Author: space4knews

April 18, Myagdi – Local residents in Annapurna Rural Municipality-6 of Myagdi have repaired the road section connecting the tourist site Ghodepani to Luliyaghumti through volunteer labor, facilitating smoother transportation. The repair initiative was launched after a rise in accidents in the Luliyaghumti area along the Pokrebagar-Ghodepani road.

A total of 80 residents from Pokrebagar, Kurmuni, Hallekhark, Birouta, Bhuvanithan, and Ghargau contributed two days of labor for the repairs, according to Ram Krishna Khadka, president of the Pokrebagar Youth Club. The Annapurna Rural Municipality provided wire mesh used to construct a 13 cubic meter retaining wall, while approximately 30 meters of stones were placed on the uphill curves.

Following the repairs, vehicles have been able to operate smoothly on the road, Khadka said. The volunteer labor campaign was coordinated this week by Ward Chair Ram Bahadur Khadka, community leaders Rajaram Baruwal, Bipin Baruwal, and Ram Krishna Khadka. During the repair work, stone transportation, refreshments, and dozer operations were supported with 50,000 NPR cash from Muktinath Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. and material donations from other benefactors.

Both locals and tourists had been facing difficulties due to deteriorating road conditions and landslides in the Luliyaghumti and Hallekhark areas. Local entrepreneur Shiv Khadka explained that landslide-induced narrowing of the road and the inability to properly adjust its grade and curves made vehicle ascent challenging, resulting in frequent stalls and accidents.

Ward Chair Ram Bahadur Khadka shared that delays in implementation of the federally budgeted road improvement plan increased risks, prompting the community to mobilize a volunteer labor effort for temporary repairs. “Delays by the Local Infrastructure Development Office in Pokhara in addressing the Luliyaghumti and Hallekhark road repairs have increased accident risks and suffering,” he said. “After persistent demands from local representatives, the office finally allocated a budget of 30 million NPR on Thursday and called for contract bids for the project.”

The Iranian military has reclosed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of failing to keep its promises. The announcement of the waterway’s reopening on Friday initially had a positive impact on global markets. However, US President Donald Trump stated that until a peace agreement is reached, the US will continue to blockade vessels departing from the Gulf region. Marine tracking data show four LPG gas carriers along with numerous oil and petrochemical tankers moving through the strait toward the Gulf of Oman. Following the US Central Command’s blockade on Monday, 21 vessels were turned back.

Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), cited an IRGC statement saying Iranian forces have reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz. The military condemned the US’s ‘so-called blockade’ as ‘maritime piracy’ and expressed dissatisfaction. Iranian forces indicated that the reclosure of the Strait of Hormuz was necessitated by the US’s failure to remove the blockade on this vital waterway as promised.

The operation of the Strait of Hormuz has become a point of contention between the US and Iran. On Friday, President Trump claimed progress toward an agreement between the two nations, a claim rejected by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. Earlier that day, Iran’s Foreign Minister had announced the reopening of the strait for commercial shipping, emphasizing that vessels must use designated safe routes. State television quoted a senior military official stating that while ships can use the assigned passages, military vessels remain prohibited from transiting the strait.

While giving opportunities to new players in T20, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has prioritized experienced players for the ODI team currently facing challenges. Kathmandu, April 17. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has, for the first time, announced national teams under different captains for the T20 and ODI formats. A 15-member squad led by Dipendra Singh Airee has been named for the upcoming T20 series against the UAE scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rohit Paudel will captain Nepal in the ODI series against Oman and the UAE starting April 25 under the ICC World Cup League 2.

Previously, Rohit Paudel captained both formats, but CAN handed the T20 captaincy to Dipendra Singh Airee from Friday, marking Nepal’s first instance of having different captains for T20 and ODI formats. Historically, the same player had led in both formats.

CAN has also distinguished players between the two formats. Former T20 captain Rohit Paudel is omitted from the T20 squad this time. Alongside him, five players who were part of the previous T20 squad have not been included. Experienced players such as Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Asif Sheikh are also out of the squad, creating opportunities for younger players. Kushal Malla, Santosh Yadav, Arjun Saud, Hemant Dhami, and Shahaw Alam have been selected for the T20 team, with Santosh and Hemant making their debuts, while Kushal, Arjun, and Shahaw were part of prior squads.

