Author: space4knews

Following an introductory review of the news, Chairman of the Labour Culture Party, Hark Sampang, and former minister Sudan Kirati have united their parties after the elections held on 21 Falgun. According to the agreement, Sudan Kirati will become a senior leader, along with 15 central members who will join him. Sudan Kirati’s entry into the party is expected to help Labour Culture expand nationwide, and he is seen as a future Chief Minister of Koshi Province.

On 25 Baishakh in Kathmandu, Labour Culture Party Chairman Hark Sampang and former minister Sudan Kirati transformed their cooperation from the 21 Falgun elections into party unity. Chairman Sampang finalized a seven-point understanding to include Sudan Kirati in the Labour Culture Party. Under this agreement, Sudan Kirati will assume the role of senior leader, accompanied by a team comprising one vice-chairperson, one secretary, and 15 central members. The exact names of these members are yet to be finalized, but the unity agreement has been publicly announced.

At an event held at Hotel Hardik in the capital, Sampang welcomed Kirati and likened their unity to the confluence of the Dudhkoshi and Tamor rivers forming the Sapta Koshi river. “The Dudhkoshi and Tamor meet at Khuwalung and thereafter become one inseparable river,” Sampang said. “Our unity is just like that.” Both Hark and Sudan affirmed their decision to unite after prolonged discussions and urged the public to trust this unity.

Coming from a Maoist background, leader Kirati justified this unity and explained that individuals with communist ideals must acknowledge ‘Harkvadi.’ According to him, efforts will be made to establish Harkvadi. Kirati also praised Sampang’s leadership, stance, and efforts in founding the Labour Culture Party. He stated that the party’s position in national politics has inspired unity. He maintained that popular pressure was a primary factor behind this unity, saying, “We have followed the mandate of the people.”

According to leaders, the pressure to unite was present on both sides following the last election cooperation. “Among those who helped establish the Labour Culture Party, many wished for Sudan Kirati’s inclusion. There were also calls for unity on social media and through gatherings,” commented a party leader. Responding to supporters’ wishes, Hark increased efforts to bring Sudan into the party, although immediate unity was not feasible.

During this period, Sudan Kirati was pictured meeting with Kulman Ghising, Sike Raut, Resham Chaudhary, among others, discussing cooperation or unity. Following this, Sampang faced pressure and assured supporters on social media that talks with Sudan had been finalized. The pressure to unite stemmed from Sudan Kirati’s support to Labour Culture candidates during the previous election, particularly in Bhojpur, Khotang, and Sunsari districts — the same three districts where Labour Culture won seats.

“Sudan Kirati played a major role in my victory. His support created the environment,” said Dhruvraj Rai, who was elected to the House of Representatives from Bhojpur. Kirati’s influence was natural because he had won elections from Bhojpur three times and was an influential leader within the Maoists. Recognizing this, Labour Culture supporters began pressuring to include Sudan in the party.

Sudan’s entry is seen as an opportunity for former Maoists. Welcoming him, Hark Sampang analyzed that the country’s development commitment will deepen. Kirati also stated that this unity should be considered part of the campaign to strengthen opposition forces. “We are becoming stronger as a vigilant opposition,” he said.

Senior journalist Tikaram Rai highlighted two key takeaways from this unity: “Hark Sampang is now stronger to challenge the Balen government,” he said, “The significance of this unity will be apparent in the upcoming provincial and local elections.” Despite a smaller number of seats, Hark’s firm opposition stance will be supported by Kirati’s personality, according to Rai. “Sudan Kirati is an established name in national politics with many listeners. His entry will make the opposition in Labour Culture stronger,” the journalist added.

Since Sudan is also from Koshi Province, it is natural for him to be strong in local and provincial assembly elections. Labour Culture Party leader Dhruvraj Rai considers the leaders arriving with Sudan as a significant asset. “Those leaders are politically experienced, and when they connect with our working-class base, the party will become stronger,” he explained.

Leaders believe Sudan’s background as an influential former Maoist figure will help expand the party nationwide. “Labour Culture has more influence in the East, but Sudan has a national network which will benefit the party,” said a leader close to Kirati. “It has created an environment where people from a former Maoist background can easily join the party.”

Another open secret of this unity is that Sudan Kirati is the future Chief Minister of Koshi Province. At the unity assembly held on Saturday, leaders did not comment on this matter, but the leadership nearly confirmed that Sudan joined the party with preparations to become chief minister. “It may be premature to say now, but it is fair to say the approval for him to become chief minister has already been given,” said one leader.

Former Prime Minister Sushila Karki returned her government vehicle on Friday afternoon. The vehicle was returned due to reported mechanical issues and unusually high fuel expenses. According to Press Advisor Ram Rawal, Karki currently does not have any government vehicle assigned to her. Kathmandu, 25th Baisakh.

