Author: space4knews

Chandan Swarnakar, chairperson of Bara district for the Rashtriya Samajwadi Party (RASWAPA), has been expelled from the party following a complaint lodged with the party’s disciplinary committee. Swarnakar faced allegations of financial irregularities and supporting opposition parties. He has publicly shared the disciplinary action letter on Facebook, claiming he has been the victim of a ‘political assassination.’ This development was reported on May 22 in Kathmandu.

Shankar Shrestha, secretary of the central organizational department of RASWAPA, informed Swarnakar via letter that his general membership had been revoked. The disciplinary committee received complaints against Swarnakar from four lawmakers elected from Bara. The party stated that he was penalized based on allegations including financial misconduct, failure to mobilize the party’s organizational structure, and siding with candidates from opposition parties.

According to RASWAPA leaders, the Bara district committee has been dissolved and a new committee is being formed with representatives appointed by the central leadership. Swarnakar, expelled from the party, described the action as a ‘political assassination’ in a Facebook post, stating, ‘My political assassination has taken place; now the decision rests with the people of Mahagadhimai and Bara. Dear public, this letter is the ultimate proof of the extremity of conspiracy.’ He also claimed that without any impartial investigation, the center sent him the official letter on May 22—just before the extended meeting and convention scheduled in Bara on May 23—revoking his general membership. Swarnakar further alleged that the expulsion was influenced by pressure from lawmakers, especially since there was a possibility he would be re-elected as district chairperson at the upcoming convention.

The government has announced efforts to strengthen and make the monsoon command post more effective in reducing potential damage caused by monsoon-related disasters this year. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted lower rainfall during this monsoon season. However, a reduction in rainfall does not guarantee fewer flood and landslide incidents, as the department’s forecast suggests that central and local authorities, along with security agencies, must remain vigilant and actively engaged in damage mitigation, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

The authority has asserted that various types of disasters could still occur due to potential issues like glacier melting and drought if rainfall is low. An expert noted that disaster control will benefit if warnings based on the department’s forecast are efficiently disseminated to alert residents in affected areas. Although flooding and landslides during the monsoon season typically cause significant human and material losses annually, the authority concluded that the government effectively minimized damage last year despite heavy rainfall.

According to disaster portal data, between May 20, 2025, and May 19, 2026 (Nepali fiscal year 2082 Jestha 7 to 2083 Jestha 7), there were 104 deaths and 31 missing persons due to monsoon-related floods and landslides, with 99 people injured. In contrast, the previous year (2081 Jestha 7 to 2082 Jestha 7) recorded 447 deaths, 67 missing persons, and 335 injured. An expert explained that even with heavy rainfall last year, timely warnings and alertness among agencies such as the Red Cross helped reduce these losses.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has projected reduced rainfall in many parts of the country during this year’s monsoon. The monsoon typically begins around June 13. Although there is a possibility of an earlier onset this year, the exact start date remains unconfirmed, the department reported. While the monsoon is expected to arrive in India’s southern state of Kerala by May 26, officials stated that it is difficult to rely solely on this for forecasting Nepal’s monsoon onset. “Even after it starts in Kerala, the monsoon sometimes stops progressing,” said senior meteorologist Vibhuti Pokharel.

Under the Home Ministry, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has approved the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan to reduce risks and facilitate relief and rescue operations during the monsoon. “This plan focuses on preparedness to minimize monsoon-related incidents and reduce overall damage,” said authority spokesperson Shanti Mahat. “Clear responsibilities and response mechanisms have been established to ensure prompt action during disasters.”

May 21, Kathmandu – Electricity supply will be disrupted for approximately five hours this afternoon in the Shankhamul feeder areas under Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The power cut will affect Dobhan Pul, Shreenagar, Marg, Bagmati Buddha Vihar, Shankhamul Pul area, Rozbud School, Bhargu Marg, and Rudramati Marg, all within the Shankhamul feeder zone. The Nepal Electricity Authority has issued a notice stating that the power shutdown will take place from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM today. According to the Authority, this outage is necessary to carry out undergrounding work on the electricity distribution system in the Shankhamul feeder area.

May 21, Kathmandu — Nepal Rastra Bank has published the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Friday). According to the official rates, the buying rate for the US Dollar is NPR 153.63 and the selling rate is NPR 154.23. The European Euro is priced at NPR 178.41 for buying and NPR 179.11 for selling, while the British Pound Sterling’s buying rate is NPR 206.44 and selling rate NPR 207.25. The Swiss Franc’s buying and selling rates are NPR 195.07 and NPR 195.84 respectively. The Australian Dollar is set at NPR 109.62 for buying and NPR 110.05 for selling.

