Author: space4knews

Rajendra Raut has been re-elected for a second term as the president of the Koshi Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Raut defeated Naveen Rizal by a margin of 84 votes, securing 142 votes against Rizal’s 58. In addition to the president, four other office bearers and associate members of the chamber were elected unopposed. (23 Chaitra, Biratnagar)

Raut’s victory came during the 8th Provincial Assembly of the Chamber held on Sunday night in Biratnagar. He received 11 votes in the category of goods-related delegates, while Rizal obtained 6. From the district-municipality federation, Raut secured 24 votes compared to Rizal’s 13. In the associates category, Raut garnered 107 votes, with Rizal limited to 39.

Raut is a founding member of the Koshi Province Chamber and during his tenure, the provincial office building has been under construction. Apart from the president, the new committee’s four other office bearers were elected unopposed: Rishiraj Timsina as Vice President, Rajan Shrestha as Vice President representing goods-related delegates, Ravinkumar Dahal as Associate Vice President, and Shravankumar Agrawal as Treasurer.

The summary of news has been prepared following editorial review. Prime Minister Balen Shah, while violating the Medical Education Act, has decided to grant additional scholarships to Unity Shah of the Janajati (Janji) Movement. This decision by the Medical Education Commission has faced widespread criticism, and former Vice-Chairman Dr. Shrikrishna Giri has described it as an injustice. Dr. Giri stated, ‘The commission cannot undertake any work beyond the Act’ and emphasized that amendments can only be made through a proper legal process.

Prime Minister Balen Shah, who also serves as the Chair of the Medical Education Commission, took the decision to provide extra scholarships to Unity Shah of the Janajati Movement, thereby breaching the Medical Education Act. The Commission’s 24th meeting witnessed significant opposition to this unlawful decision. The decision is based on recommendations made last Poush by the Gaurav Bahadur Karki commission, which was formed to investigate the Janajati Movement. However, the investigation commission’s mandate was strictly limited to study and research of the incident. Despite this, the commission had sent a letter to the then-government led by Sushila Karki requesting arrangements for MBBS studies.

Based on that letter, both the Home Ministry and Education Ministry were informed. Consequently, the Sushila Karki government directed the Commission through a Council of Ministers meeting held on 1st Chaitra. Currently, Prime Minister Balen Shah has resolved to implement that directive through the Commission meeting. Nonetheless, many experts insist that decisions must not exceed the scope of the Act. In this context, former Vice-Chairman Dr. Shrikrishna Giri commented: “The National Medical Education Act is not a coincidental document. It was established to systematically implement provisions of equality and transparency as stated in the Constitution, to ensure the admission process is fair, and to eliminate arbitrariness.”

According to the National Medical Education Act, 2075, only the commission has the authority to determine the number of seats in educational institutions. As per Section 17 of the Act, ‘The Commission shall allocate a specific number of seats in universities, institutes, and other teaching institutions each year based on prescribed criteria.’ Furthermore, Subsection (3) of Section 17 states that ‘universities, institutes, or other teaching institutions must admit students selected through entrance examinations in accordance with the matching system.’ The Medical Education Commission is an organization established under this Act. Its jurisdiction is defined by the Act. Therefore, the commission cannot take any actions beyond the Act, regardless of whether the directive originates from the government. The law applies equally to all. Issuing a decision that violates the Act in favor of one individual constitutes an injustice to thousands of qualified students.

Given that the admission process has already been completed and classes have commenced, adding quotas outside the system is unacceptable. If access to medical education is to be provided to disadvantaged, differently-abled, or specially-abled individuals, systemic arrangements must be made to secure such access. Such a system would also ensure justice for others in similar situations in the future. The commission’s role here is crucial. The commission must clearly state if this proposal does not comply with the Act. The Act is not a permanent or immutable document; it can be amended through proper legal procedures when necessary. However, bypassing amendments and established systems by working on the Cabinet’s decision to violate the Act undermines the foundation of the system itself. The National Medical Education Act was introduced to eliminate past malpractices and establish a transparent and fair system. To preserve this system, the commission, government, and related stakeholders must operate within their jurisdictions. Relying on one person’s emotional issues to override the law risks adding thousands of such exceptions in the future. Decision-making outside the system risks repeating old problems. (Dr. Giri is a former Vice-Chairman of the Medical Education Commission.)

