Author: space4knews

March 24, Myagdi – Due to budget shortages, the construction of strategically important multi-year road projects managed by the Gandaki Province government in Myagdi district has been hampered.

Contractors have not received payments after the infrastructure development office exhausted its allocated budget for these multi-year projects. According to the office, NPR 620 million was allocated this fiscal year for 32 road infrastructure projects in Myagdi.

Subashchandra Karki, a construction contractor, reported that although the blacktopping and graveling of a four-kilometer section from Bhutadaila to Toripani on the Beni–Pakhapani road was completed five months ahead of schedule, delayed payments due to budget shortfalls are causing difficulties. NPR 20 million was allocated for this project, yet there remains a funding gap of NPR 25 million.

Contractor Bhim Sapkota, responsible for the Galechour–Pulashram (Pachhai)–Jagannath connecting road, also completed the project five months ahead of schedule. However, because of budget constraints, he had to take out loans to pay workers and suppliers. Contractors Neeraj Bhandari, managing the Hadhebhir–Bagarfat–Bhakimli and Bhagawati–Sijalgaon–Beg road projects, stated that work was suspended after funds ran out.

Out of the total projects, 17 ongoing projects received NPR 520 million while 15 new projects were allocated NPR 100 million. Except for the Darbang–Takam–Shivang–Muna–Jaljala–Dhorpatan road, which was awarded last year under a cost-sharing agreement between federal and provincial governments with a budget allocation of NPR 232.2 million this year, most roads are experiencing budget shortages, said Dr. Mahendra Baniya, senior divisional engineer and head of the infrastructure development office.

“During the competitive bidding process, approximately NPR 15 million was internally transferred with an additional NPR 84.5 million recommended for reallocation by the ministry,” he said. “Due to projects with no available funds, work could not proceed, and for projects where the budget is depleted, contractors face challenges employing labor. “

Multi-year projects in Electoral Constituency 1(2) include Beni–Darbang–Kalleni–Takam–Muna–Jaljala, Darbang–Adibahara–Dadagaun–Sole–Taman–Burtibang, roads connecting Pakher Baranja 3 and 4 through Mahesh Dhapung to Tarakhola rural municipality, Darbang–Muna–Dhorpatan, Darbang–Bim–Dichyam, darkhola road bridge, Shivaratri River road bridge, the road connecting Rum to Tarakhola, Dangkhola bridge, and Sanwata Thapachaur suspension bridge.

In Electoral Constituency 1(A), ongoing multi-year road construction projects include Beni–Toripani; Hadhebhir–Bagarfat–Dudhekola–Hallegouda–Dolemusung; Galechour–Piple–Bhagawati; Galechour–Pulashram; Chitre–Ghodepani; and Bhagawati–Sijalgaon–Beg.

Bids have been called for multi-year contracts for road upgrade projects such as Bim–Marang–Malkwang–Pakhapani and Jaisikhor–Khaharekhola–Risin Chautari via Baisari, each allocated NPR 10 million. Funding sources have been secured for multi-year contracts to construct a Bailey bridge over the Myagdi River, an alternative route for the Faparkhet landslide area, also allocated NPR 10 million.

Provincial assembly members Resham Bahadur Jugjali and Haribahadur Bhandari reported that they have drawn the attention of the provincial government and relevant ministers to the issue of extended project timelines caused by budget shortages. They also stated that efforts are underway to secure payments for contractors who have extended their work despite the shortfall.

March 24, Bhaktapur — In response to a rise in daily accidents on the Chyamangsinh–Tathali–Nala road, considered an alternative route to the Arniko Highway, a security agency team conducted road inspections seeking ways to reduce the incidents.

With delays in expanding the six-lane SuryaBinayak–Banepa–Dhulikhel highway in Bhaktapur, traffic has increasingly diverted from Banepa Chowk through Nala-Tathali to Chyamangsinh road, resulting in a growing number of accidents that worry local residents. The road experiences heavy traffic congestion.

Due to repeated complaints of frequent accidents, a team led by Chief District Officer Umesh Kumar Dhakal, including Superintendent of Police of Bhaktapur District Police Office Surya Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Superintendent of Police Chanchala Shrestha of Jagati Police Post, Traffic Police Inspector Jharna Sunar of the District Traffic Police Office, and Ganesh Tyat, Ward Chairperson of Changunarayan Municipality-9, conducted evaluations at accident-prone locations.

Both security forces and local representatives concluded that the high volume of vehicles and the high speed of motorcycles and small vehicles are the primary causes of the escalating daily accident rate.

