The vulnerable residents of temporary settlements are currently struggling to survive in housing that lacks even the most basic state facilities. The light of education for thousands of children has been extinguished. New mothers lie on cold floors, desperately trying everything possible to safeguard the votes of tomorrow’s electorate.
The Guigad River truss bridge connecting Bajura’s district headquarters, Martadi, has deteriorated and reached a dangerous condition. Currently, only one vehicle is allowed to cross at a time. Although the Road Division Office in Sanfebagar has released NPR 52.8 million to the contractor company, the bridge failed to support even 30 tons during load testing. Construction of the bridge began in 2011 (2068 BS), but despite the use of substandard materials and extended deadlines, the bridge remains unfinished, prompting locals to call for its reconstruction.
Transport is still operating over the Guigad River bridge, but due to its unsafe condition, the Road Division Office in Sanfebagar has posted signage allowing only one vehicle to pass at a time. The bridge’s dilapidation is attributed to negligence by the truss bridge construction company. In June 2011, the Road Division Office and Rajendra Thigin JV had signed an agreement to complete construction by August 2013 (2070 Shrawan 30 BS). The company commenced work with a contract worth NPR 59.61 million, but failed to meet the deadline.
After the company claimed completion in 2018 (2075 BS), inspections revealed that substandard and insufficient materials had been used. While the bridge was required to support a load of 45 tons, engineers conducting load tests found it could not even bear 30 tons, showing significant flexibility. Local teacher Bahadur Thapa has emphasized the need for bridge reconstruction. The Road Division Office has already released approximately 95% of the contract amount to the contractor.
Every authoritarian ideology shares a common trait – it portrays democratic processes as cumbersome, slow, and ineffective. To justify this, they disable parliamentary functions, obstruct debates, deliberately delay policy-making, and then claim, ‘Democracy is slow and inefficient.’
The government has deployed bulldozers at Buddhojyoti Bal Udyam Basic School in Balaju as part of its efforts to remove structures encroaching along riverbanks. On Saturday morning, bulldozer operations took place near river areas in Balaju, Swayambhu, and surrounding locations. This marks the second phase of an encroachment removal campaign in Kathmandu, following the clearance of structures around Thapathali, Manohara, Sinamangal, and Gairigaun during the first phase. (19 Baisakh, Kathmandu)
As the campaign to clear illegally constructed buildings on encroached riverbank land gained momentum, the government also operated bulldozers at Buddhojyoti Bal Udyam Basic School in Balaju. On Saturday morning, heavy machinery was active along river edges near Balaju and Swayambhu areas. As part of this operation, bulldozers were used at the Buddhojyoti school located within Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward 19. Prior to this, on Friday, houses in squatter settlements located in Balkhu, Balaju, Shankhamul, and Banshighat areas were demolished. The government began this second phase of removing illegal structures in Kathmandu yesterday, following the initial phase that successfully cleared encroachments around Thapathali, Manohara, Sinamangal, and Gairigaun areas.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has implemented significant changes to the rules and eligibility criteria for the Oscars. Going forward, the same actor can receive multiple nominations in the same acting category within a single year. For the International Feature Film category, the focus will shift from the submitting country to the film itself, with the director’s name featured on the trophy.
The Academy regards these changes as some of the most substantial in its nearly century-long history. Now, if an actor earns multiple performances ranked among the top five in either the lead or supporting acting categories, they become eligible for all those nominations. This change could allow actors like Leonardo DiCaprio to be nominated twice in the same year for leading roles.
Significant revisions have also been made to the international film category. Films may now be submitted for Oscar consideration through two methods: first, by official selection from a country or region; second, by direct eligibility through winning a major award at an internationally recognized film festival. For this year, eligible festivals include Berlin, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Venice.
The Academy has also issued clear regulations concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Only roles genuinely performed by humans will be considered eligible in acting categories. Similarly, only screenplays written entirely by hand will be accepted in writing categories. These changes are expected to have a major impact on the Oscar competition and its structure. There is considerable anticipation about how these new regulations will influence the upcoming 99th Academy Awards.
