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Why UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli Has Not Removed Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki

Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Bahadur Karki has rejected party leaders’ calls for his resignation. Sherdhan Rai, secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), who met Karki carrying a message from UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, confirmed this.

On July 24, UML Chairman Oli and Nepal Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ agreed to mutually support each other in leading five out of seven provincial governments. As per this agreement, Koshi Province was allocated to UML. Rai, former chief minister of Koshi province and the party’s in-charge for the region, stated that he came to Koshi carrying a directive aimed at implementing this consensus.

“Given that the central chairman has already provided clear instructions, we are discussing the implementation of the three-point agreement and the chairman’s directives,” Rai said. However, Chief Minister Karki, who is also a UML secretary, asserted that the party has not instructed him to resign, even though some leaders have suggested it. “The province in-charge [Rai], a peer at the secretary level, approached me about resignation. I told him, ‘Your words do not represent the party’s decision. Resignation will only be valid once the chairman officially writes it,’” Karki said. Currently, Karki has responded to Rai saying there is no necessity for him to resign.

Rai confirmed that during discussions in Koshi Province, he talked with Karki about whether to continue the current chief minister or to provide opportunities to new leaders. “We are currently considering whether to extend his tenure or give a chance to new colleagues,” Rai said. “The current chief minister has served for a long time. Therefore, we are debating whether to offer opportunities to newer individuals. There are also experienced leaders who could be considered. Working towards such an option might be best.” Some party leaders argue that since Karki has been chief minister for two years, others should get a turn. However, Karki warns this could lead to instability.

Karki noted that with roughly one year left in the provincial assembly’s tenure, the government is unlikely to change. He has requested an institutional decision from the party regarding his resignation. “If this is handled through formal institutional procedures, I would have no objections,” Karki said on Tuesday before traveling to Kathmandu for discussions with the party chairman. Despite internal pressure within UML, the chairman has not convened any meeting regarding a change in the provincial government, according to party leaders. Ghanshyam Khatiwada, chairperson of the Koshi Province UML committee, stated that the chairman has summoned the chief minister to Kathmandu for discussions. Following these talks, former chief minister Rai expressed confidence that the government will move forward based on their conclusions.

Bangladesh Proposes Death Penalty for Enforced Disappearances

The Bangladesh government has introduced a bill that includes provisions for the death penalty for individuals involved in enforced disappearances. According to a report by an investigative commission, more than 1,569 people were forcibly disappeared during Sheikh Hasina’s 17-year tenure. The proposed legislation also mandates compensation for victims’ families from the convicted perpetrators’ assets. Dhaka, 19 Shrawan (RASS/Afp).

The government has moved forward with legal measures allowing for the death penalty in cases of enforced disappearances. This bill follows an official investigation into the disappearance of over 1,500 individuals during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule. After a regime change following the 2024 popular uprising, an investigative commission was established, which documented at least 1,569 enforced disappearances during Hasina’s 17-year governance.

The commission reports that 251 of those individuals remain missing and are presumed dead. The proposed “Prevention and Treatment of Enforced Disappearance Act” is yet to be passed by Parliament. The draft bill, approved by the Cabinet on Monday night, suggests the possibility of imposing the death penalty if the victim dies as a result of enforced disappearance.

The proposed law also includes provisions for compensating victims’ families using the assets of those convicted. Sheikh Hasina has faced accusations of utilizing security agencies to suppress dissent during her administration. The investigative commission highlighted allegations that political opponents, particularly members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, were arrested and forcibly disappeared.

Tarik Rahman, who became Prime Minister following the February 2026 elections, has expressed a commitment to ending state-supported violence observed during Hasina’s rule. Rights organizations note that even though Sheikh Hasina has been removed from power, incidents of violence in Bangladesh remain a challenge due to ongoing political rivalry, weak law enforcement, and a culture of impunity.

Seventy-eight-year-old Sheikh Hasina is currently living in exile in India.

