Author: space4knews

Yubaraj Dulal, a Member of Parliament from the Nepal Communist Party, has advised the government to make productive use of time and avoid wasting it on stunts. Speaking at the House of Representatives session, he stated, ‘I want to address the government. The government must focus on action. However, it should not waste time by engaging in stunts.’ On 20 Chaitra in Kathmandu, he emphasized that the implementation of the constitution granting rights to the oppressed classes will bring equality.

Dulal noted that if the state continues to waste time through tests and stunts, it will be unable to address the sentiments of the new generation. He highlighted that the government’s apology to previously discriminated groups and communities, particularly the Dalit community, is a positive development. He added, ‘The constitution was created to confer rights to the oppressed, and its genuine implementation will foster equality in society.’

Extending his congratulations to Dol Prasad Aryal on his election as Speaker, Dulal expressed his expectation for impartiality. ‘This should not become a place for the unnatural exercise of majority power,’ he said. He further remarked that the Janajati (indigenous) movement is not against the system itself but seeks change in the existing circumstances and should be treated accordingly.

The hearing on the writ petition for habeas corpus filed on behalf of Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli is ongoing in the Supreme Court. The bench, comprising Justices Vinod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel, is presiding over the case.

Earlier, on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24), the Genaji Movement Investigation Commission had recommended an investigation against Oli and Lekhak. Today, the Supreme Court is continuing to hear the petition regarding their detention. The bench had postponed the hearing on Sunday, but it has resumed today with the same justices.

The commission, led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, was formed to investigate incidents related to the Genaji Movement and recommended investigation against the then Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Both leaders were arrested on March 27 (Chaitra 14) in the morning. The habeas corpus petitions were filed by Oli’s wife, Radhika Shakya, and Lekhak’s wife, Yashodha Thapa, respectively.

March 6, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress leader Dilendra Prasad Badu has emphasized the need for leaders and activists to actively participate in the 15th General Convention to strengthen the party, ensuring it remains fully disciplined and united, while entrusting responsibilities to a new generation. In a statement released Monday via the social media platform Facebook, he urged leaders and members to advance toward the 15th General Convention as per the party’s public schedule.

“At a time when democracy and its achievements face increasing challenges, and when it is essential to advance the new generation along the democratic path as a constructive and responsible opposition, it is necessary for Nepali Congress to become stronger, more accountable, and united,” the statement said.

Regarding the party’s Supreme Court’s interpretation and orders, he clarified that whatever the ruling may be, it must be accepted by all. He added, “It is not appropriate to waste time in speculative analysis over potential consequences that might arise by delaying the election process or holding a special convention while awaiting court decisions or scrutinizing the background.”

Highlighting internal weaknesses within the party along with changing voter preferences as reasons for election results falling short of expectations, Badu described the outcome as historically weak. “This is a bitter truth. Given the current circumstances, the party chairperson has already publicly accepted moral responsibility for the results,” he wrote.

March 23, Kathmandu – The newly elected officers and committee members of the Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs Federation took their oath of office and secrecy on Monday morning at the federation’s central office in Anamnagar. All office bearers, including the president, pledged to uphold the dignity of the federation and commit themselves to advancing the construction sector while protecting the rights and interests of the entrepreneurs.

The general assembly elected a new leadership team for the upcoming term. Former presidents of the federation, entrepreneurs from various districts and provinces, and representatives of relevant stakeholders were present at the oath-taking event. The newly elected committee has begun its duties immediately, with an expectation to prioritize addressing current challenges in the construction sector, payment issues, and policy reforms.

Entrepreneurs commented that the 13th general assembly has sent a new message of unity and cooperation among professionals. Nikolash Pandey was elected as the president of the Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs Federation, while Shivahari Ghimire was chosen as the general secretary. The provincial vice presidents elected are Dhirendra Dahal for Koshi Province, Shambhu Thakur for Madhesh Province, Balkrishna Thapa for Bagmati Province, Khimprakash Malla for Gandaki Province, Sahadev Khadka for Lumbini Province, Him Bahadur Budha for Karnali Province, and Prakash Bahadur Shetty for Sudurpashchim Province. Additionally, Mangala Shahi was elected as deputy general secretary for policy, and Santosh Sah as deputy general secretary for internal affairs. Ganga Pokharel was elected as vice president for women, while Ujwal Gautam and Upendra Ghising were elected as treasurer and deputy treasurer respectively.

