Rajasthan Royals achieved their third consecutive victory in IPL cricket by defeating Mumbai by 27 runs. Due to rain, the match was shortened to 11 overs, with Rajasthan setting a target of 151 runs. Rajasthan climbed to the top of the points table with 6 points from 3 matches, while Mumbai remains in seventh place with 2 points. Kathmandu, 25 Chaitra.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, Rajasthan Royals secured their third straight win by beating Mumbai by 27 runs in a match that started late on Tuesday night and concluded after midnight. Rain delayed the toss, and the game was reduced to 11 overs per side. Chasing the target of 151 set by Rajasthan, Mumbai managed 123 runs for nine wickets. Naman Dhir and Sherfane Rutherford scored the highest for Mumbai with 25 runs each. Tilak Varma contributed 14 runs, while other batsmen failed to reach double figures.
For Rajasthan, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, and Sandeep Sharma took 2 wickets each, while Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande claimed one wicket apiece. After losing the toss, Rajasthan batted first and scored 150 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in the allotted 11 overs. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Surevanshi provided an excellent start. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 79 runs off 32 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes. Vaibhav scored 39 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed. Captain Riyan Parag added 20 runs. For Mumbai, Allah Gaffar took 2 wickets, while Shardul Thakur took one. With this third consecutive win, Rajasthan Royals have collected 6 points from 3 matches, occupying the top position, while Mumbai, with 2 points from 3 matches, sits in seventh place.
24 Chaitra, London – According to data from the Home Office, the number of Nepali nationals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom reached 475 in the past year. By the end of December 2025, a total of 162,500 individuals had applied for asylum in the UK, among whom 475 were Nepali citizens.
The statistics indicate that three individuals entered the UK illegally via small boats, while 472 applied for asylum after arriving in the country. Of these applicants, 328 were male and 147 female. The group comprised 448 principal applicants and 27 dependents. Regarding age distribution, 11 applicants were under 18 years old, 406 (85%) were between 18 and 29, 52 (11%) were aged 30 to 49, and 6 (1%) were between 50 and 69 years. Notably, 85% of applicants aged 18 to 29 were students.
Over the past five years, asylum applications by Nepali nationals have fluctuated as follows: 104 in 2020, 182 in 2021, a peak of 1,263 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, 704 in 2023, and 718 in 2024. Although the number of asylum seekers decreased last year compared to 2023, it remained higher than in 2021. According to figures up to December 2025, a total of 162,500 individuals filed asylum claims, representing a 4% decrease compared to December 2024 but double the number compared to December 2019. Among the total applicants, 12,578 were students.
Additionally, 13,557 individuals entered the UK on work visas, and 7,521 arrived on visit visas during the same period. The top ten countries of origin for asylum seekers last year included Pakistan, Eritrea, Iran, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, India, Somalia, Nigeria, and Vietnam. The government introduced a new policy on March 2, stipulating that asylum seekers will be granted temporary residence only and will not receive permanent settlement. Under this new rule, every adult asylum seeker’s status will be reviewed every 30 months.
Times Basketball Club secured their spot in the second qualifier of the HJNB League by defeating KVC Hounds 76-68. On Thursday, Times will face GoldenGate Basketball Club for a place in the final. Times’ Shreyas Bahadur Thapa scored 23 points, while Manish KC was named Man of the Match.
24 Chaitra, Kathmandu – In the Eliminator match held Tuesday as part of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB League) 2026, Times Basketball Club overcame KVC Hounds 76-68 to advance to the second qualifier. The match took place at the Dasarath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, where Times emerged victorious against Hounds.
On Thursday, Times will compete against GoldenGate Basketball Club in the second qualifier, aiming for a spot in the final. GoldenGate earned another chance to reach the final after losing to Tribhuvan Army Club in the first qualifier on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Hounds have been eliminated from the league.
Times started strong in the first quarter with a 24-18 lead. The Hounds responded in the second quarter with an 18-12 run to tie the game at 36-36 by halftime. However, Times dominated the third quarter, scoring 21-12, to take a 57-48 lead heading into the final quarter. Despite the Hounds outscoring Times 20-19 in the last quarter, they could not prevent Times from clinching the win. During the league phase, Times finished third and Hounds fourth. The two teams split their head-to-head games, each winning once.