Man Arrested with Illegal Brown Heroin in Dhankuta

Police arrested 32-year-old Hari Tamang from the Hile area of Dhankuta Municipality–1 with illegal brown heroin. Authorities confiscated 18 packets of narcotics weighing a total of 1.68 grams from Tamang. The detained individual is currently under extended custody granted by the District Court for further investigation, officials said. Dhankuta, 19 Shrawan.

The Dhankuta Police, in a joint operation involving the District Police Office and Hile Police Post, apprehended the suspect for possession of banned narcotics. The arrest took place near the road close to Hile Campus in Ward No. 1 of Dhankuta Municipality, where the individual was found acting suspiciously. The arrested person has been identified as Hari Tamang, 32, a resident of Muga Tol, Ward No. 7, Pakhribas Municipality.

Upon searching Tamang’s body, police discovered a green plastic package containing a soft, brown heroin-like substance hidden in his pocket, according to Hemant Bhandari Chhetri, Public Relations Officer of the District Police Office in Dhankuta. The total weight of the substance, including packaging, was 1.68 grams, while the net weight of the substance alone was 1 gram, officials stated.

Following his arrest, the District Court of Dhankuta has extended his detention to facilitate further investigation into the drug-related offense.

Sophie Woods Sets New World Record Running 2,000 Kilometers Along the Alps in 29 Days

Sophie Woods, known as an ultra-runner, has established a new world record by running the ‘VIA ALPINA’ route, considered one of the most challenging paths worldwide. She completed the 2,000-kilometer distance in just 29 days. This route traverses eight different countries.

Sophie Woods shared, “After unsuccessful IVF attempts and not being able to have children, I began to see life from a new perspective.” Deciding to run the VIA ALPINA route, she succeeded in setting a new record. This trail spans the entire Alpine mountain range and features elevation changes equivalent to climbing Mount Everest twelve times, presenting significant uphill and downhill challenges.

Sophie Woods and her team from New Zealand faced intense heatwaves, storms, and encounters with wild grasshoppers known as horsesflies. Due to wildfires, the route was altered, adding an extra five kilometers and a risky 200-meter ascent.

Two Deaths Reported in Michigan Due to Foodborne Cyclospora Infection

Summary
In Michigan, USA, two individuals have died from a Cyclospora infection caused by contaminated food. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the deceased had pre-existing serious health conditions. While the primary source of the infection remains unclear, many cases have been linked to products from Taylor Farms.

Kathmandu, August 5 – Two fatalities have been confirmed from a Cyclospora infection stemming from contaminated food in Michigan, United States. Michigan health officials announced this confirmation on Monday. This marks the first death attributed to this foodborne illness in the US, where thousands have been infected. Federal authorities are still investigating how the infection originated and spread.

Regarding the medical background of the deceased, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated on Monday, “The deceased had pre-existing serious health issues, which may have been exacerbated by Cyclospora infection and dehydration.” Typically, health experts do not classify Cyclospora as a fatal disease. The infection was first identified in Michigan in late June, with case numbers steadily increasing since then.

According to the CDC, over 11,000 people across the United States have been infected, though the actual number may be higher due to underreporting. The exact source of the outbreak has yet to be established, but many cases have been linked to fresh produce from Taylor Farms. These products were sold at Taco Bell locations. In mid-July, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico. Taco Bell has also announced that it is no longer using lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms.

The CDC explains that Cyclospora is a gastrointestinal illness commonly spreading during the summer months. The infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that contaminates food and water via fecal matter. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the primary sources. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal gas, weight loss, stomach pain, fatigue, and vomiting. Treatment typically involves antibiotics; however, symptoms sometimes improve without medical intervention.

