Author: space4knews

Kathmandu – A new television series titled ‘Wijog Ramailo’ is set to be produced featuring renowned TV actors. Filming will commence next Monday in Panauti, Kavre. The series will be a comedy that addresses social themes, according to actor Kamalmani.

Harish Niraula, popularly known as ‘Cockroach,’ Sagar Lamsal as ‘Bale,’ Kamalmani Nepal as ‘Khupika Bau,’ and Deepak Acharya as ‘Kaku’ will also star in the series. Directed by Cockroach, the shoot begins next Monday around Panauti in Kavre. Several famous actors from the ‘Sakkigo Ni’ series will appear; however, Kumar Kattel (‘Jigri Bro’) and Arjun Ghimire (‘Pande’) will not be part of this project.

Cockroach announced the new series through social media on Friday. While the title and principal cast have been revealed, further detailed information is yet to be made public. It remains unclear whether the series will air on television, digital platforms, or both. The series will also feature actors such as Babin Rai Galphane, Subodh Gautam Yadhume, Govind Koirala Jayante, Suraksha Itani Suru, Bhavana Acharya Luri, Ashok Dhital Bahun Dan, Gajit Bisht Jethan, and Rambhajan Kamat.

The comedy will portray contemporary social narratives, Kamalmani shared. Initially, filming is planned for two episodes. The broadcast date will be set once the television and digital platforms are finalized.

Congress Vice President Vishwaprakash Sharma has presented seven arguments to reject the resignation of President Gagan Thapa during the party’s Central Working Committee meeting. Sharma argued that seeking conclusive results within the short span of fifty days is unreasonable and that the resignation of the president would be unjust to the organization. He emphasized that the party’s special general convention has revitalized its leadership and that the party must move forward with new plans.

On March 20, in Kathmandu, Vishwaprakash Sharma put forward seven key arguments advocating the rejection of Congress President Gagan Thapa’s resignation. The document submitted at the meeting contains the rationale for not accepting the resignation. Sharma stated that expecting definitive outcomes within the brief span of fifty days is not appropriate.

Sharma’s seven arguments are as follows: In politics, there is a so-called ‘honeymoon period,’ especially during the initial one hundred days of assuming government leadership. This ‘warm-up’ phase may reveal some positive or negative glimpses of leadership performance, but a complete evaluation and comprehensive review cannot be made. From this perspective, given the special general convention had just brought in new leadership, seeking results within fifty days is neither reasonable nor fair to the individual. Additionally, it would not be just to the organization for the president to resign amid adverse circumstances that require overcoming challenges and steering the party towards favorable outcomes.

Nonetheless, while deeply respecting the president’s ethical responsibility and emotions, the meeting, acknowledging its profound duty to manage the situation as well as the highest moral obligation, decided to reject President Gagan Thapa’s resignation.

Among the seven arguments, Sharma highlighted that the Nepali Congress was not victorious as the leading party in the elections. However, it should be acknowledged that the core policy pursued by the Congress has succeeded. Due to the political and economic policies adopted by Congress, both old and new parties have been galvanized. The current constitution, parliamentary system, federalism, social justice, and a liberal economy have all now become the common foundational path forward for Nepal’s future.

The Nepali Congress has attributed its defeat in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21 to the coalition government. Party Vice Chairman Bishwprakash Sharma identified the failure to implement the seven-point agreement and delays in federalism as primary reasons for the loss, noting that the decision to shut down social media created an environment conducive to the Janajati uprising. (6 Chaitra, Kathmandu)

Congress has blamed the coalition government for the factors behind its defeat in the Falgun 21 polls. Speaking at the central working committee meeting where an election review report was presented, Vice Chairman Sharma said, “When two major parties united to form the government, there were high expectations regarding its performance, but the government’s achievements remained average.” This failed to instill renewed public confidence.

Sharma pointed out that the inability to address issues outlined in the seven-point agreement signed during the Congress-UMALA government was a significant cause of the electoral defeat. He stated, “There was no formation of a working committee concerning the timely constitutional amendments. Even as a decade passes in federalism, the expected rights to provinces remain delayed.”

He also cited the decision to block social media as another factor contributing to the election loss, adding, “The decision to close social media hindered the election commission’s work without the coalition’s consensus. This created a conducive environment for the Janajati uprising and ultimately led to the defeat.”

Jamunaki Gurung from Ilam highlights that it is both natural and necessary for Nepalis living abroad to maintain an interest in Nepal’s politics and good governance. In the fiscal year 2024/25, remittances contributed over NPR 17.23 trillion to Nepal’s economy, accounting for approximately 26% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the same year also recorded between 1,255 and 1,401 Nepali deaths among foreign employment workers, underscoring the risks associated with labor migration.

