Nepali Congress is preparing to proceed with the selection process for the parliamentary party leader only after the Speaker of the House of Representatives is elected. Following the Speaker’s election, the Congress will convene a Central Working Committee meeting to form an election committee responsible for selecting the parliamentary party leader. It is highly likely that the Congress will adopt a voting process for choosing the leader after the House of Representatives election. Kathmandu, 19 Chaitra. The newly formed House of Representatives has completed the election of the Speaker, and only then will the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, finalize its parliamentary party leader. Since senior member Arjun Narasingh KC, elected from the proportional representation list, currently holds the senior member’s role, Congress intends to delay selecting the party leader.
Because KC has expressed interest in the position, Congress plans to advance the process for selecting the parliamentary party leader only after the Speaker is chosen. A senior Congress leader revealed that discussions on choosing the parliamentary party leader will commence only after the Speaker’s election. “Arjun Narasingh Dai has shown interest. Currently, he is functioning in the role of presiding over the House,” the leader said. “Once the Speaker is elected, he will no longer have to operate as the senior member of parliament. Only then will our discussions proceed.”
The election for the Speaker of the House of Representatives is scheduled for 22 Chaitra, with nominations closing on 20 Chaitra. On the same day as the election and handover of the Speaker’s office, Congress MP KC’s duties as senior member will conclude. According to Congress sources, the party appears likely to select the parliamentary party leader only after 23 Chaitra. Congress General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire has announced that a Central Working Committee meeting has been called to form the election committee for leader selection. He stated that the Central Working Committee meeting, set for the upcoming Saturday, will form the election committee. “The Working Committee will convene and establish the election committee. That committee will carry the process forward,” General Secretary Ghimire said. “We have convened the Working Committee meeting for Saturday.”
Google has begun testing a new colorful interface for its digital wallet app, Google Wallet. The latest version (v26.12.88) features a significant redesign of passes, movie tickets, and loyalty cards. The updated interface displays the pass name, number, date, and shortcut settings prominently on the first page, allowing users to pin their favorite cards for quick access.
This update aims to make Google Wallet more attractive and user-friendly. According to Android Authority, Google is adopting the ‘Material 3 Expressive’ design style for individual passes. A key aspect of the redesign is the use of vibrant backgrounds, giving the app a more modern appearance than before. When a pass is opened, its name, number, addition date, and shortcut settings will all be visible upfront on the primary screen.
Users will also be able to mark frequently used passes as favorites using a star icon, simplifying the selection process. Additionally, the photo of each pass or ticket will now occupy the upper half of the screen, enhancing clarity for scanning or viewing details. Currently, this new design is in limited testing with select users and may take some time before it becomes widely available. Google is implementing these changes to transform Wallet from a mere payment app into a comprehensive digital lifestyle platform.
Dr. Govinda KC has urged the government to ensure that decisions regarding MBBS admissions remain within the legal framework. The Medical Education Commission meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, expressed serious concern over the recent decisions on MBBS admissions. Dr. KC warned that if decisions contrary to the rule of law are not withdrawn and demands addressed, he will launch a protest movement. Kathmandu, 2 April.
Medical education reform activist Dr. Govinda KC has appealed to the government to adhere to legal boundaries when making decisions about MBBS admissions. The 24th meeting of the Medical Education Commission, held under Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s chairmanship, drew attention to the decisions on MBBS admissions and noted that these raise questions about the established laws and systems governing medical education, Dr. KC said.
In a press release issued Thursday, Dr. KC recalled that there is a clear legal provision requiring eligibility for admission in all subjects, including MBBS, to be based on a merit list. He cautioned that making decisions contrary to regulations when students have already been admitted and classes begun this year is against the principles of the rule of law.
Respecting the sentiments of the new generation striving for the rule of law, he urged the Prime Minister to ensure that laws are not broken or undermined. The release stated, “One can seek legal and alternative measures, but it is unacceptable to violate the law to fulfill anyone’s personal aspirations.”
On 15 March, the Cabinet proposed admitting Ekta Shah, who was injured during the Gen-Z Movement, to MBBS under an additional scholarship quota. The commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday was called to implement this proposal, which has been described as illegal.