Constitutionalist Bipin Adhikari has cautioned that despite the current government holding a near two-thirds majority, there remains a significant risk of authoritarianism. Adhikari warned that tendencies to violate legal procedures and weaken the separation of powers could undermine democracy. He emphasized that rather than constitutional amendments, the effective implementation of existing laws and improvements in political culture are essential. 23 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

Adhikari noted that even with overwhelming parliamentary support and public momentum, the government’s approach risks growing authoritarian tendencies. He warned that efforts to bypass legal processes and erode the principles of separation of powers endanger the very foundation of democracy. He further highlighted that advancing investigations based solely on “public pressure” could also weaken democratic institutions.

In an interview with a Nepali news agency, Adhikari stated that mere arithmetic majorities cannot legitimize government authority. He expressed concern that unchecked exercise of power and disregarding constitutional limits could lead the government to repeat past mistakes. Warning against compromising procedural justice, he likened such moves to a “Hitler-style” trajectory and urged leadership to proceed cautiously.

While optimistic about the present members of parliament and government, Adhikari remarked, “They were not elected with corrupt money, giving them moral capital.” He added, “If this capital is employed lawfully, the government can become effective.” However, he recommended slowing down decision-making processes to avoid long-term negative consequences from hasty actions.

Referring to examples like V.I. Lenin, Adhikari pointed out that even those who gain power through democratic processes face the threat of becoming authoritarian later. “No matter how positive the outcomes, if the process is flawed, sustainability is not possible,” he said, stressing, “The rule of law and operating within constitutional boundaries is the long-term solution.”

While the government has taken an aggressive stance on high-profile corruption cases, Adhikari criticized shortcomings in the investigation procedures. “Our system tends to imprison first and then seek evidence, which is dangerous,” he remarked. He stressed that arrests without proof violate judicial principles, urging courts to prioritize adequate evidence from the outset and ensure investigations adhere strictly to legal norms.

Though debates on directly elected executives or presidential systems are longstanding, Adhikari called them risky. Citing former US President Donald Trump, he said, “Powerful executives in the wrong hands are difficult to control.” He acknowledged that although the French model shares power between president and prime minister, it requires a mature political culture. In a diverse country like Nepal, inclusive representation provides government legitimacy, making the parliamentary system more suitable, he concluded.

Adhikari emphasized prioritizing the implementation of the constitution over amendments. He believes immediate constitutional changes are unnecessary and what Nepal needs most is effective enforcement. He stressed the importance of reviewing how the constitution is applied in practice before considering alterations, stating, “Legal changes without improvements in political behavior and culture will not bring solutions.”

He criticized the practice of bringing parliamentarians directly into ministries as a “gross ignorance” of the parliamentary system. According to him, the core role of parliament is to monitor government work and ensure accountability, not to be directly involved in implementation. He warned that this practice undermines the separation of powers.

Regarding the government’s decision to restrict government advertisements exclusively to state-owned media, Adhikari warned that this move could weaken private media. He stressed that media is fundamental to democracy and while transparency in advertising is important, controlling the media is unacceptable. The government recently decided to allocate official advertisements solely to government media outlets.

Kathmandu, 23 Chaitra – Hark Sampang, Chairman of the Labor Culture Party, has urged Home Minister Sudhan Gurung to provide a clear response regarding the 20-ropani land in Fewa Lake. Following the association of the Home Minister’s name with this land, Sampang has called on Minister Gurung via Facebook to clarify the matter.

“The main point is to address the issue; if you wish to hold a press conference, please do so,” said Chairman Sampang. He emphasized that questions of ethics have been raised concerning this issue.

