Author: space4knews

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The deadline set by Trump is approaching, ending at 3 a.m. on March 24.

During a phone call on Sunday night, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Trump agreed on the necessity of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump warned that if the waterway remains closed, Iranian energy facilities would be targeted.

In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that they will not reopen the Strait unless “our destroyed power plants are rebuilt,” if the US initiates an attack.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) declared the need for a prolonged conflict against Iran and Hezbollah.

Obstruction and Impact

Following recent attacks initiated by the US and Israel, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this waterway, though its current navigation is limited to a few vessels.

Typically, about 3,000 ships transit the Strait of Hormuz monthly.

Due to Iran’s threats of attacking ships, the number of vessels transiting recently has significantly declined.

AFP data from March 18 indicates nearly 21 ships have been targeted or attacked.

Since the conflict began, global fuel prices have surged dramatically. Crude oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, rising about 70% this year and nearly 50% compared to a year ago.

On Monday, Brent crude reached $111.25 per barrel in Asian markets, while trading at $98.18 in the US markets.

Call for Enhanced Vigilance Among Americans

Photo source, Reuters

The US State Department has issued an advisory urging Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

On social media platform X, the Department requested “Americans globally, especially those in the Middle East, to remain extra vigilant.”

“Regular airspace closures may disrupt travel. US diplomatic missions outside the Middle East may also be targeted,” the advisory stated.

“Groups supporting Iran might target American interests or locations related to the United States and/or Americans abroad.”

View our news on our Nepali YouTube channel. To subscribe and watch, click here. Our content is also available on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, our radio programs air Monday to Friday at 8:45 p.m.

9 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Under the theme ‘Observation Today, Safety Tomorrow,’ the 76th World Meteorological Day is being observed globally, including in Nepal. Celebrated on the founding day of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this year’s event emphasizes the growing risks posed by climate change and the critical need for accurate early warning systems.

The day is given special significance due to the changing climate and its severe impacts on lives and property.

Unprecedented Crisis in the Himalayas

A recent report from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), based in Nepal, reveals alarming rates of snow melt in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Between 2011 and 2020, the rate of snow and ice melt increased by 65 percent compared to the previous decade, according to ICIMOD.

Experts warn that if this trend continues, by the end of the century, 30 to 50 percent of the snow in the mountains may disappear, threatening the river systems known as Asia’s water towers with drying up.

ICIMOD also highlights that rapid glacier melting places Nepal’s glacial lakes at high risk of bursting. Such events could endanger millions residing in downstream areas and pose threats to hydropower facilities at any time.

Data from Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority indicates that climate-related disasters cause enormous loss of life and property annually in Nepal. Floods, landslides, and lightning strikes lead to an average of 250 deaths each year. Over the last decade alone, more than 5,600 people have lost their lives.

Between 2012 and 2024, over 44,000 disaster events, both major and minor, have been recorded. These incidents have damaged more than 42,000 physical infrastructures including houses, schools, and bridges.

Nepal suffers an average annual economic loss of approximately NPR 2.9 billion due to these disasters, amounting to about 0.25 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Extreme Weather Events

According to the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 has been the third warmest year on record. The Earth’s temperature has risen by 1.48 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. This has resulted in changes to monsoon patterns, with instances of both excessive rainfall and drought occurring. The Terai region faces heatwaves (locally called “Loo”), rising sea levels, and increased risks of major cyclones.

Therefore, the year’s theme underscores that effective early warning systems, which are accessible to all, are a key strategy for disaster risk reduction. Nepal has set a goal to provide “early warning for all” by 2027.

Officials from Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology state that precise information provided through advanced radar and weather stations will assist farmers and the general public in staying safe. However, experts from organizations like ICIMOD emphasize that to curb rising temperatures, immediate action is required from major nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Chaitra 9, Kathmandu: According to the foreign exchange rates set by Nepal Rastra Bank for today, the US dollar remains stable while the Euro, Pound Sterling, and Australian dollar have depreciated slightly.

Similar to Sunday, the US dollar’s buying rate is NPR 149.64 and selling rate is NPR 150.24.