Dr. KC also warned the Medical Education Commission officials to pave the way for qualified individuals. He reiterated the government’s obligation to implement various past agreements and requested again that the commission withdraw the decision that violates the Medical Education Act and related regulations. Currently receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Dr. KC, who has long been advocating for reforms, good governance, and social justice in education and healthcare sectors, warned that if demands remain unaddressed, he will escalate his protest with a satyagraha movement.
March 19, Kathmandu – During the reconstruction of the historic Great Mosque in Homs, Syria, an ancient Greek inscription has been uncovered. This discovery brings a new perspective to a longstanding archaeological debate. Experts state that the inscription provides compelling evidence that the famous ‘Temple of the Sun’ from the Roman Empire era lies beneath the mosque. Professor Mamoun Saleh Abdulkarim, an archaeologist from the University of Sharjah, described this find as an excellent example of the gradual religious transformation of the site.
According to him, the location originally housed a pagan temple, which was later converted into a church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and ultimately transformed into a mosque following Islamic conquest. Although the inscription was first uncovered during excavations in 2016 on the top of a granite pillar of the mosque, detailed study was delayed due to conflict and instability in the region. This historic material narrates a heroic saga of a ‘warrior king,’ praising his royal power and victories by likening them to the wind, storms, and leopards.
Written in Greek, the inscription clearly reflects the grammatical influence of the local Aramaic language commonly used in Syria at the time. Its style is highly formal and respectful, reflecting a traditional approach to the construction of temples or monuments in ancient times. The temple is associated with the cult of the sun god named Elagabalus. Roman Emperor Elagabalus, who ruled during this period, attempted to elevate this sun deity as the supreme god of the Roman Empire.
Professor Abdulkarim noted that this recent discovery at the city of Emesa (modern-day Homs) demonstrates that religious change there was not abrupt but a very slow and progressive process. Rather than completely demolishing the old structure, new faiths were layered on top of the existing foundations. The transformation began with the grand sun temple of Elagabalus during Roman times, transitioned into a church as Christian influence grew in the fourth century, and continued until the twelfth century under the rule of Nur ad-Din, when the structure was built as the Great Mosque. This research was published in the archaeological journal ‘Sedet’. It confirms that beyond its role as a commercial hub, Homs has been a center of religious tolerance and cultural adaptation for over two millennia. Scholars believe that the full analysis of this inscription will greatly enhance understanding of the ancient religious history of the Middle East.
In the Medical Education Commission meeting, a proposal was presented to grant additional scholarships to Ekta Shah in line with a Cabinet decision.
Commission members pointed out that the proposal violated existing law as MBBS seat allocation and admission processes had already been completed.
Despite objections citing legal violations, the proposal was pushed forward under ministerial direction, revealing disagreements within the commission.
On March 19, Kathmandu – The 24th meeting of the Medical Education Commission was convened at 4:00 pm at the Prime Minister’s Office. Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel, who also serves as co-chair of the commission, Health Minister Nisha Mehta, and other commission members attended the meeting.
The meeting was called to implement a Cabinet decision. Although arrangements were made for Prime Minister Balen Shah to chair the meeting, he did not attend.
As Vice-Chair Dr. Anjanikumar Jha began reading the agenda, all present objected since the proposal raised by him was deemed to contravene existing laws.
On March 15, the Cabinet had resolved to grant an additional scholarship to Ekta Shah, who was injured during the Janajati movement, for MBBS studies.
The meeting was called to implement this decision, but the proposal itself conflicts with the law. The MBBS seat allocation, entrance exam, result publication, and student selection processes have already been completed for this year.
Since these procedures have been finalized and students selected, granting Ekta Shah an additional scholarship seat violates the law.
According to one member present, the proposal was forcibly approved under the pretext of implementing the Cabinet decision, despite it contravening legal provisions. The proposal was brought in based on the March 15 Cabinet decision to award the additional scholarship.
“This decision gives the impression that rules and laws do not matter. The number of scholarships, merit, and admission processes are all determined by law, but giving an additional seat on the basis of being ‘injured’ violates legal procedures,” said the member.