Contract Employees Lock Administration and Accounts Departments at Bhimdatta Multipurpose Technical Institute

Contract employees at Bhimdatta Multipurpose Technical Institute, located in Patan, Baitadi, have locked the administration and accounts departments to press for their demands. Employees working nationwide under the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) have initiated a phased protest seeking social security and assured services. The protest is being led by a struggle committee formed under the leadership of the institute’s Information Officer, Maheshraj Bhatt, representing more than 20 contract employees.

The lockout of the administration and accounts departments took place at 2 PM today. Contractual, monthly, and daily wage workers under CTEVT have started this strike to voice their demands. Information Officer Maheshraj Bhatt confirmed that the Bhimdatta Multipurpose Technical Institute in Patan was locked down as part of the ongoing protest.

The struggle committee, formed under Bhatt’s leadership, has announced plans for phased protest programs focused on securing social security and service guarantees. With more than 20 contract employees working at the technical institute, the movement is being advanced with social security and service assurance as its primary goals.

Despite Gandaki Province Legalizing Cannabis Cultivation, Challenges Persist

The Gandaki Province Chief officially certified the ‘Cannabis-Related Bill’ on Monday, sparking concerns across various levels about potential conflicts with existing laws. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Law have indicated ongoing studies regarding this matter.

Although Gandaki provincial officials emphasize that the legalization of cannabis cultivation has now opened a legal pathway, several legal experts argue that the bill may not align with federal and international laws, making implementation challenging. According to the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Parshwar Dhungana, the ministry has been tasked with studying the harmonization of laws enacted by all three levels of government.

Yashoda Rimal, Minister of Industry and Tourism of Gandaki Province, stated that official information on this matter will be published in the Nepal Gazette within the next few days. “Once published in the Gazette, the act will come into effect and related regulations and directives will be formulated accordingly. Regardless, the bill’s certification can be regarded as a legal pathway for cannabis cultivation for medicinal and industrial purposes,” she said. Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatt certified the newly passed cannabis legislation by the Provincial Assembly on Monday.

Some legal professionals have expressed doubts about the commencement of cannabis cultivation in Gandaki Province, noting that the Narcotic Drugs Act, 1976 (2033 BS) remains in effect and Nepal is a party to the United Nations drug conventions. However, Minister Rimal remains confident that other laws will not pose significant obstacles, especially given that the World Health Organization has recognized the medicinal properties of cannabis. “Our bill has been submitted according to Schedule No. 20 related to provincial jurisdiction,” she explained.

25 US States File Lawsuit Against Trump’s New Import Tariffs

August 5, Washington (RASS/ANI) – Twenty-five US states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s newly imposed import tariffs on nearly 60 countries, including the European Union, citing claims that the products were produced under ‘forced labor.’ The states argue that these tariffs exceed the administration’s legal authority, violate US law, and ultimately impose financial burdens on consumers and businesses. Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a coalition including attorneys general from Arizona and Oregon has taken the case to the US International Trade Court. They contend that the tariffs, imposed under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, do not meet legal standards.

According to the California Attorney General’s office, the Trump administration applied these new tariffs on imports from over 80 trading partners, including the European Union, on Monday. These countries account for approximately 99.4% of all imports into the United States. The coalition emphasized that beyond the tariffs themselves, the economic impact will be borne by American consumers and businesses, accusing President Trump of pursuing policies that increase the cost of living. Attorney General Bonta argued that the administration is attempting to reimpose trade measures that courts had previously blocked, but this time on different grounds.

The complaint points out that the investigation under Section 301 was completed on nearly 60 economies simultaneously within roughly two and a half months, a process that usually takes years and involves country-specific procedures. The investigation reportedly relied on broad studies and aggregate analysis of each country’s circumstances, which the lawsuit claims violates trade and administrative procedure laws. The suit also recalls that two previous trade actions by the Trump administration were halted by courts. Specifically, tariffs applied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were ruled illegal by courts, and another broad tariff effort under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act was also unsuccessful, the lawsuit states.