The Canadian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 111.61 with a selling rate of NPR 112.05. The Singapore Dollar is trading at NPR 120.08 for buying and NPR 120.55 for selling. For the Japanese Yen, the rate is NPR 9.66 for buying and NPR 9.70 for selling per 10 Yen. The Chinese Yuan’s buying and selling rates are NPR 22.59 and NPR 22.68, respectively. The Saudi Arabian Riyal is priced at NPR 40.94 for buying and NPR 41.10 for selling.

The Qatari Riyal’s rates stand at NPR 42.15 for buying and NPR 42.31 for selling. The Thai Baht is set at NPR 4.70 for buying and NPR 4.72 for selling. The UAE Dirham’s buying rate is NPR 41.83 and selling rate NPR 41.99. The Malaysian Ringgit’s buying price is NPR 38.77 and selling price NPR 38.92. For the South Korean Won, the rate is NPR 10.19 for buying and NPR 10.23 for selling per 100 Won.

The Swedish Krona is priced at NPR 16.42 for buying and NPR 16.49 for selling. The Danish Kroner’s rates are NPR 23.87 for buying and NPR 23.97 for selling. The Hong Kong Dollar is valued at NPR 19.61 for buying and NPR 19.69 for selling. The Kuwaiti Dinar’s buying rate is NPR 500.75 and selling rate NPR 502.71. The Bahraini Dinar is set at NPR 407.40 for buying and NPR 408.99 for selling. The Omani Riyal’s buying and selling rates are NPR 399.03 and NPR 400.59, respectively. The Indian Rupee is fixed at NPR 160.00 for buying and NPR 160.15 for selling per 100 Indian Rupees.

Nepal Rastra Bank has stated that these exchange rates may be revised at any time as required. Commercial banks may set different exchange rates, and the updated exchange rates will be available on the central bank’s official website.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police arrested Jyotiprakash Pande, CEO of Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB), on May 12, on charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust. However, the Supreme Court ordered his release on bail, highlighting that the CIB’s arrest procedure was hasty. Despite the CIB detaining several high-profile individuals, the court has repeatedly ordered their release, indicating political pressure and procedural flaws in the investigations.

In the case against the 63-year-old Pande, the CIB initiated investigation under the Muluki Criminal Code for fraud and criminal breach of trust. According to Rule 18 of the Telecommunication Service Provider’s Property Management Regulations, 2079, the entire assets, telecommunication infrastructure, systems, and networks of Smart Telecom, a licensed operator under Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s supervision, were seized. The CIB accused Pande of dishonestly managing government assets, intending to unlawfully deprive the Nepalese government of its rights, as stated in a press release by SSP and spokesperson Shivkumar Shrestha.

The Supreme Court, however, ordered Pande’s release on bail. On May 15, a bench comprising Justices Saranga Subedi and Shantisinh Thapa directed that Pande be released on bail under the sponsorship of a senior advocate, allowing the investigation to continue without detention. The court emphasized that no circumstances justified holding him in custody. Following this order, Pande was released, sending a clear message that the CIB’s arrest was premature.

Meanwhile, following Pande’s arrest, questions arose about the CIB exceeding its jurisdiction. Industry experts pointed out that seizing collateral assets for recovering non-performing loans is primarily a banking right. Despite this, the CIB’s involvement in this case raised concerns. The bank maintained that the collateral auctions were conducted in accordance with existing laws and directives of the Nepal Rastra Bank.

A similar situation occurred with industrialist Shekhar Golcha, arrested on May 23. Golcha, also a former president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, was detained by the CIB under investigation related to the Securities Act.

The Supreme Court’s repeated questioning of the CIB’s investigation and arrest procedures has cast doubt on the bureau’s methods. If this is the outcome for those apprehended by the CIB, it raises concerns about how detainees handled by other police units might be treated.

The Koshi Province government has announced its policy and program for fiscal year 2083/84, setting a goal to make tourism a major pillar of the provincial economy. The government declared the establishment of the Four-Dham Circuit by linking Barah area of Sunsari, Pindeshwor, Dantikali, and Vishnupaduka. A policy has been formulated to coordinate with the federal government to develop Biratnagar Airport as a regional international airport. (7 Jestha, Biratnagar). The Koshi Province government unveiled its policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. Provincial Chief Parshuram Khapung presented the plan at the Province Assembly meeting on Thursday. The government aims to position tourism as the main foundation of the province’s economy. To this end, the two years from Shrawan 2083 to Ashad 2085 will be celebrated as the ‘Koshi Province Tourism Year.’ The current fiscal year was also declared a tourism year by the provincial government, but its implementation showed weaknesses.

