Author: space4knews

March 8, Kathmandu – The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) has intensified its preparations to form the government on March 27 under the leadership of senior leader Balendra Shah.

Following the final election results of the House of Representatives held on February 21, Raswapa has begun preparations to form the government, according to Raswapa General Secretary Kavindra Burlakoti.

“Coordination with the President, Prime Minister’s Office, Parliamentary Secretariat, and Election Commission has been completed. The prime minister’s oath will take place on March 27,” said General Secretary Burlakoti.

Prior to this, the newly elected parliamentarians will be sworn in on March 26. Raswapa plans to select Balendra Shah as the parliamentary party leader immediately after the oath ceremony. Once the leader is selected, the prime minister’s oath will be administered on March 27.

According to Article 76(1) of the Constitution, the President is authorized to appoint the prime minister.

This article provides that the parliamentary party holding the majority in the House of Representatives can have its leader appointed as prime minister by the President, who will then form the Council of Ministers. Raswapa has confirmed that preparations are underway following this provision.

Raswapa has won approximately two-thirds of the seats, holding 182 seats across direct and proportional representation. Before the election, the party campaigned with Balendra Shah as its prime ministerial candidate.

After the prime minister’s oath-taking, Raswapa plans to appoint ministers as well. “The Cabinet will be formed on the same day, March 27,” Burlakoti stated.

Preparations are being made for 15 to 18 ministries. According to the party manifesto, the number of ministries at the federal level will be limited to 18. Ministerial appointments will be made based on expert recommendations within this framework. General Secretary Burlakoti noted that ministerial names have not yet been finalized. “No ministerial names have been confirmed,” he clarified.

However, party Chairman Ravi Lamichhane and senior leader Shah have indicated that some leaders are already engaged in preparatory work. Raswapa plans to finalize ministerial names by the evening of March 26 during a secretariat meeting.

Some top party leaders have decided not to join the government. Raswapa plans to keep several secretariat-level leaders in ‘reserve’ to manage party operations effectively.

“A team is essential for party management. There is consensus that several senior leaders will not enter the government,” Burlakoti explained.

Last Thursday, discussions were held among Raswapa Chairman Ravi Lamichhane, senior leader Balendra Shah, Vice-Chair DP Aryal, and Swarnim Wagle regarding government formation. Raswapa has stated that they plan to run the government in a manner that fulfills public expectations.

March 21, Lalitpur – A woman died when a wall at a brick kiln collapsed in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur.

The incident occurred today at Hosna brick kiln located in Lalitpur Metropolitan City Ward No. 28, where 55-year-old Tilsari Khadka, originally from Rukum, lost her life at the scene.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Purnimakumari Chand informed that Khadka, who was critically injured, passed away while undergoing treatment at Mediciti Hospital in Thaiba.

Four others were injured in the collapse, including 27-year-old Janaki Chand from Rukum, who worked at the same brick kiln, 27-year-old Shanti Kunwar from Salyan, 46-year-old Nandkumari Magar from Rolpa, and 19-year-old Suma Kumal from Dang.

DSP Chand added that Janaki Chand, who sustained serious injuries, was transported to Model Hospital for additional treatment.

March 21, Kathmandu – Bir Hospital has introduced an advanced ‘SPECT-CT’ machine for the first time in Nepal’s government healthcare sector. This equipment aids in assessing the functional status of organs affected by cancer, heart disease, bone, and kidney conditions.

The installation process of the SPECT-CT device is ongoing. According to Professor Dr. Kanchan Prasad Adhikari, Medical Physicist at Bir Hospital, services will commence within a month.

“Once operational, patients will no longer need to travel abroad for tests as high-quality diagnostic services will be available locally,” Dr. Adhikari said.

As a Radiation Safety Specialist, Dr. Adhikari explained that the machine helps detect cancer at an early stage, evaluate disease progression, and monitor treatment effectiveness.

“It enables physicians to make faster decisions and initiate patient treatment promptly,” he added.

“The SPECT-CT machine is distinct and based on advanced technology compared to conventional CT scans.

It combines SPECT and CT technologies,” Dr. Adhikari detailed. “SPECT displays how organs function, while CT shows their structural details.”

He further clarified that ‘SPECT’ stands for ‘Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography,’ which is a nuclear medicine procedure.

In this test, a small amount of radioactive substance (isotope) is injected into the patient. This substance travels to organs, emitting gamma rays that the machine captures to generate images.

“These images reveal how the organs are functioning, providing physiological information that regular scans cannot show,” Dr. Adhikari noted.

