The Nepal Bar Association has decided to express disagreement and oppose the report of the investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki.
Bar Association President Dr. Vijay Prasad Mishra stated that the report contains accusations against the independent judiciary and legal professionals.
The Bar Association plans to submit a memorandum regarding the report and form a separate committee for further study.
March 26, Kathmandu – In an emergency meeting, the Nepal Bar Association decided to express disagreement and protest against the report presented by the investigation commission headed by Gauribahadur Karki.
Dr. Vijay Prasad Mishra, President of the Bar Association, explained that opposition arose because certain parts of the report undermine the values of an independent judiciary and unjustly defame legal practitioners.
He told reporters, ‘For now, we have decided to officially express our disagreement by submitting a memorandum to the Supreme Court and the judges. Furthermore, a separate committee has been formed to conduct a more detailed study.’
The Bar also criticized the report for including unnecessary commentary on some Supreme Court rulings, subjective interpretations, and other objectionable matters, stating that the commission’s officials exceeded their mandate.
The Bar Association has announced that it will release a detailed stance on the investigation commission’s report after the conclusion of the study committee’s findings.
According to reports, Balen Shah released a new song titled ‘Jai Mahakali’ on YouTube ahead of his oath-taking as Prime Minister. This release came just hours after the Rastriya Swatantra Party approved him as the leader of its parliamentary party. Balen plans to release three songs in total, including ‘Maya Cha’ and ‘Sabailai Hatar Cha,’ which will be unveiled shortly.
In Kathmandu, hip-hop artist and incoming Prime Minister Balen Shah launched his new track ‘Jai Mahakali’ on YouTube this Thursday. This came shortly after the Rastriya Swatantra Party endorsed him as the parliamentary party leader. It was already announced that Balen intended to release three songs, with Thursday’s song being the first. Sources close to him have confirmed that the remaining two songs will be released soon.
The audio of this song was originally released 11 years ago. It has now been remastered and re-released with a video that features footage from Balen’s election campaign. The song strongly reflects themes of national unity and patriotism. The upcoming tracks include ‘Maya Cha,’ released on Spotify in 2021 in collaboration with Trishala Gurung, and ‘Sabailai Hatar Cha,’ an audio version featuring Rochana Dahal that appeared on YouTube four years ago.
According to sources close to Balen, once the government is formed, he also intends to advance his progress in the music industry. The 36-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu is preparing to become the youngest Prime Minister. Alongside his political engagements, he remains active in the hip-hop scene. His songs like ‘Balidan’ and ‘Savjez’ have garnered significant attention on social media. In an interview with the World Association of Major Metropolises, Balen described music as a medium to raise awareness and engage youth on serious national issues.
US President Donald Trump criticized NATO for not assisting on matters relating to Iran.
Trump stated on Truth Social that the US does not seek assistance from NATO.
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
He posted his criticism on the social media platform, Truth Social.
On Truth Social, he wrote, “NATO countries did not assist us in dealing with a ‘crazy country’ like Iran, which is now completely militarily devastated. America does not want anything from NATO, but I will never forget this important point.”
Trump has called on countries worldwide to send naval forces to open the Strait of Hormuz.
On March 14, he wrote on Truth Social, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other affected countries will also send ships to the area so that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer threatened from a completely destroyed country. In any case, we will soon make the Strait of Hormuz open, safe, and free.”
The Gorkhapatra Institute has embarked on plans to elevate Gorkhapatra Daily as the official state publishing house.
The institute has launched the Gorkhapatra Academy focusing on enhancing journalistic standards and research.
For the first time, the institute is initiating national issue debates through a public-private partnership, preparing to provide recommendations to the government.
March 26, Kathmandu – The Gorkhapatra Institute has announced efforts to advance Gorkhapatra Daily, known as the government’s official gazette, as the state publishing house. In response to changing circumstances, the institute aims to maximize editorial independence while centering the voice of citizens and has begun initiatives for necessary legal and policy reforms.
Led by executive chief Lal Bahadur Airy, the institute has reportedly initiated dozens of improvement measures. According to the institute, efforts are underway to strengthen financial health sustainably and produce tangible outcomes focused on research and development to preserve the historical identity of Gorkhapatra Daily.
Prioritizing research and development, the Gorkhapatra Institute has established the Gorkhapatra Academy. The Academy concentrates on enhancing the quality of human resources working at Gorkhapatra, institutional development, and the overall growth of journalism through research. It offers training programs, fellowships, and various events across different journalistic disciplines.
