Author: space4knews

22 Baisakh, Ilam – Four decades ago, Antu Pokhari, now a renowned tourist destination in Ilam, was once a simple buffalo grazing area. Until 1983, locals from four neighboring villages would bring their buffaloes here to graze. The land was waterlogged in places, and even when surrounding water dried up, this pond never did. There were no houses or forests nearby, and during the day the area felt eerily quiet as if night had fallen prematurely. Today, Antu Pokhari remains brightly lit until midnight, bustling with activity. “As children, we used to graze around 20–22 buffaloes here, guiding them from areas like Antu Danda, Budhe Danda, Uniutar, Takpat, and Chirwa to drink water,” said local resident Khagaraj Ghimire. He recalled, “After 2 PM, darkness would fall, and people were afraid to move around. The herders would bring the buffaloes to Dhap Pokhari (the former name of Antu Pokhari) early to quench their thirst and return them to the barn.” At that time, only a few homes, including those of Kashinath Ghimire (Khagaraj’s father), Taranidhi Ghimire, and Til Bikram Nembang, existed, located far from the pond. There were no proper roads—only narrow trails. Today, the same place draws 800 to 2,000 tourists daily for boat rides and fishing. Evenings feature lively music played over speakers, with festivities lasting until midnight. Dining, drinking, singing, dancing, and campfires have become integral to the Antu experience.

The transformation from buffalo grazing land to tourist hotspot began around 1983, when Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was chairman of the District Panchayat. After the District Panchayat provided NPR 20,000, a pond conservation campaign was initiated, involving local residents. “We built walls on the east and west sides of the pond, retained water, and cleaned the area,” Khagaraj explained. On 12 December 2002, the Antu Tourism Development Center was officially registered at the District Administration Office. Under this organization’s leadership around 2005–2006, the Nepalese government allocated NPR 55,000 initially, followed by NPR 170,000 to finance further wall construction and water retention efforts. Since the 1990s, locals have been dedicated to developing this area as a tourist destination. Early on, they rented boats from Mirik in India and later purchased two boats from Kolkata to start operations. Around 2005–2006, then-Speaker Subash Chandra Nembang formally introduced boating at the pond. Initially, the Boat Committee managed operations, but currently, the municipality has increased investment to operate the site, generating significant revenue.

Following Nepal’s federal restructuring, local government attention focused on Antu. Former chairperson Ranbahadur Rai shared that the municipality has spent nearly NPR 50 million on infrastructure development, conservation, and beautification of Antu Pokhari and Antu Danda. “Previously, the area around the pond was impassable and muddy. Tourists were discouraged by the muddy conditions and visitor numbers were low,” Rai remarked. “We developed walking trails and installed lighting. Today, the area is progressing as an integrated settlement. When we became representatives in 2017, homestays and cottages were sparse, mostly roofed with thatch. Now, large hotels have sprung up. We have invested approximately NPR 50 million to create a tourism hub in Antu.” Antu Danda, located above the pond, offers scenic views of Jhulkhe Gham and has become a hallmark of the region alongside Antu Pokhari.

In 2017, no road led to Antu Danda. “The road previously ended at Chipitar near Antu,” said Rai. “After the Road Division Office extended the road up to Bhanjyang (below the pond), they considered returning unused funds. However, when we took local office, we improved the route to enable access to the view tower on the hill. The tower was previously disorganized, but coordinated efforts between federal and local governments have now structured it properly. The path from the playground to the hill was muddy and has since been surfaced with soling and gravel, allowing tourists easy access.” Most parts of Antu now have electricity. Where tourists once generated only NPR 100,000 in annual ticket revenue amid considerable littering, the municipality has since hired staff to boost domestic revenue collections to NPR 5.6 million annually. Tourism fairs and widespread promotion efforts have further supported growth, according to Rai. Currently, the Intensive Urban and Building Development Project under the federal government is implementing beautification work, including drainage along Gate 2 access roads, foot trails, fencing, and road expansion, explained project sub-engineer Prakash Chapagain. Business owners note that visitors now spend hours around Antu Pokhari.

