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Author: space4knews

प्रफुल र साकिब डेब्यूमै चम्किँदा हैदराबादले राजस्थानलाई हरायो

Prful and Sakib Shine on Debut as Hyderabad Defeats Rajasthan Royals by 57 Runs

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 57-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Debutants Prful Hinge and Sakib Hossain both delivered impressive bowling performances, taking four wickets each. Rajasthan was bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs, chasing the target of 217 set by Hyderabad.

On March 30 in Kathmandu, Prful and Sakib’s impactful bowling helped Sunrisers Hyderabad overpower Rajasthan Royals in Monday night’s IPL encounter. After Hyderabad posted a total of 216 runs for six wickets in their 20 overs, Rajasthan struggled in their chase, getting all out well short of the target.

Prful made an immediate impact, taking three wickets in the very first over. He dismissed aggressive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a duck and followed up by removing Dhruv Jurel and Luhandre Pretorious without scoring runs as well. Soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to Sakib Hossain for just one run, and captain Riyan Parag was out for four runs, also caught by Prful. At this stage, Rajasthan was struggling at 9 for 5.

Later, a partnership between Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the innings with an 11th-wicket stand of 118 runs. Ferreira top-scored with 69 runs, while Jadeja added 45.

Both Prful and Sakib ended with four wickets apiece. Prful bowled 4 overs, conceding 34 runs, and Sakib was even more economical, taking 4 wickets for just 24 runs in 4 overs. Ishan Malinga contributed by taking 2 wickets.

Batting first after losing the toss, Hyderabad put up a competitive total of 216 for 6 across 20 overs. Captain Ishan Kishan played a crucial knock, scoring 91 runs off 44 balls. Henrik Klaasen contributed 40 runs while Nitish Reddy made 28 and Salil Arora remained unbeaten on 24.

From Rajasthan’s bowling attack, Jofra Archer took 2 wickets, while Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Riyan Parag each picked up 1 wicket.

With this defeat, Rajasthan Royals suffered their first loss in the tournament but retain the top spot with 8 points from 5 matches. Hyderabad stands fourth on the points table with 4 points from 5 games.

Legal Framework on Prime Minister and Ministers Holding Land Beyond Prescribed Limits

Land records of the Prime Minister and ministers reveal instances where land is registered under family members’ names contrary to the Land Act. According to Section 7 of the Land Act 2076, no individual or family is permitted to hold land beyond the specified limits by area, and any excess land is subject to confiscation by the state. Former Secretary Gopinath Mainali stated that while land exceeding the limit can be held, it must be registered under institutional names, and without integrated land registry data, it is difficult to ascertain the facts definitively.

Kathmandu, 30 Chaitra — The land holdings of Nepal’s Prime Minister and ministers exceed the limits prescribed by the Land Act, according to publicly disclosed asset records. Some are found to have registered land in the names of family members in violation of the Land Act. The amended Land Act 2076, Section 7, restricts the amount of land an individual can own based on geographic area: a maximum of 10 bighas or 70 ropanis. Specifically, 10 bighas in Madhes and Terai, 25 ropanis in the Kathmandu Valley, and 70 ropanis in other hilly regions. An additional 5 ropanis or one bigha is allowed for residential purposes. Land exceeding these limits can be confiscated by the government.

Key details include Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s family holding 9 bighas in Mahottari and 1.2 bighas in Dhanusha. Home Minister Sudan Gurung owns 19 ropanis and 15 aana in Dhankuta, while under his grandfather’s name there are 221 ropanis in Gorkha. He stated that his land was acquired through investment income, and his grandfather’s land is ancestral. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal’s father owns 28 ropanis across Tanahun and former Nawalparasi districts. Minister for Physical Infrastructure Sunil Lamsal’s father holds 29 ropanis in Syangja, and Education Minister Sasmita Pokhrel’s mother owns 11 ropanis and 4 aana in Godawari, Lalitpur.

Former Secretary Mainali explained that if land holdings exceed the prescribed limit, the government can acquire it by offering appropriate compensation. “Prime Minister and ministers appear to have registered land in the names of their parents or spouses, as the family is considered a single unit when determining limits,” he said. “There is provision to hold land in both husband’s and wife’s names. Land exceeding limits may be held for business purposes, but only if registered under institutional names. Such land must officially belong to institutions and must serve the designated purposes.”

