Author: space4knews

Kathmandu – As part of its commitment to enhancing Windows quality, Microsoft has announced significant changes to the Windows Insider Program. The company has restructured its beta testing channels to create a more organized and predictable public beta testing system. On Thursday, Alec Otlé, Principal Group Product Manager at Microsoft, shared details of the new plan, stating that the previous ‘Canary’ and ‘Dev’ channels have been merged to form a new ‘Experimental’ channel. This channel will provide access to new features first, with user feedback directly influencing the development process.

The main features of the revamped system include:
Channel Restructuring: The new system will feature two main channels – ‘Experimental’ and ‘Beta’. The ‘Release Preview’ channel will be reclassified as an ‘Advanced’ option, primarily targeting IT professionals.
Feature Flag Page: Users will now be able to easily enable or disable new features on their own. Previously, this required software like ‘Vive Tool’, but now these controls are integrated directly into Windows settings.

Seamless Access to Lower Channels: The hassle of having to completely wipe and reinstall Windows to leave the Insider Program or switch channels has been eliminated. With the new ‘in-place upgrade’ capability, users can change channels while keeping their data intact.
End of CFR (Controlled Feature Rollout): Controlled Feature Rollouts have been fully discontinued in the Beta channel. This means once a user installs a version with announced new features and restarts their system, those features will be immediately available. These changes are expected to take effect within a few weeks.

Users currently on the Canary and Dev channels will be automatically migrated to the new channels based on the Windows version they are using (such as 25H2 or 26H1). Microsoft expects this initiative to reduce confusion among Windows users and significantly improve software quality.

Kathmandu – Scientists have identified the primary cause of the extremely rare blood clotting (blood clots) complications observed after some COVID-19 vaccinations. An international research team from Flinders University in Australia and the University of Greifswald in Germany has unraveled the molecular basis behind this mysterious condition which had puzzled experts for years. This breakthrough unlocks the potential for developing even safer vaccines in the future.

The study, focusing on misleading immune responses, revealed that the human immune system makes a critical error after adenovirus-based vaccination or natural infection. The issue arises because the body cannot distinguish between the viral protein and a protein found in blood called “platelet factor 4.” Following vaccination, while the immune system correctly attacks the virus, it mistakenly produces antibodies against its own blood proteins, triggering abnormal blood clotting. Although this reaction is exceptionally rare, it was previously reported in some individuals vaccinated with the AstraZeneca shot, a condition medically termed vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).

Dr. Jing Jing Wang, a researcher at Flinders University, explained that the team employed advanced technologies like mass spectrometry sequencing to detect similarities between the viral and blood proteins. She described this discovery as the “missing link” that scientifically explains how a normal immune response can cause harmful effects in very rare cases. Professor Tom Gordon, the team leader, hailed the finding as “an outstanding achievement of global collaboration.”

The most encouraging aspect is that vaccine developers can now eliminate this risk entirely by making minor modifications to the adenovirus protein structure. Scientists claim that altering the virus’s “pVII” protein will not affect vaccine efficacy but will completely prevent the blood clotting risk. Professor James McCluskey from the University of Melbourne called this a monumental scientific accomplishment that will play a crucial role in restoring public confidence in vaccines. This advancement is especially expected to assist the safe distribution of adenovirus-based vaccines in developing countries where they are widely used.

The report of the Karki Commission 2082, formed to investigate the events of Bhadra 23 and 24, has not been officially published. However, some media outlets, including OnlineKhabar, have circulated the report, leading the umbrella organization of legal professionals, the Nepal Bar Association, along with several distinguished lawyers, to strongly criticize the commission’s comments regarding the judiciary. They contend that the judiciary was once as pure as milk, so flawless that no one would dare to point a finger at it; this encompassed judges, lawyers, and all related staff. They are upset that the Karki Commission’s report has tarnished this very image and destroyed the judiciary’s reputation.

The commission was tasked with thoroughly investigating the physical and human damages caused during the protests held on Bhadra 23 and 24 across Kathmandu and other parts of the country. It was to identify the causes of these incidents, prepare a report with recommendations, and suggest necessary measures to prevent such events from recurring. Therefore, the commission needed to examine why numerous courts, including the Supreme Court, were destroyed; why the judiciary, especially courts, suffered damage in 23 courts due to the fury of the General Strike (Janajati Andolan) movement.

