Author: space4knews

Senior art director and comedian Pasang T. Sherpa passed away on Tuesday at Helping Hands Community Hospital due to liver-related complications. His body has been placed at Sherpa Monastery in Bouddha, and the funeral will be held on Thursday at Teku Ghat. He had directed art for over 300 films, with his most recent work being the film ‘Jhingedau 2.’

Pasang T. Sherpa, who had been suffering from liver problems for a long time in Kathmandu, was admitted to the hospital on Monday. This information was provided by Pushkar Lama, president of the Film Technicians Association. Sherpa’s body is currently at Sherpa Monastery in Bouddha, with the funeral scheduled for Thursday at noon at Teku Ghat.

The Film Technicians Association has invited everyone to participate in the final tribute ceremony for Sherpa. He is survived by two daughters and four sons. He began his career as a comedian and started his journey as an art director with Badri Adhikari’s film ‘Dushman.’ Sherpa, aged 59, had directed art for more than 300 films.

Active in art direction for over four decades, Sherpa spent his childhood in the Bouddha area. While studying at Mahendra Bouddha School, he was actively involved in extracurricular activities. He began acting on television before transitioning to the big screen through video films. He acted in several video films including ‘Kshitijpariko Las,’ ‘Sunsaan,’ ‘Chitkaar,’ and ‘Anguthachhap,’ and also directed a few films.

Tilottama Municipality in Rupandehi has established an affordable pharmacy to provide medicines at concessional rates. Patients accessing this pharmacy will receive a 25.10 percent discount on the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of medicines. The municipality has signed a five-year agreement with Boots Medico Pvt. Ltd. to operate the pharmacy and is also preparing to launch pathology services next year. (16 Baisakh, Butwal)

The pharmacy, located in Ward No. 5, Manigram of Tilottama, was inaugurated by Mayor Ram Krishna Khan on Wednesday. Khan noted that not only residents of Tilottama but patients from anywhere will be eligible for the 25.10 percent discount on medicine MRPs. He expressed hope that this municipal initiative would serve as a model for other municipalities across the country.

Mayor Khan also shared plans to start pathology services from the coming year. For pharmacy operations, the municipality has signed a five-year contract with Boots Medico Pvt. Ltd. According to the agreement, the municipality will pay an annual rent of NPR 250,000 for the premises, while Boots Medico will provide all other discounts and services, said Chief Administrative Officer Khumalal Bhusal.

The pharmacy will stock medicines from all domestic and international companies. Executive member Surendra Shree mentioned that the concept was developed with a focus on patients with chronic illnesses and those requiring regular medication. This initiative is expected to reduce the burden on patients who currently have to purchase medicines at higher prices in the market.

Kathmandu, 16 Baisakh – Vice President of CPN-UML, Vishnu Prasad Paudel, has accused Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s ambition to seize power and his radical leftist activities of leading the Maoist movement into a state of disintegration. Speaking at the 27th Yadu Memorial Day and the 24th Yadu Memorial Journalism Award Ceremony on Wednesday, Vice President Paudel stated that Prachanda no longer possesses the capability to lead the communist movement.

He further asserted, “We will restructure the UML.”

Three Assistant Rathi officers of the Nepali Army—Dr. Bharat Bahadur Bhandari, Madhav Thapa, and Shaktijung Basnet—have been promoted to the rank of Upper Rathi following a decision by the Council of Ministers on 24 April. Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel conferred the promotion insignia upon them at a ceremony held at the Army Headquarters’ Jangi Adda. Dated 29 April, Kathmandu, the promotion includes technical Assistant Rathi Dr. Bharat Bahadur Bhandari, Assistant Rathi Madhav Thapa, and Assistant Rathi Shaktijung Basnet. The Council of Ministers had approved their promotion during the meeting held on 24 April. At the event, Chief of Army Staff Sigdel presented their promotion certificates and rank insignia in recognition of their advancement.

Dang. Cardiac treatment services have commenced at the Rapti Institute of Health Sciences located in Ghorahi. The institute has announced the launch of coronary angiography services for the first time in Dang. A specialized team led by physician and cardiologist Dr. Dinesh Upreti has been formed to provide this service. Dr. Upreti shared that they have successfully initiated interventional cardiology services at the institute. According to him, services have started with coronary angiography and emergency pericardiocentesis.

