Golchha Group, a prestigious industrial and business conglomerate in Nepal, has donated NPR 50 million to the Kathmandu Institute of Child Health (KIOCH). The financial support was announced during an event held on Wednesday, aimed at facilitating accessible treatment and effective health services for children. Shekhar Golchha, chairman of Golchha Group, expressed pride in being part of the campaign to build children’s hospitals across all seven provinces.
The agreement was signed by Shekhar Golchha, chairman of Golchha Group, and Professor Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, founding chairman of KIOCH. Golchha stated, “We are delighted to commence collaboration with KIOCH under our foundation’s social responsibility initiatives starting today. We believe this partnership will continue into the future, enabling children to receive easier access to treatment and higher quality healthcare services through children’s hospitals.”
Professor Dr. Koirala expressed gratitude for Golchha Group’s support, saying, “This contribution will help thousands of children access quality healthcare and greatly assist in the construction of children’s hospitals across all seven provinces.” Currently, hospitals are operational in Damak, Koshi Province, and Kathmandu, Bagmati Province. KIOCH was established with the goal of providing high-quality healthcare services to children across the country. Golchha Group is one of Nepal’s oldest and most prominent business groups, with a distinguished history of pioneering industrialization and founding the country’s first industry.
March 31, Kathmandu – Former Deputy Chairman of the Nepali Congress, Wimlendra Nidhi, has declared the recently held special general convention illegal and stated that they will not recognize it. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after discussions with supporters of Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Nidhi asserted that only their faction represents the legitimate Congress and that they have filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission’s decision.
He further claimed that under Khadka’s leadership as ‘Acting Chairman,’ consecutive Central Committee meetings were held over the past two days. “The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for the 22nd. Although the Election Commission has recognized the special general convention supporters, we consider it illegal, unconstitutional, and politically inappropriate, which is why we have approached the Supreme Court,” Nidhi said. “We have neither recognized nor participated in the special general convention.” The meeting also covered preparations related to the ongoing case, he added.
“Legal advisors and advocates are ready for the hearings, and we are currently deliberating on the matter,” he noted. Nidhi reiterated that only their faction is the legitimate Nepali Congress. “We are the real Congress; wherever we are, that is the true Congress. This is the conclusion we have reached,” he clarified.
According to Nidhi, the session also involved discussions regarding election-related issues. “The circumstances under which the election was conducted produced unpredictable results. The election occurred unexpectedly in 2025 B.S., although it was scheduled for 2027 B.S. We participated to uphold the constitution and undertook a thorough review,” he explained. The discussion extended to current national political matters as well.
“In this regard, the Nepali Congress majority discussed advancing the democratic system with greater strength than before,” Nidhi stated. “Broad unity is necessary for this, and we will make it our mission. We plan to continue dialogue with partners nationwide.” He urged that supporters of the special general convention should also be ready to support party unity.
March 31, Kathmandu — The political transformation following the Janajati movement has brought unexpected success to Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal. After the dissolution of the then Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Thapa chose to remain within the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) or CPN-UML. Within a short span of five years, he has ascended to the positions of acting party chairman and leader of the parliamentary party. The internal crisis within the UML played a significant role in accelerating his rise.
Had the UML avoided its historic defeat in the last election and had Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli not been arrested, Thapa’s role might have remained limited to that of a vice-chairman. However, citing the implementation of the Kari Commission’s recommendations, the former Prime Minister Oli was arrested on the morning of April 2 (Nepali date 14 Chaitra).
“After Oli’s arrest, the chairman appointed Thapa as acting chairman the same day,” said Mahesh Basnet, Secretary of the UML. In fact, a secretariat meeting under Thapa’s leadership had already begun prior to Oli’s arrest. Following the electoral results declared on February 3 (21 Magh), the secretariat had convened on March 15 (1 Chaitra) with Thapa chairing due to Oli being on private bereavement leave. Oli had not presided over any meetings under normal circumstances. After Oli’s detention, another secretariat meeting was held on April 3 (17 Chaitra) under Thapa’s chairmanship, where the decision to select the parliamentary party leader was finalized.
The UML faced two choices in selecting the parliamentary party leader: either to appoint Thapa, a senior leader elected via proportional representation, or to acknowledge the changed political environment by promoting a younger leader. Thapa insisted on his central role, disregarding voices advocating change both inside and outside the party. Had he been responsive to such calls, 36-year-old Suhang Nembang would have become the leader of the UML parliamentary party. Suhang had expressed his interest in leading during the parliamentary party meeting. Sources reveal that Rajendra Rai and Arjun Karki had promised to propose and support Suhang’s candidacy, with some proportional members also voicing support. However, a scheme orchestrated by Rajendra Rai and Arjun Karki limited proposer and supporter roles to directly elected MPs only, creating unforeseen challenges for Suhang upon his arrival in Chyasal.
