Author: space4knews

March 31, Kathmandu — The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee has set the wholesale prices for agricultural produce for today. According to the committee, the prices are as follows: large tomatoes (Indian) NPR 75 per kilogram, small tomatoes (local) NPR 30 per kilogram, small tomatoes (Indian) NPR 30 per kilogram, small tomatoes (Terai) NPR 40 per kilogram, red potatoes NPR 20 per kilogram, red potatoes (Indian) NPR 22 per kilogram, and dried onions (Indian) NPR 36 per kilogram.

Similarly, carrots (local) are priced at NPR 30 per kilogram, carrots (Terai) NPR 20 per kilogram, cabbages (local) NPR 30 per kilogram, cabbages (Narbole) NPR 25 per kilogram, cauliflower (local) NPR 60 per kilogram, cauliflower (local – Jyapu variety) NPR 80 per kilogram, cauliflower (Terai) NPR 50 per kilogram, white radish (local) NPR 20 per kilogram, white radish (hybrid) NPR 30 per kilogram, long bottle gourd NPR 60 per kilogram, and short bottle gourd NPR 70 per kilogram.

Further prices include green bean pods NPR 80 per kilogram, shelled peas NPR 70 per kilogram, local winged bean NPR 90 per kilogram, hybrid winged bean NPR 70 per kilogram, rajma beans NPR 100 per kilogram, winged pod beans NPR 85 per kilogram, bitter gourd NPR 140 per kilogram, bottle gourd NPR 70 per kilogram, pumpkin (Terai) NPR 90 per kilogram, ginger pumpkin NPR 90 per kilogram, ripe pumpkin NPR 60 per kilogram, long green pumpkin NPR 35 per kilogram, short green pumpkin NPR 20 per kilogram, okra NPR 110 per kilogram, ash gourd NPR 70 per kilogram, bitter melon NPR 70 per kilogram, ridged gourd NPR 60 per kilogram, and sponge gourd NPR 50 per kilogram.

Other vegetables include mustard greens NPR 60 per kilogram, spinach NPR 80 per kilogram, chamsur NPR 90 per kilogram, taro leaves NPR 60 per kilogram, fenugreek NPR 80 per kilogram, green onions NPR 90 per kilogram, bakula NPR 50 per kilogram, tarul NPR 80 per kilogram, small mushrooms NPR 130 per kilogram, large mushrooms NPR 350 per kilogram, king oyster mushrooms NPR 300 per kilogram, and shiitake mushrooms NPR 1,000 per kilogram.

Kuri pumpkin NPR 500 per kilogram, sugarcane NPR 80 per kilogram, broccoli NPR 80 per kilogram, beetroot NPR 60 per kilogram, saag sively NPR 140 per kilogram, koirala NPR 250 per kilogram, cumin leaves NPR 70 per kilogram, collard greens NPR 60 per kilogram, celery NPR 120 per kilogram, parsley NPR 200 per kilogram, fennel leaves NPR 90 per kilogram, mint NPR 120 per kilogram, turnip NPR 60 per kilogram, tamarind NPR 180 per kilogram, copper leaf NPR 130 per kilogram, tofu NPR 150 per kilogram, and dried fermented leafy vegetable (gundruk) NPR 330 per kilogram.

Apples (winter variety) NPR 250 per kilogram, apples (Fuji variety) NPR 300 per kilogram, bananas (per dozen) NPR 220, lemons NPR 230 per kilogram, pomegranates NPR 350 per kilogram, green grapes NPR 220 per kilogram, black grapes NPR 350 per kilogram, Indian oranges NPR 150 per kilogram, green watermelon NPR 50 per kilogram, groundnuts NPR 160 each.

Local cucumbers NPR 30 per kilogram, hybrid cucumbers NPR 20 per kilogram, local hybrid cucumbers NPR 25 per kilogram, sponge gourd (Khaktahar) NPR 100 per kilogram, limes NPR 80 per kilogram, Chinese pears NPR 250 per kilogram, Nepali nuts NPR 70 per kilogram, Indian nuts NPR 110 per kilogram, kinus NPR 130 per kilogram, strawberries NPR 300 per kilogram, and kiwis NPR 400 per kilogram have been set.

