Summary: Influenced by a western low-pressure system and local winds, rainfall has occurred across Kathmandu Valley and various other regions of the country. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted moderate rain and snowfall, accompanied by thunder, lightning, storms, and hail. Authorities have urged the general public and transportation operators to remain vigilant, especially in the Terai areas of Madhesh, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces.
Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra – The western low-pressure system combined with local airflow has brought rainfall to Kathmandu Valley and several other parts of the country. Since early morning, the valley has experienced persistent rainfall, causing disruption to residents engaged in outdoor activities. Individuals informed about the weather carried umbrellas and raincoats as they traveled to their destinations, while some braved the rain, walking along the streets of Kathmandu.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, light rain and snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning are occurring in some hilly and mountainous regions. This afternoon, full cloud cover is expected over Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces, while partial cloudiness will prevail elsewhere.
Many places in these provinces, along with some hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces and parts of the Terai in Madhesh, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces, are experiencing moderate rainfall with thunder, lightning, storms, and hail. The department also anticipates generally cloudy to fully cloudy conditions across the country during the night.
The likelihood of moderate rainfall and snowfall with thunder and lightning remains for many hilly and mountainous areas as well as some Terai locations in Koshi, Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces. Given the potential for such weather conditions, the department has urged all responsible parties, including the public and transport operators, to exercise caution, particularly in the Terai areas of Madhesh, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces.
Police have arrested four individuals involved in an assault on a person on the Jhamsikhel road in Chandragiri Municipality-8, Kathmandu. The arrested suspects are Rajiv Pant, 30, Rohan Pant, 26, Binod Pant, 31, and Asmit Sitoula, 34. They are currently under investigation with a five-day extension granted by the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, with instructions not to engage in any disorderly conduct. (25 Chaitra, Kathmandu)
The four youths, shown in a video of the assault that went viral on social media, were taken into custody by police based on the footage. The incident occurred around 1:45 PM on Tuesday in the Jhamsikhel area. All those arrested are local residents of Chandragiri-8. Further details are being collected from them during the ongoing investigation.
Suresh Kumar Mandal, the deputy accountant of Dhanushadham Municipality, has accused Mayor Baleshwar Mandal of physically assaulting him. He alleges that the mayor forcibly took his mobile phone and mistreated him, forcing him to flee the office. The Dhanusha Accounting Group has submitted a memorandum to the district administration, demanding action against the mayor and ensuring the safety of municipal employees.
On 25 Chaitra in Janakpur Dharm, Deputy Accountant Mandal filed a complaint at the Dhanusha District Administration Office on Tuesday. In the complaint, he stated that the mayor summoned him to his office, forcibly seized his mobile phone, and assaulted him. Following the incident, Mandal had to escape from the office to protect his life.
According to Mandal, after the transfer of the accounting officer, he submitted accounting-related documents on 28 Mangsir before leaving for training in Kathmandu. During this period, the primary computer operator of the accounting branch, Purushottam Kumar Mandal, has remained out of contact amid ongoing audit and investigation.
Deputy Accountant Mandal further alleges that Mayor Mandal refused to provide required documents and subjected him to mistreatment. With help from other employees present at the scene, he was able to safely exit the premises. The Dhanusha Accounting Group has called for strict disciplinary measures against the mayor and has urged the administration to guarantee peace and security at the workplace for Mandal and all employees.
Following the issuance of arrest warrants against former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress ex-president Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, authorities have commenced inquiries into their current status. The government has yet to provide an official response regarding the warrants issued in the names of the Deuba couple. However, according to one official, on Tuesday evening, the Kathmandu District Court issued the warrants for their arrest to facilitate investigations into allegations related to money laundering.
Judge Mahendra Bahadur Karki’s bench authorized the issuance of the arrest warrants, according to information provided by the official. During the Janajati Gen Z protests held in the month of Bhadra, demonstrators attacked and assaulted the Deuba couple’s residence. On Bhadra 24, several videos surfaced showing foreign and domestic currency bundles discovered at the Deuba residence. Sher Bahadur Deuba claimed those videos were produced using artificial intelligence.
The Money Laundering Investigation Department has initiated an inquiry into the matter, officials have indicated. Previously, the department had also issued arrest warrants in connection with this case through the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police. Recently, former Energy Minister Dipak Khadka was arrested on charges related to money laundering.
Police officials have confirmed that the Kathmandu District Court has issued the arrest warrants. A spokesperson for Nepal Police stated that they are always prepared to cooperate fully with the Money Laundering Investigation Department’s requests. A few days ago, the department formally requested travel details of the Deuba couple from the Immigration Department. Officials have described this process as routine and indicated they will provide the necessary responses accordingly.