“Upon reaching Chyasal, Secretary General Shankar Pokhrel had already consolidated his dominance. Since Suhang was unwilling to step back, MPs designated as proposers and supporters were pressured,” sources report.
The decision on the parliamentary party leadership has sparked dissatisfaction within UML ranks. Deputy Secretary General Yogesh Bhattarai publicly voiced his objection to the pressure exerted on MPs, which led to Suhang being unable to secure even a proposer or supporter. Frustration is widespread among young central members as well as local party workers.
The meeting that reshaped the alliance was organized after KP Oli’s arrest provided Thapa the opportunity to become acting chairman. According to party insiders, Thapa revolted during the secretariat meeting on December 27 (13 Poush) and placed himself on the proportional candidate list. Oli had indicated that Thapa should contest a direct electoral constituency. However, due to predictions that Chitwan would be a difficult seat for the UML, Thapa preferred becoming an MP through proportional representation. During that meeting, Thapa vocally objected to the list presented by Oli, which included names such as Guru Baral first among the Khas Arya males and Jitu Gautam Darji amongst Dalit males.
“Is this the list?” Thapa had asked sharply.
However, circumstances changed the next day. “Oli corrected the list by placing Thapa’s name at the top for the indigenous male category. After that, Thapa became silent,” an official said. Once Thapa’s parliamentary seat was secured, Oli restructured the leadership, removing vice-chairman Gokarna Bista and Deputy Secretary General Yogesh Bhattarai among others. Crucially, after securing Thapa’s support, the power balance within UML was fundamentally altered. Currently, Thapa stands poised to lead both the party and the parliamentary faction.
Thapa’s rise was not limited to personal gains but also overshadowed the decade-long Maoist armed insurgency that opposed parliamentary politics. After failing to deliver a constitution through the Constituent Assembly in 2007 BS (1961/62 AD), Thapa was expelled from the Maoist party. Subsequently, Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” gave him opportunities in parliamentary politics and power. Though Thapa led the agitation disturbing the 2014 BS (1957) Constituent Assembly elections, he was appointed Home Minister following the 2017 general election by Prachanda. Though he was not elected to the House of Representatives, Thapa was a member of the National Assembly. However, the UML-Maoist alliance dissolved within three years after 2017 BS (1960) and Oli’s prime ministership following the dissolution of the House of Representatives set the stage for the breakup of the then NCP union. Having originally been a Maoist leader, Thapa resigned his ministerial post and ceased supporting reinstatement of the House of Representatives, opting instead to back Oli by joining the UML. However, during this period, he lost both his National Assembly membership and Home Minister portfolio. He also did not contest in the 2022 elections.
Under Oli’s sole leadership, Thapa was elected vice-chairman during the UML’s decade-old national general convention in 2021 BS (1964) and then re-elected as vice-chairman at the 11th national convention held last December. During the period of the then NCP, Thapa’s seniority over Vishnu Paudel helped elevate their positions within the party, thereby laying the foundation for Thapa’s current appointments as acting chairman and parliamentary party leader.
Nepal Rastra Bank has initiated the process to convert depositors of the troubled Karnali Development Bank into shareholders. The bank’s liabilities exceed its assets by approximately 25 percent, making it impossible to return all deposited funds to the depositors. During the share conversion process, the price per share has been set at NPR 100, and if additional capital is insufficient, plans are underway to raise funds from domestic or foreign investors. Kathmandu, 18 Chaitra.
Nepal Rastra Bank is preparing to make the depositors of Karnali Development Bank shareholders as part of the effort to recapitalize and restart operations of the troubled institution. Since the bank’s liabilities exceed its assets by roughly 25 percent, the central bank has started this process to raise the necessary capital by converting depositors into equity holders. Redistribution of assets and liabilities by liquidation is unfeasible, prompting a plan to revive the bank.
To facilitate this, the governing board of Nepal Rastra Bank has decided to request the Securities Board of Nepal to assist with the process. Approval from the Securities Board is required to convert depositors into shareholders. Tika Ram Khatri, coordinator of the management committee appointed by the central bank, shared that discussions for necessary decisions on this matter have been underway. He explained, “There is a mismatch between the bank’s deposits and assets. Currently, deposits stand at NPR 430 crore, whereas assets total about NPR 365 crore.” According to him, even if all assets were realized, the depositors cannot be reimbursed in full.
