Author: space4knews

April 23, Ilam — When Haribahadur Tamang opened his shop in 1993 (2050 BS), the Fikkal market in Ilam was nothing like the bustling area it is today. The narrow roads, small settlements, and modest houses set a very different scene. He recalls, “There were no roads in the village and very few snack shops in the market. People who came on foot used to eat their snacks and meals right at my shop.”

For over three decades, he has been running his sweet shop in Fikkal market, located in ward number 10 of Suryaodaya Municipality. He shares proudly that through hard work in Nepal, selling sweets has brought him happiness and livelihood. His business flourished from the morning right up to 2001 BS (1954 AD). During that time, he purchased a house in the Terai region and acquired three plots of land near Fikkal’s New Chowk area.

He also succeeded in educating two daughters abroad in the United States and Australia. His youngest daughter is currently studying Chartered Accountancy and a BBIS degree in Kathmandu, funded by the income from this shop. “The house in Birtamod, Jhapa, and the lands at New Chowk were all possible because of the business back then,” he explained. “I started the shop in 1993 with an investment of 22,000 rupees, paying 200 rupees monthly rent. Even when selling snacks that filled the stomach for just five rupees, I was able to earn money. I have provided stability for my daughters and earned happiness by selling sweets.”

His shop, Janata Misthan Bhandar, is still operating today, though the profit margin is not what it once was. Tamang says, “Prices have risen. I am in the process of buying supplies now. Customers still come, but competition is fierce, as there are many shops now. Nevertheless, I manage to save 60-70 thousand rupees.” He attributes his daughters’ bright futures to his honest mindset and continuous hard work.

“I sent my eldest daughter to the U.S. after nursing studies in Kathmandu. My middle daughter is in Australia, and the youngest is studying Chartered Accountancy and BBIS here in Kathmandu. I feel very satisfied,” he shared emotionally. To support his daughters’ education, he even sold the house he had built in Birtamod.

The nature of business has changed over time. About 20 years ago, his shop moved from the Pashupatinagar area of Fikkal to beneath the Ilam STEN in the market. Items that once cost five rupees are now priced at 150 rupees. The shop offers an array of snacks including samosas, sel roti, puri, laddus, khurma, rasbari, jeri, and bhujia, and currently employs two staff members.

He adds, “Competition has grown and customer preferences have shifted. Many sell alcohol now, but I have never sold liquor, tobacco, or cigarettes.” Around 1985 (2042 BS), he ran a rickshaw in Kankadbhitta, Jhapa, gaining the trust of 600 workers to become the treasurer of the Rickshaw Union. After working in a hotel for a period, he started the sweet shop and remains dedicated to it today. Despite aging, his passion for work remains strong. “You can’t live without working, but nowadays, young people don’t want to work this hard,” he observes.

The historic Gorkhe market was the commercial hub back then, where people had to carry heavy loads to shop for goods. “We used to carry heavy loads early in the morning to Fikkal. We would go to Hari’s sweet shop to have snacks. These people are from an earlier time and still do business the same way,” recounts 76-year-old Veerbahadur Rai from Gorkhe. “Even today, when I visit Fikkal, I don’t leave without eating samosas at Hari’s shop.”

Air pollution in Kathmandu has reached an extremely unhealthy level today, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 247. Currently, Nepal ranks as the second most polluted country in the world, following Pakistan in the first position. According to the Nepal government’s AQI classification, values between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, while those above 301 are deemed hazardous.

On April 23, Kathmandu’s air quality has severely deteriorated. This morning, real-time measurements from the Swiss platform IQAir recorded an AQI of 247, which dropped slightly to 216 by the time this report was prepared. An AQI between 201 and 300 falls under the very unhealthy category.

Nepal now stands second on the list of the world’s most polluted countries, with Pakistan leading. In the Kathmandu Valley, dense smog was visible today. According to the Nepal government’s AQI scale, 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and above 301 hazardous.

10 Vaishakh, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee has announced the wholesale prices of agricultural produce for today. According to the committee, the prices per kilogram are as follows: Large tomatoes (Indian) 80 NPR, small tomatoes (local) 50 NPR, small tomatoes (Indian) 55 NPR, small tomatoes (Terai) 65 NPR, red potatoes 26 NPR, red potatoes (Indian) 25 NPR, dried onions (Indian) 37 NPR.

