Author: space4knews

A rhinoceros found dead in Syaulee Tol, Ward No. 1 of Kawasoti Municipality, Eastern Nawalparasi, is suspected to have been killed by electric shock. A technical team from Chitwan National Park conducted a postmortem on the dead rhino, with the report expected by this evening. In the current fiscal year, 20 rhinos have died in the park and surrounding areas from various causes, and the rhino census has been postponed to 2083 BS. (May 16, Chitwan)

The rhino, found dead on Friday morning, was located approximately 2 kilometers north of the East-West Highway within a government-owned field used by Bhim Prasad Darji in Syaulee Tol. The approximately 25-year-old male rhino was discovered deceased inside this field. Near the carcass, the Division Forest Office of Eastern Nawalparasi recovered materials commonly used to set up electric fences.

After transporting the rhino to the Division Forest Office, a technical team from Chitwan National Park performed a postmortem examination. Avinash Thapamagar, the park’s information officer, said the report would be available by this evening. Following the postmortem, one rhino skin and twelve hooves were carefully preserved, while the remaining body parts were buried within the premises of the Division Forest Office in Nawalpur. During a search around the site, 27 bamboo stakes tied with GI wire were found hidden approximately 200 meters south of the carcass near the Lokaha River’s bank at Kasaghara.

Additionally, about 13 meters of single-phase electrical wire with a ring was found northwest of the site near a nearby house. Based on the materials and the circumstances found at the scene, the preliminary assessment suggests the rhino died due to electric shock. Following this, Bhim Prasad Darji, the occupant who uses the land, has been taken into custody for investigation. The Division Forest Office has appointed an investigative officer to further probe the incident and proceed with necessary actions, according to information officer Subas Adhikari.

According to information officer Thapamagar, up to the month of Baisakh in the current fiscal year, 20 rhinos have died in the park and surrounding areas from various reasons. Although a rhino census was planned for this fiscal year, it has been postponed to next year due to time constraints. Previously, the census scheduled for 2081 BS was rescheduled to 2082 BS due to budget constraints, and again delayed to 2083 BS because of time limitations. The rhino census, conducted every four years, was last performed from Chaitra 9 to 27, 2077 BS (March 23 to April 8, 2021). The 2021 census reported a total of 752 rhinos across the country’s national parks and conservation areas, with 694 of those residing in Chitwan National Park alone.

May 16, Kavrepalanchok – Seven individuals were arrested in possession of 1,620 vapes valued at NPR 5.67 million from Ganjekhola, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-3, Sindhupalchok. The arrest took place on the night of May 15 at around 9:30 PM during a checkpoint operation led by Police Inspector Jagat Bahadur Rai from the Area Police Office Kodari.

The vapes were reportedly smuggled from China into Nepal through a concealed route near Bhitribato, approximately 10 kilometers from the Araniko Highway via Bhokchen in Bhotekoshi-3. Inspector Rai stated that the vapes were hidden inside nine bags packed within cartons inside a vehicle when the group was apprehended.

According to Rai, those arrested include Ganesh Khadka, 35, Himal Khadka, 46, Vikas Bik, 24, Rambahadur Bik, 48, Vishal Rakpal, 17, Mangal Bahadur Thami, 37, all from Bhotekoshi-4, and Kancha Tamang, 42, from Bahrabise Municipality-5. They have been taken into custody at the Area Police Office Kodari.

At the Nepal-China border in Tatopani, the passenger branch has prohibited the import of any food items for the past month. Following restrictions imposed by the Tatopani Customs Office on importing food and plant quarantine items without proper permits from the Mitareepool passenger branch, local small-scale trade has been severely impacted. Previously, locals used to reach the Chinese market in Jhamu early in the morning and return with bags full of goods by evening, but with the new government regulations, such activity has been curbed.

US President Donald Trump has warned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China. Speaking to Fox News on Friday after concluding a two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Trump stated, “I do not want to see anyone declare independence.” Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te had previously asserted that Taiwan considers itself an independent nation and therefore a formal declaration of independence is unnecessary.

The United States has long supported Taiwan, including providing assistance for its self-defense, which carries legal obligations. At the same time, Washington generally maintains diplomatic relations with China, striving to balance this delicate partnership. While US policy remains consistent, Trump emphasized that he has “not made any commitments” over the self-governing island. China claims Taiwan as its province and has not ruled out the use of force if necessary to assert control.

Washington’s stance is that it does not support Taiwan’s independence and recognizes the Chinese government as the sole legitimate government. Beijing has openly criticized Taiwan’s leadership, previously publicly describing Taiwan’s president in disparaging terms. Many residents of Taiwan view themselves as part of a separate nation. The majority of the population supports maintaining the status quo, which involves neither declaring independence nor unifying with China.

