Author: space4knews

March 31, Kathmandu – The Security Committee of the Iranian Parliament has approved a plan to collect tolls from ships and oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. According to Iran’s official media outlet, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), this plan includes levying fees on all vessels transiting this strategic waterway, with a provision to impose a complete ban on American and Israeli ships.

The legislation passed by the parliamentary committee will require international vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz to pay transit fees. Iran states that this measure is intended to reinforce its sovereignty, cover security management expenses, and generate new sources of revenue. Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is recognized as an international maritime passage, granting all nations’ ships the right to free navigation.

Analysts suggest that Iran’s decision may conflict with international maritime law. The move is expected to face strong opposition from the United States and Gulf countries. Experts also warn that this could not only challenge the principle of freedom of navigation but might also introduce further volatility to global oil prices.

Iran claims it has the responsibility to ensure security in the Hormuz region and argues that charging fees in return is justified. This move is seen as an effort by Iran to legally establish its control and influence over the Strait of Hormuz. Local media report that the proposal aims to formally secure Iran’s sovereignty, control, and monitoring capabilities over the strait, while creating a new revenue stream. Iranian parliamentarian Mohammad Reza is quoted saying that charging fees on vessels passing through Hormuz is as natural as it is on other international routes.

On Monday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah initiated dialogue with members of parliament from Koshi and Karnali provinces, addressing local issues and national matters. He expressed a commitment to prioritize development projects based on budgetary allocations and to distribute the budget equitably across all areas. Although MPs raised questions regarding the arrest of CPN party chairman KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister Balendra remained silent on the topic.

Kathmandu, 30 March – Prime Minister Balendra Shah has begun discussions with members of parliament. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, MPs were consulted to gather suggestions about problems in their constituencies, potential solutions, and work at the national level. On Monday, opinions were collected from MPs representing Koshi and Karnali provinces, with plans to hold province-level consultations with other MPs.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, MPs from both provinces brought up local issues, development projects, budgeting, and social security. According to House of Representatives member Yagnamani Nyaupane, the collective provincial problems as well as constituency-specific concerns were conveyed to the Prime Minister. He stated, “The Prime Minister inquired about which issues require immediate resolution and the possible solutions.”

Prime Minister Balendra affirmed his commitment to give priority to development initiatives in accordance with the budget and to ensure equal budget distribution across all regions. However, he remained silent on certain topics raised by the MPs. Notably, MPs from the CPN UML party questioned him about the arrest of party chairman KP Sharma Oli.

The Nepal Rastra Bank announced today an increase in the value of the US dollar, while the exchange rates of the Euro, UK Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, and Australian Dollar declined. Today, the US dollar’s buying rate is set at NPR 151.44 and the selling rate at NPR 152.04. The central bank has stated that exchange rates may be adjusted as necessary and that up-to-date rates are available on its website.

According to today’s exchange rates, although the US dollar appreciated, the Euro, UK Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, and Australian Dollar saw decreases. The Euro’s buying rate today is NPR 174.04 and the selling rate NPR 174.73, compared to yesterday’s buying rate of NPR 174.27 and selling rate of NPR 174.96.

Today’s buying rate for the UK Pound Sterling is NPR 200.52 with a selling rate of NPR 201.32, down from yesterday’s buying rate of NPR 200.76 and selling rate of NPR 201.56. The Swiss Franc’s buying rate stands at NPR 189.48 and selling rate at NPR 190.23 today.

The Australian Dollar also declined today, with a buying rate of NPR 103.87 and a selling rate of NPR 104.28. Yesterday, it traded at a buying rate of NPR 104.06 and selling rate of NPR 104.48. The Indian Rupee’s buying and selling rates are NPR 160.00 and NPR 160.15, respectively. The Nepal Rastra Bank has emphasized that it can adjust exchange rates at any time as necessary.

The government of Lumbini Province has handed over the Provincial Data Management Information System to Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya. Chief Minister Acharya stated that this system will play a crucial role in policy-making and decision processes based on data. The system includes 1,196 data variables, 34 sectoral developments, and 164 indicators, and will be accessible to 109 local governments within the province.

March 30, Butwal – The Provincial Government of Lumbini officially received the Provincial Data Management Information System. The system was handed over to Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya by the Provincial Planning Commission. During a ceremony held on Monday, Chief Minister Acharya inaugurated the information system, emphasizing its vital role in enhancing data-driven policy formulation and decision-making.

Chief Minister Acharya highlighted the necessity of providing detailed information about the achievements of all three tiers of government to both the government and citizens. He also noted that the provincial government is pursuing various initiatives to increase transparency. Additionally, he assigned the Provincial Information Technology Institute the responsibility for the system’s regular updates and operations. Dr. Dilliraj Aryal, Vice Chairperson of the Provincial Planning Commission, shared that the system was developed with a focus on promoting good governance, delivering effective services, and ensuring accountability.

