Author: space4knews

Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the CPN-UML, stated that the suspension of the parliamentary session and the recommendation of the Chief Justice through an ordinance reflect the decisions made by the Constitutional Council. Pokharel accused the government of ignoring senior judges while recommending the Chief Justice, seeing this as an effort to bring the judiciary within its influence. He warned that such a move would weaken the balance of power in parliamentary democracy and increase the risk of the country heading towards authoritarianism. Kathmandu, 25 Baishakh.

Pokharel observed that the decision to suspend the already summoned parliamentary session and issue a recommendation via ordinance is not merely a procedural issue but raises concerns about the government’s intentions. He said, “This was clearly reflected in the decision made by the Constitutional Council.” He criticized the unprecedented recommendation of the Chief Justice while sidelining three senior judges in a prestigious institution like the judiciary. He added that this indicated the government’s attempt to keep the judiciary under its own sphere of influence rather than as an independent body.

“Even when the judiciary was often accused of politicization, judicial activism usually worked against the government,” Pokharel said. “It seems the current government is now trying to establish judicial favoritism on its side.” He highlighted that such actions weaken the balance of power in parliamentary democracy and increase the risk of the country falling into authoritarian rule. Reflecting on past political events, he further added, “The society and nation still seem to be suffering from not having stood firmly against the wrong practices of Baishakh 23 and 24 in time.”

April 8, Kathmandu – A cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held today. Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has called for the meeting at 11 a.m. The meeting is set to take place at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office in Singha Durbar.

In the past 24 hours, 1,806 drivers were penalized for violating traffic rules, resulting in a revenue collection of NPR 1,876,504 for the government treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 77 drivers were caught driving under the influence of intoxicants, 162 for ride-sharing offenses, 106 for ignoring traffic signals, and 88 for speeding.

Additionally, 84 drivers were penalized for not adhering to lane discipline, 39 for honking in prohibited areas, 77 for parking on sidewalks, 111 for driving on one-way streets, and 1,062 for various other traffic violations. (Date: 25 Baishakh, Kathmandu).

President Donald Trump stated that despite an exchange of gunfire between American and Iranian forces on Thursday night, the ceasefire remains intact. It is unclear which side fired first. A senior Iranian military commander accused the US of targeting an Iranian oil tanker and carrying out an “airstrike” near the coast as another vessel attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The US responded that its actions were in “self-defense” following an attack on a US Navy guided missile destroyer by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that Iranian attackers suffered “significant damage” and that many small boats were destroyed. “These boats quickly and efficiently reached the sea surface. Missiles were fired at our destroyers but were easily intercepted. Drones also approached but were destroyed in midair,” Trump detailed.

Trump also reaffirmed that the US blockade against Iran remains in place. Previously, he mentioned “huge progress” in negotiations with Iran and noted that the US had paused ship departures through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Iran, earlier on Wednesday, stated that it was studying a new US peace proposal. This new proposal involves Iran suspending its nuclear enrichment program, sanction relief, and the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump asserted that the US would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He added, “Iran has agreed to this. Now it remains to be seen if they are willing to sign the agreement.” He warned, “Talks are progressing well, but if no deal is signed, they need to understand there will be severe consequences.” Earlier on Wednesday, Trump expressed hope for a potential agreement while issuing a new warning regarding violence.

Trump wrote, “If Iran does not agree to a deal, bombing will commence and it will be on a much higher and more terrifying level than before.”
Iranian Response: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran responded to the incident by accusing the US of violating the ceasefire. The IRGC stated in a press release that the US military targeted an Iranian oil tanker near the port of Jask. “The Iranian Navy responded from the sea with intensive explosive warfare and inflicted significant damage on the US enemies as revealed by intelligence surveillance. Three hostile US intrusion vessels immediately fled the Strait of Hormuz,” the IRGC posted on the social media platform X.

April 25, Siraha: Locals and traders in Bariyarpatti, Siraha, have resumed protests demanding the reopening of the Choti Customs Office. The Nepalese government had announced the closure of the Bariyarpatti Choti Customs Office through a gazette notification on April 3, 2026 (Baisakh 21, 2083 BS), sparking widespread opposition in the local community. Residents argue that the decision will directly impact cross-border trade, revenue collection, and local economic activities, prompting the renewed agitation.

On Thursday morning, protesters blocked the Postal Road for about five hours before submitting a memorandum to the District Administration Office in Siraha around 2 PM. They subsequently announced plans to continue the movement in phases. According to Vinod Kumar Yadav, Ward Chairperson of Bariyarpatti Gaupalika–3, the protests officially resumed on Friday with a road blockade and market shutdown. The protest schedule includes a roadblock from 7 AM to 11 AM on April 25, a rally and corner meeting on April 26, a full-day market closure with a torch procession on April 27, followed by comprehensive discussions on an indefinite general strike starting April 28.