The government has imposed a strict ban on the production, import, sale, distribution, and use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, and has called for strict implementation of this ban once again. The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection reminded that the implementation of the “Plastic Bag Ban Action Plan 2078,” approved by the Council of Ministers on Magh 17, 2078, continues.
This ban was issued with the aim of reducing environmental pollution and is set to be enforced from Mangsir 1, 2082. Since the use of plastic bags persists in the market despite the ban, a renewed public notice has been issued. Through a public announcement on Tuesday, the government informed that the production, import, sale, distribution, and use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns have been strictly prohibited.
The department has once again requested all concerned parties not to produce, import, sell, distribute, or use banned plastic bags in daily activities through the renewed notice. Although the ban was initially enforced, the fact that these bags remain in use in markets has compelled the government to reissue the notification to raise awareness among stakeholders.
The Janak Educational Materials Center has completed printing 17 million textbooks for the new academic session. Following the government’s decision to commence the academic year from 15th Baisakh, plans are underway to distribute the books to students by that date. According to Yadunath Paudel, the center’s manager, 1,260 authorized vendors from provincial offices will deliver the textbooks to the respective municipalities. Kathmandu, 24th Chaitra.
Providing details, Yadunath Paudel stated, “Based on student numbers, sufficient textbooks have arrived at the provincial offices. Approximately 14 to 15 million books have been distributed province-wise.” He added that the elections held on 21st Falgun had no impact on the printing process. The center prints textbooks for all grades except 1, 2, and 4, for which the private sector handles printing. Paudel assured, “Textbooks will be in the hands of students when classes begin. There will be no shortage.”
Kathmandu, March 24 – Following the announcement by Harka Sampang, chairman of the Labour Culture Party and Member of the House of Representatives, to collect donations for replacing a suspension bridge in Darchula, many expressed concerns about constructing a unilateral bridge on the international border. Ganesh Thagunna, also a Member of Parliament elected from Darchula, criticized Sampang’s move as “stuntmanship and mere rhetoric.” Former Nepal government secretary Bhim Upadhyay emphasized that building a bridge on an international river requires careful consideration of diplomacy, border security, and geography. Upadhyay wrote on Facebook, “I see some rushing into impossible tasks and others emotionally following them blindly.”
On Tuesday, Sampang laid the foundation stone for a suspension bridge in Darchula. Anil Paudel, Chief District Officer of Darchula, clarified, “The honorable MP inaugurated the bridge in Dumlingkatha, Ward No. 2 of Byas Rural Municipality, which is not on the Nepal-India boundary river.” Mangalsingh Dhami, chairperson of Byas Rural Municipality, informed that the bridge will be constructed over the Ghatte Khola, not the Mahakali River. Ashok Byasi, ward chairperson of Byas-1, added, “It is wrong for those unfamiliar with the local geography to spread rumors suggesting the bridge will be built on the Mahakali River.”
Ganesh Thagunna acknowledged that a suspension bridge is indeed needed in the area but said Sampang’s efforts involved unnecessary publicity. “His initiative is positive; however, claiming he will build a bridge over the Mahakali River and replace the rope bridge is just a stunt,” Thagunna stated. Aren Rai, general secretary of the Labour Culture Party, mentioned that the plan is to build the suspension bridge by voluntarily soliciting cooperation from the local people to ease their access. Sampang himself affirmed he has no political agenda behind the project, posting on Facebook, “I have no political motives in constructing the bridge in Darchula.”
Krisnananda Badu, acting Chief Administrative Officer of Byas Rural Municipality, estimated the cost of the approximately 120-meter-long bridge at around NPR 10 million. According to Badu, Sampang has already obtained the necessary permissions from the municipality to proceed with the construction.
InDrive has announced that it will provide fuel assistance worth NPR 2.2 million to its partner drivers. The company stated that this fuel support program will begin on Baishakh 2 (April 15). It also acknowledged that the recent increase in fuel prices has raised operational costs for drivers and adversely affected their earnings.
According to the company’s statement, “InDrive’s peer-to-peer model allows both passengers and drivers to directly determine the fare. This helps to set fair prices based on real market conditions and operational costs.” Through this initiative, the company aims to alleviate the financial pressure on drivers and help stabilize their income.
