Author: space4knews

May 22, Kathmandu – Assistant Inspector Nim Diki Sherpa and Assistant Havaldar Anita Karki, both members of the Armed Police Force who successfully climbed Mount Everest and Lhotse, have been promoted by the Armed Police Force. The promotion process for Assistant Inspector Sherpa has been initiated immediately, while Assistant Havaldar Karki is scheduled to be promoted to Havaldar after completing the requisite service period in her current rank.

The promotion announcement was made by Armed Police Force Inspector General Narayandatt Paudel during an award ceremony held on Friday at the Armed Police Force Nepal Headquarters in Halchok, Swayambhu. Inspector General Paudel congratulated Sherpa and Karki for their successful ascents of the world’s highest peaks, stating that raising the national and organizational flags on these summits is a proud achievement.

Anita Karki summited Mount Everest on May 17 at 10:20 a.m., while Nim Diki Sherpa reached Everest’s peak on the same day at 11:55 a.m. and successfully summited Lhotse on May 18 at 3:25 p.m.

9 Jestha, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress has rescheduled its provincial and local level meetings focused on Lumbini Province. Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal issued a statement on Saturday morning confirming the change in dates for the Lumbini provincial program. According to him, the event will now be held on the 18th and 19th of Jestha. Previously, the “Provincial and Local Level Focused Provincial Meeting” was slated for the 14th and 15th of Jestha.
The statement by Dulal did not specify the reasons behind the date change for the Lumbini provincial meeting. The event is planned to take place in Tilottama, Rupandehi. The Congress has already completed meetings in five provinces through the Central Policy, Research and Training Institute, and the Koshi provincial meeting is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.

The Aathpahariya community has long demanded official recognition by the government as an indigenous ethnic group that reflects their unique identity. Dhankuta Municipality is preparing to establish a museum to preserve Aathpahariya language and culture. Dhankuta, 23 May — The Aathpahariya, a marginalized tribe residing in Dhankuta district, situated between the Arun and Tamor rivers in eastern Nepal, is grappling with preserving their identity amid modern societal influences and lack of formal state acknowledgment. This community, which has its own customs, language, and traditional attire, has been persistently advocating for inclusion in the official indigenous ethnic list.

Since 2001, the Kirant Aathpahariya Society, with its central vice-president Surya Aathpahariya, has sought organized recognition as an indigenous group but has faced postponements from the government. “Due to the state’s refusal to formally recognize Aathpahariya as a distinct entity, our community has lagged socially, educationally, and economically,” he stated. “All our evidence confirms that we are Aathpahariya; therefore, we must be officially listed as an indigenous nationality in Nepal.”

According to Surya, the Aathpahariya possess their own language, traditional dress, customs, culture, rituals, and social structure. However, the failure to accept them as a separate community threatens their very existence. The Aathpahariya chiefly inhabit Dhankuta Municipality and are known as the native inhabitants of the region. The 2021 census recorded 5,878 Aathpahariya individuals. While the 2001 census referred to them as “Aathpahariya Rai,” in the 2011 and 2021 censuses, they have been listed solely as “Aathpahariya.” The Aathpahariya community comprises 19 ethnic subgroups including Chhara, Humbarak, Kimdahang, Lensuwa, and Pangsung, each maintaining distinctive cultural traditions, worship systems, and festivals.

The Aathpahariya celebrate unique festivals and worship their deities. Although their main settlement is in Dhankuta, community members working elsewhere return home to observe festivals and conduct ancestral rites. Following Nepal’s constitutional amendment in 1990, committees were formed to promote indigenous development, and in 2001, a national institution was established aiming to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity; however, the demand for the Aathpahariya’s inclusion in the indigenous listing has yet to be fulfilled. Dhankuta Municipality Chief Chintan Tamang has also advocated for official recognition of the Aathpahariya as an indigenous group.