Members indicated that the agenda was not clearly conveyed at the meeting’s start.
They were initially only informed that the meeting would implement the Cabinet decision, but the issue of granting an additional scholarship was introduced only after attendance.
Ekta Shah.
Members recalled that after the proposal was introduced, several raised doubts about the legal framework and scholarship limits. Some objected saying decisions could not disregard the law, but the proposal was advanced under ministerial direction.
One member described the proposal as being imposed under the guise of implementing the Cabinet’s decision.
“We were not fully informed about the agenda. Later we found out that an additional seat was to be granted. The decision seemed to be forced forward,” the member stated.
Under current arrangements, scholarships are distributed according to merit and legal criteria. Granting an additional seat to a single individual on the basis of injury during the Janajati movement calls into question the merit-based admission system, they argued.
“This is a policy issue. If rules are broken for one person today, it risks opening the door for others in the future,” the member added.
How the Law Was Overridden
Ekta Shah scored 57.5 marks on the MBBS entrance exam and ranked 7,640th in eligibility order.
She is from Barju Gaupalika-6, Sunsari. The Cabinet had instructed the Medical Education Commission on March 15 to provide an additional scholarship seat for her, citing her status as an injured activist, with ‘injury card’ number 165.
The commission’s agenda notes that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, following the Cabinet’s decision, received budget approval from the Ministry of Finance on February 28 to cover the additional scholarship costs from the current fiscal year’s grant to medical education providers.
However, this decision conflicts with existing law.
According to the National Medical Education Act, 2075 (2018), only the commission has the authority to determine the number of seats at educational institutions. Section 17 states that the commission shall annually set seat numbers for universities, institutes, and other teaching institutions based on established criteria.
Furthermore, subsection (3) of Section 17 requires admissions of students selected through entrance exams to follow a matching system.
For the academic year 2082/83, as of August 15, the commission has already allocated 2,635 seats across various institutions.
The MBBS entrance exam was conducted from November 1 to 5, with results published and admissions through a matching system reaching the final stages.
If the Cabinet’s decision is implemented as is, it directly conflicts with Section 17 provisions regarding student admission and the academic calendar.
Since the seats have been finalized and students selected, creating an additional scholarship seat violates the intent of the law, another member stated.
“The seats have already been determined. The entrance exam has been conducted. The merit list has been finalized. Granting extra seats or scholarships under the Cabinet’s directive bypasses the law,” the member said.
Members also said the rule requiring agendas to be provided at least 24 hours before meetings was violated.
“We were informed about the meeting at 4 pm on Wednesday, but the agenda was shared only the previous night, and it only mentioned ‘implementation of Cabinet decision’ without details,” the member explained.
Critics claim the decision was pushed forward with a lack of transparency.
“Bringing such an agenda without notifying commission members suggests an attempt to pass the decision covertly,” the member said. “A Cabinet decision can never override the law.”
Some commission members are reportedly preparing to formally register dissent motions in upcoming meetings.
Vice-Chair Dr. Jha Remains Neutral
Vice-Chair Dr. Anjanikumar Jha confirmed that the topic of granting an additional scholarship to Ekta Shah was discussed during Wednesday’s meeting.
He said the Cabinet’s decision was brought forward for discussion but declined to comment on why the commission proposed an action that contradicts the law, stating, “I have no comment on this matter.”
He added that the issue remains under discussion and no approval has been granted. He also mentioned that other co-chairs have not contacted him for further clarification on this matter.
Research shows that women fall behind in the workplace primarily due to time constraints caused by balancing both domestic and professional responsibilities. The main reason women lag at work is not solely due to different behavior or lower pay. A recent study led by Professor Toyin Adisa and colleagues from the University of East London (UEL) has uncovered a deeper cause, termed the ‘Hidden Time Gap’. Published in the International Journal of Management Reviews, the study analyzed 88 different research papers and concluded that women are not less capable or ambitious but are hindered by a lack of time.
