Author: space4knews

The share market declined by 5.73 points for the third consecutive day, bringing the NEPSE index down to 2738. Trading volume reached NPR 491 crore, with 98 companies seeing their share prices increase while 161 companies experienced a decline. Only the banking and manufacturing & processing sectors recorded gains, whereas all other sectors saw their indices fall. Kathmandu, 17 Baisakh.

On Thursday, the market dropped 5.73 points on its third trading day in a row of losses, resulting in a NEPSE index level of 2738 points. The previous day saw a 25-point decline and Tuesday a 26-point decrease. Within the first 22 minutes of trading, NEPSE dipped further to 2708 points but subsequently stabilized. The total turnover also decreased slightly; from NPR 498 crore on the previous day to NPR 491 crore today.

Out of the listed companies, 98 recorded price appreciation, 161 registered declines, and 10 remained unchanged. Only two sectoral indices posted gains: the banking sector rose by 0.02%, and the manufacturing & processing sector increased by 0.84%. All other sectors fell by less than 1%. Specifically, development banks fell by 0.48%, finance by 0.20%, hotel & tourism by 0.04%, hydropower by 0.40%, investment by 0.42%, life insurance by 0.26%, microfinance by 0.34%, non-life insurance by 0.02%, others by 0.97%, and trade by 0.63%.

Srinagar Agritech saw the highest price gain of 12.57%, followed by Shikhar Power at 7.91%, Asian Hydropower at 7.88%, River Falls Power at 4.95%, and SY Panel at 3.81%. Major companies that experienced substantial trading volumes today included Reliance Spinning Mills, Ankhu Khola Hydroelectric Company, National Hydropower, Shivam Cement, and NRN Infrastructure.

A faction outside the founding body of the Nepali Congress has concluded that the leadership chosen through the special general convention makes it impossible to ensure respectful participation of all party ranks in the upcoming 15th general convention. This group has demanded a party unity campaign across all levels, in accordance with the revised constitution from the 14th general convention, to build party unity and strengthen the Congress.

The group has criticized the special general convention for creating internal disputes and held it and its leadership chiefly responsible for the party’s defeat in the election held on 21st Falgun (early March).

Kathmandu, 17th Baisakh – An external group within Nepali Congress has concluded that it is unfeasible for the current leadership to ensure honorable and inclusive participation of the entire party in the 15th general convention. This decision came after a two-day meeting held at Hotel Smart in Dhumbarahi. The meeting, conducted under the leadership of the recently elected acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka, emphasized the need for common structures to convene a unity-based general convention.

According to the press release issued on Thursday, “The leadership elected through the so-called special general convention, attended solely by one-sided delegates, makes it impossible to guarantee respectful participation and fair elections in the 15th general convention. Therefore, common agreed-upon structures are essential for a broad national unity convention.” The statement further calls for a party unity campaign at all levels to build a unified and robust Congress, in line with the amended party constitution.

The group outside the founding body also stressed the need to update the membership roster, including those who have left the party, are subject to disciplinary action, have passed away, or wish to resign, and to renew the memberships of active members who were missed in the renewal process. They emphasized that membership renewal and distribution are normal and necessary procedures.

The press release pointed out that, per party guidelines, membership renewal and distribution have nearly concluded as scheduled for the 15th general convention, making it inappropriate and malicious to delete old memberships and re-register under new names. “We appeal to all responsible party levels to refrain from and prevent such activities,” said outgoing acting president Khadka.

Khadka recalled Congress’s historic struggle and advocacy for citizens’ personal freedom, political liberty, and freedom of expression. He also stated that targeting certain party leaders for their expressed views with biased inquiries and disciplinary threats is inappropriate, urging an immediate halt to such authoritarian tendencies and a firm resolve to prevent their recurrence.

According to the conclusion by this external group, the forced unilateral organization of a special general convention is the major source of discord. They held the leaders responsible for organizing that convention accountable for the electoral defeat on 21st Falgun. The group emphasized that only a united and strong Congress can effectively engage in dialogue and cooperation with other parties and national forces to safeguard national independence, citizen rights, and the federal inclusive democratic republic system.