The CT scan component clearly illustrates the body’s structure.

Because both technologies are integrated in the same device, this is termed ‘hybrid imaging,’ enhancing speed and accuracy in disease diagnosis.

Which Diseases Benefit?

Dr. Adhikari stated that SPECT-CT is especially effective for cancer detection.

“Radioactive materials accumulate in cancer cells, making it easier to identify disease locations,” he explained.

Additionally, it is useful in diagnosing heart conditions, bone diseases, and kidney disorders.

“It can assess heart blood flow, bone infections or cancer spread, and kidney function,” he added.

Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Basnet, Vice Chancellor of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, noted that this machine, valued at nearly NPR 150 million, was procured through international collaboration.

It was provided to Bir Hospital with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Dr. Basnet mentioned that legal frameworks and standards had to be fully established in Nepal before acquiring this device.

“Previously, Bir Hospital had a gamma camera machine that served for 15 years but eventually broke down,” he said.

“After the gamma camera malfunctioned, that service was unavailable for about a year,” he added. “Now, with this advanced machine, patients will have easier access to diagnostic services.”

Capacity to Serve 10–15 Patients Daily

For this service, the required radioisotopes must be imported from abroad. Dr. Adhikari explained that with consistent isotope availability, they can conduct tests on 10 to 15 patients daily.

Because Nepal lacks facilities like a cyclotron or nuclear reactor to produce these isotopes domestically, they must be sourced internationally.

SPECT-CT allows the collection of multiple diagnostic insights simultaneously.

“Previously, patients had to undergo separate CT scans, MRIs, or other tests at different times,” Dr. Adhikari said. “Now, one procedure delivers comprehensive information, saving both time and expense for patients.”

This reduces unnecessary tests and minimizes patient discomfort.

Dr. Adhikari added that the technology is not limited to diagnostics; it can also be used for treatment.

“Therapies like iodine therapy for cancer treatment that use radioactive substances are also possible with this machine,” he said.

The hospital aims to provide services at affordable rates.

“As a government hospital, providing service is our priority over profit,” Dr. Adhikari stated. “We are striving to offer this at a reasonable cost to the general public.”

March 22, Kathmandu – The central working committee of the Nepali Congress has rejected the resignation tendered by party president Gagan Kumar Thapa, who took moral responsibility for the party’s election defeat.

The meeting held on Friday and Sunday at the party’s central office in Sanepa adopted the proposal to reject Gagan’s resignation. The proposal was presented at the meeting by Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma.

Spokesperson Devaraj Chalise confirmed that the resignation proposal was rejected.

In the statement issued by spokesperson Chalise, the party outlined eight key reasons for rejecting the resignation.

Considering these reasons, the meeting decided to reject the resignation:

– The primary causes of the election loss lie in structural problems and circumstances beyond control.

– Amid the current complex national situation, the leadership of President Thapa is deemed essential.

– Accepting the resignation could lead to unnecessary instability, uncertainty, and demoralization among party workers.

– Since resignation is a moral and voluntary matter, respecting it by rejecting is considered appropriate.

– The decision is grounded on principles of collective responsibility and the need for leadership stability.

– Continuity of the reform program (Congress 2.0) initiated after the special general convention is necessary.

– There is a need to focus the party’s efforts on the upcoming 15th general convention.

– The unanimous decision was made by the full meeting of the central working committee.

Meteor Traveling Faster than the Speed of Sound Over the Skies of the United States

March 19, 2026

March 21, Kathmandu – The Nepal Football Players’ Association has appealed that players should not be deprived of opportunities to play on the field.

Despite pressures from players leading to the resumption of the National League after a long hiatus, recent developments have caused renewed uncertainty, prompting concern from the association.

Although the demand for division leagues remains unchanged and there was an agreement to start the A Division League from March 30 along with the swift commencement of other division leagues, the association has noted confusion over its implementation.

The association pointed out that managerial weaknesses led to the suspension of the National League, creating a situation that could now affect the division leagues; it highlighted the seriousness of this issue and expressed regret.

The association has urged the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to immediately restart the National League and commence the division leagues as scheduled.

They also appealed to ANFA to ensure that off-field conflicts do not prevent players from having opportunities to compete on the field.

Meanwhile, ANFA remains embroiled in controversy, with ANFA supporting early elections while the Government of Nepal’s Sports Council (RAKHEP) has instructed that neither early elections nor the general assembly be held at this time.