The impact of dual responsibilities: According to the research, many women essentially carry out “two jobs”: one being the paid office work, and the other the unpaid, ongoing household tasks such as caregiving, cooking, and other domestic duties. This dual workload leaves women with insufficient time to expand their professional networks, pursue training, participate actively at work, or focus on career advancement. Professor Adisa explains, “The reason women fall behind is not a lack of ability but because workplaces fail to acknowledge their ‘double shift’—the dual responsibilities at home and in the office. We still imagine the ideal worker as someone with no home obligations and unlimited time.”
Flexible working arrangements alone are insufficient: The study also revealed that while many organizations offer flexible working options, these have not fully resolved the issue. Although working hours may be adjustable, productivity and availability expectations continue to be based on the traditional model of an ‘ideal worker,’ exacerbating mental pressure on women. This problem is widespread globally, not confined to Africa or developing countries. Cultural expectations, especially related to motherhood, further limit women’s time, preventing them from competing equally with male colleagues.
Structural change, not just surface-level reforms, is needed: Professor Adisa and her team emphasize that small policy tweaks are not enough to solve the problem. They highlight several critical measures: supportive childcare—accessible, quality childcare facilities close to or within workplaces should be available; fair distribution of workload—household and professional duties must be shared equally between men and women; and work restructuring—assessment should be based on outcomes rather than time spent, with recognition given to domestic responsibilities. Adisa adds, “If we truly want to create inclusive workplaces, society must rethink the value of caregiving and revise the expectations placed on employees by organizations.”
In Panchthar’s Hilihang Rural Municipality–5, a pickup truck accident resulted in the death of 24-year-old Abhas Mabo. According to police, the accident occurred after the pickup lost control and fell 50 meters off the road. Among the three passengers in the vehicle, 24-year-old Sandip Ubharkoti was injured, while driver Krishna Bahadur Barailee has been taken into police custody.
March 19, Panchthar – A fatal pickup truck accident in Hilihang Rural Municipality–5 claimed the life of local resident Abhas Mabo, aged 24. The pickup truck, registered as Me 1 Cha 6029 and transporting firewood from Amliso’s Kucco Boko, went off the road at a bend and fell 50 meters down. According to information provided by the Panchthar police, the vehicle was carrying three individuals including the driver. Although 24-year-old Sandip Ubharkoti was injured, his condition is reported to be stable. The driver Krishna Bahadur Barailee has been detained by the authorities.
The new Covid-19 variant BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’, part of the Omicron family, was first detected in South Africa in November 2024.
This variant infects children aged 3 to 15 more frequently, with infections in New York found to be five times higher than other variants.
Scientists confirm that Cicada does not cause severe illness, current vaccines offer strong protection, and a major pandemic wave is unlikely.
A newly identified and highly mutated variant of the Omicron group, BA.3.2, has emerged and has been named ‘Cicada’ by scientists.
The name was inspired by the cicada insect, known for remaining underground for long periods before resurfacing, reflecting the variant’s mysterious reappearance.
The most unusual feature of this variant is that it predominantly affects children aged 3 to 15 years rather than the elderly.
Scientists noted that the Omicron sublineage BA.3, identified in 2022, had remained hidden in an enigmatic manner.
Experts hypothesize that this virus had persisted in an individual with a compromised immune system for two years, during which extensive mutation occurred due to prolonged virus-host interaction.
First identified in November 2024 in a 5-year-old child in South Africa, BA.3.2 shows 70 mutations in the spike protein compared to the original 2019 virus, and 53 mutations relative to its parent strain.
Analysis of data from New York City shows the likelihood of children contracting BA.3.2 is five times higher than with other variants.
Authorities emphasize that this variant has not caused severe illness or hospitalizations, and current vaccines remain effective. In Germany, where it once accounted for 30% of infections, cases are now declining.
To date, the variant has been detected in wastewater samples from 23 countries worldwide and 25 U.S. states.
Scientists believe that because BA.3.2 binds less strongly to the ACE-2 receptor, it is unlikely to trigger a large-scale global wave like previous variants.
According to Dr. Tulio de Oliveira of South Africa, there is no immediate need to launch new vaccination campaigns, but it is essential to closely monitor the virus’s mutations continuously.
Ravi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party and newly elected member of parliament, stated that they have received a mandate not to run the Singha Durbar (central government complex) but to transform it, and that work has already begun.
