Author: space4knews

April 25, Kathmandu – Controversy has erupted following the remarks made by Bishwaraj Pokharel, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA), who expressed anger over the absence of a school’s principal during a welcoming ceremony. Pokharel, elected from Okhaldhunga and a former AIG, allegedly berated the principal of a school in his home district for not attending the welcome.

Expressing his displeasure, Pokharel reportedly told the principal, “If I am coming, you should step aside. You are an employee; I am a retired distinguished employee.” Referring to himself as “Honourable,” he rebuked the principal, saying, “When an honourable member of the district comes, the headmaster shouldn’t remain silent?”

This behavior by MP Pokharel has drawn criticism from both within and outside his party. Former Education Minister Mahavir Pun demanded Pokharel’s dismissal for intimidating the principal over a failure to welcome him. Without naming Pokharel, Pun reminded that parliamentary members are servants of the people and stated, “I don’t know which party he belongs to, but if I were his leader, I would have immediately dismissed him and sent him home. An MP should serve the people who elected him and dedicate five years of time and intelligence to public service. There is no justification for causing humiliation or asserting hierarchy simply because someone didn’t receive a welcome on the road. He must apologize immediately or the public must call him back. The dignity of the MP’s position has been tarnished.”

Leaders and activists from RASWPA have also voiced their disapproval of Pokharel’s conduct. Central committee member and Morang-3 MP Ganesh Karki advised Pokharel to “stay grounded,” writing on social media, “The MP’s term also lasts at most five years. What kind of attitude are you developing? And haven’t you forgotten the thousands of greetings and requests for your votes you received barely two months ago? Let’s stay grounded.” Rajendra Dahal, editor of Teachers’ Monthly, condemned the public humiliation of the principal, questioning on social media, “Is it a story or a shame to call someone ‘Honourable’ who insults the principal and the position over the reason that people weren’t lined up at the school gate to welcome him?”

The dissatisfaction extends to RASWPA’s grassroots supporters. Social media has seen strong criticism aimed at Pokharel. Active since the party’s founding, leader Swastika Lamichhane expressed frustration at Pokharel’s attitude towards voters, urging him to learn how to speak properly. She wrote, “Honourable, you need to learn to speak. Why not start a class? We can teach you how to talk to the people. We have four years of experience.” Lamichhane emphasized, “A soldier may intimidate those ranked below him, but an MP should not intimidate his own voters. You probably do not realize how much effort went into making you ‘Honourable.’ Please respect the pain we have endured for four years. Now that you have the title, please stop making excuses. Who made you Honourable? The public, isn’t it? Those who elevate you can also bring you down; keep that in mind.”

April 25, Kathmandu – Another individual has been arrested in connection with the e-bidding system hacking case. The latest person apprehended is 32-year-old Amrit Bohara from Chapur Construction Service Pvt. Ltd. He resides in Baniyatar, Ward 4, Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detained him, bringing the total number of arrests in this case to ten. Previously, CIB had also arrested Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Bikram Pandey in relation to the same case.

The group is accused of gaining unauthorized access to the e-Government procurement system and manipulating contract details. They are under investigation for offenses under the Electronic Transaction Act, 2063. It is alleged that by accessing the Public Procurement Monitoring Office’s e-Government procurement system, they altered contract information and tampered with financial proposal documents even before the official opening of these proposals.

They are not only burdened by the suffering in their own homes but also deeply affected by the pain of their children. They remain uncertain about where to go or what to do next.

April 25, Kathmandu – Six Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the Armed Police Force have been recommended for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG). The promotion recommendation committee finalized this list on Friday.

According to the recommendation list, Digvijay Suvedi secured the first position, followed by Kiran Basnet at second, Madhav Prasad Paudel at third, Praveen Kandel at fourth, Rajesh Upreti at fifth, and Netra Bahadur Karki at sixth.

How has uranium influenced the conflict between the United States and Iran? Some experts point out that uranium-related issues represent a significant aspect among the many reasons behind the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.

April 25, Kathmandu. Seven Inspectors (SP) of the Armed Police Force have been recommended for promotion to Senior Inspector (SSP). The recommendation covers seven SSP positions, including six newly vacant SSP roles due to recent promotions of SSPs to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), as well as one previously vacant post.