The expansion of ride-hailing services in Nepal has created employment opportunities for many drivers. Passengers have also benefited by accessing convenient and affordable transportation options. However, the ongoing rise in fuel prices has increased the drivers’ operational expenses, directly impacting their daily earnings.
The company emphasized that it takes the concerns and complaints of the driver community seriously and supports ongoing efforts to address structural issues within the transportation sector.
Suman Khadgi, the Vice President of the All Nepal Table Tennis Association, has resigned from his position. In a Facebook post, he announced his decision to step down due to principled reasons. Khadgi claimed that factional influence and informal practices have been on the rise. Kathmandu, 24 Chaitra.
On Tuesday, Khadgi wrote on Facebook that he was dissatisfied with the growing governance crisis within the organization, its lack of transparency, and procedural weaknesses, which led him to decide to resign on principle. He emphasized the need for transparent and participatory institutional decision-making processes, and expressed that he could no longer remain silent on the increasing factional influence and informal practices. Khadgi conveyed his belief that the institution stands above any individual and expressed hope that reforms within the organization are still possible.
In response to the conflict in West Asia and its impact on dollar reserves, the government has decided to implement an odd-even system to control fuel consumption and grant public holidays. The Council of Ministers has approved a 50 percent reduction in customs duty and infrastructure development tax on petroleum products. The Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs Federation has recommended that the odd-even system be initially applied to private vehicles without affecting public transportation. Kathmandu, 24 Chaitra.
Amid escalating conflict in West Asia, increased import pressure, and a decline in dollar reserves, the government has begun adopting various strategies to manage fuel consumption. After the escalation of conflict in West Asia led to rising petroleum prices, the Nepal Oil Corporation, the monopoly distributor of fuel, proposed suitable alternatives to the government. Facing growing financial deficits, the corporation has formally appealed to the public to reduce fuel consumption by practicing conservation.
When losses became unsustainable, the corporation suggested several measures to the government to reduce petroleum consumption. These included implementing an odd-even system for vehicles, granting two public holidays during office hours, closing schools and colleges, and imposing a quota system (rationing). Alongside efforts to curb consumption, the corporation also urged the government to offer tax reliefs for better economic management.
Minister Rawal, who announced the decision following the Council of Ministers meeting, stated that the government has proposed multiple options to manage the fuel crisis. She said, ‘We have already taken some steps to control the consumption of petroleum products,’ adding, ‘If the situation remains unmanageable despite these measures, the government will implement the odd-even system for transportation as well.’
Kiran Pandit, the newly appointed Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, took the oath of office and secrecy before Governor Prof. Dr. Bishwanath Paudel on 24 Chaitra in Kathmandu. Pandit was appointed as Deputy Governor by the Cabinet meeting. During the oath-taking ceremony, Governor Paudel extended his best wishes for a successful tenure.
Pandit began his service as Assistant Director on 2 Magh 2062 BS. He was promoted to Deputy Director in 2068 BS, Director in 2074 BS, and elevated to Executive Director on 1 Falgun 2081 BS. During his tenure as Executive Director, he led the Payment Systems Department and Foreign Exchange Management Department. He had also served as the spokesperson for the Nepal Rastra Bank for some time.
March 8, Kathmandu – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), on December 2, 2025.
Adhikari was apprehended for alleged irregularities in the construction of a heliport in Nalinchok, Bhaktapur, and was sent to Dillibazar prison for pretrial detention on December 6, 2025. Subsequently, a corruption case related to the Pokhara International Airport was filed against him while he was in custody.
Currently, the Kathmandu District Police Office is investigating three cases against Adhikari—namely, attempt to cause death, organized crime, and money laundering—all connected to the Nalinchok heliport and Pokhara airport corruption cases.
During these investigations, authorities uncovered new details linking Adhikari to an individual named Nabinraj Basnet.
Basnet’s Attempts to Slow Down and Settle Cases
The CIAA had been investigating Adhikari in relation to corruption allegations concerning both the Nalinchok heliport and the Pokhara airport for a long time. Despite efforts to influence the commission and hamper the inquiry, Adhikari could not succeed in stopping the investigation.
Records suggest these attempts to manipulate the investigation were channeled through Nabinraj Basnet, who had a longstanding association with Adhikari and was working closely with him.
Basnet previously undertook contracts including taxiway and apron work at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa three years ago. The contract was awarded to Ashish-Kshmadevi-Buddha Himalaya JV, in which Basnet was affiliated with Kshmadevi at the time.