Rudra Ghimire, president of the Antu Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, remarked that tourist numbers have surged. “Between 800 and 2,000 tourists arrive daily. The association includes 110 hotels, cottages, and homestays, with 50 community-run homestays and 35 providing regular services,” he said. “Collectively, these hotels directly employ 310 people. The key attractions are the scenic cottages amidst tea gardens, boating, seasonal fishing, and horse riding. Currently, four boats operate on Antu Pokhari, each accommodating four passengers. Visitors pay NPR 50 per boat trip, which generates revenue for the municipality. The boats are regularly in use. Antu Danda is well-known for its sunrise and sunset views. Visitors often follow a schedule where they arrive the previous day, enjoy Antu Pokhari’s festivities until night, and awaken early to witness the sunrise from Antu Danda.” The road to Antu branches from Chipitar at Kanyam on the Mechi Highway and is approximately 11 kilometers long. The road is paved, accessible by jeep, car, van, and motorcycle from Kanyam.

The prime season for viewing the Jhulkhe Gham sunrise starts in the last month of Bhadra (late August) and continues into Poush-Magh and Baisakh (mid-December to mid-April). The sunrise here is a major attraction, drawing hundreds of domestic and international tourists annually. Antu is a thriving tourist area crowded with rural tourism visitors. From its vantage point, guests can see the northern Himalayan ranges, including Kon Dhari Dhupi-Salla and Jumka-Jumka cardamom fields, along with seasonal fruits and other crops adorning the landscape. The vicinity resembles the markets of Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Saptari, as well as Indian towns like Darjeeling, Mirik, and Siliguri. Tourists from the hotter southern districts of Nepal and West Bengal flock here for a comfortable climate. Hundreds of visitors from West Bengal spend two to four nights annually. When the plains experience intense heat, Antu becomes a natural “air-conditioned” refuge. Apart from tourists, student groups also visit Antu for educational trips.

Durga Kumar Baral, mayor of Suryaodaya Municipality, emphasized that tourism is key to economic prosperity. “Not just Antu and Kanyam, but every ward and village here is a tourist destination. Agricultural produce, medicinal herbs, endangered red pandas, religious, cultural, and archaeological sites make Suryaodaya a prime tourism zone. The Koshi Province government has declared it a tourism municipality. Antu and Kanyam are our principal destinations, but we continue to develop other areas as well. Tourism remains the foundation of our economic growth,” he stated.

Cambodia has implemented strict laws against individuals involved in online scams and other illegal activities, prompting advisories for Nepali citizens residing or planning to travel there. According to Moti Bahadur Shrees, Deputy Head of the Nepalese Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, the new law enacted last week imposes penalties ranging from fines up to five hundred thousand US dollars to imprisonment terms from two years to life, depending on the nature of the offense.

There have been cases where Nepali nationals remained in Cambodia beyond their visa validity while involved in such unlawful activities. The embassy, in coordination with the Nepal Police’s Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau in Kathmandu, has been raising awareness among Nepali citizens. Over the past three years (2023, 2024, and 2025), approximately 21,000 Nepali nationals have entered Cambodia on tourist visas. Deputy Head Shrees stated, “Although not all these individuals are currently in Cambodia, it is estimated that many remain there.”

Since January 2026, a total of 576 Nepali nationals have been repatriated. He added, “We have organized seven repatriation batches, with 277 individuals returned just since March 10.” Nepali residents whose visas have expired are required by the Cambodian government to pay a daily fine of 10 US dollars. With the enforcement of the new law, these regulations are expected to become more stringent.