The vehicle was returned after problems arose and excessive fuel consumption was noticed. Ram Rawal added that Karki has expressed concern regarding the government vehicle she received during her tenure as Prime Minister. She had also inquired about the whereabouts of the vehicle assigned to her during her time as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The Nepal Badminton Association has announced that the 42nd National Badminton Championship will be held from April 13 to April 15 at the Dashrath Rangashala in Kathmandu. Approximately 120 players from seven provinces and three departmental teams will compete in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories. The association has set a quota of 12 players per team, comprising 7 men and 5 women, and has requested submitting the roster by April 26, 2021.

Organized by the Nepal Badminton Association, the 42nd National Badminton Championship is scheduled to start on April 13. According to a press release issued by the association on Friday, the championship will run until April 15 at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangashala located in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, in line with the annual work plan of the association.

Although initially planned to begin on April 12, the association informed that some adjustments were made to the schedule. The country’s premier national badminton competition will feature players from seven provincial teams and three departmental teams, namely the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force (APF). The championship will feature five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

The association reported that about 120 of the nation’s top players will participate. To ensure a high level of competition and maintain an organized and transparent selection process, each province and departmental team has been allocated a quota of 12 players — 7 men and 5 women. Each team must also include one coach and one manager.

The association has requested participation rosters along with official letters from provincial and district badminton associations to be submitted to its office by April 26. The championship aims to enhance the quality of badminton at the national level, identify emerging and talented players, and prepare them for international competitions. Additionally, efforts are being made to strengthen the professional structure of badminton at the provincial level. The association also emphasized that international standards will be followed to ensure proper technical arrangements, player safety, competition management, and media promotion for the successful execution of the tournament.

25 Baisakh, Kathmandu — The government has approved grant assistance for the conservation of endangered native fish species that inhabit cold waters in the Mid-Trishuli River basin. The Cabinet meeting held on Baisakh 22 endorsed a grant program aimed at protecting native fish species such as Asala, Katle, and Sahar.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), under the World Biodiversity Structure Fund (WBBF), proposed a grant amounting to 1.45 million US dollars. After deducting technical assistance costs, approximately 1.27 million US dollars will be allocated by the Nepal government through the federal consolidated fund to support the fish conservation program, according to the Ministry.

This funding has been approved for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s project titled “Conservation of Endangered Cold-water Fish Species in the Mid-Trishuli River Basin and Sustainable Livelihoods for Fishing Communities.” The Ministry has stated that the project aims to conserve and restore endangered native fish species in the Mid-Trishuli basin while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local fishing communities.

Activities under this program will include promoting biodiversity-friendly practices, breeding and restoration of endangered fish species, and establishing aquafarms. The project will be implemented in selected local units of Nuwakot district. The duration of the project is from 2026 to 2029, the Ministry added. – Rastriya Samachar Samiti

Cholendra Shamshere, who was unable to complete his full term as Chief Justice due to controversial roles, once regarded Manoj Sharma as a ‘gem.’ Now, Manoj Sharma has become a subject of discussion after the Constitutional Council reversed the seniority order and recommended him for the position of Chief Justice.

April 8, Kathmandu – The Nepal Bar Association has expressed surprise over the recommendation of the Chief Justice, describing the move as contrary to tradition. On Friday, Kedar Prasad Koirala, the General Secretary of the Bar Association, issued a press release stating that running the administration through an ordinance violates the rule of law.

“The constitutional council (concerning functions, duties, authority, and procedures) Act has been circumvented with malicious intent to mislead the Federal Parliament under the pretext of an ordinance, which is contrary to the spirit of Article 284 of Nepal’s Constitution. The Constitution cannot be amended under such conditions,” the Bar’s statement read. “Disregarding the globally accepted principle of separation of powers, the government, through the constitutional council, has made a recommendation that places the judiciary under the shadow of the executive branch, affecting the judiciary for a long duration—a clear deviation from established traditions, and thus unexpected.”

The Bar further criticized the ordinance, which bypassed the Parliamentary session, as a serious violation of the people’s sovereign right as per Article 2 of the Constitution and Parliament’s supreme authority. The Bar stated that it considers the issuance of a constitutionally opposed ordinance intended to replace the essence of the Constitution and govern accordingly as impractical and unconstitutional, leading to a judiciary controlled and directed by such actions. It emphasized that such acts contradict constitutional values and traditions and are unfavorable for the judiciary.