During the suppression of the Janajati movement, the then government led by both the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and the Nepali Congress was responsible, making an investigation into their leadership necessary. Amid this inquiry, various distortions, discrepancies, and irregularities observed within the judiciary were documented in the report, which held the then leadership accountable. It is therefore understandable that stakeholders within the judiciary expressed great indignation. Notably, the group of lawyers closely affiliated with these parties, representing their interests and working for their benefit, voiced serious objections to the report’s findings.

March 12, Kathmandu – Madhav Kumar Nepal, Co-Coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party and former Prime Minister, has announced plans to complete the remaining organizational unification work of the party within one week. He made this statement while speaking at the calendar launch event organized by the Contact Coordination Provincial Committee of the All Nepal Women’s Association (Revolutionary) on the occasion of the New Year.

Nepal acknowledged that the recent election results differed from expectations and emphasized the need for a serious review. He urged all members to engage in self-reflection regarding the activists’ level of activity and honesty during the election. “The Central Coordination Committee consists of 45 members. These members have been holding meetings within seven days to discuss various issues,” he said. “They have already presented their views on national problems, the challenges the country faces, political crises, the communist movement, and the complexities of democratic struggle. We are deliberating on all these perspectives to reach a conclusive outcome.”

Recalling that communists have played a significant role in national politics since 1950 BS (circa 1993-94 AD), Nepal portrayed communists as true patriots. “We have been playing a crucial role in nationwide politics. Now, we must move forward as a unified party with a spirit of unity. Currently, there are 26 different factions, including women at various levels,” Nepal added.

March 12, Kathmandu – The Ministry of Health and Population has formally requested clarification from Chief Public Health Administrator Dr. Bhim Prasad Sapkota and Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, Dr. Krishna Prasad Paudel. The ministry seeks explanations regarding the appointment of members to the Health Insurance Board.

The ministry has asked Dr. Sapkota and Dr. Paudel to submit a clear response within three days concerning news reports about member appointments to the Health Insurance Board and their attendance at board meetings. Reports in the media have raised concerns over the preparation of documents related to board member appointments, meeting minutes, decisions, and the role of staff in these processes.

A letter signed by Dipendra Dahal, an officer from the ministry’s Personnel Administration Division, requests the two officials to clarify their involvement or responsibility regarding these issues and the reasons behind the reported problems. The controversy escalated following the reintroduction of inactive board member June Shrestha to the meetings. Shrestha is the wife of recently dismissed Minister Dipak Sah. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) recalled Minister Sah, accusing him of misusing his position by actively involving his wife, who had been inactive for a long time, as a regular member of the Health Insurance Board.

In Chitwan, a collision between a motorcycle and a scooter resulted in the death of 27-year-old Jay Shriram Rai. The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the road near Sapkota Chowk, Ward No. 5, Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The scooter rider has been taken into custody, while another injured individual is undergoing treatment.

Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra – A fatal accident occurred in Chitwan when a motorcycle and a scooter collided at Sapkota Chowk in Ward No. 5 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The vehicles involved were a motorcycle bearing the registration number PR 2-03-001 P 6810 and a scooter with the registration number PR 3-03-001 P 1413. The motorcycle rider, Jay Shriram Rai, aged 27 and a resident of Shanti Chowk in the same metropolitan ward, succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Central News Desk of Nepal Police, Rai was critically injured and died during treatment at Bharatpur Government Hospital. Another injured person riding the scooter is currently receiving medical care at the same hospital. The scooter rider has been taken into police custody, and further investigation is ongoing, authorities said.

News Summary: More than 24,000 people annually visit the natural hot springs of Taatopani in Myagdi for treatment, with daily attendance ranging from 600 to 800 visitors. The revenue generated from Taatopani springs directly employs 200 households, and local schools, police posts, and health clinics receive financial support from this income. The hot springs have been commercialized by establishing religious sites, and a system is in place to distribute the earnings among the government, municipality, and the community.