Nepal’s First Historical Sports Exhibition ‘Beyond the Medals’ Opens

The first historical sports exhibition in Nepal, ‘Beyond the Medals,’ opened on Tuesday at the Nepal Art Council in Babarmahal. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel inaugurated the exhibition and expressed the government’s commitment to supporting the proper management of the museum. Sonsee Shrestha, Chairperson of the Nepal Olympic Museum, expressed her dedication to fulfilling her parents’ dream and preserving the history of sports.

Organized by the Nepal Olympic Museum, this inaugural historical sports exhibition started on Tuesday at the Nepal Art Council in Babarmahal. The exhibition, titled ‘Beyond the Medals: Preserving Nepal’s Sports History,’ was officially opened by Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel. The late Kshitij Arun Shrestha had established Nepal’s first sports museum in South Asia in 1994.

Chairperson Sonsee Shrestha shared that the exhibition was organized in memory of her late father Kshitij Arun Shrestha and mother Manju Tuladhar, expressing pride in the event. She stated, “My father started the Nepal Olympic Museum 33 years ago. I plan to expand and better organize it. This is our invaluable sports history. My goal is to fulfill my parents’ dream.”

Minister Pokharel pledged that the government would provide all possible support to further organize the museum, which encapsulates the history of Nepali sports. The exhibition, running for three days, features Nepal’s sports history, participation in national and international competitions, and historic moments including medals won.

Ragini Upadhyay Gold Medal 2026 Awarded to Young Artist Nancy Vishwakarma

19th Shrawan, Kathmandu – This year, the Ragini Upadhyay Gold Medal 2026 has been awarded to young artist Nancy Vishwakarma. The gold medal was presented to Nancy in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements. The award ceremony took place recently at the convocation of Lucknow University.

This award was established by Lucknow University in India in honor of the Nepali painter Ragini Upadhyay. Since 2025, it has been given to young students excelling in the field of art. Painter Upadhyay stated that this award aims to inspire young artists to follow the path of creativity, dedication, and excellence.

She further expressed that the gold medal will continue to encourage countless young artists for many years to come to pursue their dreams and advance steadily in their artistic endeavors.

Horses Seen Running to Escape Fire Near Kandili Village in Greece

On Monday, August 3, a fire broke out in a field near Kandili village, located northwest of Athens, Greece, where a group of horses was observed running together. According to videos captured by local media, none of the horses were harmed.

Currently, widespread wildfires are affecting various parts of Greece. Recently, two helicopters engaged in firefighting efforts collided, resulting in the deaths of two people aboard one of the aircraft.

Microsoft Warns to Exercise Caution When Using Wi-Fi in Hotels

News Summary

  • Microsoft has advised special caution as Russia-backed hackers are targeting hotel and public Wi-Fi users.
  • Hackers are spreading viruses by displaying fake Windows or software update messages on the login portals of public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Microsoft recommends users to rely on their personal mobile hotspots instead of public Wi-Fi and avoid suspicious pop-up messages or file downloads.

August 5, Kathmandu – Microsoft has issued a warning to exercise caution when using hotel Wi-Fi networks. Russia-backed hackers are targeting Wi-Fi networks at hotels and other public places. According to Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence division, the hacking group known as ‘Storm-2945’ is actively involved in these attacks.

The hackers are exploiting the captive portals seen when logging into Wi-Fi networks at hotels, airports, or conference venues. When users attempt to connect, they are shown fake software update or security file download prompts.

Users may encounter deceptive windows mimicking Windows updates, Windows Security virus scans, browser updates, or Google’s ‘Verify It Is You’ message. Clicking on these files or updates installs malware onto the device.

Once the virus infects the device, hackers can steal browser cookies, passwords, and sensitive documents. They may also gain remote control of the device by accessing Microsoft 365 accounts, email, and OneDrive.