WhatsApp chat logs between Adhikari and Basnet reveal explicit communication about settling cases with the CIAA. Basnet assured Adhikari that through Rajesh Bajracharya, a person codenamed ‘Ba’, they could resolve the corruption case amicably.
Pradeep Adhikari
On the night of November 23, 2025, at 11:07 p.m., Adhikari messaged Basnet referencing a conversation with Rajesh, stating, “Basnet replied at 11:10 p.m., saying they were waiting in the kitchen. Basnet also sent another message: ‘I will meet Ba too. Brother, we are together.’”
Earlier, on November 22, Adhikari had inquired about progress, to which Basnet responded that ‘Ba’ had to handle it and that ‘RM is involved in this matter.’
On November 17, Basnet reassured Adhikari via message, stating, “Why so much pressure? It will stop, do not worry.”
Basnet appeared to assure Adhikari that the case with the CIAA would be halted. On November 4, at 12:24 p.m., Adhikari messaged Basnet about the situation, mentioning files and locations related to the investigation.
Further messaging shows a dialogue regarding letters received from CIAA. Basnet questioned what kind of letters these were, and a 1 minute 38 seconds audio conversation followed.
On the night of November 25, 2025, at 11:10 p.m., Basnet messaged Adhikari, “Although slow, I will do it, brother. Do not be tense,” to which Adhikari responded affirmatively.
The efforts to settle cases with the CIAA seem to have been coordinated from their homes located in Bhaktapur’s Suryabinayak-2 area, where Basnet and Rajesh Bajracharya are neighbors.
Though Adhikari and Basnet’s chats mention Rajesh Bajracharya and ‘Ba’, investigators have not yet found evidence that Basnet reached the highest levels to secure case dismissals.
“Basnet reportedly invoked names of senior officials to reassure Adhikari about settling cases; however, there is no proof that Basnet extended this reach that far,” said an investigative official.
Inquiries regarding the WhatsApp chats have been met with denials from Basnet, who claimed, “I am an honest worker, and I still operate in Bhairahawa. What you mentioned is not true.”
Threats via Militant Group and Attempts to Resign CIAA Chief
After failing to manipulate the CIAA investigation, Adhikari and associates reportedly resorted to various activities, including issuing death threats through a militant group, forcing the CIAA chief, Prem Rai, to resign, and using tantric rituals.
Basnet even created a letterhead of the militant organization and sent it to Adhikari via WhatsApp. Digital forensic lab reports confirm that this letterhead was transmitted from Basnet’s phone number ending in 7777.
The original letterhead was part of a PDF file later converted into a JPG image. Basnet, in his police statement, claimed no knowledge of sending this letterhead from his WhatsApp.
Through the letterhead, Prakash Pathak threatened the CIAA chief and nine others with death, demanding immediate resignation; a video also circulated supporting these threats.
It was confirmed that Pathak was paid a contract fee of NPR 20 million for the threats. Initially, the amount was NPR 100 million but later settled at NPR 20 million through bargaining.
Pathak and Adhikari are acquaintances from before. Adhikari employed a Chinese citizen to remit money to Pathak in the Philippines through hundi channels.
Pathak revealed that upon receiving the funds, he purchased an apartment worth NPR 16 million in the Philippines. He claimed to have been manipulated and entrapped by both Basnet and Adhikari due to financial temptation.
Interpol issued a Red Notice for Pathak’s arrest in the Philippines, and he was brought back to Nepal on January 11, 2026. Investigations are ongoing.
Recent probes include taking statements from Basnet, who denied any acquaintance with Prakash Pathak.
Basnet admitted knowing Adhikari and confirmed WhatsApp communication with him but claimed ignorance of evidence and chats implicating him in the allegations.
Use of Tantric Rituals
Following the failure of other strategies, Adhikari apparently resorted to using tantric rites for protection. A 43-year-old tantric guru known as Baba Saraya Kinnera (Jay Jagadambe) from Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati, Assam, India, was involved.
Adhikari reportedly sent a photo of CIAA Chief Prem Rai to Jay Jagadambe, instructing him to perform tantric rituals intended to harm the chief. The tantric then crafted an idol of Rai and conducted rites culminating in stabbing the idol with weapons and burning it, sending the video to Adhikari.