According to the recommended list, Dipak Kumar Thapa ranks first, followed by Sudhir Suvedi in second place, Mahesh KC third, Prakash Kumar Suvedi fourth, Chitrangata Dahal fifth, Subhash Bhandari sixth, and Pradeep Singh Karki seventh.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has reported a 27.8 percent decrease in snowfall levels in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region compared to long-term averages, potentially exacerbating water crises across Asia’s river basins. This reduction is expected to directly impact approximately two billion people, affecting agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods, with reductions anticipated in irrigation and electricity generation. ICIMOD has called on concerned countries to control temperature rises, implement preparedness plans, and strengthen cross-border water management cooperation.

Kathmandu, April 24 – Often described as Asia’s lifeline, the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is experiencing a decline in snowfall, which could trigger water shortages in major Asian river basins, experts warn. In its report titled ‘Snow Update 2026’ released on Thursday, the Nepal-based ICIMOD revealed this year’s snowfall levels to be 27.8 percent below the long-term average. This marks the lowest snowfall in two decades and the fourth consecutive year of below-average snowfall.

The decline in snowfall signals potential water shortages during the upcoming spring and summer seasons. It is anticipated to have a direct impact on the agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods of nearly two billion people in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. As such, there is an urgent need for strengthened water management, early warning systems, and integrated regional cooperation to mitigate growing water insecurity risks.

What the Report Reveals
The report indicates that out of the five winters from 2021/22 to 2023/24, four experienced below-average snowfall. The snowfall in 2023/24 is historically 27.8 percent lower, following a 23.6 percent decline in 2022/23. Among the 12 major river systems flowing from the Hindu Kush Himalaya, 10 have significantly less snowfall this year. Notably, the Mekong River basin saw a 59.5 percent drop, the Tibetan Plateau 47.4 percent, and the Salween River 41.8 percent. The Mekong, Tarim, and Tibetan Plateau recorded their lowest snowfall in 24 years.

Snowmelt runoff from mountainous areas forms the primary water source for these basins. For instance, 77.5 percent of annual flow in the Helmand Basin and 74.4 percent in the Amu Darya Basin depend on snowmelt. Consequently, reduced snowfall is expected to severely impact irrigation and hydropower sectors. Farmers in the Indus, Helmand, and Amu Darya basins may face irrigation shortages at the start of the growing season, while hydropower output could decline in the Mekong, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze Rivers, home to China’s Three Gorges Dam.

The report also warns that insufficient replenishment of groundwater and soil moisture could intensify drought conditions in the future. According to ICIMOD author Sher Muhammad, this year’s data confirms that the Himalayan region has reached a “breaking point.” “We have observed decreasing seasonal snow reserves over recent years, directly affecting water sources for around two billion people,” he said.

Regionally, despite the emerging crisis, the Ganges River basin—which covers Nepal and surrounding areas—has recorded a 16.3 percent increase in snowfall, while the Irrawaddy basin has seen a 21.8 percent rise. Nevertheless, the report emphasizes that this localized increase is insufficient to offset the broader regional water stress.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region encompasses Nepal, China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Why Is the Hindu Kush Himalaya So Vulnerable?
The Hindu Kush Himalaya stretches approximately 3,500 kilometers from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east and is often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast snow and ice reserves—after the North and South Poles. The region contains some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest and Mount Qomolangma. It is the source of about a dozen major Asian river systems, earning it the nickname Asia’s “Water Tower.”

Snowmelt contributes approximately 23 percent on average to the total river flow in this region. Rivers originating here traverse Asia’s vast plains, underpinning the fundamental livelihoods of some two billion people. Tens of millions depend on the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers flowing through Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, while large populations in Pakistan and India rely on the Indus River. China’s Yangtze and Yellow Rivers serve significant areas as well, and Southeast Asian countries depend heavily on the Mekong River. These waterways provide water critical for drinking, irrigation, hydropower, and industry.

The decline in Himalayan snow threatens food security and economic stability for over 240 million people in mountainous regions and more than 1.65 billion people residing on the plains. This underscores why the Hindu Kush Himalaya is often deemed Asia’s lifeline.

Causes of the Snow Decline
Environmental and climatic factors are major contributors to declining snow levels in the region. Global temperature rise is identified as the primary cause. As temperatures increase, snowfall patterns have shifted, with more precipitation falling as rain at higher altitudes and accumulated snow melting earlier. The Himalayan region is warming faster than the global average. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported in 2017 an annual average maximum temperature increase of 0.056 degrees Celsius, with Himalayan areas experiencing greater rises than the Terai plains, accelerating snowmelt.

