Author: space4knews

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.

April 9, Birgunj (Parsa) – An outbreak of avian flu among birds raised for research under the National Avian Research Program has resulted in damages amounting to nearly 5 million Nepalese Rupees. The avian flu, which emerged in the last week of Chaitra (March), forced the destruction of several bird species and their feed at the Parwanipur-based research center in Bara district.
Khambahadur Prajwal, Information Officer at the National Avian Research Program in Parwanipur, confirmed that following the detection of avian flu among the research birds in the last week of Chaitra, approximately NPR 4.5 to 5 million in economic losses were incurred.
“Avian flu was first identified in the turkey species, and as the infection spread to other bird species housed in the farm, all birds had to be destroyed,” he explained. “We have completed all procedures to cull the birds, eggs, and feed from the facility.”
The outbreak led to the culling of around 2,000 chicks, approximately 1,200 poultry birds including Giriraj and others, 33 quails, 47 white and black turkeys, and about 450 guinea fowls, according to the office. In addition, 835 kilograms of L1 feed, 455 kilograms of L2 feed, and 1,835 kilograms of L3 feed were discarded.
Prajwal added that sanitization efforts at the affected farm are currently underway, including lime application, manure treatment, and heat sterilization by fire. “The office is also making efforts to procure various poultry breeds previously distributed to farmers,” he said. “Preparations are in progress to restart the program by bringing necessary birds and eggs from the offices located in Pokhara and Nepalgunj under the National Avian Research Program.”

April 26, Sunsari — Police have arrested three individuals in Dharan on charges of illegal trafficking of brown sugar. The detainees are 20-year-old Sandesh Tamang from Banskhark, Melamchi Municipality-4, Sindhupalchok; 22-year-old Samir Diyali from Thanti, Kavrepalanchok Municipality-3; and 28-year-old Kshitij Bhandari from Naya Buspark, Biratamod Municipality-6, Jhapa.

A joint team comprising members from the Koshi Province Office in Biratnagar PIT, the District Police Office Dharan, and the Ward Police Office Dharan conducted a raid on a hotel room on Friday night, leading to the arrests. Police recovered 36.910 grams of brown sugar in possession of the suspects. The individuals were apprehended in room number 7 at Ratna Inn Hotel located in Ward 9, Bagichalaine, Dharan Municipality, according to police sources.

The motorcycles used by the suspects for trafficking brown sugar, registered under Bagmati Province with license plates 02-027 P 3281 and 02-043 P 4882, were also seized.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has announced the opening of applications for the positions of Chairperson and four members of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. The ministry has also called for applications for the Executive Director position at the Security Printing Center. Interested candidates can submit their applications by the close of office hours on May 18. This announcement was made on April 9 in Kathmandu.

The Ministry has invited applications for one Chairperson and four member positions at the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. Additionally, the ministry is seeking candidates for the Executive Director post of the Security Printing Center. Candidates interested in these roles are advised to submit their applications by the office closing time on Tuesday, May 18, as per the official notice.

April 26, Janakpur Dham – A woman lost her life when a storm destroyed a cattle shed in Mahottari. Sunita Sada, a 50-year-old resident of Musahari Tole, Pipara Rural Municipality-6, and wife of Sundeshwar Sada, died at the scene. On Friday evening around 5:30 PM, Sunita had gone to take shelter in the cattle shed owned by local Jagru Mukhiya to escape the storm. During this time, the shed collapsed, causing injuries that led to her death on site. Police spokesperson Shailendra Bhatt of Mahottari provided this information.

April 26, Pyuthan – A motorcycle accident in the Gaumukhi Rural Municipality area of Pyuthan has resulted in the death of one individual. The accident occurred near Livase in Gaumukhi Rural Municipality on Friday night, leading to the passing of 25-year-old Hemraj Rana Magar from Artubang.
According to the Pyuthan District Police Office, the motorcycle bearing the license plate Lu 56 Pa 1776, which was traveling from Thulabesi towards Arkha, was found early Saturday morning about 35 meters below the road in the Nepane River. The police stated that both the motorcycle and the driver were found submerged in the river. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to authorities. The deceased, Hemraj Magar, worked at the Narendra Gayatri Eye Hospital branch eye care center located in Thulabesi.

April 26, Kathmandu – Nepal is currently influenced by a western low-pressure system, a local atmospheric system, and a low-pressure area in the lower atmosphere near the eastern regions. At present, the hilly and mountainous areas of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Koshi, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces are generally cloudy, while the remaining Terai regions are partly cloudy. Moderate rainfall is occurring in some parts of Koshi, Bagmati, and Lumbini provinces, along with light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in one or two locations of Madhesh, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.

