Author: space4knews

The United States, Mexico, and Canada are set to jointly host the FIFA World Cup 2026. This article includes detailed information about the group divisions, match schedules, and stadiums where the games will be held, starting from June. Live updates on match results and team standings in various groups will be provided promptly once the tournament begins.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage will take place on June 28 at 20:00 GMT+1 (penalties) NaN – NaN (penalties) at Sofi Stadium. All times are scheduled according to GMT+1. Any changes to the schedule will not be the responsibility of the source. Nepal is 5 hours and 45 minutes ahead of GMT.

Mahanta Thakur, the patron of the People’s Socialist Party, has raised serious concerns regarding the exploitation of the Chure hills and the effectiveness of budget implementation in the Madhesh region. He highlighted that excessive extraction of natural resources has led to erosion and flooding issues during the rainy season, which state authorities have failed to adequately address. Kathmandu, 18 May.

During a meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly on Monday, Chairman Thakur presented his views, noting that although development plans exist, adverse conditions are still prevalent in practice. He informed the committee that uncontrolled exploitation of the Chure and surrounding plains has brought a major crisis to Madhesh.

According to him, the overuse of natural resources has caused severe problems with erosion to the north and flooding to the south during the monsoon. Despite villages being submerged for months, the relevant government bodies have not provided the necessary attention, prompting his dissatisfaction.

Chairman Thakur also criticized the budget allocation and expenditure process for lacking transparency. He stated, “We are discussing the destruction of the Chure hills, but the extraction of stones, soil, and sand continues unabated. Development plans should not remain confined to paper but must be implemented in a way that the public can experience their benefits,” he emphasized.

May 18, Kathmandu – MP Kamal Suvedi of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has brought the issue of neglect surrounding Dang’s Tarigaun Airport to the government’s attention. Speaking at the House of Representatives session on Monday, he stated, “Established in 1954 (B.S. 2011), Tarigaun Airport in Dang has not seen expansion even after seven decades.” He further added, “This airport serves as a lifeline for millions of people in Dang, as well as Salyan, Pyuthan, Rolpa, and Rukum, yet it remains neglected to date.”
Similarly, MP Suvedi raised concerns over the extremely poor conditions of the Lamahi–Ghorahi–Tulsipur four-lane road, Rapti Highway, Dang–Surkhet road, Damodar route, and Tulsipur–Khiltipur road. He emphasized that the dilapidated state of these roads causes daily hardship and puts people at risk of accidents. Suvedi urged the government to allocate sufficient budget in the upcoming fiscal plan for the expansion of Tarigaun Airport and the improvement of these strategic roadways.

In a commanding performance, the Nepal national cricket team defeated top-ranked Scotland by 6 wickets, securing a spot in the top 5 of the ICC World Cup League 2. Spinners Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalitnarayan Rajbanshi restricted the opposition to 194 runs in 39.1 overs during the first innings. Subsequently, Nepal chased down the target in 38.1 overs, led by half-centuries from captain Rohit Paudel and Ishan Pandey.

This is the first time Nepal has advanced into the top 5 in the League 2 series after previously lagging behind. With this win, Nepal earned 2 points to reach 22 points, drawing level with Namibia on the points table. However, Nepal’s superior net run rate places them fifth, pushing Namibia to sixth place, while Canada holds the seventh position. Nepal has accumulated 21 points from 24 matches, ahead of the UAE which has 14 points.

Securing these vital points without significant pressure was a positive outcome for Nepal. After a sensible 58-run partnership early on, a miscommunication between openers Kushal Bhurtel (28 runs) and Ashif Sheikh (29 runs) led to Ashif’s run-out. Further setbacks occurred when Kushal was dismissed lbw, making Nepal’s innings a bit challenging. Nonetheless, these incidents did not have a major impact on the outcome of the game.

Left-handed Ishan Pandey and captain Rohit Paudel controlled the innings comfortably to steer Nepal to victory. Playing his second match in the national jersey, Ishan scored his maiden half-century in international cricket, reaching 50 in 61 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes before falling victim to Mark Watt, who got him caught and bowled. Rohit Paudel played a patient innings of 78 balls, notching up his 12th ODI half-century and remained unbeaten at 74 runs.

The decision to bat first proved correct as the spinners exerted control. Scotland’s batsmen started aggressively, particularly Brandon McMullen, who smashed 73 runs off 44 balls, making a significant impact. However, once Nepal’s spinners gained control, Scotland’s scoring rate slowed considerably. After McMullen’s dismissal, Scottish wickets fell regularly, preventing the team from completing 40 overs.

Sandeep Lamichhane set a world record as the fastest bowler in terms of matches played to reach 150 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this milestone in just 73 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who had reached it in 77 innings. Sandeep began the innings by bowling out opener George Munsey in the first over, marking his 149th wicket.

Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma has announced a policy aimed at breaking down factions within the party to make it stronger. He also revealed plans to assign responsibilities to individuals who did not participate in the special general convention.

On May 18 in Kathmandu, Sharma made these statements while addressing the ‘Provincial and Local Level Province-Centered Provincial Gathering’ held in Dhulikhel, Kavre, starting Monday. He said, “If responsibilities are given only to those who participated in the special convention, it will strengthen divisions. However, by including those who did not participate and progressively assigning them responsibilities, with plans to include more, we consider this the way to dissolve factions and empower the party.”

The Vice President also urged active party members to update their memberships. He stated, “It might be appropriate not to trust Gagan Thapa, but trust your own ward-level party leaders.” Additionally, he argued that there is no need to harbor doubts or mistrust regarding the membership update process.

Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki has instructed newly transferred Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to provide citizen-friendly and swift services. Karki emphasized that all police personnel must demonstrate professionalism, discipline, dedication, and honesty. He guided the police to prioritize fraternity and lawful conduct over personal interests while advising them to identify security challenges and deploy police forces in a planned manner.

May 18, Kathmandu – The Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki has directed recently transferred SPs and DSPs to work according to citizens’ expectations. Highlighting the need to adopt a new approach and work style different from traditional policing, he stressed the importance of delivering citizen-friendly, accountable, and prompt services. He urged all police personnel to perform excellently in their duties.

At a briefing held today Monday, which was attended by SPs and DSPs transitioning to their new assignments, IGP Karki extended his best wishes for their success and excellence. He underscored that all police personnel must maintain high levels of professionalism, while becoming more disciplined, dedicated, and honest. He also highlighted the need to embrace exemplary conduct and communication to enhance the organization’s image.

He instructed police officers to operate in accordance with the policies and standards adopted by the organization, placing fraternity and organizational interest above personal gain, and to perform lawful duties without discrimination. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of identifying and analyzing potential security challenges within their areas, implementing necessary security plans and strategies, and ensuring the deployment of police personnel in a planned and effective manner.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) MP Yagyamani Nyuapane has expressed objections to an order issued by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, commenting on the increase in judicial activism. Nyuapane stated that the order violated the court’s own decorum and boundaries and suggested that it appeared to reflect a conflict of interest.

He highlighted that over 27,000 cases have been registered in the Supreme Court, with more than 8,000 cases pending resolution for more than five years, emphasizing that no significant judicial activism has been observed.

From Kathmandu on May 18, Nyuapane’s objections came following the Supreme Court Administration’s refusal to register a writ petition related to a decision by the Constitutional Council, after which Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla ordered the petition to be registered. As a legal professional, Nyuapane interpreted this order as a sign of increased judicial activism. He stated, “The order issued by Acting Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla has been widely discussed in the media. It is unclear whether this order was issued by a bench or a single justice, or whether it was a larger or full bench. The constitutional provision under which this bench was directed is also unclear.”

Nyuapane emphasized that courts have their own decorum and limits, and that honorable justices should act with respect. He expressed concern over orders being issued from the judge’s chambers, noting it raises the principle of conflict of interest. He said, “The judiciary is independent, and its dignity must be preserved. We must all respect this and understand judicial processes. However, today, due to the emergence of a conflict of interest, orders are being issued from the chambers of honorable judges, which is troubling.”

He further pointed out that activities outside the judicial administration have caused concern among Nepali citizens. He stated, “Currently, the Supreme Court has over 27,000 pending cases, with more than 8,000 pending for over five years, yet judicial activism is lacking. Meanwhile, activities outside the judiciary’s administration, reflecting a conflict of interest, are causing fear among the people. As an MP, I wish to draw the attention of the Speaker, Nepali citizens, and relevant bodies to this matter.”

Ramkrishna Blon Tamang has been elected chairman of Nepal Tamang Ghedung during its 10th Federal General Convention. Sarojmohan Lama was elected unopposed as co-chairman, while Sanju Blon Tamang won the senior vice-chairman position with 360 votes. Various candidates from Province 1, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Sudurpashchim, and overseas branches were elected as provincial federal members. Kathmandu, 4 Jestha.

Five candidates competed for the chairman position at the convention. Ramkrishna Blon secured 306 votes to win, while his opponents received: Kumar Singh Ghising 98, Mitrasen Yonjan 59, Amir Lama Moktan 32, and Man Bahadur Tamang 27 votes. Sarojmohan Lama was elected co-chairman unopposed.

Sanju Blon Tamang won the senior vice-chairman role with 360 votes, defeating his opponent Harijang Tamang who received 132 votes. Twelve candidates contested five open vice-chairman positions. Among them, Kajiman Thing secured 378 votes, Rup Bahadur Yonjan 246, Dinesh Kumar Lo 183, Prem Lo Tamang 181, and Pasangdorje Lama 176 votes, and were elected.

Lilakumar Ghalan was elected general secretary unopposed. Nirmal Bahadur Tamang and Bilam Muktan were elected unopposed as deputy general secretaries (open category), and Shramik Lama was elected unopposed as deputy general secretary (women). In the secretary race, Sunil Moktan won with 251 votes, followed by Sundar Thokar Tamang with 199 votes, and Hiralal Tamang with 194 votes.

Youth Leader of the Opposition Party NCPC, Yubaraj Dulal, has called for the government to be accountable to Parliament. He emphasized the need for appropriate provisions in parliamentary procedures to establish the parliamentary system as a central platform for resolving public issues. Dulal also stressed that the Prime Minister and ministers must be held accountable to Parliament. (May 18, Kathmandu)

Speaking during the theoretical discussion on the report of the House of Representatives Rules Drafting Committee, 2083 BS, on Monday, Chief Whip Dulal underlined the importance of instituting such provisions in the rules to maintain the parliamentary system as a place where people’s issues are addressed. He stated, “The parliamentary system faces a lot of criticism. It should not be merely a place for talk but a functional institution and a dignified, honorable space for the people’s representatives. Parliamentary supremacy must be upheld, and measures similar to the Magna Carta should be introduced to prevent autocracy.”

Dulal cited examples of criticisms faced by parliamentary systems in various countries and emphasized that Nepal’s Parliament should operate free of such criticisms. “The rules must mandate accountability of the government to address the public’s sentiments raised in Parliament and ensure that the Prime Minister and ministers are held accountable to Parliament to establish it as a working legislative body addressing citizens’ issues,” MP Dulal clarified. He further stressed the necessity of incorporating relevant provisions to this effect.