The institute has embraced the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) during this period. AI-related policies have been introduced across the institute’s various publications. To restore Gorkhapatra’s credibility among younger generations, the institute is providing specialized multimedia content for news, information, and public service materials on platforms such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger.
For the first time in its 125-year history, the institute has initiated debates on national needs and policies through public-private partnerships. Following the Genji movement on September 8 and 9, the Academy hosted a program titled ‘Recovery and Resilience’ aimed at boosting morale. The policy recommendations generated during this event are planned to be formally submitted to the government, the Gorkhapatra Academy stated.
Due to effective market strategies, the institute’s business has recently doubled, and it currently operates profitably. The commercial department noted that despite government institutions generally operating at a loss and burdening the government, the Gorkhapatra Institute has shown a twofold growth in advertising markets and continues to be profitable, a fact confirmed by the Ministry of Finance’s institutional review report.
As part of the initiative to transform the institute into a state media organization, Managing Director Airy has already submitted a draft act to the ministry. The institute has targeted its publications under a ‘Citizen Voice First’ policy, prioritizing issues relevant to the public.
Over the past six months, 178 contractual and daily-wage employees of the institute have received social security benefits. Additionally, the institute has implemented the Journalist Labor Act, establishing basic salary standards for journalists as mandated by law.
For the first time, the institute has conducted an Organization and Management (O&M) survey which has been approved and implemented. This initiative has laid the foundation for instituting new positions, optimizing unnecessary workforce reductions, and filling vacancies. After an eight-year hiatus, recruitment and promotion activities have also progressed. The institute reports providing promotion opportunities to nearly all deserving employees while continuing new recruitments.
March 26, Kathmandu – Two individuals have been arrested on charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust involving a total amount of Rs 57 million.
The suspects include 58-year-old Krishnaprasad Dangal from Shivchok, Panchkhal Municipality-2, Kavre District, and 28-year-old Sarita Guni from Khairahani Municipality-10, Chitwan. Both were apprehended by a team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in the Kageshwari Manohara area.
A warrant for their arrest was issued by the Dhanusha District Court. Prior to this, the Chitwan police had filed two cases of banking fraud against Guni amounting to Rs 62 million, with sums of Rs 32 million and Rs 30 million respectively.
Following the oath-taking of newly elected members of parliament, interest has revived regarding how the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will present itself in the legislature. With nearly a two-thirds majority, RSP spokesperson and MP Manish Jhala has asserted that the party will advance its responsibilities diligently, in line with public expectations. MPs from opposition parties have expressed willingness to cooperate with the policies the RSP plans to adopt moving forward. The RSP emerged as the largest party in the House of Representatives following the general election held after the Gen Z uprising in Bhadra, securing 182 parliamentary seats. The main opposition Nepali Congress holds 38 seats, CPN-UML 25, Nepali Communist Party 17, Labour Culture Party seven, Rastriya Prajatantra Party four, along with one independent MP.
Analysts suggest that with the diminished presence of established political parties, the RSP is compelled to distinguish itself from these groups. The party’s leaders do not dismiss this perspective. To explain their distinctiveness, Jhala noted that the majority of voters specifically chose RSP over other parties. “Previously, we helped strengthen others; now, we are the ones being supported,” he said. “Voters have put their trust and opportunity in us because others did not fulfill expectations. We understand this clearly and will act accordingly.”
Jhala also mentioned that preparations to engage differently in government along with parliament have already begun through orientation programs. He pointed out that MPs have been instructed to maintain vigilance regarding government activities. “At the orientation, Deputy Speaker Swarnim Wagle urged us to hold the government accountable and warned us not to be complacent,” Jhala shared. “This directive signals their alertness to ensure the government remains on the right path. We will continue this practice and strive to maintain an environment of constant vigilance.”
March 26, Kathmandu – Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held talks in Astana on Thursday. The meeting highlighted that the trade relations between the two countries have reached new heights.
Prime Minister Mishustin revealed that trade turnover between Russia and Kazakhstan has nearly reached 30 billion US dollars. “We expected it would take more time to achieve the 30 billion dollar target, but now we are already very close to it,” he stated.
During the meeting, Mishustin also mentioned that Russian companies’ investments in Kazakhstan have reached approximately 30 billion dollars. He encouraged Kazakhstani businesspeople to actively engage in joint projects and industrial cooperation in Russia.
