Author: space4knews

Following a summary review of recent news, artists interpret the color green as a symbol of positive energy, mental peace, a close bond with nature, and awareness against climate change. The Nepali Congress has linked its election symbol, the tree, with green, presenting the color as a political identity that conveys a message of environmental conservation and responsibility toward climate change.

Through creative initiatives such as ‘The Green Table’ and ‘Green Run,’ the Congress party is moving beyond traditional political debates to prioritize environmental and sustainable development issues.

Kathmandu, 12 Shrawan — Many recognize green as the color of nature. However, artists argue that its significance extends beyond this. They believe green evokes mental tranquility, positive energy, and a deep connection to nature.

Senior artist Kiran Manandhar explains that although blue is commonly associated with peace, green equally offers a sense of calmness and balance. He notes, “Greenery relaxes the mind, energizes people, and draws them closer to nature.” Manandhar emphasizes that green should not be viewed merely as a visual aesthetic but also as an expression of positive thinking, vitality, and an intimate relationship with the natural world.

He further states that Nepal’s identity is deeply intertwined with greenery. “The phrase ‘Green forests are Nepal’s wealth’ is widely known,” Manandhar says, “which reflects the close connection between the color green and the country’s natural heritage.”

Another artist, Mahesh Acharya, offers a broader spiritual and philosophical interpretation. He explains that the five colors on Buddhist prayer flags represent the five elements of the universe, with green symbolizing earth, nature, and life.

“According to belief, creation originates from the five elements,” Acharya says. “The prayer flags have five colors: blue, white, green, red, and yellow. These represent the universe’s five elements, with green specifically linked to nature, earth, and life.”

He highlights that one of the main causes of current global climate change is the destruction of forests and loss of greenery. For Acharya, green carries a message of environmental protection, stewardship of nature, and sustainable living. “Today’s climate crisis largely stems from deforestation and the reduction of greenery. Thus, green is no longer just a color in art; it has become a symbol of awareness for saving the planet.”

Today, green transcends being simply a color. At a time when the world faces a severe climate crisis, it embodies nature, life, hope, and responsibility for the earth’s future. Protecting the environment has become a collective human obligation worldwide.

Reflecting this changing context, the Nepali Congress has recently adopted green as its ‘visual identity.’ The party appears to connect green with political symbolism beyond just its election symbol, linking it explicitly with nature and the fight against climate change through its programs and new concepts.

For several months, the party’s Central Policy, Research and Training Department has been conducting ongoing discussions under the banner ‘The Green Table.’ On the 44th memorial day of the party’s founding leader, B.P. Koirala, Congress organized a running event called ‘Green Run’ on 6 Shrawan.

Congress Vice-Chairman Bishwaprakash Sharma associates this initiative not simply with political branding but with a pressing global need. He stresses that with the world under threat from climate change, protecting mountains, rivers, forests, and the environment is a shared responsibility of humanity.

“The entire world is suffering today due to climate change. In such a context, protecting nature, mountains, rivers, forests, and the overall environment has become a collective duty,” says Sharma. “With that message in mind, we have selected green as a symbol of nature.”

He adds that green should not be seen only as the color related to Congress’s election symbol but understood in light of the foresight of leader B.P. Koirala nearly 65–66 years ago, when he chose a tree as the election emblem.

“His vision is evident in that choice. Advocating nationalization of forests, adopting a tree as the election symbol, and emphasizing nature’s importance are even more relevant today amid the climate crisis,” Sharma explains.

Sharma urges interpreting the green branding not just from a political viewpoint but as an expression of environmental conservation and responsibility toward nature. “Forests are green, trees are green, and our election symbol is a green tree. To meet the climate challenge, the world needs greenery,” he states. “Therefore, this should be understood as an environmental and responsibility issue rather than a purely political one.”

General Secretary Pradeep Paudel also acknowledges that green, beyond being merely an election symbol, is inherently connected to the environment and climate change. Accordingly, Congress gives special priority to addressing climate change.

“Green is not limited to our election symbol; it is linked to environmental and climate change issues,” Paudel says, “and therefore, we have made climate change a key focus.”

Artist Acharya, recalling a conversation, also highlights B.P. Koirala’s sensitivity toward forests, nature, and greenery as evident in his writings and thoughts.