The provincial government announced the formation of the Four-Dham Circuit by connecting Barah area of Sunsari, Pindeshwor, Dantikali, and Vishnupaduka. In infrastructure development, Koshi Province has prioritized the feasibility of rail and tunnel routes. Policies include studying the potential for railway line from Chatara in Sunsari to Chaurikhark, a multi-purpose Tamor-Leuti tunnel, and the Kachankawal–Sagarmatha expressway. Kachankawal is the lowest point in Nepal. The study of road infrastructure, rail, and tunnel routes from Nepal’s lowest point to the world’s highest point will be conducted in coordination with the federal government. The provincial government plans to highlight and beautify the infrastructure it develops by introducing distinct standard colors and signage for this purpose.

The government has decided to advance the ‘Capable Daughter’ program aimed at girls from communities with low literacy rates. A policy is also in place to expand the ‘Adolescent Empowerment and Self-Defense’ campaign at the local level. This initiative aims to increase educational access for girls from marginalized communities with low literacy rates. To attract students to technical education, a ‘Learn and Earn’ program based on experimental practice will be implemented. Under the ‘Bright City’ program, solar street lights will be installed in major highway towns with local government participation. The government has prioritized the reconstruction of the provincial assembly and ministry buildings damaged by vandalism and arson on Bhadra 23 and 24.

The government has formulated a policy to coordinate with the federal government to develop Biratnagar Airport as a regional international airport. In addition, there is a target to initiate inter-provincial air services connecting Pokhara in Gandaki Province and Bhairahawa in Lumbini Province from Koshi Province. The government also plans to encourage domestic and mountain flights within the province. Manmohan Technical University under the province will be developed as a research center. The process to start medical education programs in Dhankuta will move forward. An international tea conference will be organized to promote export of Koshi Province’s signature products, tea and cardamom. To attract youth to agriculture, local production will be encouraged to achieve self-reliance in imported vegetables like onion, garlic, potato, and tomato. Strengthening the interrelationship between federal, provincial, and local levels through an active Provincial Coordination Council and Administrative Coordination Council has been prioritized by the Chief Minister. This is expected to make the planning and project implementation more effective.

The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has refunded more than NPR 38.5 million to the state treasury, covering the overseas medical treatment costs of former President, former Prime Minister, and Jhalnath Khanal. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is currently investigating the illegal medical expenses incurred by VIPs, and a decision to drop the case may be made soon. The Supreme Court had annulled the directive allowing government payment for VIPs’ overseas medical treatment on April 27, 2026 (14 Baisakh 2083). Kathmandu, May 21.

Following the CIAA’s investigation, UML refunded the treatment expenses previously paid from the state treasury on behalf of former VIPs. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, on May 15, 2026 (1 Jestha 2083), UML returned to the state treasury the amounts paid for the medical expenses of three former officeholders. Nearly NPR 40 million was deposited in Nepal Rastra Bank as reimbursement for the overseas treatment of former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Jhalnath Khanal.

Complaints had been filed alleging that, in violation of existing laws, VIPs’ overseas medical treatment expenses were borne by the state treasury. The CIAA was investigating these claims. “There was significant pressure on us and other senior officials to complete the investigation promptly and file a case concerning the unauthorized payment for medical expenses,” said a senior CIAA official. UML refunded NPR 6,525,000 in the name of former President Dr. Yadav, NPR 23,935,714 for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and NPR 8,139,155 for Jhalnath Khanal.

According to sources familiar with the CIAA, “A decision to drop the case may be taken soon.” Secretary of UML Central Office, Bhisma Adhikari, stated he was unaware of the refund. When asked whether the payment had been made via checks signed by him and others, he replied, “I need to inquire further before I can comment.” Senior advocate Dhruvalal Shrestha and others had lodged complaints with CIAA accusing VIPs of exploiting the state treasury.

Sources close to the CIAA noted that the controversy over medical expenses incurred by President Ramchandra Paudel during his treatment in India remains unresolved. President Paudel has already announced his intention to personally pay approximately NPR 6 million of his medical costs. Additionally, the CIAA is investigating complaints related to former Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha’s treatment expenses in Japan and former Minister Barshaman Pun’s treatment costs in China.