What can a government with a majority accomplish? The Rashwapa-led government, representing the National Independent Party, has secured just two seats fewer than the two-thirds majority required in the House of Representatives. Based on this number, what powers and actions can this government undertake?

March 6, Kathmandu – Kortu Gurung, known by the nickname ‘Rambo’, has been arrested by police on charges of hooliganism. The 40-year-old Gurung, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolitan City–17, Pakanajol, was taken into custody last night in the Thamel area. Ramesh Thapa, SSP of District Police Office Kathmandu, confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation is currently underway.

March 20, Kathmandu – Youth from Karnali have urged the Election Commission to arrange for e-voting in the forthcoming provincial and local elections. To express their concerns, they submitted a memorandum during a meeting with Acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari of the Election Commission Nepal.

The memorandum highlights that millions of citizens within Nepal have been effectively disenfranchised from exercising their voting rights. Ashish Devkota, coordinator of the youth group, emphasized that the issue is not confined to Nepalis living abroad, but is a serious concern for citizens residing inside the country as well.

He explained that citizens from remote districts like Mugu, Dolpa, Jumla, Bajura, and Humla face significant barriers, having to spend between NPR 25,000 to 30,000 per person to travel to Kathmandu or Terai districts solely to cast their vote. Consequently, many voters are practically excluded from the electoral process, he added.

Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has stated that Home Minister Sudan Gurung’s land lies within the 65-meter regulation boundary of Phewa Lake. The Supreme Court issued an order on Ashad 4, 2080 (June 19, 2023) to uphold the 65-meter boundary regulation around Phewa Lake. Efforts are underway to identify polluted lands within this boundary and to arrange compensation, with a focus on enforcing this regulation.

Before operating bulldozers to clear structures within the regulated area in Khapaundi on Saturday morning, Mayor Acharya held discussions with Home Minister Gurung. During their conversation, the mayor noted, “He showed me maps and said, ‘My land is also there; you can see where it lies.’ I pointed out that it is within the Phewa Lake’s area, within the 65-meter boundary. If it’s within the boundary, all structures must be removed.”

Home Minister Gurung had purchased land in the upper Anadu area of Phewa Lake and was operating a small watersports business by erecting huts there. However, despite ongoing efforts to identify polluted lands within the regulation zone, Gurung’s name has not yet appeared in any official records. Since the government previously had limited success in implementing the Phewa Lake regulations, there is renewed hope that the issue will be addressed decisively under the new, more powerful government.

Also on Saturday morning, bulldozers were operated within the premises of Park Village Waterfront Resort, owned by tourism entrepreneur Karn Shakya. The Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued notices requiring the removal of structures within 15 days. Locals have been demanding clear master plans and alternatives before any demolition proceeds. Although the metropolitan authorities have repeatedly requested that no buildings be constructed within Phewa Lake’s protected area and have urged removal of existing illegal structures, construction work has not been fully halted.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Industry and Commerce, emphasized the significant role the private sector plays in the overall development of the country and in job creation. He pointed out that by maximizing the utilization of local resources in natural resources, agriculture, tourism, and industry, economic prosperity can be achieved.

During the inauguration of the Koshi Provincial Assembly, Chairman Dhakal underscored the importance of the private sector’s contribution to development and employment generation. He remarked, “The private sector accounts for a large portion of total employment in the country, and recently the government has also adopted a positive outlook towards it.”

Chairman Dhakal remarked that strengthening the investment environment is crucial and the private sector plays an essential role in this regard. He added that sustainable development goals can only be achieved through collaboration between the government and the private sector.

Meanwhile, a keen competition is underway between current Chairman Rajendra Raut and Naveen Rizal for the new leadership of the Koshi Chamber, with voting scheduled to take place today according to the election schedule.

The Srinagar Bus Park now stands not only as a place for boarding and alighting passengers but also as a symbol of development and potential in Salyan district. This bus park has evolved from its humble beginnings with a bulldozer to a modern infrastructure facility. It continues to provide convenience to local residents and visitors alike.

The Kathmandu District Court has authorized an additional 5-day detention of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for investigative purposes. Both were arrested on Chaitra 14 (March 28) in Bhaktapur. The extension was granted to facilitate investigation into their alleged roles during the Janajivi Movement held on Bhadra 23 and 24 relating to a life-threatening case. (Chaitra 22, Kathmandu)

KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), along with Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Minister and leader of the Nepali Congress, have had their custody extended by 5 days to allow for further investigation. The Kathmandu District Court issued the order on Sunday to prolong the investigation period against both individuals. The inquiry commission, focusing on their roles while they were in the Home Ministry during the Janajivi Movement on Bhadra 23 and 24, has recommended investigating allegations related to serious charges. Oli and Lekhak were apprehended on the morning of Chaitra 14 in Bhaktapur.