Sampang warned that failing to respond to the controversies surrounding the Fewa Lake land would lead to public suspicion and a withdrawal of police support for the Home Minister. “If no answers are given on this matter, the public will lose trust,” he stated. “Your credibility will diminish, and even the police will cease their cooperation.”

He further highlighted that those working in difficult conditions already face reputational risks, and the reports linking 20 ropani of land in Fewa Lake, Pokhara, to the Home Minister have caused widespread concern on social media.

Additionally, Chairman Sampang reminded Minister Gurung about issues he previously raised in Parliament, including the Genji movement and cooperative scams. “I wish you continued success,” he wrote, “but please do not forget the two matters I raised in Parliament – first, to punish those responsible for the April 24 incident related to the Genji movement; second, to arrest G.B. Rai and ensure justice for Ravi Dai.”

March 23, Mustang. In Chumjung, Lomanthang-4 of Upper Mustang, a snow leopard attack has resulted in the death of 21 sheep and goats, while seven others were injured. According to the National Nature Conservation Fund and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Lomanthang, the attack took place last Saturday night at a sheep and goat pen belonging to local herder Gyacho Gurung.

Umesh Paudel, head of ACAP, stated that the snow leopard killed 10 goats and 11 sheep. The pen housed 315 sheep and goats in total.

Upon receiving information about the attack, a team comprising representatives from ACAP Lomanthang, the District Police Office, and animal husbandry technicians from Lomanthang Rural Municipality visited the site on Sunday morning. According to Paudel, the pen was enclosed by a gable wire fence, yet the snow leopard managed to enter and inflict damage. Initial assessments estimate a loss of approximately NPR 455,000.

Earlier, on February 24, in Kimling, Lomanthang-4, an attack by a snow leopard on local herder Mingmar Gurung’s pen caused the death of nine goats and injuries to another nine. Similarly, in Marpha of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality-2 in the lower region of the district, two separate snow leopard attacks killed more than three dozen goats.

ACAP Lomanthang has installed three CCTV cameras in areas where snow leopards have caused damage to sheep and goats for monitoring purposes.

Across all five local municipalities of the district, camera installations and population monitoring are ongoing at likely snow leopard habitats. ACAP has been providing wildlife damage relief to herders affected by snow leopards and other wildlife through the National Park and Wildlife Department. According to the wildlife damage relief guidelines, compensation is given after assessing the value of the livestock lost. Because compensation from the wildlife department can take time, ACAP disburses relief from its internal fund to victims, according to Paudel.

The Himalayan district of Mustang has recently witnessed an escalating conflict between humans and snow leopards. Snow leopards have increasingly been entering local livestock pens and corrals, causing damage to livestock in high mountain grazing areas. This conflict has posed a serious threat to herding livelihoods, according to affected local herder Mingmar Gurung.

Moreover, due to the impact of climate change, grass shortage in high hill regions has forced snow leopards to seek food closer to human settlements. In recent years, sightings of snow leopards near the main highway and residential areas have become more frequent.

Senior members of the House of Representatives including Arjun Narasingh K.C., Bhismraj Angdembe, Mohan Acharya, Bharat Bahadur Khadka, and Niskal Rai are among the names being considered for the leadership of the Congress Parliamentary Party. The Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party will convene today at 11 a.m. at Singha Durbar to deliberate on the selection of the party leader. According to the party’s parliamentary regulations, members of the House of Representatives will elect their leader from among themselves, and if more than one candidate emerges, the leader will be chosen through a secret ballot.

Congress leaders have indicated that due to factions led by Gagan Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba, there is a strong possibility that the voting process will be conducted once again in this leadership selection. Congress lawmaker Basana Thapa noted that while the meeting agenda is not officially finalized, discussion on selecting the parliamentary party leader may take place. She stated, ‘Even though the meeting agenda is not officially set, the necessity to select the party leader might arise.’

The names most frequently discussed for the position of the parliamentary party leader are senior House member Arjun Narasingh K.C., Bhismraj Angdembe, Mohan Acharya, Bharat Bahadur Khadka, and Niskal Rai. Since the speaker has yet to be chosen, senior member K.C. is expected to preside over the parliamentary sessions, prompting the Congress to prepare for a delayed leader selection.