Young cricketers Santosh and Hemant made impressive batting and bowling performances in the Prime Minister’s One-Day Cup. Notably, Hemant Malla earned the Best Bowler award by taking the highest wickets.

For the ODI squad, experienced players remain the focus. Arjun Kamal, who scored the most runs in the Prime Minister’s Cup held in Madhesh Province, has been selected for the ODI team for the first time. Vinod Bhandari returns to the squad after three years. Other than that, the ODI team has seen little change compared to last season. Despite their excellent performances in the Prime Minister’s Cup, Santosh Yadav and Hemant Dhami have not secured ODI squad places.

Players like Sher Mall, Narayan Joshi, and Dinesh Kharel, who performed well, have also been excluded from the ODI team. The differing selections between T20 and ODI indicate distinct evaluations for the formats. Despite limited Prime Minister’s Cup impact, Rohit Paudel will continue to captain the ODI team. Also, Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sarki, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, and Karan KC are included in the ODI squad.

Nepal’s performance in the ICC World Cup League 2 has been weak, with only five wins out of 20 matches. As each game is critical, CAN appears to have preferred experienced players over newer players in good form.

The demand to have separate squads and captains for different formats has been longstanding. Cricket fans have requested distinct teams and captains to avoid form impairment caused by playing both formats. While T20 requires aggressive and quick scoring, ODI demands patient innings progression. Considering these differing styles, CAN has appointed different captains and players for each format.

Previously, the same players were commonly named in both T20 and ODI squads, but this time different squads have been selected. Seven players from the ODI squad, including Rohit, are not part of the T20 team. Rohit, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Bhim Sarki, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Vinod Bhandari are in the ODI team, whereas Kushal Malla, Sandeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, Santosh Yadav, Sher Mall, Hemant Dhami, Arjun Saud, and Shahaw Alam are in the T20 squad. Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Basir Ahmad, Gulshan Jha, Nandan Yadav, and Arif Sheikh have been selected in both squads.

According to former national team captain and former selection committee chair LB Kshetri, having different squads for different formats allows better management of players’ abilities. He stated, “We had long advocated for different ODI and T20 teams. This approach provides players a great chance to showcase their skills. Players’ abilities vary, and this facilitates better management.”

5 Baisakh, Taplejung – Tourist arrivals have started increasing in the Kanchenjunga region, home to the world’s third highest mountain, located in Taplejung. As the weather improves, both domestic and international tourists are flocking to the area. The period from the first week of Chaitra to the third week of Jestha is considered the best time to visit Kanchenjunga.

According to Tansichiring Sherpa, Tourism Assistant at the Ghunsa Checkpost of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, 165 foreign tourists have visited the region in the past month. There are two main peak tourist seasons here annually; the first from Chaitra to Jestha and the second from Ashwin to Mangsir. Last year, 750 international tourists visited during the first season alone, the Ghunsa Checkpost reported.

There are two primary trekking routes to reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp. One passes through Ganeshchok in Panchthar and the Sirijangga rural municipality, while the other is accessible by air via Suketar Airport from Kathmandu and then through the Fikkal rural municipality. Catering to tourists, there are currently 52 hotels of varying sizes operating along the Kanchenjunga trekking route, as per the Conservation Area Management Council.

In Fikkal rural municipality-6, Gyapla, ‘Singhi Namjong Hotel’ has been established with an investment exceeding NPR 70 million. Additionally, four hotels built at elevations between 3,500 to 4,500 meters above sea level have been constructed with investments over NPR 10 million, according to Tourism Assistant Sherpa at Ghunsa Checkpost.

In the district headquarters of Phungling market, large-scale hotels have also been developed, focusing on tourists. With increasing tourist arrivals, local tourism and hotel entrepreneurs have become more optimistic. The primary sources of livelihood for the local communities within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area are tourism, hotel business, and animal husbandry. Most families in Ghunsa, Phale, and Yampudin areas are directly connected to tourism, Sherpa noted.

He added that while some have become self-employed by running hotels, others earn income as tourist guides or assistants. Due to limited agricultural prospects, young generations are increasingly inclined toward tourism-related occupations rather than animal husbandry.

