Author: space4knews

The roof of Janakalyan Secondary School located in Gurja, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-1, Myagdi, was blown off by a storm, affecting the teaching and learning process. Principal Nyawali Chhantyal reported that the tin roof of the classroom building was ripped away, resulting in a shortage of classrooms for conducting classes. Around 200 students up to grade 10 are enrolled at this school.

Hailstorms in the Shikh and Ghar areas of Annapurna Rural Municipality have caused damage to both the summer and winter crops. Following the hail, floods have also damaged roads, drinking water, and irrigation infrastructure, according to Bhartakumar Pun, chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality. The local communities in Bhurung-Tatopani, Dana, Narchyang, Shikh, Ghar, and Histaan areas have been adversely affected by the combination of storms, heavy rain, and hail.

Since the formation of the government following Nepal’s general election, there has been considerable review and discussion about the new administration’s methods and pace of work from various viewpoints. At the same time, interest has grown regarding the recent activities of the Nepal Army and related responses. Public debates and commentaries have emerged, reflecting two contrasting perspectives on the army’s recent conduct. One side argues that the army should avoid unnecessary controversies and focus on fulfilling its role, while the other maintains that the national army, which has repeatedly accepted political changes, should not be drawn into disputes.

The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ recently came under scrutiny after reports emerged that military units across several districts, following the demolition of illegal settlements in some squatters’ areas in the Kathmandu Valley, were requesting details of squatters by communicating with local governments. In response to the spread of ‘false information and expressions’ against its organization and leadership, the Nepal Army issued a public statement affirming that it is conducting ‘regular monitoring’ and warning that those involved in such activities will face legal consequences. The army spokesperson emphasized that the organization operates in compliance with the constitution and legal frameworks, clarifying that the collection of squatter data is part of preparedness measures for potential disasters.

What is the recent controversy about? As the government continues to demolish illegal homes in different parts of the country, it became public that the Nepal Army had corresponded with relevant authorities to provide information about squatter areas. Social media has witnessed diverse opinions for and against this move, although the government has yet to issue an official statement. On Wednesday, the Nepal Army released a statement explaining that its local units updated data to ‘map potentially vulnerable areas’ within their jurisdictions to facilitate rapid deployment of security forces for rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation in case of disasters.

There are 210 landless Dalits, 1,743 landless Sukumbasi, and 3,790 informal residents spread across all 19 wards of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City. The Land Problem Resolution Commission, which collected over 12,000 applications in 2020 and 2021, has been unable to enter these records due to a shortage of personnel and inadequate documentation. The sub-metropolitan city has not prioritized land management, and a lack of staff continuity has led to challenges in data collection and record keeping. (16 Baisakh, Hetauda)

According to data collected by the commission established by the federal government to address landlessness among the Sukumbasi community and an internal survey by the sub-metropolitan land management division, landless Sukumbasi and informal residents are present in all 19 wards of the sub-metropolitan city. Laxman Adhikari, head of the land management division, noted that other wards also have community-level presence of Sukumbasi and informal residents.

The land management division reports that in 12 wards of Hetauda, there are 5,743 landless Dalits, landless Sukumbasi, and informal residents. This figure is based on tenure data collected through ward offices by the Land Problem Resolution Commission during 2020 and 2021. Adhikari explained, “More than 12,000 applications were received. I joined this division later, and only this amount of tenure has been entered. The details of the remaining applications were lost during the Janajati movement and could not be entered.”

Preliminary investigations by the sub-metropolitan office found that not all residents across the 19 wards are truly landless Sukumbasi or informal residents. While it is stated that all wards have Sukumbasi and informal residents under land management, the sub-metropolitan city lacks accurate data on this matter. The absence of prioritization for land management indicates that Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City has not adequately addressed the issue.

April 29, Dhangadhi – A fugitive accused in a negligent homicide case in Kailali has been arrested after 27 years. A joint team dispatched from the Malagheti Police Office and the temporary Olani Police Post apprehended 59-year-old Kale Kami from Godawari Municipality-11, Olani. According to DSP Ran Bahadur Chand, chief of the Malagheti Police Office, Kami has been found guilty of a murder linked to a land dispute.
The incident took place on July 26, 1999 (11 Asar 2056 BS). Police said Kami was arrested while walking in the Gaudi Bazaar area of Godawari Municipality-11. He has been presented before the Kailali District Court following the completion of necessary legal procedures. Investigations revealed that Kami had been residing in Mumbai, India, for an extended period. Authorities confirmed the successful arrest of the suspect who had been on the run for 27 years.

As reports emerged about multiple ordinances being recommended to the President, the government led by Balen Shah has been drawn into intense debate and controversy. A joint meeting of opposition parties, led by the main opposition Nepali Congress, has expressed unified objections to the ordinances. The President’s office has stated that the ordinances are under review. The government has not formally disclosed details regarding the recommendation or content of the ordinances.