Moreover, the quality of the bank’s loan portfolio is weak. Khatri added, “Considering the supervisory haircut as well, depositors cannot be repaid fully.” Therefore, to safeguard depositors, the institution must be restructured and resumed. Under current circumstances, depositors stand to lose around 25 percent of their deposits. To recover their funds through the revival of the bank, the depositors must convert their deposits into shares.
Two options are being explored to raise capital and issue shares in compliance with Nepal Rastra Bank’s directives. One such plan allows depositors to acquire shares equal to or less than their deposits, and initial surveys indicate depositors are amenable to this approach. The share price has been fixed at NPR 100 per share during conversion. If capital remains insufficient, funds will be sought from interested domestic or foreign investors.
Khatri noted, “We have reduced shares held by disorganized founders and common shareholders; the share value has fallen to NPR 1 per share, effectively converting 100 shares into 1. From the existing NPR 50 crore capital, NPR 23 crore has already been written down, leaving about NPR 27-28 crore in capital. To establish paid-up capital and manage liabilities for operational revival, over NPR 400 crore in capital is necessary.” Currently, the bank’s shareholding structure is 51 percent founders and 49 percent general public. After reopening, the shareholding pattern is planned to be adjusted to 60 percent founders and 40 percent public.
Under the Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2058, any share-related activities require approval from the Securities Board. Assistant spokesperson of the Securities Board Tolakant Nyaupane remarked, “The central bank is attempting actions it has not undertaken before, leading to the need for discussions between the Board and the Rastra Bank. Since the laws are unclear, amendments to the Securities Registration and Issuance Regulations and related directives are necessary.”
March 31, Kathmandu – The Patan High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by a young woman demanding the advancement of a supplementary complaint against UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet. The woman had filed a complaint at the District Police Office about allegations involving Basnet in cases of feticide, rape, and robbery, calling for investigation progress. When the complaint did not move forward, she petitioned the Patan High Court. However, the bench of Justices Somkant Mainali and Keshav Prasad Adhikari rejected the writ, noting that legal proceedings were already underway.
The order states, “Following the order issued by the Kathmandu District Court on March 30, 2026 BS (April 13, 2020), the legal process appears to be in progress; therefore, there is no need to issue a mandamus as requested by the petitioner.” The writ petition was consequently dismissed.
With the order made public, UML leader Mahesh Basnet claimed that the ordeal imposed on him by the young woman over the past three years had come to an end. He asserted that all related complaints have been dismissed, and attempts to file supplementary complaints have failed following the High Court’s decision. Nevertheless, the High Court declined the petition, citing the ongoing legal process. On Tuesday, the District Court refused permission to arrest Basnet, stating that an arrest could only proceed after receiving the certified copies of the order from the Patan High Court. Subsequently, the High Court ruled that since the legal proceedings had already begun, no mandamus was required, thus dismissing the petition.
The young woman, identified as residing in 26 Parisar 58, had previously filed a written complaint which the police refused to register, prompting her to send it via postal service to the District Public Prosecutor’s Office. When the investigation did not advance, the Public Prosecutor decided not to pursue the case. The writ petition filed against this decision was dismissed by the Patan High Court. She later submitted an additional supplementary complaint. Observing no progress following her complaints, her second writ petition was under consideration at the Patan High Court, which also requested all related files from the Public Prosecutor’s Office during hearings.
After the second complaint, the District Police Office, Kathmandu, sought permission from the Kathmandu District Court to arrest Mahesh Basnet. The court expressed that it would grant arrest permission only after reviewing the previous case files. The order from the District Court two days prior mentioned, “The file is currently with the High Court, and there is no change in its registration details. Since this matter is under consideration by the High Court, issuing further orders from this court would be contrary to judicial norms and legal procedures.” The District Court emphasized that decisions would be made only upon receipt of authenticated copies from the High Court.
The order further states, “Under the current circumstances, arrest permission cannot be granted as requested.” Following the Wednesday order from the Patan High Court, UML leader Basnet declared that all investigations against him have been completed. The District Court indicated it would finalize remaining matters after the High Court’s directives. The High Court’s dismissal was based on the fact that investigations were ongoing, making a mandamus unnecessary. This situation has raised questions about the investigation’s next steps. A government prosecutor commented on the apparent confusion between the instructions of the District and High Courts: “Once the High Court concludes the matter, the file will be submitted to the District Court, which will then make decisions accordingly. We will submit the files asserting that the investigation is ongoing, and the District Court will decide on further action based on that.”
According to data collected by the commission, the highest number of informal settlers identified is 914,618 families. Additionally, there are approximately 175,109 landless squatter families and 96,339 landless Dalit families.
