Author: space4knews

March 20, Kathmandu – Today, the Muslim community is celebrating the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. According to the Arabic Hijri calendar, Muslims who observe fasting during the ninth month offer special prayers and seek blessings from their elders to mark the occasion.

Following the special prayers, there is a tradition of visiting elders over the next three days to receive their blessings. It is also customary to bless younger members during this festival. Relatives who come to seek blessings are typically offered sweet dishes such as sevai and dates.

At the Kashmiri Mosque near Ghantaghar in Kathmandu, a large number of Muslim devotees gathered for prayers today. Special prayers were also held at the Jama Masjid in Ghantaghar this morning. It is a common practice to visit elders to receive blessings after the prayer session.

The festival is aptly called Eid ul-Fitr, representing the joy of giving alms and sharing with the needy and poor. Abdul Sattar, a central member of the Nepali Congress and a Muslim community leader, shared that the festival is determined based on the sighting of the crescent moon at the end of the ninth month in the Arabic calendar.

An important aspect of this occasion is the act of charity towards the destitute and underprivileged.

March 21, Kavrepalanchok – The BP Highway has been blocked due to continuous rainfall. The blockage occurred after the Roshi River washed away the temporarily established diversion route.

According to Superintendent of Police Komal Shah, Chief of the District Police Office, Kavrepalanchok, the temporary diversions in the areas of Charsaybeshi, Gimdi, Daunne, and Kaladhunga under Roshi Rural Municipality along the Kavrepalanchok section of the BP Highway were washed away by the Roshi River.

“Since construction work is ongoing, much of the BP Highway runs alongside the Roshi River. With the river’s increased flow, water has entered the highway, causing a complete obstruction,” SP Shah explained.

He added that efforts to reopen the highway are underway in coordination with the Department of Roads and local authorities, and travelers are urged to understand the current conditions before planning their journeys.

Vehicles traveling through Kavrepalanchok are currently being halted in Bhakunde and Katunje areas. Similarly, following the highway blockage, vehicles coming through Sindhuli are being stopped at police checkpoints in Dumja and at the District Police Office, as reported by SP Lal Dhwaj Suvedi, Chief of the District Police Office, Sindhuli.

After incessant rains in 2081 and 2082 BS, the Roshi River washed away the BP Highway. Currently, the Bhakunde–Nepalthok section remains under construction. During this work, traffic has been managed via diversion on the river’s gravel bed.

March 21, Baitadi – Four individuals were injured in a truck accident that occurred in Baitadi.

The accident happened at around 2 a.m. today in Jyaafu, Ward No. 8 of Patan Municipality on the Jayapuri Highway. The truck with registration number Supra Pa 01 001 Kh 2809, traveling from Nepalgunj to Bajhang, met with the accident.

Among the injured are 25-year-old Nirmala Bisht from Patan Municipality-8 and her two sons, 7-year-old Abhishek and 4-year-old Prince Bisht. The truck driver, Krishna Bisht, 36, also from Patan-8, was among those injured, according to Suraj Singh, Police Inspector at the District Police Office, Baitadi.

All the injured were transported to Dhangadhi for medical treatment, police reported. The truck, which was carrying cement, lost control and crashed, falling approximately 25 meters down.

March 21, Kathmandu – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed confidence that the ongoing war against Iran will conclude earlier than most anticipate. Following Netanyahu’s remarks, crude oil prices fell on Friday.

Traders have also welcomed statements from U.S. President Donald Trump. After attacks on Qatar’s main gas field in the Gulf on Wednesday, Iran warned of retaliatory strikes against fuel processing facilities in the Gulf region. Subsequently, President Trump indicated that Israeli forces would not target Tehran’s energy infrastructure.

As the conflict enters its fourth week, investors are showing concern regarding the energy market, and interest from new investors in Gulf energy centers has declined. Although oil prices have stabilized around $100 per barrel, the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global supply—has caused gas prices to surge significantly.

Claiming victory over Iran, Israeli and U.S. officials have said the Islamic Republic lacks the capability to enrich uranium or manufacture ballistic missiles, Netanyahu declared, “This war is ending much faster than people think,” without providing a precise timeline. He added, “Israel will assist the United States in securing the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas flow through.”

This statement contrasts with Washington’s position, which has not set any firm timeline for ending the war that began on February 28.

Before Netanyahu’s comments, crude oil prices had surged to $119 per barrel following Iran’s retaliation against Israeli attacks in its South Pars region and strikes on various energy sites across the Gulf.

When asked if he had discussed the gas field attack with the Prime Minister, President Trump responded, “I have talked to them. I asked Israeli officials not to target fuel production and processing sites, and they have agreed not to.”

He had already warned Iran: “If Tehran does not stop attacking Qatar, U.S. forces will conduct extensive strikes in South Pars.”

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for his country to establish a framework with the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

As the Gulf nations endure ongoing conflict without an immediate prospect for peace, Israel initiated a wave of attacks on Tehran on Friday, while Iran targeted neighboring countries by conducting drone strikes on oil processing centers in Kuwait.

Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management commented, “Netanyahu’s remarks have added a reassuring balm to tensions, reinforcing the belief that the conflict will soon end through assurances of Strait security and neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.”

– From RASAS

March 19, Damauli (Tanahun) – A maternity ward is set to be constructed at the GP Koirala Respiratory Treatment Center located in Belchauta, Shuklagandaki Municipality-5, Tanahun. The hospital has issued a call for bids to build the ward on the upper floor of the facility.

Dr. Ramkumar Shrestha, the hospital’s Executive Director, informed that the Ministry of Health and Population has allocated NPR 13,053,064 for the construction of the maternity ward. He expressed confidence that this new ward will enhance maternal and neonatal services at a regional level.