From Friday morning, demonstrators at Bariyarpatti Chowk in Ward 3 have set up barricades and burned tires, completely blocking the Postal Road. The blockade has disrupted traffic along the East-West Highway, causing difficulties for passengers traveling toward India or within Nepal. Surendra Paudel, Chief District Officer of the Siraha District Administration Office, stated that following the closure of the Choti Customs Office, staff have been immediately deployed from Mador Customs Office to manage customs operations. He added, “Customs management has been arranged under the name of Mador Customs Office.” Paudel further mentioned that the administration is preparing to send correspondence to the Ministry of Finance based on the memorandum received from the protesters and will proceed according to the ministry’s response.

Former Maoist leader Sudan Kirati has joined the Labour Culture Party led by Hark Sampang. A theoretical agreement on party unification has been reached with the Labour Culture Party, and this will be announced at a press conference today. Kirati joined the Labour Culture Party after leaving the Progressive Democratic Party. Kathmandu, 25 Baisakh.

A press conference will be held today at 3 p.m. at Hardik Hotel in Bagbazar, Kathmandu. Kirati’s faction refers to this as a “party unification.” A member of Kirati’s secretariat stated that they have reached a theoretical agreement for party unification with the Labour Culture Party, and the formal announcement will be made at the press conference today.

Sudan Kirati, from Bhojpur, is a former Maoist leader who also served as Minister of Tourism. However, after the Genjye Movement, when leaders such as Prachanda and Madhav Nepal formed the Nepal Communist Party, he expressed disagreement and joined the Progressive Democratic Party (Pralopa). Established through the initiative of former Maoist Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma, Pralopa included Sudan Kirati as a member of its five-member chairman council.

Following the failure to win a single seat in the elections held on Falgun 21, Pralopa is currently in a weakened state. Another member of the chairman council, Santosh Pariyar, who had chosen Pralopa after leaving Rastriya Swatantra Party, has also left the party. Meanwhile, the Labour Culture Party became the fifth largest party in parliament following the elections. Sources indicate that Kirati had been in contact with leaders of the Labour Culture Party since the election period, and the party unification process is now moving forward.

Rather than just focusing on what you eat, how you think about food plays a more crucial role. The connection between our brain and body influences digestion because our brain determines feelings of hunger and satisfaction based on what we consume. When faced with a choice between a tasty chocolate bar and a low-calorie natural sweet alternative, which would you choose? For many trying to lose weight, the latter option seems more appropriate. However, avoiding flavorful foods can be somewhat challenging. Naturally, we prefer sweet and energy-rich foods because our ancestors relied heavily on such nutrition over long periods. Adding to this, modern diets include high-calorie, heavily processed foods. Consuming these often makes us feel out of control with our diet and later regret overeating.

“Highly processed foods are like heavy metal concerts for your taste buds; they overshadow everything else and make fruits and vegetables seem like classical music—less appealing,” explains Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan. However, research indicates that our mindset toward food may be more influential in weight control than the specific foods we eat. In fact, eating with appreciation for the flavor can yield numerous health benefits. When we feel satisfied from our food, it helps reduce the sensation of hunger.

A study conducted 15 years ago revealed significant differences in the body’s response depending on how people perceived their food intake. Led by psychologist Alia Crum from Stanford University, the research involved giving participants a high-calorie milkshake while monitoring their hormonal reactions. Although all participants consumed a 389-calorie milkshake, some were told it was a 140-calorie healthy shake, while others were led to believe it was a 620-calorie indulgent treat. Those who thought they consumed a decadent shake exhibited a quicker decrease in the hunger hormone ghrelin. Conversely, participants who believed they drank a low-calorie, healthy shake showed only a slight reduction in ghrelin.

This clearly demonstrated how our expectations about food influence our body’s response. “If we say we have eaten enough, our body reacts accordingly,” says Crum. Maintaining a healthy weight hinges significantly on this, as ghrelin plays a vital role in digestion. Without the sensation of having eaten fully, metabolism slows and energy expenditure decreases. Therefore, if your goal is weight loss and you are frequently trying to restrict sugary, fatty, and high-calorie foods, sometimes your approach might backfire.

April 8, Dolpa – It has come to light that even government offices in the Himalayan district of Dolpa have not paid water charges, resulting in significant problems. The Dunai Water Consumer Committee, which distributes water in the district headquarters, has reported that both government offices and private and commercial consumers have not paid water charges for years. Hikmat Shahi, secretary of the Dunai Water Consumer Committee, said that non-payment of charges by consumers has further complicated water management.