April 30, Kathmandu – The government has announced a housing loan program of up to 15 million Nepalese rupees for workers benefiting from the Social Security Fund. Ramjee Yadav, Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, declared guidelines for this loan scheme aimed at workers who are recipients of the Social Security Fund.
According to Ministry spokesperson Meghnath Rimal, Minister Yadav announced the provision of housing loans up to 15 million NPR at a minimum interest rate of 6 percent.
Minister Yadav made this announcement via a congratulatory video message during the goodwill exchange event held on Friday in observance of the 137th International Workers’ Day (May 1). He also informed that the formal inauguration of the five-year National Occupational Safety and Health Program has taken place. Additionally, the minister shared that to address issues faced by Nepali workers abroad and to foster dialogue, a weekly “Facebook Live” program has been launched by Nepali embassies.
April 19, Kathmandu – North Korea and Russia have taken a significant step toward formalizing their military relationship. Last Sunday, the ‘Memorial Museum of Combat Feats,’ built to honor North Korean soldiers who lost their lives in the Ukraine war, was inaugurated in Pyongyang. Earlier this week, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov proposed signing a new five-year ‘Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation Plan’ for 2027 to 2031 during his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This plan indicates continued arms supplies, military technology transfers, and joint military exercises between the two countries in the post-war period.
Analysts suggest that this proposal will transform the relationship between North Korea and Russia into a permanent ‘institutionalized military alliance.’ Speaking at the memorial inauguration, Kim Jong-un emphasized the need to strengthen the partnership against ‘fascism and hegemonic powers.’ He stated, ‘Regardless of the rules of war and wherever crises arise, we must stand together as an integrated force—a loyal, dedicated, and powerful security barrier.’
Kathmandu, 2 May — A recent study published by the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford has highlighted a serious risk linked to the rising popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. According to the researchers, the more chatbots are designed to be friendly, warm, and empathetic, the more prone they become to making mistakes and supporting users’ false and misleading beliefs. The report, published in the journal Nature, warns that the competition among technology companies to make their AI models appear more human ultimately risks overshadowing truth and promoting conspiracy theories in society.
The study found that programming chatbots to speak in a more gentle and “sweet” style reduced their accuracy by 30 percent. These “pleasing” chatbots were 40 percent more likely to endorse users’ incorrect beliefs. For example, when asked about false claims such as Adolf Hitler fleeing to Argentina in 1945 or the Apollo moon landing being a hoax, the more affable chatbots avoided outright denial and instead supported the misconception by suggesting “different people may have different opinions.”
This problem extends beyond historical inaccuracies and poses serious risks in sensitive areas like health. In the study, a friendly chatbot dangerously recommended the unproven and harmful myth that coughing can help survive a heart attack as useful first aid. Researcher Lujain Ibrahim explained that in their efforts to appear closer and more empathetic to users, chatbots lose the courage to state hard truths. This issue presents a major challenge for leading technology companies such as OpenAI and Midjourney.
Ensuring chatbots are accurate and restrained will be the greatest challenge for the future development of AI.
News Summary: The government has deployed dozers in various settlements to manage squatters. However, residents have grown fearful as homes along riverbanks are being demolished without proper identification of squatters. Following the use of dozers in the Dhobikhola area, residents began attaching land ownership certificates to their homes’ walls to safeguard their properties.
Kathmandu, 19 Baishakh – The government has initiated dozer operations in settlements as part of squatter management efforts. The indiscriminate use of dozers without identifying squatters has drawn sharp criticism. As unregulated demolitions of homes along riverbanks began—regardless of rightful ownership—citizens have become anxious.
Homeowners, especially those residing near riverbanks, have responded by affixing their land ownership certificates to their walls in an attempt to protect their properties. The demolition operations continue, including today’s deployment of dozers in the Dhobikhola area, where residents hung ownership documents upon receiving prior notice.
Today, the demolition of a settlement near Rudramati Temple in the Dhobikhola vicinity took place using dozers.
Photo: Keshav Sawad
Amid tensions surrounding a potential war with Iran, the US Department of Defense has planned to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. This decision follows sharp criticism from President Donald Trump directed at German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz. Trump accused Iranian negotiators of having “disrespected” the United States.