Officials have urged that any Nepali nationals staying in Cambodia on tourist visas without proper labor authorization be reported. Presently, 72 Nepalis are detained in Cambodian detention centers. “We are preparing to repatriate 59 of them, and they will be sent back to Nepal within a few days,” Shrees confirmed. Due to the risk of fraud under the guise of foreign employment, potential workers have been advised to thoroughly verify information about their employers before proceeding.

April 22, Kavrepalanchok – Despite warnings from Nepal Police and Traffic Police to stop at safe locations due to potential flood risks, five microbus drivers operating their vehicles negligently have been detained. The drivers have been accused of endangering the lives and property of passengers and are currently under investigation while in custody at the Kavrepalanchok District Police Office, according to SP Komal Shah.

Following continuous heavy rains since Monday evening, the flow of Roshi River intensified, causing five microbuses carrying 89 passengers to become stranded in the middle of the river. In a joint rescue operation involving Nepal Police, Armed Police, and the Nepal Army, all passengers were safely evacuated at 1:00 AM and transported to their destinations. Meanwhile, the Kavrepalanchok District Police Office has urged all travelers on the BP Highway to always seek information or prior updates and to follow police advice when traveling.

April 22, Kathmandu – Today, the values of the US Dollar and Euro have increased. According to the central bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar stands at NPR 151.85, while the selling rate is NPR 152.45. On Monday, the buying rate was NPR 151.56 and the selling rate was NPR 152.16.

Today, the Euro’s buying rate is NPR 177.68 with a selling rate of NPR 178.38. On Monday, the rates were NPR 177.64 for buying and NPR 178.35 for selling. Similarly, the Pound Sterling’s buying rate is NPR 205.65 and selling rate is NPR 206.46. The Swiss Franc’s buying rate is NPR 193.70 and selling rate NPR 194.46, while the Australian Dollar is at a buying rate of NPR 109.04 and selling rate of NPR 109.47. The Japanese Yen per 10 units has a buying rate of NPR 9.66 and selling rate of NPR 9.70, whereas the South Korean Won per 100 units is at a buying rate of NPR 10.31 and selling rate of NPR 10.35.

Iran was caught in the throes of war. The subsequent ceasefire brought some calm. Yet despite all the turmoil, the Islamic Republic’s regime in Iran remains firmly in power. Whether people are out on the streets or watching television at home, images and posters of assassinated leaders and the new leadership are omnipresent. Conversations with Iranians inside the country reveal that rather than weakening, the regime is becoming more entrenched and there is a strong determination for retaliation.

Diyako (name changed) and Sana (name changed) are a young couple living in Tehran, filled with hopes for change and concerns about the future. They come from educated middle-class families and are among those who desire an end to the hardline religious dictatorship. Due to their social security, no further personal details can be disclosed, as openly speaking to foreign media carries the risk of government surveillance in Iran.

Journalists working in Iran met with Diyako and Sana near a park and spoke with them during the ceasefire. Diyako appeared optimistic about life. “Change is coming now,” she said. “Some changes have already begun.” However, as she spoke, Sana smiled skeptically. “Change?” she asked. “It’s even more tightly controlled by the Revolutionary Guards. The country remains unstable.” After Israel and America launched attacks, Sana’s feelings shifted.

“At first, I hoped the war wouldn’t happen… but amid the conflict, as they began targeting key figures, I felt a kind of satisfaction with each death,” she explained. As the war escalated, even though Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders were affected, Sana realized that conditions didn’t become ripe for a new regime or peace deal. “Many of their supporters remain steadfast. Nothing happened as I had hoped. Everything worsened, and we remained under the Islamic Republic. Their victory in the war made me sorrowful,” she recounted her experience.

April 22, Kathmandu – The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has reported that the rain-generating system accompanied by thunderstorms is moving eastward through the Far-Western region. The recent cloudy weather is expected to persist for a few more days. As a result, various parts of all provinces across the country have been experiencing rain along with strong winds. On Tuesday, there is still a possibility of thunderstorms and rain in some areas of the country.