Addressing the first session of the House of Representatives following the recent elections, he declared that the government’s operations will now be vocalized.
“You have witnessed the government’s pace. Now the entire country, including the bureaucracy, has no option but to keep up with this speed. We are ready to take ownership not only of our commitments but also of the legitimate commitments of the opposition parties,” he said.
Additional Remarks by Lamichhane
He invited opposition members to monitor their activities 24/7.
“Please point out if we err; correct us if we stray,” he said, “In a democracy, the ruling party and the opposition are not just competitors but also complementary forces. One governs, the other monitors. We will not allow the opposition’s voice to weaken; if that happens, democracy itself grows weak.”
“Yesterday, laws were amended and ordinances issued to protect our own and trap the opposition. I want to inform this house that such wrongful activities will be corrected immediately.”
“The chapter of arrogance and retaliation against the opposition will not repeat. There will be no discrimination based on belief. No one’s microphone will be cut off for not wanting to listen to unfair, oppressive remarks. Parliamentary committees will not conduct retaliation or oppression based on numerical pressure. The pace of good governance will not stop.”
“The first right to justice belongs to the mother of a martyr; this cannot be termed retaliation.”
Lamichhane issued a public apology on behalf of the government to the Dalit community for the “centuries-old history of discrimination, injustice, and oppression.”
He also apologized to citizens working abroad for the “personal sacrifices they have had to make.”
“This country has not properly honored your sacrifices. Now your pain will no longer remain just a story, it will become policy and a state priority,” he said. “Intermediaries and labor mafia will now be held accountable. The upcoming policies and budgets will be for you.”
Questions Raised on Karki Commission Report
Photo Source, RSS
Bhishmaraj Angdembe, a member of parliament from Nepali Congress, stressed the necessity to thoroughly examine the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 (September 8 and 9).
“Some witness the events of the 23rd but not the 24th, others see the destruction on the 24th but not the suppression on the 23rd,” he remarked. “This approach is flawed. Even the commission established by the previous government recommended investigation and prosecution for the incidents on the 23rd but indicated that the 24th was not properly investigated. What kind of approach is this?”
“I want to draw the attention of the new prime minister: Will the government itself publish the commission’s report, or will it rely on newspaper coverage? The government should present itself with wisdom, respecting the law and procedural decorum.”
UML Raises Concerns Over Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Victory
Photo Source, RSS
Rambahadur Thapa, a member of parliament from the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), described the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s victory as “magical” and a “miraculous triumph.”
“Primarily the Nepali Army, the bureaucracy, the Sushila [Karki] government, Karki commission, and NGOs like the Barbara Foundation played decisive roles in this victory,” he claimed.
Thapa said this victory raises “several extraordinary questions.”
“For what purpose were the Singha Durbar, Sheetal Niwas, Baluwatar, Supreme Court, private residences of political leaders, police stations, and commercial establishments systematically set on fire? Who incited the innocent students to cross prohibited areas, and why? What was the motive behind the mysterious appearance of armed ‘TOBs’? Why were former prime ministers and home ministers arrested illegally, and plans made to arrest political leaders?” he asked. “We will continue to raise these and similar questions with full force to the government.”
“RSP Should Learn From Our Past”
Photo Source, RSS
Barshaman Pun of the Communist Party of Nepal reminded that although they once secured strong public support in the past, they failed to capitalize on it effectively, urging the Rastriya Swatantra Party to learn from this experience.
“Learn from our shortcomings and work towards advancing the country. We are ready to support you.”
Hark Sampang from the Labor Culture Party advocated for the cancellation of the ‘MCC’ agreement with the United States, to protect the country’s sovereignty, geopolitical balance, and non-aligned foreign policy.
He also said he would support the government in establishing a process for directly electing the executive.
Similarly, Gyan Bahadur Shahi from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party pledged to assist in reaching a two-thirds majority if the process to abolish the provincial structure is initiated.
Mahavir Pun, elected from Myagdi, introduced himself as an “unusual member of parliament.”
“I am different; my way of speaking and working is also different,” he said. “I am a social worker and will remain one. My role in the parliament will be impartial rather than simply supporting or opposing.”