Sanjiiv Madhikarmi, operator of Dattatraya Food Industry, recounted witnessing three accidents in a single day before his eyes and expressed growing concern about the daily incidents.

After accidents increased, the installation of three CCTV cameras near the industry’s gate helped the police in tracking down vehicles responsible for hit-and-run cases, said Madhikarmi, who also suggested adopting measures for further accident reduction.

Ganesh Tyat, Ward Chair of Changunarayan Municipality-9, noted that although nine CCTV cameras were installed by the municipality a year ago, none are operational now due to wires being cut by large cargo vehicles. He emphasized the need not only for CCTV cameras but also for street lights on the road.

Deputy Superintendent Chanchala Shrestha of Jagati Police Post said that without CCTV cameras, drivers flee scenes after crashes, and offenders go unpunished. She expressed confidence that CCTV and awareness boards would aid accident prevention and investigations.

Local residents have reported rising accidents due to heavy traffic on narrow roads, driver indiscipline, and speeding. They demand enhanced traffic police presence and stricter enforcement in high-risk areas. Community members have also called on brick kilns and various industries in the area to install CCTV cameras and requested provision of street lighting at night.

District Traffic Police Chief Sonar stated that although requests for dummy traffic officers have been made, a lack of manpower hampers effective management. He added that establishing a police post in the area immediately, along with awareness posters, CCTV cameras, and street lighting, would significantly help reduce accidents.

During the inspection, Chief District Officer Dhakal committed to immediately deploying security personnel in high-accident zones to maintain traffic discipline, initiate legal actions, and facilitate installation of flex boards and CCTV cameras. He instructed Ward Chairperson Tyat to convene meetings with business owners and stakeholders to work towards resolving the issues.

Superintendent of Police Surya Bahadur Khadka noted increased traffic congestion on the Banepa–Jagati road results in crowded conditions and emphasized the need for discussions with the Road Division Office to address the problem.

Chaitra 11, Kathmandu – Senior member of the House of Representatives, Arjun Narasingh KC, assumed office today at the Parliament Secretariat. Earlier in the day, President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath at a ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas.

Immediately after taking the oath, KC arrived at the Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar to formally take charge.

In the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21, KC was elected through the proportional representation system representing the Nepali Congress. He is 78 years old.

Following the oath-taking, KC will administer the oath of office to the 274 members of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Chaitra 12.

Until the Speaker is elected, KC will also preside over the sessions of the House of Representatives.

In the House of Representatives election, 165 members were elected through the direct system and 110 via proportional representation.

March 24, Chitwan – In the current fiscal year, 623 individuals in the district have been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Among them, 27 are children under 14 years old, including four who are younger than four years.

According to Jayaram Duwadi, leprosy and tuberculosis officer at the Public Health Office, 5,382 people have been tested since mid-July. Of those tested, 287 cases were diagnosed as non-contagious tuberculosis, and 336 as contagious tuberculosis. Seven cases were identified as drug-resistant TB.

Patients are receiving regular medication from 107 drug distribution centers across the district. The district has 28 microscopy centers and four gene expert facilities for tuberculosis confirmation. Microscopy testing of 3,081 people confirmed tuberculosis in 143 cases, while gene expert testing of 2,301 people detected infection in 307 cases. Of the infected, 235 are women and 388 are men.

In the previous fiscal year, tuberculosis was diagnosed in 1,089 people, with 22 deaths attributed to the disease. A total of 13,107 people were tested last year. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Early symptoms include fatigue and weakness during normal activities.

Ignoring these symptoms can worsen the condition. Persistent cough and fever are early indicators of tuberculosis and typically improve within five days. However, if coughing persists, fever continues, or cough lasts more than two weeks, immediate medical consultation is essential.

Patients diagnosed with tuberculosis are advised to avoid tobacco and to stop its use immediately if already consuming. Excessive alcohol, drugs, and other medications should also be avoided.

Health officials recommend completing the regular free medication course, which lasts 6 to 8 months, and undergoing periodic testing after starting treatment.

March 23, Kathmandu – The United States has extended congratulations to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) for their recent electoral victory.

Sergio Gore, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, telephoned Raswapa Chairman Ravi Lamichhane to offer his congratulations on the successful election outcome. According to the US Embassy in Nepal, Gore made this call on March 23.

Along with the congratulatory message, the United States expressed its desire to collaborate with the new government of Nepal. The embassy statement said, “America looks forward to working with Nepal’s new government to strengthen our economic partnership and deepen the friendship between our two countries.”