Basnet stated in his police testimony that he requested Jay Jagadambe to conduct rituals to protect Adhikari. “I came to know from Pradeep Adhikari about the ongoing CIAA investigation, and I called the guru via WhatsApp to perform protective prayers,” Basnet stated.
When contacted, Basnet denied introducing the tantric baba to Adhikari, stating, “I have not introduced the tantric baba to Adhikari.”
Adhikari and Basnet reportedly welcomed Jay Jagadambe at the airport when he was brought from Nepal to perform rituals intended to harm CIAA Chief Rai.
Basnet Changed Six Mobile Phones Within Seven Months
Authorities intensified investigations focusing on Basnet after his activities appeared suspicious. Technical analysis revealed detailed mobile phone records.
Within seven months, Basnet changed six different mobile devices. On June 20, 2025, he used an iPhone 16 Pro Max, model A3297; on September 30, he switched to an iPhone 17 Pro Max, model A3526, which he continued to use on November 17, 2025.
On January 24, 2026, he used an iPhone 14 Pro Max, model A2894, and changed again on January 25 to iPhone 17 Pro Max, model A3526.
Just five days later, on January 30, he used another iPhone 17 Pro Max, model A3525.
“The frequent changes in mobile devices add to the evidence against him,” said an investigating official. “Switching phones multiple times within days is not a good sign. These developments provide additional leads in our ongoing investigation.”
Various evidences have brought Basnet under the investigative spotlight, and his statement has already been recorded by law enforcement.
The government has decided to grant a 50 percent reduction in customs duties and infrastructure development tax on petroleum products.
The tax burden on petrol will reduce by NPR 17 and on diesel by NPR 11 per litre, though the corporation will continue to incur losses.
The government’s tax relief will provide Nepal Oil Corporation with NPR 149 crore in support, but immediate price adjustments are unlikely.
24 Chaitra, Kathmandu – To mitigate the impact of rising petroleum prices on the public, the government has approved a 50 percent reduction in customs duties and infrastructure development tax on imported petroleum products.
Announcing the decision from Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal informed that the government has taken significant measures—from tax cuts to consumption control—to manage the increasing deficit and crisis in the fuel sector.
Minister Rawal also highlighted that the government has been incurring substantial financial losses from fuel imports. Currently, under the existing pricing structure, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has suffered a loss of NPR 1.172 billion within just 15 days of fuel sales.
“This is not a small amount,” Minister Rawal stated. “Therefore, the issue is not only about prices but a combined challenge related to supply chains, taxes, costs, consumption, and management, which the government is addressing with several decisions.”
In the past 15 days, minimum consumption volumes were approximately 34,000 kilolitres of petrol, 83,000 kilolitres of diesel, 865 kilolitres of kerosene, 2,615 kilolitres of domestic aviation fuel, 5,892 kilolitres of international aviation fuel, and 1,522,444 cylinders of LPG sold, the minister provided with detailed data.
Will Consumers Get Cheaper Fuel?
Following the government’s decision to cut fuel import taxes by half, interest has increased regarding the scale of tax reductions on different types of fuel.
With Cabinet approval, the infrastructure development tax of NPR 10 per litre on petrol and diesel will be reduced to NPR 5 per litre, lowering the tax burden by NPR 5 per litre.
Additionally, the government has granted a 50 percent concession on customs duties at the point of entry. Currently, customs duties are NPR 25 per litre for petrol and NPR 12 per litre for diesel.
Import taxes on cooking LPG cylinders will also decrease from NPR 90 to NPR 45 per cylinder.
How Much Tax Will Be Reduced on Each Fuel?
Once the new arrangement is implemented, total tax on petrol will decrease by NPR 17 per litre (NPR 12 customs and NPR 5 infrastructure tax).
Diesel will see a reduction of NPR 11 per litre in total tax (NPR 6 customs and NPR 5 infrastructure tax). LPG import duty will drop to NPR 45 per cylinder from NPR 90.
However, these decisions have not yet been put into effect. Nepal Oil Corporation spokesman Manoj Thakur said, “Details of the tax reductions will be officially released only after the Cabinet decisions are published in the government gazette and instructions are issued.”
“We have heard about the government’s tax relief decision through the news but have not yet received official information on which items will receive what reductions or when the changes will take effect,” he added.