Pun stated that during the previous government, he attempted to introduce some education-related ordinances but resigned from his ministerial position and contested elections when that effort failed.
He served as Education Minister under the election government led by Sushila Karki.
Opposition from UML Lawmakers
At the start of the session, UML parliamentarian Guru Baral expressed objection to the arrest of UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, who served as Home Minister in Oli’s government.
As Baral stood to voice protest, Speaker Arjun Narasingh KC instructed him to keep his remarks within two minutes.
Baral demanded immediate release of Oli and Lekhak, and called for investigation and action against perpetrators involved in the repression of peaceful protests against Oli’s arrest.
“I request that the fundamental right to peaceful protest be fully guaranteed in the country,” he added.
Home Minister Presents Three Ordinances
Photo Source, RSS
In Thursday’s session, Home Minister Sudan Gurung presented three ordinances: ‘Voter List First Amendment Ordinance, 2082 (2025)’, ‘House of Representatives Member Election First Amendment Ordinance, 2082’, and ‘Nepal Special Service Second Amendment Ordinance, 2082.’
The next session of the House of Representatives is scheduled for the 22nd of this month, where Speaker Arjun Narasingh KC said the process to elect the Speaker will take place.
For additional video content and updates on this news, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Bus operators have urged the federal government to renew bus committees in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive. The court ordered on Chaitra 20, 2080, that these committees be renewed under the Institution Registration Act 2034. The operators have also appealed to the government to establish scientifically determined fare rates and to halt uncontrolled vehicle imports. (Chaitra 19, Butwal)
During a press conference in Butwal, the Western Nepal Bus Operators Pvt. Ltd. demanded the immediate renewal of transport-related associations registered and operating under the Institution Registration Act 2034, as per the Supreme Court’s order. The directive came from a bench of then Supreme Court justices Satyanarayan Pradhan Malla and Bal Krishna Dhakal, responding to a case filed by the Koshi Bus Operators Association.
The company’s chairman, Dadhiram Kharel, stated, “The court recognized bus committees as social organizations operating under the Institution Registration Act and ordered their renewal as previous committees. Therefore, the current government must implement this order.” He added, “To implement the Supreme Court’s decision, the federal government under Sushil Karki had formed an inquiry commission and submitted recommendations to then Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Chaitra 3. We now demand that the new government’s cabinet put these recommendations into action.”
Chairman Kharel also highlighted that the costs of vehicle chassis, body, spare parts, tires, and fuel have surged significantly, urging the government to set scientifically justified fare rates accordingly. Currently, passenger vehicles are being imported in an uncontrolled manner, displacing existing operators. This not only leads to unnecessary foreign capital outflow but also jeopardizes the businesses of purely domestic investors who have already invested. Therefore, bus operators have requested the government to restrict public passenger vehicle imports strictly according to passenger demand.
The government has issued a warning that in cases of corruption, favoritism, or irregularities, the heads of the concerned agencies and the secretaries of the ministries will be held responsible. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Balen Shah, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal has issued a circular instructing all secretaries to prioritize anti-corruption measures. Chief Secretary Aryal has directed all agencies to take necessary actions to eradicate corruption and establish good governance, and to report any irregularities found. Dated 19 Chaitra, Kathmandu.
The government has publicly warned that any corruption, favoritism, or irregularity occurring within a department or office will lead to accountability of the head of that agency and the ministry secretary. Through the circular issued on Thursday, Chief Secretary Aryal reiterated the government’s commitment to ending corruption. The circular emphasized that eliminating policy, institutional, and procedural corruption in public bodies and establishing good governance remains the government’s top priority, urging secretaries to focus on effective implementation.
The circular states, “All ministries, commissions, offices, and subordinate agencies must take necessary actions to end corruption arising from the abuse of public positions and authority in service delivery, development projects, revenue administration, contracting, and procurement processes. Efforts must be made to establish good governance and integrity to a level perceptible to the citizens.” The Chief Secretary instructed agencies under his jurisdiction to maintain vigilant oversight of any possible corruption and irregularities, and to immediately report related information to the relevant authority. He also warned that if any irregularities or corruption are detected within an agency, its head or the executing official will initially be held responsible. Chief Secretary Aryal has further requested suggestions on policy, legal, institutional, and procedural reforms to prevent financial irregularities and corruption.
