Author: space4knews

The Nepali national women’s volleyball team is currently ranked 58th in the FIVB world rankings. Nepal climbed to this position after defeating Kyrgyzstan in straight sets at the CAVB Women’s Volleyball Championship. According to the FIVB women’s rankings, Nepal holds 58.99 points and stands at 58th place, while India is ranked 64th.

May 23, Kathmandu – The Nepali national women’s volleyball team has been included in the FIVB world rankings. The team entered the rankings following their participation in the FIVB-sanctioned CAVB Women’s Volleyball Championship held on home soil. According to the latest FIVB update, Nepal has climbed to the 58th spot. Their impressive straight-set victory over Kyrgyzstan on Saturday boosted Nepal’s ranking significantly.

After their opening match against India on Friday, Nepal was already included in the rankings. Despite a 2-3 defeat to India, Nepal was placed 62nd. The FIVB records Nepal’s score as 58.99 points, with India trailing behind at 64th place. Kyrgyzstan is ranked 63rd. Other South Asian teams such as Maldives are at 66th, Bangladesh at 68th, and Sri Lanka at 85th. Among the nations participating in Nepal, Kazakhstan stands at 36th and Iran at 45th. Currently, 94 countries are officially listed in the FIVB women’s rankings. Italy leads the world rankings among European nations, while Japan ranks fifth and Thailand eighteenth among Asian teams.

May 22, Jaleshwar (Mahottari) – In the past four months, 209 people in Mahottari have acquired citizenship by using their mother’s name. Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav stated that since the month of Magh, the number of individuals obtaining citizenship through their mother’s name has reached 209. On December 25, the Cabinet approved a decision to grant citizenship to children whose father’s identity is unknown using the mother’s name. Subsequently, a notice was published in the Nepal Gazette on January 4.

Following this, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a circular directing all District Administration Offices to implement this provision. Accordingly, after completing all necessary paperwork, the distribution of citizenship certificates in the mother’s name commenced from January 20 at the District Administration Office, according to CDO Yadav. He further explained that based on population data, Nepali citizens born in Nepal whose father’s identity remains unknown have been able to obtain citizenship through self-declaration and proper documentation, on the grounds of descent. – Rastriya Samachar Samiti

Captain Shreyas Ayyar scored an unbeaten 101 runs off 51 balls to lead Punjab Kings to victory against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. Punjab chased down the target of 197 runs in 18 overs with 3 wickets lost, maintaining their playoff hopes. With this win, Punjab has climbed to fourth place on the points table with 15 points from 14 matches. The two matches scheduled for Sunday will decide the final playoff teams. Kathmandu, 23 May.

Thanks to Shreyas Ayyar’s spectacular century, Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, bolstering their chances of reaching the playoffs. Punjab successfully chased the target of 197 runs set by Lucknow in just 18 overs, losing 3 wickets. Ayyar completed his century with a winning six and remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 51 balls. Prabhsimran Singh contributed 69 runs, while Cooper Connolly scored 18 and Suryansh Shekhag remained not out on 9 runs.

For Lucknow, Mohammed Shami took 2 wickets while Arjun Tendulkar claimed 1. Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Lucknow posted 196 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Josh Inglis was the top scorer with 72 runs, followed by Ayush Badoni who made 43, and Abdul Samad who ended unbeaten on 37 runs. For Punjab, Marco Jansen and Yuzvendra Chahal took 2 wickets each, while Vijaykumar Vaishak and Ajmatullah Omarzai picked up 1 wicket each. With this victory, Punjab’s tally rises to 15 points from 14 games, positioning them fourth in the standings. The upcoming two matches on Sunday will finalize the playoff picture.

May 23, Kathmandu – Former General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Dr. Shashank Koirala, has commented that the Supreme Court has caused the split within the Nepali Congress. Speaking at the Gandaki Province-level meeting held by the non-establishment faction in Pokhara on Saturday, leader Koirala emphasized that party unity is now imperative following the division instigated by the Supreme Court.

“There was no Gagan Thapa faction, yet the party still split. This is surprising. When asked why it split, it was the Supreme Court that caused it,” leader Koirala stated. He further remarked that the situation needs to be viewed from a different perspective.