In his interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that the US policy toward Taiwan has not changed. “You know, we’d have to cross 9,500 miles (15,289 kilometers) to go to war. I don’t want that. I want them to be peaceful. I want China to be peaceful,” Trump said. He disclosed that he discussed the issue of the island extensively with Xi Jinping but indicated that the US has not made any formal decision about defending Taiwan. According to President Trump, Xi is “very firm” on the issue and “does not want to see any movement toward independence.”

May 16, Kathmandu — Dr. Ishan Pande is making his One Day International (ODI) debut today against the United States in the ongoing League 2 tournament. Prior to the match, he was awarded his debut cap by Karan KC. Having already made his T20I debut in 2019, Dr. Pande has represented his country in four T20I matches to date. He has showcased impressive performances in domestic competitions such as the Martyr’s Memorial Cricket Tournament (formerly the Jay Trophy), the PM Cup, and while playing for Nepal A team. For today’s match, experienced players Vinod Bhandari, Arjun Kumal, and Karan KC are benched.

May 16, Muglin (Chitwan) – Traffic police have begun enforcing penalties against drivers who operate vehicles at high speeds. In an effort to reduce accidents, the Highway Security and Traffic Management Office of Nepal Police in Ramnagar, Chitwan, has started utilizing “Lidar Speed Gun” technology on the Narayangadh–Muglin highway section.

Recognized as a high-risk area, the Ramnagar–Jungedi zone near the forest is subject to daily patrols by traffic police using this new technology to apprehend speeding motorists. Following confirmation that speeding is a key factor in road accidents, the office head, Dillinarayan Pandey, stated that the use of modern technology has been enhanced to address the issue.

With the onset of the monsoon season, which typically increases road accident risks, this system is expected to be particularly effective. On its first day of implementation, more than 60 drivers were penalized for driving at speeds exceeding the prescribed limits, according to Pandey. The office also plans to conduct regular checks on accident-prone road sections across all 10 districts of Karnali Province.

The investigative commission formed to review the incidents during the Janajati Genocide movement has completed half of its tenure studying the recommendations related to members of the security apparatus. The committee is led by former High Court Justice Prem Raj Karki, with former Nepal Police Additional Inspector General Tek Prasad Rai and former Armed Police Force Additional Inspector General Subodh Adhikari as members. The government established this review committee following widespread controversy over the report submitted by the commission led by former Appellate Court Judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.

The committee chairman, Adhikari, stated that the committee is conducting an in-depth study by categorizing the disciplinary recommendations made by the commission. “We are reviewing the nature of the recommendations, statements from the individuals involved, and the cited legal provisions, analyzing them separately,” said Coordinator Prem Raj Karki. The committee’s responsibility includes conducting further investigations according to prevailing laws to establish the facts concerning security officers and civil service personnel involved, as referenced in the commission’s report and security committee roles. This process, which finalizes the commission’s recommendations, is expected to pave the way for disciplinary action against officials in the security sector, making the outcome highly sensitive.

Coordinator Karki added, “We are collecting necessary information from various individuals and parties against whom disciplinary actions have been recommended.” He further explained, “We are conducting detailed analyses of the report’s recommendations and holding inquiries to gather additional facts.” However, some experts remain skeptical about the committee’s ability to effectively implement disciplinary recommendations against security officials. Retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hemant Malla of Nepal Police suggested that the committee’s formation might reflect doubts about errors in some recommendations in the commission’s report.

It has been reported that the government has received an informal proposal to extend the committee’s tenure; however, attempts to contact the Home Ministry spokesperson were unsuccessful. Committee Coordinator Karki declined to comment on the proposal but stated that additional information is being sought from various individuals, and relevant bodies have been informed. “Given the serious nature of the allegations and prosecutorial recommendations, further study of statements and available evidence appears necessary,” said Karki. “We are currently collaborating with all security agencies and associated mechanisms to complete the work promptly.”

May 16, Tehrathum — The Limbu civilization, which venerates nature and regards stone as a historical symbol, has established a unique cultural heritage. To preserve the originality, culture, and history of this community for future generations, Laligurans Municipality of Tehrathum has developed ‘Cholung Park,’ which has now become a popular cultural and tourist destination in eastern Nepal. Constructed primarily from stone, the park is no longer just a recreational spot but has evolved into a living museum showcasing the Limbu community’s history, lifestyle, and civilization. Following the viral spread of the park’s photos and videos on social media, hundreds of domestic and international tourists have started visiting daily. Due to the rising number of visitors, the park has become a significant source of revenue for the municipality.

The Limbu are known as nature-worshippers deeply connected with forests, rivers, soil, and stones. In particular, the ‘Lung,’ meaning stone, is regarded as an essential symbol of the Limbu civilization. The tradition of planting stones as part of rituals from birth to death has been practiced in Limbu society since ancient times. Stones are used in ceremonies such as newborn birth rites, marriage, clan worship, judicial proceedings, and funerals. “Cholung Park” was established to preserve this unique cultural heritage and introduce it to younger generations. The word “Cholung” comes from the Limbu language where “Cho” means goal and “Lung” means stone, symbolizing a stone of achievement or target.