“We have initiated cardiac treatment services at the institute, which include coronary angiography, a diagnostic procedure to examine the blood vessels of the heart,” said Dr. Upreti. “This helps in identifying any issues in the coronary arteries.” He added that with the availability of additional equipment, angioplasty procedures will soon be performed for heart attack patients. The arrival of the cath lab machine will further facilitate the ease of cardiac treatment. The institute is also currently operating echocardiography services,” the information stated.

April 28, Kathmandu. Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has successfully visited Sarlahi for the first time since the House of Representatives election held on March 5. President Thapa had contested the election from Sarlahi-4, where the result was not in his favor. In this constituency, he was defeated by Rashtriya Swatantra Party candidate Umesh Kumar Singh.

Thapa’s secretariat has informed that this is his first visit to Sarlahi after the election. According to secretariat member Shankar Kuinkel, he is attending a program in Sarlahi-4 as part of the Congress’s “Root Campaign.” Thapa has also planned to meet with voters from Sarlahi-4. He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on Thursday.

On the occasion of the 30th National Tea Day, Golden Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd. from Baglung secured first place in the tea-tasting competition. The contest evaluated 120 samples from 45 tea industries across Nepal, with senior tea testers from India conducting the assessments. Supported by the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, Golden Tea Estate has commenced commercial production, and experts highlighted that tea quality improves at higher elevations. Kathmandu, 16 Baisakh.

Golden Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd. achieved excellence in the tea flavor test held in Shiruwari, Tarakhola Rural Municipality–1. Among the four categories tested, the estate’s ‘Green Orthodox’ and ‘Golden Tea’ varieties were declared outstanding. The evaluations were conducted by senior Indian tea testers Kaushik Bhattacharya and David Johnson, along with senior technician Navin Koirala from the National Tea and Coffee Development Board.

The flavor test assessed dry tea appearance, aroma, and after steeping in hot water, the appearance, fragrance, and taste. The award ceremony for winners was held during the main event of the 30th National Tea Day organized by the National Tea and Coffee Development Board. Saroj Dahal, chairman of Golden Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd., stated that tea quality improved significantly after starting processing with the board’s support.

Technician Nagendra Suvedi explained that in hilly regions, Chinese tea varieties can be cultivated, enabling production of Orthodox and Green teas. He stated, “Though yield decreases with increased altitude, the quality improves.” Highlighting that tea gardens above 2,200 meters are rare in Nepal, he pointed out that high-altitude tea has superior quality. Commercial tea cultivation is progressing not only in Baglung within Gandaki Province but also in Kaski and Lamjung districts.

Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Ganesh Karki stated that a government with nearly a two-thirds majority enacting ordinances is not an act of courage. He emphasized that issuing ordinances based solely on the letter of the constitution, without upholding its spirit, is wrong. Karki pointed out that questions previously raised by opposition parties regarding ordinances are now being questioned within his own government. Kathmandu, 16 Baisakh.

Criticizing the government’s ordinance, Karki also condemned his own party’s government for bypassing parliament to introduce ordinances. He said, “For a party holding nearly a two-thirds majority, whether postponing sessions to pass ordinances is a ‘necessity’ or something else will become clear later, but this is not an act of courage.”

He further explained that ordinances should be introduced by exercising the rights and procedures granted by the constitution. He highlighted problems arising from disregarding the constitution’s spirit. He said, “This time too, the ordinance is based on the literal wording of the constitution, not its spirit. The constitution is not a document to live by letters alone; it remains alive by upholding its spirit. The literal interpretation should not limit the constitution’s essence.”

Karki recalled that opposition parties had previously raised questions when ordinances were enacted before, and now those same questions are being raised about his own government’s ordinance.

James Comey, former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, has been accused of issuing a ‘death threat’ against President Donald Trump. The allegations stem from a photograph Comey posted on Instagram last year that contained numbers forming the initials CP. Government agencies claim the image incited calls to assassinate Trump. Comey, asserting his innocence, stated in a press release that he is not afraid.