To protect the Aathpahariya language and culture, the municipality is in the process of constructing a museum that will soon commence operations. The principal festival, Wadangmet, is particularly celebrated during the month of Mangsir (November-December). This festival collectively commemorates mourning in human life and joyously celebrates the birth of the eldest child. The Wadangmet festivities begin with the raising of the “Manglang” at the 52-chule house. Three days afterward, family members of the deceased undertake a three-day pilgrimage on foot to the Kokaha stream in Barah Kshetra, Sunsari. There, participants cleanse their hair and beards and perform worship rituals, including viewing the deity Barahi Bhagwan and releasing ritual offerings. During this journey, the group stays in open areas and riverbanks, traditionally singing devotional songs (Mundhan or Mundhum) not performed otherwise. Upon returning from Barah Kshetra, a day is dedicated at home to ancestral worship. Joyous feasts and dances are arranged to honor the birth of the eldest child and the construction of new homes. The Wadangmet celebrations commence approximately one week before Kartik Purnima and continue until the new moon (Aunsi). Special delicacies are prepared, and performances featuring drums, Maruni, and Dallo dances take place, complemented by the ritual of offering money garlands, believed to fulfill wishes. Dhankuta Municipality also grants local holidays on such occasions. Other major festivals include Bisu in Baisakh and Nwagi in Bhadra, celebrated with grandeur, wherein prayers are offered for family and community welfare, peace, prosperity, and unity. The Bisu festival lasts eight days, while Nwagi involves offering new crops to ancestors and clans and takes place over three days from Wednesday to Friday following the full moon of Bhadra.

The language, religious rites, and culture of the Aathpahariya are in a precarious state. The community lacks a recognized script, and their language and traditions face extinction. However, a grammar for the Aathpahariya language in the Devanagari script has been developed by a small number of scholars, facilitating education and study. State provisions offer mother tongue education up to grade five; yet, the absence of dictionaries for endangered languages hampers learning success. Aathpahariya language belongs to the Kiranti languages, specifically the Bhoṭ-Barmi group, and is related to Belhare, Chhatre Limbu, and Yakkha languages. It is classified as a vulnerable language. The community recognizes Marga and Jimi as their traditional territories. Despite variations in caste, surname, and lineage, the language remains common. Community leader Dhanbahadur Aathpahariya has warned of language loss as younger generations increasingly neglect their mother tongue. “The primary cause is the influence of other languages, especially Nepali and English,” he explained. “Parents’ growing preference for English has further distanced children from learning their native language. Difficulties in pronunciation and usage have discouraged the youth, and increased use of Nepali at home weakens linguistic transmission.”

The clothing worn by Aathpahariya men and women is highly distinctive, especially women’s attire and jewelry. However, modernization has led to gradual disappearance of this traditional dress. Responding to such concerns, Dhankuta Municipality has provided sewing training to produce Aathpahariya dress, fostering skilled workforce. Traditional homes are also fading; the Aathpahariya’s customary houses with thatched grass roofs are being replaced by modern buildings within Dhankuta Municipality. While the community traditionally uses grass-thatched roofs for clan worship, zinc sheet roofing has become common, impeding such rituals. Seventy-five-year-old Itmaya Aathpahariya stated that worship is not permitted in houses roofed with zinc sheets.

At Rapti Health Science Institute, a total of 113 successful kidney stone surgeries were performed between the 1st and 31st of Baisakh. During this period, the Urology Department provided outpatient services to 505 patients and admitted 61 patients for treatment. The institute has expanded its urology services through collaboration with Bir Hospital and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, although a lack of physical infrastructure remains a significant challenge.

Dang, 9 Jestha – Within just one month, Rapti Health Science Institute successfully operated on 113 patients suffering from kidney stones. According to institute records, from Baisakh 1 to 31, the Urology Department completed surgeries on a total of 113 patients. In the same timeframe, 505 patients received outpatient department (OPD) services, and 61 were admitted for inpatient care.

Under the leadership of Urologist Surgeon Dr. Sushil Khaniya, a team of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers at the institute regularly perform surgeries of varying complexity. According to the institute, more than 70 patients seek consultation and treatment daily through the urology OPD.

Previously, due to a lack of urology services in the district, patients had to travel to hospitals in other districts to receive even basic or specialized treatment. However, with the expansion of urology services at the institute equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, local patients now have easier access to effective care.

Under urology services, the institute provides treatment for conditions including urinary disorders, prostate issues, kidney stones, gallstones, urinary tract problems, testicular swelling or tenderness, as well as symptoms such as painful or leaking urination. Dr. Khaniya noted that the number of patients seeking urology care is increasing day by day.