Seven dogs went missing from a small village near Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeastern China. These dogs walked over 17 kilometers on foot to return home, a story that has gone viral worldwide.

Here is how the incident unfolded:

On the night of March 16, 2026, seven dogs suddenly disappeared from a small village near Changchun. It is believed that thieves stole the dogs by loading them onto a truck, suspected to be for the meat trade.

The truck was en route to a dark marketplace where these innocent animals might have met a grim fate. However, the dogs escaped from the truck and found themselves on the edge of the busy Changshuang Expressway, 17 kilometers away from home, navigating unknown paths in the darkness of night.

Temperatures had dropped below zero degrees Celsius, with the cold wind harshly blowing. Despite this, the dogs did not leave one another’s side. Video footage shows them walking and stopping together. One German Shepherd was injured and stumbling while the other six circled him protectively, waiting and walking together. No dog attempted to run off alone. A small but determined Corgi led the group, while the others guarded the wounded German Shepherd, moving as one.

Their unspoken promise was clear: ‘No dog left behind.’

On the night of March 17, a driver witnessed this scene. Seven dogs were walking in a single line along the highway, their eyes revealing both fear and courage. The driver recorded the video and posted it on social media, where it has gathered over 230 million views.

In the video, dogs of various breeds including Golden Retriever, Labrador, German Shepherd, and Pekingese walk along the busy highway. The Corgi leading them was identified by Chinese media as ‘Dapang,’ meaning ‘Big Fatty.’

Tong Tong, a volunteer with a stray dog rescue center, was deeply concerned after seeing the video. Witnessing the dogs’ struggle in subzero temperatures without food or water, she began knocking on doors in villages and posting flyers to locate the missing dogs.

“On the morning of March 18, I woke up to snow falling in Changchun,” Tong Tong said in a video posted by the rescue center. “I was especially worried about those seven dogs, fearful that they might not have gotten any food or water. So, I launched a drone to help search.”

How did the dogs go missing?

On March 19, news arrived that the dogs had returned home. Three of the dogs belonged to a woman living in a village near Changchun. She shared with media that she had been searching for the dogs for four days and was beginning to lose hope. However, she was overjoyed when Dapang returned home on March 18. Later, searching neighboring villages, she found the remaining dogs in another village.

It is suspected the dogs were stolen for the meat trade, as consumption of dog meat still persists in parts of China. Others speculate they may have been kidnapped to be sold as pets or for other unintended reasons, or possibly simply lost.

One Vivo user commented, “Watching this video moved me to tears. Dogs are mankind’s eternal companions.”

This event has deeply touched many, renewing conversations and debates about the love for dogs and their loyalty. The seven dogs demonstrated courage and solidarity by sticking together through cold weather, busy roads, and exhaustion, refusing to abandon one another and finding their way home.

From The Guardian

March 24, Kathmandu – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially retired the No. 12 jersey to honor Andre Russell.

The announcement was made during the “Unplugged in Kolkata” event held in Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With this decision, no player in KKR will wear the No. 12 jersey in the future. KKR CEO Venky Mysore made this declaration on stage, stating, “We want to retire this number in your honor.”

Russell made the jersey iconic through his aggressive performances, representing KKR with excellence for over a decade.

Ahead of the last IPL auction, Russell had hinted at possibly leaving KKR. However, he released a personal video clarifying that he will not play for any team other than KKR in the IPL.

Though Russell will not appear on the field this season either with bat or ball, he will serve as KKR’s power coach, mentoring young players in finishing techniques.

During his tenure with KKR, Russell amassed 2,651 runs and took 123 wickets. He played a crucial role in KKR’s two IPL title victories.

Russell began his IPL journey in 2012 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and has been delivering aggressive performances since joining KKR in 2024.

Watching the video of his journey with KKR, Russell became emotional. “Watching that video made me a bit emotional,” he said.

“It was a special feeling to achieve tremendous success for over a decade and be part of a team that won two titles. Seeing what success means to everyone gave me unique happiness. Winning the World Cup is special, but winning the IPL is a completely different experience. I was emotional when we last won the title,” he added. “When you give your all on the field, there are no regrets when you step away from the game. I played every match as if it was my last IPL game.”

Russell expressed excitement to take on the role of coach. “I have no regrets in this role; I am excited,” he stated.

He also expressed his happiness to work alongside KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar and assistant coach Shane Watson.

Meanwhile, KKR has appointed Rinku Singh as the vice-captain for the new season, with Ajinkya Rahane confirmed as the captain.