Similarly, carrots (local) are priced at 60 NPR per kilogram, carrots (Terai) 30 NPR, cabbage (local) 45 NPR, cabbage (Terai) 30 NPR, cauliflower (local) 30 NPR, cauliflower (local, Jyapu variety) 40 NPR, white radish 30 NPR, white radish (hybrid) 30 NPR, long eggplant 50 NPR, and round eggplant 60 NPR.

Additionally, cluster beans (whole) cost 50 NPR per kilogram, peas (pod) 60 NPR, winged beans (local) 30 NPR, winged beans (hybrid) 30 NPR, kidney beans 110 NPR, soybeans 180 NPR, bitter gourd 90 NPR, bottle gourd 30 NPR, ridge gourd 80 NPR, ridge gourd (Terai) 80 NPR, sponge gourd 50 NPR. Sponge gourd (small type) is 30 NPR, pumpkins (ripe) 60 NPR, long green pumpkin 30 NPR, short green pumpkin 25 NPR, okra 60 NPR, bitter melon 60 NPR, chayote 75 NPR, taro 50 NPR, and ivy gourd 60 NPR per kilogram.

Other prices include spinach 60 NPR, palungo (spinach type) 100 NPR, chamchure 80 NPR, mustard greens 40 NPR, fenugreek 80 NPR, green onions 80 NPR, buckwheat leaves 60 NPR, mushrooms (button) 2,280 NPR, mushrooms (oyster) 350 NPR, king oyster mushrooms 300 NPR, and shiitake mushrooms 1,000 NPR per kilogram. Additionally, yam bean 450 NPR, winged bean 80 NPR, broccoli 80 NPR, beetroot 50 NPR, coriander 300 NPR, red cabbage 50 NPR, cumin leaves 80 NPR, gathkopi (shoulder cabbage) 50 NPR, parsley 190 NPR, celery 180 NPR, fennel leaves 80 NPR, mint 100 NPR, gante mula 50 NPR, tamarind 180 NPR, copper leaves 150 NPR, tofu 150 NPR, and dried leafy greens 250 NPR per kilogram.

Apple (Jhole variety) is priced at 250 NPR per kilogram, Fuji apple 300 NPR, lemon 390 NPR, bananas (per dozen) 250 NPR, pomegranate 400 NPR, green grapes 240 NPR, black grapes 380 NPR, green watermelon 45 NPR, and wild pumpkin 250 NPR per piece. Cucumbers (local) are 40 NPR per kilogram, cucumbers (hybrid) 15 NPR, cucumber (local cross) 40 NPR, kaki fruit 80 NPR, Chinese pears 250 NPR, Nepali walnuts 80 NPR, Indian walnuts 90 NPR, kiwi 450 NPR, and avocado 800 NPR per kilogram.

Ginger is priced at 100 NPR per kilogram, dried chili 450 NPR, green chili 100 NPR, bullet green chili 80 NPR, mached chili 80 NPR, Akbare chili 500 NPR, black goat chili 80 NPR, green garlic 80 NPR. Green coriander costs 80 NPR, dried garlic (Chinese) 200 NPR, dried garlic (Nepali) 130 NPR, dried fish 1,000 NPR, fresh fish (Rahu) 340 NPR, fresh fish (Bachuwa) 310 NPR, and fresh fish (Chhadi) 300 NPR per kilogram.

The blacktopping work on the Martadi–Kolti road segment has been left unfinished because the contractor, PS Baniya Construction Services, failed to complete the job on time. The Infrastructure Development Office in Achham has reported that this has left the project in limbo. Due to the failure to complete the work within the allocated NPR 150 million budget in the previous fiscal year, NPR 135 million had to be returned. For the current fiscal year, although NPR 200 million has been budgeted, work has yet to commence, said the office chief, Jangbahadur Thapa.

The Martadi–Kolti road spans 41 kilometers and has undergone tendering in three packages amounting to NPR 1.57 billion. However, even after 26 years, the construction remains incomplete. On 10th Baisakh in Bajura, it was reported that the blacktopping work between Dhamkane and Kolti on this road segment is currently stalled. Thapa emphasized that the construction company failed to meet deadlines.

The Infrastructure Development Office has indicated that PS Baniya Construction Services did not complete the work on schedule, which has resulted in annual budget refunds. Last fiscal year, as the project could not be completed despite a NPR 150 million allocation, NPR 135 million had to be returned. This fiscal year, even though NPR 200 million has been allocated, the contractor has yet to commence operations, clarified office chief Thapa.

