Author: space4knews

March 29, Kathmandu – The report of the Inquiry Commission formed to investigate the events of September 8 and 9 has been handed over to the Kathmandu District Police Office. The report, prepared under the leadership of former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, was decided to be implemented by the government. Subsequently, the report was forwarded from the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry then entrusted the Police Headquarters with its implementation.

The report arrived at the Kathmandu District Police Office via the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari, following the chain from the Police Headquarters. SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, the spokesperson of the Kathmandu District Police, confirmed receiving the report. He stated, “We have received the report and will now proceed to the implementation stage.”

Following the decision to implement the report, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday morning. It was noted that further investigations and actions will follow concerning other related security matters. The Karki Commission had recommended punitive action against Oli and Lekhak for charges related to the killings during the Janajati Movement.

Chaitra 14, Kathmandu – Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital has reported that the health condition of KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of the CPN-UML, is stable. Oli, who was detained this morning, was admitted to Maharajgunj Teaching Hospital where treatment has commenced. Hospital spokesperson Dr. Gopal Sedhai confirmed that Oli’s health is normal, stating, “He underwent a health examination today, and all test results are within normal limits.” He added, “When he was admitted in the morning, his heart rate was elevated, but his condition has since stabilized. His kidneys are functioning normally.”

According to Dr. Sedhai, Oli has gallstones and is undergoing ongoing treatment at the hospital. He was arrested on the recommendation of a commission led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, which investigated the JNLF demonstrations that took place on Bhadra 23 and 24. –Rastriya Samachar Samiti

March 28, Kathmandu – The government has announced a mandate requiring the installation of CCTV cameras in all types of public transportation vehicles. The decision aims to prevent gender-based violence in public transit by equipping all vehicles with CCTV systems. Additionally, the government will require ride-sharing apps to include an SOS button, and ensure that emergency and hazard notifications are instantly relayed to the police within the next 30 days through district-level authorities.

To guarantee the safe travel of female passengers, the government has also planned to operate free ‘Blue Bus’ services across all seven provinces. In the first phase, at least 25 buses are expected to be operational within 100 days as part of this initiative.

The news summary has been reviewed. Spokesperson of Nepali Congress, Devaraj Chalise, has stated that there is currently no plan for any protest. The Congress is seeking assurance of the government’s impartiality and conduct, and will make decisions as necessary. The party expressed objection to the commission’s report for not investigating the events of the 24th and emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry. Kathmandu, 14 Chaitra – Nepali Congress has clarified that no protest program has been scheduled at this time. Speaking to journalists after the parliamentary awareness program held at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Saturday, Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise shared this information. “The government’s attitude appears positive. We have not decided to carry out any street protests or other programs,” he said. Chalise added that the Congress is seeking to ensure the government’s fairness and conduct. “We are looking for assurance of the government’s impartiality and conduct. If any reconsideration is needed, a decision will be taken again,” he said. He raised concerns about the commission’s report for failing to investigate the events of 24th Bhadra in the same way the 23rd Bhadra incident was examined. “The events of the 24th cannot be ignored. The public must be informed about who caused the destruction on the 24th. It is necessary to identify the culprits,” he questioned.

April 6, Kathmandu — The government has decided to enforce a regulation requiring payments for agricultural products purchased on credit to be completed within a maximum of 25 days. This measure has been included in the government’s recently released 100-point agenda. The decision aims to ensure fair pricing for farmers’ agricultural produce. In cases where payments are not made within this timeframe, instructions mandating payment along with interest will be issued shortly.

To strengthen market access for agricultural products, a National Agricultural Market Information System will be established, providing farmers with daily price updates through SMS and digital platforms. Additionally, local governments will be facilitated to operate weekly agricultural markets in each municipality. The agenda also includes launching a ‘One Municipality, One Cold Storage Center’ program to improve the storage and marketing of agricultural produce.

The agenda stipulates that under the public-private partnership initiative, a feasibility study for establishing cold storage centers in each district will be conducted within ten days. To address farmers’ losses caused by uncontrolled market fluctuations due to the lack of minimum price protection for key agricultural products, the government has resolved to initiate the process of setting minimum support prices for major grains within 30 days. Furthermore, arrangements have been made to issue a ‘Soil Health Card’ to farmers operating commercial agricultural farms within three months.