What Impact Will This Have on Market Prices?
Despite the significant tax reductions, consumers are unlikely to see immediate fuel price decreases. According to the corporation, global market price increases and other factors currently cause losses of NPR 34 per litre on petrol and NPR 120 per litre on diesel.
Following government tax relief, NOC is still projected to face losses of NPR 17 per litre on petrol and NPR 109 per litre on diesel. LPG losses amount to NPR 416 per cylinder, meaning tax cuts alone cannot make the corporation profitable.
An official from NOC noted that while some relief is expected, conditions are still difficult for immediate price adjustments.
“Due to the depth of the losses, prices cannot be reduced immediately after tax cuts,” the official said. “However, fuel may be offered at lower prices if the corporation’s board or the prime minister and supply secretary give direct orders.”
How Much Relief Will the Corporation Receive?
The government’s 50 percent concession on customs and infrastructure tax will provide the Nepal Oil Corporation approximately NPR 149 crore in relief. However, total losses will still exceed NPR 1.023 billion.
Despite heavy losses, the corporation has ensured smooth supply of petroleum products. Spokesman Thakur confirmed there are no supply issues.
“We are regularly receiving the necessary quantities of fuel,” Thakur stated. “Despite losses, we have succeeded in accelerating the supply momentum.”
The government has adjusted taxes to ease the crisis caused by rising crude oil prices internationally, but for a long-term solution, reduced consumption and economic use remain the best options, said the corporation.
Fuel Tax Cut Welcomed; Benefits Should Be Passed Quickly to Consumers
Consumer rights activist Madhav Timalsina welcomed the tax cut on petroleum products and urged the government to immediately transfer the benefits to consumers.
He emphasized that the corporation should not delay price reductions by using losses as an excuse and insisted that the Cabinet decision must be implemented without delay.
“The government has fulfilled the long-standing demand of consumers. Excessive customs and tax impositions previously caused unnatural price surges,” Timalsina said. “Following the government’s decision, the corporation must promptly reduce diesel and petrol prices to provide relief.”
“Though the corporation may delay citing losses, it will be compelled to follow government decisions,” he added.
“Cabinet decisions are final and should be published in the gazette and implemented immediately,” Timalsina stressed.
How Will the Government’s Tax Break Help Curb Price Increases?
Former Commerce Secretary Purushottam Ojha called the government’s tax reduction a positive step. While immediate price decreases are unlikely, he said this measure will help stabilize prices and provide relief to the corporation.
According to his analysis, with global crude oil prices constantly rising, the corporation is selling fuel at a loss. Nonetheless, the government’s tax relief will help prevent further price hikes and provide some financial respite to the corporation.
“Since the corporation is still facing heavy losses, the tax cut is unlikely to immediately reduce prices but will help offset the deficit,” Ojha explained. “Thus, expecting instant price drops is unrealistic, but it will assist in stabilizing prices.”
He reiterated that the government’s move is a positive effort aimed at preventing additional burdens on consumers and should be viewed constructively.
Current Tax Paid by Consumers
Currently, consumers pay approximately NPR 66.98 in various taxes per litre of petrol, including customs, road maintenance, pollution control, infrastructure development, and value-added tax (VAT).
Similarly, diesel carries a tax burden of about NPR 49.28 per litre.
The government has clearly stated the necessity for price adjustments. Minister Rawal remarked, “There is an obligation to adjust prices, and the government will not conceal this.”
Minister Rawal emphasized that the government is seeking public support during this fuel crisis.
“The government wants everyone to know that it is transparent and does not hide the truth, yet understands the public’s hardships,” she said. “Let’s save energy, be prudent, and stand together.”
The Benighat-Arughat-Larke road has been blocked since Tuesday morning after a landslide involving rocks fell near the cliff at Dovhan, Ward 3 of Dharche Rural Municipality. The Nepal Army has dispatched technical personnel from the road construction team for an on-site study, and the condition of the road will be confirmed after their report. With the road blocked, vehicle movement and goods transportation have been disrupted, and the municipality has urged people to use foot trails as an alternative. March 7, Gorkha.
