Author: space4knews

Leader of Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa, has expressed strong optimism that the party’s active membership will be updated to between 600,000 and 650,000. According to Thapa, the update process will be completed by 28th Jestha, with over 500,000 members having already renewed their membership by Monday evening. Thapa also conveyed that Vice-Chairman Bishwaprakash Sharma is engaging in discussions with dissatisfied leaders to resolve internal party disputes.

Kathmandu, 26th Jestha – Speaking to journalists in Chitwan on Tuesday morning, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa clarified that the predetermined target for active membership renewal will be achieved. He informed that they expect renewal to reach the anticipated numbers. “Between 600,000 and 650,000 active memberships will be updated,” President Thapa said. “That is our estimate and expectation.”

In preparation for the major general convention, Thapa also mentioned that previously 780,000 active memberships had been renewed for the 15th general convention. He reported that as of Monday, more than 500,000 members had renewed memberships. “Based on the number of renewals, the total was approximately 780,000, but as of last evening’s meeting, over 500,000 had already updated their memberships,” the President stated.

When journalists asked about the approximately 100,000 to 150,000 decline in participating members after renewal, Thapa responded that members who become active only for the convention are not expected to continue their participation. He emphasized that becoming an active member requires personal engagement. “This time, active membership will not be accepted if renewed by someone else,” Thapa clarified. “One must participate personally. This is our renewal procedure.”

Thapa stated that all update procedures will be completed by 28th Jestha, with a few additional days dedicated to further membership-related tasks before other convention processes move forward. “The updating work will be completed by Jestha 28. Afterward, we will carry out some other membership-related activities. Once this process is finished, other regular procedures for the convention will proceed,” he explained. He also noted that Vice-Chairman Bishwaprakash Sharma is actively communicating with dissatisfied leaders to resolve internal party conflicts. “Currently, Vice-Chairman Sharma is in talks with necessary leaders,” Thapa added. “We are continuously advancing party work and maintaining dialogue with the leadership.” Thapa departed from Chitwan heading toward Gorkha.

26 Jestha, Kathmandu – Opposition parties have continued their protest during today’s House of Representatives session. As soon as the meeting began, members from opposition parties stood up to express their dissent. Speaker D.P. Aryal had just convened the session when opposition MPs rose in protest. Subsequently, Speaker Aryal allowed UML MP Kshitij Thebe to speak. Thebe warned that the parliament would remain obstructed until Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) provides a clear response to the statements he made in the parliament. During his address, Prime Minister Balen made controversial remarks regarding roles and responsibilities, sparking debate. The opposition insists that parliamentary proceedings will only progress once the Prime Minister addresses their concerns on the matter.

According to reports, Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ has decided to reinstate Sudhan Gurung, who resigned from the post of Home Minister one and a half months ago, back to the same position. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat has confirmed this decision. Deepa Dahal, Press and Research Officer to the Prime Minister, stated that arrangements have been made for Gurung’s oath-taking ceremony at the President’s Office. “The appointment of the minister is on the recommendation of the Prime Minister,” she told the news agency. Gurung is expected to take his oath on Tuesday; however, the exact date the President will administer the oath after the reappointment remains unclear.

This decision by Prime Minister Shah to reappoint Gurung came just days after the government received a report from the Property Investigation Committee. Speculation about Gurung returning as Home Minister had already been circulating before this announcement. The Cabinet meeting that approved the receipt of the report was held Tuesday morning, where even the government spokesperson, Pokharel, did not comment on Gurung’s reappointment. However, he confirmed the Cabinet’s decision to accept the investigation report. The committee, led by coordinator Achyut Prasad Bhandari, submitted its report to the government last Friday.

Speaking with the news agency, Bhandari stated that the committee had drawn “factual conclusions” based on evidence regarding Gurung’s assets. He added that the committee has urged the government to make the investigation report public soon to keep the people informed. Gurung resigned from the Home Minister position on May 22nd (Baishakh 9) on the grounds of “morality” after questions arose concerning the sources of his personal wealth. He stepped down just 27 days after taking office. Elected from Gorkha-1 to the House of Representatives, Gurung explained via social media that he resigned “to ensure a fair investigation concerning the issues related to me and to avoid any conflict of interest while in office.”

Sudhan Gurung was appointed Home Minister on the very day the cabinet led by Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ was formed. Following the public release of Gurung’s asset declaration, questions were raised about the sources of his income and investments, including undisclosed shares. These concerns exerted pressure on Gurung, Prime Minister Shah, and the top leadership of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Gurung is the second individual to be removed from the current cabinet. Previously, Deepak Kumar Sah, who was appointed Labor Minister amid controversy concerning his wife’s appointment, was also removed within two weeks.

Mahavir Pun, an independent parliamentarian from Myagdi, is reportedly almost certain to be appointed as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, according to sources from the Prime Minister’s Office. Responding to questions about the possibility of becoming a minister, Pun stated, “I have no information about becoming a minister, and no one has called me.” The government has allocated 1 percent of the capital expenditure budget specifically for science, technology, research, and innovation. (26 Jestha, Kathmandu)

Preparations are underway to appoint Mahavir Pun as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. When asked about this, he reiterated, “I have no information about becoming a minister, and no one has contacted me.” In line with Pun’s demands, the government has allocated a budget for science, technology, research, and innovation. During the budget speech, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced that one percent of the capital expenditure budget had been earmarked for this sector.

Mahavir Pun has long been an advocate for science and innovation. He founded the National Innovation Center and previously served as the Minister of Education in the interim government. In the election held on Falgun 21, he won independently from Myagdi. Although he received support from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Pun holds his parliamentary seat as an independent member.

A U.S. federal judge has struck down former President Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas intended for foreign workers. Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that the president lacks any legal authority to levy such a tax without congressional approval. Spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated, “The president does have clear legal authority to restrict entry of foreigners deemed not in America’s interest.” Kathmandu, June 15.

The federal judge invalidated the $100,000 surcharge on new H-1B visas designed for highly skilled foreign workers, declaring the charge an unlawful tax. He determined that Congress never authorized the president to impose this fee. This ruling was issued on Monday in Boston by U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin.

A coalition of 20 state attorneys general from the Democratic Party had filed the lawsuit challenging Trump’s fee. The president announced this fee in September last year, which significantly increased the cost of obtaining an H-1B visa. Under the H-1B program, 65,000 visas are allocated annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for workers holding advanced degrees.

The Trump administration had also ordered stricter screening of H-1B applicants and proposed a new visa selection process prioritizing workers with higher skills and wages.