The Euro has seen a minor decline compared to yesterday. Today, the European Euro’s buying rate is NPR 173.12 and selling rate NPR 173.81, down from yesterday’s NPR 173.15 and NPR 173.84 respectively.

Likewise, the UK Pound Sterling’s buying rate today is NPR 199.66 and selling rate NPR 200.46, decreasing from yesterday’s NPR 200.38 and NPR 201.19 respectively.

Today’s rates also show a decline for the Swiss Franc and Australian Dollar.

The Swiss Franc’s buying rate is NPR 189.90 and selling rate NPR 190.66, slightly down from yesterday’s NPR 190.01 and NPR 190.77.

For the Australian Dollar, the buying rate is NPR 105.10 with the selling rate at NPR 105.52, both lower than yesterday’s NPR 105.89 and NPR 106.31.

Canadian Dollar Stable, Singapore Dollar Declines

The Canadian Dollar remains stable today with a buying rate of NPR 109.04 and selling rate of NPR 109.48, unchanged from yesterday.

The Singapore Dollar has decreased, with today’s buying rate at NPR 116.70 and selling rate NPR 117.16, down from yesterday’s NPR 117.01 and NPR 117.48.

Other rates are as follows: Japanese Yen (10 units) buying rate NPR 9.40 and selling rate NPR 9.44, Chinese Yuan buying rate NPR 21.73 and selling rate NPR 21.82, Saudi Arabian Riyal buying rate NPR 39.85 and selling rate NPR 40.01, and Qatari Riyal buying rate NPR 40.94 and selling rate NPR 41.11.

According to the central bank, rates for Thai Baht are NPR 4.55 (buying) and NPR 4.57 (selling), UAE Dirham NPR 40.74 and NPR 40.90, Malaysian Ringgit NPR 37.98 and NPR 38.14, South Korean Won (100 units) NPR 9.94 and NPR 9.98, Swedish Krona NPR 16.02 and NPR 16.08, and Danish Krona NPR 23.17 and NPR 23.27 respectively.

Additionally, the rates set by the Rastra Bank include Hong Kong Dollar buying rate NPR 19.10 and selling rate NPR 19.18, Kuwaiti Dinar buying NPR 488.06 and selling NPR 490.02, Bahraini Dinar buying NPR 396.34 and selling NPR 397.93, and Omani Riyal buying NPR 388.68 and selling NPR 390.23. Indian Rupees at 100 units have a buying rate of NPR 160 and selling rate NPR 160.15.

The Rastra Bank has noted that these exchange rates can be revised at any time if necessary. Commercial banks may offer different rates, and updated exchange rates are available on the central bank’s official website.

Amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, what are the alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked?

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March 22, Kathmandu – A new ride-sharing application, ‘L Basam’, developed through the initiative, skills, and domestic investment of Nepali youth, has officially commenced operations. Launched with the slogan “Let’s all ride together,” this platform utilizes technology developed domestically, marking a new identity of self-reliance for Nepal.

The company publicly unveiled the ride-sharing app during a press conference held on Sunday.

Operating from its office in Tarkeshwor-8, Sheshmati, Kathmandu, ‘L Basam’ currently provides services exclusively within the Kathmandu Valley. The company aims to expand its services soon to major cities such as Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and Chitwan. Additionally, it plans to introduce food delivery services in the near future.

In the initial phase, the company has waived all service fees for drivers using the app.

The Rise of a Domestic Alternative

While acknowledging the initial demand for foreign ride-sharing apps, the company’s management emphasized that the launch of a homegrown platform is a significant achievement. Vishnu Raj Giri, one of the directors, noted that since the Nepali app includes localized features, there is no need to remain dependent on foreign apps. He highlighted the economic impact of large sums of money flowing out of the country through foreign app transactions and expressed confidence that ‘L Basam’ will help reduce this outflow.

According to the management, ‘L Basam’ is not only a service, but an initiative combining Nepali technology, skills, and hard work to create economic value within the country.

The company stated that the platform’s primary goal is to make Nepal’s transportation system safe, respectful, and technologically friendly. It has adopted a strategy focused on transparency and accountability to build trust among users.