To protect against such hacking attempts, Microsoft recommends using personal mobile hotspots or private networks instead of hotel, airport, or public Wi-Fi. It also warns users not to accept pop-up messages or file download requests when connected to public Wi-Fi.

Microsoft further advises not to download browser updates, security tools, or software updates from captive portals or suspicious websites. Users should remain vigilant for unusual activity on their devices or login screens when connected to public networks.

How to Become a Successful Parent?

News Summary

In the era of technology and AI, it is essential to guide students in recognizing accurate information and using it wisely.

  • In the era of technology and AI, it is essential to guide students in recognizing accurate information and using it wisely.

The laws of nature are unique. Life becomes easier only by establishing friendship with nature; otherwise, nature will chart its own course. This is a universal truth. Similarly, our children are part of nature.

It is the duty of every parent and educational institution to provide children not only with bookish knowledge but also with nature-friendly values, traditions, and practical education.

Through my four decades of teaching experience, I have come to realize one thing. Having passed through the crucial phases of childhood and youth, I now hold the responsibilities of a mother and a teacher.

The question arises: based on the education and culture we have received, what kind of future generation (our children) will we shape? While teachers and schools bear some responsibility, the values and morals imparted within the family home are even more significant.

Today’s generation lives in the era of technology and AI, with internet access reaching most households. Hence, students no longer need to rely solely on parents or teachers for knowledge acquisition. The primary need is to find the right sources of information and utilize them responsibly.

Wealth and possessions are merely means of livelihood. Parents must manage their time, balancing the pursuit of wealth and luxury, and attentively monitor the direction of their children’s future.

Love, affection, open communication, and mutual care foster closeness with children. Building a bright future is ultimately the responsibility of parents.

No matter how much wealth or peace there is, if children are not on the right path, all those values become meaningless. Just as clay pots are shaped, parents must take responsibility for shaping their children. Becoming a successful parent requires at least a minimum sense of duty.

As the saying goes – ‘One’s company determines their fate.’ The home environment, society, and peers significantly influence the path children take. Challenges such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs may also arise.

Therefore, the primary responsibility of supervision lies with the parents, while the rest is the duty of educational institutions.

Every child has the right to a proper home environment and correct values. It is the responsibility of both parents and schools to protect children’s right to education and writing skills and to build a bright future.

While education from schools is important, the values and morals instilled at home form the foundation of character building. In the age of AI and the internet, children do not lack information, but they need to be taught how to distinguish right from wrong and how to use technology appropriately.

(The author, Pooja Khadka, works as a teacher at Gorkha Model Secondary School, Lamahi-6, Dang.)

Trump Claims Iran’s Last Chance to Reach a Deal Amid Ongoing Negotiations

News Summary

Editorial reviewed.

  • U.S. President Donald Trump claims negotiations with Iran are ongoing and considers this Iran’s last opportunity to sign a favorable agreement.
  • Trump accuses Iranian leadership of showing duplicity and asserts that the Strait of Hormuz is entirely under U.S. Navy control.
  • Rising fuel prices and inflation could pose challenges for the Republican Party in retaining the House majority in the upcoming midterm elections.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that talks with Iran are currently ongoing.

He described this as Iran’s “last chance to sign a good deal.” Speaking to reporters at the White House, he stated that the negotiations had begun at Iran’s request.

Trump accused the Iranian leadership of duplicity, sharing a post on the social media platform Truth Social.

He noted that Iranian leaders have requested meetings for talks but publicly claim that there are no negotiations between the two countries.

The U.S. President asserted, “The Strait of Hormuz is already fully under U.S. Navy control, and nothing reaches Iran without their permission. This situation will continue until a deal is made or Iran surrenders.”

Meanwhile, Trump appealed to American companies on Monday to immediately lower fuel prices.

Analysts suggest that rising fuel costs and inflation concerns could become significant challenges for the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections.

If inflation pressures persist, the Republican Party risks losing its majority in the House of Representatives, potentially weakening its control over Congress.