Authorities have begun searching for the current whereabouts of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress ex-president Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, following the issuance of arrest warrants against them.
The government has yet to provide an official response regarding the arrest warrants issued in the names of the Deuba couple. However, an official revealed that on Tuesday evening, the Kathmandu District Court issued the warrants to investigate allegations related to money laundering against them.
The bench presided over by Judge Mahendra Bahadur Karki authorized the issuance of these arrest warrants, according to the officials.
During the Gen Z movement in the Nepali month of Bhadra, protesters attacked the Deuba couple’s residence.
On Bhadra 24, several videos surfaced showing foreign and local currencies found at Deuba’s residence. Deuba claimed these videos were generated using artificial intelligence.
Nevertheless, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation has reportedly initiated an investigation into the matter.
Previously, the department has issued arrest warrants through the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police related to similar allegations.
A few days ago, former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka was arrested on charges linked to money laundering.
What the Karki Commission Report Reveals
Sher Bahadur Deuba responded to questions from the inquiry commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki concerning the money allegedly held by the Nepal Police.
The report does not disclose specifics on the amount of money seized. Although the report has been published in various media outlets, official government agencies have not formally released or confirmed its authenticity.
“…The amount was not large. Details seen on social media appear to be artificially generated. I have never filed a report at any police station. This is a complete conspiracy, though who is behind it, I do not know,” Deuba’s testimony states in the report.
The commission recommended that legal action be taken against those involved in vandalism, looting, and arson.
It also urged a thorough investigation into the money found during the attack on homes, including Deuba’s, on Bhadra 24.
What Nepal Police Say
Image source, FB/Kathmandu District Court
Manoj KC, Chief of the Central Investigation Bureau and Additional Inspector General of Police, stated that they have not received any request for assistance regarding the Deuba couple.
He added that police assistance would be provided only if the department formally requests it.
“We collaborate when necessary in certain cases. However, I have no information on this matter,” KC said.
Police officials have confirmed that the Kathmandu District Court has indeed issued the arrest warrants.
A Nepal Police spokesperson stated that they remain ready to fully cooperate with the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.
“We provide support according to legal procedures. The department will proceed with further actions. Police personnel are also embedded within the department,” said spokesperson Avinarayan Kafle.
Request for Travel Details of the Deuba Couple
Recently, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation requested the Immigration Department to provide travel records and the latest addresses of the Deuba couple.
Officials regard this procedure as routine and expect to provide the required information accordingly.
Upon request, the travel history is prepared based on the passport number, and the last known location is communicated to the investigative agencies.
Following the issuance of the arrest warrants, preparations are underway to issue an international warrant through Interpol.
The National Central Bureau within Nepal Police is responsible for submitting the necessary evidence and documents to Interpol for this purpose.
After reviewing these documents, Interpol will decide whether to issue the international arrest warrant, said the police spokesperson.
“So far, I am not aware of any process being advanced or any assistance requested from the CIB regarding this matter.”
Deuba Camp Silent; Congress Spokesperson Responds
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Attempts to contact several senior Nepali Congress leaders, including former campaign chief Purna Bahadur Khadka, following reports on Tuesday afternoon, were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, a parallel political activity is reportedly ongoing within the party.
Nepali Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise emphasized that investigations must be conducted without political prejudice and adhere to legal procedures.
“State actions should not be prejudiced; all processes must be legal and procedural rather than politically motivated,” he said.
He further stated that political bias would not influence their stance on corruption and irregularities.
“Corruption and irregularities are social issues that transcend party affiliations or personal ties,” he added.
Chalise assured that they would not comment on investigations initiated by the state based on political prejudice.
Former Prime Minister Deuba traveled to Singapore for medical treatment on Falgun 13, after which reports indicated he had gone to Hong Kong.
Prakash Sharma Mahat, a close leader to Deuba within the Nepali Congress, expressed that they have no information about when Deuba will return.
Govind Pariyar, who served as the press advisor during Deuba’s premiership, told reporters on Monday that Deuba is expected to return soon.
“Despite legal troubles, he is unlikely to back down; he has experience facing imprisonment and stress and is ready to confront any challenge. However, this is not a very significant issue,” Pariyar stated.
