Author: space4knews

Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), has stated that the facade of ‘good governance’ promoted by the current government and the so-called new powers has been exposed. Pokharel emphasized that Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal must explain the source of his alleged overseas earnings and whether the necessary taxes have been paid. He also warned of a strong rebuttal, calling the actions harmful to party chairman KP Sharma Oli. Date: 28 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

Pokharel accused ministers and the Speaker of disrespecting transparency under the guise of good governance. Raising questions about Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal’s asset declaration, he said, “Becoming an owner from a worker is not a crime, but what channel did that overseas income come through? Has the state received the appropriate tax payments? The Speaker has the responsibility to answer these questions.”

Responding to delays by ministers in submitting their asset declarations, Pokharel declared that his party’s leadership is prepared to face any trial. He added, “Good governance should not be used to intimidate others; those who promote it must adhere to it themselves. UML leaders are ready to endure any trial—are those who claim to be ‘new’ prepared?”

Regarding the commission formed to investigate the Jenajee movement, Pokharel criticized its use as a ‘weapon of retribution.’ He stated that such actions have caused distress to party chairman KP Sharma Oli and warned that the party will strongly oppose these moves.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Sushant Vaidik has highlighted that entrepreneurship is a key focus in the new government’s 100-day action plan. He expressed confidence that small and micro enterprises as well as startups in villages will significantly contribute to the country’s economic transformation and social justice. Vaidik noted that the government is working to streamline paperwork for business registration and renewal processes, with results expected as early as next week. Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra.

Speaking at the 3rd National Convention of the National Enterprise Development Facilitators Federation Nepal in the capital on Saturday, RSP MP Sushant Vaidik emphasized that the new government’s 100-day agenda fully incorporates entrepreneurship. According to him, the RSP-led administration’s plan leaves no aspect of entrepreneurship unaddressed. He stressed that enterprises ranging from small and micro businesses to startups across villages are poised to play a vital role in achieving economic progress intertwined with economic transformation and social justice.

“The new government’s 100 priorities completely include issues related to entrepreneurship, which is recognized with due importance. We are clear that the economic transformation and social justice agenda will be driven largely by enterprises from small and micro-businesses to startups in every village. In this plan, the RSP has committed to facilitating business registration and renewal processes,” MP Vaidik stated.

He further stated that the impact of ongoing government efforts to simplify these procedures will be visible from the coming week. “We are working to simplify paperwork so that no obstacles arise in business registration, whether at local governments, provincial offices, or the company registrar’s office. The paperwork will no longer hinder aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said. Event participants also emphasized the need to position the private sector and entrepreneurship as the main drivers of the national economy.

March 12, Nuwakot – A tragic accident occurred in Belkotgadhi, Nuwakot, where one man died and two others were seriously injured after being struck by a falling branch while cutting a tree. The incident took place on Saturday morning in Alldanda, located in Belkotgadhi Municipality-9, Nalgau.

The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Prem Bahadur Tamang, a local resident. Police Inspector Rupak Thapa, Chief of the Baghkhor Police Office, reported that Tamang was cutting a cumin tree on his own farmland when the accident happened.

Two others who were assisting in the tree-cutting also sustained injuries. They have been identified as Madhav Bhujel from Belkotgadhi Municipality-10 and Arun Tamang. Both are in serious condition and have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

March 12, Tanahun – The process to establish a ‘Homestay Circuit’ has been initiated, connecting the historic and culturally rich town of Bandipur with the religiously significant Bhyas Municipality. The ‘Bandipur–Keshavtar Homestay Circuit’, a collaborative effort between Bhyas Municipality and Bandipur Rural Municipality, is being introduced as a new model for rural tourism development. Surendra Thapa, Chairperson of the Rural Municipality, stated that the initiative aims to promote tourism based on local production, traditions, and the environment, with cultural heritage as the foundation.

Once a prominent commercial center, Bandipur had fallen into obscurity after the district headquarters shifted to Damauli. However, the town is now re-emerging as an open and vibrant cultural museum. Nicknamed the “Queen of the Hills,” Bandipur has established a unique identity. Chairperson Thapa emphasized plans to further boost tourism here through the homestay program. “After the success of Bandipur Tourism Year 2025, the Rural Municipality has declared 2026 as the Year of Rural Tourism. Accordingly, important projects, including this circuit, have been initiated to develop new destinations utilizing diverse natural, social, and cultural assets,” he explained.

