Kathmandu, 20 Chaitra — Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal visited Manmaiju Temple this morning and offered prayers. Minister Khanal arrived at the temple located in Tarkeghat Municipality-9 and performed his worship after joining the queue along with other devotees.
Manmaiju Bazaar holds significant historical, religious, and archaeological importance and is home to the Newar community’s todo settlement. A traditional festival lasting five days is celebrated starting from the full moon day of Chaitra Shukla. According to local social worker Indraman Maharjan, the festival includes erecting a linggo pole on the first day, offering Marja on the second, Sindur Jatra on the third day, a rest day with relatives being fed on the fourth, and concluding on the fifth day with another Sindur Jatra, deity immersion, and dismantling of the linggo pole.
The Secretariat meeting of the NCP UML is scheduled for today at 1 PM. The agenda includes a discussion on the parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa’s address delivered on Thursday. Vice President Bishnu Paudel noted that Thapa’s statements do not align with the party’s established policies and norms, indicating that this matter will be seriously deliberated in the Secretariat meeting.
UML leader Surendra Pandey stated that the current situation is a result of the previous government’s inactivity and emphasized the necessity of investigating the events of Bhadra 23 and 24. Thapa had described the outcomes of the Jenaj movement on Bhadra 23 and 24, as well as the election on Falgun 21, as part of a conspiracy.
Vice President Paudel mentioned that appropriate decisions regarding Badal’s controversial remarks will be made during the Secretariat meeting. Meanwhile, leader Surendra Pandey commented, “Blaming others is an old political tactic,” holding the former UML-led government responsible for its inactivity.
Badal wrote on Facebook, “Yesterday in parliament, we witnessed long tales of ‘conspiracy.’ The army did not protect, officials did not support, and technology failed—blaming everyone else!” He also stated, “We cannot ignore the reality that our politics has not aligned with the aspirations of the people.”
US President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her position. Former Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will replace her. Trump announced this himself on the Truth Social platform. Bondi had been a long-time close ally and staunch supporter within the Trump administration. She becomes the second senior official to be removed from office; earlier in March, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was also dismissed. Following her removal, Bondi described serving as Attorney General as the “greatest honor of her life” and stated she would now transfer her responsibilities to Blanche. She also mentioned that she intends to continue working in the private sector in support of the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, amid ongoing conflict with Iran, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Army Chief of Staff Randy George to resign. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell shared via social media that George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the US Army, is stepping down. The reason for the resignation request has not been disclosed. A senior unnamed defense official commented, “We are grateful for General George’s service. However, it is now time for a leadership transition in the Army.” Following George’s resignation, Army Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve is expected to serve as acting Army Chief of Staff, according to US media reports. The Army Chief’s term lasts four years. George, a West Point Military Academy graduate, was appointed Army Chief of Staff in 2023 by former President Joe Biden. He previously served during the Gulf War and in subsequent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Following India’s decision to supply electricity only from morning until 6 PM after two weeks, concerns have risen about potential load shedding in Nepal during the dry season. However, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) asserts that such load shedding will not occur.
A former executive director also stated that consumers are unlikely to face load shedding under normal circumstances.
According to NEA spokesperson Rajan Dhakal, the recently renewed electricity purchase agreement with India ensures Nepal can maintain continuous 24-hour electricity supply for the next 15 days.
The previous agreement for electricity purchase via the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) expired in March.
The renewal post-March has now granted Nepal the authorization to procure electricity through advance (day-ahead) and real-time trading markets.
Dhakal said that Nepal will be able to purchase electricity round-the-clock from April 1 to 15.
“Afterwards, the purchase will be permitted for 16 hours daily,” he explained.
“This arrangement includes two periods: from April 16 to 30, electricity can be bought from 2 AM to 6 PM, and from May 1 to June 30, from 4 AM to 8 PM, permitting 16 hours of electricity purchase. Electricity purchase at night is not allowed.”
Will there be load shedding at night when electricity from India is unavailable?
Image source, BBC/AshokDahal
According to NEA, during the dry season Nepal produces only 1,500 to 1,600 megawatts of electricity.
However, during the peak demand periods in the evening and morning, electricity demand reaches up to 2,000 megawatts. Authority statistics recorded a demand of 2,050 megawatts in the last 24 hours.
With rising temperatures, demand is expected to increase to between 2,200 and 2,300 megawatts by the months of Baishakh and Jestha.
