Author: space4knews

April 26, Kathmandu – The government has decided to launch a ‘Price Transparency Week’ starting next Monday to strengthen market governance. The Prime Minister’s Office is preparing to conduct a nationwide special campaign to tackle irregularities, artificial price hikes, and consumer fraud in the market. Dipa Dahal, Press and Research Officer to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, emphasized that this campaign is essential to address the daily price inflation issues affecting the general public.

Urging active public participation, she informed that the program will commence on Monday and run until May 17. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, directives have been issued to relevant agencies across the country to implement the initiative effectively.

The Prime Minister’s Secretariat also stated that local governments have been instructed to mandate price lists for goods and services providers in their areas and to conduct regular monitoring. District Administration Offices have been tasked with activating market monitoring committees to ensure price transparency through awareness and regulation. Furthermore, central and provincial market monitoring committees will conduct evaluations, deploy monitoring teams, and initiate strict legal actions against violators.

April 26, Dhangadhi – Bishwaprakash Sharma, Vice President of the Nepali Congress, expressed his intention to bring together the experienced leaders of Sudurpashchim Province on a common journey. He made these remarks during a “Provincial and Local Level Provincial Meeting” held in Dhangadhi, Kailali.

Speaking at the event, Sharma said, “Today, speaking for everyone within the party from this geographical perspective, whether Gaganji or myself and other colleagues who have been involved in politics for a long time, we want to take these leaders along with us, especially the friends from the Sudurpashchim region.”

The Vice President emphasized that the Congress leadership should avoid any prejudice against anyone. He added, “Every member should be assured that once the new leadership takes charge, it will not view us or anyone else with bias based on faction, angle, or color.” Sharma further highlighted the necessity for unity among all members to strengthen and move the party forward.

Referring to the elections held on September 21, he noted that the 1.7 million votes the party received represented significant support for democratic processes. He stated, “Those 1.7 million votes are a force standing with us for democratic processes, for the life of the Congress party, and for a brighter future.” Sharma also affirmed that the Congress will continue to support the government as long as it operates within the constitution and democratic values. However, he critiqued certain government activities as falling outside these constitutional and democratic frameworks.

He said, “Our new government has our support, backing, and best wishes – but only to the extent that the government remains within the constitution, adheres to democratic principles, and prioritizes the overall progress of the country. Currently, though, some government actions are not aligned with these directions.”

April 26, Dhangadhi – Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa stated that there is no likelihood of any government formation outside the alliance between Congress and UML in the provinces. Addressing the ‘Provincial and Local Level Focused Provincial Assembly’ held in Dhangadhi, Kailali, he urged everyone not to fall into unnecessary confusion regarding the provincial government formation.

He noted that currently, governments in six provinces are working based on an understanding between Congress and UML. President Thapa clarified that discussions related to leadership changes or government functioning will be held exclusively between the two parties. “We are in the final phase of preparations for the provincial elections. At present, there is a joint government between Congress and UML. Any decisions about leadership changes or government operations are matters for discussions solely between Congress and UML. Please do not get misled by the notion that any other government might form,” he emphasized.

President Thapa also provided clarity about the continuation of the current ruling coalition in Madhesh Province. According to him, the joint government of Congress, Maoists, and Madhesh-centric parties will remain intact. “We are in a coalition government in Madhesh along with the Maoists and Madhesh-centric parties,” he stated. “The government will move forward according to the current situation there.” Furthermore, he informed that continuous discussions between Congress and UML are ongoing concerning the policies, programs, budget, and leadership of the provincial governments. Vice President of the Provincial Government, Bishwaprakash Sharma, is also reportedly engaged in these deliberations on behalf of the party, as confirmed by the President.

The United States has retrieved 13.5 kilograms of highly enriched uranium from Venezuela and transported it to the Savannah River Site nuclear facility in South Carolina for processing. This operation was completed in under six weeks through a collaborative effort involving the US, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has confirmed the mission’s success. Recently, commercial flights between the US and Venezuela have resumed, and the American embassy has been re-established, signaling improving bilateral relations.