Mainali added that, due to the absence of integrated real-time land registry data, land may be registered across multiple districts, making it hard to determine overall holdings against the limits. “One person may own land in three or more districts; hence, it is difficult to evaluate the limit compliance on aggregate. While geo-service systems are implemented in land offices, they are not fully operational, which creates this issue. Only when a unified database is established will clarity on land holding limits be achieved.”

Call for Legislation on Control and Punishment of Human Body Burning

Former RSFPA parliamentarian Vindabasini Kansakar has demanded the introduction of a bill concerning the control of human body burning and its associated punishment. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has expressed a commitment to facilitate the presentation of the bill in the upcoming parliamentary session. Former parliamentarian Kansakar stated that once the bill is passed, it will ensure treatment, protection, and justice for victims of body burning.

Kathmandu, 30 Chaitra – Vindabasini Kansakar, former member of the RSFPA, has called for the enactment of legislation aimed at controlling human body burning and establishing penalties for it. She informed Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari during a meeting about the fact that the bill was registered in the previous parliament. Speaker Aryal has pledged to assist in bringing the bill forward in the forthcoming parliamentary session. “If this bill is passed through the parliamentary process, it will be a significant step toward ensuring treatment, protection, and justice for citizens suffering from body burning,” Kansakar publicly stated. Previously, the RSFPA had already registered this bill as a non-governmental bill.

काठमाडौं, ग्रेट हिमालय र नेक्सस विजयी – Online Khabar

Kathmandu, Great Himalaya, and Nexus Secure Victory in Gaurishankar Super League U-17 Cricket Tournament

In the Gaurishankar Super League U-17 Cricket Tournament, Kathmandu District U-17, Great Himalaya, and Nexus teams achieved significant wins. Kathmandu District U-17 defeated Radiant Cricket Academy U-17 by 58 runs. Batting first, Kathmandu scored 109 runs for 8 wickets in 15 overs. Karan Yadav made 22 runs, Vishal Budha 20, and Shubha Regmi 15. Saurya Singh Thakuri remained unbeaten on 12 runs, with 27 additional runs added extras. On the bowling side, Munna Jaiswal from Radiant took 4 wickets while Mohammad Amir claimed 2 wickets. Chasing a target of 110 runs, Radiant were bowled out for 51 runs in 13.4 overs. Apart from Mohammad Amir (13) and Ankit Kumar (14), other batsmen were unable to make a notable impact. Kathmandu bowlers Parakh Rasaili, Divas Kshetri, and Saurya Singh Thakuri delivered excellent performances.

In the second match, Great Himalaya Cricket Academy U-17 defeated Jorpati Cricket Academy U-17 by 86 runs. Great Himalaya posted 146 runs for 5 wickets in 15 overs. Suprim Sunar scored 41 runs, Sparsh Tamang 31, and Aniket Gajurel contributed 26 runs. For Jorpati, Sagar and Sohit took 2 wickets each. Chasing 147 runs, Jorpati were bowled out for 60 runs in 14.2 overs. Aaron Jung Giri scored 21 and Nimesh Yonjan made 15 runs. Sagar B and Kamal Shahi from Great Himalaya took 3 wickets each.

In the third match, Nexus Cricket Academy U-17 defeated Bhaktapur Cricket Center U-17 by 7 wickets. Bhaktapur were bowled out for 54 runs in 9.5 overs, with Shreraaj Veer Shrestha scoring 19 runs. Simon Pant from Nexus took 4 wickets and Lokendra Karki claimed 3 wickets. Nexus reached the target of 55 runs in 9.5 overs, losing 3 wickets. Sarjil Ali Mansari remained unbeaten on 17, while Arav Shrestha added 13 runs to secure the victory.

Pan Number Missing in Wealth Disclosures of Several Ministers Raises Transparency Concerns

Following a news review, the outgoing Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal emphasized that income statements and tax clearance records serve as the most reliable foundation for assessing financial integrity. However, the wealth disclosures of half a dozen ministers recently made public revealed the absence of Permanent Account Numbers (PAN), a key requirement for transparency in the tax system. Despite having assets worth crores, these ministers did not provide their PAN numbers, a matter senior tax officials find serious. Kathmandu, March 30.