According to the Meteorological Forecast Division, moderate rainfall is expected in certain parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. There is also a chance of rain in smaller areas within other provinces. Cloudy conditions will prevail overnight in these provinces, with possible thunder and lightning accompanied by rain in some regions.

On Wednesday, cloudiness will continue in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and other hilly and mountainous areas of the country. Some places in these areas may experience moderate rain coupled with thunder, and light rainfall is also possible in certain parts of the Terai region.

The department has urged everyone to remain vigilant and take precautions to minimize potential damage caused by strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain.

The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank has commenced in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, hosting representatives from over 100 countries. ADB President Masato Kanda announced plans to invest $7 billion to expand energy and internet networks. Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled ambitious initiatives to position his country as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and put forward five key proposals for regional development.

Held in the Silk Road hub of Samarkand, the conference once again emphasized its core themes: internet and power grid connectivity. The meeting, which began on Sunday, was formally inaugurated on Monday by President Mirziyoyev and ADB President Kanda. UNESCO recognizes Samarkand as a “Crossroads of Cultures,” a sentiment echoed by the ADB’s conference motto: “Crossroads of Progress: Strengthening the Connected Future of the Region.”

During the opening session, ADB President Kanda stated, “Let us develop together, work together,” marking the region’s entry into a new phase. He cautioned against geopolitical fragmentation, devastating conflicts, economic disruptions, and pressures from climate change. He also revealed that by 2025, the ADB plans to provide $44 billion in extraordinary support to the region.

President Mirziyoyev presented Uzbekistan’s ambitious plan to become a leader in the artificial intelligence sector. He highlighted the country’s economy, which has grown continuously from $50 billion in 2016 to $147 billion today. Additionally, he noted a significant decline in the poverty rate, from 35 percent to 5.8 percent. Furthermore, he introduced five critical proposals aimed at fostering regional development.

An attack on a tanker at the oil port in Fujairah, UAE, has caused a large fire and injured three individuals. The UAE reported that its air defense system intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones. While Iran is suspected of being behind the attack, an Iranian military official stated that there were “no plans to target the UAE.”

On May 5, Kathmandu — The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed an attack on a tanker associated with its state oil company. Authorities reported that the incident at the Fujairah oil port resulted in a major fire and three people injured. The UAE reserved the right to respond, describing the attack as a “dangerous” provocation.

Following the incident, crude oil prices surged past $115 per barrel, marking a more than 5% increase throughout the day. Fujairah is located on the eastern coast of the UAE, outside the Strait of Hormuz. Oil is transported there via pipelines from oil fields in Abu Dhabi, allowing some oil exports to continue even if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked.

April 21, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court has ordered that businessman Shekhar Golchha be released on bail. The court issued the directive while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Golchha’s wife, Seema Golchha, stating that he should only be kept in custody if bail or bond cannot be granted.
The bench of Justices Mahesh Sharma Paudel and Shrikant Paudel ruled that since there were grounds for releasing him on bail, the police’s act of detaining him without permission from the investigation officer was unlawful and hence invalid. Shekhar Golchha was arrested on April 11. The Central Investigation Bureau apprehended him following further investigations based on a probe report by the Nepal Securities Board.

Education for children living in the Sukumbasi settlement in Kirtipur has been disrupted due to the demolition of their homes and their relocation to a holding center. Despite the government’s announcement that admissions began on April 28 and classes started from May 5, these children have been unable to attend school. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City is currently seeking arrangements to provide schooling for the Sukumbasi children at schools near the holding center.

On May 5 in Kathmandu, students were seen leaving the Laboratory School located on Tribhuvan University land following the first class of the 2083 academic session. Near the Radha Swami Satsang Vyas Ashram, adjacent to the Laboratory School gate, are children from the Sukumbasi settlement who are of school-going age. These children have yet to receive any information about the start of classes.

