Author: space4knews

Kathmandu, April 21 – Three passengers have died aboard a cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, with at least one confirmed case of hantavirus infection, a rare disease transmitted by rodents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an investigation is ongoing regarding a possible hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship en route from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde.
In a statement released on Saturday, WHO confirmed one case of hantavirus infection and indicated that an additional five passengers are suspected to be infected.
“Among the six affected individuals, three have died, and one is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) in South Africa,” the statement said. WHO reports that further laboratory tests and epidemiological investigations are ongoing. Passengers and crew members are being provided with necessary healthcare and support, and viral genome sequencing is in progress.
Coordination between countries continues to facilitate the rescue of two other passengers showing symptoms. Hantavirus is a rare disease transmitted to humans through contact with rodent urine or feces. It can cause severe bleeding fever (hemorrhagic fever) and can be fatal in serious cases.
South Africa’s Ministry of Health had earlier confirmed on Saturday that a “serious acute respiratory illness” outbreak had occurred, with at least two deaths reported. The third infected individual remains in ICU in Johannesburg. Ministry spokespeople confirmed that hantavirus has been diagnosed in the patient receiving treatment in Johannesburg.
The first symptomatic individual, a 70-year-old man, died aboard the ship. His body is currently held on Saint Helena Island, a British territory in the South Atlantic. His 69-year-old wife also fell ill and was transported to South Africa, where she died in a hospital in Johannesburg. The nationalities of the deceased have not been confirmed, but the patient currently in ICU is reported to be a 69-year-old British citizen.

The government continues its efforts to remove unregulated and squatter settlements along the Bagmati River and its tributaries. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat reported that 1,816 families, comprising 7,789 members, have identified themselves as squatters and engaged with the government.

Of these, the government has relocated 794 individuals to four holding centers, while the remaining families are arranging housing independently. According to data released on 20th Baishakh by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat in Kathmandu, the contacted 1,816 families include a total of 7,789 members.

The government also provided information on placing those residing in unplanned settlements into four different holding centers. The 794 relocated people have been accommodated in organized holding centers, and those who reported to the screening center at Dashrath Rangashala have reportedly arranged housing on their own and moved out.

The currently operational holding centers include the Radhaswami Satsang Building in Kirtipur, hotels near New Buspark and Machapokhari areas, Nepal Electricity Authority Training Center in Bhaktapur, and the Agricultural Training Center in Bodesh.

20 Baishakh, Kathmandu – The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has actively commenced preparations for the upcoming local level elections even as the federal government is being formed. Participating for the first time in local elections, RSP has taken the lead ahead of other parties in organizing its candidate selection process. Unlike the 2079 Baishakh local elections, where RSP did not form a party list but participated in subsequent by-elections, the party, which had established itself as the first party in the House of Representatives elections, has now initiated rapid preparations at the central level for next year’s local elections. To select 35,221 candidates, the party has constituted a seven-member committee chaired by Co-General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya. The committee includes central members R.K. Dhungana, Samiksha Banskota, K.P. Khanal, Kamini Chaudhary, Ramkrishna Bhattarai, and Rohan Karki. R.K. Dhungana also serves as the committee’s secretary.

According to RSP, the committee is working to ensure the candidate selection process is transparent, inclusive, and based on merit. The “Candidate Selection Framework and Candidate Club Compilation Committee,” led by Acharya, has completed consultations and gathered suggestions from the ward to the provincial level. The draft report on local-level candidate selection was submitted to party chair Ravi Lamichhane on Sunday. Aspirants intending to stand as candidates must first pass through the Candidate Club and Leadership Academy as part of the eligibility criteria. RSP mandates that candidates for local elections must be registered party members and enlisted in the candidate club. Committee Secretary Dhungana stated that the party will soon publicize an announcement inviting registration to the candidate club. “Any legally qualified individual may apply, whether a new member or an existing one,” he confirmed.