“I am the son of BP Koirala, founder of the party. Imagine the pain this causes me. Such a great, beautiful party with such noble ideals has now divided, and we have suffered in the elections,” he said. Expressing concern about how to reunify the party, he noted that many have suggested solutions but with no clear consensus. “Some have proposed talking with Gagan Thapa. That is one approach,” he added.

Koirala revealed that there has also been a proposal to conduct the 15th General Convention to unify the party. “Yes, if the 15th General Convention is to be held, first a neutral committee must be formed,” he explained. He added that appointing key leaders from both sides to organize this convention is another possible route. Despite these options, he stressed that it is time to carefully consider the most appropriate path forward.

“I welcome ideas and suggestions on what needs to be done to unite the party, and I want to be part of that process. I do not seek anything for myself — the party must be united,” concluded leader Koirala.

Omprakash Yadav, director of Subhlabh Accounting in Parsa, has been arrested on allegations of evading approximately NPR 472,000 in tax revenue by using fake receipts. The Land Administration Office in Birgunj filed a complaint against Yadav on May 20 (6 Jestha), and following an internal investigation, submitted a written complaint to the Parsa District Police Office.

Following the complaint, Yadav was taken into custody, and Parsa District Court has granted a five-day remand for further investigation. Authorities are currently probing the process by which the counterfeit receipts were produced and any additional parties involved.

The complaint against Yadav originated from the Land Administration Office in Parsa, where officials alleged that he used fake receipts to defraud government revenue. Khemraj Khatri, head of the Land Administration Office in Parsa, confirmed that on May 20, a formal written complaint was lodged against Yadav for manufacturing counterfeit receipts to siphon tax funds. After conducting an internal audit, the office uncovered evidence of tax evasion amounting to nearly NPR 472,000 through fraudulent receipts, prompting them to hand over the case to the Parsa District Police for necessary legal action.

According to the police, Yadav was detained for further investigation following the complaint from the Land Administration Office. Haribahadur Basnet, the police spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police in Parsa, stated that an investigation is underway regarding the preparation of forged receipts and misappropriation of government tax revenue. The inquiry is focused on understanding how the fake receipts were produced, the destination of the misappropriated revenue, and whether other individuals were involved in this scheme. Basnet added that Yadav was presented before the Parsa District Court on Friday, where the court authorized a five-day detention to facilitate ongoing investigations.

In response to this incident, Khemraj Khatri emphasized the importance for service users to rely solely on official receipts and approved payment systems provided by government offices.

At the Secretariat meeting of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), calls for the resignation of Chairman KP Sharma Oli sparked controversy during the ANERASWVIYU Central Committee meeting as well. The UML Secretariat meeting had set 11 agendas, with four vice-chairpersons raising their voices for a change in leadership, while Oli refused to resign. During the meeting, Oli urged not to be treated in such a manner, stating that a decision would be made only by the Central Committee meeting and argued that he remains strong. The events took place on 9 Jestha in Kathmandu.

As demands for Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s resignation continued in the UML Secretariat meeting, the issue also surfaced in the student organization ANERASWVIYU’s meeting. At the Central Committee meeting of ANERASWVIYU, which began today in Kirtipur, the topic of party leadership change (specifically, Oli’s resignation) arose, leading to a brief dispute after it was introduced. According to a party leader, attempting to include the leadership change topic in the agenda created some contention during the meeting.

While the meeting was discussing agendas proposed by Chairman Deepak Dhami, the organization’s Deputy General Secretary Kamalraj Joshi requested the inclusion of additional agendas. Joshi argued that to keep the student organization active, “old issues need to be cleared,” and for that, a change in leadership was necessary. However, Chairman Dhami did not approve the proposal to formally include these issues on the agenda.

This ANERASWVIYU meeting is convened after almost a year, aiming to review the current political situation and determine future directions. There were also strong voices raised in the Secretariat. According to Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatt, another Secretariat meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 11 AM. Eleven different agendas have been set for the meeting. Oli does not intend to resign, and despite leaders persistently demanding his resignation, he has shown no signs of stepping down.