When asked whether they had textbooks and notebooks, or if classes had started, Arpan Bikala, a third-grader at the Radha Swami Satsang Vyas Ashram school in Kirtipur, responded, “No, we don’t have books. Have the classes started? The school is far, how can we go? No bus comes for us! Of course we want to study. Why wouldn’t we? When were we told to come? We don’t know.” Media access to the holding center is prohibited. Arpan, who arrived at the holding center from the Sukumbasi settlement in Gairigaun, added, “Classes at my school had already begun from the 18th. After our homes were demolished, we have nowhere to live. Sir, we have also missed some classes,” he said with disappointment.

“Our friends will probably go to school, but we don’t know when we will,” he lamented. Although the government declared that admissions started from April 28 and classes from May 5 (today), the education of children in the holding center remains stalled. The Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education, yet these children are unable to attend school.

Children at the Kirtipur holding center also lack textbooks and notebooks. Being confined inside, they have started to lose track of the date and day of the week. Fifth grader Janis Magar expressed surprise, saying, “Oh! Classes have started today?” She added, “We don’t even know school has opened. We’re inside; how would we know?” Meanwhile, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has stated it is looking for alternatives to ensure the education of children from the Sukumbasi settlement. One option under consideration is schooling at a nearby school to the holding center.

“We are in talks with the school near the holding center,” said Novin Manandhar, spokesperson for Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

April 21, Kathmandu – Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has requested clarification from House Secretary Harkraj Rai. According to sources, Secretary Rai has already submitted his explanation to the Speaker on Monday. Speaker Aryal called for the clarification in light of questions raised regarding Rai’s working style. Accusations have emerged that Secretary Rai showed bias while proposing the order of speaking opportunities for members of parliament. Rai was previously appointed secretary based on the recommendation of the former Speaker, Devaraj Ghimire. On Poush 16, 2081 BS (early January 2025), Speaker Ghimire recommended Rai’s appointment to the secretary position. According to Article 106, Sub-article 1 of the Constitution, the Speaker recommends the appointment for secretary, and the President confirms it.

On April 3, the Government of Nepal sent diplomatic notes to India and China raising the issue of border disputes in the Lipulekh area. India claims that the route through Lipulekh Pass has been an old path for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage since 1954. Nepal, having issued a new map including Limpiyadhura in 2020, has clearly asserted its territorial claim and expressed readiness for negotiations.

April 4, Kathmandu – After India opened the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Lipulekh, Nepal sent diplomatic notes to both neighbors on April 3. Soon after the notes were made public, India responded. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randeep Jazwal claimed that the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route via Lipulekh has been continuously used since 1954 and is an established path, dismissing it as not a new issue.

Provisions related to pilgrimage travel were included in the 1954 Sino-Indian Agreement between India and China, allowing pilgrims and traders to use routes including Lipulekh Pass. However, at the time of that agreement, Nepal and China had not yet established bilateral relations, which officially began in August 1955.

According to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and India, the territory up to Limpiyadhura, not just Lipulekh Pass, is Nepali land. The treaty specifies that all territory east of the Kali (Mahakali) River belongs to Nepal. Experts in diplomatic affairs suggest emphasizing details about Nepali territory. Former Ambassador Neelambar Acharya states, “It is unnecessary for other countries to claim past agreements on the use of Nepali land. The key point is facts and evidence — if Lipulekh belongs to Nepal, then it is Nepali land.”

Even if Indian Foreign Ministry claims pilgrims used the route earlier, that does not justify another country’s ownership of Nepali land. Since no entry permission was required at that time, Indians could easily enter Nepali territory. Nepal asserts that areas such as Kalapani, where Indian security forces have been stationed, are Nepali. Former Ambassador Acharya has emphasized that mere usage does not justify foreign claims over Nepali land.

It is not new for each party to present its arguments in a border dispute. Both Nepal and India have mutually acknowledged that a border dispute exists in Kalapani of Darchula and Susta of Nawalparasi. Because there is a dispute, a solution must be sought.

