Author: space4knews

In Chitwan, a collision between a motorcycle and a scooter resulted in the death of 27-year-old Jay Shriram Rai. The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon on the road near Sapkota Chowk, Ward No. 5, Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The scooter rider has been taken into custody, while another injured individual is undergoing treatment.

Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra – A fatal accident occurred in Chitwan when a motorcycle and a scooter collided at Sapkota Chowk in Ward No. 5 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The vehicles involved were a motorcycle bearing the registration number PR 2-03-001 P 6810 and a scooter with the registration number PR 3-03-001 P 1413. The motorcycle rider, Jay Shriram Rai, aged 27 and a resident of Shanti Chowk in the same metropolitan ward, succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Central News Desk of Nepal Police, Rai was critically injured and died during treatment at Bharatpur Government Hospital. Another injured person riding the scooter is currently receiving medical care at the same hospital. The scooter rider has been taken into police custody, and further investigation is ongoing, authorities said.

News Summary: More than 24,000 people annually visit the natural hot springs of Taatopani in Myagdi for treatment, with daily attendance ranging from 600 to 800 visitors. The revenue generated from Taatopani springs directly employs 200 households, and local schools, police posts, and health clinics receive financial support from this income. The hot springs have been commercialized by establishing religious sites, and a system is in place to distribute the earnings among the government, municipality, and the community.

Myagdi is also known as the home of Mahavir Pun, a Madan Award winner, former minister, and recently elected parliamentarian. The region includes important trekking routes such as Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and the Annapurna Base Camp, from where Maurice Herzog first ascended Annapurna in June 1950. Bhurung Taatopani is also located here.

Around 1974 BS, after teacher Somnath Pyasi propagated communist ideas, stories of local resistance and repression emerged here as well. Tales of atrocities by Bhimprasad Gauchan are part of the region’s history. Beni, the capital of Parbat state, and the Dhaulagiri Himal are also located here. The longstanding tradition of using Singa Taatopani to combat disease spans centuries.

Context is essential. The novel “Tulu Raja” by Chandraprakash Baniya and “Jaljala” by Comrade Mohanvikram Singh shed light on this region’s history. The story of Tulu Raja depicts the historic class struggles and peasant uprisings around 1840 BS in Myagdi’s Pakhapani area, during the time when the Gorkhas made Parbat subordinate to their rule. As the Thapa regime in Kathmandu weakened, the Pande family rose to power. Under the Palpa Gauda’s administration, Baglung and Parbat were part of his jurisdiction.

Narsingh Malla, trusted by Mukhtiyar Randal Pande of Palpa Gauda, was the chief administrator of Beni. Locally, the Thakali community extorted land from farmers. After Parbat fell under Gorkhali control, the contract for salt mining was handed to contractors, while local laborers worked for insufficient wages and suffered exploitation from both contractors and officials. Farmers were often forced to give up land due to repeated tax burdens.

Tulu, the youngest son of the elder farmer Paija from Pakhapani, united villagers to liberate farmers from debt, famine, and the abuses of contractors and moneylenders. However, Narsingh Malla suppressed Tulu, resulting in his death and that of many peasants. A young woman named Lati, whom Narsingh attempted to take as a third wife but who married Tulu instead, was tragically raped by Narsingh and later died by suicide while pregnant. The tales of Tulu Raja and Lati Rani remain integral to Pakhapani village’s identity.

While these events are absent from Nepal’s official history, contemporary government records mention their names. This story is a vital chapter in local class struggles under the Gorkhali monarchs. The author presents this history from a Marxist perspective. The Madan Award won by Chandraprakash Myagdi for his novel “Maharani” has further encouraged his writing focused on Myagdi’s new identity.

Where love resides is where the eyes rest… Lyrics from childhood songs: “In Beni Bazaar, love gently rains… My beloved is far but full of love, call me when you come, my dear…” (Whenever I try to dance, the courtyard immediately tilts; otherwise, I also want to dance to the song.)

