Author: space4knews

Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), has raised questions about the current government’s double standards regarding foreign loans. The Cabinet had approved a foreign loan amounting to 185 million US dollars on March 6. Pokharel criticized the government for lacking clear policies and priorities when taking on debt and urged transparent explanations for the public. (March 7, Kathmandu)

Pokharel demanded answers from the government for taking large foreign loans after coming to power, questioning why those who previously condemned foreign debt for harming the nation are now accepting it. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the General Secretary acknowledged that taking foreign loans is both a necessity and a compulsion for sustainable infrastructure development in Nepal. However, he pointed out that those who fiercely opposed loans when in opposition are now taking loans without presenting clear policies and priorities to Parliament.

“Those who yesterday criticized the previous government claiming foreign loans were sinking the country are now the very ones taking large loans without clearly presenting policy programs or priorities in Parliament,” Pokharel wrote. “As this matter becomes public, such questions inevitably arise.”

The Cabinet meeting held on March 6 approved a foreign loan worth approximately 27.51 billion Nepalese rupees, equivalent to 185 million US dollars. Pokharel questioned why those opposing loans while out of power are now accepting them when in government. He asked, “Why oppose yesterday and accept today?” He demanded that the government provide clear and transparent responses to the public regarding the significant foreign borrowing. Rastriya Prajatantra Party parliamentarian Khusbu Oli had also raised questions on this issue during the House of Representatives session.

24 Chait, Syangja — Fedikhola Rural Municipality in Syangja has declared today a public holiday to celebrate Thote, the major cultural festival of the Tamang (Gurung) community. All government offices and schools within the municipality will remain closed for the day to honor the occasion. Thote is a significant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Gurung community.

Ghanashyam Subedi, Chairperson of Fedikhola Rural Municipality, stated that the public holiday was granted to respect the traditions and cultural identity of the Tamang community. According to Chairperson Subedi, Thote Festival not only strengthens interpersonal bonds within the community but also contributes to preserving cultural diversity. Among the 11 local levels in Syangja district, only Fedikhola Rural Municipality has decided to observe the holiday today, while offices in other municipalities will operate as usual.

Over the course of five weeks of US-Israeli operations against Iran, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly set deadlines, made demands, and issued threats. However, these threats often appeared unclear. The new phase of aggression against Iran is expected to be devastating. It is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM Washington, D.C. time Tuesday (midnight GMT Wednesday). Within four hours, every bridge and power plant in the country is expected to be “destroyed.”

“Only a few things are beyond the limit,” Trump said on Monday. According to him, to avoid such destruction, Iran must reach an agreement “acceptable to them,” which includes ensuring “uninterrupted oil transit” through the Strait of Hormuz. As the final hours approach, there is little indication that Iran will accept Trump’s deadline. Tehran has rejected a temporary ceasefire and presented its own demands, which a US official described as “extreme.”

This situation places President Trump in a difficult position. Without an agreement, he may extend the deadline for the fourth time within three weeks. However, after issuing such severe threats, harsh language, and grave warnings, retreating could undermine his credibility amid ongoing conflict. Following the recent successful rescue of two American airmen in Iran last weekend, both Iran and the international community might conclude that the US has not communicated clearly according to its military and strategic capabilities.

Although a disaster was averted, the successful rescue highlighted the risks still faced by US forces in Iran. President Trump may be coming to recognize the limitations of American military power. “We can bomb them and paralyze them completely,” he said, “but it only takes one terrorist to close the Strait.” Another option is for Trump to follow through on the threats he has issued.

According to Trump, on Monday such an option was not their priority on many occasions. As the Iranian public shows signs of enduring US military actions and bombs falling on their cities, Trump also mentioned that the incident would require future reconstruction and that America might eventually assist. “Do I want to destroy their infrastructure? No,” he said, “Even if we leave today, it will take them 20 years to rebuild the country.”

Home Minister Sudan Gurung is preparing to depart from Kathmandu for an on-site inspection of the BP Highway and Roshikhola in Kavrepalanchok district. During this visit, he will directly observe flood-affected areas to assess the actual conditions of highly vulnerable settlements and infrastructure. Additionally, before the onset of the rainy season, he will provide guidance to relevant agencies on necessary preparations, planning, and coordination to mitigate potential risks.