Dr. Suresh Rasaily, Acting Chief of Office, Director, and Associate Professor at the institute, described the urology services as highly effective and said that patients are pleased to receive specialized treatment locally. Dr. Khaniya is an experienced physician who has been providing urology services at the institute for many years.

The institute has initiated collaboration with Bir Hospital and Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital to strengthen specialized services including urology. Despite service expansion, the institute acknowledges that the lack of adequate physical infrastructure continues to pose challenges.

May 23, Kathmandu – Ravi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has expressed happiness following the amendment of charges related to money laundering and organized crime against him. The District Court of Kaski revised the allegations, prompting Lamichhane to share his reaction. “I have not yet read the order. We must act according to the court’s directive,” Lamichhane told reporters. “I am happy about this development.”

Although the decision came from Kaski, Lamichhane said his battle is far from over. Cases remain pending against him in other districts. “The fight is still ongoing. I need to address cases in other districts as well,” the party president explained. “Only one district’s case has been concluded. I am glad to hear it’s from Kaski.”

In the order issued on Friday, Judge Himalal Belbase’s bench at Kaski District Court stated, “Upon reviewing the application as appropriate, the original, supplementary, and additional charge sheets are amended such that charges of cooperative fraud are maintained while other charges regarding organized crime and money laundering are removed, as per Section 36 of the Muluki Criminal Procedure Code, 2074.”

Earlier, the election government led by Sushila Karki under Attorney General Savita Bhandari Baral’s leadership decided during the last week of Poush (mid-December) to withdraw ongoing money laundering and organized crime cases against Ravi Lamichhane across various district courts. Based on that decision, the District Government Attorney’s Office in Kaski filed a petition to amend the charges in court. After nearly four and a half months, the District Court amended the charge sheet. Currently, only charges of cooperative fraud remain against Lamichhane in Kaski.

Preeclampsia during pregnancy is a serious health condition that can threaten a mother’s life. It is characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, which can impair organ function and increase the risk of emergency cesarean sections and strokes. Worldwide, preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders cause the deaths of approximately 70,000 women and 500,000 infants annually.

While medications can help manage the symptoms during pregnancy, a complete cure for preeclampsia currently exists only through delivery of the baby. Researchers continue to explore new treatment options for this condition. For more detailed information, please watch the video provided.

काठमाडौं, २३ मे — नेपाली कांग्रेसले सक्रिय पार्टी सदस्यता अद्यावधिक नगर्ने लगभग ५० वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूको जिम्मेवारी हटाउन सुरु गरेको छ। पार्टीका अध्यक्ष गगन थापाले सदस्यता ननवीकरण गर्ने वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूको स्थानमा नयाँ व्यक्तिहरूलाई जिम्मेवारी सुम्पिएको जानकारी दिएका छन्। थापाले सबै नेता र कार्यकर्ताहरूले १५ औं महाधिवेशनको लागि आफ्नो सदस्यता अद्यावधिक गर्नुपर्नेमा जोड दिएका छन् र २०८२ सालको नवीकरण स्वीकार्य नहुने बताएका छन्।

नेपाली कांग्रेसले सक्रिय पार्टी सदस्यता अद्यावधिकमा अवरोध गर्ने वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूलाई जिम्मेवारीबाट हटाउने प्रक्रिया सुरु गरेको छ। विशेष महाधिवेशनमा भाग नलिने faction का वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूले सदस्यता अद्यावधिक कार्य गर्न असफल भएको कारण पार्टीले यो कदम चालेको हो। पार्टीको “रुट क्याम्पेन” अन्तर्गत लगभग ५० वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूको सदस्यता अद्यावधिक जिम्मेवारी हटाइएको छ र ती जिम्मेवारी अन्य व्यक्तिहरूलाई सुम्पिएको छ।