The meeting also demanded from the government comprehensive market monitoring and price control measures, special exemptions, subsidies, and relief policies on essential commodities like fuel to ease daily life for the public. The two-day gathering, convened under the call of acting president Khadka, included central committee members, district chairpersons, and regional leaders from the outgoing president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction.

The Bollywood film ‘Dhurandhar,’ starring Ranveer Singh, is set to be released in Japan under the title ‘Operation Dhurandhar’ on July 10. The film has earned approximately ₹1,307 crore worldwide, with its sequel grossing a total of ₹1,780 crore. The movie has already been declared a superhit in Nepal.

Kathmandu – The Bollywood blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar,’ featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, will hit Japanese theaters on July 10. The film will be released in Japan as ‘Operation Dhurandhar.’ Previously, Ranveer Singh’s films including ‘Gully Boy,’ ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela,’ and ‘Padmaavat’ have also been screened in Japan. The highest-grossing Indian film in Japan to date is ‘RRR,’ which earned around ₹143.69 crore.

‘Dhurandhar’ was originally released worldwide on December 5, 2025. Alongside Ranveer Singh, the cast features Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun. The film was directed by Aditya Dhar. According to the box office tracking site Sacnilk, ‘Dhurandhar’ achieved exceptional business in both India and international markets, earning approximately ₹1,307 crore globally.

In India, the film garnered a gross collection of ₹1,005 crore and a net collection of around ₹840 crore. It also performed excellently overseas, collecting approximately ₹299 crore. In particular, it earned over ₹193.06 crore from the United States and Canada, surpassing the record previously held by ‘Baahubali 2.’ Meanwhile, the second installment of ‘Dhurandhar’ premiered worldwide on March 19, 2026, and has since amassed a total global revenue of ₹1,780 crore. In India alone, its net collection stands at ₹1,132 crore and gross collection at ₹1,356 crore. The film has also been declared a superhit at the Nepalese box office.

The Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp located in Pathari Shanishchare Municipality-10 of Morang district has remained closed and has not resumed operations since the Jenji movement. As of April 30, Kathmandu. The Armed Police Force had shut down the base camp due to arson and vandalism during the protest. Although various police posts and armed base camps across the country have been rebuilt and are operational, this particular camp has yet to reopen.

The prolonged closure of the base camp has caused concern among local residents and the Bhutanese refugee community. Despite repeated requests and appeals, they claim the state has largely neglected the area. Established in 2007 BS (1960/61 AD), the camp previously deployed about 15 armed police personnel who helped control theft, disputes, social conflicts, and drug-related activities, according to locals. Since the camp’s closure, the situation in the area has deteriorated noticeably.

The Bhutanese refugee community has reported an increase in criminal activities, drug abuse, trafficking problems, and a rise in social insecurity recently. This has led to widespread fear among the communities residing around the camp. According to locals, the camp’s location is geographically sensitive. The open settlement patterns, cross-border movement, and lack of adequate surveillance have compounded security risks, they point out.

Both local residents and refugees have repeatedly urged authorities, from the District Administration Office to the Armed Police Force headquarters, to reinstate the camp. Unlike other areas where security agencies returned post-reconstruction, here there has been no concrete decision or permanent arrangement, intensifying disappointment among the community. Karan Rai, secretary of the Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp, stated that the community is willing to bear all costs related to the camp’s reconstruction and maintenance if the Armed Police Force agrees to return and operate the camp. The community has called on the state to promptly restore security presence and provide a lasting solution.

Summary: The District Administration Office of Kathmandu has issued a notice to clear the riverside squatter settlements along the Kathmandu River starting from 7 a.m. on the 18th of Baishakh. Squatters in the Balkhu and Banshighat areas have begun moving their belongings this morning. The administration has stated that unauthorized riverside settlements will be evacuated humanely.

On 17 Baishakh in Kathmandu – Squatters in the Balkhu and Banshighat areas have started hastily relocating their possessions. Following a Wednesday press release from the District Administration Office Kathmandu announcing that squatter settlements along the Kathmandu River would be cleared simultaneously starting 7 a.m. on 18 Baishakh, the residents began removing their belongings on their own early this morning.