Myagdi is also known as the home of Mahavir Pun, a Madan Award winner, former minister, and recently elected parliamentarian. The region includes important trekking routes such as Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and the Annapurna Base Camp, from where Maurice Herzog first ascended Annapurna in June 1950. Bhurung Taatopani is also located here.

Around 1974 BS, after teacher Somnath Pyasi propagated communist ideas, stories of local resistance and repression emerged here as well. Tales of atrocities by Bhimprasad Gauchan are part of the region’s history. Beni, the capital of Parbat state, and the Dhaulagiri Himal are also located here. The longstanding tradition of using Singa Taatopani to combat disease spans centuries.

Context is essential. The novel “Tulu Raja” by Chandraprakash Baniya and “Jaljala” by Comrade Mohanvikram Singh shed light on this region’s history. The story of Tulu Raja depicts the historic class struggles and peasant uprisings around 1840 BS in Myagdi’s Pakhapani area, during the time when the Gorkhas made Parbat subordinate to their rule. As the Thapa regime in Kathmandu weakened, the Pande family rose to power. Under the Palpa Gauda’s administration, Baglung and Parbat were part of his jurisdiction.

Narsingh Malla, trusted by Mukhtiyar Randal Pande of Palpa Gauda, was the chief administrator of Beni. Locally, the Thakali community extorted land from farmers. After Parbat fell under Gorkhali control, the contract for salt mining was handed to contractors, while local laborers worked for insufficient wages and suffered exploitation from both contractors and officials. Farmers were often forced to give up land due to repeated tax burdens.

Tulu, the youngest son of the elder farmer Paija from Pakhapani, united villagers to liberate farmers from debt, famine, and the abuses of contractors and moneylenders. However, Narsingh Malla suppressed Tulu, resulting in his death and that of many peasants. A young woman named Lati, whom Narsingh attempted to take as a third wife but who married Tulu instead, was tragically raped by Narsingh and later died by suicide while pregnant. The tales of Tulu Raja and Lati Rani remain integral to Pakhapani village’s identity.

While these events are absent from Nepal’s official history, contemporary government records mention their names. This story is a vital chapter in local class struggles under the Gorkhali monarchs. The author presents this history from a Marxist perspective. The Madan Award won by Chandraprakash Myagdi for his novel “Maharani” has further encouraged his writing focused on Myagdi’s new identity.

Where love resides is where the eyes rest… Lyrics from childhood songs: “In Beni Bazaar, love gently rains… My beloved is far but full of love, call me when you come, my dear…” (Whenever I try to dance, the courtyard immediately tilts; otherwise, I also want to dance to the song.)

To reach Taatopani, one must travel 8 kilometers west along the northern bank of the Myagdi River, so an introduction to Beni Bazaar is essential. Enclosed by the Kaligandaki River and Myagdi River, this area once served as the winter capital of the Parbat Malla Kingdom and played a crucial role in the salt trade for decades. The legendary sage Pulastya, grandfather of Ravana, purportedly meditated here. The Myagdi Magar community has inhabited this region for over 1,100 years, possibly originating from Tibet’s Kham region.

Originally, this area was part of the Jumli Khas Kingdom before being divided among the Thapa and Malla dynasties. Today, Beni serves as the district headquarters and a commercial hub. After a 10-hour journey, we arrived in Beni at 5 pm on the first day of the Chaitra month, having stayed with Lakshmi Ji. Despite some difficulty negotiating taxi fares during a rainy evening, we proceeded to the lower Taatopani market.

The Meaning of Treatment at Taatopani – Politics and Faith: Many people gravitate here seeking alternative treatment after conventional remedies fail. Visitors come daily for relief from numbness, joint pain, injuries, ulcers, or chronic conditions. Indigenous communities in Myagdi have used these natural treatments for centuries.

The area is filled with hotels and homestays, offering a range of options to visitors. Daily transactions in this sector amount to millions, supporting over 200 families. Local representatives use the revenue to support schools, police posts, and health clinics. Taatopani serves as a prime example of a natural resource being professionally developed. The commerce, hospitality, and tourism linked to the hot springs significantly contribute to the local economy.

