Author: space4knews

March 21, Kathmandu – Forward Danny Welbeck scored twice to help Brighton secure a victory over Liverpool in an English Premier League match held on Saturday evening.

Playing at home, Brighton defeated Liverpool 2-1. A goal from Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez was not enough to prevent the loss.

Welbeck put Brighton ahead in the 14th minute. Milos Kerkez leveled the score for Liverpool in the 30th minute.

In the second half, Welbeck scored his second goal in the 56th minute, restoring Brighton’s lead. No further goals were scored, sealing the victory for the home team.

With this win, Brighton moved up to eighth place with 43 points from 31 games. Liverpool, meanwhile, remains in fifth place with 49 points.

March 20, Kathmandu – Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has affirmed that the investigation of the Inisha Bik murder case is progressing based strictly on facts and evidence.

Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Saturday marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, IGP Karki stressed that the police are strictly adhering to the law while investigating the incident in Surkhet.

“Whether in Surkhet or any other incident, we must follow the law strictly and work based on facts and evidence. Our focus should also include the involvement of the victims,” he stated. “We have emphasized that the continuous demands for justice must be heard. The investigation will be based on the legal provisions and supported by facts and evidence.”

IGP Karki also stated that he remains in ongoing contact with the victim’s family and affirmed the commitment to ensure accountability of the culprits and justice for the victim.

He said sufficient resources have been allocated for the investigation and that the findings will be announced soon.

Furthermore, IGP Karki underlined that all citizens must receive equal rights and the police will proceed in accordance with the law against all forms of discrimination.

7 Chaitra, Kathmandu – The Ujyalo Nepal Party congratulated Prime Minister Sushila Karki for successfully guiding the country through difficult times to a safe transition.

A delegation led by party chairman Kulman Ghising met with Prime Minister Karki at Baluwatar today, expressing appreciation for her dedication and commitment that enabled peaceful elections.

In a context where many had expressed doubts about holding elections, the delegation praised the government for conducting a clean and fraud-free election across the country simultaneously by gaining the trust of all stakeholders, calling it no small achievement.

“We sincerely congratulate and thank the honorable Prime Minister for fulfilling the great responsibility of providing political stability through the successful completion of elections while demonstrating strong leadership in challenging circumstances,” said Chairman Ghising. “Though I lost, the country has won. Under your leadership, the nation has achieved self-reliance, which makes me happy. At this historic and important moment, I also had the chance to serve in this government for some time. Even if I am no longer in parliament, I will continue to work for the country from outside.”

Prime Minister Karki applauded the Ujyalo Nepal Party for its participation in the election, which contributed to the electoral process. She also praised Ghising’s effective role in the government’s success.

“Your party has experts from various fields,” said Prime Minister Karki. “Such cream of society members can do a lot for the country even from outside parliament. You should not be discouraged by a single election result. There is much work ahead. Continue moving forward unwaveringly. I extend my best wishes.”

During the meeting, the party also requested Prime Minister Karki to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens in the Gulf region and to publicly release the report of the commission led by Gauribahadur Karki.

Full text of Ujyalo Nepal Party’s memorandum:

7 Chait, Butwal – CPN-UML leader Surendra Pande has cautioned that unless the party adopts the correct path, it will face severe challenges and may reach a point of collapse. Speaking at an interaction held in Butwal on Saturday, he asserted that without altering all party structures and work styles, the crisis cannot be overcome.

He pointed out that the party’s decline began after the People’s Parliament was undermined by party chairman KP Oli’s decision to dissolve the parliament twice.

Although the constitution stipulates that a party chairman should hold the post only once, Pande indicated that the party would not have reached its present grave condition if this rule had been respected. He criticized the tendency of holding onto power indefinitely and the absence of a clear system for collective leadership and team-based work, which has led to the party’s weakening.

Pande urged party members across the country to exercise their sovereign rights to restructure the party and restore it to its former status.

He stated that the leadership must accept responsibility for the party’s defeat, which has extended its impact from the federal elections to provincial and local levels. “It is necessary for the leadership to take responsibility, admit weaknesses, and be prepared to initiate change,” he said. “The party is at a decisive crossroads; it will either reform or face ruin.”

Highlighting that although this is the final chance for reform, delays are occurring, Pande noted that the problem is structural rather than superficial. Citing party member representation and vote counts from Mahottari and Dhanusha districts, he insisted, “This is not a service delivery issue; it is a structural problem that must be fully addressed. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to the party’s collapse.”

He stressed the need for awakening among party workers from the grassroots level by comparing party membership with current vote shares in each ward.

Pande suggested that if the party committees are allowed to decide on candidates’ tickets for local, provincial, and federal elections, the party organization would become more decentralized and robust down to the local levels.

He acknowledged the significant role of social media and information technology in influencing the recent elections.

Pointing out the widening gap between youth and elderly voters, he revealed that most voters under 30 did not support UML, nor did many voters above 60. Without radical structural reform, Pande warned that in future elections the party might only win seats corresponding to a small scooter’s capacity rather than a larger vehicle like a bus.