“B.P. Koirala expressed deep attachment to forests, nature, and greenery through his various works and ideas,” Acharya notes, “so green can be regarded not just as a color but as a symbol linked with life, energy, nature, and Nepal’s identity.”

According to General Secretary Paudel, Congress aims to steer politics toward creativity by prioritizing new, innovative activities and substantive discussions beyond traditional political debates.

“We want to advance politics in a creative direction. For that, our goal is to emphasize new forms of creative activity and issue-based dialogues beyond conventional political debates,” Paudel states.

He explains that through ‘The Green Table,’ the party engages with experts on current topics, gaining insights to inform policy and planning.

“We have been regularly fostering debate on social and national-international issues through ‘The Green Table,’” Paudel says. “This platform also helps associate our election symbol, the tree, with messages of climate change and environmental protection.”

Emphasizing that green symbolizes peace, harmony, prosperity, greenery, and positive thinking, he calls for understanding it as a symbol of hope, development, and confidence in the future rather than despair.

Paudel adds that Congress is actively working to establish green as a unique identity for the party. “Since our election symbol is the green tree, we have sought to establish green as a distinctive part of our identity,” he says, “directly linking it with our election emblem and political identity.”

A 28.30 megawatt Mid-Chamelia Hydroelectric Project is set to be constructed in Marma Rural Municipality, Darchula. The Department of Electricity Development issued the electricity generation permit for the project on Chaitra 13. The project, estimated at a cost of NPR 623 crore 62 lakh 67 thousand 390, aims to be completed within the next three years.

As an emerging hub for hydropower development in Sudurpaschim Province, another project is about to commence on the Chamelia River. Promoted by Darchula Power Company, this project is located within the Api Nampa Conservation Area of Darchula. The electricity generation permit was granted by the Department of Electricity Development on Chaitra 13, 2081 BS (Bikram Sambat calendar).

The entire infrastructure of the project is proposed to be built on the left bank of the Chamelia River. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment published a public notice on Monday for supplementary environmental impact assessment. Previously, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report was approved on Chaitra 7, 2080 BS.

A power purchase agreement was signed on Ashoj 29, 2080 BS, between the Nepal Electricity Authority and the promoter, Chamelia Power Limited. The proposed project site is located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Gokuleshwar in Darchula district. The generated electricity will be connected to the Authority’s Balach Substation.

Shintamani Mustang Hotel in Mustang has secured the top position on Robb Report’s ’50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth 2026′ list. Namgyal Sherpa, CEO of Sherpa Hospitality Group, stated that this achievement firmly establishes Nepal as a distinguished luxury travel destination. The hotel, which has 29 rooms, requires a minimum booking of five days, with rates starting at $1,800 per night. Kathmandu, July 27.

Shintamani was chosen as number one on the ’50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth 2026′ list compiled by Robb Report. A panel of 24 leading global travel experts selected Shintamani as the top hotel in the world. Located in Lower Mustang, Shintamani was designed by Bill Bensley. The Sherpa Hospitality Group (SHG), part of the Yeti Group, has been operating the hotel since August 2023. Robb Report highlighted the breathtaking views visible from every room, offering guests a truly unique experience.

“This hotel is not only an identity but also a success story of a dream,” said Namgyal Sherpa, CEO of SHG. “For years we have been working according to a vision to position Nepal as a special luxury destination, and now this vision has become a reality.” Shintamani is likely among the most expensive hotels in Nepal. The hotel has 29 rooms, and both domestic and international guests must book for a minimum of five days. The starting price per night is $1,800, exclusive of 13% value-added tax (VAT) and 2% luxury tax. The two-person packages include room accommodations, wellness programs, meals, and beverages, the hotel stated.

The Robb Report list ranks Rwanda’s Singita Kwitonda second, Scotland’s Hope Lodge third, Japan’s Park Hyatt Tokyo fourth, India’s Shakti Prana fifth, Italy’s Collegio alla Querce sixth, the United Kingdom’s Calridges seventh, France’s Le Bristol Paris eighth, Panama’s Islas Secas ninth, and Malta’s Casa Bonavita tenth.