Due to insufficient domestic production, Nepal imports electricity from India to meet demand, but concerns arise about challenges in load management when imports are not available during high evening demand.
Former NEA executive director Manoj Silwal reports that residential consumers are unlikely to face load shedding.
“Industries may face one to two hours of power cuts,” Silwal said.
“The situation is better than last year. Previously, there was no opportunity to purchase power during the dry season, but this year, we have secured at least 180 megawatts electronically for 24 hours, which will help.”
Last year, India agreed to supply electricity during the dry season only for 20 hours a day until March 15 and from 6 AM to 6 PM from March 16 to June 30.
NEA has an agreement to import 180 megawatts 24 hours daily from India until May.
How Does the Authority Manage the Situation?
Image source, utkhpl
Image caption, The Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project is among the limited plants capable of storing water during daytime
NEA spokesperson Dhakal confirmed that contingency plans are in place to manage electricity demand even when Indian electricity is unavailable during peak evening hours.
“There is no such problem. We have a 24-hour commitment of 180 megawatts,” Dhakal said. “There are also ‘peaking plants’ that store water during the day to generate electricity in the evening.”
During the peak demand from 6 PM to 8 PM, plants with capacities of 800 to 900 megawatts can store water during the day to supply power in the evening.
Upper Tamakoshi, Kulekhani, Marsyangdi, Kaligandaki, and other projects can accumulate water during the day for evening generation.
The NEA plans to import between 600 and 750 megawatts of electricity from India during daytime. Previously, India permitted imports of 600 megawatts via Dhalkebar and 54 megawatts via Takpur. Including other transmission lines, Nepal can import up to 1,004 megawatts.
Bilateral transmission lines between Nepal and India have the capacity to transfer 1,500 megawatts.
Nepal has secured import approval until August but officials indicate that by then, the country is expected to produce a surplus of electricity domestically and begin exporting.
Dhakal noted Nepal typically exports electricity starting around mid-June, selling to India when production is high and importing when it is low.
Since last year, Nepal has also begun exporting electricity to Bangladesh with an agreement to export 40 megawatts during the six-month rainy season.
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Home Minister Sudan Gurung has posted a photo on Facebook showing himself resting on a sofa, covered with a blanket. Along with the photo, he wrote, ‘No creation is bigger than the creator, and no government is above the people.’ Since assuming office, the minister has instructed authorities to detain leaders recommended for arrest on charges related to suppression.
Kathmandu — Home Minister Sudan Gurung has released a photo appearing to show him resting within his office premises. Shared via his Facebook account, the caption reads, ‘No creation is bigger than the creator, and no government is above the people.’ In the image, he is seen lying on a sofa, covered by a blanket.
Since taking office, the minister has remained visibly active. His efforts include ordering the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, both of whom were recommended for action due to alleged suppression during the Janajati movement. Additionally, Gurung has conducted police station inspections and directed the detention of individuals ranging from controversial businessmen to intermediaries operating within government offices.
Candidacy registration for the Speaker position opens today, as the election is scheduled for Chaitra 22. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the registration period for Speaker candidates is set from 11 AM to 2 PM today, Friday. Following this, the list of candidates will be announced at 2:30 PM. During the House of Representatives meeting scheduled for Chaitra 22, proposals for the Speaker position will be presented and supported by their respective backers. The notice for the candidacy will be issued after collective discussions conclude, as per the defined agenda.
The Rastriya Samajbadi Party (RSP) has nominated the party’s Deputy Chairperson Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal for the Speaker post. The RSP held a meeting on Thursday where Aryal was approved to advance his candidacy for Speaker. His election appears certain, given that the RSP holds a major party status with 182 seats in the House of Representatives. Currently, in the absence of a Speaker, senior member Arjun Narasingh KC has been presiding over the House sessions.
Following the Speaker election, the Vice Chairperson election for the National Assembly is scheduled for Chaitra 23. The candidacy registration for this position will be held on Chaitra 22. The Vice Chairperson position in the National Assembly is presently vacant, as the tenure of former vice-chairperson Bimala Ghimire ended on Falgun 20.
March 20, Kathmandu – The war with Iran has proven to be costly for the United States. According to US media reports, six days into the conflict last month, the Pentagon informed American lawmakers that $1.13 billion had already been spent on the war. Hundreds of Tomahawk missiles have been deployed, with each missile costing about $3.5 million, as noted by the BBC.