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The Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the Niels Bohr Institute have developed a new technology that measures information loss in quantum computers 100 times faster. Professor Jeroen Danon’s team has reduced the time to detect data loss from one second to 10 milliseconds, enabling real-time tracking. This advancement will help make quantum computers more stable and reliable, facilitating their practical use in commercial applications. Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra.
Information loss, considered the biggest challenge in quantum computing, can now be measured 100 times faster thanks to this joint effort by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. The quantum bits, or qubits, used in quantum computers are highly unstable, often causing data to be lost unexpectedly, which has hindered the technology’s full practical adoption. However, this new measurement method enables immediate detection of small and rapid changes occurring in qubits.
Previously, it took about one second to measure how long quantum information persists and how quickly it is lost, a long duration in quantum physics terms. Professor Jeroen Danon and his team have shortened this period to just 10 milliseconds, allowing scientists to track the data loss process almost in real time. This rapid measurement capability will significantly aid researchers in understanding the complex causes behind information loss and in addressing these issues to stabilize quantum processors further.
This represents a major breakthrough in quantum computing, as it is expected to substantially improve machine performance and reliability. With better control over data instability, quantum computers are anticipated to move beyond laboratory settings and be applied to complex commercial tasks more readily. This technology is set to play a critical role in making future supercomputers more powerful and precise.
Experts state that sunscreen provides protection against skin cancer and that regular daily use does not cause a significant reduction in vitamin D levels. It is advisable to expose hands, face, and legs to sunlight for 10–20 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., after which sunscreen application is recommended. Sunscreen is used to prevent skin damage caused by sunlight. Many people worry that it blocks vitamin D production in the body, leading to weakening of bones. But is this concern scientifically accurate or merely a partial myth?
Recent studies and specialists have shown that sunscreen effectively protects against skin cancer and that normal daily use does not substantially lower vitamin D levels. However, in countries like Nepal, where sunlight is abundant but 40–70 percent of people show vitamin D deficiency, maintaining the proper balance is crucial. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in strengthening bones and teeth by enhancing the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, thereby preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.
When skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun, 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin produces vitamin D3, which the body actively uses. This deficiency is more common among women, indoor residents, and those living in polluted cities in Nepal. Studies on whether vitamin D protects against cancer have yielded mixed results. Some research suggests vitamin D may help repair DNA damage caused by UV radiation and reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Understanding the relationship between sunscreen and vitamin D reveals two clear points. Sun exposure stimulates vitamin D production, but since sunscreen blocks UVB rays, it can have some effect on vitamin D synthesis. Laboratory tests show that full application of sunscreen can stop vitamin D production completely. However, field trials and observational studies in real-life conditions show this effect is minimal. Numerous studies have found that typical daily use does not significantly reduce vitamin D levels.
Why is vitamin D deficiency so widespread in Nepal despite abundant sunlight? Studies indicate 42–70 percent of people have a deficiency. Primary reasons include modern lifestyles leading to more indoor time, clothing and scarves covering the body, along with reduced UVB exposure due to air pollution. Additionally, low consumption of foods rich in vitamin D such as fish, eggs, and milk contributes. Besides sun exposure, there are sufficient alternative methods to address vitamin D deficiency. Brief, safe sun exposure can be very helpful.
In Nepal, it is recommended to expose hands, face, and legs to sunlight for 10–20 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. After sun exposure, it is advisable to apply sunscreen. Vitamin D can also be obtained from diet. Foods like fish, egg yolks, sun-dried mushrooms, milk, yogurt, and fortified products are readily available in Nepal. Consuming these foods 2–3 times a week fulfills vitamin D requirements. In cases of severe deficiency, supplementation may be necessary under medical guidance. Blood tests are essential before starting supplements.
Important precautions include using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when going outdoors and reapplying every two hours. Wearing protective clothing, hats, using umbrellas, and staying in the shade help protect against skin cancer. Short sun exposure in the morning for 10–20 minutes is recommended, but prolonged exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. should be avoided. Particularly, women, the elderly, and those staying indoors should regularly consult doctors to monitor vitamin D levels.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has instructed to prioritize service delivery in accordance with citizens’ expectations. Karki has directed the police to bring intermediaries within the legal framework and to provide prompt and efficient services. The police have also been tasked with controlling criminal activities at border points and taking legal action against individuals involved in the exploitation of natural resources. March 25, Kathmandu.
IGP Dan Bahadur Karki emphasized working with citizens’ expectations at the core. “Keep citizens at the center and ensure their problems and complaints are addressed appropriately while prioritizing service delivery according to their expectations,” IGP Karki stated. He made these remarks during a virtual address to police personnel at the Nepal Police Headquarters on Wednesday, focusing on current matters.