During the recently concluded federal parliamentary elections, I noticed a slightly increased level of interest compared to previous years. Some village friends affiliated with major political parties seemed somewhat dissatisfied with my perspective. Their primary concern was not about the election results in the village but rather the question, “Why do you take such a deep interest in Nepal’s elections from America?” The elections have concluded, the swearing-in of parliamentarians is approaching, and the formation of a new government is expected relatively soon. Yet, dissatisfaction among some village friends remains unresolved, and we have barely managed even brief greetings so far.

I can explain my viewpoint to childhood friends because they know me and I understand them well. However, the questions posed by friends living in district headquarters or Kathmandu—who, while clearly aware of Nepal’s worsening political and socio-economic conditions, live comfortable lives wearing suits and shoes—demand answers that rise above personal resentment to offer collective understanding about “Why maintain such interest in Nepal’s politics from America?”

These questions are not only raised by friends in the village but are also prevalent on social media. First and foremost, we must accept a simple yet profound truth — a country is not just a boundary marked on a map. A nation embodies memory, identity, culture, language, and the very roots of our existence. Wherever we set foot—be it America, Australia, Europe, or the Gulf countries—our childhood, villages, traditions, families, and concerns remain with us. Though our bodies may grow up abroad, a large part of our hearts stays in Nepal. Therefore, it is both natural and expected for Nepalis abroad to be invested in Nepal’s politics.

In reality, anyone whose future, family, property, identity, and dreams are deeply tied to Nepal cannot afford to be indifferent to Nepal’s politics, governance, and policy-making. The question should not be “Why care?” but rather “Why would one not care?” This is not merely an emotional issue; it is a stark reality directly connected to economic interests as well.

A 42-year-old woman, Deepa Nyaupane, died after being struck by a tractor on a road in Noniyas, Bardgoria Rural Municipality-4, Kailali. She was critically injured and later passed away during treatment at Dododhara Hospital. The tractor driver has been taken into custody as police conduct necessary investigations.

March 19, Kailali – According to the Central News Desk of Nepal Police, the pedestrian who died on Friday morning after being hit by a tractor with the registration number Se.2 Ta 1185 was identified as 42-year-old Deepa Nyaupane, a resident of the same Rural Municipality-4. She sustained serious injuries and succumbed to them while receiving further treatment at Dododhara Hospital, the police reported. The tractor driver is under police custody as the investigation into the accident continues.

Senior Supreme Court Judge Sapana Pradhan Malla has underscored the necessity of continuous dialogue between the bar and bench to maintain public trust in the judiciary. She announced that this dialogue will be sustained starting from Chaitra 18 (early April). Judge Malla highlighted that such dialogue will help remove obstacles within the judiciary and stressed the need to establish a people-centered justice system.

Chaitra 6, Kathmandu – Addressing the National Conference of Women Legal Professionals held in Bhaktapur on Friday, Senior Supreme Court Judge Sapana Pradhan Malla emphasized that ongoing communication between the bar and bench is essential for preserving public faith in the judiciary and for institutional reform. She declared that this dialogue will be continued from Chaitra 18 onward.

Judge Malla expressed confidence that maintaining this dialogue will facilitate the removal of impediments in the judicial system. Acknowledging that courts are currently facing complex circumstances and challenges related to crisis management, she stressed the imperative of establishing a justice system focused on the people.

“The situation is somewhat difficult at present, and certain interest groups are active, attempting to undermine public trust in the judiciary and weaken judicial institutions. While it is legitimate to question anyone’s competence and integrity, no party agrees to weaken the fundamental judicial faith and institutions of the judiciary. The entire bar, women legal professionals, and the courts must work together,” she said. She also shared plans to enhance the effectiveness of the Judicial Council to promote good governance and to continue close monitoring.

Judge Malla expressed dissatisfaction over persistent doubts cast on the capabilities of women despite their growing participation in the legal field.

After a popular movement led by the new generation of youth, the National Independent Party secured nearly a two-thirds majority mandate. The operational style of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office has historically been unstable and ineffective. In Baishakh 2079, a task force was formed that recommended limiting the number of secretaries in the Prime Minister’s Office and streamlining its functioning.

Following the public movement against governmental dysfunction, the National Independent Party gained an unprecedented two-thirds popular mandate. This deep public trust is not merely for a change in leadership or the face of power but is aimed at uprooting long-standing corruption and ushering in good governance. Good governance should manifest not only in eloquent speeches but in outcome-driven actions.

To initiate real change, it is essential first to deeply understand the weaknesses of the existing state apparatus and its working methods. OnlineKhabar has launched a news and opinion series titled Mandate for Good Governance, which unveils the true picture of these dysfunctions and charts a path toward good governance.

6 Chaitra, Kathmandu. During the elections held two weeks ago, employees at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office were occupied with three key tasks: First, preparing an action plan against corruption. Second, developing good governance policies. And third, creating a governance roadmap to address the demands raised by the public movement.