The administration explained that various riverside settlements within Kathmandu district, encroaching on government, public, or private land without authorization and inhabited for years, will be evacuated humanely with consideration towards disaster risk. Previously, settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, Sinamangal, and Manohara areas had also been cleared.

Amid concerns that the US-Iran conflict could exacerbate shortages of chemical fertilizers, three opposition parties have called on the government to finalize fertilizer supplies well in advance of the monsoon season. A joint meeting of Congress and the CPN-UML, chaired by CPN-UML National Assembly leader Premprasad Dangal, urged the government to ensure the timely availability of the necessary chemical fertilizers for the agricultural season. (17 Baisakh, Kathmandu)

On Thursday morning, under the leadership of Premprasad Dangal, the joint meeting involving the Nepal Congress and CPN-UML discussed the increased risk of fertilizer shortages due to the ongoing US-Iran hostilities. The assembly reached a consensus that the government must treat this matter with urgency to safeguard agricultural productivity.

“Chemical fertilizers, which already face annual supply challenges, are expected to become scarcer this year due to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran,” the resolution stated. “Therefore, we demand that the government take this situation seriously and arrange the procurement of the required chemical fertilizers ahead of the monsoon season to avoid disruption.”

There is a growing sense that gym culture itself is changing. Where once hard work, discipline, and time were prioritized, now there is increasing pressure for rapid results. Alongside the rising popularity of fitness and bodybuilding in Nepal, the unchecked use of anabolic steroids has heightened health risks. The government and relevant authorities have so far failed to effectively regulate the use and distribution of these substances. In Nepal, anabolic steroids are easily accessible as they are imported from India and China and distributed through pharmacies, gym networks, and online markets.

It is around 6 a.m., and gyms across the Kathmandu Valley are gradually opening. Outside, the chilly air is increasing, but stepping inside, one enters a different world — motivational music, the clanging of iron weights, and young people struggling with their own bodies in front of mirrors. Some come with the goal of losing weight, others dream of sculpting an attractive physique. In all, a shared gleam of determination shines in their eyes – I want to change. It was this very desire for transformation that brought me to a gym 35 years ago.

In the past decade, the popularity of fitness and bodybuilding has surged rapidly in Nepal. Influenced by attractive physiques showcased on social media, international trends, and the allure of the so-called “perfect physique,” many young people are drawn in. For many, going to the gym is no longer just about health, but also about social identity and self-confidence. Understanding anabolic steroids is crucial here. These are synthetic hormones similar to testosterone that accelerate muscle growth in the body.

Access to such drugs in Nepal is comparatively easy. Some gyms informally recommend these substances, showing newcomers a “shortcut.” However, adequate information about the long-term effects is rarely provided. Social media worsens this situation: transformation videos popular on platforms like Instagram and TikTok exert a strong influence on youth.

Various governmental agencies in Nepal have issued warnings on this issue from time to time. Yet, in practice, enforcement remains weak. These substances continue to be readily available on the market and are still in use in gyms, but effective control measures are lacking. If this situation persists, can bodybuilding still be considered a legitimate sport?

Ultimately, gaining muscle at the cost of health is no achievement. True fitness is about balance – nurturing not only the body but also a healthy, well-rounded life. If we do not take this matter seriously now, future generations will bear the consequences.

Summary: The government has approved procedures to sell assets of family members who are divorced or hold shares related to individuals involved in cooperative fraud. Senior Advocate Prof. Dr. Gandhi Pandit expressed concerns that conflicts between these procedures and the Muluki Civil Code may pose challenges for implementation. Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Raghunath Mahat, stated that all measures are authorized to manage assets of problematic cooperatives.

Kathmandu, 17 Baishakh: The government has approved new procedures allowing the sale of property owned by divorced or shareholding family members of individuals involved in cooperative fraud to refund the savings of victims. This was included in the ‘Procedure for Establishing and Operating a Fund to Refund Savings of Members of Problematic Cooperatives 2083,’ approved at the cabinet meeting on 10 Baishakh. The procedure facilitates selling property related to cooperative fraud perpetrators even after divorce or shareholding.