गगन थापाले शुक्रबार सुनसरीको लाउकहीमा आयोजित ‘प्रदेश र स्थानीय स्तरका बैठकहरू’ मा भने, “मैले यो निर्णय हिजो मात्र गरेको हुँ। म उपाध्यक्षहरूलाई पनि जानकारी गराउँदैछु।” उनले भने, “मले लगभग ५० वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूको स्थानमा नयाँ साथिहरूलाई सक्रिय सदस्यता कार्यको जिम्मेवारी सुम्पिएको छु।” थापाले भने कि वार्ड अध्यक्षहरूका आधिकारिक पदहरू कायम रहनेछन्। “वार्ड अध्यक्षहरू वार्ड अध्यक्ष नै रहन्छन्; म तिनीहरूको पद हटाइरहेको छैन,” थापाले भने।

थापाले सदस्यता अद्यावधिक कार्यको जिम्मेवारी अर्को व्यक्तिलाई सुम्पन पार्टीका नियमले उनलाई अधिकार दिएको बताएका छन्। उनले भने, “कसैले यो गर्न चाहँदैन भने, पार्टीको निर्णयलाई सम्मान गर्नुपर्छ।” थापाले सदस्यता नवीकरण प्रक्रियालाई “अद्यावधिक” भन्नु गलत भएको स्वीकार गरे। उनले भने, “यो प्रक्रिया ‘अद्यावधिक’ भन्नु अहिले अनुपयुक्त लाग्छ।” उनले सदस्यता नवीकरण गर्दा आवश्यक डेटा अनिवार्य रूपमा पेश गर्नुपर्ने सुझाव दिएका छन्। “म नवीकरणको अवधारणालाई अस्वीकृत गर्दै छैन, तर यो अनिवार्य रूपमा डेटा पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुनुपर्छ,” थापाले भने।

9 Jestha, Kathmandu – Nepal is currently under the influence of western winds and local airflows, with a low-pressure area affecting the eastern region. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Weather Forecast Division, the Koshi Province along with other hilly and mountainous regions are generally cloudy. The Madhesh Province experiences partly cloudy skies, while the remaining Terai areas mostly have clear weather. Some locations in Gandaki Province and one or two spots in Sudurpashchim Province are experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.

The department forecasts that this afternoon, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces will generally see cloudy conditions. Partly cloudy skies are expected across the mountainous and hilly areas of Madhesh Province and other provinces, while the rest of the Terai region will mainly experience clear weather. Some specific locations in the hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces, as well as certain Terai areas of Madhesh, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces, along with one or two places in the mountainous and hilly regions of Lumbini and Karnali Provinces, may witness moderate to heavy rains and possible snowfall.

There is a chance of heavy rainfall in one or two hilly areas of Gandaki Province. Hot days are likely in the hilly regions of Sudurpashchim and Lumbini Provinces, with heatwaves expected on the Terai plains. Tonight, Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces will mostly have cloudy skies. The mountainous and hilly areas of other provinces will be partly cloudy, while the remaining Terai plains will mainly enjoy clear weather. In some parts of Koshi and Madhesh Provinces, as well as in the hilly and mountainous regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces, moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning may occur. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two locations in the hilly and Terai regions of Koshi Province.

Jestha 9, Panchthar – Severe floods and landslides have caused significant damage in the northern Yangwarak Rural Municipality of Panchthar. The flood that struck during the night damaged roads, bridges, agricultural land, and houses. The Mid-Hills Highway is completely blocked due to the destruction. A landslide occurred near Oyama Bazaar. According to local sources, farmlands in various locations within Phalaicha and Chyangthapu have been washed away. Two houses in Chyangthapu have also sustained damage.

The bridge over the Indrawati River on the route from Panchthar to Taplejung has been damaged. Similarly, the Limbuni Bridge, which is under construction as part of the Tamor Corridor, has also suffered damage due to floodwaters and landslides. Local reports indicate that neighboring Taplejung’s Sidingba area has been affected by floods and landslides as well. Both the Kaweli and Tamor Rivers have experienced flooding.

Upon receiving reports of damage to roads, bridges, and farmlands due to these natural hazards, Panchthar’s Police Chief, DSP Anish Karn, stated that a comprehensive assessment of the damage is currently underway.