Summary: Following the formation of the new government, the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has prompted the UML party to launch street protests. Rumors that the Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Department is preparing to investigate several businesspersons have caused unnecessary fear in the stock market. Meanwhile, the Nepal Stock Exchange is finalizing margin trading regulations and plans to offer margin lending services starting from the month of Baishakh. Kathmandu, 18 Chaitra.
After the two-thirds majority government under Balendra Sah was formed last Friday, investors were optimistic, expecting renewed energy in the stock market from Sunday onward. However, the arrests of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak led to protests by the UML party, and fears of armed clashes negatively impacted the stock market. The market experienced significant declines on Sunday and Monday, showed slight gains on Tuesday, and then a sharp fall on Wednesday.
Alongside fears of political conflict, rumors that the Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Department is preparing to investigate numerous businesspeople have introduced volatility to the market. The government has already arrested former minister and businessman Deepak Khadka in a money laundering case. On Tuesday, reports emerged that another businessman, Deepak Bhatt, was blacklisted by the Immigration Department following a letter from the Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Department. These developments have alarmed investors who fear more arrests, which is considered a major cause of the market downturn.
According to Narendra Sijapati, former president of the Stock Brokers Association of Nepal, one of the main reasons for the steep declines in the stock market is the unwarranted fear related to money laundering investigations. He stated, “This has unnecessarily unsettled the market. The stock market operates transparently through the banking system, making it nearly impossible for investors to hide proceeds from share sales, so this fear is unfounded.”
Another broker added that it’s widely believed no one would invest in the transparent stock market for money laundering purposes. With investigations underway by the Anti-Money Laundering Department, major investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach, refraining from selling shares hastily. Tulsi Ram Dhakal, president of the Nepal Investors Forum, emphasized that investors should not be fearful about these money laundering inquiries. He said, “The government is introducing private sector-friendly policies and prioritizing good governance in the capital market. Therefore, the current environment of fear is unnecessary.”
Dhakal also explained that all capital market transactions occur through the banking system, and the notion that illegal funds are flowing into the market is incorrect. “Broker companies neither pay nor accept cash directly when dealing shares, so the belief that illicit money is entering the stock market is inaccurate,” he added. With limited investment opportunities elsewhere and low interest rates in banks, the capital market has become a preferred avenue for investment.
Even Sijapati agrees that investors should not overreact to investigations by the Anti-Money Laundering Department. “Controlling money laundering is the state’s responsibility, and some businessmen may have injected illicit earnings into the market,” he said. “While this may have short-term negative effects, ultimately it will ensure a sustainable and secure market.” Policies favorable to the capital market continue to be developed. Recently, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) announced margin trading guidelines and released a list of eligible companies. Beginning in Baishakh, broker companies will provide margin lending services, which investors believe will help the market grow sustainably.
The Armed Police Force (APF) club, led by national team captain Rohit Paudel and other prominent players, has failed to deliver a strong performance in the Prime Minister’s Cup One-Day Cricket Tournament. APF has lost four out of five matches in the competition. Captain Rohit Paudel has managed to score only 49 runs in these five games. Bowlers Nandan Yadav and Avinash Bohara have had limited opportunities.
Kathmandu, 18 Chaitra: Despite being considered a strong domestic team with former national players, the APF club has been experiencing consecutive defeats in the Prime Minister’s Cup one-day cricket competition. In Wednesday’s match held in Birgunj, APF was defeated by Lumbini Province. Chasing a target of 125 runs set by APF, Lumbini was all out for 124 runs, taking the game into a super over. In the super over, APF managed just six runs while chasing a target of 15, resulting in defeat.
National team players including captain Rohit Paudel, Lokesh Bam, and Sandeep Jora struggled against the bowling of 19-year-old youngster Santosh Yadav. Despite the presence of national players, APF has been unable to maintain consistent form in the ongoing PM Cup tournament.
APF started well by defeating Bagmati Province by 71 runs in their opening match, but suffered a heavy 185-run loss against Nepal Police Club in their second game. The third match was abandoned due to rain, and APF lost the fourth and fifth matches against provincial teams.
Departmental teams usually dominate domestic cricket, often winning titles across various tournaments. Provincial teams have found it challenging to compete with these departments. However, APF has been consecutively defeated by provincial teams. They lost to Gandaki Province by 43 runs and were also defeated by Lumbini in the super over.