After the disclosure of assets belonging to the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers, former Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal posted on Facebook stating, “Wealth declarations are generally unreliable. Instead, income statements and tax payment records submitted to the Inland Revenue Department provide a transparent, credible, and authentic basis for evaluating one’s financial integrity.”

Surprisingly, several ministers whose wealth statements were made public on Sunday did not reveal their PAN numbers. The PAN has been mandatory for all formal financial transactions and payments for the past seven years. Yet, these ministers, who own crores worth of assets including property, gold, and shares, lacked PAN numbers, which senior tax officials consider a serious issue.

Only through the PAN can it be clearly seen how much tax an individual has paid. Officials speculate that although some ministers may have PAN numbers, they chose not to disclose them. A senior official suggested, “They might have withheld their PAN to avoid transparency regarding their tax payments and transactions.”

For instance, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Sunil Lamsal’s disclosed assets show no PAN number. His declaration includes 30 tola of gold, 50 tola of silver, and Rs 90 lakh in cash across bank accounts. Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Pratibha Rawal also failed to provide a PAN number in her disclosure. She owns land in Kathmandu and Bara districts and attributes her income to her husband. Her assets include 25 tola of gold and more than Rs 24 lakh in various bank accounts. She has also applied for IPO shares of multiple companies.

Health, Population and Drinking Water Minister Nisha Mehta’s transactions also appear without a PAN number. Her assets, held in Kathmandu, include land registered in her name, 30 tola of gold, 50 tola of silver, multiple bank accounts, cash reserves, and shares. Education, Science and Technology Ministry official Sasmit Pokharel, whose father is a former Nepal Rastra Bank employee, declared assets exceeding Rs 24 crore, mostly derived from her father’s income. Yet, her PAN number is missing. Given that PAN is mandatory for all banking operations, her lack of PAN indicates that her transactions are outside the tax system.

Similarly, Industry Minister Gaurikumari Yadav’s wealth declarations do not reflect her presence in the tax system. She owns a house in Kathmandu, land in various locations, 180 tola of gold, 2 kilograms of silver, and diamonds but did not disclose her PAN number. Labour, Employment and Social Security Minister Ramji Yadav also failed to mention his PAN number in his wealth statement. His assets include land across multiple locations, 80 tola of gold, 150 tola of silver, and cash exceeding Rs 70 lakh in bank accounts.

Sudurpaschim Achieves Historic Milestone by Reaching Prime Minister Cup Cricket Final

Since its inception in 2017, no provincial team had managed to reach the final of the Prime Minister Cup. Previously, departmental teams like Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club, and Armed Police Force (APF) had consistently dominated the tournament.

In the ongoing Prime Minister Cup one-day cricket tournament held in Madhesh Province, Sudurpaschim Province has advanced to the final for the first time. Sudurpaschim secured their place in the eighth edition’s final by defeating eight teams, including two departmental teams. This marks the first time a provincial team has reached the final.

Before this, since the tournament began in 2017, no provincial team had made it to the final. The departmental teams—Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club, and Armed Police Force—had maintained continuous dominance. This time however, Sudurpaschim overcame those departmental teams to reach the final.

In this edition, Sudurpaschim notably defeated some of the most successful teams including Police and two-time champions APF on multiple occasions. Sudurpaschim captain Sher Malla credited their success to players receiving training in India ahead of the competition. He said, “Players have put in tremendous individual effort for this tournament.”

Up to the seventh edition, the Army had reached the final seven times, Police four times, and APF thrice. Police won the title three times, APF twice, and Army once. One edition’s final was canceled with Army and Police named joint champions.

A few years ago, provincial teams appeared weaker compared to departmental sides, but Sher Malla noted that the influence of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) and other leagues has boosted provincial players’ confidence and improved their playing standards.

Key performers for Sudurpaschim include captain Sher Malla, Hemant Dhami, and Narayan Joshi. Hemant leads the tournament’s wicket-takers with 25 wickets, while Malla ranks third with 22 wickets. Narayan accumulated 303 runs in nine matches, placing fifth among top run-scorers. Players like Abhishek Pal and Ashok Dhami also contribute significantly to the team’s strength and training.

In the upcoming final, Sudurpaschim will face the Army Club, the only undefeated team in the competition and the sole team to have appeared in every final thus far.