May 23, Kathmandu: The Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee has set the maximum wholesale prices for agricultural products today. According to the committee, the prices are as follows: Large Nepali tomato at NPR 80 per kilogram, Large Indian tomato at NPR 80 per kilogram, Small local tomato at NPR 40 per kilogram, Small Terai tomato at NPR 40 per kilogram, Small tunnel tomato at NPR 70 per kilogram, Long red potato at NPR 30 per kilogram, Round red potato at NPR 26 per kilogram, Indian red potato at NPR 26 per kilogram, and Dried Indian onion at NPR 38 per kilogram.

Carrots (local) are priced at NPR 60 per kilogram, Cabbage (local) NPR 40 per kilogram, Local cauliflower NPR 40 per kilogram, White hybrid radish NPR 20 per kilogram, Long spinach NPR 50 per kilogram, and Leafy spinach NPR 50 per kilogram.

In addition, stem beans are NPR 40 per kilogram, corn beans NPR 60 per kilogram, local cowpea NPR 60 per kilogram, hybrid cowpea NPR 50 per kilogram, soybean NPR 120 per kilogram, bitter gourd NPR 60 per kilogram, bottle gourd NPR 55 per kilogram, local pumpkin NPR 50 per kilogram, Terai pumpkin NPR 50 per kilogram, sponge gourd NPR 35 per kilogram, bran NPR 40 per kilogram, winged bean NPR 60 per kilogram, ripe pumpkin NPR 60 per kilogram, long green pumpkin NPR 35 per kilogram, round green pumpkin NPR 35 per kilogram, sugarcane NPR 80 per kilogram, okra NPR 40 per kilogram, and snake gourd NPR 60 per kilogram.

Other prices include ridge gourd NPR 70 per kilogram, Pointed gourd NPR 80 per kilogram, spinach NPR 120 per kilogram, mustard greens NPR 40 per kilogram, water spinach NPR 120 per kilogram, fenugreek greens NPR 120 per kilogram, green onion NPR 150 per kilogram, taro NPR 60 per kilogram, oyster mushroom (female) NPR 220 per kilogram, oyster mushroom (male) NPR 400 per kilogram, King oyster mushroom NPR 300 per kilogram, and shiitake mushroom NPR 1,000 per kilogram.

Bitter melon is priced at NPR 350 per kilogram, broccoli NPR 70 per kilogram, beetroot NPR 60 per kilogram, okra NPR 80 per kilogram, red cabbage NPR 40 per kilogram, jeera leaf NPR 100 per kilogram, parsley NPR 300 per kilogram, celery NPR 150 per kilogram, dill greens NPR 120 per kilogram, mint NPR 100 per kilogram, ginseng root NPR 60 per kilogram, tamarind NPR 180 per kilogram, copper NPR 150 per kilogram, tofu NPR 150 per kilogram, and dried leafy greens NPR 300 per kilogram.

Among fruits, Fuji apples are priced at NPR 325 per kilogram, lemon NPR 260 per kilogram, Malbhog bananas NPR 220 per dozen, Nepali bananas NPR 200 per dozen, pomegranate NPR 450 per kilogram, Dasheri mango NPR 280 per kilogram, green grapes NPR 380 per kilogram, green watermelon NPR 35 per kilogram, sweet potato per piece NPR 230, local cucumber NPR 60 per kilogram, hybrid cucumber NPR 20 per kilogram, local cross cucumber NPR 40 per kilogram, bitter gourd NPR 70 per kilogram, Nepali walnut NPR 90 per kilogram, Indian walnut NPR 100 per kilogram, Indian lychee NPR 280 per kilogram, and avocado NPR 800 per kilogram.

Furthermore, raw coconut is NPR 80 per kilogram, green coconut NPR 180 per kilogram, ginger NPR 160 per kilogram, dried chili NPR 430 per kilogram, long green chili NPR 90 per kilogram, bullet green chili NPR 90 per kilogram, bird’s eye chili NPR 60 per kilogram, sheep chili NPR 60 per kilogram, fresh garlic NPR 200 per kilogram, fresh coriander NPR 120 per kilogram, dried Chinese garlic NPR 190 per kilogram, dried Nepali garlic NPR 120 per kilogram, dried dried mushrooms NPR 140 per kilogram, fish (Rahu) NPR 330 per kilogram, fresh fish (Bachuwa) NPR 310 per kilogram, and fresh fish (Chhadi) NPR 260 per kilogram.