Rastriya Swatantra Shakti Party (Raswapa) Chairman Ravi Lamichhane has clearly stated that he feels no pressure due to the Prime Minister’s absence from Parliament. Lamichhane remarked, “I am not the kind of person to live under such pressure,” adding that pressure arises only when the government is not functioning properly. He also emphasized that the party has been transformed through a general convention and that urgent action is needed according to the party’s constitution. (7th Jestha, Kathmandu)

Chairman Lamichhane explained that he does not feel pressured because the Prime Minister has not appeared in Parliament. During a brief conversation with journalists while leaving the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, he reiterated that he is not influenced or pressured, even by the Prime Minister’s absence.

When asked by journalists if the Prime Minister’s absence caused him pressure, Lamichhane replied, “No, not at all. I am not the kind of person to succumb to such pressure. I have no such pressure.” He further stated that he only feels pressured when the government fails to perform its duties.

Lamichhane expressed confidence that the party, having undergone transformation through the general convention, will progress properly. “This is the time to work swiftly. We are also bound by our party’s constitution. Our preparations are complete,” he said.

According to the news summary, the parliamentary calendar has removed the potential agenda to advance ordinances, and no meetings are scheduled until Jestha 15. The government has already presented eight ordinances to the parliament, but if both houses fail to approve them, the ordinances will automatically lapse. Opposition parties have already submitted notices to reject the ordinances, and the decision to move forward depends on the government’s preparations.

Jestha 7, Kathmandu – The National Assembly’s calendar has removed the potential schedule to advance ordinances. The updated probable meeting agenda of the National Assembly on Baisakh 24 mentioned that ordinances would be presented for decisions. Had a meeting been held on Thursday, the government would have proceeded to approve these ordinances that were introduced during a time without a parliamentary session. However, the parliamentary secretariat has issued a new calendar removing the agenda to present ordinances for decision.

The updated parliamentary calendar on Jestha 5 lists no meeting for Thursday. Furthermore, no dates up to Jestha 15 include any discussion on advancing ordinances.

Congress MP Krishna Bahadur Rokaya said that the initially scheduled meeting was easily amended. He stated, “Meetings were scheduled for both yesterday and today, but both were postponed. Along with that, the agenda to advance the ordinances was also postponed.”

The National Assembly Secretary Tul Bahadur Kandel explained that the government will only proceed with the ordinance agenda when it is ready. He told this news outlet, “The government is not prepared to move the ordinances forward. Due to the government’s unreadiness, it has been temporarily postponed.”

During the absence of a parliamentary session, the government introduced eight ordinances. These include the Public Procurement (Second Amendment), Special Provisions regarding Dismissal of Public Officials, Constitutional Council (Functions, Duties, Powers, and Procedures) (First Amendment), and others. Also included are the Property Purification (Money Laundering) Prevention (Third Amendment), amendments to several Nepal Acts, Cooperatives (First Amendment), Health Science Institute related amendments, and university-related amendments.

These ordinances have been presented in both houses of the Federal Parliament, the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. Introduced in both houses on Baisakh 28, the decision to approve or reject these ordinances must be made by both chambers. According to Article 114 of the Constitution, once an ordinance is issued, it must be submitted to both houses and will automatically become invalid if not approved by both. This necessitates the approval of the ordinances by both chambers.

In the National Assembly, ruling party National People’s Party members have shown low attendance. Of the 59 voting members, the Nepali Congress with 24 seats is the largest party. The house includes 17 from the Nepal Communist Party, 10 from the CPN-UML, 2 from JSP, 1 from LSP, 1 from National People’s Front, and 2 members nominated by the President.

Opposition parties have also registered notices requesting the rejection of the ordinances. The CPN-UML has filed notices demanding rejection of all eight ordinances. The Nepal Communist Party has submitted notices to reject four, and the Nepali Congress has submitted notices to reject two ordinances. Congress has registered notices to reject only the Constitutional Council and certain Nepal Acts amendment bills. The Nepal Communist Party has requested rejection of the ordinances related to the Constitutional Council, certain Nepal Acts amendments, dismissal of public officials, and university-related ordinances.

The National Assembly had initially scheduled to present these ordinances for decision on Jestha 7 and formulated the parliamentary calendar accordingly; however, this was ultimately revised. Only after both houses approve the ordinances can the government proceed to introduce replacement bills.

Similarly, the House of Representatives has yet to include the advancement of ordinances in its agenda. The House of Representatives has published the parliamentary calendar until Asar 15, which does not include any topic related to advancing ordinances. Therefore, although the National Assembly had drafted a possible agenda, the ordinance agenda has been removed from the parliamentary calendar.

Leaders have indicated that the timing for advancing ordinances will depend on the government’s preparedness and policy decisions.