Sudurpaschim is considered a fertile ground for Nepalese cricket talent, producing players from Vinod Bhandari to current national team vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee. Several Sudurpaschim players have also secured spots in departmental teams, highlighting a wealth of cricketing talent in the province.

Captain Sher Malla expressed confidence ahead of the final against the Army, stating, “Our goal was to reach the final. We have nothing to lose and much to gain. We have played fearless cricket to get here. We will maintain the same mindset in the final and aim to perform excellently in both batting and bowling.”

Most Sudurpaschim players trained in India prior to the tournament. According to Malla, these training sessions were mostly self-funded, which has translated into strong performances on the field. Departmental teams provide monthly salaries and structured training, but such arrangements are lacking for provincial teams.

Captain Malla also remarked, “If 10 to 12 key players received a monthly salary or allowance of NPR 15,000 to 25,000, it would make a significant difference in supporting their diet and practice.”

भक्तपुरमा बिस्का जात्राको उल्लास (तस्वीरहरू)  – Online Khabar

Grand Celebration of Biska Jatra in Bhaktapur

March 30, Bhaktapur – Bhaktapur is completely immersed in the festive spirit of Jatra. The Biska Jatra festival, celebrated over nine days and eight nights, has already begun in Bhaktapur ahead of the Nepali New Year. On the eve of the New Year, the vibrant atmosphere of Biska is especially prominent here. This festival attracts not only local families and relatives but also those living abroad, who return home to partake in the celebrations. Across Bhaktapur district, the festival is observed with great enthusiasm and joy. The Jatra carries a significant historical importance and is strictly conducted following tantric and religious rituals, making it exceptionally special.

Experts note that in ancient times, Biska Jatra was celebrated for only two days. Records found at Bhaktapur’s Thimi dating back to Nepal Sambat 500 symbolize this festival as a tribute to Bishwoketoo (the universal protector). An inscription from the reign of Yaksha Malla in Taumadhi, Bhaktapur, refers to it as the ‘Bishwa Jatra’ (world festival). Further, historical documents from Bhaktapur royal palace during the reigns of Kings Jitamitra and Bhupatindra Malla, dated Nepal Sambat 808 and 818, mention the term ‘Biskyat,’ confirming the festival’s longstanding presence.

The central ritual of Biska Jatra is the raising of the ‘Yosin Dy: (Lingam)’, accompanied by the hoisting of a pair of flags on the last day of the Chaitra month, with the ‘Yosin’ being taken down on the day of Baisakh Sankranti. Accordingly, this evening, a tall pole (lingo) was erected and flags were hoisted in Bhaktapur. Historical accounts suggest that the festival began after the Kirati people were defeated by the Licchavis, who then initiated the celebrations.

New Year Brings a Fresh Calendar

The New Year has arrived with a new calendar, symbolizing new life on the walls of old homes. This calendar refreshes old memories while presenting a new edition of good wishes. The new calendar for this year dispels past weariness, spreading renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Leaving behind the stillness of the winter season, the New Year ushers in the greenery and freshness of spring. It sheds old leaves and is reborn as new foliage. This signifies a fresh calendar of enthusiasm on the timeline, inspiring a journey toward new destinations. The New Year pushes away despair and fosters the creation of new aspirations.

The New Year’s calendar brings a message of new vitality to the horizon of consciousness. It adorns old walls with a rainbow of new colors, infusing them with fresh life. This renewed calendar also carries a message of resolve for new hopes within the heart.

MP Upreti Urges Prime Minister Balen Shah to Reopen Hetauda Textile Industry

March 30, Kathmandu – Prashant Upreti, a member of the House of Representatives elected from Makwanpur-2, has drawn Prime Minister Balen Shah’s attention to the reopening of the Hetauda textile industry. During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, MP Upreti requested the resolution of longstanding issues in his constituency related to infrastructure, health, industry, land, and disaster management, including the revival of the Hetauda textile factory.

During the discussion, he emphasized the urgent need to repair and complete the construction of the deteriorating Thankot–Chitlang road with quality and on schedule. He also urged that the government prioritize commencing work on the Kunchal–Kulekhani road section and pay attention to upgrading other roads. Furthermore, he stressed the reopening of the Hetauda textile industry and the immediate resolution of land disputes arising from road expansions in the Hetauda area, which have left many citizens’ properties in limbo.