May 23, Humla — At 11 p.m. on May 19, a severe storm swept through Nepka village in Chankheli Rural Municipality Ward No. 5, followed by heavy rainfall. Soon after, a landslide triggered by mud and debris flooded the area. Villagers were overwhelmed with panic and fear, feeling helpless amid the chaos. “The storm and the mudslide even disrupted the 60-kilowatt small hydropower plant. Everyone was terrified in the pitch darkness,” recalled Ward Chairperson Harkdhan Tamang of Chankheli-5. “Everyone had already called their relatives to warn them of the danger to their lives.” That night was one of tragedy for the village of Nepka.
“My sheepfold was destroyed, but thankfully no sheep were harmed,” said Ward Chairperson Harkdhan Tamang. “However, when Dhansingh Tamang’s barn collapsed, 53 sheep were buried underneath.” The local Danphe Basic School sustained significant damage. Four classrooms, housed in two buildings made of stone and mud, were destroyed. The school also lost seven computers, two laptops, and furniture. The village’s water supply system was affected, with damage to a 5,000-liter water tank. Of the 75 households in the village, farmland and crops belonging to 45 were buried under the heavy mud, resulting in total loss, according to police reports.
After a seven-hour trek on foot, a police team reached Nepka. According to reports, the Melcham Police Outpost deployed a four-member unit led by constable Nandbahadur Shahi. Constable Shahi stated that his team had traveled seven hours on foot to reach the affected area. Following the incident, a helicopter team led by Chief District Officer Tekkumar Regmi from the district headquarters in Simikot arrived for inspection. Accompanying him were District Police Chief DSP Shankar Khadka, Armed Police DSP Pushkarbahadur Singh, and Nepali Army Major Haribabu Shrestha. However, local residents complained that neither the police nor the CDO team provided any relief before returning. Four days after the disaster, flood victims reported receiving no assistance from the government.

It was 11:30 PM. Even in the middle of the night on May 19, Kathmandu’s Maiti Marga remained awake. The Maiti Marga circle was alert due to the sit-in protests demanding justice. Unlike the daytime, there was no traffic jam or crowd. Except for a few individuals riding motorcycles causing occasional disturbances, the environment was peaceful. The sounds of vehicles on the neighboring streets were faint. However, the voices of some intoxicated visitors could sometimes frighten the protesters. Along the seemingly calm roadside at Maiti Marga, tents were visible. When we arrived around midnight, seven tents had been pitched. A woman without a tent was openly sleeping under the sky. Several groups were lying on thin mats with light blankets, chatting with one another. Some were preparing to sleep in their tents. Yet, those protesting had no desire to spend the night openly on the street due to the severe discomfort caused by mosquito bites. Despite such conditions, they had no choice but to remain on the road to make their voices heard by the government. ‘Mosquitoes bite and cause great discomfort. But we must stay; the government doesn’t listen,’ one protester said.

Two police officers were on duty to ensure their safety. Their demands varied. Krishnamaya Upreti, who hails from Jhapa district, was sleeping on the street at Maiti Marga under only a thin shawl. When we arrived, the 48-year-old woman from Gothatar rose after some time. She has been protesting overnight at Maiti Marga since March 29. She finds it difficult to get meals and had planned to return to Gothatar after eating food provided by the supporting Mahankal Group. However, missing the night bus forced her to stay under the open sky. She said, ‘I came seeking justice because someone sexually abused me in Jhapa. But no one in the courts or administration has supported me.’ She has been pursuing justice for 13 years now. According to her current situation, she has been camping at Maiti Marga since mid-March. After missing the last bus in the evening, people nearby offered her shelter under their tent, so she spent the night there with companions.

Another group was gathered chatting among the tents. Janaki Bista, Ramila Karki, Jamuna Khatri, and Pushpmaya Karki were openly conversing on a thin tarpaulin spread out on the ground. Their conversation gave the impression that a small community had formed among those camping at Maiti Marga. Supportive and congenial, they shared their hardships. Janaki Bista, from Byas Rural Municipality, Darchula, has been at the Maiti Marga circle for several days. Though she escaped the human trafficking trap, she said she would stay for seven days to save her sisters trapped in similar conditions. She told Pushpmaya Karki, ‘Don’t buy a tent; I will leave after seven days. You can use my tent; I will leave it behind.’ According to Janaki, a person from Sudurpashchim lured her to Birgunj under the pretext of a weaving training. After consulting with her family, she went to Birgunj but was promptly taken to a place in Bihar. She was kept hostage and not allowed to use her phone. She was asked to pay 18,000 rupees as hostel fees. ‘Later, they demanded 200,000 rupees. When I refused, they tried to force me,’ Janaki disclosed her ordeal.