Community Stories: Seven local residents and visitors have shared their experiences, shedding light on life and history in the Taatopani area. Some recount tales from India, Japan, and Delhi as well. With the aging population, the number of visitors seeking treatment here continues to rise.

The community collectively promotes Taatopani’s reservoir as a key tourist destination, integrating religious and commercial aspects. A tri-generational alliance has established a religious site featuring statues of Jalakundaleshwar Mahadev and Jaladevi Bhagwati, fostering commercialization coupled with devotion.

Worshippers come to pay their respects, highlighting the unique blend of natural resource and religious faith. The arrangement to distribute income among the state, municipality, and community ensures public benefit. Proper local management and equitable distribution of profits are vital. The community’s effort is commendable, aiming for sustainable long-term benefits.

In conclusion, we extend heartfelt thanks to the local community, the Hot Springs Management Committee’s Chair Krishna Khadka and Secretary Kumar KC, along with the Thapa family of Hotel Thapa. (Note: Recent meetings were also held with newly elected officials Harikrishna Shrestha, UML Myagdi Chair Bal Krishna Subedi, and other political figures; further coverage will follow.)

Dhaval Shamsher Rana, General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, has raised concerns regarding the candidacy for the Deputy Speaker position being presented without the party’s institutional decision. The party received only five votes in the Deputy Speaker election, which has sparked internal controversy. Rana clarified that he is involved in a republican opposition movement and will not participate in any official responsibilities. Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra.

General Secretary Rana expressed his concern about the candidacy for the Deputy Speaker position, stating, “The candidacy was submitted without the party’s institutional decision.” The voting for Deputy Speaker was held yesterday (Friday). The Rastriya Prajatantra Party had nominated Member of Parliament Saraswati Lama as its candidate. However, the party secured only five votes in the election.

This issue has caused a dispute within the party. Rana stated, “I am seriously concerned about the Deputy Speaker candidacy being presented without the party’s institutional decision.” He clarified that since the unconditional adherence to, protection, and implementation of the constitution is the primary responsibility in a republic, he will not participate in any official duties. He also made clear that he does not agree with any decisions that challenge the system and will continue to withhold consent in the future.

March 12, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States possesses more oil than the world’s two largest oil-producing economies combined. On Saturday, through his social media platform Truth Social, he announced that a large number of oil tankers are headed towards the US.

“A significant number of empty oil tankers are moving toward the United States to store the world’s finest and most flavorful oil and gas,” Trump stated.

“The combined oil reserves of the world’s future largest oil-producing economies are less than what the United States currently holds,” he added. “The quality of this oil is also of extremely high standard.” Trump further urged oil buyers to come to the US. “We are waiting for you; come quickly,” he said.

Meanwhile, as Trump’s statement was issued, a US delegation was engaged in peace talks with Iranian negotiators in Islamabad, Pakistan.

In Banke, a cyclist named Adhis Tharu sustained serious injuries after being hit by a Bolero vehicle and later died during treatment. The incident occurred in Jethinala Rural Municipality-3 involving a Bolero with the registration number K.P.R. 02-001 Ch 1572. According to the Nepal Police, the cyclist, 26-year-old Adhis Tharu of Nawasta in the same municipality, passed away on Saturday morning. He had been receiving treatment at Kohalpur Medical College due to severe injuries, where he succumbed to his condition. The police have taken the Bolero driver into custody and are conducting further investigation.

The Nepal Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association has expressed strong objections to the comments made by cricketer Karan KC on social media against umpires. The association stated that such remarks undermine the professional security of umpires and demanded strict action from CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal).

Karan KC had commented on a controversial post by Troll Cricket Nepal, asking, “What kind of punishment is there if an umpire is accidentally hit?”

In an official statement issued after an emergency meeting, the Nepal Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association expressed serious concern over Karan KC’s remarks regarding umpiring decisions and condemned such disrespectful behavior unequivocally. The statement was released by President Mohammad Shafik.

The association noted that these types of comments cause significant harm to the professional safety and respect of umpires and called for stringent disciplinary measures against such actions by CAN. Previously, Karan KC raised the question on Troll Cricket Nepal’s contentious post, “What kind of punishment is there if an umpire is accidentally hit?”