March 21, Kathmandu – Rabi Lamichhane, Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), had a meeting today at Baluwatar with Honorable Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

Chairperson Lamichhane congratulated Prime Minister Karki for successfully conducting historic elections that brought peaceful resolution to the country.

“The timely and impartial completion of elections has provided a smooth and democratic solution for the nation. This is not a trivial matter. For this success, I would like to extend congratulations and thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister, her cabinet, and the secretariat team,” said Lamichhane.

He praised Prime Minister Karki, stating that this achievement will always be remembered by the country. Furthermore, he expressed hope for her continued guidance and parental role in the days ahead.

“Because of your steadfast determination and firm stance, the country has found a way forward. Compared to past elections, this one was more peaceful, impartial, and of higher quality. You have succeeded in providing the nation with a democratic resolution and safe transition in a short period, astonishing the world. For that, we hold you in high esteem,” Lamichhane’s statement was quoted by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, which added, “Your contribution will always be remembered by the country and by us. We also look forward to your continued guidance and supervisory role in the future. Your experience and leadership will be even more essential to the country and our government.”

Prime Minister Karki congratulated RSP on their electoral success and urged unity among party members to work without letting the public lose hope.

“The nation is currently in tears. The people, especially the youth, have high expectations from you. You must bring a smile to the country’s face. There are many challenges, but we must stay composed and move forward,” Karki said. “With honest work, the desired outcomes will surely be achieved. You must respond to critics and opposition through your work.”

The meeting also included discussions about current political topics.

Chairperson Lamichhane clarified that neither he nor his party has any objections to the decisions made by the current government.

“A government is a government. It should be allowed to work until its last day. We have no objections to the decisions this government has taken,” he said. “This government that has fulfilled its historic responsibilities has earned our highest respect. Therefore, we will support its steps and will uphold its decisions.”

He also suggested that the government should maximize its efforts to accomplish whatever work is possible until the next administration takes charge.

He expressed concern and urged appropriate action regarding issues faced by Nepali students in Portugal, tensions in the Middle East, the safety of Nepali migrant workers, and the supply of petroleum products.

Chait 8, Kathmandu – Prisoner Assistance Organization (PALM) and MMAC NEKOS were declared team champions at the 8th International Judo Competition held on Sunday. PALM triumphed in the junior category and MMAC in the cadet category, marking a significant achievement for both teams.

The competition was hosted at the Multipurpose Martial Arts Center (MMAC) in New Baneshwor. PALM earned 4 gold and 1 silver medal. The Bangladeshi Worker Sports Organization (Krira Shiksha Pratisthan) secured second place with 2 gold medals, while Dang Judo Dojo clinched third place with 1 gold and 3 silver medals.

In the cadet category event organized by the National Judo Association Nepal under the Nepal Sports Federation (NEKOS), MMAC dominated by winning 6 gold, 5 silver, and 8 bronze medals to claim the team championship title.

PALM ranked second with 5 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Bhutan’s Pelkhil Dojo Club achieved third place with 3 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Athletes ranked in the top three of both junior and cadet categories received cash prizes of NPR 15,000, 10,000, and 5,000 respectively.

The competition, primarily sponsored by B & T Trading Company Limited (Hokkaido, Japan), named Savin Kumar Diyali from PALM as the best junior male player and Fabiha Bushra from Bangladesh as the best junior female player.

In the cadet category, Prince Vik from MMAC was declared best male player, while Tandin Dorji Wangmo of Bhutan’s Pelkhil Dojo was named best female player. All gold medal winners received NPR 5,000 cash prizes. Kaviram Gharti Magar was recognized as the best referee.

On the final day of the competition, Sunday, nine finals were contested in the junior division. Gold medals in the male categories were won by Shiv Baraily (under 55 kg, MMAC), Dipesh Gurung (under 66 kg, PALM), Rasian Basnet (under 81 kg), Vigyan Tikhatri (above 90 kg, Gandaki Judo), Savin Kumar Diyali (under 60 kg, PALM), and Sahin Ahmed (under 73 kg, Bangladesh Krira).

Female gold medalists were Rama Samat (under 44 kg, PALM), Nisha Shrestha (under 52 kg, PALM), and Fabiha Bushra (above 70 kg, Bangladesh).

Winners were presented awards and honors during a ceremony by Pashupati Adhikari, Head of the Department of Sports Science at Tribhuvan University, Prof. Dr. Ram Krishna Maharjan, Dharma Kumar Shrestha, president of the organizing committee, among others.

Additionally, Khadga Bahadur Dahal, one of the founders of the Judo organization, was honored with NPR 25,000 cash.