According to Shahi, out of the 316 water taps installed by the committee, 26 are located in government offices. Among them, 10 government offices in the district headquarters have not paid water charges for over a year. Among 61 private taps, 14 consumers have not paid for more than two years, and among 229 commercial taps, 45 consumers similarly remain in arrears. “Despite repeated correspondence and public notices, many consumers have not settled their bills. At this point, we shall refrain from naming the offices,” Secretary Shahi remarked. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement to maintain an orderly water supply system and warned that the committee might have to disconnect water lines of those failing to pay.

While some offices claim to have paid, committee officials state that no corresponding funds have appeared in their bank account. The committee plans to request payment proof and electronic fund transfer details from relevant offices starting from the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24). The absence of office names on bank statements has complicated verification, according to the committee.

Difficulty in Operations Due to Revenue Shortfall

The committee currently charges a minimum monthly fee of NPR 150 for private taps, NPR 200 for commercial taps, and NPR 500 for government offices. Failure to collect even these basic fees has caused difficulties ranging from staff management to maintenance. The committee employs four staff members and monthly expenses exceed NPR 60,000, roughly equal to current revenue, Secretary Shahi said.

To prevent water misuse, the committee is preparing to install meters on all taps in the district headquarters area. From April 14 (Baisakh 1), meters have been installed on six taps for a trial period and studies are underway. The committee aims to install meters on all taps starting from May (Jestha) and is evaluating appropriate per-unit charges thereafter. Chairperson Babi Kishor Gurung noted that many consumers leave taps open and use water unnecessarily, causing shortages in certain areas. “Once meters are installed, water misuse will be controlled and consumers will receive water according to actual need,” he said.

Currently, approximately 240,000 liters of water are distributed daily from the Shalikhola and Palchakhola sources in Dunai, with supply provided for over seven hours each day in the morning and evening, according to committee officials.

The committee criticized the local Water, Irrigation and Energy Development Office for failing to undertake necessary work. Despite repeated requests to resolve water issues in the district headquarters, the office allegedly submits design proposals under pressure from various elected representatives, performs low-quality work, and makes payments on incomplete projects, Chairperson Gurung alleged. “Although sufficient budget is allocated for Dunai water, ineffective utilization has caused ongoing hardships,” he added.

Chairperson Gurung also noted that this year a new 128 cubic meter reservoir tank is being contracted to replace an old tank in Upper Dunai. Additionally, work is underway to renovate and expand 50-cubic meter reserve tanks near the campus side, Saraswati Temple, and hospital area, along with pipeline extensions. The old 90-cubic meter reservoir tank built in 2003 (2060 BS) has become dilapidated and is being replaced.

The Water, Irrigation and Energy Development Office has provided over NPR 10 million in financial support to the Dunai Water Consumer Committee to date. Annual assistance has ranged from NPR 1 million to 3 million, but the committee still faces budget shortfalls, Gurung explained. Alongside the new reservoir tank construction, additional support is needed this year for GI piping and maintenance, the committee said.

Aarohan Bajgain (name changed), a university professor in Kathmandu, was in his office last Tuesday afternoon. Around 12:15 PM, he received an SMS on his mobile from a digital payment system called ‘Connect IPS.’ “It stated, ‘Your Connect IPS account has been suspended; please visit here to regain access,’ along with a link,” he explained. Since his transactions occurred through this system, he proceeded to follow the link and completed the reactivation steps. “After completing the process as instructed, I resumed my work.” It was only after returning home in the evening that he was shocked to find numerous SMS notifications indicating deductions from various banks in his phone’s inbox. Upon contacting the digital payment company’s office, it was confirmed that the website where he entered his confidential information was a fake, not the genuine Connect IPS site. “On that same Tuesday, transfers totaling NPR 2,383,000 were made from four of my bank accounts to other locations. Additionally, NPR 5,000 was deposited into two different mobile numbers,” he revealed. Since then, he has been in touch with Connect IPS, the banks, and the police, holding hope for the return of his funds. Police are currently investigating the case and expect it will not be resolved within this week. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic. “We know which banks and accounts received the money, as well as the mobile numbers used with those accounts. The KYC details for those accounts must have been submitted as well,” he added.