Editorial review and news summary. The Nepali Congress has concluded that the government’s behavior in implementing the report of the Commission on the repression of Bhadra 23 and 24 has been ‘selective.’ The party has stated that a study committee should be formed to address the security mechanisms recommended by the commission and ensure their implementation, while other recommendations should be immediately enforced. Congress pointed out that the government’s hasty arrests and inconsistent behavior regarding the same incident and report indicate a selective approach.

Kathmandu, Chaitra 14: The Nepali Congress has concluded that the government has exhibited selective behavior in implementing the commission’s report on the crackdown incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24. During a parliamentary awareness program held on Saturday, the party issued a statement highlighting the government’s selective conduct regarding events of Bhadra 23 and 24.

“A study committee needs to be formed to work on the security arrangements related to individuals and agencies recommended by the commission, with the implementation carried out accordingly. Other recommendations should be implemented immediately. Even within the same incident, inquiry report, and similar recommendations of Bhadra 23, the government’s behavior has appeared to be ‘selective,’” the Congress statement noted.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced that the Cabinet has decided to implement the recommendations of the Gauribahadur Karki Commission. Police arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, accusing them of involvement in violence during the Janajati (Adivasi) movement and causing loss of lives. To keep Oli and Lekhak in custody, they must undergo health examinations followed by a request to extend custody through the Attorney General’s office in court. (14 Chaitra, Kathmandu)

Upon assuming office on Friday, newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung addressed security personnel under his command, stating, “The Cabinet’s decision mandates the implementation of the commission’s report.” He indicated the commitment to enforce the Gauribahadur Karki Commission’s recommendations. Sudan not only reminded everyone about the Janajati movement but also urged them to observe one minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the movement. Immediately after taking charge, he met with wounded individuals and the families of martyrs from the Janajati movement.

At the Cabinet meeting, the Minister drove his own private red-plated vehicle to attend. Following Sudan’s indication at the Home Ministry, the Cabinet resolved to implement the Karki Commission’s report. It also decided to form a committee for further study on security agencies and to immediately implement other recommendations, according to government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel. After the decision, Home Minister Sudan consulted for two hours with Nepal Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal.

On Saturday morning, the Police Headquarters and Armed Police Force Headquarters issued a circular directing strict attendance from personnel ranging from constables to Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) and Superintendents of Police (SP). The Kathmandu Valley police issued a standby order to forces in all three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur). For further discussions, Home Minister Sudan, Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, Nepal Police IGP Dan Bahadur Karki, Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal, Kathmandu Valley Police Office Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Ishwar Karki, and Armed Police AIG Ganesh Thada Magar convened at the IGP residence in Naxal, Police Headquarters.

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, arrested on Saturday for suppressing the Janajati (indigenous) movement, are scheduled to be presented in court today, authorities have stated. The Janajati protests on September 8–9 resulted in 76 deaths and over 2,400 injuries, alongside arson attacks on government buildings including Singha Durbar. An investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki held Oli, Lekhak, and others accountable, recommending legal action. The newly formed government has decided to implement the commission’s report.

Kathmandu, March 29: KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and UML chairman, and Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Minister and Congress leader, both arrested on Saturday for their alleged roles in suppressing the Janajati movement, will be presented today at the Kathmandu District Court. As Saturday was a public holiday, neither was produced in court then. Today, police confirmed both leaders will be brought before the court.

The violent Janajati demonstrations on September 8–9 resulted in 76 fatalities, including police personnel. Over 2,400 protesters sustained serious injuries. During the protests, government offices such as Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, the President’s residence, police stations, commercial areas, and private residences were vandalized, setting fires and looting. The commission headed by Gauribahadur Karki held former Prime Minister Oli, then Home Minister Lekhak, and others responsible, recommending prosecution.

Following the general elections on February 3, the first cabinet meeting of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration, convened on March 26, decided to implement the commission’s report immediately. On the morning of March 27, Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, and Lekhak from his home in Katunje, Bhaktapur. After detention, Oli was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for health assessment and was admitted based on medical advice, whereas Lekhak is held at Police Post Number 2 in Maharajgunj. The Nepal Police are planning to present both leaders to court as soon as it opens today.