RSP plans to provide pre-election training to members registered in the candidate club, focusing on developing leadership skills of candidates at every electoral level. Training sessions will cover party bylaws, duties and rights of public representatives, local government functions, and legal and practical aspects related to governance. Both fundamental and specialized courses will be offered, instructed by party leaders and subject matter experts. No candidate will be allowed to contest without a membership certificate. Initial election assessments will weigh votes, Leadership Academy performance, political proximity, and inclusiveness. The party will prioritize activism, local public engagement, and subject expertise. “We also consider candidates’ electability, core votes, and swing vote scenarios,” noted central member Dhungana.

Candidate selection will be based on evaluation of public relations skills, professional and educational experience, and social contributions. The party has stipulated a minimum of 33 percent women candidates at the local level, with automatic 10 percent extra points for Dalits, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. The initial election carries a 40 percent weighting, and local party members will cast their votes. Per RSP’s bylaws, preliminary voting will only proceed if party members in a given area constitute at least one percent of the total electorate; otherwise, the central committee will undertake candidate selection. The Central Election Commission of RSP will oversee the preliminary election process. Candidates selected through preliminary elections may also be nominated by the central committee or an authorized body by consensus, as provided in the bylaws. The party had established a candidate selection method for the House of Representatives elections but could not implement it fully. During earlier by-elections, the application of the candidate selection process led to situations where elections could not be conducted.

During the 21 Falgun House of Representatives election, when RSP aligned with former Kathmandu Metropolitan Mayor Balendra Shah’s faction, preliminary voting did not take place; the party disclosed this information. Dhungana asserted that candidates would not be selected contrary to party procedures, stating, “Regarding the metropolitan area, the central secretariat holds 15 percent authority, but beyond that, the party’s established procedures apply.” According to RSP bylaws, individuals who have left other political parties are ineligible to run as candidates. However, this rule was not fully enforced during the last House of Representatives elections, with several entrants from other parties securing tickets. “Those individuals will receive lower scores in the candidate club. Even if they were former representatives or from other parties, they will score fewer points,” explained central member Dhungana. Since its inception, RSP has emphasized the principle that local representatives should be non-partisan. The party’s recent priority is that individuals leading local governments should be politically trained. Dhungana added, “Taking party membership and accepting the party’s bylaws and ideology is mandatory. Currently, due to constitutional provisions, it is not possible to contest as a non-partisan candidate.”

Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) Chairman Ravi Lamichhane has assured that no citizen will be rendered homeless during the removal of unauthorized structures built on government land. Lamichhane stated that the issue of unsafe settlements is being addressed promptly, and notices have been issued nationwide in this regard. He also claimed that the central government has taken no steps to intimidate the public and assured that landless squatters will be relocated appropriately. April 20, Kathmandu.

Speaking to the media at the party’s central office on Sunday, Raswapa Chairman Ravi Lamichhane clarified that no individual will be made homeless during the removal of illegal structures on government land. He further asserted that the central government has no plans or actions aimed at terrorizing the citizens. “A powerful authority or commission will be established to address unplanned settlements and landless squatters, and its decisions will be enforced,” he said. “However, people residing in high-risk areas such as riverbanks, landslide-prone zones, and flood-affected locations must be relocated as quickly as possible. Our government’s policy ensures that those relocated will not become homeless during this process.”

He also informed that issues concerning unsafe settlements have been promptly addressed, with notices issued across Kathmandu and the country. “The problem of unsafe living conditions has already been resolved. In Kathmandu, this process has already begun. I want to send a message to all landless squatters nationwide that any attempts to spread fear stem solely from central government policies and decisions,” Lamichhane added.

Summary: President Ram Chandra Paudel has sent back the ordinance concerning the Constitutional Council for reconsideration. According to the President, the ordinance fails to represent the majority of the council’s total composition and it is essential to keep the multiparty system vibrant and ongoing. Taking into account the Supreme Court’s order, the President believes that the existing law governing the Constitutional Council should remain in effect. Kathmandu, 20 Baisakh.