MP Upreti also sought the Prime Minister’s attention towards health sector needs, specifically requesting the installation of a cath lab and heart-lung machine at Hetauda Hospital. He underlined the necessity of addressing landlessness, conducting a fair reassessment of the intermediate region, formulating alternative policies concerning the legal status of cannabis, and implementing concrete government plans to improve the living standards of the Bharriya community.

Regarding disaster management, he called for the development of a long-term master plan to prevent lightning strikes. He requested compensation and rehabilitation for victims in the Sisneri region affected by floods from the Kulekhani area. Additionally, MP Upreti highlighted the importance of preserving the culture of endangered communities such as the Chepang and Bankariya and establishing living museums to safeguard their heritage. Prime Minister Shah responded positively to all matters raised, according to MP Upreti.

Thousands of Giant Hydrogen Gas Halos Discovered in the Universe

Astronomers have identified over 33,000 halos of hydrogen gas through the Hubble-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment. These halos are structures dating back 10 to 12 billion years in the early universe, surrounding galaxies. The study reveals that massive hydrogen gas formations were common in the early cosmos and provides a new foundation for understanding their role in galaxy formation.

Using extensive cosmic surveys, astronomers achieved significant success in detecting vast hydrogen gas halos enveloping young galaxies. By analyzing data from the Hubble-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment, researchers identified tens of thousands of these hydrogen gas clouds, known as Lyman-alpha nebulae. These structures existed around galaxies approximately 10 to 12 billion years ago.

This discovery opens new avenues for understanding the early universe and the progression of galaxies. This epoch in cosmic history, often called the ‘Cosmic Noon,’ was marked by intense star formation processes within galaxies. These halos supplied a large reservoir of hydrogen gas—the primary element necessary for star formation. Published in The Astrophysical Journal, the study increased the known tally of such structures by nearly tenfold.

Previously, only about 3,000 such hydrogen gas clouds had been discovered; the number now exceeds 33,000. This confirms that massive hydrogen structures in the early universe were not rare but rather commonplace. Although hydrogen gas itself does not emit light, it fluoresces when exposed to radiation, especially near active galaxies producing ultraviolet light.

The HETDEX (Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment) project, using the Hubble-Eberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory, is mapping over one million galaxies. Its coverage spans a vast section of the sky roughly equivalent to 2,000 full moons. According to the study’s lead author, Erin Mentuch Cooper, this enormous dataset offers tremendous opportunities for scientists who, until now, have analyzed only limited samples over the past 20 years.

The newly identified halos range in size from tens of thousands to millions of light-years across. Some appear as oval-shaped clouds enveloping a single galaxy, while others are much larger, irregularly shaped, and encompass multiple galaxies. Scientists describe these formations as resembling gigantic amoebas spread through space. Using supercomputers at the Texas Advanced Computing Center for analysis, they found that roughly half of the galaxies surveyed are surrounded by such structures.

This research is expected to help refine existing galaxy formation models by addressing prior shortcomings. Scientists can now shift focus from merely locating these halos to investigating how they function and their exact role in cosmic evolution. The catalog of over 33,000 halos offers an unprecedented foundation for understanding matter distribution, galaxy dynamics, and interactions in the early universe.

एक्सन र बदलाको कथामा आधारित वेब-सिरिज ‘साहु बा’ को ट्रेलर सार्वजनिक

Trailer Released for Web Series ‘Sahu Ba’ Featuring Crime and Action-Driven Storyline

The trailer for the web series ‘Sahu Ba’ has been released, showcasing a narrative centered on crime, action, and revenge. Featuring over 380 actors, the production took three years to complete and is regarded as one of the most ambitious projects in Nepal’s digital entertainment sector. The trailer highlights intense action scenes, police investigative procedures, and power struggles, generating significant excitement and interest among viewers.

Produced jointly by Music Nepal and Frame In Motion in Kathmandu, the trailer has sparked enthusiasm among audiences. It clearly establishes the series’ focus on crime, action, and vengeance. The protagonist of the series is Vijay Parki, and the presence of a white paper airplane shown at the beginning and middle of the trailer evokes curiosity—it could symbolize a childhood memory of a character or a message of retribution.

