March 12, Kathmandu – A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for high-level talks with Iran. According to airport sources cited by BBC, the ‘Air Force Two’ aircraft carrying Vice President Vance has landed in Islamabad. This marks the first visit by a US vice president to Pakistan in 21 years; the last was Dick Cheney in 2005.
Joining Vice President Vance in Islamabad for the talks are President Biden’s special envoy Steve Wittkoff and the President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. An Iranian delegation, led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, had previously arrived in Islamabad. High security measures and preparations have been put in place for the discussions.
US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to participate in talks with Iran, aviation sources have confirmed. Accompanying him are Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner, both reportedly involved in the Iran negotiations. Pakistani media have described this visit as a significant milestone, marking the first time in 21 years that a US vice president has visited Pakistan. Security measures in Islamabad have been heightened in preparation for the discussions between the US and Iran, while Iranian negotiators are already present in the city. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, leader of the Iranian delegation, stated that his team’s intentions are positive but expressed distrust toward the US.
Pakistan is demonstrating strong enthusiasm regarding its role in today’s peace talks held in Islamabad. Why are the security arrangements being treated as a celebration? Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran and establishing peace. Digital boards displaying “Islamabad Talks” have been installed across the capital, adorned with the flags of America and Iran alongside Pakistan’s emblem. The government has also declared a two-day public holiday to highlight its involvement in the talks. This event holds significant global importance, as the prospect of resolving tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz has generated widespread optimism.
The event carries numerous strategic implications for Pakistan. Abdul Basit, a South Asian expert from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, remarked, “When South Asian countries come perilously close to potential war with their neighbor Iran due to the failure of negotiations, the consequences could be nightmarish.” Meanwhile, various memes filled with pride and enthusiasm have gone viral on Pakistani social media. Basit further explained, “This is a victory because no other country was able to mediate a ceasefire, and Pakistan managed to avert a looming crisis.” He noted that Pakistan has endured years of political instability, an inability to repay debts until two years ago, and heightened rivalry with India. Hence, this achievement is extremely vital and timely for Pakistan.
Summary: The final match of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB) 2026 will take place on the evening of Chaitra 28, 2082 (April 11, 2026) at 5 PM at Dashrath Rangashala, featuring Tribhuvan Army Club against GoldenGate Basketball Club. Prior to the final, a celebrity match will be held in the afternoon, with teams led by artist Sushant KC and Java enthusiasts competing, as announced by Bhim Singh Gurung, President of the Nepal Basketball Association.
Army secured the top position in the league phase by winning 13 out of 14 matches, while GoldenGate finished second with 12 wins. In their previous encounters this season, Army has defeated GoldenGate three times.
Chaitra 28, Kathmandu: Departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club will face GoldenGate Basketball Club in the final of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB) 2026. The championship game is scheduled for 5 PM today at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. Army will take the court under the captaincy of Vinod Maharjan, while GoldenGate will be led by Sudip Paudel Chhetri. Additionally, a celebrity game featuring teams of artist Sushant KC and Java enthusiasts will be held earlier in the day, according to Bhim Singh Gurung, President of Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA).
For the first time, the tournament included team selection through qualifiers, with eight teams participating in this edition. The HJNB League followed a double round-robin format, completing 56 matches in the league phase. Following three playoff matches, Army and GoldenGate emerged as finalists.
Army dominated the league phase by winning 13 of their 14 games, finishing first, with GoldenGate securing second place with 12 victories. Army earned their place in the final by defeating GoldenGate in the first qualifier. GoldenGate then secured their final spot by beating Times Basketball Club in the second qualifier.
This final will mark the fourth encounter between Army and GoldenGate in this edition. The two teams had met three times previously—twice in the league and once in the playoffs—with Army winning all three matches. Notably, in the first qualifier, Army prevailed over GoldenGate in an intense game by a score of 80-71.
Army’s sole loss in the league was against Times Basketball Club, while GoldenGate’s three league losses all came against Army. Army aims to maintain its form and clinch the championship in the final.
GoldenGate, the runner-up from last year, is eager to claim their first title this season. After defeating defending champions Times, GoldenGate enters the final with strong morale and is determined to avenge their previous defeats at Army’s hands.