Summary: An agreement has been established between the Citizens Investment Trust and Rainas Municipality to include contract employees in the citizen pension scheme. Each employee will contribute NPR 5,000 monthly to the fund, with the municipality and employee each contributing NPR 2,500 per month. Participating employees will receive pension benefits upon reaching the age of 60, and provisions have also been made to offer benefits to legal heirs. July 27, Kathmandu.

The Citizens Investment Trust and Rainas Municipality of Lamjung have signed a memorandum of understanding to operate the citizen pension scheme. On Monday, the Trust’s legal executive director Shobha Shrestha Subedi and Municipality Chief Khadga Bahadur Gurung signed the agreement. According to the contract, the municipality will enroll its contract employees in the citizen pension scheme. For this, the municipality will contribute NPR 2,500 and employees will contribute the same amount, making a monthly total of NPR 5,000 per employee to the fund.

Participating employees are entitled to receive either a lump sum amount or pension benefits upon reaching the age of 60, in accordance with the fund’s regulations. In the event of the participant’s death or disappearance after pension commencement, the spouse will receive benefits, and if both spouses are deceased, the remaining balance in the account will be provided to the legal heirs as per the regulations. Details of participating employees, KYC, and personal account records will be updated by the municipality and provided to the Trust. If an employee’s employment ends or the municipality ceases its contributions, the individual may continue managing their account or withdraw the remaining balance.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has urged customs and revenue administrators to adopt a targeted approach to improve the pace of revenue collection and control leakages. He has instructed the Customs Department to install vehicle scanner machines at the country’s 14 major customs offices within three months and to repair faulty machines. Emphasizing encouragement over punishment, Minister Wagle stressed educating taxpayers and incentivizing them to broaden the tax base, while calling on staff to work with integrity. (11 Shrawan, Kathmandu)

During the annual revenue review meeting held Monday at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Wagle addressed the declining momentum in revenue collection and the issue of leakages. He noted that the goals, timelines, and objectives for this year’s revenue collection are clear and urged customs and revenue officials to adopt a purposeful approach, termed “Arjun Vision,” in their work. He also directed that this year’s revenue targets be pursued in a mission-mode approach.

Referring to past data on tax collection in Nepal that highlights deteriorating collection rhythm and substantial leakages, Minister Wagle stated, “This can no longer be tolerated. You must be clear on revenue collection targets, deadlines, and objectives.” He encouraged moving forward with Arjun Vision by motivating rather than intimidating taxpayers to meet targets. Emphasizing the need for scientifically grounded revenue goals, he urged tax administrators to carry out practical and realistic work.

“State-building requires taxes, and tax collection demands your cooperation, honesty, and hard work. Good performance will be rewarded, while wrongdoings will be penalized.” He assured customs, revenue, and internal tax officers that the government is prepared to provide the necessary resources for meeting revenue targets. To expand the tax base, he also directed enhancing public awareness, implementing government-announced waiver schemes effectively, and executing taxpayer incentive programs efficiently.

Victims of cooperative savings demands staged a powerful protest at Maitighar, Kathmandu on Monday, demanding the return of their trapped savings. Protesters accused the government of discriminating between small and large savers and providing political protection to cooperative operators. Kushalbh KC, chairperson of the National Campaign to Protect Cooperative Savers, stated that the movement will continue and they will surround the ministry until their demands are met. July 28, Kathmandu.

The gathering of cooperative victims at Maitighar on Monday presented a poignant scene. Among the protesters was an individual who had brought a wheelchair-bound child with intellectual disabilities, traveling from Banepa to participate. Raju Silwal, who has 3 million rupees saved in Kantipur Cooperative of Banepa, described his increasingly difficult daily life. He said, “The money saved in the cooperative by selling our family land is neither returned nor earning interest. That’s why we must protest to reclaim that money.”

Similarly, Krishna Jung Pandey, a retired firefighter from Lalitpur, also took part in the protest. He revealed that the 3 million rupees he saved in Laligurans Savings and Credit Cooperative from his retirement benefits remain trapped. His pain is compounded by the inability to access savings for his son’s medical expenses. Netra Prasad Dangal, present at the protest, said, “The sweat of farmers has been stolen by cooperative fraudsters.”

Thousands of victims were present at Maitighar on Monday. The protest, organized by the National Campaign to Protect Cooperative Savers, proceeded from Kathmandu’s Maitighar to the problematic cooperative management committee office and the National Cooperative Authority office in Lalitpur. Various cooperative victims’ associations condemned delays in refunding savings, the government’s negligence, and the protection extended to cooperative fraudsters, chanting slogans against the government.