Prosecutors have filed this indictment against Comey for the second time. Last year, he was also charged with lying under oath before Congress and obstructing a congressional process related to his September 2020 testimony. That case was brought shortly after Trump ordered intensified investigations into his political adversaries. Comey appeared in court denying all charges. Ultimately, the court dismissed the case due to procedural errors by prosecutors, but the possibility of new charges remained.

The latest accusation is based on a photograph Comey posted and later deleted on Instagram. The image displayed the numbers ’86 47′ arranged in a pattern. In American slang, ’86’ means to remove or get rid of something, often referred to as ‘ATsix.’ Comey claims he did not understand the message’s meaning; however, Trump and other officials in his administration interpret it as a threat to assassinate the 47th President of the United States.

During the announcement of the charges, FBI Director Kashyap Patel said Comey, as a former director, is fully aware of the attention and possible consequences generated by such a post. “James Comey posted on Instagram a message that shamefully and reprehensibly endangered President Trump’s life by making it publicly visible worldwide,” Patel stated. Comey was dismissed during Trump’s first term after investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Since then, Trump has repeatedly demanded legal action against Comey. The charges filed on Tuesday mark the second legal effort against him.

Tourist arrivals at Namaste Waterfall in Dhankuta have dwindled due to infrastructure damage caused by last year’s floods. The local government and Koshi Province have allocated NPR 1 million and NPR 1.5 million respectively for the waterfall’s reconstruction. Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality has built a temporary bridge and staircase to improve access, but a permanent truss bridge is still needed. (April 29, Dhankuta)

Namaste Waterfall, located in Dhankuta district of the Eastern Hills, was once a prime destination popular among domestic and Indian tourists. Each summer, visitors would flock here to swim in the cold waters and enjoy the natural pools formed beneath the waterfall, making the area vibrant with families and friends. However, despite its natural beauty, the site now appears deserted.

The primary reason for this decline is the damage to essential infrastructure caused by last year’s floods, which has created safety concerns. Although the natural allure remains intact, the risky access route has discouraged tourists from visiting. The local authorities and community have constructed temporary structures using bamboo and wood, but these are not sustainable solutions. Jeevan Subba, secretary of the Namaste Waterfall Management Committee, confirmed that tourist activity has notably decreased.

“The hustle and bustle of tourists is nowhere near what it used to be. People are still afraid,” he said. “When floods come from above making it impossible to reach the waterfall, why would visitors come if they cannot actually get there?” Limbu noted that this situation has made the area uncomfortable for visitors to the waterfall and nearby attractions. Nevertheless, efforts for the waterfall’s revival have begun, with Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality allocating NPR 1 million and Koshi Province providing NPR 1.5 million towards its management and reconstruction.

April 29, Siraha – A ‘National Nutrition Assessment Campaign’ has been launched in Siraha to identify the nutritional status of children. This campaign is being conducted across all 17 municipalities in Siraha district as part of a nationwide initiative, aiming primarily to improve child nutrition.

The campaign has been initiated by the Dalit Development Forum Golbazar with financial support from Helen Keller International and in collaboration with local municipalities under the ‘Nutrition for Life Program’.

The campaign focuses on assessing the nutrition of mothers in the crucial ‘golden thousand days’ as well as their children. According to the executive director of the forum, the assessment involves measuring children’s height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference to determine their nutritional status. The target is to screen the nutrition of approximately 60,000 children aged between around 6 months to 59 months, along with about 14,000 mothers.

Scheduled to run from April 28 to May 13, the campaign aims to promptly identify malnutrition and facilitate timely treatment. During this period, female community health volunteers, in coordination with nearby health institutions, will visit homes to measure children’s arm circumference. Additionally, severely malnourished children will be provided with free ready-to-use therapeutic food through outpatient services.

As per the Government of Nepal’s plan, the campaign will also be implemented at health facilities, immunization centers, community clinics, ward offices, community buildings, and early childhood development centers.

Paris Saint-Germain secured an exhilarating 5-4 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Bayern took an early lead in the 17th minute with a penalty converted by Harry Kane. However, PSG responded strongly by scoring five consecutive goals to regain control of the match. The second leg will take place at Bayern’s home ground, where the finalist will be decided.

