Author: space4knews

22 Chaitra, Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank has determined the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Sunday). The buying rate for the US dollar is set at NPR 148.67 and the selling rate at NPR 149.27. The European Euro is priced at a buying rate of NPR 171.62 and a selling rate of NPR 172.31; the UK Pound Sterling has a buying rate of NPR 196.76 and a selling rate of NPR 197.55, while the Swiss Franc’s buying rate stands at NPR 186.22 and selling rate at NPR 186.97.

The Australian Dollar buying rate is NPR 102.71 with a selling rate of NPR 103.12, the Canadian Dollar is priced at NPR 106.76 for buying and NPR 107.19 for selling, and the Singapore Dollar’s rates are NPR 115.65 for buying and NPR 116.11 for selling. The Japanese Yen (per 10 units) has a buying rate of NPR 9.32 and selling rate of NPR 9.36, the Chinese Yuan is at NPR 21.61 buying and NPR 21.69 selling, the Saudi Arabian Riyal is NPR 39.59 for buying and NPR 39.75 for selling, and the Qatari Riyal rates are NPR 40.78 buying and NPR 40.94 selling.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.57 with a selling rate of NPR 4.58, the UAE Dirham stands at NPR 40.48 buying and NPR 40.64 selling, and the Malaysian Ringgit is priced at NPR 36.88 buying and NPR 37.03 selling. The South Korean Won (per 100 units) is NPR 9.85 for buying and NPR 9.89 for selling, the Swedish Krona rates are NPR 15.76 buying and NPR 15.82 selling, and the Danish Kroner is NPR 22.96 buying and NPR 23.06 selling.

Nepal Rastra Bank has set the Hong Kong Dollar buying rate at NPR 18.97 and selling at NPR 19.05, the Kuwaiti Dinar at NPR 484.50 buying and NPR 486.46 selling, and the Bahraini Dinar at NPR 393.83 buying and NPR 395.42 selling. The Omani Riyal is valued at NPR 386.21 for buying and NPR 387.76 for selling. Similarly, 100 Indian Rupees are set at NPR 160 for buying and NPR 160.15 for selling. The Rastra Bank has stated that these exchange rates are subject to change at any time as per necessity. It has also noted that commercial banks may set different exchange rates, and updated rates will be available on the central bank’s official website.

Gorkha-11 Cricket Club has revealed its new jersey in Lisbon, intensifying preparations for the upcoming Portugal National Cricket League scheduled to start on April 18 in Lisbon. The team will be captained by Manjit Singh, who will lead the club that was the runner-up in the previous national cricket league.

The jersey unveiling ceremony was held at Ola Nepal House Restaurant in Lisbon. The event was attended by notable players including World Cup participant cricketer Rahul Bishwakarma and Madhukar Thapa. Established in 2016 under the leadership of Madhukar Thapa, Gorkha-11 is recognized as a popular team within the Nepalese community in Portugal.

For this season, the club aims to deliver an outstanding performance under Manjit Singh’s captaincy and secure the championship title. The new jerseys are sponsored by Breeze International and the British Gurkha Cricket League, with additional financial support from various businesses based in Portugal. Other distinguished attendees of the event included BGCL Chief Executive Officer Gam Gurung, Portugal national cricket team player Saidur Rahman, former ICC member and NRNA official Rajkumar Thapa, and Senior Vice President of NRNA Portugal Suraj Bist.

Despite the government’s directive to shut down online betting apps and websites within 24 hours, resulting in the closure of thousands of platforms, officials acknowledge that fully implementing this decision remains challenging. Gambling, including betting and participation in games of chance, is legally banned in Nepal.

After Valendra Shah assumed office, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology directed the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to immediately block all types of online gambling apps and websites. Following this order, internet service providers were instructed to shut down more than 711 websites and platforms, as confirmed by Nepal Telecommunications Authority officials. Meanwhile, the Nepal Rastra Bank has stated it is monitoring suspicious online betting transactions, but many remain difficult to detect due to employee-based transaction systems.

Pradeep Paudyal, Deputy Director of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, stated that over 711 websites, including more than 50 reported by users, have been sent to internet service providers for closure. He said, “Various local service providers have reported blocking between 4,300 and 7,000 unique domains so far, and the process is ongoing.” The authority is also collecting data from multiple providers and reviewing technical challenges.

Officials from the Ministry of Information and Communications have warned of strict action against users of unauthorized apps and websites. According to Section 125, Subsection 4 of the Criminal Code 2074, engaging in or facilitating betting is illegal, punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to NPR 10,000. Officials recognize that with the rise of online gambling incidents in Nepal, controlling it remains a significant challenge.