As the war continues, the reported daily expenses for the US have varied. While American officials claim that spending has decreased, experts estimate that the current daily cost remains around $385 million. The US Department of Defense has reported a 90 percent reduction in Iranian drone and missile attacks.
The police have launched a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating middlemen from government offices. As part of this initiative, the government has issued directive letters to all police offices across the country, instructing them to take necessary action, police Deputy Inspector General Abinayaran Kafle informed. Citizens are advised to lodge complaints at the nearest police station or by dialing 100 if any middlemen attempt to obstruct services in any form. Similarly, the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation took a secretarial-level decision on Wednesday to prohibit the entry of middlemen into land survey and revenue offices nationwide and issued respective guidelines. Following the new government’s publication of a 100-point action plan, government agencies have reportedly stepped up concrete efforts to reform administration.
Due to the influence of middlemen at locations such as traffic offices, passport offices, revenue, and surveying offices, service seekers have been facing significant inconvenience. Police officials acknowledge that middlemen at these offices have been illegally collecting fees under the pretense of ‘assisting’ service recipients in areas with heavy foot traffic, including police stations and other government offices. “Therefore, monitoring, arrests, and control measures have been undertaken at these places to initiate legal action,” spokesperson Kafle explained. Alongside police stations, a circular was issued on Wednesday to restrict middlemen’s entry into other service offices and to detain and prosecute those involved.
“We are deploying plainclothes police officers in government offices to discourage these ongoing activities,” Kafle added. The main points of the circular issued by the police headquarters include: installing CCTV cameras at the main gates and surrounding areas of police offices for surveillance; maintaining records of service seekers and preventing middlemen’s access; restricting unnecessary crowding and unauthorized entry in offices handling legal cases. Additionally, the circular calls for a complete ban on non-legal panchayat systems resolving disputes, especially in the Terai-Madhesh region; identification, arrest, and prosecution of middlemen or individuals causing inconvenience in other direct service offices in accordance with the law. “The circular emphasizes providing impartial, transparent, and complaint-free service in accordance with legal methods and procedures,” stated police spokesperson Kafle.
The CPN-UML is preparing to caution Acting Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) against making statements that contradict the party’s core values. A party leader stated, ‘Yesterday, Badal made remarks in parliament that went against the party’s principles. He will be instructed on parliamentary procedures and warned to be more cautious in the future.’ Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel has informed that Badal’s controversial parliamentary statements will be discussed seriously in the UML secretariat meeting and appropriate decisions will be taken.
Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has decided to warn Acting Chairman and parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) against making statements that contradict party values. A party leader confirmed that Badal will be cautioned during today’s secretariat meeting, scheduled at 1 PM. The leader added, ‘Yesterday, Badal spoke against the party’s values in parliament. He will be educated about parliamentary processes and warned to avoid repeating such statements.’
On 19 Chaitra, during the parliamentary session, Badal accused conspiracies and collusion among agencies regarding the people’s movements on 23 and 24 Bhadra last year and the election on 21 Falgun. He also made allegations contrary to the party’s governance stance against the Nepali Army, civil servants, and foreign agencies. These controversial remarks caused unrest within the UML. Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel stated that this issue will be seriously discussed in today’s secretariat meeting and appropriate action will be taken.
Currently, Badal serves as a proportional representation member of parliament. After the arrest of Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Badal was appointed as acting chairman and leader of the parliamentary party. Another UML leader, Surendra Pandey, responded to Badal’s controversial comments by acknowledging the UML’s shared responsibility in the present political environment and blaming the previous government’s inertia. Writing on Facebook, he said, ‘Yesterday, lengthy tales of conspiracies were heard in parliament. The army did not save, the officials did not support, technology failed – all blame is shifted to others. We are also at fault. Our government’s inaction must be held responsible for creating such a situation.’
Kathmandu, 20 Chaitra – Nepal Police has announced the call for more than 400 applications for various technical positions. Recruitment is open for ranks including Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspector of Police, Sub-Inspector of Police, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, and Police Constable. Applications are invited in engineering fields such as Computer, Communication, Civil, Electrical, Building and Architecture, and Automobile.
Similarly, positions in forensic science including Biology and Chemistry, and healthcare roles such as Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Dietetics, Physiotherapy Technologist, Staff Nurse, Pharmacy Assistant, and CMA are also open for application. For the Police Constable posts, 280 applications can be submitted, while for other positions, 129 applications are accepted.