Kushalbh KC said, “The problems within cooperatives are now clear, but the government has shown no change in its approach. The government’s failure to even refund deposited savings raises the question of what hope remains.” The protest is scheduled to continue on Tuesday with plans to surround the ministries of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration. KC affirmed that the protests will persist until the demands of cooperative victims are addressed.

According to a reviewed report, the Supreme Court has ruled that insurance companies operating in the sector are not permitted to charge a premium when selling shares to the general public. In a clear interpretation of the Insurance Act 2022, the court found that both the Insurance Authority and the Securities Board acted contrary to the law by allowing the issuance of shares at a premium. Previously, the Supreme Court had directed that the funds received from premiums be deposited into a special reserve account.

Kathmandu, 11th July – The court clarified that under the Insurance Act 2022, insurance companies cannot charge a premium fee when issuing ordinary or new shares. This ruling is expected to significantly impact insurance companies planning to issue new shares in the future. The arrangement also requires companies that have previously issued shares at a premium to maintain a reserve fund for the premium amount. However, there has been no debate in the Supreme Court yet regarding the pricing of shares. The Insurance Act mandates full payment for ordinary shares, a provision that remains somewhat contentious.

A senior lawyer commented, “The Companies Act also influences the face value of shares, but compliance with the Insurance Act is mandatory for insurance businesses.” He further noted that while banks and financial institutions may be allowed to sell shares at a premium, the issue remains disputed when it comes to insurance companies.

The Supreme Court noted that the Securities Board and Insurance Authority had permitted premium share sales contrary to the Insurance Act. Although the writ was dismissed following the hearing, the court issued a directive providing a clear interpretation of the law. This arose after Himalayan Reinsurance Company sold shares to the public at a premium in Mangsir 2080 (mid-December 2023). Lawyers Yamprasad Bhattarai and Bhimsen Rayamajhi filed the writ seeking an order to sell shares only at their face value. The joint bench of Supreme Court Justices Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shrikant Paudel dismissed the writ but issued a directive order.

The court stated that since the petitioners’ demand has already been implemented, there was no ground to issue a writ. It emphasized that this is a matter of public interest and concern. “The Securities Board does not appear to have fulfilled its legal duties in accordance with the law,” the order stated. “The approval for issuing shares at a premium under Section 45 (5) of the Insurance Act 2022 is illegal. The board has not fulfilled its responsibilities as per the Securities Act and regulations.”

Hikmat Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, has expressed his firm stance against resigning despite a potential political crisis emerging. According to an agreement with CPN coordinators Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is preparing to appoint Til Kumar Menyangbo as the new Chief Minister in Koshi Province. However, Chief Minister Karki insists that any resignation must be preceded by an institutional party decision, affirming his intention to remain in leadership. (11 Shrawan, Kathmandu)

Chief Minister Karki has declared his refusal to participate in the process of forming a new government that could lead to political instability. Following the breakdown of the power-sharing agreement with the Nepali Congress, the UML has signed a three-point pact with the Nepal Communist Party aiming to change governments in all seven provinces. According to the agreement between Chairman KP Sharma Oli and CPN coordinator Prachanda, UML will retain leadership of the government in Koshi Province. Nonetheless, Chairman Oli has already indicated plans to replace the Chief Minister.

According to party leaders, there are preparations to appoint Til Kumar Menyangbo, Deputy Leader of the Provincial Parliamentary Party, as the new Chief Minister, which is expected to bring about a leadership change in Koshi Province soon. Menyangbo, elected from Taplejung-1 (A) constituency, is seen as Oli’s choice to reestablish his political influence within the party. However, Chief Minister Karki has taken a firm stance not to resign as per Oli’s wishes.

Under Article 168(5) of the Constitution, Chief Minister Karki argues that his resignation could trigger a political crisis. He stated, “Not only as the leader of the parliamentary party but also having been appointed Chief Minister by the independent signatures of the majority of lawmakers as per sub-section 5, my resignation could cause a political and constitutional crisis.” Karki reported having warned Oli about this matter a week ago, but Oli remains firm in his intention to replace the Chief Minister. Karki emphasized, “I will only accept changes based on institutional decisions, not personal directives.”