The Ministry of Health is currently functioning in temporary tin sheds within the Singha Durbar premises, where work becomes difficult during the rainy season due to water and mud. After the ministry building was completely set on fire during the Gen-Ji movement in Bhadra (August-September) of last year, the ministry established a temporary office on the vacant land of the Narsingh Dal Gan within Singha Durbar. Dr. Bhaktbahadur KC, the ministry’s information officer, stated that an appropriate building is being sought and coordination with the government is ongoing to relocate the ministry entirely inside Singha Durbar.

The Ministry of Health and Population, located in the nation’s supreme administrative center Singha Durbar, is forced to endure severe shortages and disorder. Upon entering the ministry compound, one sees the temporary tin structures or ‘boxes’ where the Health Minister, Secretary, and several divisions operate. Staff are compelled to work in these structures. Once the rainy season begins, the condition of these structures deteriorates further. Water accumulates around the premises and mud makes movement difficult within the office complex.

Employees’ shoes get muddy as they carry files from one room to another. “The entire compound becomes muddy when it rains. The tin roofs clang, disrupting work,” said a ministry staff member. Another issue arises from cramped working spaces, with three to four employees sharing a single table. Due to limited rooms and insufficient desks, more than three employees have to share one table.

According to ministry officials, it is not feasible to continue operations long-term in these temporary arrangements, so relocating the ministry to an appropriate government building soon is necessary. As the Health Ministry directly serves the public, it sees many visitors daily. However, the pass system required to enter Singha Durbar makes management challenging.

Following the government’s decision to grant holidays to all government offices on Sundays, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has announced it will resume regular trading sessions on Fridays. Since Jestha 1, 2079 BS, the market had opened on Fridays when Saturdays and Sundays were declared holidays, but otherwise, Fridays and Saturdays remained closed. With the new arrangement, the stock market will now operate five days a week.

Speaking on this change, a NEPSE director said, “Since the government has declared Sunday a holiday, the market will remain closed that day, but it will open on Fridays. There have been previous instances of opening on Fridays and closing on Sundays. There is no issue with opening on Friday; however, necessary procedures need to be completed.”

Earlier, starting from Jestha 1, 2079 BS, when the government announced Saturdays and Sundays as official holidays for government offices, NEPSE also operated markets on Fridays while closing on Saturdays and Sundays, resulting in a five-day trading week. The new policy will similarly maintain a five-day trading schedule. Until now, the market was closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Today, the Cabinet meeting decided to close all government offices on Sundays to facilitate better management of petroleum product supplies, reinforcing this change.

Lucknow Super Giants achieved their first victory in IPL 2026. Captain Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten with 68 runs, successfully guiding his team to chase down a target of 157 runs. Mohammad Shami’s four-over spell, taking two wickets and conceding just 9 runs, helped restrict Hyderabad to a low total. 22 Chaitra, Kathmandu.

Thanks to Mohammad Shami’s exceptional bowling and captain Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten half-century, Lucknow Super Giants claimed their inaugural win in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pant scored 68 runs as Lucknow defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets in Sunday’s opening match, registering their first points on the table.

Pant struck three fours off the final over bowled by Jaydev Unadkat to seal the chase, with Lucknow reaching the 157-run target with one ball to spare, losing five wickets in the process. Pant faced 50 deliveries and compiled an unbeaten 68 runs, including nine fours. Opener Aiden Markram added 45 runs off 27 balls, while Abdul Samad contributed 16, Mitchell Marsh 14, and Ayush Badoni 12 runs.

For Hyderabad, Harsh Dubey took two wickets, while Isan Malinga and Shivang Kumar claimed one wicket apiece. Earlier, batting first after losing the toss at their home venue, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad posted 156 runs for nine wickets, boosted by half-centuries from Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Klaasen top-scored with 62 runs off 41 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, while Reddy scored 56 runs off 33 balls, including three fours and five sixes. Mohammad Shami bowled an impressive spell for Lucknow, delivering four overs for just nine runs and picking up two wickets. Prince Yadav and Avesh Khan also took two wickets each, while Digvijay Rathi and Manimaran Siddharth contributed one wicket apiece.