After being completely trapped in human trafficking, she endured beatings and torture. Eventually, she jumped from an auto rickshaw and sought help from Indian police. With the assistance of Indian police, relatives, and some organizations, she returned to Nepal. Janaki described the scenes she witnessed in India as terrifying. She narrated how young women were taken under the pretense of jobs and then subjected to beatings, torture, kidney trafficking, forced into sexual exploitation, and sold into brothels in Mumbai. Mountainous, straightforward girls often become mute out of fear after being raped. Human traffickers have been active since 2008 BS (1951-52 AD). After rescuing herself, Janaki has helped rescue many other victims. She claimed to have assisted 52 individuals in coordination with the King India organization. She raised her voice up to former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, IGP Deepak Thapa, Labor Minister, and the Human Rights Commission. Although she gave interviews to several media outlets, she lamented the lack of significant action by governmental bodies. As a victim herself, she stated that many Nepali young women remain hostages in India. She demands immediate government attention to rescue victims and shut down fraudulent companies. ‘If the government does nothing, I will go to India and meet the authorities there,’ she said firmly. ‘I do not want justice for myself but want to save others. I am here to raise pressure and warn others not to fall into this trap.’ As Janaki’s story unfolded, Pushpmaya Karki near her had tears in her eyes. She wanted to share her pain as well.

Pushpmaya Karki (28), from Udayapur, remains at Maiti Marga day and night. Having no place to go, she is forced to sleep at the sit-in. She was a victim of human trafficking in Malaysia and, even after returning to Nepal, suffers further mistreatment from the police and locals. Some time ago, prompted by Pratima Tamang from Nuwakot, who promised a good job and salary in Malaysia, Pushpmaya went there via Thailand after consulting with her family. She was assigned work in a Nepali-run hotel but was not paid. She was forced to have physical relations with customers. ‘I worked for two months but was not paid. My salary was deducted for not satisfying customers,’ she recounted. She was moved from hotel to hotel. On December 16, 2025 BS (1968 AD), the hotel manager and two customers allegedly attempted to gang-rape her. She endured day and night abuse before finally returning to Nepal with aid.

However, returning home marked the beginning of a bigger problem. Staying in KTM Homestay at Tarkeshwor-10 by paying 500 rupees daily, Pushpmaya claims she was forcibly evicted after some months. She alleges that the police took away her belongings, including a mobile phone, gold chain, bracelet, and depression medication. ‘I haven’t taken my depression medicine for 15 days,’ she said emotionally. ‘I’ve been sleeping under open skies on the roadside and even at public water taps. Despite filing complaints about the rape in Malaysia and abuse from my landlord, no action has been taken. I have no support from my family, which is why I will not leave Maiti Marga until I get justice, no matter how much I suffer.’

While they were sharing their grievances, other families were sleeping inside nearby tents. Flags bearing various demands were placed behind their tents. Some were protesting because in accidents, drivers didn’t provide medical assistance despite causing the crash. Others were protesting cooperative frauds. Some demanded the arrest of the fugitive accused G.B. Rai. Others with small children were staying at Maiti Marga overnight protesting hospital negligence. Even small children were sleeping inside the tents. Thus, Maiti Marga has long served not only as a daytime protest venue but also a nighttime hub for those wronged, seeking justice. This place has become a common stage where all share their grievances, a history that is significant in itself.

The story dates back to 1966 BS (circa 1909 AD), when the office of the Nepali movie ‘Maiti Marga,’ which was on protest, was located opposite Thapathali Engineering Campus in a three-story building with a signboard bearing the film’s name. After the film’s completion, the board was removed, but the place had already gained recognition as ‘Maiti Marga’ in popular speech. Over time, this name became permanent. During the 2001 BS (1944 AD) 11th SAARC summit held in Kathmandu, then-mayor Keshav Sthapit had an artistic roundabout constructed to beautify the city, naming it Maiti Marga Circle. During the country’s armed conflict, citizens commemorated deceased individuals by lighting candles there.