President Tokayev praised Russia as Kazakhstan’s major trade and investment partner and expressed optimism that the strategic relations between the two countries will be further strengthened.
Additionally, it was noted that on Thursday evening, the meeting of the heads of government of the Eurasian Economic Union will commence in the city of Shymkent, Kazakhstan, where Prime Minister Mishustin will participate.
UML Secretary Aryal took oath in the Federal Parliament and expressed commitment to support the government on the basis of its merits and faults.
He stated his intention to positively assist in constructive opposition roles and expressed an expectation of cooperation.
As a parliamentarian, he vowed to diligently fulfill his duties reflecting public trust and expectations, while maintaining transparency and good governance.
March 26, Kathmandu — Aryal, who holds the post of secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), has expressed his commitment to support the government based on its merits and demerits.
After taking oath in the Federal Parliament today, he told reporters that as a member of the opposition, he will play a cooperative role in supporting positive initiatives based on their qualities.
“Being in the opposition, we will support positive works based on their merits and faults; this is our commitment. We also expect cooperation,” he remarked. “Our desire is to serve the people and the nation, which requires working together with various democratic forces. We will amplify the voices of the people and make our roles more effective for the country’s development and prosperity.”
Speaking independently, he underlined that taking oath as a parliament member is not a personal achievement but a responsibility entrusted by public trust and expectations.
“We will perform our role in parliament as the opposition, and it is our duty to remain vigilant in ensuring transparency and good governance,” he added. “Opposition does not mean unnecessary obstruction; we will continue to support the government in its effective initiatives.”
Sudan Gurung, elected as a member of the House of Representatives from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), appeared at the oath-taking ceremony dressed in his traditional ethnic attire. He was elected from Gorkha Constituency No. 1.
Adorned in a white kachhad, patuka, dosalla, and traditional Dhaka topi, Sudan Gurung’s outfit attracted significant attention.
Main Highlights of Sudan Gurung’s Attire
The Dhaka topi worn by Sudan Gurung is a traditional Gurung community hat. Gurung ‘Tamu’ men typically wear such woolen or Dhaka fabric caps during cultural and formal events. This hat clearly represents Gurung cultural identity.
Over a short-sleeved white shirt with black check print, he has draped a white dosalla ghale or shawl in a crossed style over his shoulders. This dosalla is commonly seen as a decorative element and symbol of respect in Gurung male attire.
Around his waist, he wears a wide dark-colored belt with a large golden buckle, representing a modern version of the traditional patuka. For the lower garment, he dons a white kachhad/dhoti style bottom, which is the primary traditional lower garment for Gurung men. This attire is practical, comfortable, and closely associated with the Himalayan lifestyle.
Significance of Gurung Traditional Dress
The typical Gurung male attire consists of kachhad, patuka, bhoto/bhangra, and the topi. This dress is well suited for the cold climate and daily life of the Himalayan region. Although the combination Sudan Gurung wore is not fully traditional, it offers a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. The checked shirt and contemporary belt add a modern touch.
Appearing in traditional ethnic attire at a nationally significant event like the oath-taking ceremony reflects Sudan Gurung’s respect for cultural diversity and inclusiveness.
Just as Balendra Shah (Balen) wore Silama Sakma’s traditional dress, Sudan Gurung conveyed a message of cultural pride and unity in Nepali politics through his Gurung attire.
This outfit is not merely a combination of clothes but a profound symbol deeply connected to the history, culture, identity, and pride of the Gurung ‘Tamu’ community.
In coordination with the Immigration Department and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Jagat Gurung from Lamjung was arrested for allegedly extorting Rs 100,000 per individual from people wanting to travel abroad by claiming a ‘setting’ is required at Immigration.
Mingmar Dorje Sherpa from Solukhumbu and his wife reportedly paid Rs 220,000 after being asked for money under the pretext of setting during their D-8 visa process.
Director General Ramchandra Tiwari urged the public to report anyone demanding money in connection to immigration, stressing that individuals with complete documents should not be stopped.
March 26, Kathmandu – A man was arrested on charges of extorting Rs 100,000 per person by claiming that a ‘setting’ was necessary at the Immigration Department of Tribhuvan International Airport for those wanting to travel abroad.