The breakaway faction of the Nepali Congress, distinct from the party’s founding group, has intensified internal disputes by launching parallel activities. From the day former Home Minister Ramesh Lalekar was arrested, this faction has begun operating in an official party style. Acting Chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka has called a meeting of the central working committee elected by the 14th General Convention. Kathmandu, March 30.

The rival group within the Nepali Congress has resumed parallel activities, escalating internal tensions that had already surfaced ahead of elections. Following the arrest of former Home Minister Lalekar, faction leader Purna Bahadur Khadka, speaking as acting chairperson, issued a statement, bringing the conflict back into the limelight. The arrest has exposed divergent perspectives between the founding and the breakaway factions on the issue.

Since Lalekar’s arrest, this breakaway group has conducted party activities claiming official status. His arrest gave rise to two distinct Congress factions within the political landscape. After the Election Commission granted recognition to the leadership selected at the special general assembly, Khadka released a statement as acting chairperson using the party’s letterhead. Conversely, the official Congress leadership issued a statement without mentioning Lalekar’s name, criticizing the government’s recent actions as “selective.” However, the party clarified that no protest or agitation would be organized against this move.

March 29, Kathmandu – Amara Rai, a fifth-generation Thai-born individual, has been elected as the chairperson of the Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) Thailand Committee, an organization representing Nepali-origin citizens worldwide. The event took place on Sunday, March 29, in Bangkok, with the participation of Nepalese who were born in Thailand and those who have resided in Thailand and Burma for generations.

At the program, Nepal’s Ambassador to Thailand, Dhan Bahadur Oli, expressed his confidence that ANO’s efforts to preserve and transmit Nepali art, culture, language, and traditions among people of Nepali origin will bring positive results. He also recommended cooperating with local Nepali organizations to advance work in promoting the Nepali language and cultural heritage.

ANO General Secretary Chudamani Bhattarai announced that, following ANO’s request, the Nepalese government has arranged for Nepali-origin individuals arriving in Nepal to no longer have to wait in foreigner lines at the airport. Professor Dr. Mohan Dangi from California State University appreciated ANO’s agenda for expanding the sense of Nepali identity.

Dr. Khagendra Dhakal, Chairperson of Nepal Policy Institute and a professor based in Bangkok, expressed happiness that, unlike the Non-Resident Nepali Association which includes only up to three generations of Nepali, ANO serves as an organization inclusive of Nepalis beyond that lineage. The event also included the presence of ANO Board of Trustees member Vatsana Rai and Central Executive Committee member Raj Karmacharya. Under Amara Rai’s leadership, the ANO Thailand National Committee includes Milan Ghimire, Naresh Pandey, Sonia Rai, Amy Rai, Basanti Pradhan, Deepa Paudel, Asmita Nyaupane, Suman Karki, and Vicky Sinchuri.

Hollywood actress Sophie Turner sustained a minor injury during the filming of the Tomb Raider series, leading to a two-week suspension of production. The production team released a statement regarding Turner’s health, confirming that filming will remain halted until she fully recovers. The Tomb Raider series has been filming in the UK since early 2026, with Turner playing the lead role of Lara Croft.

Sophie Turner, famous for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, was injured during the shoot of the internationally acclaimed Tomb Raider film series. Although the injury is not serious, the production has paused filming to allow her adequate rest. News of her injury quickly raised concerns among fans, prompting the producers to issue an update on her condition.

According to the production team, Turner’s injury is minor, but as a precaution, all filming and production work have been temporarily suspended until she has fully recovered. Filming is expected to resume soon. The shutdown of the Tomb Raider series production is anticipated to last about two weeks, during which the entire crew will continue to receive their salaries.

The series began filming at the start of 2026, and on January 15, the first look at Turner as Lara Croft was unveiled, receiving positive responses. The production is primarily taking place in the United Kingdom. This series is based on the globally popular Tomb Raider video game franchise, which follows the adventurous archaeological exploits of Lara Croft.

Since the first game’s release in 1996, the character has gained immense popularity. Several films based on the franchise have already been produced. Notably, Angelina Jolie portrayed Lara Croft in the 2001 movie “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.” Now, Sophie Turner is set to take on the role of the new Lara Croft. Turner rose to fame as Sansa Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, a role she began playing at the age of 13. She has also appeared in films such as X-Men and Dark Phoenix.

March 30, Kathmandu — MP Ganesh Karki of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has proposed the implementation of a ‘pilot project’ to resolve problems related to land and squatters. Karki put forward this suggestion during discussions with the Prime Minister involving directly elected MPs from Koshi Province.