The deadline to submit applications for Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspector of Police, Sub-Inspector of Police, and Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police is set from 25 Chaitra to 24 Baishakh. For technical Police Constable posts, the application period is from 26 Chaitra to 31 Baishakh. View the advertisement here – also check out the notice published in GorakhaPatra Daily –
The US space agency NASA’s ‘Artemis II’ mission has successfully passed a critical engine test phase and commenced its journey toward the Moon. Launched from Florida, the spacecraft orbited Earth for 24 hours before completing the engine burn that propelled it from Earth’s orbit toward lunar trajectory. The engine burn lasted less than six minutes, pushing the ‘Orion’ capsule, carrying four astronauts, on its mission toward the Moon. NASA has confirmed the successful execution of this maneuver that sent the astronauts beyond Earth’s orbit.
During the total 10-day mission, the crew will undertake the farthest human space travel to date, covering an estimated 219,639 nautical miles. Previously, during the Apollo missions, 13 astronauts had traveled approximately 217,000 nautical miles in 1970, with Apollo missions being the only human expeditions to have landed on the lunar surface. Howard Hu, the Orion program manager, described the mission’s progress as “steeply upward” and revealed that he had not been able to rest well during the past 24 hours.
Canadian crew member Jeremy Hansen reported that he and his fellow astronauts are feeling well. Reflecting on the engine burn, he stated that humans have once again demonstrated their capabilities. According to US time, Orion will approach the Moon on Monday but will pass at a distance before beginning its return trip. The astronauts are scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. NASA has stated that the flight so far has been flawless.
Scientists note that this mission will also help identify safe methods to transport astronauts to the lunar surface in future missions. The Artemis II crew will practice operating and managing the Orion spacecraft in preparation for future lunar landings. After beginning their journey, the astronauts aboard Orion have eaten their first meal in space and are currently broadcasting live. Although they have yet to communicate with their families, NASA officials say this opportunity will come soon. Until now, the crew has been very busy. The mission includes three American astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover—and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Leader of the CPN-UML, Surendra Pandey, responded to the controversial remarks made by parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, stating that politics aimed at blaming others will no longer be effective. Pandey pointed out that the inactivity of the former UML-led government contributed to the current political situation.
Pandey wrote on Facebook, “Yesterday, long stories of ‘conspiracy’ were heard in parliament. The army did not protect, staff did not support, technology failed – all blame placed on others! Aren’t we also responsible—doesn’t our own government’s inactivity bear responsibility for creating this environment?” He commented that the nationalist politics claiming to be ‘besieged’ is quite old, adding, “The only genuine nationalist line now is Nepal’s economic reform; everything else is just individual agendas.”
He emphasized the need for an investigation into the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 and added, “However, the reality that our politics does not align with the aspirations of the people must not be ignored.” Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, who is also the acting chairperson of the UML, had previously stated that the outcomes of the Jana Jivan Andolan on Bhadra 23 and 24, as well as the Falgun 21 elections, were results of conspiracies and collusion among various agencies.
Badal’s controversial statements have stirred reactions within the UML. Vice President Bishnu Paudel has informed that today’s secretariat meeting will hold serious discussions regarding Badal’s comments and appropriate decisions will be made.
Under-construction bridges in Panchthar and Taplejung have been damaged by floods, disrupting local life and causing significant losses to government investments. Pawan Bhattarai, Head of the Road Division Office in Ilam, emphasized the need for a thorough study to determine the causes of the damage to the bridges. Bridge design expert Sakil Manandhar has suggested that climate change necessitates updating technology and construction methods for building bridges.
On March 31, in Panchthar, bridges under construction over Mewakhola in Panchthar and Neruwa River in Taplejung, located along the Mid-Hill Highway, collapsed during floods. Both bridges were scheduled to be completed during this year’s monsoon season. Engineers confirmed that the damage was caused by flooding. Every year, floods destroy and damage bridges in districts such as Eastern Panchthar, Ilam, and Taplejung, causing hardships for local residents and incurring substantial losses to government projects.