Kanchenjunga has a historical significance with its first ascent on May 25, 1955. Previously, a trek from Phungling took about 24 days, but now both base camps can be reached and return completed within 11 to 16 days. Tourist demand peaks during Chaitra, Baisakh, Jestha, Ashwin, Kartik, and Mangsir. Mountain climbing mainly occurs in Baisakh and Jestha, Sherpa explained. Visitors come from countries including Japan, Germany, Australia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, the Philippines, Spain, Sweden, among others. A smaller number of tourists and climbers also come from India and China.

Following the Supreme Court’s recognition of Gagan Thapa’s leadership in the Nepali Congress, much attention has shifted to the upcoming strategy of the Deuba faction. Leaders aligned with Deuba expressed that the court’s decision was “unexpected” and indicated plans to formulate their future approach. One leader remarked that they had previously rejected the special general convention held months ago and continue to do so. Meanwhile, Congress spokespersons have assured that there will be no obstacles in moving forward with unity among all factions.

The Supreme Court verdict appears to have settled months-long debates within the Congress regarding official leadership as of Friday. Vimlendra Nidhi, a leader close to then-President Deuba, declined to comment on the court’s ruling at present. “Secondly, we’ve never accepted the special general convention and still do not,” Nidhi told the BBC. He added that discussions with colleagues will be held to decide the next steps. “We will deliberate and establish the way forward,” he noted.

Leaders of the Deuba faction had been hopeful that the Supreme Court would rule in their favor. However, the verdict delivered on Friday seems to have disappointed them. “The order did not meet our expectations,” said NP Saud, a leader from the Deuba camp. Regarding future plans, he explained, “We will confer with fellow party members after the Supreme Court’s decision and make determinations.” He further added, “A concrete decision will be reached within a week to ten days.”

Addressing the conclusion of the dispute after the Supreme Court’s ruling, Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise stated, “The legal and statutory disagreements have ended following the court decision.” He emphasized, “Now, the path forward is to include everyone, establish the notion that Congress belongs to all.” The court’s order officially recognized the committee led by Gagan Thapa. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by the Deuba faction challenging the Election Commission’s recognition of Thapa, effectively upholding Thapa’s leadership.

Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai has identified the primary genetic defect responsible for the rare immunological disorder ARPC1B deficiency in Nepal. This disease has been detected in 24 patients across the country, with five children having succumbed to the condition. A shortage of immunology specialists, lack of diagnostic facilities, and limited public awareness in Nepal pose significant challenges to accurate diagnosis and treatment. Immune disorders often manifest subtly and are misdiagnosed, especially in children with chronic diseases, adolescents, and adults with genetic problems. As a result, these patients frequently receive imprecise diagnoses and inappropriate medication, leading to organ failure and fatal outcomes. There remains an acute lack of public knowledge regarding these diseases in Nepal.

Dr. Dharmagat Bhattarai is Nepal’s only immunology specialist focusing on complex and chronic pediatric diseases from an immunological perspective. He has published research in over 60 international scientific journals and is globally recognized for his work on immuno-actinopathy disorders. Under his leadership, the research team discovered the key genetic defect causing the rare immunodeficiency disorder ARPC1B deficiency, confirming its origin in Nepalese populations. This study was published on July 16, 2025, in the prestigious journal Clinical Reviews in Allergy and Immunology. Worldwide, 64 patients have been identified with this condition, 24 of whom are from Nepal, including five children who have died.

Immunology is the science of immunity, which studies the body’s defense mechanisms against internal and external diseases. The immune system functions somewhat like a nation’s military, protecting the body against attacks from bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunology covers immune deficiencies, allergies, and infectious diseases. Statistically, one in every 250 to 1000 individuals experiences some form of immune deficiency or imbalance.

What is the status of immunological diseases in Nepal? After completing my doctorate in 2020 and returning to Nepal, I found that public awareness about immunological diseases was minimal. Through individual efforts, I have been raising awareness throughout all seven provinces and providing training in some medical colleges. A few pediatricians have also begun recognizing these diseases. Currently, Nepal has only about two dozen immunology specialists, and there has been a virtual absence of pediatric specialists in this field, resulting in many patients receiving incorrect treatments and incomplete diagnoses.