On April 9, the US disclosed that the uranium was extracted from a facility near Caracas and subsequently transported securely to the United States. According to the US Department of Energy, the material was transferred via land and sea routes to the Savannah River Site, where its processing will take place. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) emphasized that this operation holds significant importance for the security of both South America and the United States.

Dr. Matt Napoli, NNSA’s Deputy Administrator, personally oversaw the mission in Venezuela and attributed the operation’s success to the expertise of the team involved. The International Atomic Energy Agency noted the mission’s complexity and sensitivity. The report also highlights that during the Trump administration, there was persistent pressure regarding highly enriched uranium in Iran.

In recent months, prominent US officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have visited Venezuela. Commercial flights between the two nations have resumed after a seven-year hiatus. Venezuela possesses one of the world’s largest oil reserves. The report indicates that the United States is actively seeking to expand trade in the energy and mining sectors within Venezuela.

April 26, Dhangadhi – Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah commented that discussions about government reshuffling have overshadowed the arrival of Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa to Dhangadhi. Speaking at the opening session of the Congress provincial-level meeting on Saturday in Dhangadhi, Chief Minister Shah noted that President Thapa had anticipated such a situation in advance.

“Mr. President, along with the talk of your arrival, the subject that has sparked more debate in Sudurpashchim is the government’s post changes and reshuffling rather than your schedule,” said Chief Minister Shah. “I want to say that I possess the courage—physically, mentally, and ideologically—to compete with you. I have that bravery. Therefore, I urge everyone to refrain from displaying irresponsible and non-political conduct.”

He added that those spreading such rumors intend to defame President Thapa. “I want to state—just as the murmurs have spread through the market and media—that some are even considering recalling pro-government MPs to facilitate a government change to discredit the President,” he said. However, he expressed that he is not convinced by such claims. “I am a soldier of the Nepali Congress and steadfastly uphold the party’s values and principles. Hence, no one should make statements that create confusion, cause disputes within the party, weaken it, or undermine the President,” Chief Minister Shah emphasized.

Clarifying that he had gone to the airport to welcome Gagan Thapa and had also stood with him on stage, Shah asserted that his actions were not aimed at retaining his position. “I want to tell you—the post of Chief Minister is secondary. Our democratic process and leaders decide who will lead and which alliance will be formed,” he explained. He expressed that his presence on stage was motivated by a desire for Congress unity. “I stood here carrying the sentiment that Gagan Thapa should become the President of the Nepali Congress. My goal is to reignite the party’s strength during this time of weakness,” he added.

April 9, Paris – As global ocean surface temperatures continue to rise steadily, the European Union’s climate monitoring agency has issued a serious warning. Scientists report that current ocean heat levels are nearly matching the record highs set in 2024. This sustained warmth increases the likelihood of a new record being established within days or weeks. Samantha Burgess, Head of Climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that the persistent ocean warming indicates significant changes occurring within the global climate system. She added, “A new historic record in sea surface temperature could be broken by May.”

The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union confirmed in April that global ocean temperatures are near the second highest levels ever measured. Notably, extreme marine heatwaves have intensified from the Pacific Ocean to North America, causing significant climate imbalances in many regions. Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organization has issued a warning that an El Niño event is likely to develop between May and July. El Niño is a natural phenomenon marked by changes in the Pacific Ocean’s temperature and atmospheric circulation, often triggering droughts, heavy rains, storms, and other extreme weather events worldwide.

Scientific studies indicate that the temperature increase is not solely due to El Niño but also stems from long-term global warming driven by greenhouse gases emitted through human activity. Consequently, both 2023 and 2024 have ranked as the second and hottest years respectively during El Niño periods. Some forecasts suggest the upcoming El Niño may be powerful, comparable to the extreme event that occurred three decades ago. Jake Housefather, a scientist at the Berkeley Earth research institute, warned that if the forthcoming El Niño is strong, the year 2027 could become the hottest year on record. However, Burgess cautioned that it is still too early to determine the event’s intensity. “Springtime forecasts often have high uncertainty,” she noted, “but the global impacts will undoubtedly be felt.”