The 75-kilometer circuit will cover 14 homestays and more than 20 villages. Homestays run by Gurung, Magar, Newar, as well as Chhetri, Brahmin, and Dalit communities, will offer varied cultural experiences. Most wards of the Rural Municipality along with ward no. 14 of Bhyas Municipality are included. According to Chairperson Thapa, the circuit is expected to empower homestays and enhance rural community incomes through tourism. The development plan is being implemented in three phases.

In the first phase, on March 28 and 29, a joint team of tourism and cultural experts, business operators, and technical staff conducted field studies, observations, and awareness programs in each homestay village. In collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board Pokhara, the circuit will be promoted nationally and internationally during the Gandaki Provincial-level ‘Rural Tourism Mart 2083’, scheduled for April 30 and May 1. To facilitate rural tourism, the Municipality has also introduced safari jeep services, which are expected to improve tourist access to remote villages, said Suraj Bhattarai, Head of the Rural Municipality’s Tourism Department. Tourism expert Harisingh Gurung stated that this circuit is being developed as Nepal’s first pilot project of its kind, aiming to establish a new global identity for Nepali rural tourism. He expressed confidence that preserving local culture, traditions, and lifestyles while developing tourism is essential today, and this initiative will significantly contribute to sustainable tourism promotion.

Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra – The Immigration Department has informed that Nepali workers traveling abroad for employment are not required to show the airline ticket bill or payment receipt at the airport. This clarification was issued to resolve confusion following the Foreign Employment Department’s directive that made it mandatory to show the ticket bill and receipt of service fees paid to the manpower company.

The department’s notice states that workers need only present the minimum essential documents such as labor approval and passport; no other bills or receipts need to be shown. The Immigration Department emphasized the notice issued by the Foreign Employment Department on 23 Chaitra and reaffirmed the procedure as per the prevailing Immigration Act.

According to the department, based on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ ministerial decision dated 13 Kartik 2082 and current legal provisions, Nepalis traveling on a visitor visa abroad must have a valid passport for at least six months, an airline ticket to the destination country, and the respective country’s visa. However, for workers going abroad for foreign employment, only basic documents such as labor approval and passport are mandatory. The department has urged citizens traveling abroad to avoid confusion and to travel confidently after obtaining the necessary information.

By conserving Ganegurjo, a type of Gotiya medicinal herb, and cultivating it domestically, as well as developing processing technologies and enabling efficient market management and export, Nepal can gain significant benefits both economically and in terms of health.

March 12, Saptari – The special municipal assembly of Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality in Saptari concluded on Friday with a significant decision to temporarily relocate the office of the municipal executive.

During discussions on the proposal, it was determined that the office, currently operating within a building owned by the Government of India under the Koshi embankment area, has been adversely affected by the monsoon rains.

Water infiltration into the building has increased the risk of damage to important documents and public property and has also disrupted daily service delivery. Chief Administrative Officer Ramesh Kumar Yadav reported that employees have been facing difficulties in maintaining regular office operations due to these conditions. In light of these challenges, the municipal assembly decided to temporarily transfer the municipal executive office to the newly completed veterinary hospital building located on the boundary between wards 5 and 7.

This building has been constructed on land owned by the Government of Nepal, and it is anticipated that once the necessary rooms and infrastructure are properly organized, continuous service delivery will be guaranteed. The assembly approved that all municipal work will be conducted from this building until the municipality establishes and manages its own permanent administrative office. The municipality expects that this move will enhance service efficiency and provide easier access to services for citizens.

28 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has expressed a lack of trust in the United States. Prior to high-level talks in Pakistan, Ghalibaf conveyed this sentiment from Islamabad. According to reports, after arriving in Islamabad and speaking with accompanying Iranian journalists, Ghalibaf stated that despite two sincere rounds of talks within less than a year, attacks against Iran have continued, including numerous war crimes.

“Our intentions are correct, but we do not trust America,” he said. Citing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-affiliated official news agency Tasnim, Ghalibaf noted that if the United States is genuinely ready for a true agreement and recognizes the legitimate rights of Iranian citizens, Iran will demonstrate full readiness to reach a deal.

“However, if the United States seeks to use the talks as a show of power or a strategy to deceive, Iran will rely on its own capabilities to protect the rights of its citizens,” he added. High-level delegations from both the United States and Iran have arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for the talks scheduled today. Security measures in the city have been intensified in preparation.

Kathmandu, 28 Chaitra — In the past 24 hours, traffic police have penalized 1,719 drivers for violating traffic regulations. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, among those penalized, 113 drivers were caught driving under the influence of intoxicants, 35 vehicles were found to be mechanically unfit, 102 drivers violated traffic signal rules, 93 were driving at excessive speeds, 179 failed to maintain lane discipline, and 38 drivers operated public transport vehicles unsafely.