To reach Taatopani, one must travel 8 kilometers west along the northern bank of the Myagdi River, so an introduction to Beni Bazaar is essential. Enclosed by the Kaligandaki River and Myagdi River, this area once served as the winter capital of the Parbat Malla Kingdom and played a crucial role in the salt trade for decades. The legendary sage Pulastya, grandfather of Ravana, purportedly meditated here. The Myagdi Magar community has inhabited this region for over 1,100 years, possibly originating from Tibet’s Kham region.

Originally, this area was part of the Jumli Khas Kingdom before being divided among the Thapa and Malla dynasties. Today, Beni serves as the district headquarters and a commercial hub. After a 10-hour journey, we arrived in Beni at 5 pm on the first day of the Chaitra month, having stayed with Lakshmi Ji. Despite some difficulty negotiating taxi fares during a rainy evening, we proceeded to the lower Taatopani market.

The Meaning of Treatment at Taatopani – Politics and Faith: Many people gravitate here seeking alternative treatment after conventional remedies fail. Visitors come daily for relief from numbness, joint pain, injuries, ulcers, or chronic conditions. Indigenous communities in Myagdi have used these natural treatments for centuries.

The area is filled with hotels and homestays, offering a range of options to visitors. Daily transactions in this sector amount to millions, supporting over 200 families. Local representatives use the revenue to support schools, police posts, and health clinics. Taatopani serves as a prime example of a natural resource being professionally developed. The commerce, hospitality, and tourism linked to the hot springs significantly contribute to the local economy.

Community Stories: Seven local residents and visitors have shared their experiences, shedding light on life and history in the Taatopani area. Some recount tales from India, Japan, and Delhi as well. With the aging population, the number of visitors seeking treatment here continues to rise.

The community collectively promotes Taatopani’s reservoir as a key tourist destination, integrating religious and commercial aspects. A tri-generational alliance has established a religious site featuring statues of Jalakundaleshwar Mahadev and Jaladevi Bhagwati, fostering commercialization coupled with devotion.

Worshippers come to pay their respects, highlighting the unique blend of natural resource and religious faith. The arrangement to distribute income among the state, municipality, and community ensures public benefit. Proper local management and equitable distribution of profits are vital. The community’s effort is commendable, aiming for sustainable long-term benefits.

In conclusion, we extend heartfelt thanks to the local community, the Hot Springs Management Committee’s Chair Krishna Khadka and Secretary Kumar KC, along with the Thapa family of Hotel Thapa. (Note: Recent meetings were also held with newly elected officials Harikrishna Shrestha, UML Myagdi Chair Bal Krishna Subedi, and other political figures; further coverage will follow.)

Dhaval Shamsher Rana, General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, has raised concerns regarding the candidacy for the Deputy Speaker position being presented without the party’s institutional decision. The party received only five votes in the Deputy Speaker election, which has sparked internal controversy. Rana clarified that he is involved in a republican opposition movement and will not participate in any official responsibilities. Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra.

General Secretary Rana expressed his concern about the candidacy for the Deputy Speaker position, stating, “The candidacy was submitted without the party’s institutional decision.” The voting for Deputy Speaker was held yesterday (Friday). The Rastriya Prajatantra Party had nominated Member of Parliament Saraswati Lama as its candidate. However, the party secured only five votes in the election.

This issue has caused a dispute within the party. Rana stated, “I am seriously concerned about the Deputy Speaker candidacy being presented without the party’s institutional decision.” He clarified that since the unconditional adherence to, protection, and implementation of the constitution is the primary responsibility in a republic, he will not participate in any official duties. He also made clear that he does not agree with any decisions that challenge the system and will continue to withhold consent in the future.

March 12, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States possesses more oil than the world’s two largest oil-producing economies combined. On Saturday, through his social media platform Truth Social, he announced that a large number of oil tankers are headed towards the US.