The recurring flood damage—and resulting destruction—of bridges and Bailey bridges has raised questions about the need to revise construction technology. For example, the Mewakhola bridge on the Mid-Hill Highway was previously washed away by floods in Ashad 2080 (mid-2023). The current damage occurred at the same construction site. At that time, five bridges were swept away by floods in Panchthar alone. “The contractor had completed work ahead of the deadline, including concrete casting. However, the flood in Chaitra caused damage to the staging and ultimately destroyed the bridge,” said Shivram Prasad Dev, engineer at the Mid-Hill Highway Project Office in Phidim. “The bridge was expected to be ready for vehicle use within a few weeks.”
Similarly, bridges over Oyam Khola and Phalame Khola along the highway were destroyed by floods in Asad 2081 (mid-2024). Numerous bridges in Panchthar, Taplejung, and Ilam have been swept away by floods over the years. This year, a Bailey bridge over Hellok Khola in Taplejung was also destroyed by floods in Shrawan (July-August). In 2080 BS, four motorable bridges over Hewakhola in Panchthar washed away. Subsequently, a Bailey bridge over Hewakhola along the Mechi Highway was also destroyed by floodwaters in Ashoj 2081 (September-October) and replaced with a modular bridge.
“The pattern of how water flows has changed. Floods in the months of Chaitra, Ashoj, and Kartik have been damaging the bridges. We need to study the reasons for these damages,” Pawan Bhattarai of the Road Division Office Ilam stated. “No matter how well roads and infrastructure are built, factors like encroachment and human-made disturbances continue to affect these structures.” Bridges built and under construction in the hills are suffering flood damage annually. Bridges designed to withstand a 100-year flood are collapsing within a few years. Water flow patterns have shifted, with rainfall occurring at different times and concentrated in specific areas. Such changes require detailed studies,” said Shailendra Singh, Chief of the Infrastructure Development Office in Panchthar.
The absence of bridges causes transportation difficulties during the rainy season. Despite alternative routes when parts of the Mechi Highway are blocked, problems persist due to damaged bridges. According to Naveen Sah, engineer at the Bridge Sector Project Office in Itahari, out of eight bridges, construction is ongoing on only five. While the contracts for all bridges have expired, work has stalled. Progress on bridges contracted in 2078 BS (2021-2022) remains weak: navigation bridge 39%, Lakhua Khola bridge 30%, Raghua bridge 26%, Charuwa bridge 67%, and Kabuwa bridge 25% progress only.
Caption: Most of Iran’s uranium stockpile, believed to be stored in Isfahan, was damaged in last year’s US-Israel strikeArticle Details
It may seem far-fetched that US forces would conduct a covert raid on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities to seize enriched uranium. However, this is reportedly a key objective President Donald Trump is considering to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Military experts and former US defense officials interviewed note that such an operation would be extremely challenging and risky. It would require on-site troop deployment and could take several days or weeks to complete.
Mike Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, described the removal of uranium stockpiles as “one of the most complex operations in history.”
This is one of several military actions Trump could take against Iran.
He further stated that US measures might include pressuring to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and attempts to control Kharg Island. The administration might also issue new military threats to bring Iran to the negotiating table.
In a telephone interview with the US partner network CBS News on Monday, President Trump declined to say whether victory in a war without destroying or seizing Iran’s ‘enriched uranium’ was possible.
However, referring to damage inflicted during the US-Israel strike in June last year, he appeared to downplay the importance of those stockpiles. “It’s so deep that no one can get in easily,” Trump said. “It’s very secure. We will decide.”
This statement came after The Wall Street Journal reported that the US is preparing to extract the nuclear material. The White House said the final decision remains pending with Trump.
Experts say that leadership challenges targeting Iran’s weapons stockpiles would be significant.
At the start of the war, Iran had about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, which can be rapidly further refined to weapons-grade at the 90-percent threshold.
Iran also possesses roughly 1,000 kilograms of uranium enriched to 20 percent and 8,500 kilograms enriched to 3.8 percent, which is acceptable for medical research purposes.
Most uranium that can be easily used in bombs or missiles is believed to be stored in Isfahan. This site was among three underground nuclear facilities targeted in last year’s US-Israel airstrike.
However, it is unclear if highly enriched uranium is stored at other locations.
Jason Campbell, a former US defense official, said a military operation would be simpler if the exact locations of stockpiles were known.
“The best-case scenario is knowing exactly where it is,” Campbell explained. “If it’s spread across four different locations, the complexity increases significantly.”