On Thursday, Trump described Mertz on social media as “doing a terrible job” and raised issues regarding “all kinds of problems” including immigration and energy. He also indicated the possibility of withdrawing US troops from Italy and Spain. The US maintains a significant military presence in Germany; as of last December, more than 36,000 troops were stationed across various military bases throughout the country.
According to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, the decision was made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “After a thorough review of military deployments in Europe and considering the current situation there, this decision was reached,” he stated. “We expect the withdrawal process to be completed within the next 6 to 12 months.” Trump has long been critical of the NATO alliance.
When questioned about the potential withdrawal of US forces from Italy and Spain, Trump replied, “Maybe, why not?” He added, “Italy has not helped us much, and Spain is in an even worse state,” criticizing those countries’ responses to the potential conflict with Iran. Earlier this week, Mertz told university students that “Americans lack a clear strategy” and that he had yet to see “what strategic path they will choose.”
The government has initiated the demolition of illegal structures built on government land in the Swayambhu area of Kathmandu. Since Saturday morning, demolition efforts have been underway targeting structures on government land in Swayambhu and surrounding areas. Earlier, on Friday, houses in informal settlements in Balkhu, Balaju, Shankhamul, and Banshighat were dismantled.
In the federal capital’s Swayambhu area, authorities have deployed bulldozers as part of a campaign to clear informal settlements. Starting Saturday morning, structures on government land in Swayambhu and its vicinity have been demolished. Similar demolitions took place on Friday in other areas, including Balkhu, Balaju, Shankhamul, and Banshighat, where makeshift homes in informal settlements were removed.
As the government led by Information Minister Walendra Shah continues bulldozing informal settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, both national and international human rights activists have expressed concern. A proposed ordinance, aimed at addressing issues related to squatters, is currently under the President’s consideration. While President Ramchandra Paudel promulgated two ordinances on Thursday, he mentioned that consultations with various parties on other matters are ongoing. Reports indicate that constitutional experts have advised the President to engage in discussions with Prime Minister Balen. However, some sources claim the Prime Minister has been unavailable for such dialogue, though this remains unconfirmed and no statement has been issued by the President’s office. Attempts to reach Prime Minister Balen’s political advisor, Asim Shah, for comment were unsuccessful, and other senior government officials have also refrained from responding. According to Manish Jhaka, spokesperson for the major political party Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), the Prime Minister currently suffers from dental issues, preventing meetings with others. “Even if an initiative is made now, a meeting cannot happen today; this requires time. Yesterday, there was only an informal expression of willingness to meet; reaching any conclusion immediately would be premature, as time, scheduling, and process are needed,” he explained.
Constitutionalist and professor Surya Dhungel emphasized that in a democratic country like Nepal, continuous dialogue and meetings between the head of state and the Prime Minister are essential. “Regular communication between the head of state and the Prime Minister is indispensable for effective national governance and administration,” he said. Article 81 of the Constitution mandates that decisions of the Council of Ministers, bills presented in Parliament, and other significant information must be communicated by the Prime Minister to the President. The Prime Minister is also constitutionally required to update the President on the nation’s current situation and foreign relations. Yet, since assuming office, Prime Minister Balen has met President Paudel only for the oath-taking and parliamentary address and has had no further personal meetings. A presidential advisor confirmed that the Prime Minister has not held formal ‘courtesy meetings’ with the President but declined to comment further. According to Raswapa spokesperson Jhaka, “The time for a courtesy meeting will come.” Notably, the Prime Minister’s tenure has already surpassed one month without such a meeting. As of Friday afternoon, no reports indicate any meeting or dialogue on this matter.
Experts cite examples from previous leaders, from Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) to Pranab Mukherjee, showing that despite ideological differences, relationships between the government and the head of state should not be strained. Lalit Basnet, legal advisor to Nepal’s first President Ram Barun Yadav, insists that continuous meetings between the Prime Minister and the President are necessary. “It is the Prime Minister’s duty to provide weekly briefings to the President regarding policy direction,” Basnet stated. Constitutional scholar Dhungel added that political and ideological differences should not impede constitutional responsibilities. He recalls, during his tenure as legal advisor to President Yadav, how the Indian President Pranab Mukherjee—despite his election in 2012 and the BJP government’s arrival in 2014—met with the Indian Prime Minister weekly. “Mukherjee reportedly said he meets the Prime Minister every week,” Dhungel said. Due to the absence of such meetings in Nepal, some speculate that Raswapa may be pressuring the President to step down. Although some voices on social media call for the President’s removal, executing impeachment in the House of Representatives requires a two-thirds majority, making this difficult. Moreover, ongoing impeachment proceedings do not prevent the President and Vice President from discharging their duties.