President Ram Chandra Paudel returned the ordinance regarding the Constitutional Council for reconsideration because it did not represent the majority of the council’s total composition. He emphasized the need to keep the multiparty system alive and continuous and therefore sent the ordinance back. The President’s message states, “Since the ordinance fails to represent the majority of the Constitutional Council’s total composition, the matter has been referred back for reconsideration, taking into account the full bench order of the Supreme Court and emphasizing the need to sustain and continue the multiparty system.”

The President also recalled arguments made by government ministers and some legal experts who warned that if the ordinance is not replaced by a bill or lapses, it could create a legal vacuum. He cited a precedent set by the Supreme Court, which ruled that when an ordinance lapses, only the existing law remains valid. Therefore, for the appointment and decisions of constitutional officials, the President holds that the current law governing the Constitutional Council applies.

President Paudel questioned why the ordinance had to be withdrawn despite the bill being passed by Parliament. He clarified, “The bill submitted for certification does not align with Article 284 of the Constitution nor with global democratic practices and norms. As such, the total membership of the Constitutional Council must be recommended and decided by consensus. Even when consensus is not achieved, under no circumstances should the majority of the total membership be disregarded, and majority should remain the ultimate basis for decisions. This message accompanied the bill’s return to the distinguished Parliament.” The President noted that the government under Sushila Karki also included similar provisions in an ordinance but did not promulgate it accordingly. The current ordinance, containing the same material, is viewed as not representing the multiparty system nor the globally accepted democratic standards.

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal stated that when the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches work with a shared spirit and coordination, the country can achieve significant progress. He emphasized the need to advance education, health, agriculture, and physical infrastructure development in an integrated manner. Aryal also expressed his commitment to advancing the law-making process in line with the Prime Minister’s pace.

On April 20, 2022, in Kathmandu, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal said that if the three organs of the state – the executive, legislature, and judiciary – work harmoniously with mutual coordination, the nation can make a substantial leap forward in a short period. He made these remarks during an event held in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Aryal stressed the necessity of coordinated and integrated progress in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and physical infrastructure for the country’s overall development. He noted that the government and parliament have pledged to intensify their coordination, and he asserted his commitment to advancing the legislative process at a pace matching that of the Prime Minister’s office.

The Speaker affirmed his dedication to focusing on law-making and its effective implementation during his tenure, particularly by guiding the executive branch. He stated, ‘From lawmaking to the country’s physical development, education, health, and agriculture sectors must work together. With ongoing support and cooperation, rapid and substantial progress is achievable. Given the current momentum of the Prime Minister’s office, I have committed to pushing forward the law-making process at the same speed.’

He also highlighted the necessity of steering the country in a progressive direction over the coming five years for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.

This play teaches us to question. The actions of our predecessors may not always have been right.

Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of RASWAPA, has expressed strong objections to local governments across the country for attributing blame to his party. He stated that local authorities have been briefing about irregular businesses in a manner that damages his party’s reputation. Lamichhane also highlighted that the government’s decision to remove settlements is aimed not only at addressing irregularities but also at protecting citizens living in unsafe conditions.

April 20, Kathmandu: Speaking to journalists at the party’s central office on Sunday, RASWAPA chairman Ravi Lamichhane criticized various local bodies for pointing fingers at his party regarding enforcement actions against irregular businesses. He emphasized that these local governments are presenting these efforts as if his party is solely responsible, which he finds deeply concerning.

“Local governments nationwide have placed the burden on RASWAPA’s shoulders by showing enforcement against irregular businesses as a sign that they are taking action. We strongly object to this,” Lamichhane stated.

Furthermore, he clarified that the government’s measures are taken not only against irregularities but also with the welfare of residents living under unsafe conditions in mind.

“This is not just about irregularities; the government has taken these steps for the safety and welfare of vulnerable residents,” Lamichhane added.