The final result will determine whether Army secures the title by overcoming GoldenGate for the fourth time or if GoldenGate overcomes their rivals and lifts the trophy.
Himalayan Java National Basketball League Final Match: Army vs. GoldenGate Venue: Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu Date: Chaitra 28, 2082 (April 11, 2026) Time: 5 PM
The Bagmati Province government has revised the fare rates for vehicles operating within the province. This adjustment mainly affects fare rates within the Kathmandu Valley as well as various towns and settlements throughout Bagmati Province. While the province government holds the authority to set fares within the province, fare rates for inter-provincial travel are determined by the central government. As of Chaitra 28 (mid-April), Kathmandu—the Bagmati Province has implemented these fare adjustments for vehicles operating within the Kathmandu Valley and for routes connecting Kathmandu to other towns and settlements in Bagmati Province. According to fare regulations, the province government has set and announced these new rates, whereas inter-provincial fares have already been established and publicized by the central government. Below are the details of the new fare adjustments announced by Bagmati Province:
March 12, Kathmandu – Pakistan has strengthened security and management protocols for the high-level talks between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that a comprehensive plan has been developed to ensure the full security of foreign delegations. Authorities in Islamabad have intensified security measures ahead of the negotiations. To facilitate smooth arrangements, local holidays have been declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Under the “Blue Book” VIP protocol, police, paramilitary forces, and other security agencies have been deployed. According to Xinhua, different routes have been designated for the movement of foreign delegations. Islamabad police issued a traffic advisory, informing that traffic will be diverted from the expressway. Pakistan has put rescue services and hospitals on high alert considering the talks. The five-star Serena Hotel, located in the Red Zone, has been fully reserved for the delegations.
Multiple entry points to the capital will be closed during the stay of the Iranian and American delegations. To bring both parties to the negotiation table, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Isaac Dar held consultations with regional leaders and established diplomatic contacts with Tehran and Washington. Analysts have noted that Pakistan’s historical ties and neutrality play a crucial role in advancing dialogue. The Iranian delegation has already arrived in Islamabad, while the US delegation is expected soon. The US team is led by Vice President J.D. Vance, and Iran’s delegation is headed by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
March 12, Dhangadhi – The Kailali Construction Business Association has called on the government to declare an ’emergency’ in the construction industry, warning that soaring prices of fuel-based and construction materials have brought the sector to a standstill. At a press conference held on Saturday in Dhangadhi, the association highlighted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused repeated, unexpected spikes in diesel, petrol, kerosene, and other fuel-related product costs, severely impacting the construction sector.
Association President Tek Bahadur Mall stated that along with fuel, continuous price increases and shortages in essential construction materials such as bitumen, cement, and steel rods have pushed the construction industry to a critical point. The press conference also noted that challenges within the crusher industry have further exacerbated the difficulties faced by the construction sector. Despite repeated appeals by the Nepal Construction Business Federation to the government and relevant authorities, no concrete resolutions have yet been made to address these issues, the association emphasized.
Prakash Sethi, Central Vice President of the Construction Business Federation (Sudurpaschim Province), explained that although construction cost adjustments are supposed to follow the Nepal Rastra Bank’s price index, the steep rise in market prices for construction materials has not been reflected in the index, further burdening businesses. He urged the government to take proactive measures to resolve the problems construction businesses are facing. The association stressed that during this peak construction period, the rising fuel and material prices are imposing significant financial strain on businesses, and therefore they strongly demand the government declare an ’emergency’ in the construction sector to provide relief.
Moreover, they appealed to the government to immediately issue Price Adjustment Guideline-2 since current legal provisions do not allow price adjustments according to real price increases in each project, and to apply these adjustments across all contract periods.
Out of 32,000 savings and credit cooperative institutions called to register by the National Cooperative Authority, only 2,262 have done so. The reluctance of cooperatives to accept the regulatory authority and register has created challenges for regulation in the cooperative sector. The authority has communicated with the ministry to suspend operations of unregistered cooperatives and amend the Cooperative Act to facilitate enforcement. Kathmandu, March 12.
Savings and credit cooperatives and their federations have been hesitant to recognize the National Cooperative Authority as their regulator. Established last year as the regulatory body, the authority urged savings and credit cooperatives and unions to register. However, among 32,000 cooperatives across the country, only 2,262 have registered within the designated deadline. Concerned stakeholders fear that registration will disclose irregular and non-transparent activities or entail regulatory hassles, leading to their reluctance.