“A significant number of empty oil tankers are moving toward the United States to store the world’s finest and most flavorful oil and gas,” Trump stated.

“The combined oil reserves of the world’s future largest oil-producing economies are less than what the United States currently holds,” he added. “The quality of this oil is also of extremely high standard.” Trump further urged oil buyers to come to the US. “We are waiting for you; come quickly,” he said.

Meanwhile, as Trump’s statement was issued, a US delegation was engaged in peace talks with Iranian negotiators in Islamabad, Pakistan.

In Banke, a cyclist named Adhis Tharu sustained serious injuries after being hit by a Bolero vehicle and later died during treatment. The incident occurred in Jethinala Rural Municipality-3 involving a Bolero with the registration number K.P.R. 02-001 Ch 1572. According to the Nepal Police, the cyclist, 26-year-old Adhis Tharu of Nawasta in the same municipality, passed away on Saturday morning. He had been receiving treatment at Kohalpur Medical College due to severe injuries, where he succumbed to his condition. The police have taken the Bolero driver into custody and are conducting further investigation.

The Nepal Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association has expressed strong objections to the comments made by cricketer Karan KC on social media against umpires. The association stated that such remarks undermine the professional security of umpires and demanded strict action from CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal).

Karan KC had commented on a controversial post by Troll Cricket Nepal, asking, “What kind of punishment is there if an umpire is accidentally hit?”

In an official statement issued after an emergency meeting, the Nepal Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association expressed serious concern over Karan KC’s remarks regarding umpiring decisions and condemned such disrespectful behavior unequivocally. The statement was released by President Mohammad Shafik.

The association noted that these types of comments cause significant harm to the professional safety and respect of umpires and called for stringent disciplinary measures against such actions by CAN. Previously, Karan KC raised the question on Troll Cricket Nepal’s contentious post, “What kind of punishment is there if an umpire is accidentally hit?”

Discontent over umpiring decisions has been evident among players during the ongoing PM Cup Cricket in the Madhesh Province. Although on-field disputes have been brief, this is the first instance of such severe public expressions.

Communist Party of Nepal leader Barsaman Pun emphasized that legalizing black money is a criminal act and that it is the government’s routine responsibility to prevent it. He stressed the need to establish a high-level commission to investigate the assets of all senior officials who have held public office since 1991 (2048 BS). Kathmandu, March 12.

Speaking to journalists on Saturday at the party’s central office in Paris Danda, Leader Pun stated, “When I was Finance Minister, I enacted laws that prohibit the legalization of black money and money laundering. The government has established necessary procedures to address this issue.” He noted that there is a department responsible for asset control and regulation, and implementing these measures is a routine governmental duty, making the matter important.

He added, “After conducting asset investigations, let us scrutinize the properties of all senior individuals in public life since 1991. Before accusing one another, it is essential to know who they are and who is attempting to convert black money into white. Therefore, such investigations are necessary.”

March 12, Butwal – The 10th National Convention of Nepal National Federation of Disabled (NNFD) has become a subject of dispute. The faction led by Senior Vice President Ram Bahadur Karki and General Secretary Sugam Bhattarai has boycotted the election, alleging that it was conducted forcibly in violation of the federation’s bylaws and court directives. The dissatisfied group has also demanded an investigation into the distribution of member organizations, which they claim was carried out against the federation’s constitution. Despite their demands, the membership distribution and participation of representatives at the convention proceeded without proper hearing, an act they assert contradicts the federation’s regulations.

According to the order issued by the Patan High Court on March 10 regarding a petition related to the convention dispute, both parties were summoned for a discussion on April 16, 2027 BS. However, Senior Vice President Ram Bahadur Karki stated that conducting the convention and election before this court date, thereby potentially causing contempt of court, renders the process illegal. He further mentioned his intention to pursue legal remedies against what he described as police suppression during the unlawful election process.