March 19, Kathmandu – Oil prices surged after an address by US President Donald Trump. Following the White House statement concerning the ongoing conflict in Iran, Brent crude prices experienced a notable increase. Brent crude, which had been trading around $100 per barrel, showed some volatility during Trump’s speech but saw a significant rise by the end, reaching $105.38 per barrel, a 4% increase.
There had been expectations that Trump would make announcements regarding the Strait of Hormuz. However, since he did not provide new information about the Strait, the price increases were attributed to the uncertainty. The Strait of Hormuz is critically important to the global economy, as nearly 20% of worldwide energy trade passes through this maritime route. Since the conflict that began on February 28, this passage has been nearly closed. Iran has also issued warnings of attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli air strikes.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung presented three ordinances in the House of Representatives. These ordinances relate to citizenship amendment, amendment to the election of House of Representatives members, and amendment to the Nepal Special Service. The Nepal Special Service (Third Amendment) Ordinance has provided for the National Investigation Department to be placed under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During the first session of today’s meeting, after members from various parties expressed their views, he sequentially presented the ‘Citizenship (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082,’ ‘House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082,’ and the ‘Nepal Special Service (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2082.’ These amendments were made via ordinance to ensure reservation based on population under the proportional closed list system, as per Article 84(2) of Nepal’s Constitution.
Following the determination of the House of Representatives election date on Falgun 21, the previous government issued the ‘House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance’ to update the voter list. Home Minister Gurung also informed that the ‘Nepal Special Service (Third Amendment) Ordinance’ was issued to transfer the National Investigation Department from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The meeting also passed condolence motions for the passing of Constituent Assembly members and former members Rishikesh Gautam, Mohammad Aftab Alam, Krishnakumari Shrestha, Amod Prasad Upadhyay, Homanath Dahal, and Baldev Bohara, who served in the Constituent Assembly and National Assembly, at various times. The next House of Representatives meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Chaitra 22, at 11 a.m.
A team dispatched from Swyambhu Police Station arrested 24-year-old Sunil Chimsé, also known as Sunil Gole, from Kakani Rural Municipality-5, Nuwakot, with 4,680 tramadol capsules.
Authorities seized 145 Nitrazepam tablets, 60 Diazepam ampoules, 58 Phenergan ampoules, 58 Narpin ampoules, and 17,300 rupees in cash from him.
March 2, Kathmandu – A man has been arrested with more than 4,000 tramadol capsules.
The individual arrested is 24-year-old Sunil Chimsé, also known as Sunil Gole, a resident of Kakani Rural Municipality-5, Nuwakot. The arrest was made by a team deployed from Swyambhu Police Station.
Authorities confiscated 4,680 tramadol capsules, 145 Nitrazepam tablets, 60 Diazepam ampoules, 58 Phenergan ampoules, 58 Narpin ampoules, along with 17,300 rupees in cash from him.
The first session of the new Parliament has commenced on Chaitra 19 at the Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar, following the election of the members of the House of Representatives. President Ramchandra Paudel, upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, has convened the session of both houses. In the House of Representatives, the National Independent Party holds 182 seats, Nepali Congress 38, and CPN-UML 25 members are present. (Chaitra 19, Kathmandu)
After the election of the House of Representatives members held on Falgun 21, the first session of Parliament has begun today. The meeting was inaugurated in the multi-purpose hall of the under-construction Federal Parliament Building located in Singha Durbar. President Ramchandra Paudel, on Chaitra 16 and in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal, summoned the session of both houses of the Federal Parliament today based on the Council of Ministers’ recommendation.
Senior member Arjunanarasingh KC will open the session by reading the letter regarding the convening of the session and will provide information on the formation of the Council of Ministers. The 275-member House of Representatives currently includes 182 members from the National Independent Party, 38 from Nepali Congress, 25 from CPN-UML, 17 from the Nepal Communist Party, 7 from the Labor Culture Party, 5 from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and one independent member. The agenda includes members from various parties delivering their remarks on the occasion of the session’s commencement.