To address issues in the cooperative sector, parliament amended the Cooperative Act of 2017 to establish the National Cooperative Authority. The government has formed the authority accordingly. According to Section 20 (ka) of the Cooperative Act, savings and credit institutions must register with the authority or a designated body within one year from the effective date of this provision. This section came into effect on April 1, 2026, and cooperatives were required to register by March 31. While the authority has called these institutions to register as per the act, the number of cooperatives under the regulatory scope that have registered within the stipulated time remains very low.
Kathmandu, March 12 – US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to arrive in Pakistan to lead an American delegation aimed at conducting peace talks with Iran. The delegation includes Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump and an advisor during Trump’s first term, as well as special envoy Steve Biegun. Both Kushner and Biegun have previously participated in ceasefire negotiations to end conflicts such as the Israel-Gaza war and efforts to halt the Russia-Ukraine war.
The plane carrying the US delegation, an ‘Air Force Two’ aircraft, made a scheduled refueling stop in Paris, France, en route to Pakistan. Prior to the flight, Vice President Harris told reporters, “If the Iranians are willing to engage in constructive dialogue, we are open to cooperation.” She also noted that President Donald Trump has provided the delegation with “certain clear directives” for the talks.
Vice President Harris issued a stern warning to senior Iranian representatives, stating, “Should attempts be made to deceive us, Iran will quickly learn that the US delegation is not easy to deal with.” Earlier, at a White House Easter reception, President Trump addressed speculation regarding Harris’s role in the negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. His comments signaled that Harris would lead the US delegation in talks held in Pakistan.
This mission marks one of the most challenging responsibilities of the Vice Presidency, with limited prospects for success and significant consequences should negotiations fail. Harris’s diplomatic visit to Islamabad is politically sensitive; to achieve durable progress towards ending the war, she must satisfy deeply mistrustful parties still engaged in military operations that have continued for six weeks. Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have already arrived in Islamabad to engage in talks with the US delegation.
Despite petroleum product prices reaching historic highs, Nepal Oil Corporation is facing a weekly loss of nearly NPR 800 crore, according to its chief. He warned that if tensions in the Middle East do not ease, the government or financial institutions may need to provide loans to the corporation.
Following last month’s attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, Nepal Oil Corporation has increased petroleum product prices at least four times. The latest price hike, effective from midnight Friday, raised petrol by NPR 17 per liter, diesel and furnace oil by NPR 25 per liter, cooking gas cylinders by NPR 100 each, and aviation fuel by NPR 6 per liter. Despite these adjustments, the corporation projects a weekly loss of NPR 781 crore.
After the recent increase, petrol prices range between NPR 216.50 and NPR 219 per liter, while diesel prices are set between NPR 204 and NPR 207 per liter. Consumers now have to pay NPR 2,010 for a 14.2-kg gas cylinder. A few days ago, the cabinet decided to grant a 50 percent exemption on customs duties and infrastructure development tax on petrol, diesel, and furnace oil imports.
Chandikaprasad Bhatt, Executive Director of Nepal Oil Corporation, appealed in a public statement issued Friday to reduce fuel consumption and adopt frugality. He said, “If a single motorcycle rider saves one liter of petrol daily, the state could save approximately NPR 22 crore in taxes each day.” He added that a savings of NPR 390 crore could be achieved within 15 days and urged everyone to exercise prudence in petroleum product usage.
March 12, Panchthar – Police in Panchthar have arrested 13 individuals who escaped from prison during the Jenji movement. According to DSP Anish Karn, chief of police in Panchthar, these arrests were made at different times. On Friday, one individual was apprehended in Tumbewa Rural Municipality-2. The police also arrested 35-year-old Ramesh Lawati, who had escaped from Jhumpka Prison in Sunsari. Lawati was serving a sentence after being convicted of a charge of culpable homicide. He was sentenced to 25 years and had already served seven years. The police acted based on a confidential tip about his whereabouts. DSP Karn stated that the search operation for escaped prisoners is ongoing with increased intensity.