Upon entering the park, visitors are welcomed by tall stone pillars of various shapes. These stones are not mere decorative elements but silent narrators of Limbu civilization’s history. The stone pillars embedded throughout the park reveal the social structure, judicial practices, and cultural customs of ancient Limbu society. Local elders have shared that in the past, disputes, social decisions, and agreements in villages were resolved through the tradition of planting stones. According to Arjun Mabohang, the idea to construct the park arose from concerns over the fading Limbu historical identity. He noted, “The traditional practices relating to daily life, judiciary, and social structures expressed through stones have been vanishing. The park was built to preserve these traditions and link them with tourism. It has now become one of the municipality’s prime sources of income.”

The municipality reports that government revenue has commenced from ticket fees paid by tourists visiting the park. This has established the park not only as a cultural center but also as a project linked to the local economy. Recently, tourists from districts such as Tehrathum, Dhankuta, Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari, as well as from Sikkim and Darjeeling in India, have been visiting. Santosh Sharma Limbu, the vice-chairperson visiting from Miklajung Rural Municipality, shared that seeing the park in person was a different experience from only viewing it on social media. He said, “Visiting here made me realize that this is not just a park but a living history. It is an excellent site for anyone interested in understanding Limbu civilization.”

The decision by the National Sports Council (NSC) to lift the suspension on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) came after ANFA insisted on lifting the ban before holding any meetings. This move has also averted the risk of Nepal facing sanctions from FIFA.

May 16, Kathmandu – NASA’s upcoming powerful space telescope, the ‘Nancy Grace Roman,’ is expected to unlock the mysteries of millions of invisible neutron stars hidden within our Milky Way galaxy. According to a new study published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, this telescope will not only identify these objects through gravitational effects but will also be capable of measuring their masses.

Neutron stars are incredibly dense remnants left behind after massive stars explode in supernovae. Although roughly the size of a small city, their mass exceeds that of the Sun.

Most neutron stars exist alone and do not emit light, which has made them undetectable with current powerful telescopes. So far, only a few thousand neutron stars have been discovered, while scientists estimate that there could be over 100 million such stars in our galaxy. The Roman Telescope will detect neutron stars indirectly through a technique called gravitational microlensing. When a neutron star passes in front of a distant star, its gravity bends and brightens the background star’s light.

According to lead author Jofija Kazmarik, the Roman Telescope will measure changes in the star’s brightness (photometry) along with subtle shifts in its position (astrometry). Because neutron stars are extremely dense, the gravitational signals they produce are very strong, enabling scientists to accurately determine the mass of these invisible objects.

This mission will also help unravel why neutron stars move through space at such high speeds—hundreds of miles per second. These velocities result from the “kick” they receive during the supernova explosion. By studying the mass distribution and velocity of isolated neutron stars, the Roman Telescope will provide new insights into the life cycles of stars, including their formation and destruction.

Managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the telescope is expected to begin transmitting data soon after launch, with significant discoveries anticipated within just a few months. Additionally, this mission will help differentiate between neutron stars and black holes.

May 16, Kathmandu – The Nepal Rastra Bank has released the foreign currency exchange rates for today. According to the central bank, the buying rate for the US dollar is set at NPR 153.25, while the selling rate is NPR 153.85. Similarly, the euro’s buying rate is NPR 178.38 and its selling rate is NPR 179.08. The British pound sterling’s buying rate stands at NPR 204.75, with a selling rate of NPR 205.75.

Additionally, the Nepal Rastra Bank has fixed the buying rate of 100 Indian rupees at NPR 160.00 and the selling rate at NPR 160.15. Exchange rates for other currencies such as the Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Singapore dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Saudi riyal, Qatari riyal, and UAE dirham have also been announced.

The central bank has stated that it reserves the right to amend the exchange rates as necessary at any time.

The most demanded agendas within the UML are election review and party restructuring. According to leaders, the secretariat meeting scheduled for tomorrow will not prioritize either of these topics.

Umesh Shrestha has been appointed as the Treasurer of the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee. The party president, Gagan Kumar Thapa, nominated Shrestha for the treasurer position. Acting General Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal informed that the appointment was made under Clause 21, Subclause (4) of the party constitution. Kathmandu, 1 Jestha.

Umesh Shrestha previously served as the party’s treasurer during Sher Bahadur Deuba’s tenure as president. He is also a former State Minister. A businessman by profession, Shrestha has been active in the education and agriculture sectors. He was elected as a central member representing the Janajati cluster during the 14th general convention held in Mangsir 2078. A few days ago, following the recent special general convention, he was reappointed as a central member.