On April 29, in Kathmandu, during the Champions League semi-final first leg, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) overcame German club Bayern Munich 5-4 in a spectacular encounter. The home side established a 3-2 lead by halftime in a highly competitive match that featured a total of nine goals as both teams played aggressive football.

Bayern’s Harry Kane opened the scoring with a penalty in the 17th minute, giving Bayern an early advantage. PSG quickly fought back with two goals, taking control of the game. Vicha Bhartskhelia equalized in the 24th minute, followed by João Neves scoring in the 33rd minute to put PSG ahead. Bayern restored parity at 3-3 with a stunning goal from Michael Olise in the 41st minute. In added time of the first half, PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé converted a penalty to restore their 3-2 lead.

PSG increased their attacking intensity in the second half. Bhartskhelia scored his second personal goal in the 56th minute, and Dembélé added another goal in the 58th minute, extending PSG’s lead to 5-2. Bayern attempted a comeback with goals from Dayot Upamecano in the 65th minute and Luis Díaz in the 68th minute, narrowing the margin to 5-4. However, no further goals were scored. This result gives PSG a slight advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played at Bayern’s stadium, where the finalist will be determined.

April 29, Triveni (Nawalparasi) – As part of the Narayangadh–Butwal road expansion project, road safety measures have begun in areas where road construction has been completed. According to Shiv Khanal, Information Officer for the Eastern Section of the project, road safety-related work is currently underway at locations with finished construction in the Eastern Section.

The safety work includes painting white and yellow lane markings, coloring the central divider, installing cement barriers between the main and service roads, and placing speed limit signs. Additionally, railing installation, W-beam guardrails, and delineator poles are being set up along the road edges.

Khanal noted that since the road construction is in its final phase, road safety efforts are being prioritized. “Many construction tasks have reached their final stages, so we are giving precedence to road safety work,” he said. Of the 65 kilometers of road in the Nawalparasi Eastern Section, only about seven kilometers remain unpaved, while the rest have been blacktopped and formal roads are operational. The current physical progress of the Eastern Section stands at 81 percent.

Travel conditions are smooth across the Eastern Section except in the Daunne area. The contract for the Narayangadh–Butwal road expansion project was signed on January 7, 2019, with a target completion date of August 7, 2022. The China State Construction Corporation Pvt. Ltd. commenced this work, which is divided into two sections spanning a total of 113 kilometers. Due to delays, the deadline has been extended four times, with the latest extension carrying the deadline to August 2024.

Funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the total cost of both sections is NPR 1.699 billion. Of the 113 kilometers, 70 kilometers will feature four lanes, 29 kilometers will have four lanes plus dual three-to-six-meter-wide service lanes, and the 14-kilometer Daunne segment will be constructed with three lanes.

After bulldozing ‘squatter settlements’ built on public land in the Kathmandu Valley, the government has initiated a process to distinguish between genuine and fake squatters. Officials have stated that the identification work is based on existing records once displaced individuals register as landless and move into temporary shelters provided by the government. Ganesh Prasad Bhatt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, confirmed that an initial process to manage squatters within the Kathmandu Valley is underway.

An agency under the Ministry of Urban Development, citing a previous study, reported that approximately 3,500 families are landless squatters and reside in unplanned settlements. “We are conducting verification. Since not all details can be retrieved from citizenship numbers, we are attempting verification based on three generations of documentation,” Deputy Secretary Bhatt explained. For this purpose, the government has assigned responsibility to the Department of Land Management and Records. According to the department, by Tuesday, around 500 out of 3,500 families have been identified as not being genuine landless squatters.

Girish Kumar Jha, Director of the Geoinformatics Division at the Land Department, stated, “Based on registered land under individuals’ names or those who have sold land after 2019, approximately 490 fake squatters have been identified.” This number is expected to rise. Officials note that the data used for verification is outdated, so not all displaced persons may be eligible or currently registered. Information from the Land Problem Solving Commission corroborates this. According to Sant Kumar Karki, Vice-Chairman and spokesperson of the Commission, 5,856 people have applied for land across the three districts of the capital.