What is the cost and accessibility of immunology treatment in Nepal? Diagnosing immune deficiencies brings both relief and challenges because treatment is costly and complex. For example, managing ARPC1B deficiency requires daily and monthly medications that cost between NPR 15,000 to 20,000 per bottle in Nepal. Additional supplements and medicines like mycophenolate increase monthly expenses to NPR 40,000 to 50,000, which is beyond the reach of most Nepalese patients.

What steps should the government take to improve immunology services? The government could establish specialized rare disease and immunology research and treatment centers, similar to the Heart Disease Center. Expansion of bone marrow transplant services within Nepal is possible. However, these advances cannot be achieved by a single individual; medical educational institutions must adopt immunology as a faculty and introduce specialized training programs.

Gagan Thapa, the president of the Nepali Congress, stated that the Supreme Court’s decision has created an encouraging atmosphere to unite the party and move forward. Through a social media post, Thapa said, “This is not about victory or defeat, but about law, process, and democratic practice.” He urged everyone to seize the golden opportunity presented by the successful conduct of the general convention to transform and strengthen the party. 5 Baishakh, Kathmandu.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday evening, Thapa responded via social media on Saturday morning. He wrote, “The honorable Supreme Court’s decision has created an opportunity to unite all party members and advance a shared journey to make the party even stronger.” He expressed confidence that party members and well-wishers, both inside the country and abroad, will responsibly play a positive role in ensuring party unity and revival.

Thapa further stated, “I am clear that the responsibility of the presidency rests with me, and I will demonstrate full commitment accordingly.” He highlighted that the process of the fifteenth general convention is ongoing and urged everyone to use this as an opportunity to make it a success. Appreciating the contributions of senior party leaders, Thapa called for unified efforts to address the aspirations of the new generation and build a party that plays its utmost role in constructing a prosperous Nepal.

Tilotamma Municipality in Rupandehi has merged 42 government schools into 36 under the ‘Big School’ model to improve educational quality. The municipality has implemented a standard requiring at least 15 students per class, integrating smaller schools into larger ones. More than 2,300 students in institutional schools are being provided scholarships through a transparent process prioritizing target groups.

To enhance the quality of government schools, Tilotamma Municipality has embarked on the ‘Big School Model’. Recognizing that schools with very low student numbers result in weaker educational outcomes and ineffective investments, Tilotamma has moved toward this model with larger schools. Currently, over 19,000 students attend 42 government schools, including one Guthii school, while more than 23,000 students are enrolled in 42 institutional schools within Tilotamma.

The municipality has established and enforced standards to facilitate educational improvements alongside school mergers. Under these standards, each class must have at least 15 students. Schools that do not meet this criterion have been merged into larger schools, while those meeting it remain unchanged. In the first phase, six smaller schools among the 42 government schools, including one Guthii school, have been consolidated into nearby larger schools, maintaining a total of 36 schools.

Municipality Chief Ramkrishna Khan explained that the decision to merge schools was based on a report prepared by a nine-member taskforce after two months of on-site study. The goal is to significantly improve the quality of government schools through the Big School Model. Ravi Century, coordinator of the municipality’s Social Development Branch, noted, ‘The distribution of scholarships has been further systematized. Of the more than 23,000 students, over 2,300 will receive full scholarships.’

Chief Justice (Acting) Sapana Pradhan Malla addressed the importance of women’s struggle and perseverance at the ’50 Influential Women’ awards program. She emphasized, “Inclusion is not a favor granted by anyone; our constitution guarantees women rights and equality.” She highlighted the need for strong laws and institutional mechanisms to combat discrimination and violence against women.

Standing here today fills me with profound happiness. This moment is significant not only for the nation but also personally. I stand among fifty women who, in different ways, have quietly overcome invisible barriers. This is not just a professional achievement but a personal one as well. I regard this platform as a mirror—a mirror where a young Nepali girl, whether raised in the lap of the Himalayas, in the Terai plains, or a small city apartment, can see herself. What does she see in that mirror? A woman lawyer, a political leader, a mayor, an artist, a mountaineer, a rights activist, an athlete, an entrepreneur, a writer, a security personnel, a judge. Looking into this mirror, she says, ‘I can be like that too.’

This is the power of identity that teaches us to dream. That possibility lights the path to a brighter future in another woman’s heart. While these fifty stories are inspiring, they remain exceptions. Many women in our society still cannot showcase their potential or pursue their dreams; they are forced to stop midway. They want to progress but are held back by family, children, social expectations, and structural inequalities that narrow their path. Sometimes, they must give up the fight before it even begins.