Additionally, amla (Indian gooseberry) NPR 180 per kilogram, ginger NPR 100 per kilogram, dried chili NPR 420 per kilogram, green chili NPR 80 per kilogram, bullet green chili NPR 80 per kilogram, mache green chili NPR 90 per kilogram, Akbare green chili NPR 800 per kilogram, sheep chili NPR 132 per kilogram, fresh garlic NPR 80 per kilogram, fresh coriander NPR 90 per kilogram have been fixed.

Dried garlic (Chinese) NPR 240 per kilogram, dried garlic (Nepali) NPR 180 per kilogram, dried mushrooms NPR 120 per kilogram, fresh mushrooms NPR 100 per kilogram, dried fish NPR 1,000 per kilogram, fresh fish (Rahu) NPR 350 per kilogram, fresh fish (Bachuwa) NPR 280 per kilogram, and fresh fish (Chhadi) NPR 250 per kilogram have also been priced.

Kathmandu – Former Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Shavi Rizal, has been arrested by a team from the Crime Investigation Office. Rizal served as the CDO of Kathmandu during the JENJI movement. He is accused of suppressing the JENJI protests on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24 in the Nepali calendar). At the time, he was closely associated with then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Rizal was removed from his position as Kathmandu’s Chief District Officer less than a month after the crackdown on the JENJI movement. The investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki had also recommended disciplinary action against Rizal. Based on the commission’s recommendations, former Prime Minister and UML leader KP Sharma Oli, along with former Home Minister and Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, were arrested last Saturday.

Before becoming Kathmandu’s Chief District Officer, Rizal headed the Administrative Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. During Ramesh Lekhak’s tenure as Home Minister, Rizal served as the head of the Administrative Division and faced allegations of unprofessional conduct, including assigning staff to immigration and attractive offices in ways that contravened official procedures. In a charge-sheet submitted to the Special Court, the Anti-Corruption Commission stated that an investigation is ongoing against Rizal, then head of the Administrative Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, for corruption. The investigation also focuses on individuals named in connection with irregular activities, including private secretary Badri Tiwari, personal secretary Janak Bhatt, Home Secretary Gokarn Mani Duwaadi, and Immigration Officer Tirthraj Bhattarai at the international airport, as detailed in diaries and other documents under scrutiny.

At just 26 years old, Manish Khanal has been elected as a Member of Parliament from Nawalpur Constituency No. 2. Khanal played an active role in the JENJI uprising on Bhadra 23 and 24, serving as a drafter of the 10-point agreement. He has plans to address issues in his constituency through policy and legal reforms for its prosperity. Khanal never imagined that his dream to become an MP at such a young age would come true; he always saw himself as a warrior of the streets. Accordingly, he was involved in various social movements, including the one on Bhadra 23 and 24, where he actively participated in documenting the protests. “I always thought someday I would contest elections, become an MP, or represent Nawalpur Constituency No. 2,” he says, “but I never expected it to happen so soon.”

Following the transformative impact of the JENJI uprising on Nepal’s political landscape, Khanal contested the election from Nawalpur Constituency No. 2, where he won by a significant margin. He secured 41,347 votes, while the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) candidate Til Bahadur Mahat Chhetri received 15,755 votes, and Nepali Congress candidate Om Bahadur Gharti came third with 14,713 votes. Born in an ordinary family, Khanal completed his School Leaving Certificate from a community school and later moved to Kathmandu. He graduated from Nepal Law Campus and is a qualified lawyer. His political journey began with the Bibeksheel Nepali campaign, and he has actively contributed to various social movements concerning medical education reform, justice for Nirmala Pant, the Lalita Niwas land scandal, and the Lokman Singh case.

At age 20, Khanal became a central committee member of the Bibeksheel Nepali Party. Later, he joined the National Independent Party and served as the chief of staff for then-MP Asim Shah. He also worked briefly in the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ policy and legal division. As an active participant in the JENJI uprising on Bhadra 23 and 24, Khanal was one of the drafters of the 10-point agreement reached between the government and the protestors. Having played a vital role in drafting the agreement, he felt the responsibility to raise youth voices from the streets to the legislative assembly. “There was a call for someone to institutionalize the spirit of the uprising. Should we look for an alternative or become the alternative ourselves? That is why I came forward thinking I could be a suitable young candidate for Nawalpur Constituency No. 2,” he explains.