The landslide, accompanied by large rocks, obstructed the Benighat-Arughat-Larke road. Early Tuesday morning, a significant landslide with rocks fell from above the cliff near Dovhan, Ward 3 of Dharche Rural Municipality, resulting in a road closure since then. Municipality Chairperson Laxman Gurung stated, “Yesterday, some stones fell from above, briefly halting the road, but we removed them with a bulldozer. However, this morning, a large rockfall with a landslide severely damaged the road base.”
The Nepal Army has sent technical experts from the road construction team to conduct an on-site assessment. Rudradhwaj Battalion’s Commander Birudhwoj Rijal said, “We have dispatched the technical team, and once they submit their report, the status of the road will be determined.” Vehicle movement in the area has come to a complete halt due to the landslide. Locals have also reported difficulties in transporting goods.
The road under construction is heavily frequented by tourists heading toward the Manaslu region. Construction on this road has been ongoing for the past seven years. Of the total 154 kilometers from Benighat to the China border at Larke Bhanjyang, a road track has been established and is operational for 97 kilometers. Additionally, vehicles have started running from Hawadanda to Pangsang in Chumanuwari Rural Municipality.
Work on the road began in 1995 (Bikram Sambat 2052), and in fiscal year 2006-07 (Bikram Sambat 2063-64), it was named the Benighat-Arughat-Larke Bhanjyang Road, with the Road Department assigned responsibility for its construction. However, the approximately one-kilometer stretch from Hawadanda includes a steep cliff with hard rocks, which delayed track opening work for nearly five years.
On Monday, Google unveiled a new AI-powered dictation app named ‘AI Edge Eloquent’.
This app accurately transcribes spoken words offline and removes unnecessary filler words automatically.
An Android version is also anticipated, promising enhancements in speech-to-text technology.
March 7, Kathmandu – On Monday, Google introduced a new artificial intelligence-based dictation app called ‘AI Edge Eloquent’.
This app specializes in converting spoken words into precise written text (speech-to-text) in real time. Currently available only for iOS users, it is set to challenge popular apps like Whisper Flow and Super Whisper.
Key Features:
Offline Capability: The standout feature of this app is its ability to function without an internet connection. Built upon Google’s “Gemma” model, its automatic speech recognition system processes all transcription directly on the device after a one-time download.
Filler Word Removal: It automatically filters out common speech fillers such as “um…,” “ah…” and similar sounds, producing grammatically clean text.
Versatile Options: After transcription, users can tailor the text to their needs by selecting formats like ‘key points,’ ‘formal,’ ‘short,’ or ‘long’ versions.
Privacy and Cloud Mode: Users can opt to keep their data stored exclusively on their phones by disabling the cloud mode. With cloud mode enabled, the app uses the ‘Gemini’ model to enhance text refinement further.
Personalization: The app can import user-specific names, specialized vocabulary, or jargon from Gmail accounts, reducing typing errors.
Good News for Android Users
Although currently only available on the App Store, the app’s description mentions plans for an Android version as well. For Android, it can be set as the default keyboard and will include a floating button on the screen, allowing users to dictate text directly while using any app.
If Google’s new trial proves successful, significant improvements in speech-to-text technology are expected on both Android and iOS platforms in the near future.
Tribhuvan Army Club defeated GoldenGate 90-71 to secure a place in the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB League) 2026 final. Army maintained their dominance by winning all three games against GoldenGate this season. GoldenGate will get another chance to reach the final by facing the winner of the eliminator match between Times and KVC Hounds in the second qualifier. Kathmandu, 7 April.
The departmental team, Tribhuvan Army Club, has earned a spot in the final of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB League) 2026. Army claimed a thrilling victory over GoldenGate to advance to the final. In the first qualifier played at Dasarath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor on Tuesday, Army defeated GoldenGate 90-71, thereby securing their place in the final. This win marked their third victory of the season against GoldenGate, extending their dominance.
Trailing until the final quarter, Army produced an outstanding performance to secure the win. GoldenGate held a 25-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter ended in a 13-13 tie, with GoldenGate leading 38-30 at halftime. In the third quarter, GoldenGate continued to hold an advantage of 24-21, taking a 62-51 lead into the final quarter. However, Army staged an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring GoldenGate 29-9 to seal an 80-71 victory. Army captain Vinod Maharjan was named Man of the Match. With Army securing their spot in Saturday’s final, GoldenGate will have another opportunity to qualify by playing against the winner of the eliminator match between Times and KVC Hounds in the second qualifier.