Karki instructed that intermediaries who influence or entice with promises to expedite services for those visiting police offices should be immediately brought under legal jurisdiction. He also stressed the importance of intermediary-free, lawful, transparent, and swift service delivery. Each police office must arrange for facilitators to provide easy and accessible police services to the public, and progress updates should be communicated via SMS to service recipients, he added.
Highlighting a zero-tolerance policy, Karki urged all police personnel to firmly commit to delivering impartial, transparent, and complaint-free services by following prevailing legal procedures and protocols. Emphasizing objective crime investigation, he directed police to rigorously combat criminal activities, hooliganism, and smuggling at border crossings, and to take legal action against those engaged in natural resource exploitation.
Amazon has announced that starting May 20, 2026, Kindle Store access will be permanently discontinued on older Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and prior. As a result, users will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new books on these devices after this date, although books previously downloaded can still be read. According to Amazon spokesperson Jackie Burke, if these devices undergo a factory reset or are deregistered, they cannot be re-registered to access the Kindle Store again.
This decision affects 11 different models from the first-generation Kindle released in 2007 up to those released in 2012. The main impacted models include the original 2007 first-generation Kindle, the 2009 and 2010 Kindle DX, and the 2010 Kindle Keyboard. Amazon has already begun notifying affected users via email.
For users interested in upgrading to a new Kindle, Amazon is offering a special incentive. Eligible customers will receive a 20% discount and $20 in eBook credits when purchasing a new Kindle device. This offer will be valid until June 20, 2026.
While the Kathmandu Valley and various parts of Nepal had started experiencing increasing warmth, temperatures have unexpectedly dropped at the end of the month of Chaitra, requiring warmer clothing. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, on Wednesday, the minimum temperature in Kathmandu fell to 10.4 degrees Celsius. Records show that one month earlier, on Falgun 25, Kathmandu’s minimum temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. Typically, cold weather persists in Nepal until mid-Falgun. However, meteorologists attribute the recent cold spell and precipitation to the influence of western winds.
Meteorologist Akash Khanal from the Department explained that the western wind system has brought cold weather and rainfall to Nepal. “Clouds have been present since yesterday, so the absence of direct sunlight naturally leads to a chill. Additionally, the western winds have brought moist and cold air,” he said. “The cold air has lowered temperatures, resulting in a cold sensation.” According to the department, rainfall began in parts of Gandaki Province starting Tuesday. Following light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday in areas including the capital Kathmandu and much of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces, the influence of the western winds is expected to diminish.
The meteorological department anticipates that clouds will clear from Thursday morning, allowing sunlight to return. “Clouds are expected to clear by tomorrow morning, after which the weather should generally be sunny. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Khanal. Meteorologist Puja Lamichhane noted that this cold spell is not part of a long-lasting weather system and will soon subside. “The cold sensation is solely due to the western winds bringing cold air,” she confirmed. “The cold temperatures will persist only as long as the western winds remain active.”
The air system coming from the west, known as the westerlies, typically brings moisture and rainfall after the monsoon season. Experts explain that this air flow originates from the Arabian Sea and enters Nepal during winter months, carrying humidity. Before reaching Nepal, it travels through Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The westerly air currents move at high speeds. Due to South Asia’s geographic features and mountainous terrain, the velocity of these winds increases further, meteorologists report. During winter, the westerlies frequently cause rainfall in Nepal. As they pass over the Himalayan region, they also bring cold temperatures, meteorologist Khanal explained.
Summary: Edited in a critical perspective. MP Samiksha Banskota of the Rastriya Swatantra Party emphasized the need to remain vigilant about the possible negative impact vacant seats in parliament could have on democracy. She stated that since the current situation has stemmed from movements demanding change, it is essential to proceed according to the people’s aspirations.
March 9, Kathmandu – Samiksha Banskota, a member of parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), expressed concern over vacant seats in the parliament stemming from an old guard, warning they could adversely affect democracy. Sharing her views during Wednesday’s House of Representatives session, she cautioned that the presence of empty seats might indicate a fresh blow to democratic processes.
“Seeing the empty seats in the front rows today, one wonders whether this revered parliament building and democracy itself might be under threat again. It feels as though we have begun to undermine democracy,” she said. She highlighted that the current state has arisen out of various pro-change movements and stressed the importance of advancing in line with public demands. She also underlined the necessity of adopting development policies that prioritize the country’s backward regions. Addressing the Karnali highway issue, she urged the government to pay greater attention to education and health services for the people of Karnali.