Central member Savitra Ghimire reported that after the dissatisfied faction accused convention representatives of forgery and fraud, a physical altercation broke out between the two sides, with some representatives also being arrested by the police. Despite ongoing calls for over two years to investigate financial irregularities, exclusion, and autocratic leadership within the federation, the leadership has failed to address these concerns, according to Ghimire.

The election committee, led by Senior Advocate Shalikram Banjade, which was formed to conduct the election, resigned citing the controversies within the federation and the directives from Patan High Court, deeming it inappropriate to proceed under those circumstances. However, amid the ongoing conflict, the faction led by NNFD President Devidatta Acharya established a new election committee under Advocate Jokh Bahadur Khatri and conducted elections despite the boycott by the majority of representatives. General Secretary Sugam Bhattarai stated that this election held under contentious circumstances was illegal. President Acharya, however, claimed that the convention and the election were passed with majority approval.

March 12, Dhankuta – A nearly 13-foot-long venomous king cobra was rescued in the Kagate area, located on the boundary between wards 3 and 6 of Dhankuta Municipality. Rarely seen in hilly regions, this snake’s rescue has generated both fear and concern among local residents. On Saturday, snake rescuer Pradeep Shrestha from Mahalaxmi Municipality–5, Leguwa, safely captured the snake.

The snake was found resting for three days in the cattle shed of Bodhprasad Wagle at Kagate, situated approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Shrestha, responding to local reports, took the risk to secure the snake. Vikas Ghimire, ward chairperson of Dhankuta Municipality–3, stated that in coordination with the Dhankuta Division Forest Office, preparations are underway to release the rescued king cobra safely into its natural forest habitat.

According to Shrestha, the king cobra is an extremely venomous snake whose bite can cause severe complications and may even be fatal. “This snake generally does not attack unless provoked or threatened, at which point it can become aggressive,” he explained.

Shrestha has been active in snake rescue efforts for nine years and over the past two years alone has safely captured and released five king cobras in areas such as Mahalaxmi and Pakhribas in Dhankuta. He also noted that due to climate change, venomous snakes are increasingly appearing in hilly and colder areas, which could pose heightened risks to human settlements.

Chennai posted a total of 212 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in their 20 overs, setting Delhi a target of 213 runs. Opener Sanju Samson remained unbeaten with a scintillating 115 runs off 56 balls, while Ayush Mithra contributed 59 runs in 36 balls before retiring hurt. Chennai secured their first victory in four matches, climbing from 10th to 9th place with 2 points. Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra.

The century by opener Sanju Samson and the four-wicket haul by pacer Jamie Overton were instrumental in Chennai Super Kings’ first win of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In the Saturday home game, Chennai defeated Delhi by 23 runs. Chasing a target of 213, Delhi were bowled out for just 189 runs in 20 overs.

For Delhi, Tristan Stubbs top-scored with 60 runs, while Pathum Nissanka added 41. Ashutosh Sharma scored 19, KL Rahul 18, and David Miller 17 before getting out. Overton was the standout bowler for Chennai, taking 4 wickets for 18 runs in 4 overs. Anshul Kamboj took 3 wickets, while Khaleel Ahmed, Gurjapneet Singh, and Noor Ahmad claimed one wicket each.

After losing the toss and electing to bat, Chennai scored 212 runs for 2 wickets in their 20 overs. Sanju Samson played a commanding century, hitting 15 fours and 4 sixes in his unbeaten 115-run knock. Ayush Mithra reached a half-century before retiring at 59 runs from 36 balls. Shivam Dube remained not out with 20 runs. Delhi captain Axar Patel took one wicket. This win marked Chennai’s first triumph in four matches, earning them 2 points and moving them from 10th to 9th spot. Delhi, suffering their second consecutive loss, remain fourth with 4 points. In another match on the same day, Punjab Kings continued their unbeaten streak after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Leader Rajendra Pandey of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has called for an investigation into the properties of all members of parliament and ministers who held office after 1991 (2048 BS). He stated, “If the government desires, a systematic mechanism can be established to carry out the investigation through an impartial body.” Pandey also clarified that he is ready to face disciplinary action if found guilty.