Other parties have already selected their parliamentary party leaders. Senior leader Balendra Shah (Balen) of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) has been elected party leader and appointed Prime Minister. The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has chosen Ram Bahadur Thapa, the Nepal Communist Party selected Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Labor Culture Party Chairman Harka Sampang leads his party, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) appointed Gyanendra Shahi as their parliamentary party leader.

US President Donald Trump warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened to all ships by Tuesday, he would destroy Iranian power plants and bridges. He issued this threat through a post on social media filled with strong language. Reiterating his earlier warning to “make it a hell,” he also told American media there is a “good chance” of reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Iran rejected the threats, calling them “helpless, frightened, and foolish.” Trump’s statement came after the successful rescue of another crew member from a downed American warplane in Iran. Both the US and Iran have been intensively searching for missing US soldiers in the mountainous southwestern region of Iran.

In the ongoing conflict, Iran has been responding to US and Israeli airstrikes by targeting Gulf states allied with them. Iran has significantly disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital waterways through which about 20 percent of global oil and gas passes. This disruption has increased global oil prices and heightened inflation risks worldwide.

Trump has repeatedly changed the deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Initially, he warned that if the strait was not “completely open” within 48 hours by March 21, he would destroy Iran’s power infrastructure. However, Iran has refused to engage in any talks with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Israel has disclosed data showing attacks on Iranian petrochemical facilities as well as other public infrastructure.

March 23, Kathmandu – Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iran shot down a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet. Following the crash, the US military conducted an extremely risky 48-hour rescue operation to save the crew members. US President Donald Trump confirmed the mission’s success, stating that all personnel were safely recovered. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the daring operation. However, this success has brought several serious challenges and messages to the forefront for the United States.

What happened? Last Friday, Iran downed an advanced US F-15E fighter jet that had entered its airspace. On Sunday morning, President Trump announced via the social media app Truth Social that one injured pilot had been rescued safely, describing the operation as “a remarkable display of bravery and skill.” It was reported that Israel assisted in this mission, with Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulating Trump on the effort.

International media have highlighted four key messages from this incident. They are as follows:

1. Iran is far from defeated. Although President Trump has framed it as a major military victory, the dramatic 48-hour incident demonstrates Iran’s continued capability to inflict significant damage on the US. The downing of a US plane during the ongoing five-week conflict is evidence of Iran’s resistance strength.

2. Landing on Iranian soil is not easy. To rescue one pilot from the downed F-15E, the US was forced to destroy two of its own aircraft. With the White House reportedly planning to seize Iran’s Kharg Island and its underground uranium stockpiles, this event signals just how costly it would be for the US to operate on Iranian territory.

3. The downing of a US aircraft is rare and delivers a major psychological blow. Since the 2003 Iraq War, this is the first time an enemy nation has shot down a US warplane. Despite being perceived as weaker than the US and Israel, Iran’s success in downing a US aircraft after 23 years has set a new precedent worldwide. It underscores the psychological impact and rarity of such an event.

4. Questions arise over US-Israeli air force security strategies. The US and Israel reportedly conduct 300 to 500 strikes daily in Iran. However, the downing of a powerful F-15E jet reveals that their air superiority is not invulnerable. This incident raises concerns about their security tactics. President Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday in the Oval Office with military commanders to discuss the matter. It is anticipated that this event will complicate and intensify the conflict in the Middle East.

March 23, Kathmandu – Meetings of both houses of the Federal Parliament are scheduled to take place today. The House of Representatives will convene at 1:00 PM, with the agenda including the presentation of proposals to approve three ordinances. According to Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary General of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung will propose the approval of the ‘Voter List (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2078,’ the ‘House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2078,’ and the ‘Nepal Special Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2078.’

Similarly, the National Assembly will meet today at 12:15 PM at Singha Durbar. National Assembly member Prem Prasad Dangol plans to propose the election of Lilakumari Bhandari as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Assembly. The agenda may also include the presentation of the 24th annual report of the National Human Rights Commission for the fiscal year 2078/079 by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.