However, Senior Advocate Prof. Dr. Gandhi Pandit noted that these procedures conflict with the Muluki Civil Code, which could complicate enforcement. While the Civil Code’s provisions related to offenses are comparatively stronger, the government’s new procedure attempts to override them. Section 256(b) of the Civil Code stipulates that property acquired after separation or divorce belongs privately to the individual. Likewise, Section 276 prohibits anyone from using another person’s property without permission. This implies that selling property registered in the name of family members after divorce or shareholding is not permissible, potentially disallowing the enforcement of the new procedure.

Prof. Pandit added that properties shared as joint shares cannot be sold by other members without consent. He said, “Without agreement from the concerned party, selling or transferring property is not possible. Even when individuals guilty of cooperative fraud distribute assets to family members as joint shares, it is not possible to sell such properties to recover funds.” He argued that issues arising from the Civil Code cannot be resolved by a single procedural directive.

According to Article 3 of the Procedure on Establishing and Operating the Revolving Fund, although the savings of depositors cannot be refunded through asset sales of directors or managers, investments recorded as joint shares or pledged can be frozen or auctioned by related family members. If it is not possible to return money to savers, claims equivalent to government demands can be made to recover funds from problematic cooperative directors, managers, their family members, and persons involved in misuse.

Experts note that reclaiming funds for cooperative victims is not simple. Former Secretary Gopinath Mainali said, “It is not easy to immediately sell property after divorce or shareholding arrangements as assets may be divided among individuals.” Since liability in cooperatives is limited, he believes the government’s new procedures will not be fully effective. He added, “Provisions preventing cooperative fraudsters from fleeing—such as withholding passports and freezing assets—are positive steps.”

Mainali also pointed out that fraudsters have transferred capital abroad by placing it under the names of wives or children. He accused the government of insufficient attention to legal complexities in the cooperative sector. “The government needs to trust cooperative campaigners. Nobody really knows the billions lost in cooperatives. It is not easy to recover funds considering these are organized entities treated like government funds,” he said.

He further analyzed that such issues were not considered during earlier lawmaking and that procedural amendments after new laws resulted in conflicts. However, Ministry of Cooperatives Deputy Secretary Raghunath Mahat clarified that management committees of problematic cooperatives are empowered to take all necessary measures to handle assets and liabilities.

He stated, “It is essential to examine when the separation or shareholding occurred and whether the offense was committed before or after that. Decisions will be made following the Civil Code’s process that the offender’s share cannot be exempted.”

April 30, Pokhara – For the first time, a women’s Gold Cup football tournament is set to take place in Pokhara, featuring participation from four clubs. Organized by RS Football Club, the competition will kick off on Friday, with four teams vying for the title. At a press conference held on Wednesday, RS Football Club president Ramesh Karki confirmed that preparations are complete. The participating teams include the host RS Pokhara Football Club, Nepal Police Club, Sankata Club, and Tribhuvan Army Club.

The opening match will see the host club face Nepal Police Club. On Saturday, Sankata Club will compete against Tribhuvan Army Club, and the final match is scheduled for Sunday. This marks the inaugural women’s Gold Cup tournament in Pokhara. Established to promote women’s football development, the RS Club is providing this opportunity for female football players in Pokhara for the first time. “The rapid rise in the popularity of women’s football is evident to all. The performance of the Nepal national women’s football team and the growing attendance at matches clearly demonstrate this,” Karki stated.

As the first edition, challenges are expected. The club recently participated in the women’s league qualifiers organized by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). President Karki explained that the club’s main objectives are to win a national title and to provide talented young players with opportunities for both sports and education, which motivated the organization of this tournament. “We are hosting the first-ever Women’s Pokhara Gold Cup at Pokhara Stadium. While there are both opportunities and challenges, we are committed to overcoming them and moving forward,” he added.

The tournament will run from April 30 to May 2. The champion team will receive a cash prize of NPR 500,000 along with a trophy, medals, and certificates, while the runner-up will be awarded NPR 300,000. The best player will earn NPR 30,000, with the best goalkeeper and top scorer each receiving NPR 15,000. Additionally, the most disciplined team will be rewarded NPR 25,000.