According to Burgess, the most severe effects of El Niño typically occur the year after its peak, suggesting that global temperatures may continue rising in the years ahead. Copernicus data showed a continuous increase in sea surface temperatures during March and April, signaling the transition toward El Niño conditions. Scientists emphasize that the sharp temperature rise stems not only from natural El Niño variability but also from long-term climate change driven primarily by excessive fossil fuel consumption. In April, the global average temperature was measured at 1.43 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900). Additionally, Arctic sea ice reached near-historic minimum levels, revealing profound impacts on the Earth’s climate system. – With AFP collaboration

April 9, Dhangadhi – The Nepali Congress began its Sudurpaschim provincial-level assembly on Saturday in Dhangadhi. Party Chair Gagan Kumar Thapa, along with other leaders, has arrived in Dhangadhi to participate in the event. This marks Thapa’s first address in the home province of outgoing Chair Sher Bahadur Deuba since being elected at the special general convention. Party leaders and activists warmly welcomed Thapa at Dhangadhi Airport.

Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, considered aligned with Deuba’s faction, arrived at the airport with his cabinet ministers to receive Thapa. However, security personnel denied their entry inside the airport, preventing Shah from meeting with Thapa. Although the Chief Minister and other ministers came to welcome Thapa, Province Chair Vir Bahadur Balayar and Kailali Chair Narayan Datt Bhatt, both associated with Deuba’s faction, did not attend the meeting. According to sources, Chair Balayar has confirmed he will not participate in the event.

Kailali Chair Bhatt cited work commitments as the reason for his absence. Also a member of the National Assembly, Bhatt stated that his inability to attend was due to parliamentary obligations rather than political disagreements. He said, “I am currently in Kathmandu for parliamentary duties. Political agreement or disagreement is a separate matter. At this time, due to being occupied with work, I am unable to participate.” Some other district chairs aligned with Deuba’s faction are also expected not to attend, according to party leaders. The Congress has planned the two-day assembly to review the outcomes of the House of Representatives elections and the performance of local representatives.

Shailesh Kandel has been unanimously elected as the president of the Nepal Chemical and Medical Supplies Association. The election committee appointed Binod Kumar Manandhar as the first vice president, Deepak Sharma as general secretary, Vijay Khanal as secretary, and Nirmal Regmi as treasurer. The executive committee also includes Vinay Raj Sigdel, Ganesh Prasad Sapkota, Khadananda Pandey, and Vijay Maharjan as members. The announcement was made on 26th Baisakh in Kathmandu.

Under Shailesh Kandel’s leadership, the elected executive committee will actively work to protect the rights and interests of professionals involved in the chemical and medical supplies business, promote professional coordination, and initiate policy advocacy efforts. According to the election committee, the entire executive committee was chosen by unanimous decision.

Presented from the inside as a member of the academic council of Nepal Music and Drama Academy, this article reveals the governmental structural weaknesses and the devaluation of art within the institution. In Falgun 2079 B.S. (February/March 2023), when I was entrusted with the responsibility of serving a four-year term as a member of the academic council of Nepal Music and Drama Academy, it was not merely about holding a position. To me, it was a new test of the sweat and accumulated dreams I had poured into the theater. As an artist and playwright, the illusions I had about the institution from outside began to dissolve one by one after stepping inside. It soon became clear that there was a significant discrepancy between the grand government structure visible outside and the operational reality inside.

It did not take long to realize that the value of art and artists is profoundly undervalued in the governance mindset. The true reality only emerges when one engages with concerned departmental bodies and administrative files. From the state’s perspective, art remains an unproductive sector and fails to rise beyond a decorative showpiece. While outside observers believe a firm decision or a proper plan could instantly wipe away artists’ tears, inside the institution, one finds a complicated web of procedures and an overwhelming bureaucratic paper trail rather than creative freedom.

Many of our indigenous folk tunes are disappearing, and some dramatic styles are breathing their last. Yet the agony of not even having a well-equipped hall to preserve these priceless heritages can only be truly understood by those occupying such positions and responsibilities. For someone who understands the hunger and thirst of artists, witnessing creativity being stifled in one’s own space and budgets being spent on rituals rather than creations tightens the heart with knots. Truly, these walls of government structures are so thick and cold that it is almost impossible for the warmth of artists’ sensibilities and creativity to reach inside.