“Winning nearly 174 seats in 2074 (2017) was a great success, but we failed to maintain it. In the past, the communists came together in 3-4 buses; in 2079 (2022), they came in one bus, which has now shrunk to a microbus, and next time it may only hold a scooter. This is what will happen if we do not choose the right path. Therefore, we are at risk. But we must move forward with commitment and transform all our work methods,” Pande said.

He warned that only by bravely confronting weaknesses can the party proceed on the right path; otherwise, the day of collective collapse is approaching.

Currently, the process of forming a new government after the election is underway. How should ministerial selection and portfolio distribution be handled?

As the government is formed according to the parliamentary system, there have been some tussles in the initial stage of assigning ministries. Such occurrences were common during coalition governments. Previously, there was also a tendency of ministers claiming specific ministries for personal gain, saying, ‘I want this particular ministry.’

However, the upcoming government has won by a landslide with an overwhelming majority. The most important factor now is that the leadership, especially the prime minister, must articulate how they intend to drive the country forward. The prime minister must present a clear vision because the government formed from the current parliament cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.

What should be done initially to avoid repeating errors?

First, a systematic framework must be developed. Governance culture should be established with clear systems and values. Efforts should focus on rooting the governance system’s ethos from the start. No one should now claim, ‘I will take so-and-so ministry.’ If that happens, it indicates underlying issues.

What kind of cabinet should the prime minister form?

The prime minister should assemble a capable team including experts from relevant fields. The previous practice where ministers ignored the prime minister’s directives must end. The prime minister should create a clear action plan outlining how to address administration, economy, industry, agriculture, and social development.

Timelines must be set—deciding which tasks to prioritize immediately, which to implement within a year or five years. This five-year blueprint must be transparent. Also, systems should be in place so the public can track progress.

There are many issues in service delivery. How can this be improved?

The government must develop quick and effective service delivery systems across all public sectors. Service personnel should be empowered and motivated. It must be clear that since the government is formed on the people’s hope, everyone should cooperate to ensure its success.

Responsibilities towards citizens must be cultivated. For this, the government needs to gain the trust of bureaucrats and technocrats in the administrative sector.

There are frequent complaints that employees do not work efficiently. How can this be resolved?

Employees are like the engine; the government is in the driver’s seat. The responsibility to start and drive the engine lies with those in the driver’s seat. If there are traffic jams or other issues, addressing them falls on the government and leadership. Ministers or the prime minister may appoint or remove secretaries, but achieving better results depends more on trusting capable employees.

There are voices that the number of ministries has grown too large. How should this be managed?

Although the number of ministries does not exceed legal limits, it is preferable to have smaller and more streamlined ministries. The prime minister and cabinet provide policy direction; the employees execute it. It’s not necessary to have many ministers or ministries—one minister can oversee two portfolios.

Consideration should also be given to how the central government can create a positive working environment for local governments. Local governments should be enabled to work with ease, resources, and trust. Even if local governments are from different parties, an environment of conflict should be avoided, as it hinders development and fulfillment of promises.

The government should no longer adopt a ‘I’ll do it myself’ mindset but actively engage on the ground. Field visits, monitoring work, listening to local plans and grievances, and managing them require a separate system. Establishing a dedicated unit within ministries to promptly resolve problems, provide information, and hold officials accountable is essential.

Members of Parliament often want ministries aligned with their expertise. Will this time be different?

The key factor depends on the vision of those in the driver’s seat. The prime minister holds the authority to appoint ministers. The prime minister must evaluate the capacity and aptitude of MPs to determine who can perform well in ministerial roles.

Just studying a subject does not guarantee the capability to handle it. Academic knowledge and practical skills differ. Some may lack practical experience. The prime minister must assess who can work on the ground and collaborate effectively. Leadership capacity must be developed. A good team must be formed and its performance monitored.

The government and prime minister must display a broad heart and vast vision. Holding office and implementing policies are different things. We must focus on how to work now rather than dwelling on the past.

Management of internal security, development, socio-economic issues, as well as ethnic, geographic, and gender disparities, is essential.

Foreign relations and geopolitical sensitivities must also be considered. Responsible leaders should be sensitive and restrained. Demonstrating results through work rather than words is the best approach.

Mandate for Good Governance Series –

March 20, Butwal – To prevent further clashes between two communities in Maharajganj Bargadawa, Kapilvastu, the district administration has declared an indefinite curfew.

This morning, tension escalated between Hindu and Muslim youths over vandalism during devotional singing at a temple. To avert potential violence, the district administration has banned all gatherings, meetings, and processions from 2 PM today until further notice.

The administration stated that the curfew is effective from Bargadi Bridge in the east, Bahadurganj Chowk in the west, Maharajganj market in the north, extending south to Hardauna.

The conflict originated due to loud microphone use from both communities during religious events—Ram Navami celebrations at the temple and Eid prayers at the mosque—which escalated into a dispute and resulting clashes.

During the clashes, stones were thrown, causing minor injuries to five people, according to Chief District Officer Bhavishwar Ghimire. He stated, “The situation has come under control following the curfew implementation.”