“This issue has not only national but also international significance,” the Bar clarified in the release. The Bar labeled the government’s move of introducing an ordinance by suspending the already convened Parliamentary session as “pseudo-legislation,” which strikes at the heart of the Constitution and promotes arbitrariness. “Such actions infringe on the principle of separation of powers among the Nepalese Constitution, judiciary, legislature, and executive, encroach upon jurisdiction, and represent attempts to direct, control, and manipulate an independent, capable, and accountable judiciary. The Nepal Bar Association steadfastly opposes these efforts,” the statement added.

“The current ordinance and the corresponding divisive recommendation attempt to intimidate all judicial officers; the government’s intent in this regard is no secret.” The Bar also commented on the pressure placed on members of administrative courts, labor courts, and foreign employment arbitration tribunals—who are expected to function independently—to resign, viewing this as an assault on judicial independence. The Bar urged an immediate halt to these unconstitutional and anti-constitutional actions and appealed to safeguard the independent judiciary to prevent the country from slipping into conflict. The Bar also called upon judges of the Supreme Court and all other courts to remain highly motivated and dedicated to the delivery of justice.

Himalaya Television Network has officially launched its new channel, ‘Himalaya Sports.’ The network has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Himalaya Sports has entered into an agreement with S Pro Media to broadcast the FIFA World Cup live in Nepal. April 8, Kathmandu.

Himalaya Television Network, one of Nepal’s prominent media groups, formally unveiled the ‘Himalaya Sports’ channel. The official launch announcement was made during a special event held on Friday evening in the capital city, Kathmandu. In addition, Himalaya Television has acquired exclusive broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An agreement has been signed between Himalaya Sports and the ‘Digo App’ for broadcasting the tournament. S Pro Media holds the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup in Nepal.

Through this partnership, Himalaya Sports will provide live coverage of the World Cup matches in Nepal. Dharma Raj Bhusal, Chairman of Himalaya Television Network, expressed confidence that this initiative would open new avenues for the future of Nepali sports. “We feel proud to have secured the FIFA World Cup broadcast rights,” he stated during the formal announcement. Additionally, Suraj Giri, CEO of Himalaya Sports, described this milestone as a historic leap forward for sports in Nepal.

April 8, Janakpurdham – Homeless residents in Karmahiya, Bagmati Municipality of Sarlahi, staged a protest organized by the Land Rights Forum and the All Nepal Homeless Federation. The demonstrators raised slogans including “Stop Bulldozer Terror”, “Grant Housing Rights”, and “We Do Not Want Such a Government”.

According to the All Nepal Homeless Federation, approximately 9,000 landless homeless people reside in Bagmati Municipality alone. Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha also took part in the protest and addressed the gathering afterward.

During his speech, Leader Shrestha criticized the government for treating the homeless as less than human. “The government considers homeless people neither as humans nor citizens. The homeless must tell the government: You are not a true government,” he stated. Emphasizing that the Nepali Constitution guarantees housing rights to citizens, he condemned the forced eviction of homeless residents as illegal. Shrestha called on all homeless people to launch a resistance campaign against the government. While acknowledging that truth and justice currently appear weak, he expressed hope that ultimately truth will prevail and encouraged everyone to remain courageous.

“Most authoritarian regimes arise from elections; world history shows this,” he said. “Modern societies do not accept authoritarian governments that diminish public trust.” He further insisted that, except under emergency circumstances, the state should provide official land deeds (Lalpurja) to homeless residents where they currently live. “State land is also the land of the homeless, and they must be granted the land they have tilled and worked on,” Shrestha added.

The Supreme Court administration has refused to register petitions filed against the Constitutional Council’s recommendation for Chief Justice, alleging violation of seniority. Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi has claimed that the Constitutional Council’s decision contradicts the fundamental spirit of the Constitution and therefore filed the petitions. The council recommended Dr. Manojkumar Sharma, ranked fourth in seniority, over senior judges for the position of Chief Justice. Kathmandu, 25 Baisakh.

The petitions registered at the Supreme Court were not accepted by the court administration. Senior advocates Dinesh Tripathi, Geeta Thapa, and Dr. Prem Raj Silwal had each submitted separate petitions. Supreme Court spokesperson Arjun Koirala confirmed that these petitions were rejected for registration. Since the petitions were submitted, the administration has delayed their registration process.

According to Tripathi, the Constitutional Council’s decision is inconsistent with the core principles of the Constitution, and thus an interim order was sought to prevent advancing the recommendation before any amendment or parliamentary hearing. The petition also demands cancellation of the April 24 recommendation for failing to convene within 48 hours, deeming the recommendation unconstitutional.

The Constitutional Council had recommended Dr. Manojkumar Sharma, ranked fourth among six eligible candidates, for the Chief Justice post. Senior judges including Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, and Hariprasad Phuyal are senior to Dr. Sharma.