Jagat Gurung, a resident of Lamjung, was apprehended on Wednesday in collaboration between the Immigration Department and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the police. Director General of Immigration Ramchandra Tiwari provided information that Gurung was caught at K & C International Pvt. Ltd, a manpower agency located in Lazimpat.
The operation was launched after receiving reports that Gurung was demanding money from those eager to leave the country, saying a ‘setting’ at immigration was necessary. He was caught in possession of Rs 100,000 and is being prepared for transfer to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office at Teku for further investigation.
Mingmar Dorje Sherpa (43) and his wife, residing in Solukhumbu’s Dudhkunda Rural Municipality–2, were involved in this case. His sister has been doing business in South Korea and had initiated the D-8 (Investor) visa process for Mingmar and his wife, Dawa Jangmu Lama (41), to go to Korea.
On February 26 (14 Falgun), Mingmar and his wife visited the South Korean Embassy at Rabi Bhawan to apply for their D-8 visas. While preparing the necessary documents, Mingmar came into contact with a person named Nabin, who was outside the embassy.
Recently, Nabin told Mingmar that the Immigration Department might block their visa process and introduced him to the now-arrested Jagat. According to Mingmar, he was then asked for money to arrange the ‘setting’ at immigration.
“After completing the documentation, I was put in touch with Jagat through Nabin. Then I was told that a ‘setting’ at immigration is required, and I was asked for money,” Mingmar said.
Fourteen days after this incident, on March 10, the couple received their Korea visa. However, Jagat repeatedly contacted them, warning that without the proper ‘setting’ at immigration, they would not be allowed to depart for Korea.
Upon receiving the visa, Mingmar returned to Solukhumbu but was soon called back, being urged to meet quickly. According to Mingmar, even after returning to Kathmandu, Jagat allegedly instilled fears by saying the visa would not include a work permit, immigration might stop or return them, ticket costs could be lost, or the visa could be canceled.
They had already booked Thai Air tickets for March 26 at a rate of Rs 110,000 per person, totaling Rs 220,000 for the two. Jagat threatened them that if they did not pay for the ‘setting’ at immigration, they would be sent back.
Victimized couple Mingmar Dorje Sherpa and Dawa.
“The flight was scheduled for the next day, and I was warned that without payment, I would be returned from immigration. This caused me immense stress. After informing a known employee, I was advised to go to immigration personally. Upon visiting this morning, it became clear that I was being defrauded using the name of the Immigration Department,” Mingmar explained.
Mingmar filed a complaint today at the Immigration Department about the extortion attempt. Following this, Director General Tiwari coordinated with the CIB to arrest Jagat, who was demanding the money.
Jagat was arrested after receiving Rs 100,000 immediately, with the remaining amount to be paid the next day. The arrest was made from Lazimpat in cooperation with the CIB, and he was brought to the Immigration office.
Director General Tiwari urged everyone to be vigilant against those openly demanding money by using the name of the Immigration Department.
“Immigration should not stop anyone who has completed the necessary documents from leaving the country. If anyone demands money claiming it is necessary for immigration or to avoid blockage, I urge all to report it,” Tiwari stated.
A Los Angeles court has delivered a landmark ruling in favor of a young woman who filed a lawsuit against Meta and YouTube, claiming addiction to social media since childhood. The jury concluded that Meta and Google knowingly created platforms designed to be addictive, which adversely impacted the 20-year-old woman’s mental health.
Meta operates Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, while Google runs YouTube. The court ordered these companies to pay the woman, Kelly, $6 million in damages. This decision is expected to have repercussions for similar lawsuits pending in courts across the United States.
Both Meta and Google expressed disagreement with the ruling and are preparing to appeal. Meta stated that adolescent mental health is a complex issue that cannot be attributed solely to a single app. A Google spokesperson emphasized, “YouTube has been misunderstood in this case as it is a streaming platform designed with responsibility, not a social media site.”
The court issued an interim order for Kelly to receive $3 million as compensation and an additional $3 million as punitive damages, concluding that the companies engaged in “malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent conduct” through their platforms. Meta was assigned 70 percent of the liability, while Google was responsible for 30 percent. Outside the court, parents expressed relief and gratitude, citing the harm social media had caused their families.
Following the verdict, parents like Amy Nevills celebrated and shared their joy with fellow supporters. Previously, a New Mexico court found Meta liable for exposing children to risks related to sexual content and abuse. Prolox commented, “Negative sentiments toward social media have been a growing trend for years, and this marks a peak in that trajectory.”