PS Baniya Construction Services is registered under the name of Indra Bahadur Baniya, a leader of the Nepali Congress. He is a member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly and the president of Nepali Congress Bagmati Province. Saroj Rai, the representative and engineer of PS Baniya Construction Services, acknowledged that various factors delayed the work, noted that machinery had been withdrawn from the site, and assured that work would resume within a few days.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted that maximum temperatures may reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in five cities of the Terai region this afternoon. The department specifically highlighted the possibility of extreme heat in Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.

April 23, Ghodaghodi (Kailali) – It is not always necessary to have sight to see the light in life; sometimes confidence, hard work, and strong determination can also illuminate the path. Viktalal Chaudhary, a 42-year-old resident of Bardagoriya Rural Municipality-3, Ranikunda, exemplifies this truth. Blind from birth, he has wiped away the darkness of a bleak future from his life and stepped firmly toward the light. Viktalal has dedicated himself not only to his own progress but also to brightening the futures of thousands of students.

Since 2008 BS, Chaudhary has been involved in teaching at Jagdambike Bhagwati Secondary School and has spent over 15 years in the classroom. For him, school is not just a job but a life mission. Though he cannot see with his eyes while standing in the classroom, he perceives the abilities, potential, and future of his students through inner vision.

The students he has taught have established themselves in various fields today. Seeing these students—who studied in the village—succeed has made his struggles worthwhile. “If my modest knowledge has changed someone’s life, what greater happiness could there be?” he says. However, his life journey has not been easy. He lost both parents at a young age, causing his family’s circumstances to weaken. Living with blindness made daily life even more challenging. His older brothers are also visually impaired, and he has lived with his sisters and sisters-in-law.

The humiliation and pain he endured as a child remain fresh in his memory. Many in the village would insult him by calling him ‘blind’ and were afraid to walk alongside him. Simply moving around, attending school, and managing daily life were all formidable challenges. Instead of weakening him, these hardships strengthened his resolve. Initially, he doubted his ability to study, but the support and encouragement of a teacher changed his perspective. When the teacher came to his home to help him study, his confidence grew. He realized that although physically challenged, a desire to learn and hard work open limitless possibilities.

After passing the SLC exams, he embarked on a teaching career. This was more than just starting a job; it was a turning point that gave new direction to his life. Teaching while being blind was not easy, yet he never considered himself weak. He converted his weaknesses into strength and moved forward. Alongside teaching, he also completed higher secondary education. In the classroom, he does not only discuss textbooks but also shares life experiences.

His family life has also been a struggle. His wife is visually impaired, and together they care for their 13-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. His daughter carries significant responsibilities from a young age, actively involved in managing household chores and caring for her parents. Music and literature hold a special place in Chaudhary’s life; he occasionally sings and writes poetry. A poem he wrote as a child still reflects his mindset: ‘Though the eyes are closed, the mind never shuts down.’ This belief continuously fuels his forward momentum.

Society’s attitude toward people with disabilities is gradually becoming positive. “Those who once looked down on me now speak with respect and seek advice,” he says. He is specially invited to village events and has become not just an individual but a source of experience and inspiration. In his view, people with disabilities need opportunities, not pity. “We should not be deemed weak and left behind; if given a chance, we can work too,” he asserts.

A newly proposed rule in the draft of the House of Representatives’ procedural guidelines has sparked criticism for potentially protecting MPs facing corruption and money laundering charges from suspension. The draft, prepared by a committee led by Ganesh Parajuli of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and submitted to the Speaker, reportedly includes phrasing that places these guidelines above existing laws concerning MPs.

Rule 259 of the proposed guidelines states, “Regardless of any provisions in existing laws, this guideline shall operate as federal law concerning the House committees and members, applying as special legislation.” The guideline further clarifies that it will serve as a “special privilege of House members.” This provision has raised concerns, linking it to ongoing issues involving Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane, who is currently suspended.

Ganesh Parajuli, chair of the Procedural Committee, has clarified that the rule is not targeted at any individual. He commented, “Each of the state’s three branches has its jurisdiction. Article 104 of the Constitution grants the House the authority to formulate its own rules.” Legal experts, however, argue that this provision conflicts with laws related to money laundering, corruption prevention, and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, potentially undermining their effectiveness in addressing Lamichhane’s case.

According to Section 27 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2064 (2007), public officials and employees charged with money laundering cases are subject to automatic suspension. Based on this provision, the Federal Parliament Secretariat issued a suspension notice for Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Lamichhane on Poush 8, 2081 BS (December 23, 2024). Meanwhile, Rule 247 of the yet-to-be-approved draft guidelines specifies that any MP charged with a criminal offense punishable by three years or more in prison or involving moral turpitude and who is in custody for prosecution shall be suspended during that period.