The APF squad includes national team players such as captain Rohit Paudel, openers Asif Sheikh, Sandeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, and bowlers Nandan Yadav, Avinash Bohara, and Kamal Singh Airi. Despite these strengths, the team is losing to provincial sides and most players have yet to find their rhythm after five matches. Opener Asif Sheikh scored a century in the first game but has since been inconsistent, failing to score more than 21 runs in any subsequent match. Captain Rohit has totaled only 49 runs across five games. Although he has taken seven wickets, the team’s overall bowling performance remains below expectations. Sandeep Jora and Lokesh Bam have also underperformed. Sandeep managed a half-century in the first match but has been disappointing afterward, scoring 112 runs in five matches. Lokesh has scored only 60 runs. Bowlers Nandan Yadav and Avinash Bohara have had limited chances; Nandan has claimed two wickets and conceded 49 runs in two games, while Avinash took three wickets in three matches. Kamal Singh Airi has taken four wickets and scored 66 runs over five games. Young bowlers Yuvraj Khatri and Abhishek Gautam have also not made significant impact, with Yuvraj taking five wickets and Abhishek six wickets, yet both are struggling to find consistent form. This lack of rhythm across players is a key reason behind APF’s string of defeats.
APF’s performance has continuously declined in the Prime Minister’s Cup. Under the captaincy of Rohit Paudel, who took over in 2024, the team’s form has weakened. In the 2024 season, APF finished fifth, while in the previous edition, they had secured third place. This season similarly has not started well for them.
APF had won the title successfully in 2022 by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club in the final. They beat Army in 2021 and were eliminated in the semifinals in 2019. APF were champions in 2018 after reaching the semifinals in 2017. Past captains include Gyanendra Malla (2017), Basanta Regmi (2018 and 2019), and Sharad (2021 and 2022). Rohit Paudel has been leading the squad since then.
The preparation for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) has been completed. Examinations will be conducted from Chaitra 19 at 1,966 exam centers. This year, 512,421 students will participate in the SEE, including 257,613 female students and 254,801 male students. Results will be announced within one month after the exam concludes, and answer sheets will be evaluated at the exam centers.
According to the National Examination Board, preparations for the examination starting tomorrow, Thursday, are complete. Examination Controller Tukaraj Adhikari stated, ‘Preparations are finished. The exam will be conducted tomorrow. All 77 districts have reported complete readiness.’ Among the 1,966 established exam centers, one is located in Japan.
Board Member Secretary Jung Bahadur Aryal said, ‘We plan to announce the results within one month after the exams end.’ He added, ‘The evaluation of answer sheets will take place at the examination centers, supervised by the center chiefs.’ Education, Science, and Technology Minister Sasmit Pokhrel had instructed the board to release results within one month, and the board has adhered to this directive.
March 31, Kathmandu – The final shortlist for the prestigious International Booker Prize 2026 has been announced, featuring six outstanding novels that explore pivotal historical moments, revolutions, quests for identity, and profound human emotions. These works, originally written in languages other than English, have been translated and published in the UK and Ireland, successfully capturing the attention of readers worldwide.
Natasha Brown, chair of the judging panel and an accomplished author, stated in a press release, “These books vividly bring to life different eras of the past century. Although they depict heart-wrenching pain, cruelty, and isolation, they ultimately offer readers hope and energy. The characters are unforgettable and will remain with readers long after they finish.”
Notably, female authors and translators dominate this year’s shortlist. Of the six authors, five are women, and four translators are female. The writers come from diverse professional backgrounds across four continents; for example, Yang Suwang-Ji from Taiwan writes scripts for manga video games, while Bulgarian author Rene Karabas is also an established actress.
The six shortlisted books are:
The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran: Written by Sheida Bazyar and translated from German by Ruth Martin, this novel depicts a family saga spanning from the Iranian Revolution of 1979 to the 2009 ‘Green Revolution,’ portraying resistance against tyranny and the pain of losing one’s homeland.
See Who Remains: Rene Karabas’s novel is set in rural Albania, where a young woman named Bekza lives as a man to avoid an arranged marriage. It is a poignant story addressing patriarchy and self-identity.
The Director: Authored by Daniel Kelman, this historical narrative follows Austrian filmmaker G.W. Pabst, exploring how artists who fled Nazi Germany struggled between power and personal morality upon returning home.
An Earth as It Is Beneath: Brazilian writer Ana Paula Maia’s horror novel tells the story of a remote prison where guards abandon inmates in the forest to hunt them. The work has been described as “poetry written in blood.”
The Witch: Originally published in 1996 by French author Marie NDiaye, this novel has regained attention this year for its magical and mysterious storytelling. It vividly portrays the power and familial bonds of a witch named Lucy and her daughters.
Taiwan Travelogues: Yang Suwang-Ji’s novel explores Taiwan under Japanese occupation in the 1930s, focusing on the relationship and power dynamics between a Japanese novelist and a bilingual Taiwanese individual.