Before considering whether the diplomatic notes Nepal sent on Sunday and the Indian Foreign Ministry’s response reflect progress toward a solution, it is important to understand the background of Nepal’s recently released so-called “false” map. The origin of Nepal’s 2020 map, which includes Limpiyadhura, appears to be India’s own actions.

On November 1, 2019, Survey of India released its eighth political map, violating the provisions of the Sugauli Treaty, by including Nepali territories such as Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and areas east of the Mahakali River as part of India. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on November 5, 2019, rejecting the unilateral map. Then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli convened an all-party meeting and concluded that the river originating from Limpiyadhura marked as Kali (Mahakali) in the Sugauli Treaty.

Following the all-party meeting, on November 10, 2019, the Parliamentary State Affairs and Good Governance Committee directed the government to release a new map including Limpiyadhura. PM Oli supported an attempt at a bilateral agreement rather than issuing the map unilaterally. Nepal sent three diplomatic notes to India within November 2019. Despite efforts including sending special envoys, success was not achieved due to Indian non-cooperation.

Meanwhile, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh publicly inaugurated the road to Kailash Mansarovar, constructed by encroaching on Nepali territory. In protest, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu was surrounded by demonstrators. Nepal repeatedly sought dialogue and negotiations, but India neglected these citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite protests, Parliament, under pressure, issued the new map. The situation worsened after the Indian Army Chief attributed protests in Nepal to “Chinese instigation.” On May 15, 2020, the ruling Nepal Communist Party’s secretariat decided to issue the map. Thereafter, the President incorporated the map into the government’s policy and programs presented in Parliament. The government issued the map based on the Sugauli Treaty and other historical facts. Parliament also amended the constitution to endorse the government’s position.

The plan to use Lipulekh as a route for trade and pilgrims was agreed upon between India and China in 2015. Both countries consented to reopen the border post, closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2024. Last August, both also announced restarting pilgrim travel via Lipulekh.

Although Nepal has sought to resolve the issue through talks and dialogue, both neighboring countries appear to have given it little priority. However, India’s Foreign Ministry’s response includes a positive element. In a press note issued by spokesperson Jazwal, India expresses not only a unilateral claim but also its willingness for dialogue. He stated that India is open to constructive engagement and diplomatic interaction with Nepal on border dispute resolution and improving bilateral relations.

India seems internally prepared for dialogue, which is a positive sign. Experts suggest Nepal, India, and China should use this opportunity to resolve the matter via diplomatic dialogue. Former Ambassador Neelambar Acharya regards Nepal’s firm stance as positive and emphasizes turning it into a chance for dialogue. He says, “We have friendly relations with our neighbors; Nepal’s correspondences can be used to open a channel for dialogue and problem-solving.”

Diplomat Jayaraj Acharya points out that although India had shown little interest in dialogue after Nepal issued the new map, India’s recent response can be utilized as a point to start discussions. He says, “Since this issue has emerged, it should be approached positively and used as an opportunity for resolution through dialogue.”

Four microbuses have become stranded in the Roshi River along the BP Highway, and rescue efforts are currently underway. According to District Police Chief SP Komal Shah, the water flow in the river is increasing, and darkness is creating difficulties for the rescue operations. On 21st Baishakh in Kavrepalanchok, personnel from the Armed Police Force’s 15th Battalion successfully rescued 35 students trapped in a submerged bus in Shreekhandapur.

During the rescue, the police confirmed that the number of passengers stuck between Roshi-7 Laskot and Ghumaune remains unverified. Both the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are employing ropes to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts at the scene. District Police Chief Shah, Armed Police Force 15th Battalion Chief SP Madhav Regmi, the Nepal Army, and other teams and officials are present at the site.

This evening, heavy rainfall in Banepa, Panauti, and Dhulikhel caused blockages on the BP Highway. Following intense rainfall in various areas of Kavrepalanchok, students were rescued from a submerged bus in Shreekhandapur.