The minister’s secretariat has informed that the inspection team, led by Home Minister Gurung, is scheduled to leave Kathmandu for Kavre at 9 a.m. today. Due to recurring problems caused by floods during the monsoon season every year, the minister intends to make a direct assessment this time. Throughout the inspection, he will study the condition of affected areas, focusing on the true status of settlements and infrastructures at high risk. He will also issue directives to concerned bodies regarding essential measures for risk reduction ahead of the rainy season.

File Photo, 24 Chaitra, Butwal. In Rupandehi, police gunfire has left one person injured. The injured individual is Vishal Yadav, a resident of Rohini Rural Municipality Ward No. 2, Khuruhuria in Rupandehi. Yadav sustained a gunshot wound to the left calf and is currently receiving treatment at Bhim Hospital in Bhairahawa. According to DSP Krishnakumar Chand, the Information Officer of Rupandehi District Police Office, police attempted to stop a motorcycle bearing the registration number UP 56 F 9901, carrying three individuals, in Kotahawa area of Rohini Rural Municipality Ward No. 4, based on information about drug trafficking. The suspects fled, prompting the police to open fire.

During the effort to subdue the suspects who had thrown stones at the police, officers fired one round of warning shots and two live rounds, resulting in the arrest of three individuals along with the seizure of drugs, DSP Chand stated. The police arrested Vishal Yadav, Arun Kumar, age 18, from Bisunpuruwa, Maharajganj, Tulshipur, India, and Vinay Pandey, age 20, from the same location, all in possession of narcotics, according to DSP Chand.

After inspecting the motorcycle used by the arrested suspects, the police recovered 1,100 ampoules each of pheniramine, diazepam, and brufen. The Rupandehi District Police Office has confirmed that further investigation is ongoing regarding the incident. Additionally, police have also arrested two Indian nationals on suspicion of drug trafficking in the Gaushala-Pingalasthan area of Kathmandu, following gunfire by law enforcement.

Speaker D.P. Aryal
24 Chaitra, Kathmandu – The House of Representatives is scheduled to convene today at 1 PM. The meeting is expected to include three potential agenda items. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the agendas for today’s meeting include the ‘National Forensic Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081’, the ‘Tourism Bill, 2081’, and the ‘Film Bill, 2081’.

For a long time, Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain have been centers of stability and ambition, attracting a large number of investors, major companies, and skilled workers. Their airports have developed into global hubs, while their cities have successfully become financial and tourist centers. However, the war initiated by Israel against Iran, which impacts the United States, has posed a significant challenge to this influence. Iranian missiles and drones are targeting US military bases in the region, as well as striking non-military and energy infrastructures.

Some countries are quickly attempting to restore normal life. For example, Qatar’s government has withdrawn its work-from-home permission and reopened university classes. Nevertheless, according to several analysts, although the Gulf states might endure some shocks from the conflict, it will compel them to reconsider their strategic positions. Alex Vatton of the Middle East Institute in Washington said, “You cannot stop attacks coming from Iran because this is a matter tied to geopolitics and proximity. Countries not directly involved in the war are on the front lines and are bearing significant economic costs.”

The Supreme Court has ruled that the arrests of Oli and Lekhak were not in accordance with the law and denied their detention. However, considering their situation, the police have been instructed to complete the investigation promptly.

March 23, Kathmandu – A team from the District Police Office, Kathmandu, arrested comedian Sagar Lamsal, popularly known as ‘Bale,’ on Friday night from Budhanilkantha. At the time of his arrest, Bale was facing serious allegations. A young woman residing in the United States had accused him on social media of rape. The woman, who claimed to know Bale personally, alleged that he forcibly assaulted her after coming to her room. Following these grave accusations and subsequent media coverage citing the victim, the Kathmandu police initiated an operation called Safety Kathmandu, which led to Bale’s arrest. That night, the Kathmandu police detained 195 individuals, including Bale. However, since Saturday was a public holiday, Bale’s custody was extended on Sunday. The police clarified that the extension was granted not for the rape allegations but on grounds of misbehavior, with the District Administration Office authorizing five days of police detention for investigation. Currently, Bale is held in the police custody facility at Bhadrapur, Kathmandu.

