Author: space4knews

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has requested its leaders and well-wishers not to crowd ministries to offer congratulations and best wishes to the Prime Minister and ministers. Acting Chief of the RSP Central Disciplinary Commission, Ramakant Rimal, made this appeal, warning that unnecessary meetings could hinder government performance.

According to the statement, “Instructions have been issued against such activities as they can affect the government’s workflow and cause delays in prompt service delivery.” On Chaitra 16 (March 30), in Kathmandu, party leaders, members, and well-wishers visiting ministries to congratulate the newly appointed Prime Minister and ministers have engaged in unnecessary meetings, garlanding, and photo sessions, which are contrary to party discipline and have sparked controversy.

Therefore, the Central Disciplinary Commission has urged against such conduct. The statement emphasized, “Recognizing the necessity of prioritizing citizen service and effective governance at this time, unnecessary meetings, gatherings, and crowding within ministries to congratulate the Prime Minister and ministers will delay government performance, affect quality of work, and ultimately impact the overall government system. Hence, a strict directive has been issued to all party officials and members not to undertake such actions.”

The third edition of the ‘Tikapur Literary Festival 2082’ was successfully held in Tikapur from Chaitra 13 to 15. The festival, jointly organized by the Tikapur Literary Society and the Sudurpashchim Academy, concluded on Sunday. Organizers informed that the festival encompassed various themes including language, literature, art, culture, education, and social development. According to Mahesh Bikram Shah, the founding coordinator of the festival, the third edition focused particularly on the theme of ‘Tharu Literature and Cultural Festival.’

Mahesh Bikram Shah stated, “Our efforts have strengthened and sustained the literary and cultural identity of Sudurpashchim Province, while promoting the message of multilingual and multicultural coexistence.” Throughout the festival, 21 special sessions were held featuring in-depth discussions and interactions on language, literature, art, music, local livelihoods, history, identity, politics, society, and contemporary issues. The event saw the participation of esteemed linguists, writers, artists, social thinkers, doctors, journalists, researchers, cultural experts, development specialists, and tourism activists from across the country.

The first series of the festival included a boat ride on the Karnali River and a performance of Tharu cultural dance. The second series featured street drama performances, writing workshops, and a province-level poetry festival. During the third series, various activities took place including theatrical performances, displays of Tharu folk culture, intellectual dialogues, poetry and ghazal recitals, musical programs, and a presentation of Deuda, a traditional dance from Sudurpashchim. The fourth series showcased the critically endangered ‘Ramleela dance,’ an important heritage of Tharu folk culture.

Mahesh Bikram Shah claimed that the direct dialogue involving the knowledge, experience, and creative journeys of established figures in literature, art, and social fields benefitted the local community. He added, “We believe our efforts will help establish Tikapur Municipality as a center of literature and culture.” The festival is expected to positively influence local tourism promotion, economic activities, and cultural awakening.

If you are a parent, you might find validation in a recent US court ruling that held Meta and Google accountable for building addictive social media platforms that harmed a young woman’s mental health. The young woman, named Kelly, was represented by lawyers who argued that features like Instagram’s never-ending ‘infinite scroll’ are intentionally addictive. The court’s decision has been hailed as a ‘defining moment’ for social media companies. However, for parents trying to reduce the amount of screen time their young children spend, this ruling holds limited practical value. We consulted several child-rearing experts to gather their advice on how to help children spend less time on phones, even if only for a short while.

1. Start Early and Be Realistic. Many parents have already given their children tablets or smartphones, so thoughtful consideration before introducing these devices is crucial. Child psychologist Dr. Jane Gilmer emphasizes that completely banning phone use is often not the right choice. She explains, “Changing habits is never easy.” She advises that changes should be introduced calmly and objectively rather than during arguments over screen time. “A calm mindset facilitates effective communication.” As a first step, designating a specific place in the home for storing devices, such as a particular drawer, can be beneficial. “Assign a specific spot for chargers where the phone can be placed to charge when turned off, and that’s where the matter ends.”

2. Collaborate. Child psychologist Dr. Marihan Baker believes that instead of imposing strict rules, older children and teenagers should be involved in discussions about screen time. She says, “I understand this space is important for connecting with your friends. I recognize the social pressure that comes with not using it. Therefore, it’s important we discuss how to balance your time and ours, which will help you stay away from the phone when needed.” Parenting coach Olivia Edwards adds that building a strong relationship with the child or adolescent is essential to successfully reduce screen time.

3. Use Screen Time as a Learning Opportunity. Many parents struggle to understand the trends and features of social media, but this can create opportunities for open discussions about screen time between adults and children. Olivia suggests, “You can ask, ‘Do you know how social media works? Apps are designed to attract people. They earn money based on the time people spend watching – did you know that?'” Dr. Jane points out that this approach helps parents teach children digital literacy.

4. Model Good Behavior. It’s clear that children imitate their parents, so reflecting on your own screen habits is crucial to establishing healthy practices. Marihan recommends approaching this in a light and fun way: “We can say to our children with self-awareness, ‘We all are guilty of this, and our relationship with phones needs improvement. I haven’t been the best at it either.’”

5. Don’t Panic. Raising children has never been easy, and today’s screen era adds complexities we must understand, including concerns. Dr. Tony Sampson, a digital communication expert at the University of Essex, advises parents not to fall into excessive fear. “Parents often become petrified by communication fears and assume every adolescent’s brain is wired to be addicted to social media,” he says. However, children and teenagers have a brain capability called ‘neuroplasticity,’ which allows them to adapt to and recover from their circumstances.

“Social media doesn’t disrupt attention; it captures it, directing it toward commercial content,” he adds. “Positive use of technology can enhance neuroplasticity, fostering creativity, exploration, and learning.”