Currently operating only in Kathmandu Valley, ‘L Basam’ plans to expand to other major cities nationwide. Director Sitaram Adhikari shared, “We have started service in Kathmandu Valley and plan to extend to key cities including Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, and Chitwan soon.” He also confirmed preparations underway to launch food delivery services in the near term.

More than 250 drivers are currently connected with the app, which is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

‘Pink Mode’ for Women Passengers

‘L Basam’ promotes a concept where drivers are regarded not just as drivers but as partners. The company ensures respect and fair opportunities for drivers while valuing passengers as members of the community, not just customers. Drivers and passengers are defined on the platform as ‘guardians’ or ‘family.’

To ensure female passengers’ safety, a ‘Pink Mode’ feature has been introduced allowing women riders to select only female drivers. The company believes this feature will contribute to women’s empowerment and employment opportunities.

Accident insurance is provided for both passengers and drivers. Passengers can view estimated fares before booking a ride and propose fares according to their budget, which drivers can accept or decline.

After each trip, both passengers and drivers receive digital coupons that give them a chance to win cash prizes, smartphones, and various gadgets through a lucky draw.

For security, drivers must upload verified documents including a driver’s license, vehicle blue book, and a photo of the vehicle. Real-time live tracking and an emergency SOS button are also integrated into the app.

March 21, Palpa – Two Indian male tourists have gone missing after drowning in the Tinau River in Palpa. According to police, the incident occurred near the headbox of the hydropower project located at Dovan Damside, Tinau Rural Municipality-3.

Police further report that the missing men were part of a group of five individuals. Following the discovery of the drowning, local residents, Armed Police Force personnel, and staff from the Dovan Police Post have launched search operations. The identities and addresses of the missing men remain undisclosed at this time.

March 22, Dhangadhi – Disputes over political appointments in the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) in the Sudurpaschim Province have escalated to the point where the parliamentary party leader may be replaced.

Rajendra Singh Rawal, leader of the parliamentary party, has been criticized by the UML Sudurpaschim Province Committee for making appointments, including to the hospital management committee, unilaterally and without consultation. The committee has communicated these concerns to the party’s central leadership.

“He has made political appointments within various government bodies without consulting the party committee. He has been recommending candidates on his own accord,” said UML provincial chair Krishna Prasad Jaishi. “We have sent a report on this matter to the party headquarters.”

Former Chief Minister Rawal has been accused of losing contact with the party. In response, the Krishna Pur Municipality Committee of the National Youth Union of Nepal in Kanchanpur organized a lockout at the parliamentary party office on Sunday, protesting his absence.

Participants in the lockout accused Rawal of acting unilaterally in political appointments, favoring individuals who obstructed candidates during the House of Representatives election, and ignoring repeated attempts to contact him.

Rawal’s Response

Rawal denied all allegations against him, stating there was no truth to the accusations. He clarified that so far, all appointments, such as those to the Mahakali Provincial Hospital’s management committee, were made based on party advice.

He emphasized that all recommendations were made after consultations with the provincial party chair and other leaders. “All appointments were recommended only after discussions, including with the provincial chairperson,” Rawal said. “It is unclear to me why they are spreading misleading claims now.”

He also noted that due to some health issues, he had not been able to maintain regular contact with party leaders.

Rawal added that attempts were being made to stir controversy when he recommended Jamuna Chand from Bajhang as chair of the Khaptad Tourism Development Committee. “Is it a mistake to recommend a woman for an executive role? These were suggestions made by them. The decision of the parliamentary party leader should also be respected,” he said, “It’s not my duty to merely follow whatever the provincial chair says.”

According to one party leader, questions over Rawal’s leadership style have prompted provincial leaders and lawmakers to actively consider replacing the parliamentary party leader. However, those aspiring to the position await guidance from the central party leadership.

“The party is facing problems due to his leadership style. Everyone agrees that it is necessary to seek alternatives and move forward,” said a lawmaker. “The province has already sent a formal note to the party headquarters. We are waiting to see what kind of directives come from the center.”

Three Leaders Aspiring for Leadership

The UML has 11 members in the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly. Among them, Rawal is the parliamentary party leader and Santosh Sharma Thapa serves as deputy leader.