Therefore, today is not merely a celebration but a moment for deep reflection and honest self-assessment. We need to ask ourselves—

• Have we built a world where daughters can fearlessly dream?
• Or are we repeating old cycles where women must prove themselves at every step?
• Does the next generation still have to struggle this much?
• Or are we paving pathways filled with opportunities and transformation rather than struggle?

True change comes from structural transformation. Women have fought to establish identity as mothers, secure rights to their daughters’ inheritance, ensure equal access to education, value their labor, and promote inclusive representation in politics. Real change will occur only when a young girl says, ‘I can too’ and that is no longer just a dream but her reality.

Inclusion is a constitutional right, not a granted favor. Our constitution enshrines women’s rights and dignity from Article 18 to 38. These are inherent rights protected by the constitution. Change begins with courageous steps, and this initiative exemplifies such courage.

For years, women have created history, yet never received rightful recognition. Despite their contributions, their voices remained unheard. This program breaks that silence. The list of 460 names is more than a compilation—it is a chronicle of struggle. Each name holds a broken dream and a journey of rising again. You have not only showcased these stories but honored and amplified them.

I first want to remember the women who came before us—those who never had such platforms, who endured disrespect without opportunities. Yogmaya raised her voice against injustice and societal wrongs but died without alternatives. Women have fought silently where no one believed them, where their voices were unheard, and where their labor was unrecognized and unowned. Their battle was not just for rights but for existence, respect, identity, and equality.

We stand here because of the paths they forged; we stand on their shoulders. Our struggle brought us here, but it is far from over. Reality remains harsh, and the journey incomplete. We must continue fighting to make our rights vibrant.

Women’s ownership remains under 2%. Though maternal mortality has decreased, it is not yet zero. Crimes against women continue rising daily, with changes in the nature of offenses. Violence extends beyond streets and homes, permeating markets, workplaces, and the digital world. Nearly 90% of cybercrime victims in Nepal are women. Terms like ‘hate expression,’ ‘hate crime,’ and ‘stereotype’ are not mere words but wounds.

Is justice possible amid such discrimination and violence? Can injustice lead to equality? The answer is clear—it cannot. Justice begins with sensitivity. Freedom of expression must be balanced with responsibility. We need not only robust laws but strong institutions. We require systems that understand technology and implement inclusion and good governance.

While the constitution recognizes women’s reproductive roles, practical transformations are necessary—transformations that form the foundation for sustainable change. We need a system where technology assists justice, not weaponizes revenge. Rules must be enforceable and ensure the rights of all.

Most importantly, we need a society where injustice does not cause people to look away, but where voices rise, solidarity is given, and transformations embraced. Change has begun but the responsibility to complete it rests on all of us.

What does pursuit and perseverance look like for a Nepali woman? It can be seen when Jhamakkumari Ghimire creates words with her toes. It can be seen when Meera Rai becomes a world-class runner from a village with no track. When a woman mayor builds a road in an electricity-deprived village. When a woman thrives in challenging environments, achieving excellence. Perseverance is not a one-time achievement but the daily decision to show up despite numerous barriers just for being a woman.

Every woman here understands the true meaning of perseverance through her life. When one Nepali woman succeeds, she does not succeed alone—it opens possibilities for thousands. Nepali women today lead in the judiciary, politics, and local governments, proving leadership requires not gender but determination, capability, courage, and sensitivity.

The words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg come to mind: ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ Let us look around this room. Who is present? Women in the judiciary who make rights a lived reality, women in science securing health and futures, women artists shaping identity and soul. And in the same room, a young girl peers at herself in a mirror, observing, learning, dreaming of what is possible.

Women in sports carry Nepal’s flag with pride on international stages. Women in security uphold community safety. Women in education shape tomorrow’s generations. Across many sectors, women are steadfastly making history. Where security roles once belonged only to men, today female officers lead from traffic management to crime investigations, from the CIB to international peacekeeping missions. Women pilots now command the skies, replacing outdated notions that Nepali women cannot fly planes.

In challenging national circumstances, Sushila Karki became the first female Chief Justice, providing critical leadership and direction. The story is changing—and the pen is now in your hands.