Professor Dhungel suggests that the lack of meetings between Raswapa or the Prime Minister and the President may reflect immaturity in practice rather than intentional disregard. The President’s office could remind the Prime Minister’s office about the tradition and constitutional provisions governing such meetings. “Attention can be drawn to the Prime Minister by citing relevant constitutional articles,” he added, noting that new Prime Ministers usually adjust gradually to parliamentary practices. Former MPs and secretariat staff also emphasize the need to guide the Prime Minister and government on parliamentary procedures. Even Pushpa Kamal Dahal, elected in the first Constituent Assembly elections, initially had to be reminded to meet the President regularly. “After Dahal’s first foreign visit to China, the President’s office called him to provide information, and only after that did regular meetings begin,” Basnet explained. This suggests that suspicion should not be cast on inexperienced leaders like Balen and Raswapa. “Former Maoist Prime Minister Prachanda used to participate in regular briefings,” Basnet added. “Even if things are not clear now, it is important not to raise doubts.”
Along with the Prime Minister, other high-ranking officials such as Raswapa-elected Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal have also yet to hold formal courtesy meetings with the President. According to Navaraj Pandey, a member of the Speaker’s secretariat and journalist, the Speaker meets the President during various oath-taking ceremonies, but separate formal meetings have not occurred, adding that no particular consultations are presently necessary. Additionally, there have been no reports of courtesy meetings between Prime Minister Balen and National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Dahal or Speaker Aryal. Before attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference held two weeks ago in Istanbul, Turkey, Chairperson Dahal reportedly requested a meeting with the Prime Minister. “The timing didn’t work out then; I only had one day,” Dahal said, adding, “Meetings happen at other times as well. It may not be due to unwillingness but scheduling difficulties, and it’s possible the Prime Minister prefers fewer meetings.”
April 1 (Baisakh 19), Biratnagar – Two separate traffic accidents in different parts of Sunsari have resulted in the deaths of two men, with one other seriously injured. The incidents, occurring in Itahari and Duhabi, involved fatalities and severe injuries.
According to police reports, the first accident took place on an inner road in Pakali, Ward 17 of Itahari Sub-metropolitan City. A water-bearing City Safari vehicle bearing registration number Province No. 1–02–002 S 6695 was traveling from west to east when it crashed. The driver, 25-year-old Bikram Chaudhary, a resident of Itahari–18, succumbed to his injuries. Alongside him, 26-year-old Umesh Shrestha sustained serious head injuries. Both were admitted to Birat Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment. However, Chaudhary was pronounced dead at 9 PM on Friday night, while Shrestha remains under medical care. Preliminary investigations suggest the accident occurred due to high speed.
The second accident occurred in Duhabi Municipality–2, in the Tuthaha area of Sunsari. A bus with the license plate number Pra 1–02–002 Kha 1111, traveling from Inaruwa towards Duhabi, collided head-on with a cyclist coming from the opposite direction. The collision claimed the life of a man estimated to be around 50 years old. The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed. The injured cyclist was rushed to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar where doctors declared him dead at approximately 10 PM. Police have taken into custody the bus along with its driver, 30-year-old Mukesh Sahani of Morang, Biratnagar Metropolitan City–11, and the assistant driver, 24-year-old Sagar Chaudhary of Sunsari, Inaruwa Municipality–3. The District Police Office in Sunsari has confirmed that investigations are ongoing into both incidents.
Image source, Getty Images
Global oil prices have surged to their highest point since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022. Concerns have increased worldwide after the US military presented President Donald Trump with new potential actions against Iran.
According to Axios News, the US Central Command has devised plans for a short and powerful strike to break through the impasse in talks with Tehran. The BBC has sought comments from Central Command and the White House on this matter.