Koilidevi Chaudhary holds the post of deputy speaker. Chakrabhadur Malla, elected from Doti, is the chief secretary, while Janaki Kunwar from Baitadi is the assistant secretary.

There are three ministers from UML: Surendra Bahadur Pal, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development; Birbahadur Thapa, Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Hira Parki, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law. Nirmala Saud serves as State Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development. Dharma Raj Pathak is chair of the Social Development Committee.

According to sources, three key leaders aspiring for the parliamentary party leader position are deputy leader Santosh Sharma Thapa, chief secretary Chakrabhadur Malla, and Social Development Committee chair Dharma Raj Pathak.

“All three are contesting the leadership position and discussing it in their own ways. However, personal ambition alone is not enough,” said one lawmaker. “The opinions, advice, and directives from the central party and provincial committee are also essential.”

Thapa considers it natural to vie for the leadership role since he is currently the deputy leader. Central member Malla is actively working to build support for his candidacy.

Dharma Raj Pathak claims that as a younger leader, he has the capacity to lead the parliamentary party effectively.

March 21, Pokhara – Following the extraordinary public mandate in the February 21 elections, the ninth session of Gandaki Province’s Provincial Assembly commenced on Sunday as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) prepares to form the federal government.

While discussions continue around the federal government formation under Balendra Shah, established parties in Gandaki are conducting their own internal reviews and analyzing the election outcomes.

The Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), both formed after the Jana Andolan movement, are set to be in the incoming government, as are the Maoist party (formerly CPN-Maoist) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), both with legislative representation in the provincial assembly.

In the elections, Congress secured two seats from Mustang and Manang districts, while UML, Maoist, RPP and other parties won no seats there. An independent candidate, Mahavir Pun, won in Myagdi with support from Raswapa, which won 15 seats by a wide margin.

There has been keen interest in how these parties will assess the current situation in the Provincial Assembly, their views on the new federal government, and their interpretation of the election results.

On the first day of the ninth session held Sunday, leaders from the three major parties shared their perspectives. Leaders of Congress, UML, and Maoist parties accepted the clear message from the electorate and pledged serious self-reflection, though some still find it difficult to fully accept the election outcomes.

They described the results as unexpected and raised various concerns, also warning of strong resistance against any attempts to undermine provincial rights.

Former Chief Minister and UML General Secretary Khagaraj Adhikari expressed objections to the federal government’s criticism of lawmakers’ support for lawmaking in the assembly.

Adhikari stated that the election demonstrated that mere development projects are insufficient, and a more profound review is necessary to understand how such results occurred.

He accused the Supreme Court under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki of initiating disrespect toward the province, a practice purportedly continued by the current government.

“We do not accept a situation where the province is compelled to follow orders and directives blindly. Should such pressure recur, we will strongly protest,” Adhikari remarked.

He also highlighted pride in the achievements of provincial and local governments, emphasizing their significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic challenges.

Adhikari stressed the need to respect the people’s verdict but underscored that attacks on the province will not be tolerated, while also voicing concerns about the nation’s survival.

Congress leader Mahendra Dhwaj Jisi stated that the party is ready to correct its mistakes and that programs from the Jana Andolan movement through the elections were implemented as planned.

“When a nation itself is fragile, where is the scope for reform? We are neither despondent nor overly enthusiastic. It seems we must look back and resolve to amend our errors,” Jisi asserted.

He compared the events to the September 24 incident, calling it a prelude to the February 21 election, which in turn is a repeat of that prelude, adding, “Now it is time to watch the full movie unfold.”

CPN (UML) leader Haribahadur Chuman conducted a serious review of the weaknesses within the old parties and his own. He acknowledged that all parties faced tests from the people’s demands, with the older parties being rejected.

Chuman said, “We cannot blame others; the problem lies within us. We have failed to practice democracy properly.”

He noted that populism is a product of democracy itself and called for acknowledging each party’s role in its rise. He admitted that work at the federal, provincial, and local levels has been weak and has failed to meet public expectations.

He pointed out the increase in corruption and inefficiency in administrative restructuring. He warned that problems in administration may intensify due to issues with the personnel system.