Incidents of unauthorized bank access through phishing links, enabling thieves to empty victims’ accounts, are increasing daily, prompting police to urge public vigilance. Police Cyber Bureau spokesperson Dilip Kumar Giri stated, “This is not about WhatsApp hacking or asking money from acquaintances. Scammers are deceiving individuals to access bank accounts, and this is a new type of fraud compared to previous cases.” He reported over 40 such complaints within just one week. “Some victims have lost amounts exceeding NPR 50,000,” said Giri. “Scammers send deceptive messages through bulk SMS campaigns.” Because Connect IPS allows daily transaction limits higher than those set by banks, large financial losses are common. Cybersecurity expert Santosh Sharma explained that digital fraudsters steal confidential information by having victims fill out details on fake websites. “These counterfeit sites are designed to look identical to genuine ones,” he said. Connect IPS officials, however, have stated that their system is functioning normally. Information Officer Munni Rajbhandari said, “We are educating users about phishing links and working to shut down fake sites.”

Recovering stolen money has proven challenging due to the complex banking systems involved, especially in the surge of cases this week, according to spokesperson Giri. He noted that scammers employ various methods to access consumers’ bank accounts. “Some request details after posing as bank callers, others trick victims into sharing screens during online shopping,” he explained. These fraudsters often use ‘mule’ accounts to process transactions. “For example, if NPR 50,000 is stolen, it’s divided into 32 parts and deposited into 32 separate bank accounts. Upon investigation, no money remains at the primary level,” said Giri. “We correspond with the banks to gather information, but often by then, the account holder has already withdrawn the funds via ATM transactions in India.” “We are making efforts, but so far, the amount refunded is significantly less than the total loss.” Cyber frauds have been rising steadily, with victims’ losses surpassing billions in Nepalese rupees. “In the fiscal year 2079/80 (2022/23), 4,154 such incidents were registered, increasing to 7,740 last fiscal year. So far, 5,433 individuals have been defrauded in the current fiscal,” he shared. In response to this growing challenge, Nepal Rastra Bank has intensified measures to prevent unauthorized access, according to spokesperson Guru Prasad Paudel. “We have established guidelines to freeze accounts temporarily, halting transactions, but a long-term freeze requires legal procedures within 48 hours,” he explained. Banks and financial institutions are also discussing the formation of a ‘Quick Response Team.’ Paudel noted that while technology helps facilitate faster operations, it also creates opportunities for misconduct. Manual intervention for resolving these cases is difficult. Cyber Bureau spokesperson Giri added that such proposals could help curb digital fraud. “Although banks close on public holidays, coordination among Nepal Rastra Bank, police, and internet service providers can ensure 24-hour service.” He emphasized that investigative agencies need to act promptly once information is received. “We are ready to provide assistance.”

To protect against unauthorized bank access and digital fraud, the police have advised the public on various preventive measures. A notice issued by the Cyber Bureau states, “Do not click phishing links, use only official banking websites, keep personal and banking details confidential, and immediately report any suspicious links to the police, Cyber Bureau, and banks.” However, as digital fraudsters continue to employ new tactics, heightened vigilance remains essential. Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Paudel warned, “Even educated and tech-savvy individuals have been deceived. Therefore, avoid clicking unknown links and never share OTPs or confidential details.” Cyber Bureau spokesperson Giri also stressed the importance of caution with suspicious links. “Two-factor authentication must be mandatory on banking apps; email passwords should be strong. Additionally, be careful with WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers.” Cybersecurity expert Sharma urged banks and relevant agencies to conduct widespread awareness campaigns. “Typically, it is the victims themselves who inadvertently provide the scammers with their details,” he concluded.

A delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal) held discussions with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Lundon in Washington, D.C., focusing on bolstering economic relations between Nepal and the United States. Despite changes in political leadership, Deputy Secretary Lundon emphasized the importance of sustainable economic diplomacy and continuous policy stability to ensure long-term prosperity.

AmCham Nepal expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Commerce for their ongoing partnership, which enabled Nepal’s historic participation in the SelectUSA Summit. The special meeting with Deputy Secretary Lundon took place during AmCham Nepal’s delegation visit to Washington, D.C. to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit on April 25 in Kathmandu.

During the meeting, Deputy Secretary Lundon shared his views on strengthening Nepal-U.S. economic relations, stating, “Nepal holds a special place in my heart, and I wish to visit Nepal someday.” Led by Executive Director Amir R. Thapa, the AmCham Nepal delegation also formally extended an invitation for Deputy Secretary Lundon to visit Nepal.

The delegation highlighted AmCham Nepal’s expanding influence, currently representing 66 U.S.-affiliated companies across 14 sectors, which contributes to expanding bilateral business engagements. AmCham Nepal reiterated its commitment to improving Nepal’s investment climate through policy stability, private sector leadership, and a business-friendly environment.