Discontent over umpiring decisions has been evident among players during the ongoing PM Cup Cricket in the Madhesh Province. Although on-field disputes have been brief, this is the first instance of such severe public expressions.

Communist Party of Nepal leader Barsaman Pun emphasized that legalizing black money is a criminal act and that it is the government’s routine responsibility to prevent it. He stressed the need to establish a high-level commission to investigate the assets of all senior officials who have held public office since 1991 (2048 BS). Kathmandu, March 12.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday at the party’s central office in Paris Danda, Leader Pun stated, “When I was Finance Minister, I enacted laws that prohibit the legalization of black money and money laundering. The government has established necessary procedures to address this issue.” He noted that there is a department responsible for asset control and regulation, and implementing these measures is a routine governmental duty, making the matter important.

He added, “After conducting asset investigations, let us scrutinize the properties of all senior individuals in public life since 1991. Before accusing one another, it is essential to know who they are and who is attempting to convert black money into white. Therefore, such investigations are necessary.”

March 12, Butwal – The 10th National Convention of Nepal National Federation of Disabled (NNFD) has become a subject of dispute. The faction led by Senior Vice President Ram Bahadur Karki and General Secretary Sugam Bhattarai has boycotted the election, alleging that it was conducted forcibly in violation of the federation’s bylaws and court directives. The dissatisfied group has also demanded an investigation into the distribution of member organizations, which they claim was carried out against the federation’s constitution. Despite their demands, the membership distribution and participation of representatives at the convention proceeded without proper hearing, an act they assert contradicts the federation’s regulations.

According to the order issued by the Patan High Court on March 10 regarding a petition related to the convention dispute, both parties were summoned for a discussion on April 16, 2027 BS. However, Senior Vice President Ram Bahadur Karki stated that conducting the convention and election before this court date, thereby potentially causing contempt of court, renders the process illegal. He further mentioned his intention to pursue legal remedies against what he described as police suppression during the unlawful election process.

Central member Savitra Ghimire reported that after the dissatisfied faction accused convention representatives of forgery and fraud, a physical altercation broke out between the two sides, with some representatives also being arrested by the police. Despite ongoing calls for over two years to investigate financial irregularities, exclusion, and autocratic leadership within the federation, the leadership has failed to address these concerns, according to Ghimire.

The election committee, led by Senior Advocate Shalikram Banjade, which was formed to conduct the election, resigned citing the controversies within the federation and the directives from Patan High Court, deeming it inappropriate to proceed under those circumstances. However, amid the ongoing conflict, the faction led by NNFD President Devidatta Acharya established a new election committee under Advocate Jokh Bahadur Khatri and conducted elections despite the boycott by the majority of representatives. General Secretary Sugam Bhattarai stated that this election held under contentious circumstances was illegal. President Acharya, however, claimed that the convention and the election were passed with majority approval.

March 12, Dhankuta – A nearly 13-foot-long venomous king cobra was rescued in the Kagate area, located on the boundary between wards 3 and 6 of Dhankuta Municipality. Rarely seen in hilly regions, this snake’s rescue has generated both fear and concern among local residents. On Saturday, snake rescuer Pradeep Shrestha from Mahalaxmi Municipality–5, Leguwa, safely captured the snake.

The snake was found resting for three days in the cattle shed of Bodhprasad Wagle at Kagate, situated approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Shrestha, responding to local reports, took the risk to secure the snake. Vikas Ghimire, ward chairperson of Dhankuta Municipality–3, stated that in coordination with the Dhankuta Division Forest Office, preparations are underway to release the rescued king cobra safely into its natural forest habitat.

According to Shrestha, the king cobra is an extremely venomous snake whose bite can cause severe complications and may even be fatal. “This snake generally does not attack unless provoked or threatened, at which point it can become aggressive,” he explained.

Shrestha has been active in snake rescue efforts for nine years and over the past two years alone has safely captured and released five king cobras in areas such as Mahalaxmi and Pakhribas in Dhankuta. He also noted that due to climate change, venomous snakes are increasingly appearing in hilly and colder areas, which could pose heightened risks to human settlements.