Israel claims to have killed Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described Tangsiri as directly responsible for terrorist activities including bombings and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tangsiri was appointed IRGC naval commander in 2018 and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if Iranian oil exports were disrupted in 2019.
Kathmandu – Israel has claimed the death of Alireza Tangsiri, naval commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Tangsiri was directly responsible for terrorist activities including bomb explosions and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and asserted that he has been killed.
Gallant added that other senior naval commanders, along with Tangsiri, were also killed in the Israeli strike.
However, Iran has not yet confirmed these claims.
Who is Alireza Tangsiri?
Alireza Tangsiri was appointed the commander of the IRGC Navy in 2018. Prior to that, he served as deputy commander of the IRGC Navy from 2010.
In 2019, he threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz should there be any disruption to Iran’s oil exports.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated that the ministry successfully overcame significant crises by working through collective leadership.
Aryal highlighted the successful fulfillment of responsibilities including normalization of peace and security, good governance, and conducting elections.
He expressed gratitude to ministry staff and security agency leaders while emphasizing the challenge of dispelling misconceptions to stay focused on work.
March 25, Kathmandu – Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said that success was attained through efforts driven by collective leadership. Speaking at a program held on Wednesday before taking leave from the ministry, he stated that due to collective leadership, the ministry was able to successfully complete its assigned responsibilities.
Minister Aryal remarked, “Without collective leadership, it would have been difficult to smoothly overcome such a major crisis. Working with professionalism at the center, I have experienced that any challenge can be resolved with ease.”
He thanked the ministry’s secretary, employees from various branches and divisions, partners from the secretariat, and heads of security agencies, noting that everyone demonstrated their capacities and creativity in their roles.
At times, while the truth remains the same, differing perceptions can lower morale; therefore, overcoming incorrect perceptions to get work done is a notable challenge, he added.
He outlined that during his tenure, the ministry’s key responsibilities were the normalization of peace and security, ensuring good governance, and successfully holding elections – all of which were possible due to collective cooperation.
He also extended his thanks to all parties for the peaceful conduct of the elections, stating that it reflects the fact that the morale of security personnel remained strong.
The rotation of Nepali peacekeepers deployed in the Central African Republic has taken place.
The 7th Batch of Ripumardan Battalion and 10th Batch of Military Police Unit have been replaced by the 8th Batch of Kalibahadur Battalion and 11th Batch of Military Police Unit.
The first group of 179 peacekeepers from these two batches departed for the mission area today, according to the military headquarters.
Chaitra 12, Kathmandu – The rotation of Nepali peacekeepers deployed in the Central African Republic has been completed.
The 7th batch of Ripumardan Battalion and the 10th batch of Military Police Unit stationed in the Central African Republic have been replaced by the 8th batch of Kalibahadur Battalion and the 11th batch of Military Police Unit.
The first team of 179 peacekeepers from these two contingents departed for the mission area today, according to the military headquarters at the army barracks.
Meanwhile, 211 Nepali peacekeepers who completed their tenure in the mission returned home on Chaitra 11.
Currently, 1,107 Nepali peacekeepers are serving in the mission.
March 26, Kathmandu – Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has rejected the punishment recommendations made against him by the investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki, labeling them baseless. Speaking at an event held Thursday at the UML headquarters in Chyasal, Oli asserted that there is no judicial basis for the criminal charges recommended against him.
“Currently, the recommendations propose investigation and prosecution under Sections 181 and 182 of the 2074 Criminal Code against the Chairman of the CPN-UML and former Prime Minister,” Oli said. “Under Sections 181 and 182, the accused person must be physically present at the scene of the incident and the incident must have directly involved them. Whether intentional or negligent, evidence of their direct presence is essential.”
He explained that since he was not present at the location, any claim that negligence on his part caused the incident is legally untenable. “I have already stated that the Prime Minister neither fires shots nor gives orders to do so. Now, in between, people have died—who will take responsibility for that?” Oli questioned.
Furthermore, he criticized recommendations made by judges and senior police officials as entirely baseless and legally inappropriate.
According to Oli, the 10th Central Committee of the CPN-UML has already raised questions regarding the officials in this commission.
“We had previously expressed concerns, especially given that these individuals have demonstrated a hostile and biased stance against our party, effectively pre-judging their decisions. Entrusting responsibility to such persons was erroneous, and consequently, a report reflecting the truth based on facts cannot emerge,” Oli added.