This afternoon, the hilly and mountainous areas will generally experience cloudy skies, while the Terai regions will remain partly cloudy. There is a likelihood of moderate rainfall or snowfall with thunder and lightning in some places of the hilly and mountainous areas in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, as well as in a few locations of hilly and mountainous areas in other provinces. Additionally, one or two parts of the Terai region may experience light rain with thunder and lightning, the weather office reported. Tonight, Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces will mostly see cloudy skies, while other parts will be partly cloudy. Moderate rainfall or snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is also possible in some hilly and mountainous locations within these provinces.

An AI-generated image depicting informal settlements. April 9, Kathmandu.

In Kanchanpur, there are nearly 60,000 landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers. According to data from the Land Problem Resolution Commission, 58,635 people have been certified as landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers across nine municipalities in Kanchanpur. Netra Prakash Pant, the district chairman of the now-dissolved commission, stated that out of 74,604 applications received, 58,635 individuals have been verified. Among those certified, there are 2,729 landless Dalits, 2,400 landless Sukumbasis, and 53,506 informal settlers.

According to Pant, Krishna Pur Municipality recorded the highest number of applications with 17,693, while Shuklaphanta Municipality received applications from 11,863 landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers. Dodhara-Chandani Municipality had the fewest applications, with 3,997 registered cases. The outgoing chairman of the commission noted that Laljhadi Rural Municipality has the lowest number of landless Dalits and Sukumbasis, with 22 landless Dalits and 90 landless Sukumbasis among the applicants. Additionally, 4,469 informal settlers lodged applications there. Conversely, Punarbas Municipality saw the most applications from landless Dalits and Sukumbasis, with 771 landless Dalits and 867 Sukumbasis applying for land through the commission. The municipality is also home to 6,760 informal settlers.

• Bhimdatta Municipality: 992 landless Dalits, 991 landless Sukumbasis, 6,283 informal settlers, total 8,196
• Bedkot Municipality: 308 landless Dalits, 205 landless Sukumbasis, 9,021 informal settlers, total 9,534
• Krishnapur Municipality: 105 landless Dalits, 1,110 landless Sukumbasis, 16,478 informal settlers, total 17,693
• Shuklaphanta Municipality: 193 landless Dalits, 154 landless Sukumbasis, 11,489 informal settlers, total 11,836
• Dodhara Chandani Municipality: 176 landless Dalits, 260 landless Sukumbasis, 3,561 informal settlers, total 3,997
• Belauri Municipality: 118 landless Dalits, 188 landless Sukumbasis, 5,300 informal settlers, total 5,606
• Punarbas Municipality: 771 landless Dalits, 875 landless Sukumbasis, 6,760 informal settlers, total 8,406
• Beladandi Rural Municipality: 157 landless Dalits, 195 landless Sukumbasis, 4,403 informal settlers, total 4,755
• Laljhadi Rural Municipality: 22 landless Dalits, 90 landless Sukumbasis, 4,469 informal settlers, total 4,581
• Total: 2,772 landless Dalits, 4,068 landless Sukumbasis, 67,764 informal settlers, total 74,604

Pant explained that ambiguities in land classification and transfer, along with legal complexities regarding forest areas, have posed policy and legal challenges in issuing land ownership certificates to landless Dalits, Sukumbasis, and informal settlers. He cited the lack of coordination among multiple agencies, complex procedures, and time consumption as significant administrative hurdles. He emphasized that establishing a commission structure insulated from political changes, with fixed terms and continuity, can facilitate effective resolution of land-related problems.

He identified that the inability to provide land to landless Dalits and Sukumbasis and to manage informal settlers in Kanchanpur stems not only from resource shortages but also from inactivity among members and secretaries, lack of administrative and technical collaboration, and policy and legal entanglements. “Without a responsible staffing system, clear policies, and an effective implementation mechanism, a long-term solution to land issues remains unattainable,” Pant remarked. “If these issues are addressed, long-term resolution is possible.”

During his 15-month tenure, Pant reported that the commission managed to function effectively for approximately 45 days, through which 96 land ownership papers, 496 certificates, and surveying tasks were completed. “We completed identification and certification in seven local units,” he added, “but due to arson incidents on September 8-9, work had to be restarted in two remaining units. Most wards had completed their work, while some were still ongoing.”

Pant expressed confidence that with a stable and obstruction-free environment, the commission can distribute 5,000 to 7,000 land ownership papers monthly. “However, the continuous disturbances since September 8 have adversely impacted this process, as everyone is aware,” he concluded.