March 28, Kathmandu – Currently, western and local winds are partially influencing the country. Due to this effect, the hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, along with most of the country’s mountainous regions, are generally cloudy, while other hilly areas have partly cloudy skies and the Terai region mainly experiences clear weather. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, this afternoon, the hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi Province and the country’s mountainous regions are expected to remain generally cloudy, with partly cloudy skies over the hilly and Terai areas of Koshi Province.
There is a possibility of light rain or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in some places of the mountainous areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces. Strong winds are forecasted in some parts of the Terai in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces. Similarly, tonight, the country’s mountainous regions are expected to remain generally cloudy, with partly cloudy skies over the hilly areas and mainly clear weather in the Terai. Some mountainous parts of Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, as well as one or two locations in the hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki provinces, may experience thunder, lightning, and light rain or snowfall. The Department has urged the general public and those operating transportation in these areas to remain cautious.
Image caption, A new academic session begins from Baishakh 15 (File)Article Information
The government has decided to delay the enrollment campaign and the start of class sessions for the new academic year compared to previous years. However, local governments and officials from some community and private schools have criticized this move as ‘impractical’ and are calling for reconsideration.
Following the government’s decision to start the 2083 academic session on Baishakh 15 and to have a two-day weekend (Saturday and Sunday), the Education and Human Resource Development Center has instructed all schools to begin their enrollment campaigns from Baishakh 15, with teaching sessions commencing only from Baishakh 21.
Officials at the center explained, “This circular has been issued to facilitate adjustments in line with the changed context of introducing a two-day weekend.”
Previously, enrollment campaigns used to begin immediately at the start of Baishakh.
Leaders from the Community School Principals’ Association, the Private and Residential Schools Organization Nepal (PABSON), and some local government officials and educationists have expressed concerns that the government’s decision may adversely affect teaching and learning.
A local government in Taplejung has declared that it will not implement the federal government’s academic session start date or the two-day weekly holiday.
According to Dipendra Pomu, chairperson of Aathrai Triveni Rural Municipality, “Each local government will formulate its own academic calendar as per the authority granted by the constitution, beginning the enrollment campaign from Baishakh 1.”
Educationist Vidyanath Koirala described the government’s decision as “worrisome.”
He stated, “Delaying the start by fifteen days coupled with a two-day weekend could result in a loss of 52 instructional days, creating injustice for students.”
He added, “While the enthusiasm among the new government officials is commendable, more thought is needed in managing students effectively.”
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Education emphasized the necessity to comply with the government’s decision once it has been made.
Spokesperson Shivakumar Sapkota stated, “While we respect the government’s decision, everyone must proceed with its implementation.”
Concerns
Image source, RSS
Image caption, Government has instructed the new academic session to start from Baishakh 21
Officials from PABSON and the Community School Principals’ Association acknowledged that the two-day weekend is linked to fuel shortages but expressed confusion over the reason for delaying enrollment and the start of classes.
PABSON Chairman Krishna Adhikari stated, “There has been no clear communication from the ministry or local governments on why schools should be closed.”
He added, “Starting enrollment only from Baishakh 15 may not allow schools enough preparation time to ensure full student registration, which could present challenges.”
Moreover, beginning classes from Baishakh 21 might lead to disputes over monthly fees.
Sudan Prasad Gautam, Chairman of the Principals’ Association, expressed concerns that the two-day weekend would impact the workload and the delayed enrollment campaign might reduce student enrollment.
“We need to attract students equally from all communities. Since some private schools have already enrolled students, community schools may be adversely affected,” Gautam said.
Chairperson Pomu of Aathrai Triveni criticized the ministry for basing the two-day weekend decision solely on the situation in Kathmandu without understanding conditions across Nepal.
He noted, “The Curriculum Development Center creates a 220-day curriculum, but how can effective study happen with two days off weekly? Does the fuel price hike in Kathmandu apply uniformly across the country?”
Educationist Koirala pointed out that teaching methods in developed countries differ significantly from Nepal’s context.
He said, “In Norway or Finland, teaching three days a week suffices, but we don’t even know the precise number of school days here, and the capacity of teachers to deliver such education is lacking.”
“How will students be kept engaged during 52 days of holidays? What will parents think, and how will the curriculum be managed? These are important concerns,” he added.