The government has dismissed approximately 1,500 political appointees all at once through an ordinance. This ordinance has annulled the tenures of officials across various universities, regulatory bodies, and commissions. The government has now accepted the challenge of appointing new, competent, and qualified officials on a competitive basis. Kathmandu, 20 Baisakh.

If the then-Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s chief personal secretary had not intervened, Adarsh Kumar Shrestha would not have been appointed as chairperson of the National Nature Conservation Fund and would not have faced dismissal within one and a half months. Despite lacking experience in wildlife, nature, and environmental sectors, Shrestha was appointed by PM Karki as chairperson of the fund for a five-year term. However, he was dismissed within less than two months, receiving little sympathy.

Saroj Kumar Sharma is another example; he was appointed as Member Secretary of the Social Welfare Council under the influence and preference of the chief personal secretary. Following the ordinance issued on Saturday, Sharma has also been removed from his position. The National Information Commission, which was established to facilitate citizens’ right to information, has been affected by political quota allotments. The government has amended 110 laws to simultaneously revoke over 1,500 appointments.

Senior advocate Hari Upreti states, ‘If the dismissals were made without following due process, questions would arise, but since this was done through an ordinance, which holds the force of law, the process is unlikely to be legally challenged; however, its constitutionality remains subject to scrutiny.’ There is now concern about how future appointments will be conducted.

The government has issued an ordinance to abolish the employee trade union system, promulgated by President Ramchandra Paudel on Sunday. The Rastriya Swatantra Party had included the removal of employee trade unions in its 100-point agenda. However, six party-affiliated employee organizations have warned of protests, demanding the continuation of the trade union system.

Kathmandu, 20 Baisakh — The government has terminated the employee trade union system. On Sunday, President Ramchandra Paudel promulgated an ordinance amending several Nepal Acts, including provisions to eliminate trade unions. The ordinance was issued upon the cabinet’s recommendation, introducing amendments to the law to end the trade union framework.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has been preparing the Federal Civil Service Bill without including provisions for trade unions. The ordinance was issued while the bill’s draft was still under review and suggestions were being sought. A source stated, “There will be no partisan or official trade unions. However, mechanisms to hear employee grievances will remain intact.”

Following the removal of the official trade union framework, six party-affiliated employee organizations raised objections during the drafting of the bill. These organizations have issued statements demanding the inclusion of trade union provisions in the Civil Service Bill. The trade union network has also warned of phased protests if the government ignores the right of employees to organize for their professional rights and interests. The organizations giving this warning include the Nepal Civil Service Employees Organization, Nepal Civil Service Employee Union, Nepal National Civil Service Employee Organization, Unified Government Employees Organization, Nepal Madhesi Civil Service Employee Forum, and the Independent Civil Servants Association. The ministry claims that removing the trade union system is necessary to make civil service more effective and to free employees from partisan influence.

The Government of Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to India and China regarding the use of the Nepali territory of Lipulekh. India has designated 20 groups for the Mansarovar pilgrimage and announced that 10 of these groups will pass through the Lipulekh route. Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the border dispute through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, facts, and maps. Date: 20th Baishakh, Kathmandu.

Protesting the use of Nepali land in Lipulekh without Nepal’s permission, the government has formally notified both neighboring countries, India and China, through diplomatic notes. Nepal had previously sent such notes on this issue in 2015. Following former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reiterated its stance in writing to both neighbors.

During Koirala’s tenure, Foreign Affairs expert Dinesh Bhattarai regarded this step as a positive move. Bhattarai stated, “Although there was no response to the note sent earlier, the government’s recent note reinforces its firm position, which is a positive indication.” Earlier this week, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the opening of the Mansarovar pilgrimage.

According to a press release issued on April 30, this year there will be a total of 20 groups for the pilgrimage, with 10 groups traveling through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the other 10 groups via the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. After India and China unilaterally made decisions concerning Nepali territory, Nepal has asserted its clear position. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a Sunday press release, “Regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra proposed to be organized through Nepali land at Lipulekh, the Government of Nepal has clearly restated its position and informed both India and China through diplomatic channels.”