Barcelona extended their lead to nine points in La Liga by defeating Celta Vigo 1-0 at home. Lamin Yamal scored the only goal from a penalty in the 40th minute. With this win, Barcelona has accumulated 82 points from 32 matches, while second-placed Real Madrid has 73 points. April 23, Kathmandu.

Lamin Yamal’s solitary goal helped league leaders Barcelona strengthen their top position by beating Celta Vigo 1-0 in last night’s match at the Camp Nou. The home side earned three points with a narrow victory, further extending their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to nine points. Yamal advanced Barcelona in the 40th minute by converting a penalty. Although Ferran Torres scored in the 55th minute, the goal was disallowed after VAR review.

Interior Minister Sudhan Gurung purchased 19 ropani 15 aana of land in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6, Dhankuta, on Chaitra 11. The Land Revenue Office assessed the land value at NPR 690,000 and the corresponding revenue was paid accordingly. However, the Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality claims the market price of land in the area is NPR 500,000 per ropani.

Dhankuta, 9 Baishakh – The recently resigned Minister Sudhan Gurung has drawn criticism over an apparent undervaluation of the land he bought in Dhankuta. Having been appointed minister on Chaitra 13, Gurung acquired nearly 20 ropani of land on Chaitra 11 near Bhedetar, the prime tourist location in Dhankuta, specifically in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6 (formerly Karkichhap-5), plot number 167.

According to the Dhankuta Land Revenue Office, Gurung purchased the land from Junu Limbu. Junu’s father-in-law, Karn Bahadur Magar, who holds the land in his daughter’s name, confirmed the sale but declined to disclose the transaction price, citing a confidential agreement. Kamal Bahadur Thapa, head of the Dhankuta Land Revenue Office, explained that the land was registered with an assessed value of NPR 690,000, and the corresponding revenue was paid as per that valuation.

Jitendra Rai, chairperson of Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality, noted that the land is in an area not yet serviced by roads but stated that the market price is NPR 500,000 per ropani. By that standard, the actual value of the acquired land could amount to approximately NPR 10 million. Deepak Magar, ward chairperson of Sangurigadhi-6, confirmed that transactions in the area generally occur around NPR 500,000 per ropani and that the municipality has declared the land suitable for commercial use.

Ward Chairperson Magar asserted that acquiring 19 ropani 15 aana at NPR 690,000 is virtually impossible at current rates but mentioned the exact acquisition location has not been clearly identified yet. The land purchased by Gurung lies about 3 kilometers east of Bhedetar. The Land Revenue Office said that because the village administration recommended the land as lacking road access, they used minimum government valuation standards to approve the transaction.

Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality’s valuation confirms the price at NPR 500,000 per ropani and that transactions are conducted accordingly. Kamal Bahadur Thapa clarified that the difference between government assessment and actual market price explains the apparent discrepancy. Although former Minister Gurung listed the land purchase in his asset declaration, he has not publicly disclosed the actual purchase price or funding sources.

The recent claim by the US President that Tehran has agreed to transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium as part of a deal to end the war has once again drawn significant attention. However, on Monday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh denied this allegation in an interview with the Associated Press, stating it is impossible. As both sides continue peace talks, this issue is certain to remain a key agenda item.

But what exactly is enriched uranium and why is it important? Uranium is a naturally occurring element found on the Earth’s surface. It has two isotopes: U-238 and U-235. Natural uranium consists of about 99% U-238, which cannot initiate a chain reaction. Only about 0.7% is U-235, which fissions easily and is useful in the process of nuclear fission — the splitting of atoms to release energy.

The level of uranium enrichment determines its purpose. Low-enriched uranium contains between 3 to 5% U-235 and is commonly used as fuel in commercial nuclear power plants. It can sustain controlled chain reactions but is not suitable for weaponization. Uranium enriched to 20% or higher U-235 is considered highly enriched and is used in research reactors. To make nuclear weapons, uranium enrichment levels must reach approximately 90% U-235.

The 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers — China, France, Germany, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom — limited Iran to enriching uranium only up to 3.67% and restricted its stockpiles to no more than 300 kilograms.

Currently, the talks focus on the future of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves. Senior US officials have revealed that Iran possesses nearly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to a high level.

Iran continues to assert that its nuclear facilities are used solely for peaceful purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no evidence of an active nuclear weapons program in Iran.