The planned maternity ward will include delivery beds, neonatal care equipment, essential medical supplies, a clean environment, and basic amenities for patients and attendants.

Established as one of South Asia’s premier respiratory care centers, the hospital was founded in 2010 BS (circa 1953 AD) under the national initiative to set up a respiratory treatment center named after the late former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

In 2018 BS, ownership of the Setiganga Community Hospital, located on the same site, was transferred to the GP Koirala Respiratory Treatment Center. Currently, the center holds 740 ropani of land.

The hospital regularly treats patients with diarrhea, typhoid, fever, gastric and abdominal conditions, as well as orthopedic cases, in addition to injury victims from road accidents. It has continuously expanded various health services in recent times.

Dr. Shrestha emphasized that the expansion of treatment facilities is aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare services to the public efficiently.

The hospital serves not only residents of Shuklagandaki Municipality, Bhimad Municipality, Myagde Rural Municipality, and Rishing Rural Municipality in Tanahun but also patients from several rural municipalities in Syangja, Palpa, and Nawalparasi districts.

Currently, the hospital offers specialist services in orthopedics and neurology, general surgery, and internal medicine. Besides these, it provides culture tests, outpatient services, 24/7 emergency care, laboratory tests, video X-rays, minor operations, and has also initiated respiratory treatment services.

March 19, Kathmandu – Thirty-year-old Gita Gurung from Solukhumbu has become the youngest Member of Parliament representing Nepali Congress through proportional representation.

Gurung began her political journey as the unit president of the Nepal Student Union while studying in 8th or 9th grade at Thulung Dudhkoshi village in Solukhumbu. She asserts her mission is to amplify the voices of youth within Parliament.

Entering Parliament carrying the aspirations of a new generation, concerns about climate change risks, and the pain of brain drain, she said, “Aside from raising other issues, I will prioritize a special debate on the climate change problems faced by our Himalayan districts.”

Achieving the feat of becoming a Congress MP at just 30 years old, Gita comes from a politically active family background. Her political journey began at home. Her father, Indra Gurung, was a local social activist and a dedicated Congress worker. In their village, his presence was sought after at various events.

“When people sought and respected my father for his service, I also developed the aspiration to serve in such a manner,” she recalled.

Solukhumbu was deeply affected by the Maoist conflict, with a two-day journey required from headquarters to reach many villages. Despite the adverse conditions, her father carried the Congress flag forward. Congress leaders visited their home regularly. She heard stories of the peace process led by Girija Prasad Koirala and also learned about the nation’s democratic and multi-party history at home. These experiences cemented her belief that Congress was the right party. She began engaging in politics openly from 8th grade within the student union.

“I have two daughters. When society questioned about not having a son, my father would firmly defend us by saying daughters must be given the same education and opportunities as sons because they can also advance,” she said, reflecting on his words.

Gita asserted that student politics remains essential and its justification has not ended. Responding to views dismissing the relevance of student organizations recently, she declared, “They serve as a permanent opposition, safeguarding educational rights, pushing for administrative reforms, and warning the government. Rather than ending, these organizations need reform.”

Her family’s rebellious spirit provided a strong foundation for her political path. Being a ‘first student’ at school made leadership roles easier. She led village activities such as volleyball tournaments, debate contests, and attendance use among students, consistently mobilizing the youth of her community.

After passing her SLC in 2009 (2066 BS), she moved to Kathmandu to study Plus Two Science at Trinity International College, obtained a Bachelor of Science from Tri-Chandra College, and completed a master’s in international relations from Tribhuvan University.

She was active in the Nepal Student Union during college and contested for the Free Student Union chairperson position at Tri-Chandra. In 2016 (2073 BS), she became a central member of the Nepal Student Union and served in that capacity until becoming an MP. She has continued as a central committee member during Dumjyang Sherpa’s tenure as well.

“Student politics is still necessary; its justification is not over,” she reiterated.

She noted deficiencies in the Congress party’s political training ground. The party’s general convention was halted, reliance shifted solely to an ad hoc committee, and no membership distribution occurred. Consequently, a new generation could not activate the organization, leading to organizational inactivity.

Reflecting on Congress’s underwhelming recent outcomes, she added, “Our results have not been as expected. There needs to be a rigorous party-level review on this.”

Currently, there are two types of education policies creating gaps between students from remote areas and cities, a disparity that needs to be bridged.

She is committed to voicing strong opposition in Parliament on education, youth, and climate change issues. “We will praise the government when it does good work, and alert it when mistakes are made. Opposition must play a firm role,” she stated. “This is not the time to be intimidated or discouraged. It is essential to responsibly exercise the rights granted by the people.”

Currently, around 1.9 to 2 million Nepalese are in the Middle East. If conflict escalates, how will they be brought back? There is a need for policy reform to prevent youth migration from villages which are increasingly being depopulated. How can this balance be achieved? How can work be facilitated smoothly? Gita plans to raise these pressing issues vocally in Parliament.

“At present, the dual education policy must be eliminated to reduce disparities between students in remote areas and cities,” she emphasized.

According to Gita, Solukhumbu is highly vulnerable to climate change. Avalanches occur even during the day. Areas with high carbon emissions are among the most affected. Such concerns need to be raised not only at the parliamentary level but also internationally. Continuous programs like the Sagarmatha Dialogue must be sustained. She intends to play a meaningful role in Parliament to highlight and address these challenges.

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March 19, Kathmandu – The Kanti Highway linking Kathmandu and Hetauda was obstructed after a landslide occurred. On Friday, following rainfall, a landslide took place at the Bhimphedi-8 Gangte section of the highway.

The Makwanpur District Police Office stated that efforts to remove the landslide debris are ongoing, coordinated with local government bodies and the road division office.