Despite the serious rape allegations made by the woman and Bale’s swift arrest, the police issued a statement denying the claims related to rape. According to SP and spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai of Kathmandu Police, the investigation ongoing pertains only to the charge of misbehavior. The statement urges the public to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding the case. The police have indicated that an investigation based on extraterritorial jurisdiction is possible. According to police sources, should the victim file an official complaint, the investigation would proceed accordingly. However, no formal complaint has yet been received from the victim or her family. “Once a complaint is lodged, the investigation will move forward,” a police source stated.

The police have further clarified that although the rape allegations involve an incident allegedly committed in the United States, an investigation can still be conducted from Kathmandu. The Criminal Code of Nepal, 2074 (2017), for the first time, includes provisions for extraterritorial jurisdiction. Article 1, Section 2 of the code stipulates that crimes committed outside Nepal are considered as if committed within Nepal, and legal action can be taken accordingly. Clause 3 of the same section explains that if a Nepali citizen commits crimes such as murder, conspiracy, maiming, abduction, unlawful detention, or rape against another Nepali citizen outside Nepal, it will be treated as if the crime took place within Nepal, allowing for prosecution there. Based on these provisions, the police in Kathmandu can progress with investigating Bale.

Former Deputy Attorney General Gopal Rizal agrees that the extraterritorial application of the Criminal Code, 2074 is possible for some offenses. However, he notes that this is only applicable if the country where the incident occurred has not already initiated legal proceedings against the individual. “An individual cannot be prosecuted twice for the same offense in two countries,” Rizal explains. “If the country where the crime took place has begun prosecution, then Nepal cannot pursue the case further under the principle of double jeopardy.” Thus, if Bale is investigated and prosecuted in Kathmandu, the case cannot be tried again in the United States. Rizal further explains that gathering evidence and factual data to be used in prosecutions outside Nepal generally must be done in that foreign country, often requiring mutual legal assistance or similar arrangements between the two countries. He adds, “If it is not feasible to travel to the crime site, investigation must proceed from where the suspect resides.” Article 2 of the Criminal Code, 2074 anticipates extraterritorial jurisdiction in rape cases. Since rape is legally recognized as a crime under US law as well, should the Nepali victim choose to pursue legal remedies in Nepal without advancing US legal processes, an investigation could proceed in Nepal. Authorities also recall a precedent where extraterritorial jurisdiction was used to investigate a murder case involving Nepalese workers in Malaysia.

In that case, 40-year-old Dhanbahadur Pradhan from Shivsatakshi Municipality-3, Jhapa, was murdered in Malaysia. The murder accused was Anil Kumar Sah, a 24-year-old Nepali also working there in the same company in Gaushala Municipality-5, Mahottari. Pradhan was Sah’s supervisor and they often had disputes over work matters, which resulted in Sah killing Pradhan on November 17, 2023 (2 Mangsir 2080 in Nepali calendar). Sah was arrested upon returning to Nepal on January 14, 2024 (30 Poush). SP Kumod Dhungel of the District Police Office Kathmandu, who investigated the case, explained that the investigation involved collecting evidence through various means including the Malaysian police’s forensic reports, Interpol cooperation, video conferencing eyewitness statements, and the accused ultimately confessing.

Given the global dispersion of the Nepali diaspora, with significant populations in Europe, the US, and the Gulf countries, challenges have arisen in investigating and resolving such cases, prompting repeated demands for the appointment of police liaison officers abroad. Establishing police attachés in countries with dense Nepali populations facilitates coordination with local law enforcement and other concerned entities to address legal and security issues Nepali nationals face overseas. So far, Nepal has only posted police attachés in India but none elsewhere. Experts note that having police liaison officers in the US would simplify direct communication with the victim in such cases, enable collaboration with US police, and streamline the transfer of investigative materials such as crime scene reports to Nepal. This enhances the feasibility and efficiency of legal proceedings and victim support.

Inspector General of Police Dhan Bahadur Karki also emphasized the need for police attachés in countries with large Nepali populations during his address at the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 13, 2023 (27 Kartik). He stated, “Given the vast contribution of Nepalis abroad to national economic development and the necessity of their security and emergency preparedness, the government is expected to prioritize and implement the deployment of police attachés in such countries.” The Nepal Police have repeatedly urged the establishment of police attachés in the Gulf countries, the United States, China, and several European nations, though implementation is pending.