Intersectionality reminds us that our fight against discrimination must consider multiple layers: being a woman, Madhesi, Dalit, indigenous, or differently-abled woman brings overlapping discriminations. The constitution clearly prohibits such discrimination and is fostering an environment for every woman to advance, breaking conservative mindsets.

Looking at the 50 honored women today, I say you have not only earned this recognition but given it meaning. You represent the direction of Nepal. You are transforming the country. You carry the hopes of all women and have shattered the glass ceiling. Without permission, you entered new spaces and redefined them. Yet, many ceilings remain to be broken. Leave pathways open for those who follow.

Use your influence, your voice, and your platform. Support other women, help them move ahead, and guide them. Our success should be measured not by how high we reach but by how many we bring along.

I want to conclude where I began. Somewhere a little girl is looking at us like a mirror, seeing herself. She is studying, learning what is possible. She will understand Nepal is not just about mountains but about the women who climbed them. She will realize success is not reserved for a select few women but is a right for all. Whether standing in court, piloting a plane, or drafting laws, these will be her rights, no longer extraordinary achievements.

Once again, thank you for bringing us all together in one place to show, ‘Look at the power and potential in Nepal.’ Finally—struggle is real. Perseverance is boundless. It is through this struggle and perseverance that success is guaranteed. Let us continue giving our best efforts.

(Address by Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla at the ’50 Influential Women’ Awards Ceremony)

May 18, Dhangadhi – In Kailali, two children have died after consuming meat from dead broiler chickens. According to police, 5-year-old Deepak Tamrakar and 8-year-old Bhim Tamrakar of Chure Rural Municipality-3 died after eating the meat of broiler chickens that had died on Thursday. The two were brothers. Assistant Spokesperson of the District Police Office, Inspector Kailash Bista, reported that both children died on Friday during treatment at Seti Provincial Hospital.
According to him, the mother of the deceased children, 28-year-old Radhika Tamrakar, and their youngest son, 3-year-old Dipesh Tamrakar, who also consumed the dead chicken meat, are currently undergoing treatment at the provincial hospital. Although the incident occurred on Thursday, the police were informed only on Friday. Following this, all four family members were brought to Dhangadhi for treatment coordinated by the police. The investigation revealed that the dead chicken meat had been purchased from the local Vikas Poultry Farm. The farm operator, Mangal Saud, appeared voluntarily at the Malakheti Area Police Office to give his statement. Police have assigned a relative to ensure his presence when called for further questioning.

The Election Commission has reported a rise in the number of voters registering online using their national identity cards. In Jumla, approximately 90 percent of registrations have been completed online, according to Deependra Kandel, an official at the District Election Office. To date, 335 individuals have registered through their national identity cards, while five have registered in person at the office. (5 Baisakh, Jumla)

The number of people registering in the voter registry online using their national ID numbers has increased. Following the resumption of the voter registry collection and update program by the central office of the Election Commission, most voters who have obtained national identity cards have started registering their names online, Election Officer Deependra Kandel from the District Election Office informed.

According to him, about 90 percent of applicants have registered online. So far, 335 have registered with their national identity cards and five in person at the office, making a total of 440 registrations, Election Officer Kandel stated. All local levels in the area have been corresponded with regarding the voter registry collection and update.

In the last House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21, the district had a total of 71,739 registered voters, consisting of 34,280 female voters and 37,459 male voters.

Following prolonged disruptions in the highly sensitive and strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East, global attention is increasingly turning to another crucial maritime corridor. In this context, the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia has drawn heightened interest, notably confirmed by a proposal put forth by the United States. After a defense agreement signed on Monday, the U.S. has proposed obtaining permission to conduct uninterrupted military flights through Indonesian airspace, a proposal that Indonesian officials have reportedly accepted. However, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that a final decision on the matter is still pending. Experts suggest that this move is likely to have significant geopolitical implications.

What is the Strait of Malacca and why is it important? According to a study conducted by Ajifa Astrina, a regional specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in the UK, this waterway is critical for trade between the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. Astrina, who is currently studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explains, “The Strait of Malacca is the shortest and most efficient maritime route linking the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, making it indispensable for trade between the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia.”