Chaitra 25, Hetauda – The Bagmati Province government has formally demanded the constitutional rights granted to it from Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen). Addressing the first session of the 17th Provincial Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya called for the recognition and delivery of constitutional rights to the provincial government.
Recalling Prime Minister Shah’s remarks during the election campaign from Janakpur, where he said, “There is no need to rush to demand rights in Kathmandu; I am only going to visit the Pashupatinath Temple,” Chief Minister Baniya urged the centre to grant all rights constitutionally assigned to the province.
“Even when democratic parties such as Congress, UML, and Maoists formed the government and faced struggles for these rights, the province did not receive them. Now, we trust the present people’s government, committed to federalism, to fulfill this promise we heard before the election and bring these rights to the province,” Baniya stated. He also expressed dissatisfaction regarding the performance and frequent, irregular transfers of chief secretaries and secretaries appointed by the federal government.
Chief Minister Baniya lamented that frequent employee transfers before their tenure ends have created difficulties in accomplishing necessary work efficiently. He requested that the federal government consult the Chief Minister before transferring chief secretaries and secretaries and suggested that a chief secretary posted to the province should serve for at least two years without transfer.
“We had heard that the prime minister, during his mayoral tenure, could not perform his duties effectively due to issues with the chief administrative officer. We see this as a shared challenge and trust that he understands and will address it,” he added.
Chief Minister Baniya emphasized that Bagmati Province is working towards becoming a corruption-free, good-governance, transparent, accountable, and responsible government, dedicated to serving its citizens. He also expressed the province government’s desire to collaborate with the federal government to progress in line with public expectations.
National Independent Party MP Jagdish Kharel has extended an open invitation to members of the House of Representatives to explore the heritage of Lalitpur. He stated, “My constituency number 2 is the city of temples,” noting that it is also the birthplace of Arniko. Kharel highlighted the water supply issues in Mahalaxmi Municipality and pledged to work towards resolving them. Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra.
During Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, National Independent Party (Raswapa) MP Jagdish Kharel urged other members to visit Lalitpur’s heritage sites. He said, “My electoral constituency number 2 is the city of temples. Heritage is the identity of this city.” He announced that all parliamentarians would be invited for this visit.
Kharel added, “Arniko was born there. His home is there. I also urge all respected members to visit and witness this heritage.” Emphasizing the conservation of Lalitpur’s heritage, he mentioned the scarcity of water in Mahalaxmi Municipality. He promised to take prompt action to address this issue and committed to providing equal services to citizens of all age groups.
On April 7, Google Maps announced three new updates designed to simplify photo sharing, caption writing, and contribution tracking. Android users can now enjoy a feature that automatically selects photos and videos from recent visits once media access is enabled. Additionally, Google has enhanced the ‘Local Guides’ profile page by adding total points, levels, and a new ‘Gold’ profile color. April 14, Kathmandu.
With over 500 million users worldwide, Google Maps continues to refine the user experience by rolling out three updates aimed at making photo sharing, caption creation, and tracking contributions easier than ever. Sharing photos and videos has become faster, with the improved ‘Contribute’ tab now smarter than before. When users enable media access on their phones, Maps will automatically pick relevant photos and videos based on recent visits. Users can then post these media files with just a single tap. This feature is currently available to Android users globally and is expected to be rolled out to iOS devices in the coming months.
To assist users who may struggle with selecting appropriate words while posting photos, Google has integrated its powerful AI model, Gemini, to help generate captions. Upon selecting a photo, Gemini analyzes the image and drafts a caption automatically. Users have the option to edit or remove the suggested caption as they wish. Currently, this AI-powered captioning feature is available for iOS users in the United States in English and is set for global expansion soon.
To boost the enthusiasm of ‘Local Guides,’ Google has also updated the profile page. The ‘Contribute’ tab now clearly displays the user’s total points and level. Furthermore, new badges have been introduced to recognize achievements, making it easier to identify high-level contributors. A new ‘Gold’ profile color has been launched to distinguish top contributors visually. These updates are already rolling out globally across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms.
Midfielder Preeti Rai has signed with Cambodia’s Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng Women’s FC. The club welcomed her by sharing her photo on Facebook, confirming that she has officially joined the team.
Previously, Preeti played for Jordan’s Etihad Club. In 2023, she gained international experience playing for India’s Kickstart FC. Starting her career at a young age, Preeti began with the domestic team APF Club, achieving notable milestones early in her sporting journey.
At just 16 years old, Preeti made her international football debut for the Nepal national team in 2021.