Additionally, 46 drivers were penalized for unnecessary horn usage, 20 for picking up or dropping off passengers outside designated areas, and 1,093 for other various traffic violations. The traffic enforcement generated total revenue amounting to Rs. 1,184,500, which has been deposited into the state treasury, the office stated.

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to participate in talks with Iran, aviation sources have confirmed. Accompanying him are Steve Whitkoff and Jared Kushner, both reportedly involved in the Iran negotiations. Pakistani media have described this visit as a significant milestone, marking the first time in 21 years that a US vice president has visited Pakistan. Security measures in Islamabad have been heightened in preparation for the discussions between the US and Iran, while Iranian negotiators are already present in the city. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, leader of the Iranian delegation, stated that his team’s intentions are positive but expressed distrust toward the US.

Pakistan is demonstrating strong enthusiasm regarding its role in today’s peace talks held in Islamabad. Why are the security arrangements being treated as a celebration? Pakistan mediated a two-week ceasefire aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran and establishing peace. Digital boards displaying “Islamabad Talks” have been installed across the capital, adorned with the flags of America and Iran alongside Pakistan’s emblem. The government has also declared a two-day public holiday to highlight its involvement in the talks. This event holds significant global importance, as the prospect of resolving tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz has generated widespread optimism.

The event carries numerous strategic implications for Pakistan. Abdul Basit, a South Asian expert from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, remarked, “When South Asian countries come perilously close to potential war with their neighbor Iran due to the failure of negotiations, the consequences could be nightmarish.” Meanwhile, various memes filled with pride and enthusiasm have gone viral on Pakistani social media. Basit further explained, “This is a victory because no other country was able to mediate a ceasefire, and Pakistan managed to avert a looming crisis.” He noted that Pakistan has endured years of political instability, an inability to repay debts until two years ago, and heightened rivalry with India. Hence, this achievement is extremely vital and timely for Pakistan.

Summary: The final match of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB) 2026 will take place on the evening of Chaitra 28, 2082 (April 11, 2026) at 5 PM at Dashrath Rangashala, featuring Tribhuvan Army Club against GoldenGate Basketball Club. Prior to the final, a celebrity match will be held in the afternoon, with teams led by artist Sushant KC and Java enthusiasts competing, as announced by Bhim Singh Gurung, President of the Nepal Basketball Association.

Army secured the top position in the league phase by winning 13 out of 14 matches, while GoldenGate finished second with 12 wins. In their previous encounters this season, Army has defeated GoldenGate three times.

Chaitra 28, Kathmandu: Departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club will face GoldenGate Basketball Club in the final of the Himalayan Java National Basketball League (HJNB) 2026. The championship game is scheduled for 5 PM today at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. Army will take the court under the captaincy of Vinod Maharjan, while GoldenGate will be led by Sudip Paudel Chhetri. Additionally, a celebrity game featuring teams of artist Sushant KC and Java enthusiasts will be held earlier in the day, according to Bhim Singh Gurung, President of Nepal Basketball Association (NEBA).

For the first time, the tournament included team selection through qualifiers, with eight teams participating in this edition. The HJNB League followed a double round-robin format, completing 56 matches in the league phase. Following three playoff matches, Army and GoldenGate emerged as finalists.

Army dominated the league phase by winning 13 of their 14 games, finishing first, with GoldenGate securing second place with 12 victories. Army earned their place in the final by defeating GoldenGate in the first qualifier. GoldenGate then secured their final spot by beating Times Basketball Club in the second qualifier.

This final will mark the fourth encounter between Army and GoldenGate in this edition. The two teams had met three times previously—twice in the league and once in the playoffs—with Army winning all three matches. Notably, in the first qualifier, Army prevailed over GoldenGate in an intense game by a score of 80-71.

Army’s sole loss in the league was against Times Basketball Club, while GoldenGate’s three league losses all came against Army. Army aims to maintain its form and clinch the championship in the final.

GoldenGate, the runner-up from last year, is eager to claim their first title this season. After defeating defending champions Times, GoldenGate enters the final with strong morale and is determined to avenge their previous defeats at Army’s hands.

The final result will determine whether Army secures the title by overcoming GoldenGate for the fourth time or if GoldenGate overcomes their rivals and lifts the trophy.

Himalayan Java National Basketball League Final Match:
Army vs. GoldenGate
Venue: Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu
Date: Chaitra 28, 2082 (April 11, 2026)
Time: 5 PM