Image source: Getty Images
Caption: Satellite image after recent airstrikes on Isfahan missile facility
Additionally, some highly enriched uranium might be stored in Fordow and Natanz. Both sites were targeted during the military operation titled ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ last year.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated last month that most highly enriched uranium is at Isfahan with some possibly at Natanz. However, inspectors have not returned to the sites since the 2025 US-Israel strikes.
“Many questions will only be clear once we can return,” Grossi said.
Even without confirmation, the US has made estimates about uranium locations, but reaching those places would pose another challenge.
Before the US-Israel attack, Iran had reportedly reinforced underground structures near its nuclear sites. Satellite images from February show entrances to tunnel complexes at Isfahan blocked with earth, complicating operations.
Since the start of warfare, US and Israeli airstrikes have destroyed Iranian naval assets, ballistic missiles, and industrial infrastructure. However, experts insist securing enriched uranium stocks requires ground troop deployments.
The US might deploy its 82nd Airborne Division in the Middle East to secure the areas around Isfahan and Natanz before sending trained special forces to retrieve the enriched uranium.
Satellite images reveal damage to the interior of the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities from US airstrikes. Iran may counterattack, requiring US forces to use heavy equipment to locate and extract uranium from underground tunnels.
“First you have to excavate and then locate it while operating under constant threat,” Campbell noted.
Image source: Getty Images
Caption: 2025 satellite image of Natanz nuclear enrichment facility
Iran’s reaction and the risks involved if US ground forces attack key nuclear sites remain open questions.
Alex Plitsas, senior fellow at the Scowcroft Middle East Security Institute and former US defense official, said, “If necessary, Iranian defense capabilities would be weakened to strengthen such an operation,” but it would still carry very high risks.
The operation could take many forms, but experts agree it would require capturing airspace or establishing an air assault zone before removing enriched uranium from Iran.
The specially trained 82nd Airborne Division could work with US forces to establish forward operating bases for such a mission. After uranium retrieval, the US would decide whether to remove it from Iran or destroy it onsite.
Senior administration officials indicate that early in the war, the US might prefer to destroy highly enriched uranium on site rather than remove it.
Jonathan Ruhe, an Iran nuclear program expert at the conservative think tank Jewish Institute for National Security of America in Washington DC, described such an operation as large, complex, and time-consuming.
Ruhe said uranium could be rapidly seized and extracted but acknowledged the high risks involved.
“You’re talking about removing nearly half a ton of weapons-grade uranium,” Ruhe stated.
“And this could create a million complications.”
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The Postal Service Department has initiated procedures to enable sending goods abroad and clearing imports even on public holidays.
The Customs Office and bank branch at the customs postal office in Dillibazar are being prepared to remain open during public holidays to facilitate service.
In the month of Fagu, the customs postal office imported approximately 19,200 items and exported around 11,700 items, generating revenue of Rs 2.94 million.
March 3 (20th Chaitra), Kathmandu – Initiatives have begun to enable the sending of goods abroad and clearance of imported goods through postal offices even on public holidays. The Postal Service Department, in coordination with the Customs Department, has commenced processes to provide these services on such days.
Although the customs postal office in Dillibazar has traditionally operated services on public holidays, the closure of the customs office and bank branch located there caused issues with inspections and clearances. Following complaints about service disruptions due to lack of coordination among different agencies, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology also took notice of the issue. Under the direction of Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina, the Postal Service Department is preparing to make import-export services available via postal channels even on public holidays.
Manmaya Bhattarai Pangeny, Director General of the Postal Service Department, stated, “Sending goods through postal services or international courier has been available from the customs postal office on public holidays. However, the closure of the customs office branch at Tribhuvan International Airport on these days caused problems with inspection passes. We have informed the Customs Department both verbally and in writing to resolve this issue.”
Similarly, Shyam Prasad Bhandari, Director General of the Customs Department, has assured that arrangements will be made to keep the customs branch at the customs postal office operational on public holidays.
The bank branch at the location is also preparing to remain open to facilitate revenue payments. Efforts are underway to keep the National Commercial Bank’s branch operational during public holidays.
In the month of Fagu alone, the customs postal office in Dillibazar handled over 19,200 items, including parcels, small packets, ordinary letters, registered letters, and book posts arriving from foreign countries.
Exports were approximately 11,700 items, generating around Rs 2.94 million in revenue for the customs office, according to officials.
Operating offices on public holidays is expected to offer more convenient service to citizens and improve the overall business and performance of the office.