Clarity in national interest is a crucial foundation for foreign policy formulation. This matter is not exclusive to any particular party or group but is a shared concern. However, so far, the Nepali leadership has been unable to develop a common understanding of the national interest.

With the advent of the non-party Panchayat system, there were widespread dismissals and reshuffles among employees, as well as significant changes within local units.

March 21, Kathmandu – Once regarded as a symbol of stench and pollution, the corridors along the Bagmati River are now transforming into visually appealing spaces. The blooming flowers and dense greenery along the riverbanks have greatly enhanced Kathmandu’s urban aesthetics. Particularly along the Bagmati corridor, vibrant ‘Bagnabeli’ flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow are flourishing. These blossoms, cascading over red railings and brick walls by the river, captivate the hearts of passersby.

A few years ago, the riverbanks were cluttered with bushes and garbage, but today they resemble well-maintained gardens. The current flow of the Bagmati is calm, and the embankments are kept clean. Artistic stone walls and orderly sidewalks contribute to making the area safer and more attractive. Nevertheless, some unpleasant odors persist in the water. The presence of the general public along the riverbanks has increased significantly, with youth and visitors enjoying leisurely walks in this clean riverside environment.

Traffic along the corridor’s roads is also well regulated. Serving as a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle and a favored spot for photography, this area has become an attractive destination. The balance between urban development and nature is evident here, with modern buildings complemented by lush greenery in the foreground, underscoring Kathmandu’s efforts to harmonize modernization with environmental preservation. Well-organized electric poles and road infrastructure further reflect the positive facets of urban development. The Bagmati cleaning campaigns and governmental initiatives have meaningfully transformed this area. It is believed that with continued commitment to cleanliness and beautification, the Bagmati River will regain its former glory and cultural significance. With determination, neglected urban corners can be transformed into paradisiacal spaces.

Photos by: Anup Pradhan/News Agency Nepal

Six out of seven Nepalis injured by falling drone debris in Abu Dhabi have been discharged from the hospital. The Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been in contact with all seven injured individuals to monitor their condition. The debris fell in the Ajban area of Abu Dhabi after a drone, launched by Iran, was intercepted by the UAE air defense system. Kathmandu, 21 Chaitra.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), six of the seven Nepalis injured by falling drone debris in Abu Dhabi have been discharged from hospital. The Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi conveyed updates on the condition of the Nepalis and confirmed that six have been released. Embassy staff have maintained communication with all seven injured individuals.

One injured person remains hospitalized but is reported to be in a stable condition, according to the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Following reports from UAE government media confirming seven Nepalis injured, the embassy expressed concern and sought updates on their condition. On Friday, after the UAE’s air defense system intercepted a drone launched by Iran using missiles, debris fell in the Ajban area of Abu Dhabi. This incident resulted in a total of 12 injuries, including seven Nepalis and five Indian nationals.

In rural areas, a fascinating legend still circulates today: “When lightning strikes the sky, stone axes fall to the earth.” In some places, these stone axes, known as ‘lightning stones,’ are carefully preserved. As a child, such stories seemed mysterious. Each year, lightning claims the lives of tens of thousands of people worldwide. In Nepal, Makwanpur district is considered the most affected, with Jhapa, Udayapur, Ilam, Morang, and several other districts also significantly impacted. Lightning often damages tall trees, splitting branches, causing them to fall or suddenly wither. If stone tools fell alongside lightning, such objects would be found abundantly in those areas. However, these tools are mostly discovered in remote or ancient settlements and are often kept at home across many generations. In reality, these stone axes are prehistoric stone tools made by early humans. Viewed in this light, while folklore adds mystery, these objects reveal a crucial chapter in human history.

Against this background, this article discusses prehistoric stone tools and, based on them, the early history of human activity in Nepal. The Stone Age is also referred to as the ‘Paleolithic Age,’ marking an early phase of human civilization. During this period, humans primarily used stone tools to meet their daily needs. This use of tools distinguished humans from other living beings. Stone axes, spears, arrows, and similar implements were commonly used for hunting. Determining when stone tool production began globally was difficult without knowing their age.

In the mid-20th century, scientists developed the ‘Radiocarbon Dating’ method. During the 1950s and 1960s, advanced techniques like ‘Potassium-Argon Dating’ were introduced, enabling accurate dating of stone tools that are millions of years old. Subsequently, researchers discovered that human-made stone tools date back up to 2.5 million years. The majority of these weapons and tools have been found primarily in African countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa. Similar findings have been made in Asian countries like China and India, and stone tools have also been uncovered in Nepal.