March 6, Kathmandu – Dharmaraj Bhusal, Chairman of OnlineKhabar.com (Pvt. Ltd.), stated that each story of the 50 influential women is like a university in itself, and that history will eternally remember these impactful contributions. Speaking at the event unveiling the 2082 BS list of influential women, Chairman Bhusal emphasized that attempts to portray women merely as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive’ have failed. “Our society long tried to depict women only as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive,’ but the 50 faces present here have successfully shattered that traditional mindset,” he said. “You have broken through conventional limits, deficiencies, and policy weaknesses to carve your own paths.”
Chairman Bhusal described the ‘OnlineKhabar 50 Influential Women’ campaign as a small effort to honor their contributions. He underscored the media’s duty not just to revolve around power but to bring the sweat and struggles of grassroots people into the mainstream. “Today’s media role is no longer confined to recording politicians’ speeches or making negative incidents headlines. The evolving state of journalism challenges us: Are we truly showing the real picture of our society? Media’s work is not just about power and authority; it is about telling the stories of the grassroots people’s sweat, struggle, and success,” said Chairman Bhusal.
He clarified that when compiling the list, official positions or titles were not the primary criteria. “We did not set specific positions or responsibilities as standards for this list. Our main criterion is the impactful work done in society,” he explained.
He extended greetings to the honorable Acting Chief Justice, distinguished guests, respected sisters from various geographic regions of the country, and all attendees. “Despite your busy schedules, thank you for supporting us in moving forward. On behalf of the OnlineKhabar family and personally, I sincerely welcome and thank everyone. I feel a special energy at today’s program. This energy is not merely formal but reflects dreams, struggles, and a transforming Nepal. Today, we are revealing the list of ’50 Influential Nepali Women.’ I congratulate and honor all these great women.
Dear guests, I would like to begin with a brief clarification and honest admission. OnlineKhabar has traditionally published this list annually on International Women’s Day. However, this year, we had a significant national responsibility to fulfill. Due to the general election held on Falgun 21 (March 5), our entire editorial team had to work diligently providing election updates and supporting democracy. Therefore, we could not release this list on March 8 but have done so a few months later.
Over the past four months, we rigorously discussed more than 460 names. Listening to the stories of women from the Himalayas to the Terai and abroad, it became clear that Nepal indeed stands on the shoulders of women. The media’s role is not limited to recording political speeches or highlighting negative news. Its responsibility is to bring the efforts, struggles, and aspirations of grassroots people into the mainstream. The ‘OnlineKhabar 50 Influential Women’ campaign is a significant step toward that responsibility.
Our society had long tried to portray women as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive,’ but the 50 women represented here have broken that myth. These women have shattered narrow traditional confines, mountains of scarcity, and policy gaps to forge their own paths. When preparing this list, we did not measure by position or role but by exemplary deeds.
The story of a worker from Jajarkot who processed Ratnapathar and succeeded in reaching the international market is extraordinary. A woman who married at age ten but went on to empower thousands to become self-reliant; a courageous woman who cleaned hospital floors while fighting for Dalit women’s justice; all these are universities in themselves. A woman who lost her eyesight at three but became an Under Secretary in Braille script; a devoted woman giving artificial respiration to newborns; a teenage girl fighting abroad to save her brother’s life – all will be eternally remembered by history.
You are Nepal’s true influencers. Your impact is not measured by social media views but by the living standards of grassroots people. This year, we announce the formation of the ‘50 Influential Women Alumni’ network, which will connect these honored women, open paths for collaboration, and serve as mentors for future generations.
Finally, though only 50 women could be included due to our limitations, thousands more influential women exist, whose contributions are inscribed in golden letters in society. We will continue to share your stories in the days ahead. In this new post-election period, the energetic women present here clearly demonstrate Nepal’s promising future. You are the fireflies capable of bringing light to darkness. The recent Gen Z movement has brought Nepal its first female Prime Minister and increased the presence of young women and youth in parliament, a source of pride. Now, policy reforms for women and swift justice for those who have suffered violence are urgently needed.
On behalf of OnlineKhabar, I express our commitment not to silence the voices of courageous women like you and to always stand for hope, struggle, and success in journalism. We sincerely thank the adjudicating panel, colleagues, business partners, and readers who have supported this campaign. May your journeys continue forever. In this journey toward equality and coexistence, OnlineKhabar will always stand with you. Once again, welcome to all and heartfelt congratulations to the honored personalities. Thank you.