March 21, Kathmandu – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case against 23 individuals, including former Secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, on charges of corruption in the construction of the Pokhara Airport.

The charges have been brought against former directors of the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Sanjiv Gautam, Rajan Pokhrel, Pradeep Adhikari, Deputy Director Mahendra Singh Rawal, Director Baburam Paudel, former Deputy Director Dhruv Das Bochhibhoya (and his wife Yamuna Devi Shrestha), and Deputy Director Praveen Neupane.

Additionally, the case includes former managers of the authority and key figures in the national pride project: Chandmaya Shrestha, Binesh Munkarmi, Himjyoti Thapa, Deputy Manager Pramod Nepal, Senior Accounts Officer Narendra Raj Sainju, Deputy Manager Sabin Phuyal, and Officer Rajaram Chaudhary.

The CIAA has also filed charges against consultant team leader Yambahadur Adhikari, ERMC chief Uddhavraj Chaulagain, architect Shobendraraj Joshi, Slate Consultants’ Pramod Dawadi, consulting company ARMC, and the contractor China’s CAMC company, including Project Manager Yang Zhigang, key representative Wang Bo, and the company itself.

In total, the CIAA has filed the case against 23 individuals, accusing them of causing a financial loss of NPR 461.5 million.

According to the CIAA, the contract agreement allocated USD 280,000 for the design review and construction supervision consultant services.

However, the commission claims that without utilizing this allocated amount, an additional NPR 503.4 million was improperly spent from a separate budget of the Civil Aviation Authority.

The CIAA further argues that issuing a letter of intent on September 7, 2016 (Bhadra 22, 2073), under these circumstances was itself improper. The commission stated, ‘The decision to appoint the consultants and the initiation of the procurement process were found to be conducted in bad faith.’

Instead of using the contract-allocated budget, the commission asserts that the costs were artificially inflated, resulting in duplicate expenditures from the authority’s assets.

Subsequently, the project signed an agreement worth NPR 428.9 million with ERMC Slate JV Company, with payments totaling NPR 406.8 million made.

Although the contractor was supposed to appoint the consultant as per the agreement, appointing the consultant using the authority’s budget was deemed inappropriate by the CIAA.

The commission has demanded full accountability from Secretary Adhikari while assigning varying degrees of responsibility to others involved.

Their investigation revealed that the cost estimates were inflated and that consultant fees should have been covered from the contract amount rather than direct payments from the authority.

It is also claimed that cost estimates prepared for using internal budget funds included an excess of NPR 195.2 million, with active involvement from then-director Pradeep Adhikari.

Despite funds for consultancy services, machines and equipment were reportedly purchased in bad faith, and disbursements began before loan agreements were finalized, according to the CIAA.

March 21, Kathmandu – Police have arrested five individuals on charges of defrauding victims by promising high-paying foreign employment but failing to deliver.

The accused include 36-year-old Arjun Bahadur Paudel from Bardiya residing in Kirtipur Municipality–7, Kathmandu; 46-year-old Dilli Ram Bhujel from Sarlahi currently living in Mahalaxmi Municipality–7, Lalitpur; 43-year-old Uma Gurung from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–16; 33-year-old Ashish Mahat from Kaski residing in Lalitpur Metropolitan City–7; and 35-year-old Sangita Shrestha from Ramechhap living in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality–4, Bhaktapur.

Specifically, Arjun was accused of taking NPR 330,000 from one victim under the pretense of sending them to Croatia; Dilli defrauded one victim of NPR 299,000 with a promise to send them to the Maldives; Uma took NPR 200,000 from one victim for a job in the United Kingdom; Ashish accepted NPR 2.3 million from a victim for employment in the UK; and Sangita collected NPR 368,000 from a victim promising to send them to Portugal. All subsequently went out of contact, according to the complaints lodged.

Based on these complaints, police teams from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku arrested Uma and Sangita from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–12, Ashish from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–10 on Sunday. Arjun was arrested from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–4 and Dilli from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–9 on Friday. The central police news office provided this information.

The suspects have been handed over to the Department of Foreign Employment in Tahachal, Kathmandu for further investigation and legal proceedings.