His main goal was to convey the voice from the streets into the parliament. However, due to his young age, there were many doubts and suspicions during the electoral campaign. Many commented on his youth, and some even doubted his credibility. Prevailing notions that leaders must be “graying” or “physically imposing” made the early days difficult. Yet, through door-to-door visits, media engagement, and direct meetings, Khanal found that voters prioritized ideas, capability, and experience over age. His legal knowledge, experience in parliamentary secretariat, and role in the uprising provided him with a strong foundation.

Moreover, Nawalpur Constituency No. 2 encompasses a diverse geography. The northern region is hilly, while the southern area includes the flat Terai and Inner Madhesh plains. Khanal refers to his district as a “three-tier district.” The northern part hosts Magar and Gurung communities, where agricultural products like ginger and oranges have the potential to tap into good markets. There is also a long-standing demand to commence production at the Dhaubadi iron mine in Hupsekot Rural Municipality.

In the southern region, issues such as erosion of the Narayani River, human-wildlife conflicts, and administrative complications due to it being an intermediate region pose key challenges. Areas adjoining Chitwan National Park suffer from rhino and tiger attacks that destroy crops, with compensation processes being cumbersome and insufficient. Khanal recalls that even during the election, three people were attacked by rhinos. Being an intermediate region also brings challenges in service availability and administrative delays that frustrate locals. Unemployment, absentee populations, and the compulsion to seek foreign employment for minimum wages are common shared grievances of the voters.

According to Khanal, the youth’s expectations are clear. Most young people work abroad, but they wish to avoid migration if they can find minimum wage jobs domestically. They envision generating income by operating homestays along the Narayani River and developing Triveni Dham into a tourist hub connected to Devghat. They believe that if Chitwan prospers by showcasing rhinos, Nawalpur can also thrive similarly. “If Chitwan is prospering by promoting rhino tourism, why should we fear? We too can generate income by showing rhinos,” Khanal quotes the youth’s perspective and expresses his commitment to do what he can.

For all these initiatives, Khanal adopted the campaign slogan: “Policy Leads to Law and Law Leads to Prosperity.” He aims to link his legislative role directly with the district’s prosperity. His plans include resolving the issues of the intermediate region, constructing roads and infrastructure, and controlling river erosion through policy and legal measures. He has pledged to both watchdog and support the government’s 100-day action plan as well as the spirit of the 10-point agreement made with JENJI in parliament.

As one of the leaders of the JENJI movement, Khanal says he will carry youth sentiments in parliament. “Today’s youth do not seek long speeches but expect delivery. Their call is for the assigned work to be completed within the designated timeframe. The youth of the reels era demand short, crisp, yet effective results,” he notes. “My goal after winning and going to Kathmandu is to break the common complaint of voters about elected representatives disappearing from their districts.”

March 31, Kathmandu – The Security Committee of the Iranian Parliament has approved a plan to collect tolls from ships and oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. According to Iran’s official media outlet, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), this plan includes levying fees on all vessels transiting this strategic waterway, with a provision to impose a complete ban on American and Israeli ships.

The legislation passed by the parliamentary committee will require international vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz to pay transit fees. Iran states that this measure is intended to reinforce its sovereignty, cover security management expenses, and generate new sources of revenue. Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is recognized as an international maritime passage, granting all nations’ ships the right to free navigation.

Analysts suggest that Iran’s decision may conflict with international maritime law. The move is expected to face strong opposition from the United States and Gulf countries. Experts also warn that this could not only challenge the principle of freedom of navigation but might also introduce further volatility to global oil prices.

Iran claims it has the responsibility to ensure security in the Hormuz region and argues that charging fees in return is justified. This move is seen as an effort by Iran to legally establish its control and influence over the Strait of Hormuz. Local media report that the proposal aims to formally secure Iran’s sovereignty, control, and monitoring capabilities over the strait, while creating a new revenue stream. Iranian parliamentarian Mohammad Reza is quoted saying that charging fees on vessels passing through Hormuz is as natural as it is on other international routes.

On Monday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah initiated dialogue with members of parliament from Koshi and Karnali provinces, addressing local issues and national matters. He expressed a commitment to prioritize development projects based on budgetary allocations and to distribute the budget equitably across all areas. Although MPs raised questions regarding the arrest of CPN party chairman KP Sharma Oli, Prime Minister Balendra remained silent on the topic.