Highlighting his long-standing demand for property investigations, Pandey said, “We have emphasized this from the very beginning. We have repeatedly appeared in parliament requesting these investigations and we are prepared for it. All who have served as MPs or ministers since 1991 should be subjected to this investigation.” He stressed that the process must be conducted by an impartial authority.

“If the government wishes, it can initiate the investigation. The decision to investigate should not be left to an individual’s discretion, but must follow a clear system and procedure,” Pandey added. He also noted that the government legally holds the authority to conduct such investigations.

Concluding, Pandey affirmed, “If any faults or shortcomings are found during the investigation, we are ready to accept the consequences.”

The Gaurishankar Super League U-17 cricket tournament has commenced, organized by the Gaurishankar Cricket Academy. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Bhishwas Karki, Chairperson of Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, and former Minister for Forests and Environment, Vishal Khadka. A total of 18 teams are participating in the tournament, which is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of cricket at the local level.

Designed to provide young players with an opportunity to showcase their talent, the opening ceremony was conducted with great enthusiasm. Chief guests at the event included Bhishwas Karki, Chairperson of Gaurishankar Rural Municipality, and former Minister Vishal Khadka. Special guests included Chumbi Lama, spokesperson for CAN; former player and coach Raju Basnyat; and Ashish Ghising, representative from the District Sports Development Committee.

During his speech, Chief Guest Bhishwas Karki praised the efforts of the Gaurishankar Cricket Academy in organizing the tournament focused on youth development. He expressed confidence that such events would help discover new talents. Former Minister Vishal Khadka also commended the organizers and emphasized the necessity of initiatives like this to encourage young players interested in cricket.

The opening day featured two exciting matches. In the first match, Jorpati Cricket Academy defeated Gaurishankar Cricket Academy by 9 runs, marking a victorious start. In the second match, Nexus Cricket Academy secured an impressive 30-run win over CEC Kathmandu. With 18 teams participating, the tournament is anticipated to play a vital role in promoting cricket at the grassroots level.

March 12, Kathmandu – A man approximately 70 years old, residing on Mahamaya Path in Siddharthanagar Municipality-3, Rupandehi, was found dead in his room on Saturday. According to the Nepal Police Central News Desk, his identity has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are conducting the necessary investigation into the incident.

Despite a theoretical agreement between Nepal and India regarding Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s visit to India, the trip is expected to take place only after some time. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal informed that although high-level visit discussions were held with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, the date has yet to be set. Ministry sources indicated that the visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishra to Nepal could occur within a month, and only after this will the date for the Prime Minister’s visit be determined. 28 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

Even though Nepal and India have reached a theoretical consensus on Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s visit to India, it will take place some time later. Following Shah’s election as Prime Minister, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations along with an invitation to visit India. According to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, in response, Prime Minister Shah stated he would visit India “at an appropriate time.”

According to Minister Khanal, discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also resulted in theoretical agreement on the Prime Minister’s visit to India. However, substantial preparations remain before a date can be finalized, the minister said Saturday evening. “Alongside other bilateral matters, discussions involved the topic of a high-level visit between the two countries. The date has not been set yet,” said Foreign Minister Khanal.

During a side meeting held as part of the Ninth Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, conversations primarily covered Nepal’s elections and priorities set by the new government. On this occasion, Foreign Minister Khanal informed the Indian Foreign Minister that Nepal’s new government is reviewing its foreign policy and various dimensions of Nepal-India relations. “There are deep political, economic, and people-to-people ties between Nepal and India. We are studying these issues and will establish priorities within those relations,” Minister Khanal stated.