The winner will be announced on May 19. Both the winning author and translator will share a prize of £50,000. Last year, the award was won by the novel Heart Lamp, which centers on stories of Muslim women from India.
March 31, Kathmandu: Students affiliated with the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) protested on the streets today demanding the resignation of Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the CPN-UML. The demonstration began from Ashok Campus, where students called for Pokharel to step down. During the protest, slogans supporting Suhang Nembang were also raised, as Nembang is a candidate aspiring to become the UML parliamentary party leader.
Meanwhile, young members have been criticizing Pokharel on social media for reportedly pressuring lawmakers to elect Ram Bahadur Thapa unopposed. Those campaigning online for Pokharel’s resignation organized a street protest on Wednesday night. Protesters chanted slogans emphasizing the need to provide opportunities for the youth within the party, rejecting any attempts to monopolize party leadership, and demanding Pokharel resign from the position of General Secretary. Participants also burned an effigy of Pokharel in front of the party’s central office during the demonstration.
Roshan Khanal is serving as the acting ambassador at the Nepalese Embassy in China, marking the first time a woman has held this leadership role there. After a career in the private banking sector, she entered government service and successfully joined the foreign service in 2010. Khanal has worked in challenging environments in Israel and the United Kingdom and is now dedicated to strengthening Nepal-China relations. The enthusiasm surrounding Nepal’s first female prime minister this year has also reached Beijing. Currently, female Prime Minister Sushila Karki has handed over her duties and stepped down. Following ambassador Krishna Prasad Oli’s return to Nepal amid the impact of the Janjhi movement, Khanal has taken over as the acting ambassador at the Nepalese Embassy in China.
Women’s representation in Nepal’s diplomatic service remains limited. However, Roshan Khanal has advanced through her dedication, competence, and confidence, becoming a strong figure in the field. Her journey from a modest family background to the international diplomatic stage serves as an inspiring story. She has twice served as acting ambassador in the UK and is now leading the embassy in China. In the 70-year history of Nepal-China relations, she is the first woman to lead the Nepalese Embassy in Beijing.
Born in Palpa, Khanal’s childhood was humble. She completed her early schooling in Palpa up to eighth grade before progressing through educational institutions in Bhairahawa and Kathmandu. She completed a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bhairahawa and a postgraduate degree in Kathmandu. “My background is in commerce. Initially, I did not plan to join government service,” she said. Joining the foreign service was the result of opportunity and courage. She passed the civil service exam on her first attempt despite limited preparation.
After joining the foreign service in 2010, her first challenge was the lack of guidance within the system. “At that time, there was no culture of people training each other,” she explained. Her posting in Israel provided valuable experience, where she closely observed the lives of Nepali migrant workers. The situation of female workers was especially sensitive. “More than 90 percent of them were women. They worked around the clock and faced mental health challenges from being away from their families,” she noted.
In 2012, Israel was at war. “During war, everyone panics. It was our responsibility to provide counseling and coordination for Nepalis,” she said. After four years, she returned to Nepal and handled various responsibilities before taking a posting in the UK. Her experience in London was quite different. “In Israel, many were labor workers, but in London, the community was a mix of families, students, and Gurkhas,” she said.
China is a significant partner for Nepal but also presents many challenges. “We can gain a lot from China, but we have not yet fully utilized its potential,” she remarked. “We must clearly define our interests and work accordingly. Looking for opportunities abroad is not enough.” Khanal’s journey symbolizes not only her personal achievements but also social transformation. She has full confidence in women, believing they should be advanced not through pity but through genuine opportunity. “We should not make excuses; we must prove ourselves through work,” she emphasized.
She acknowledges the occasional difficulty in balancing personal and professional responsibilities. “There were times I had to leave a young child to go to work. Thinking back, it sometimes feels uncomfortable,” she shared. Nonetheless, she firmly believes that decision was necessary. “At that time, it was essential to break the stereotype that women cannot work,” she affirmed.
Google has introduced a new feature allowing users to change their old Gmail addresses.
This feature limits users to changing their email address only once per year.
Currently, the feature is available only to users in the United States, with other countries to follow later.
March 31, Kathmandu – Many people have faced difficulties with Gmail addresses created during school years or early internet use, which seemed immature or embarrassing for professional work. Now, Google is offering new hope to these users.
According to Google’s new policy, users can conveniently change their Gmail address without affecting their old emails, data, or account history.
On Tuesday, the company officially announced this highly anticipated feature in a video released on YouTube.
“Tired of your old Gmail address? Now you can change your username without opening a new account,” said a Google representative in the video.