March 21, Butwal – Tiger Forest Hotel, featuring the first beer garden in Lumbini Province, has commenced operations in Chilhiya 13, Tilottama, Rupandehi. Entrepreneur Minraj Bhusal of Tilottama established the hotel with a vision to bring a new and unique identity to the region across five bighas of land. The investment in the hotel has surpassed one billion rupees, with financial backing from Shine Resunga Development Bank, according to reports.

According to Bhusal, the hotel is integrated with lush forest surroundings, and the rooms—referred to as “flying villas”—are entirely constructed from pine wood. Additionally, fresh draft beer from Bhusal’s own brewery, which is not bottled but served directly, is available on site. Bhusal is also the owner of the “Baahrsinge” beer brand.

The hotel, connected to the five-star Tiger Palace Resort, is currently operational in the southern section. The first phase includes a beer garden, 20 flying villas, a hall accommodating 50 guests, a Chautari bar, a dance club, and a spa, Bhusal said. The flying villa designs were crafted by Austrian engineers. Bhusal emphasized that apart from Baahrsinge Beer Industry in Kurintar by the Trishuli riverbank, no other place offers this combination of flying villas and draft beer garden.

Construction is nearing completion on a Chinese restaurant with a capacity of around 200 guests and a banquet hall that can accommodate 1,000 guests. Bhusal announced that the official opening of the hotel is planned for the Nepali New Year.

In the near future, plans include adding 40 more rooms, a swimming pool, and a mini-casino to obtain four-star hotel certification. “The purpose of this investment is to provide new and unique hospitality services targeting domestic and Indian tourists,” Bhusal stated. “We present an unprecedented experience in the region where guests can enjoy fresh beer amid a green environment under the open sky.” He also noted that tourists visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, are among the primary target guests for the resort.

Bhusal revealed plans to further invest NPR 1.5 billion in the coming years to upgrade the hotel to a five-star facility, expanding services and amenities aimed at Indian tourists, contingent on political stability and a favorable business environment in the country. “This resort, located away from urban areas amidst serene greenery, will establish a distinct identity for the province’s tourism sector,” he added. “The combination of natural surroundings, open spaces, and authentic architectural style differentiates this resort from conventional hotels. Our goal is to transform it into an exemplary wellness and entertainment tourism destination in Nepal.”

General Manager Kshitiz Khanal stated that the resort currently provides direct employment to around 70 locals. The hotel, developed with the objective of offering unique experiences to domestic and international tourists visiting Lumbini, is expected to become a model tourism destination not only for Tilottama but for the entire province, said Mayor Ram Krishna Khanal.

March 21, Kathmandu – The Supreme Court is set to hear the habeas corpus petitions of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak tomorrow (Sunday). According to sources, after the previously issued show-cause order by the Supreme Court, a written response has been received from the opposition. With all parties now aligned, both petitioners are expected to attend the hearing.
The police arrested both individuals on March 14 under a decision to implement the recommendations of the Gauri Bahadur Karki Commission, which was established to investigate incidents related to the JNU movement. Claiming the arrests were unlawful, Oli and Lekhak filed habeas corpus petitions at the Supreme Court on March 15. Separate benches considered these petitions on March 16, issuing show-cause orders directed to the government. Following receipt of the government’s written response, the court will conduct debates during tomorrow’s hearing, sources informed.

March 21, Sankhuwasabha — The Office of the Controller of Accounts (Colenika) has initiated the distribution process of pension slips for retired employees. This marks the first time pension slips have been distributed at the district level, eliminating the need for retired employees to travel to Kathmandu. Chiranjivi Adhikari, the office chief, handed over the pension slip to Rudra Budhathoki as the first beneficiary.

Previously, employees who had retired or resigned from the civil service had to visit the National Treasury at Pulchok and the Pension Office at Tripureshwor to obtain their pension slips, a process that typically took 2 to 4 days and incurred additional costs. However, according to the official, the introduction of the ‘e-Pension Service’ now allows the procedure to be completed within the district, making it more convenient. Pension slips for employees whose retirement or resignation has been approved will be prepared digitally.

After retirement, employees submit the necessary documents to the Colenika office, where their information is uploaded to the online system. Subsequently, the authorized pension slip signed by the relevant office is sent to Colenika and handed over to the beneficiary. Expressing satisfaction with the new system, Rudra Budhathoki, a retired employee from the Irrigation Office, said, “I no longer have to go to Kathmandu, which also saves the expenses incurred by staying there.” This new system is expected to facilitate faster, more cost-effective, and efficient service delivery at the district level.