiality today from Provincial Chief Surendra Labh.
According to the Janlokpal Act 2077, the chairperson and members of the commission are appointed by the Provincial Chief based on recommendations from the Chief Minister, Speaker, and the leader of the opposition. Under Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut’s leadership, a three-member commission including the chairperson was formed on Bhadra 22, 2078. However, in the four and a half years since formation, the commission’s work and effectiveness have been minimal.
The Janlokpal Commission, established to promote good governance, became dysfunctional with members Rajkishor Sah and Shobha Mahto resigning in Poush 2081, leaving only Chairperson Ramsahay Prasad Yadav on the panel. The government had previously tried to dissolve the commission for its inactivity. However, the current three-party coalition government has reappointed two members for the next five years. The commission continues to face criticism for being used as a center for political party worker recruitment. Despite this, two new members have now been appointed after four years without any major achievements.
The Supreme Court’s order preventing the arrest of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arju Rana Deuba has raised concerns among some experts that it may send a negative message internationally. The order came after the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) reportedly requested Interpol’s assistance to arrest the couple, who are under investigation.
Earlier, the Kathmandu District Court had issued an arrest warrant for the Deuba couple on Chaitra 24 (mid-April) following a request from the department. However, on Baishakh 18 (early May), the Supreme Court, citing a restrictive interpretation of the amended Anti-Money Laundering Act 2064 published in the Nepal Gazette, annulled the district court’s decision on procedural grounds, stating a lack of jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Nityananda Pandey, heard a writ petition filed by former Prime Minister Deuba against the district court’s arrest warrant and on Sunday issued an interim order barring the arrest. The court ruled that the jurisdiction to issue such an arrest warrant lies with the Special Court, not the District Court, thereby invalidating the warrant.
Former Justice Balram KC noted that since the DMLI’s request for an arrest warrant to the District Court predated the ordinance amending the law, this should have been mentioned in the ruling. He also expressed concern that this episode could negatively affect Nepal’s image on the international stage.
The Supreme Court’s decision to annul the arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arju Rana Deuba has raised concerns among experts about potential negative international implications for Nepal.
The Property Laundering Investigation Department had placed the Deuba couple under investigation and the government was reportedly requesting INTERPOL’s assistance for their arrest, but the Supreme Court revoked the arrest warrant through an interim order on Sunday.
The Kathmandu District Court had issued the arrest warrant on Chaitra 24 (early April) at the department’s request.
However, the Supreme Court cited a restrictive interpretation of the Property Laundering Prevention Act 2064 amendment published in the official gazette on Baisakh 18, stating that jurisdiction was not appropriate and thus revoked the district court’s decision.
Hearing a writ petition filed by the Deuba party against the district court’s arrest warrant, Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Nityananda Pandey issued the order not to arrest on Sunday.
The court ruled that the jurisdiction to issue arrest warrants lies with the Special Court rather than the District Court, leading to the cancellation of the latter’s warrant.
During the Gen Z movement on Bhadra 24 (September 9), the Deuba couple was attacked and assaulted at their residence. Although they appeared in Nepal for some time after, they are currently believed to be abroad.
When asked about the letter reportedly sent to INTERPOL and its latest details, police spokesperson Abhi Narayan Kafle and the police INTERPOL branch declined to provide information.
On what grounds did the Supreme Court cancel the arrest warrant?
Photo Credit, RSS
The Kathmandu District Court issued the arrest warrant on Chaitra 24 at the request of the Property Laundering Investigation Department concerning their investigation.
However, the Supreme Court noted that those requesting and issuing the orders did not comply with legal procedures.
“It appears that the Property Laundering Investigation Department and the Kathmandu District Court did not follow due legal process when seeking and granting the arrest warrant,” the order states.
“Under these circumstances, the procedure for issuing an arrest warrant is not in compliance with the law.”
Section 16, Subsection (1), Clause (c) of the Property Laundering Prevention Act 2064 states that if there is a risk that a person may abscond, destroy evidence, obstruct investigation, or cause adverse effects, they may be arrested and detained legally.
However, the Baisakh 18 ordinance added restrictive provisions to the Act, assigning the authority to file cases to government prosecutors in the Special Court if an investigation advances.
The court relied on this provision to indicate that jurisdiction lies with the Special Court.
However, the order does not specify whether jurisdiction to issue warrants belonged to the Special Court or the District Court prior to the ordinance’s inclusion of restrictive language.
The department did not request an arrest warrant from the Special Court, nor is there evidence that the Special Court granted permission. This led the Supreme Court to issue the interim order to refrain from arresting.
Former Justice Balram KC stated that since the department requested the arrest warrant from the District Court before the ordinance was promulgated, the order should have acknowledged this timing.
“Instead of issuing a flawed order, the court should have allowed a proper procedure to be followed for reissuing the warrant and given the court an opportunity to consider it,” Justice KC noted.
“Had this been done, public doubts regarding the court’s cancellation would have been minimized.”
What message could this send internationally?
Experts caution that the Supreme Court’s highlighting of procedural errors involving high-ranking figures such as a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister might convey a negative message internationally.
Hemant Mall, former police chief with experience at INTERPOL, said that INTERPOL would seriously scrutinize the procedural mistakes highlighted in the Deuba couple’s writ petition, especially given their alleged presence abroad.
“Raising a case on incorrect grounds violates the spirit of the constitution. Property laundering cases are tried in the Special Court, yet the District Court issued the arrest warrant. This does not demonstrate seriousness in the investigation,” Mall stated.
“Does the investigation agency knowingly or unknowingly make such errors? If it was unintentional, the entire case appears flawed.”
He also said INTERPOL would closely monitor internal procedural defects highlighted by the Supreme Court.
Mall further explained that INTERPOL examines not only legal procedures but also political bias and Red Corner Notices related matters.
“They take a serious view of whether a fair hearing was conducted, especially in the political context related to the September 8/9 protests,” he added.
Former Justice Balram KC also expressed concerns that this situation harms Nepal’s international image.
“This unresolved internal dispute has considerably tarnished Nepal’s international reputation,” he said.
“Improvement is needed. If there is a case, and the Supreme Court points out mistakes by the investigative body, corrective actions should follow.”
We also have a YouTube channel; please subscribe and watch more videos here. You can also follow us on Facebook Facebook, Instagram Instagram, and Twitter Twitter as well. Also, the program “Bigreko Sewa” is broadcast every evening Monday through Friday at 8:45 PM on the radio.
American club Inter Miami has revealed that Lionel Messi is experiencing an overload issue related to muscle fatigue in his left hamstring. Messi was substituted in the 73rd minute during Sunday’s MLS match against Philadelphia. The club noted that the timing of Messi’s return to the field will depend on his physical condition and progress in recovery.
Kathmandu, May 25 – Inter Miami FC, a Major League Soccer team, provided an update on Argentine star Lionel Messi’s health. According to Miami’s communications department, further medical evaluations conducted on Monday showed preliminary findings indicating an overload condition linked to muscle fatigue in Messi’s left hamstring.
Messi left the match in the 73rd minute on Sunday. Since he himself requested to be substituted, many have expressed concern that he might be injured. Prior to the World Cup, injury woes had raised fears among fans that Messi might miss the tournament. The club has confirmed that Messi’s return to action will be contingent on his physical health and the progress of his recovery.