However, during the announcement of the opposition meeting’s decisions, Nepali Congress parliamentary leader Bhismraj Angdembe revealed that on Baisakh 14, ordinances related to the Constitutional Council and Cooperative Act, and on Baisakh 15, ordinances concerning the Health Science Academy, several Nepal legal amendments, and university matters were recommended. He added that the meeting resolved to urge the President not to approve these ordinances. Speaking as the parliamentary leader of Congress, Angdembe labeled the government’s actions as “undemocratic and an insult to the sovereign parliament.” He also questioned, “Why is there distrust towards the majority within its own party?”

Responding to the opposition’s protests, while the Prime Minister has defended the ordinances, the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) has also rebutted the opposition’s allegations. Amidst public dissent from a Raswapa lawmaker concerning the ordinances, party chairman Ravi Lamichhane has come out in defense of the government’s steps. Clarifying the purpose of the ordinances, he stated, “Until the unnecessary partisan divisions and wrongful appointments of the past are corrected, the people’s expectations from this government cannot be fulfilled.” Lamichhane highlighted that previous governments introduced ordinances to split parties or suppress the opposition, whereas the current ones have been recommended for ‘necessary reforms.’

Addressing criticisms directed at Prime Minister Balen for allegedly displacing squatter communities without alternatives, Lamichhane emphasized that the government is actively working to responsibly manage outreach and resources. “The government takes responsibility for the food, shelter, clothing, and employment opportunities of all homeless citizens,” he said on behalf of the government. He added, “No squatter will be left homeless by the government, and suggestions for necessary coordination are welcome. However, unnecessary politicization should be avoided.”

The Nepal Tourism Board has intensified its targeted wedding tourism promotion campaign in India. In collaboration with the Hotel Association Nepal, the board organized the ‘Nepal Destination Wedding and Outage Connect’ program in New Delhi. According to 2025 data, out of the total tourists visiting Nepal, 25.2 percent—equivalent to 292,438—are expected to be Indian nationals. Kathmandu, 16 Baisakh.
Recently, due to increasing conflicts in West Asia causing disruptions in air travel and instability in the global tourism market, the Nepal Tourism Board has accelerated its targeted promotional efforts in neighboring India. Following this strategy, Nepal was promoted as a premier wedding destination in New Delhi. The Nepal Tourism Board and Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), in coordination with the Nepal Embassy in Delhi, hosted the ‘Nepal Destination Wedding and Outage Connect’ event.
Held over two days on 15 and 16 Baisakh, the event gathered representatives from the tourism and wedding industries of both Nepal and India. The program aimed to position Nepal as a ‘Dream Wedding Destination,’ highlighting its unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and traditional matrimonial customs. A total of 21 Nepali companies and 45 Indian wedding planners actively participated, stated senior board official Robin Regmi.
According to Regmi, the Nepali delegates presented and promoted high-quality hotels, resorts, and services required for wedding ceremonies in Nepal. Additionally, through B2B meetings, presentations, networking, and discussions, the foundation was laid to expand wedding tourism cooperation between Nepal and India. The board’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deepkaraj Joshi, emphasized that wedding tourism holds significant potential for Nepal. “Nepal offers immense opportunities in wedding tourism, with diverse destinations ranging from luxury resorts to natural and cultural heritage sites,” he stated.
Hotel Association Nepal President Vinayak Shah highlighted the critical role of Nepal-India collaboration in advancing wedding tourism. Similarly, Niraj Dhawan, President of the Indian Wedding Planner Association, noted that the growing appeal of destination weddings in the Indian market presents a substantial opportunity for Nepal. Dr. Surendra Thapa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi, expressed confidence that by strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Nepal and India, such events will elevate bilateral tourism cooperation to new heights.
During the program, Tourism Board Director Laxman Gautam spoke about the expanding wedding tourism sector and the cultural significance of marriage in Eastern civilizations. He pointed out Nepal’s potential to become an outstanding wedding destination for culturally rich markets like India. “With our attractive locations, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture, we are ready to offer Indian wedding planners and their clients an extraordinary experience in Nepal,” he said.
According to the latest tourism board statistics, India remains Nepal’s primary tourism source market. In 2025, Indian tourists accounted for 25.2 percent of all visitors to Nepal, totaling 292,438. The overall number of tourists visiting Nepal in 2025 was 1,158,451.

Bhishma Raj Angdembe, leader of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party, held a meeting with Shmulik Ari Bass, the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, at Singha Durbar. Ambassador Bass congratulated Angdembe on his selection as the party leader and extended his best wishes. The discussion focused on mutual interests in Nepal-Israel bilateral relations. April 29, Kathmandu.

On Wednesday, Ambassador Bass met with Leader Angdembe at the Nepali Congress parliamentary party office located at Singha Durbar. During the meeting, Angdembe expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Bass. The talks reportedly centered on the relationship and mutual interests between Nepal and Israel.

Vidwan Gurung, the central chairman of Nepal Tarun Dal, the youth wing of the Nepali Congress, has resigned from his position. He submitted his resignation through a letter addressed to the party president. Kathmandu, 16th Vaisakh.