Western and central parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and western Nepal) largely depend on moist westerly winds from the Mediterranean for snowfall. These winds have weakened, reducing winter snow accumulation. Climate change has disrupted this atmospheric pattern. From 2024 to 2026, a strong El Niño—an ocean-atmosphere phenomenon influencing global weather—has decreased winter precipitation and snowfall in South Asia, directly impacting the mountains.

Pollution, wildfires, and industrial emissions releasing black carbon particles have further exacerbated snowmelt. This black carbon travels to the Himalayas, settling on white snow and absorbing sunlight, which intensifies melting processes.

Recommended Immediate Actions
With diminishing snowfall, glaciers face increased risks of reduced replenishment and eventual shrinkage. Consequently, ICIMOD urges affected countries to take swift measures to control temperature increases, activate emergency preparedness plans, enhance water storage and efficient use, and strengthen cross-border water cooperation. “Science-based governance is now essential, beyond mere emergency responses,” ICIMOD emphasized.

ICIMOD has been monitoring the Hindu Kush Himalayan region for over two decades. Scientists from the centre describe this resource-rich area as a global treasure, yet vulnerable due to climate change and unsustainable development activities.

Dr. Sudip Thakuri, Associate Professor at the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, noted particularly drastic snow reductions in the Tibetan region. “Currently, immediate impacts are not highly visible, but vigilance is essential to address long-term effects,” he said.

April 25, Kathmandu – The government has introduced a new proposal to enforce a cooling period of up to two years for employees retiring from the civil service, during which they will not be allowed to serve in any other position. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration released the draft bill on Friday afternoon, which includes a provision barring former Chief Secretaries, Secretaries, and Joint Secretaries from appointment to constitutional, diplomatic, or other government posts for two years after leaving their positions. This regulation will apply to employees who either retire mandatorily or resign voluntarily.

Besides higher-level officials, other employees will also be subject to a two-year cooling period. During this time, they will be prohibited from working as staff or consultants on projects or programs managed by any entity except intergovernmental organizations or international development partners. The proposal also stipulates that within one year of retirement, former employees cannot work as staff or consultants with organizations affiliated with their previous workplace or those regulated by that body. Those who violate this provision will forfeit their service benefits as per the law.

A two-year cooling period arrangement was also included in the earlier federal civil service bill. During discussions in the State Affairs Committee, current Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal, Federal Parliament Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma, Radhika Aryal, and Krishnahari Pushkar collectively opposed the cooling period provision. While passing the bill, the federal parliament formed an investigative committee due to disagreements arising from the addition and removal of certain clauses. The controversy surrounding this issue led to the resignation of Ramhari Khatiwada, the chair of the State Affairs Committee.

April 24, Kathmandu: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has emphasized the necessity of resolving the squatter settlement issue through dialogue. Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise stated that using force without prior talks and communication is not an appropriate course of action. He stressed that force should only be considered as a last resort and only when dialogue is entirely absent.

Chalise remarked, “Whether it is the squatter settlement issue or any student-related problem, all matters should be resolved through dialogue, cooperation, and negotiation—not through clashes. We must listen to the voice of the people and move toward solutions. The government can resort to violence only after all peaceful options have been exhausted, and even then, it should be the final measure.”

The spokesperson further added, “Even as a last resort, resorting to violence without dialogue and communication reflects the government’s immaturity, lack of experience, and childishness.”

April 25, Kathmandu: The Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today. According to the rates determined, the buying rate for one US dollar is NPR 150.50, while the selling rate is NPR 151.10. Similarly, the buying rate for one European Euro is NPR 176.36 with a selling rate of NPR 177.07. For the UK Pound Sterling, the buying rate is NPR 203.00 and the selling rate is NPR 203.70.

Police have arrested 254 individuals in a sweep operation conducted across Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts in Koshi Province. Among those apprehended, 15 were sent to rehabilitation centers while 76 were entrusted to their relatives. During the operation, authorities seized 26.56 grams of brown sugar and 44 prohibited tablets.

DIG Vinod Ghimire, the Chief of Police for Koshi Province, had ordered the exhaustive arrest of drug dealers, users, and carriers—emphasizing that they be apprehended by any means. The 254 arrests span Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts following directives issued on Wednesday to carry out the sweep. “We have instructed all district offices to review records of all past drug-related cases and complete investigations within 24 hours to apprehend those involved,” he said. “Clear mandates have been issued from above, and results must be visible within 24 hours.”

Deputy Superintendent of Police Kavita Katwal of Morang Police stated that 72 individuals were arrested from various parts of Morang. The campaign began at 6 PM on Baishakh 9 and continued until the morning of Baishakh 11. The majority of those arrested are drug users. Sunsari reported 120 arrests, including five women. After counseling, 76 were released into the custody of their family members.