The trailer presents action sequences, the police investigation process, and conflicts between characters. It places emphasis on the struggles of a young man seeking revenge and the criminal networks he must confront. Unlike many Nepali web series which tend to be dialogue-heavy, ‘Sahu Ba’ prioritizes action. The trailer features meticulously filmed street scenes, vehicle stunts, and choreographed warehouse fight sequences, demonstrating considerable effort and production value.

At the trailer’s conclusion, a grand red chair symbolizes the battle for power and authority central to ‘Sahu Ba.’ The identity of its owner and the bloodshed involved in reaching that position is likely the series’ main climax. According to director and writer Sujoy Yoang, this project is not an ordinary one but a highly ambitious endeavor on Nepal’s digital platform. With over 380 actors involved—the largest cast in the history of Nepali web series—and 24 episodes completed over nearly three years of production, ‘Sahu Ba’ sets a new benchmark in the industry.

Effective Resolutions to Embrace in the New Year 2083

The arrival of the New Year 2083 offers an opportunity for new beginnings and setting meaningful resolutions. One can commit to various goals such as prioritizing health, maintaining financial discipline, learning new skills, protecting the environment, and spending quality time with family. This new year encourages all of us to start afresh. More than just changing the calendar, many resolve to improve themselves and foster personal growth. Resolutions need not always be grand; small, practical commitments incorporated into daily life can be equally impactful.

1. Prioritize Health: Resolve to walk at least 30 minutes daily or exercise at home. Reduce intake of sugar, oil, and junk food. These habits help avoid frequent hospital visits and improve overall quality of life.

2. Maintain Financial Discipline: Save at least 10 percent of your monthly income, cut unnecessary expenses, and open separate accounts for specific small goals. Such habits help alleviate worries about the future.

3. Learn New Skills: Take advantage of online courses via mobile to acquire digital literacy, agricultural technology, or sewing and knitting skills. This will rejuvenate your energy, open new job opportunities, and foster self-reliance.

4. Contribute to Environmental Protection: Completely eliminate plastic bags at home and plant at least one tree every month. These actions will facilitate long-term environmental conservation. Our country is nestled among mountains and rivers, making it our duty to protect them.

5. Spend Quality Time with Family: Nowadays, much time is spent on mobile devices. From this New Year, resolve to turn off phones and share at least one daily meal with family, along with engaging in conversation with children. This will create a peaceful home environment and strengthen relationships.

6. Utilize Time Wisely: Limit social media use to a fixed daily period and accomplish at least one productive task each day. This emphasizes the importance of valuing time as life itself and not wasting it.

7. Cultivate Reading Habits: With increasing screen time, reading habits have declined. Develop a routine to read at least two books monthly, whether novels, agricultural knowledge, or self-development literature. This expands our perspectives.

8. Foster Positive Thinking: Busy routines and rapid pace often hinder positive thoughts. Commit to expressing gratitude for three things daily and staying away from negativity. This strengthens mental health.

9. Honor Your Culture and Language: Currently, there is a growing distance from our culture and language. Resolve to speak more Nepali at home, celebrate festivals joyfully, and share traditions with the younger generation. Our culture and language are the essence of our identity and strength.

Ban on Banana Imports Sparks Conflict Between Farmers and Traders

The government has imposed a ban on banana imports from India, citing the risk of the TR-4 disease. This move has led to shortages and price increases in the local banana market. The Nepal Fruit Wholesale Business Association has raised concerns about a rise in illegal banana smuggling and potential public health risks, calling for strict measures to curb these activities. Meanwhile, the Nepal Banana Producers Federation supports the import ban as a biosecurity measure and says it has provided relief to farmers.

Kathmandu, 30th Chaitra — The government’s decision to halt banana imports from India has created a scarcity in the Nepalese market. This shortage has deepened conflicts between farmers and traders. The government’s silence on the issue has had a direct impact on consumers. In the Kathmandu Valley, banana prices have soared, reaching up to NPR 230 per dozen in wholesale markets, while retail buyers are paying as much as NPR 330 per dozen.

Data from the Kalimati Vegetable and Fruit Market Development Committee shows that banana prices have doubled over the past year. On 29th Chaitra 2081 (Nepali calendar), the average price for a dozen bananas was NPR 150, but by 29th Chaitra 2082, the price had increased to NPR 225.