President Ramchandra Paudel has announced the convening of a session for both houses of the Federal Parliament on Chaitra 19. The Cabinet meeting had recommended the President to call the parliamentary session on that date. This will be the first session of the Federal Parliament since the formation of the new government.

Chaitra 16, Kathmandu. President Ramchandra Paudel has formally convened sessions for both houses of the Federal Parliament. On Monday, the Cabinet meeting proposed to the President to convene Parliament on Chaitra 19. Based on this decision, President Paudel has called for the session, according to Ritish Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the President’s Office. The government had recommended holding the parliamentary session at 2 PM on Chaitra 19. This marks the first session of the Federal Parliament following the elections held on Falgun 21 and the subsequent formation of the new government.

Kathmandu, March 30 – Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari visited Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj on Monday to inquire about the health condition of KP Sharma Oli, chairman of the CPN-UML. Rajkumar Rai, Bhandari’s personal secretary, confirmed that the former president obtained updates on Oli’s health and also consulted with doctors regarding his condition.
Oli, who has also served as Prime Minister, was arrested by police on Saturday under government directive to implement the report of the investigative commission led by Gauribahadur Karki. The commission was appointed to probe the incidents of September 8 and 9. Following his arrest, Oli was admitted to the teaching hospital for medical treatment. –Rastriya Samachar Samiti

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was established in 1953. Following the restoration of multiparty democracy, ANFA has started selecting its leadership through a democratic electoral process. However, the election process within ANFA has not been smooth or free from controversy. As Nepal’s most popular sport and highest-budget organization, ANFA has repeatedly experienced disputes during leadership selection.

In 1987, after a cyclone caused the death of over 71 people at the Dashrath Rangashala stadium, sports officials resigned on moral grounds. Those who resigned included then Sports Minister Keshar Bahadur Bista, National Sports Council Secretary Sharad Chandra Shah, and ANFA President Kamal Thapa. After Thapa’s resignation, Chandra Bahadur Gurung was appointed as ANFA president. After Gurung also stepped down, Dhruva Bahadur Pradhan served as acting president. Subsequently, Adityadhwaj Joshi took over ANFA’s leadership, but he too resigned, after which acting president Purushottam Shrestha assumed responsibilities.

Ganesh Thapa was appointed president on March 6, 1995 (Chaitra 22, 2051 BS). However, FIFA did not recognize Thapa’s leadership, instead recognizing the leadership of Rukma Shamsher. Thapa’s ad hoc committee held elections in October 1995 (Ashwin 2052 BS), which FIFA accepted, beginning an era of Thapa’s leadership in Nepali football. However, controversies started during his tenure. In 2005/06 (2062/63 BS), when elections were due, clubs in the ‘B’ division launched protests demanding 18 specific demands. Thapa had raised players’ salaries, which caused financial difficulties for the clubs.

Although ANFA’s term was set to end by July 19, 2026 (Asar 4, 2083 BS), its executive committee decided on January 12, 2026 (Magh 28, 2082 BS) to hold early elections. This decision sparked disputes. Several clubs and districts opposed holding central elections without conducting elections at lower levels. The Department of Sports sent a letter to ANFA instructing that elections should not be held without approval and ordered a postponement. ANFA responded by stating it was holding elections under FIFA’s directives and its own constitution and refused to halt the process. Currently, ANFA has suspended the Department of Sports, but the controversy continues.

March 30, Kathmandu – Mahesh Basnet, Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), has welcomed the Kathmandu District Court’s decision not to issue an arrest warrant against him, as the police had not secured court approval for his arrest. In a statement released on Monday via Facebook, Secretary Basnet described the court’s order as a “welcome step by the judiciary against the politics of revenge.”
“Under directives from the autocratic Balen government and the so-called Home Minister, the Kathmandu District Police, through government attorneys, had proceeded with false criminal charges, but the District Court has ordered the police not to arrest me,” Basnet wrote. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kathmandu District Court for this decision. The judiciary’s stance against vindictive politics is highly commendable.”
Today, the Kathmandu District Court refused to grant permission to issue an arrest warrant against Basnet, noting that the complaint and related case files had been forwarded to the Patan High Court.

The Postal Service Department has unveiled three new postal stamps featuring significant archaeological and historical themes. Communications and Information Technology Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina affixed the stamps on their first-day covers during the launch event. Minister Timilsina urged the department to modernize postal services, enhance efficiency, and accelerate the development of smart postal systems. Kathmandu, 16 Chaitra.

The new stamps depict Java Dam (fort), Dhurkot Palace in Gulmi, and the Nrishingh Avatar Dance (Kartik Dance). At the program held at the department’s office in Babarmahal on Monday, Minister Dr. Timilsina signed the first-day covers of all three stamps. He stated, “Postal stamps will play a vital role in preserving the nation’s historical, religious, and cultural heritage, thereby safeguarding our national identity.”

The minister emphasized the need to bring postal services closer to citizens and strengthen public service delivery. He instructed the department to prepare new action plans to accelerate work progress in line with the government’s 100-point roadmap. Additionally, he called for initiatives that inspire positive public expectations. Minister Timilsina stressed prioritizing the development of smart postal services to ensure timely and effective postal operations.

Secretary of the Ministry, Laxmikumari Basnet, noted that postal stamps contribute to the preservation and promotion of the country’s archaeological and historical assets. Director General of the Postal Service Department, Manmaya Pangeni Bhattarai, highlighted the important role postal stamps play as international ambassadors, stating that the department continues to publish stamps aimed at preserving history, religion, and culture. During the event, Dr. Timilsina was welcomed by the department, and a detailed briefing on its activities was provided.