Since Gmail’s launch in 2004, many created email addresses with playful or youthful names. Over time, these addresses became inconvenient for professional purposes. Recognizing this issue, Google introduced this feature.
How to Change Your Email Address?
Google describes the process as simple: 1. Go to your Google Account settings. 2. Click on ‘Personal info’. 3. Select ‘Email’ and then ‘Google Account email’. 4. If the option ‘Change Google Account email’ appears, click it to set a new and unique username.
This feature is currently available only in the United States. Users in other countries will need to wait for some time before gaining access.
Don’t worry about losing your old email address after changing it. According to Google, the old email will remain active as an ‘alternative address,’ and emails sent there will be automatically forwarded to the new address.
Change Allowed Only Once Per Year
The feature comes with some conditions. Users can change their email address only once per year. If a user prefers their old address, Google has also provided the option to revert to the previous username.
A Google spokesperson explained that for the past year in the U.S., the most searched question on Google was ‘Can I change my Gmail address?’ Google developed this feature to meet that demand.
Many users welcomed the feature on the social platform X, though some questioned why it took Google 15 years to provide such a small but useful option. One user humorously remarked, “I wish we could’ve avoided the mental stress caused by emails like ‘coolboy123@gmail’ earlier.”
This feature is currently available only in the United States. It may take additional time before it becomes accessible to users in other countries. This will be especially beneficial for journalists, technology enthusiasts, and professionals who frequently exchange emails and work extensively at their desktops daily.
Former Acting Chairman of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has stated that controversy has arisen within the Congress party over securing RASWPA’s election victory.
Khadka asserted that the officially recognized Nepali Congress is the one led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, elected through the 14th General Convention.
He emphasized the importance of Congress unity and expressed a commitment to leave no stones unturned in strengthening the party for its youth members.
March 31 (18 Chaitra), Kathmandu – Former Acting Chairman of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has commented that internal disputes within Congress have emerged specifically to ensure RASWPA’s electoral success. Speaking at a meeting with party leaders aligned with his faction on Wednesday, Khadka acknowledged controversy within the party aimed at securing RASWPA’s victory.
“RASWPA would not have reached this stage without Congress first being in its current position,” Khadka stated during the meeting. He affirmed that the officially recognized Congress is the one led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, elected through the 14th General Convention’s committee. “We are the official Congress, and we are the ones who must resolve the current challenges,” he added.
Khadka clarified that regardless of any court rulings, the legitimate Nepali Congress remains under his faction’s leadership. He highlighted that the elected committees from the 14th General Convention remain active at all levels—from units to local municipalities, constituencies, districts, and provinces.
“We must move forward united without focusing on election-related issues, as it is essential for us to maintain Congress unity,” he said. “Congress must safeguard its core values and the people’s faith in democracy, which is currently under threat. It is the responsibility of Congress to restore these.” He thus underscored the critical need for broad unity within the party.
Emphasizing that his faction has secured its rightful place in the party, Khadka also expressed a firm commitment to do everything necessary to build a stronger Congress that supports and empowers its youth members.
The Ministry of Finance has initiated asset and liability evaluation processes for seven public enterprises in critical condition, submitting the Due Diligence Assessment (DDA) report of Gorakhkali Rubber Industry to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.
The report proposes three options for restructuring and resuming operations at Gorakhkali Rubber Industry, prominently suggesting plant replacement and operation through new investors.
Gorakhkali Rubber Industry has an annual production capacity of 80,000 truck tires and 40,000 non-truck tires, with strong market potential for tires within Nepal, according to the report.
March 31, Kathmandu – There is renewed potential for reopening the long-closed public enterprise, Gorakhkali Rubber Industry.
Since last year, the Ministry of Finance has been conducting asset and liability assessments for seven ailing and non-operational public enterprises.
Within this framework, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) prepared the Due Diligence Assessment (DDA) report for Gorakhkali Rubber Industry and presented it to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.
The report indicates that it is feasible to resume tire production using the current plant facilities.
The Ministry of Finance spokesperson, Tanka Prasad Pandey, confirmed that ADB submitted the report to the minister on Tuesday. The industry has been closed for over a decade.
The report, led by Chartered Accountant Krishna Bhattarai, proposes three operational modalities. According to senior ministry sources, the recommendation favors restructuring the industry for renewed operation.
Report on Gorakhkali Tire Industry operation submitted to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle by Study Committee Coordinator Krishna Bhattarai on Tuesday
The recommended options include repaying debts, restructuring or converting debt into shares, increasing capital through new investors (domestic, foreign, or strategic partners), and replacing the current plant with a modern radial technology plant for resuming operations.