The debut short story collection by young author Shivraj Shahi, titled ‘One Maanth One Deity,’ was launched in a special event held in Kathmandu on July 26. The launch ceremony saw collaboration between literary figure Nayanraj Pandey, former minister and author Madhav Chaulagain, actress Suraksha Pant, and the author himself, Shivraj Shahi.

Commenting on the book, literary critic Nayanraj Pandey highlighted the deep incorporation of Karnali’s themes in the works of emerging authors. Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary writers, he characterized Shivraj Shahi as having two distinct facets—‘Shivraj-K’ and ‘Shivraj-Kh.’ He explained, “The stories attributed to ‘Shivraj-K’ are excellent, whereas those of ‘Shivraj-Kh’ are somewhat different. In truth, Shahi is ‘Shivraj-K.’ This book is truly outstanding.”

Author and former minister Madhav Chaulagain remarked that the book encapsulates stories and pains of the Karnali region. “The narratives depict not only the Karnali community but also life’s myriad small and large aspects. This serves as a social science mirror reflecting Karnali,” he said. Actress Suraksha Pant noted that eleven stories from the collection could be adapted into films. She added, “After reading this book, I understood that there is a deity within every Maanth. Each story encapsulates relationships in life. All the tales possess a timeless quality, akin to classic cinema.”

Author Shivraj Shahi shared that his stories give voice to the mothers and sisters from Karnali. A native of Jaja, Rikotka, Shahi is also the winner of the 2082 Baahrakhari Story Competition and the 2081 Chakramani Chalisey Story Competition. ‘One Maanth One Deity’ is his first collection of short stories. Illustrated in color font based on the themes and images of the stories, this collection has been published by BookHill.

News Summary
The largest conference of the WordPress community, ‘WordCamp Kathmandu 2026,’ is set to be held in Kathmandu on September 18 and 19. More than 500 participants and over 30 national and international speakers will share their experiences and knowledge during the event. Organizers believe this conference will contribute significantly to empowering Nepal’s digital economy and establishing Nepal as a rising center of information technology in South Asia.

Organized by WordPress Kathmandu, the event will be hosted at Alice Reception in Gairidhara. It is expected to bring a new dimension to the promotion of information technology, digital entrepreneurship, and open-source technology in Nepal. Experts and attendees from various countries including the United States, Europe, India, and Bangladesh will participate, with over 500 attendees and more than 30 national and international speakers presenting their insights.

The conference aims to connect Nepal’s technology community with the global network and promote collaboration between Kathmandu’s cultural heritage and open-source technologies. WordPress, which powers approximately 43% of websites worldwide, has continually provided Nepali developers, digital entrepreneurs, and IT agencies with opportunities to compete in international markets. The organizers have emphasized the special significance of this year’s WordCamp.

The two-day program will feature a ‘Contributor Day’ on the first day, where participants can directly contribute to making WordPress more secure, efficient, and prosperous. The main conference on the second day will include presentations by national and international experts on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, advanced SEO, digital marketing, and current topics within the WordPress ecosystem. According to the organizers, WordPress plays a vital role not only in providing youth with opportunities to earn foreign currency through freelancing but also in generating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within the country.

With financial assistance of approximately NPR 75 million from the Government of India, the construction of a building for Shri Gokuleshwar Secondary School in Shailyashikhar Municipality, Darchula, is set to commence. Bashistha Nandan, First Secretary of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, and Vijay Singh Dhami, Mayor of the municipality, jointly laid the foundation stone for the school building. This initiative is part of the 11th High Impact Community Development Project currently being implemented in Darchula.

On July 26, Kathmandu – The Embassy of India has announced that, with its support, Shri Gokuleshwar Secondary School located in Shailyashikhar Municipality–9, Darchula, will undergo building construction. The foundation stone was jointly laid by First Secretary Bashistha Nandan and Mayor Vijay Singh Dhami. The Embassy indicated the project is funded with nearly NPR 75 million from the Indian government.

According to the Embassy, this development falls under the 11th High Impact Community Development Project being executed in Darchula. During the foundation stone laying ceremony, the mayor and other speakers expressed appreciation for the support from the Indian government and conveyed confidence that the project will make a significant contribution to the advancement of education in Darchula.