Ministry Officials Respond
Image source, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology
Spokesperson Sapkota of the Ministry of Education stated, “We can only comment on the implementation of the government’s decision, not on the rationale behind it.”
Director Shyam Prasad Acharya of the Education and Human Resource Development Center clarified that only minor adjustments were made due to the fuel shortage.
Acharya explained, “The government has made the decision, and we are simply showing the way to implement it.”
“The academic session starts on Baishakh 15. Enrollment has been scheduled to start two days later, ensuring clarity and providing sufficient preparation time.”
Some stakeholders, however, hope that this decision will be reconsidered.
Principals’ Association Chair Gautam said, “We are preparing to request ministry officials to reconsider their decision.”
PABSON President Adhikari also confirmed efforts on this issue.
He stated, “We have evidence that the government has shown awareness by rectifying issues, including stopping MBBS and engineering entrance exam closures. If enrollment is conducted by Baishakh 15 and classes start thereafter, we will accept that.”
Educationist Koirala also sees potential for improvement.
“Solutions exist if ways to keep students engaged during holidays are devised. Curriculum adjustment and teacher training need development,” he emphasized.
“We must respect the government’s decision while also focusing on improvements. This way, both sides can move forward together.”
According to educational officials, no discussions on reconsideration have taken place yet.
“If petroleum supply stabilizes, the government may take a new decision. At present, I cannot say anything about that,” Acharya said.
The circular issued by the Education and Human Resource Development Center instructs schools to use Baishakh 2 onwards for planning the academic session, annual schedule, educational planning, teacher professional development, and activities to improve student learning outcomes.
28 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai is scheduled to travel to India. On Chaitra 29 (Sunday), he will participate as the chief speaker at the ‘Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Memorial Lecture’ organized by ITM University in India. Former Minister Hisila Yami will also attend the event alongside him.
This program has been held annually for the past 11 years to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. The event is scheduled for Baisakh 1. During his visit to India, Dr. Bhattarai will also address the South Asian University in New Delhi as the chief speaker on Baisakh 2, according to the Secretariat.
He is expected to return to Nepal on the evening of Baisakh 2.
March 12, Syangja – Although the risk of forest fires typically increases annually during the dry season from Chaitra to Baisakh, Syangja has seen a remarkable reduction in forest fires this year. In the past, minor negligence would lead to extensive forest destruction, endangering wildlife and local settlements. However, the current situation shows notable improvement. According to the Syangja Division Forest Office, nearly 497.2 hectares of forest were affected by fires in the fiscal year 2079/80, while in fiscal year 2080/81, this area drastically decreased to just 24 hectares. Aside from a small-scale fire in Ramche of Andhikhola Rural Municipality this year, no major incidents causing significant damage have been reported.
Division Forest Officer Navaraj Baral stated that timely rainfall, awareness campaigns, and preparedness efforts have positively contributed to controlling forest fires. “This year, forest fires have been considerably fewer compared to previous years,” he said. “The proactive involvement of local communities and prompt management have helped reduce risks.” However, he also emphasized that the danger has not completely passed and urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant. Despite the dry weather during Falgun and Chaitra, intermittent rainfall has helped maintain greenery in forest areas. Moreover, awareness programs and preemptive measures organized by the forest office have played crucial roles in fire prevention.
Forest conservation even in the fire-prone ridge and hill areas affected by autumn leaf fall has been regarded as a positive sign. With 525 community forests across the district remaining secure, the slogan “Green Forests are Nepal’s Wealth” has been effectively realized. Nonetheless, as the vulnerable period extends until Baisakh, continued vigilance is necessary. If sustained, Syangja’s success in controlling forest fires could serve as a model for other districts.
Photo Credit: X/@IraninSA April 10, Kathmandu – A high-level Iranian delegation has arrived in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, to prepare for peace talks reportedly planned with the United States. According to Iranian state media, the delegation’s purpose in Islamabad is to finalize arrangements ahead of the talks. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the Iranian delegation’s arrival, and BBC Hindi has also reported on the development. Local media reported that the delegation was welcomed at Noor Khan International Airport.
The Iranian delegation is led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. Accompanying him are Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, along with other parliamentary members. The delegation was received by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The welcome ceremony also included the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The potential talks between Iran and the U.S. are being closely monitored at both regional and international levels.