Experts warn that the potential impact would not be limited to oil prices alone but could ripple across the global economy. Rising oil costs have far-reaching effects on the worldwide economic system.
Nabin Das, senior oil analyst at data and analytics platform Kepler, explains that the increase in oil prices “directly affects other sectors, fuels higher inflation, and impacts nearly all aspects of our daily lives.”
“Likely, we will soon see top headlines about efforts to de-escalate tensions,” he added.
This is the starting point. Crude oil prices rise due to supply concerns, geopolitical conflicts, or market speculation.
On Thursday this week, the price of Brent crude oil surged nearly 7% to $126 per barrel but settled at around $116 during European trading. Continuous fuel price hikes this week reflect the breakdown of peace talks between Iran and the US. Simultaneously, the Strait of Hormuz is nearly blocked.
Before the US-Israel conflict against Iran began, Brent crude oil was priced at about $70 per barrel — approximately 80% lower than Thursday’s peak.
Crude oil is the primary raw material for petrol and diesel production. When wholesale prices rise, this increase directly impacts prices at petrol stations.
Image source, Getty Images
Oil is not only fuel; it is crucial for producing aviation fuel, plastics, packaging, chemicals, and fertilizers. An increase in crude oil prices pushes up production costs across these sectors.
The conflict may also drive up costs of energy, food products, and airfares.
Some airlines have already raised airfares, and chemical fertilizer prices are rising, which could increase food prices.
Suzanna Streeter, chief investment strategist at consultancy Wealth Club, warns that price increases may continue into next year.
“The shipment of urea fertilizer is stalled, raising costs for farmers worldwide,” she mentioned.
“These price hikes spread through the supply chain, and concerns are growing about rising prices for nearly all everyday goods from late this year into next year.”
Image source, Saqib Majeed / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images
Transportation is key for distributing food, consumer goods, and raw materials. Rising fuel prices can drive up final product costs.
As shipping costs increase, businesses often pass these expenses to consumers, resulting in higher retail prices.
Such price increases accumulate in the global economy. Higher energy costs raise operating expenses—from factory production and temperature control to transportation.
Food prices rise since agriculture, packaging, and distribution depend heavily on oil and chemical fertilizer prices. The production and shipping of clothing and electrical goods also become more expensive.
Sudden price hikes across various sectors may lead to persistent inflation—continuous increases in the cost of living.
“The entire world will feel the impact, with some countries more affected than others,” says Brazilian economist Andre Perfeto.
He notes that recent inflation rates have exceeded central banks’ targets.
By mid-2025, Brazil’s annual inflation reached 5%, but it dropped to 4.3-4.4% at the start of 2026, whereas the target was only 3%. Due to the Middle East conflict, the central bank forecasts inflation climbing to 4.86% by the end of this year.
Many other countries are experiencing similar situations.
Image source, Getty Images
Ultimately, such price increases have multifaceted effects on households: groceries, transportation, water, and electricity bills all rise.
As living costs increase, workers may demand higher wages, putting further pressure on inflation. Central banks might then raise interest rates to curb inflation, making loans more expensive and reducing spending and investment.
Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh have already closed schools to save fuel and cut costs.
“All these measures risk weakening economies and triggering a global recession,” warns Perfeto.
“Immediate resolution of these issues seems unlikely. I don’t expect Trump to resolve this quickly,” he added.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned in its latest World Economic Outlook that the Iran conflict poses a major risk to the global economy, with prolonged conflict increasing the danger of a worldwide recession.
The IMF advises central banks to be cautious in raising interest rates to avoid worsening inflation.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Baesent told the BBC, “If Iran reduces the risk of developing nuclear weapons, we may endure some economic difficulties for a few weeks.”
“I have little hope for a swift solution to this problem,” he added.
We began our ascent early in the morning, rising just after 4:30 AM and trekking uphill guided by the light of our torches. The stars twinkling in the sky accompanied us, their glow faint yet constant. This journey is especially renowned for the stunning beauty and natural charm of Gosaikunda. The atmosphere here enhances the overall enjoyment of the trek, making the experience truly memorable.