In Jhapa, 62 people were detained. Confiscated drugs included 20 grams and 40 milligrams of brown sugar. Authorities have filed cases against six individuals for allegedly behaving abusively toward police during inspections. During a special check conducted in Tarabari, Damak, 54 drivers and assistants were tested for drug use via kits; among them, three drivers and two assistants tested positive for drug consumption while two others were found under the influence of alcohol.

The news portrays a man’s emotions and his love for flowers. Rakesh is preparing to release more of his songs soon. “Ultimately, I don’t particularly like to come out into the public. There are personal reasons too. I want to emerge later,” Rakesh Luwagun expressed in a WhatsApp conversation last Monday evening, speaking in the Darjeeling/Sikkim accent. He was speaking from Namchi in Sikkim, and the topic was the song ‘Seto Phool’ (White Flower).

‘Seto Phool’ is a song that was released about a month ago but has since become a sensitive story. The question arises: who sang this song? Who is the singer? What is he like? There is absolutely no information available. The same ambiguity can be seen in the reactions on social media. But who decides this? This song moved some listeners to tears and made others more emotional. Because this poignant song, even though it touches on subtle matters, has the power to lift one’s spirits and take them elsewhere. It has the ability to evoke sweet pain by submerging the listener in memories. Rakesh did not expect to receive such widespread popularity. A source from the UK even called him to congratulate him. Messages of congratulations poured in on social media as well. Until a few months ago, he would merely hum tunes in solitude. He disliked the artificiality of the city and preferred to spend time alone, enjoying music.

He used to spend days immersed in playing the harmonium, enjoying the tunes alone. It was an experience of silent delight with his own voice. Prakash Basnet had the opportunity to observe this self-enthusiasm up close. Prakash is known for his sarcasm on social media but he is a profound individual. ‘Seto Phool’ is his creation. Prakash wrote the lyrics and the storyline for the music video. That is why Rakesh stayed in the background, which was his personal wish. Rakesh and Prakash have been friends for a long time. Rakesh calls Prakash his ‘brother’. They met during an artist search about 8-10 years ago. Rakesh used to run an event company and organize various programs while Prakash was skilled in acting and event management. They even worked together as far as Delhi, India. Prakash had often heard Rakesh sing. Despite having a good voice, Rakesh hesitated to be in the spotlight, something Prakash did not like. Prakash wanted Rakesh to come forward and repeatedly encouraged him to release his songs. One day, he said, “I will raise you up; until then, you cannot go ahead of me.” But Rakesh kept avoiding it, making excuses about running a café or studying. Still, he couldn’t escape Prakash’s persistent urging.

Rakesh sang for the first time in Prakash’s one-year-old short film ‘Nasunine Aawaz’ in the song ‘Timibatai’. But that song was not widely known. Later, Prakash brought the initial lyrics of ‘Seto Phool’ wanting to create a good song. His desire was so strong that Rakesh couldn’t refuse. Then Rakesh started composing the tune. Weeks passed: one week, two weeks, a month. When the day to record a demo came, Prakash was not satisfied with the tunes. Taking a partial tune, he went to DN Studio, where he met Dinesh Dahal, the studio owner and an excellent composer. Prakash played the tune for him, and Dinesh worked hard on it. Together, they collaborated to finalize ‘Seto Phool’, which became Rakesh’s second Nepali song registered officially. According to Prakash, the song expresses a man’s feelings for flowers. This can be seen in the video as well. Must a boy choose death to receive flowers? This question was raised at the initial stage of writing the story, followed by the song’s lyrics.

They wanted to convey that boys also love flowers and can immerse themselves in their beauty. ‘Seto Phool’ is Rakesh’s favorite flower. The song narrates a story of flowers, love, and memories, and its music video is extremely impactful. The white flower is always peaceful and pure. It carries deep sensitivity, strength, and tenderness. The song expresses profound emotions; listening to it pierces the heart and breaks it. Even after so much discussion, will Rakesh remain silent? He is gradually opening up and plans to release several songs he has already prepared, one by one. Yet he will always keep humming:

“Flowers of memories, I gather your memories
Even if my love is far, carrying memories
As a drizzle of clouds, I will wet you
When you walk alone, flowers will return my memories again
The moments we cut together, those tears will fall again
These flowers bloom again
Pick these flowers to decorate in poetry
If my memories come, offer me white flowers
There is still love to share
You come, and I will return there
Flowers of memories to you, and white flowers to me.”