Kathmandu, 30 March – Prime Minister Balendra Shah has begun discussions with members of parliament. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, MPs were consulted to gather suggestions about problems in their constituencies, potential solutions, and work at the national level. On Monday, opinions were collected from MPs representing Koshi and Karnali provinces, with plans to hold province-level consultations with other MPs.

During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, MPs from both provinces brought up local issues, development projects, budgeting, and social security. According to House of Representatives member Yagnamani Nyaupane, the collective provincial problems as well as constituency-specific concerns were conveyed to the Prime Minister. He stated, “The Prime Minister inquired about which issues require immediate resolution and the possible solutions.”

Prime Minister Balendra affirmed his commitment to give priority to development initiatives in accordance with the budget and to ensure equal budget distribution across all regions. However, he remained silent on certain topics raised by the MPs. Notably, MPs from the CPN UML party questioned him about the arrest of party chairman KP Sharma Oli.

The Nepal Rastra Bank announced today an increase in the value of the US dollar, while the exchange rates of the Euro, UK Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, and Australian Dollar declined. Today, the US dollar’s buying rate is set at NPR 151.44 and the selling rate at NPR 152.04. The central bank has stated that exchange rates may be adjusted as necessary and that up-to-date rates are available on its website.

According to today’s exchange rates, although the US dollar appreciated, the Euro, UK Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, and Australian Dollar saw decreases. The Euro’s buying rate today is NPR 174.04 and the selling rate NPR 174.73, compared to yesterday’s buying rate of NPR 174.27 and selling rate of NPR 174.96.

Today’s buying rate for the UK Pound Sterling is NPR 200.52 with a selling rate of NPR 201.32, down from yesterday’s buying rate of NPR 200.76 and selling rate of NPR 201.56. The Swiss Franc’s buying rate stands at NPR 189.48 and selling rate at NPR 190.23 today.

The Australian Dollar also declined today, with a buying rate of NPR 103.87 and a selling rate of NPR 104.28. Yesterday, it traded at a buying rate of NPR 104.06 and selling rate of NPR 104.48. The Indian Rupee’s buying and selling rates are NPR 160.00 and NPR 160.15, respectively. The Nepal Rastra Bank has emphasized that it can adjust exchange rates at any time as necessary.

The government of Lumbini Province has handed over the Provincial Data Management Information System to Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya. Chief Minister Acharya stated that this system will play a crucial role in policy-making and decision processes based on data. The system includes 1,196 data variables, 34 sectoral developments, and 164 indicators, and will be accessible to 109 local governments within the province.

March 30, Butwal – The Provincial Government of Lumbini officially received the Provincial Data Management Information System. The system was handed over to Chief Minister Chetan Narayan Acharya by the Provincial Planning Commission. During a ceremony held on Monday, Chief Minister Acharya inaugurated the information system, emphasizing its vital role in enhancing data-driven policy formulation and decision-making.

Chief Minister Acharya highlighted the necessity of providing detailed information about the achievements of all three tiers of government to both the government and citizens. He also noted that the provincial government is pursuing various initiatives to increase transparency. Additionally, he assigned the Provincial Information Technology Institute the responsibility for the system’s regular updates and operations. Dr. Dilliraj Aryal, Vice Chairperson of the Provincial Planning Commission, shared that the system was developed with a focus on promoting good governance, delivering effective services, and ensuring accountability.

The breakaway faction of the Nepali Congress, distinct from the party’s founding group, has intensified internal disputes by launching parallel activities. From the day former Home Minister Ramesh Lalekar was arrested, this faction has begun operating in an official party style. Acting Chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka has called a meeting of the central working committee elected by the 14th General Convention. Kathmandu, March 30.

The rival group within the Nepali Congress has resumed parallel activities, escalating internal tensions that had already surfaced ahead of elections. Following the arrest of former Home Minister Lalekar, faction leader Purna Bahadur Khadka, speaking as acting chairperson, issued a statement, bringing the conflict back into the limelight. The arrest has exposed divergent perspectives between the founding and the breakaway factions on the issue.

Since Lalekar’s arrest, this breakaway group has conducted party activities claiming official status. His arrest gave rise to two distinct Congress factions within the political landscape. After the Election Commission granted recognition to the leadership selected at the special general assembly, Khadka released a statement as acting chairperson using the party’s letterhead. Conversely, the official Congress leadership issued a statement without mentioning Lalekar’s name, criticizing the government’s recent actions as “selective.” However, the party clarified that no protest or agitation would be organized against this move.