The challenging coincidence was that Prime Minister Sushila Karki took the initiative to appoint her personal secretary, Adarsha Shrestha, as the chairperson of the National Nature Conservation Fund, an organization whose work process and experience did not align well. Nevertheless, she showed little interest in approving or embracing the three documents related to good governance.

“No previous prime minister has made things easier for honest employees the way she did; hence, the staff machinery fully supported her,” a source close to the Prime Minister’s Office said. “Had she not neglected the commitments she personally expressed and shown ownership, the work would have been much smoother.”

The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee meeting has been postponed until 8 a.m. this Sunday, as announced by Co-General Secretary Dr. Dila Sangroula. During the session, party president Gagan Kumar Thapa submitted the resignation letter of Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma. Sharma also presented an analytical review report on the reasons behind the election defeat, which was subsequently discussed by the leaders attending the meeting.

Held in Kathmandu on Chaitra 6, the meeting that began today was suspended and rescheduled to reconvene on Sunday morning at 8. Dr. Sangroula informed about the postponement. The resignation letter submitted by Vice President Sharma was met with disagreement from the majority of central committee members, according to spokesperson Devaraj Chalise. In addition, Sharma’s detailed review report analyzing the defeat in the elections was discussed thoroughly in today’s meeting, as reported by party leaders.

6 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, while inspecting the construction and management of the new parliament building, stated that all necessary preparations have been completed. During the inspection, he informed that not only is the infrastructure ready for conducting separate sessions of the House of Representatives, but arrangements have also been made for joint sessions of both houses if required. Additionally, he noted that the meeting room for the Rules Committee and the Speaker’s office are also fully prepared.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed readiness to refrain from future attacks on gas fields located in Iran. He stated that Israel agreed to this following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump. However, on the Iranian New Year ‘Nowruz,’ Israel continued its air strikes on the capital Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched multiple missile attacks targeting Jerusalem on Thursday night.

At a press conference held Thursday night, Netanyahu claimed that Iran had been significantly weakened and was now incapable of uranium enrichment or developing ballistic capabilities. He also denied allegations that he had drawn the United States into war with Iran. Reports of explosions were heard overnight in both Jerusalem and Tehran. Previously, Iran’s Foreign Minister warned that any further attacks on their country would lead to unbearable consequences.

Several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, have recorded missile or drone attacks on their territories. Following a drone attack, Kuwaiti government media reported a fire at an oil processing facility in Kuwait. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based human rights group HRANA reported that since the war began on February 28, the death toll in Iran has reached 3,186.

After Israel attacked the South Pars gas field, Iran launched counterattacks this week, causing a sharp increase in global gas prices. Following Israel’s announcement that it would not conduct further attacks and the U.S. plan to increase oil production, prices have started to decline. Additionally, countries including the UK, France, and Japan issued a joint statement Thursday night expressing readiness to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

While Israel and the U.S. have continued their strikes, Iran has been attacking oil tankers in an attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz. Significant damage occurred in Qatar after Iran attacked the Ras Laffan energy plant, leading to a sharp rise in gas prices in the UK and Europe. Qatar’s Prime Minister described the attack as “the most dangerous provocation” by Iran. According to Qatar’s Energy Minister, the Iranian assault will reduce Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity by 17% for the next five years.

He further stated that Qatar would face an annual loss of $20 billion due to this. LNG production involves cooling natural gas to extremely low temperatures using specialized industrial processing units called “trains.” According to Qatar, the Iranian attack damaged two out of 14 trains at the facility. Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, India, and China are highly dependent on Qatari-produced LNG. Since the onset of the Ukraine war, Europe has increasingly shifted from Russian gas to gas produced in the Middle East. LNG is widely used for cooking, heating homes during winter, powering vessels and factories, and even in fertilizer production.

The third International Lumbini Peace Festival officially commenced in Lumbini on Thursday. Anil Kumar Sinha, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, emphasized that the message of compassion and nonviolence preached by Buddha remains highly relevant today. The festival will feature special meditation programs and an international peace marathon.

Beginning on Thursday at the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, the third International Lumbini Peace Festival is jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Minister Sinha expressed that amid the rising conflicts and instability worldwide, Buddha’s teachings of compassion, nonviolence, and coexistence have become even more pertinent and necessary.

During the opening ceremony, Minister Sinha highlighted Lumbini’s revival as a spiritual center for global peace and noted that the presence of representatives from various countries has elevated Lumbini to an international platform. Chang Maoming, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, elaborated on how peace is a fundamental human need, especially as the current international environment grows increasingly complex and unstable.

Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee, acknowledged Lumbini as a shared heritage of human civilization and expressed confidence that the festival, along with the international peace marathon and various sports events, will serve as a powerful medium for promoting peace and development. As part of the festival, a special meditation program will be held on Friday at the Mayadevi Temple premises, followed by the international peace marathon on Saturday.