Located near Singapore in the Phillips Channel, the narrowest point of this strait is approximately 2.8 kilometers wide. According to the latest report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 23.2 million barrels of oil were transported via the Strait of Malacca in the first half of 2025, accounting for roughly 29 percent of the region’s total oil supply.

The significance of the Strait of Malacca extends beyond economics; increasing geopolitical sensitivities also elevate its importance. Expert Balsy notes, “Rising tensions over maritime dominance among China, the United States, and India could cause serious disruptions to traffic through this waterway.” Astrina has warned that the growing presence of U.S. military flights in Indonesian airspace could yield unfavorable long-term outcomes.

She adds, “While such a move might not immediately impact trade, it carries the risk of structurally destabilizing the region over the long term.” According to her analysis, “The greatest concern is how prolonged tensions may escalate and the nature of the resulting regional dynamics.”

Analytical report prepared based on recent data. In the first quarter of 2026, China’s economy grew by 5 percent, exceeding economists’ forecasts. China disclosed that export growth slowed to 2.5 percent in March, while imports surged by 28 percent. The conflict with Iran poses risks to China’s energy supply and export sectors, potentially dampening economic growth in upcoming quarters. Kathmandu, April 18 – In the first quarter of 2026, China’s economy advanced at a faster pace than anticipated. Meanwhile, the war between the US and Israel against Iran has affected many nations worldwide.

Official data indicates China’s GDP rose by 5 percent compared to the previous year from January to March, surpassing economist projections of approximately 4.8 percent growth. Last month, China revised its annual economic growth target downward to between 4.5 and 5 percent, marking the first official GDP figure release under this reduced goal – the lowest growth target since 1991. The manufacturing sector made a significant contribution; previously, GDP grew by 4.5 percent in the prior quarter, but this time production played a more prominent role in driving growth.

Meanwhile, investment in China’s real estate sector continues to face downward pressure in the world’s second-largest economy. Kyle Chen, an analyst from the Brookings Institution, noted that automobiles and other exports heavily influenced the GDP figures. Chen stated, “The full impact of the Iran conflict is yet to be assessed. Future quarters could show a decline in GDP data due to these tensions.” China’s latest GDP targets and economic goals were incorporated into the newly announced Five-Year Plan in March.

China is committed to steering its economy in a new direction by heavily investing in innovation, high-tech industries, and domestic consumption. The ruling Communist Party is striving to reshape the economy, focusing on addressing challenges such as low consumption, a declining population, and a long-standing housing crisis. The Iran conflict has also caused China to endure an energy shortage. Additionally, global trade tensions and tariffs under former US President Donald Trump’s administration have intensified this crisis, with China currently subjected to a 10 percent American tariff on many products.

However, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicated on Tuesday that these tariffs might revert to their pre-introduction levels by early July, the rates that were in place before the Supreme Court struck down several import taxes. A bilateral meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in China is expected in May. On Tuesday, China released its export data for March, revealing a sharp slowdown in export growth, attributed to the conflict’s impact on rising living costs and reduced consumer demand.

March also saw an increase in China’s imports. Data from the General Administration of Customs released Tuesday shows that China’s export growth rate dropped significantly to just 2.5 percent in March — the lowest in the past six months. Exports were robust in January and February, with growth rates exceeding 20 percent due to high demand for electronics and manufactured goods. China combines the first two months of trade data annually to better capture fluctuations during the Chinese New Year holiday. Customs data also shows imports rose by nearly 28 percent in March, pushing China’s monthly trade surplus (the difference between exports and imports) to about $50 billion, though this is the smallest monthly trade surplus recorded in the past year.

According to Yixiao Zhu, an economics lecturer at the Australian National University, the rise in import values may largely be due to global cost increases triggered by the Iran conflict.

What impact could the Iran conflict have on Chinese exports? Iran’s threats to vessels using the Strait of Hormuz have driven crude oil prices higher, pushing up costs for products such as plastics. The crisis has severely affected major Asian economies like Japan and South Korea, while China’s dependence on Gulf countries for oil is comparatively lower. Nevertheless, gasoline prices in China have risen, and some Chinese airlines have cut flights due to more expensive aviation fuel. Zhu warned that if global consumers reduce spending due to the conflict, China’s export sector could be negatively impacted. He added, “Export growth ultimately depends on the economies of your trading partners. Sustaining high growth levels over a long period is challenging.”