This site has served as a central location for civic and political protests. Being close to the main administrative complex Singh Durbar and the Supreme Court, it has been a key platform for victims to voice their complaints to the government. Occasionally, the state has attempted to restrict this spontaneous right. In Baishakh 2075 (April 2018), the government banned protests completely at Maiti Marga under the pretext of traffic control and cleanliness, designating other open areas instead, which met with widespread opposition. Activists like Dr. Govinda KC and Dr. Jeevan Kshetri strongly opposed this, reminding that in a democratic system, it is the state’s responsibility to provide places for free public demonstrations. Thus, Maiti Marga Circle has provided a stage to closely observe both the arrogance of power and the cries of the marginalized.

As open public squares in Kathmandu gradually disappear, this place has become a pre-established venue for social issues to be expressed. Up to now, Maiti Marga has witnessed diverse voices and personalities. Prominent leaders such as Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Jhalnath Khanal have all participated in protests here. Movements like the Guthi Bill protests, teacher strikes, electricity meter charge victim demonstrations, cooperative fraud protests, and Ganja protests have all unfolded here. In this way, when legislative and governmental bodies fail to listen, Maiti Marga Circle has acted as a witness, carrying the cries of the oppressed to those in power. Today as well, Janaki Bista, Ramila Karki, Jamuna Khatri, Pushpmaya Karki, Krishnamaya Upreti, and others continue to stay awake day and night here in pursuit of justice.

May 23, Sankhuwasabha – A landslide in Fokte, Ward No. 5 of Makalu Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha, buried a sheep pen and caused 218 sheep to go missing. According to DSP Kumar Prasad Mainali of the District Police Office, the landslide occurred on Saturday morning, covering the sheep pen owned by local resident Dalbahadur Gurung. Out of his 250 sheep, only 32 have been found alive so far.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old shepherd Jhalak Gurung sustained injuries in the incident. Police report that his hands and legs were hurt. The site is located in a remote area, making rescue and search operations challenging. The location is approximately 40 kilometers from the Sital Nurm Police Post, requiring about a 10-hour trek on foot to reach. Rescue teams have been dispatched and are en route to the site.

May 22, Kathmandu – The faction outside the founding group of the Nepali Congress urged that intra-party issues be resolved by May 28 during the Gandaki provincial-level assembly. The meeting held on Saturday decided to convene a central committee meeting if the problems within the party remain unresolved by that date.

The assembly’s nine-point resolution highlighted the current national situation and expressed concern that ongoing conflicts within the Congress have raised doubts about the capabilities of both senior and younger leaders. The decision stated, “Those unable to resolve internal issues are seen as incapable of addressing the country’s problems.”

The resolution called on party leaders, including Chairperson Gagan Thapa, outgoing Acting Chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka, and leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, to promptly engage in dialogue and send a message of unity. It noted, “If the leaders fail to find a way forward by May 28, 2026 (Jestha 15, 2083 BS), a central committee meeting will be convened.” Below are the nine decisions adopted by the assembly:

The second day of the secretariat meeting of the CPN-UML took place at the residence of Chairman KP Sharma Oli in Gundu. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, three Deputy General Secretaries, and five secretaries expressed their views, according to Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatt. Tomorrow, four more secretaries will share their opinions, and discussions will proceed on the proposed 11 agenda items. Kathmandu, 9 Jestha.

In today’s meeting, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel presented his perspectives. Similarly, three Deputy General Secretaries and five secretaries of the party also publicly shared their views, as informed by Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatt. “They expressed their thoughts deeply. All experiences and feelings from yesterday to today were presented,” he stated.

He further mentioned that tomorrow, four additional secretaries will provide their feedback, followed by discussions on the proposed agendas. “After the remaining four secretaries speak tomorrow, we will proceed with discussions according to the proposed 11 agenda points,” he added. Deputy General Secretary Bhatt also noted that during the meeting, Chairman Oli provided guidance as well.