Karki stated, “As issues concerning land and squatters are prevalent nationwide, the situation in Morang-3 is particularly complex and unique. Therefore, let us establish Morang-3 as a ‘pilot project’ area to address land and squatter problems, and use the experience gained there to expand solutions to other regions.”

The sports sector has been excluded from the Balen government’s announced 100-point governance reform agenda, causing concern among stakeholders in the field. The government led by Balendra Shah has not included sports in its top 100 reform priorities. Suggestions have been made to allocate one percent of the budget for sports improvements and to collaborate with the private sector. Date: 16 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

The interim government, under the leadership of Sushmila Karki, had formed a committee on Poush 14 to prepare a good governance roadmap. This committee’s report emphasized transparency, accountability, and policy and legal reforms to bring good governance to the sports sector. On Chaitra 3, a committee led by Govind Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, submitted a report that included reform plans for sports.

The comprehensive 1,049-page report analyzed the condition, challenges, and transformative reform ways for Nepali sports. However, ten days after submission (Chaitra 13), the newly formed government led by Balendra Shah failed to prioritize sports. The 100-point governance reform agenda passed on Friday under the Balen administration did not include any measures related to sports.

Former Youth Minister Purushottam Paudel said, “Sports hold significant importance in Nepal’s context. Several sports like cricket have enhanced Nepal’s international reputation. Yet, the government does not seem to be giving them adequate priority.”

The good governance roadmap report highlighted delays in legislation and amendments aligned with the federal structure, issues in human resource management, and exposed various challenges in Nepali sports. These include the stalling of the National Sports Development Act amendment bill in the House of Representatives, unfilled posts in the National Sports Council (Rakhap), and weak regulatory and monitoring systems within the sports sector.

The report recommended setting timelines for continuous implementation, ensuring athlete participation in competitions, and providing service facilities. Immediate simplification and improvement were deemed necessary for the Sports Act amendments, approval processes, and grant management.

Accusations of Neglect by the Balen Government: Sports reform issues incorporated in the previous government’s good governance roadmap have been omitted from the Balen government’s 100-point agenda. Suvarna Shrestha, Executive Member of the National Sports Council (Rakhap), expressed disappointment that the government’s 100-point agenda failed to include sports.

“The 100 reform points are good, but sports is absent. I had hoped sports would be included in the first phase. A grassroots development plan would have been ideal,” she said, expressing expectations for future inclusion.

Deepak Shrestha, President of the Nepal National and International Players Association (NNIPA), voiced his sadness over the new government’s disregard for the sports sector. “There were high expectations from the new government regarding sports. The election manifesto of Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapak) had prioritized sports, but its absence from the agenda is disappointing,” he remarked.

Former Minister Paudel noted that the government only focuses on infrastructure development and overlooks sports. “The human and emotional aspects connected to sports are ignored. The government’s main attention goes elsewhere,” he explained.

At the time of assuming office, Sports Minister Sasmita Pokharel had promised to depoliticize the sports sector. Although Raswapak’s election manifesto emphasized correcting administrative errors, this commitment was missing from the 100-point agenda.

NNIPA President Shrestha remains concerned about the ongoing disregard for sports by the new government. “Looking at the 100-point agenda, it seems that, like other traditional parties, Raswapak’s view also does not consider sports seriously,” he stated, though he retains a small amount of hope.

Former Sports Minister Paudel highlighted that addressing talent drain is the current priority in sports. “Some infrastructure has been established where athletes can play. Therefore, it is essential to provide training and technology to retain talent and encourage athletes,” he emphasized.

He stressed that the new government should communicate confidence to athletes directly.

According to Suvarna Shrestha of Rakhap, designating one percent of the total budget for sports could enable significant progress. “One percent of the budget can achieve a lot. If we collaborate with the private sector, investments in sports can increase,” she added. She is confident that linking sports with tourism and economic resources will accelerate Nepal’s sports development significantly.

March 29, Janakpurdham – The sidewalk market located west of Gangasagar near Shiv Chowk in Janakpurdham has been cleared using bulldozers. This operation was conducted under the direct leadership of Madhesh Regional Home Minister Fakira Mahato, who carried out the clearance over two days. The market had been operating for years with temporary structures on the sidewalk, which had negatively impacted the aesthetics of the western part of Gangasagar.
Home Minister Mahato personally led the effort, coordinating with the Nepal Police and municipal police to clear the sidewalk market through the use of bulldozers. On Sunday, only a few structures were demolished, and merchants were given an ultimatum until 11 a.m. Monday to vacate remaining structures. However, as traders resisted, bulldozers were again deployed on Monday. The sidewalk business owners have requested alternative arrangements for their livelihoods. Additionally, they challenged authorities to extend such demolition efforts to large buildings and hotels constructed by encroaching on public land, not just targeting them alone.