The report’s primary suggestion is to immediately restart production with the existing plant while planning to replace the old plant and machinery with new technology, and operate the industry in partnership with private or strategic foreign investors.
The second option acknowledges the challenges of full modernization due to the large capital required and the obsolescence of plant and machinery. It suggests monetizing unused land and buildings under the company’s name through leasing to generate income.
Another alternative proposed is partial monetization of assets combined with restructuring and operating the industry under a contractual arrangement with investment.
As a third option, if restructuring and contractual operation with investment are not feasible, the report recommends asset liquidation and company dissolution.
In case of liquidation, all physical and intellectual assets of the company would be sold to settle liabilities, leading to company closure. Asset sales based on the DDA would clear all debts.
Gorakhkali Tire Industry is located in Gorkha District’s former Deurali Village Development Committee area (now Gorkha Municipality-13, Majuwa, Deurali). Established with investments from Salt Trading, Nepal Oil Corporation, and ADB, the industry was restructured in fiscal year 1998/99 when ADB’s shares were sold to foreign investors and the government of Nepal invested in equity.
Currently, the government holds the largest share, including preferential shares, while Salt Trading, Nepal Oil Corporation, Nepal Bank Limited, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Rastriya Beema Sansthan, and other public entities also hold shares.
The industry’s annual production capacity stands at 80,000 truck tires and 40,000 non-truck tires. Commercial production began in 1992, producing tires, tubes, flaps, and other rubber products to meet domestic demand.
Despite high demand, the factory has never operated at full capacity, incurring losses since inception, facing rising production costs and cash flow issues. It has been completely shut since June 2015.
The factory currently lies in ruins
The DDA reveals that the industry faces severe financial distress and significant technical deterioration.
The study shows a net negative asset value of NPR 421 crore. Although the market value of fixed assets has risen somewhat, total liabilities including interest amount to a negative NPR 56 crore.
Most building structures remain solid, though some require laboratory testing. Buildings can be repaired and reinforced for use.
Adjusted value of fixed assets is estimated at NPR 377 crore. Current assets are in poor condition, with their sale value reduced by 47%.
Approximately 2,500 khair (Acacia catechu) trees on the industrial premises could generate estimated revenue of about NPR 62 crore.
Brand value, calculated based on replacement cost method, is recorded at NPR 22.26 million.
Total adjusted liabilities amount to NPR 443 crore, largely dominated by government and bank loans. Interest expenses have the most significant impact.
No employee liabilities, zero production and sales costs
The industry has been closed for ten years, resulting in zero production and sales costs. Employees were compulsorily retired, leaving only security staff salaries and minor administrative expenses.
Interest expenses are substantial due to short- and long-term loans from banks and government.
The industry possesses many fixed assets including buildings, plant, machinery, and land. However, equipment, vehicles, and furniture have low market value. Obsolete plant and machinery significantly increase operational and maintenance costs.
Products manufactured were left disorganized in warehouses for over ten years, causing their market value to depreciate.
The government holds a 38.63% direct ownership through common shares and a total ownership of 51.88% including indirect shares.
Partial ownership by institutions amounts to 26.69%, while public shareholders own 21.43%. Only the government holds preferential shares.
Market prospects
The report identifies sufficient market potential for the industry within Nepal. Growth in vehicle numbers, road construction, and agricultural modernization are driving strong demand for tires.
Export possibilities extend to neighboring countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Demand for radially manufactured tires is increasing in these markets.
Gorakhkali’s tires are produced using Bias technology, which now requires modernization with contemporary radially based production methods.
Raw material status
Natural rubber is the principal raw material for tire production. Nepal produces approximately 1,200 tons of natural rubber annually, covering only about 10% of market demand.
Annual rubber demand in Nepal is estimated to exceed 10,000 tons. To run at full capacity, the industry requires thousands of tons of natural rubber, which must largely be imported.
Nepal has substantial potential for rubber cultivation. Within five years, over 15,000 hectares in Jhapa district municipalities including Mechinagar, Birtamod, Bhadrapur, Arjundhara, Kankai, and Damak can be developed for rubber farming.
Several studies indicate that within ten years, 80,000 to 120,000 hectares of barren, riverbed, and forest-land areas in the Terai and mid-hill regions are suitable for rubber plantations.
Currently, Nepal has about 6 million registered vehicles, including 1.2 million four-wheelers, growing annually by approximately 15%.
In fiscal year 2024/25, around 900,000 tires were imported for buses, trucks, and other four-wheelers. Market growth is estimated at around 10% in value and 8% in volume annually.
These figures affirm a strong market opportunity for tire production within Nepal.
