Author: space4knews

Eleven Nepalis have been arrested so far in various West Asian countries on charges of spreading rumors through social media. Among those detained, three are in the United Arab Emirates, four in Saudi Arabia, three in Qatar, and one in Oman. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they were arrested for sharing misleading photos and videos related to the Iran–Israel–America conflict.

These countries have indicated that they will take strict legal action against individuals caught spreading false messages on social media, including arrest and deportation. At a press conference on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri stated, “They have been arrested based on the publication of misleading photos and videos on social media.”

During the ongoing conflict among Iran, Israel, and the United States, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries. The Nepalis were arrested for photographing these missiles and drones used in attacks and then sharing the footage on social media, thereby spreading false rumors. Spokesperson Kshetri added, “Nepali embassies and missions in the respective countries are taking necessary measures regarding those arrested.” He further noted, “Investigations are ongoing to determine the charges against them and the respective penalties.”

Summary: Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the suspicious death of a 14-year-old boy at the hostel of Phuleshwor Public English Boarding School located in Khaadak Municipality–7, Saptari. The arrested are 49-year-old school operator Dhirendra Prasad Chaudhary and 41-year-old caretaker Bhola Mandal. Both are under investigation for charges related to encouraging suicide, while the boy’s mother, Mamata Sah, has accused them of assault and delayed reporting of the incident. (Date: 20 Chait, Saptari).

Two persons have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the suspicious death of a 14-year-old boy in the hostel of Phuleshwor Public English Boarding School in Khaadak Municipality–7, Saptari. The arrested are 49-year-old Dhirendra Prasad Chaudhary from Khaadak Municipality–10, the school operator, and 41-year-old Bhola Mandal from Lahan Municipality–20, Siraha, who works as the caretaker.

According to DSP Dambar Bahadur Puri, spokesperson of the district police office, both have been held for an additional five days for investigation under charges related to encouraging suicide. The deceased, Dharmendra Kumar Sah, from Lalpatti, Khaadak–9, had been residing in the hostel for seven years and was found hanging on the morning of 7 Chait, Saturday.

Following the incident, school operator Chaudhary, his wife Shobha, caretaker Mandal, and others reportedly took Dharmendra to the hospital before notifying the family and police. The boy’s mother, Mamata Sah, has alleged that her son was assaulted by Shobha Chaudhary and others at the school, that the incident was reported belatedly, and that the CCTV was deliberately turned off during the incident, raising suspicions about the case. However, the police have not yet taken Shobha into custody. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing, police confirmed.

The Animal Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act, 2055 BS, has been enforced in only three cities even after 27 years. This act came into effect from Jestha 15, 2065 BS, exclusively in Hetauda, Butwal, and Surkhet. The lack of implementing bodies and shortage of technical personnel have adversely impacted public health. Kathmandu, 20 Chaitra.

Although the law was codified in 2055 BS, it has only been applied in three cities, and that too only after a decade. According to Section 2 of the act, the Government of Nepal has stipulated that the act is applicable only in designated areas announced through Nepal Gazette notifications. On this basis, the act has so far been implemented only in Hetauda, Butwal, and Surkhet.

Chief Veterinary Officer Sujan Rana, head of the Veterinary Quality and Drug Regulatory Laboratory, stated that the absence of the law in other cities has had negative effects on public health. He said, “This situation has arisen due to the absence of implementing agencies and the lack of a dedicated unit for enforcing the act within the Department of Animal Services.”

He further emphasized that the current shortage of technical personnel authorized to conduct meat inspections could severely impact public health, underscoring the need for stakeholders’ attention.

Dol Prasad Aryal, Vice Chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party, has expressed his commitment to performing his duties justly within the framework of Nepal’s Constitution and laws if elected as the Speaker. Speaking with journalists after registering his candidacy for the Speaker position at Singha Durbar on Friday, Aryal stated that he would fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him with fairness.

Aryal emphasized his adherence to the principle of separation of powers among the executive, judiciary, and legislature, and highlighted his intention to uphold the dignity of the legislative body. He clarified that his candidacy is motivated by the welfare of the Nepali people and the protection of nationalism. He said, “The decisions and processes regarding the responsibilities I will assume are still ongoing. Therefore, once the process is complete and I assume the role, I will ensure that the legislature’s work is conducted justly in line with Nepal’s Constitution, laws, and in the interest of the Nepali people, the nation, and nationalism.”

As the Speaker election process progresses, Rastriya Swatantra Party is putting forward Vice Chairman Aryal as its candidate. Aryal reiterated his commitment to making legislative operations transparent and people-centric during his tenure.

The Natikaji Memorial Society has announced the ‘Natikaji National Music Award and Honors 2081.’ This year, the prestigious Natikaji National Distinguished Music Award will be presented to nine artists. Additionally, the awards will include the Natikaji National Music Award, Talent Award, Classical Music Award, and Art Journalism Award, as confirmed by the organizers.

The list of award recipients was released in a statement issued in Kathmandu. Due to the country’s political situation, general elections, and a period of mourning, last year’s award ceremony had been postponed, but it will now be held with great grandeur. Established in memory of the legendary musician Natikaji Shrestha, the society annually recognizes and encourages artists through these honors.

The honored artists for the distinguished music award include lyricist Narayankumar Acharya, singer Jujukani Ranjit, lyricist Birendra Pathak, singer Shashi Gurung, singer Ganesh Parajuli, lyricist Bhimarjun Acharya, musician Nirbansingh Gurung, lyricist Sabu Gadal, and lyricist and musician Ashta Lama. Recipients of the Natikaji National Music Award are Manoj Khadka, singer Roshan Gurung, musician Taraprakash Limbu, singer Sarita Shahi, arranger Chand Singh, and recording engineer Maheshwar Rajbhandari. The Natikaji National Talent Award will go to singer Sahima Shrestha, singer Suresh Lama, and singer Bipana Tamang. In the classical music category, Pramod Upadhyay will be honored, and the Natikaji National Art Journalism Award will be presented to Ananta Wagle and Geeta Adhikari.

Dolprasad Aryal, Vice-Chairperson of the Rastriya Samajbadi Party (RSP), has registered his candidacy for the Speaker position. The election for Speaker is scheduled to take place on Chaitra 22, with the registration of candidates open from 11 AM to 2 PM on Chaitra 17. Given that the RSP holds 182 seats, close to a two-thirds majority, Aryal’s election as Speaker is seen as almost certain.

Aryal’s proposer is the party Chairperson and member of the House of Representatives, Ravi Lamichhane. His supporters include Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Minister of Law Sovita Gautam, and Minister of Physical Infrastructure Sunil Lamsal. The Federal Parliament Secretariat has officially set the nomination filing time for the Speaker position from 11 AM to 2 PM today, Friday.

It is anticipated that the House of Representatives meeting on Chaitra 22 will pass a proposal to elect the Speaker, with support from Aryal’s backers. The RSP’s decision to nominate Aryal for the Speaker post was made during the party meeting on Thursday. Holding 182 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, the RSP is close to the two-thirds majority necessary, effectively ensuring Aryal’s victory. Until now, as there was no Speaker, the senior-most member of the House Arjun Narsingh KC has been chairing the sessions.