On one hand, the Nepal Fruit Wholesale Business Association claims that the government’s policy has led to increased illegal smuggling and black market activities. They stress the need to stop the sale of illicit bananas. On the other hand, the Nepal Banana Producers Federation warns that any attempts to lift the import ban will threaten the livelihood of Nepalese farmers.

At the heart of this dispute is the government’s October 18 decision to prohibit banana imports due to the threat posed by the TR-4 disease. Traders criticize the ban as impractical, as it encourages smuggling, whereas farmers view it as a scientifically sound and nationally beneficial policy that should be maintained.

What Is Behind the Intense Dispute Between Israel and Turkey?

March 14, Kathmandu – Following remarks made by Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Israel issued a strong rebuttal a few days ago. Subsequently, the presidents of Turkey and South Korea also faced sharp criticism from Israel. On social media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders responded vehemently to statements made by the Turkish president. The Turkish leader had claimed, ‘Turkey would have joined the war against Israel if Pakistan had not mediated.’ Israel’s criticism extended not only to the Turkish president’s remarks but also to social media posts by the South Korean president.

In this context, Professor François Bello, director of UGI, wrote on social media platform X: ‘Since last week, Israel has been embroiled in diplomatic disputes with Spain, France, Italy, South Korea, Pakistan, and Turkey. This situation is unlikely to be short-lived and has a high potential to deteriorate further.’ He added, ‘Global public opinion has largely turned against Israel, and democratic governments ultimately must heed their citizens’ views.’

Israel’s condemnation of the South Korean president was sparked by a video posted on South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s social media showing alleged human rights violations by Israeli forces. In response, Israel’s foreign minister issued a statement declaring, ‘President Lee Jae-myung’s portrayal of the Holocaust on the eve of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day as a routine event is unacceptable and vehemently condemnable.’

The statement further explained, ‘President Lee had retweeted a 2024 story involving a fake account known for spreading anti-Israel misinformation and falsehoods that misrepresented current events.’

Turkey accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being ‘the Hitler of our era’ and sought to disrupt peace talks between Iran and the United States. Turkey’s foreign ministry issued a statement saying, ‘Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the Hitler of our time due to his crimes, has a clear and visible past before all.’

The statement also noted, ‘The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has filed genocide allegations against his government.’

Responding, South Korea’s foreign ministry stated that Israel’s foreign ministry had misinterpreted President Lee’s remarks, which were intended to express his firm commitment to fundamental human rights. South Korea also clarified that it condemns acts of violence.

The controversy over Khawaja Asif’s statement began earlier when the office of Israel’s Prime Minister sharply denounced the Pakistani defense minister for calling the Israeli government a ‘cancer.’

The Pakistani defense minister had posted on X, accusing: ‘While talks on Islamism are ongoing, genocide is taking place in Lebanon. Innocent civilians have been killed in Israeli operations, first in Gaza, then in Iran, and now in Lebanon. This bloodshed continues unstoppable.’ In this statement, Khawaja Asif referred to the Israeli government as a ‘cancer’ and used harsh terms to describe it. However, this post is no longer available on X.

प्राइम सीएको बाइसौं वार्षिकोत्सव अवसरमा विद्यार्थी सम्मानित

Prime CA Celebrates 22nd Anniversary by Honoring Successful Students

Prime CA celebrated its 22nd anniversary in 2025 by honoring students who successfully became Chartered Accountants. Chairman Navaraj Burlakoti shared that over the 22-year journey, more than 1,200 students have qualified as CAs, with 104 of the 187 new CAs in 2025 being Prime CA students.

The event held on Chaitra 30 in Kathmandu gathered CA students who passed in 2025, rank holders, principals from other colleges, and distinguished members of the board. Chairman Burlakoti highlighted that the students’ hard work, parental support, and dedicated faculty contributed significantly to the excellent results.

The program’s main highlight was the special recognition given to students who studied at Prime CA and passed their CA exams in 2025, including those who achieved ranks at various levels. The honored students expressed that Prime CA’s high-quality academic environment and well-structured study materials made it easier for them to achieve their goals.

The institution also noted it is constructing an international-standard building in the Baneshwor and Gwarko areas as part of its long-term development plans.