Summary of the news: After an editorial review, it was confirmed that UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli was taken into custody on Saturday morning and admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TU Teaching Hospital) for medical treatment. A team of heart and kidney specialists is closely monitoring and treating him while conducting various tests. Due to the risk of infection, he is receiving treatment in a hospital cabin, according to doctors. April 14, Kathmandu.

UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is currently undergoing treatment at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Police brought him to the hospital on Saturday morning for a health examination. Following initial tests in the emergency room and on medical advice, he was admitted to the hospital. Oli is being treated in bed number 501 in the ‘Annex One’ building, with further health evaluations ongoing.

According to one of the attending physicians, various physical examinations are being conducted to assess Oli’s health condition. A specialist team of kidney and heart doctors is supervising his treatment. The doctor stated, “When he arrived at the hospital in the morning, his heart rate was elevated, and he was experiencing stomach pain.” X-rays revealed the presence of stones in the stomach, which could be the cause of the abdominal pain. Currently, gastroenterologists are also monitoring his condition.

An echocardiogram was performed to evaluate his heart condition, and tests related to kidney function are also underway. Oli has previously undergone two kidney transplants and regularly takes immunosuppressive medication post-transplant. Due to a history of cardiac angioplasty, he is also on medication including antibiotics and thyroid drugs. Given the high risk of infection, he is being treated under close observation in a hospital cabin. The doctors said, “We are conducting further tests on his heart and kidneys. Decisions about discharge or additional treatment will be made only after all reports are available.”

On Saturday morning, police arrested former Prime Minister Oli at Gundoo Residency on charges of suppressing the Janajati and Janisamuday (JENJI) movement. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested the same day. As Saturday was a public holiday, preparations are underway to present them in court on Sunday.

Summary: The decade of the 1990s Vikram Samvat marked the beginning of non-governmental party politics in Nepal, with intellectuals and political figures laying the foundation for the democratic movement. During the Maoist insurgency (V.S. 2052–2063), women played active roles as soldiers, leaders, and strategic decision-makers, paving the way for a quota system for female participation. Nepal’s 2072 Constitution ensured at least one-third female representation in parliament and local levels, and since 2074, women’s political participation has risen to over 40 percent.

Non-governmental multi-party politics in Nepal is generally recognized to have started in the 1990s V.S. During this period, the political and social environment was complex, characterized by the autocratic Rana regime and restricted civil liberties. Nonetheless, various intellectual and political personalities organized efforts that laid the groundwork for democratic movements. The Nepal Praja Parishad, established in V.S. 1993, is one of the country’s oldest political institutions and played a key role in spreading political awareness. Subsequently, the Nepali National Congress (NEKA) was founded to institutionalize the political movement; its first national convention was held on January 25–26, 1947, in Kolkata, India (Basnet, 2065). The convention not only called for political change but also recognized gender inequality and discrimination against women, passing a proposal advocating equal rights for women.

The prevailing social structure at the time was largely patriarchal, with women deprived of education, property rights, participation in decision-making processes, and involvement in public life. Education for women was considered a foundation for social change and political awareness, which later provided a platform for women to assume leadership roles. The Maoist party placed special emphasis on female participation in its early phase. During the armed conflict from V.S. 2052 to 2063, women were actively engaged as soldiers, political trainers, leaders, and strategic decision-makers. The party committed to leadership development, organizational training, and proportional representation for female members. These experiences opened pathways for systems such as quota representation, proportional inclusion, and adequate participation of women in the constituent assembly in Nepal. Aligning with global debates on gender equality and Nepal’s political evolution, the CPN (UML) at its second National Council meeting in V.S. 2053 decided to include at least one woman in every committee (CPN-UML, 2053). This is considered Nepal’s first formal party-level quota decision institutionalizing women’s representation within political parties.

Since 2074, women’s political representation in Nepal has surpassed approximately 40 percent, signaling progress toward inclusivity. However, challenges remain, including limited opportunities in direct elections, dependency on the quota system, entrenched patriarchal attitudes, and minimal influence in decision-making processes. Throughout Nepal’s history, courageous and influential women have made significant contributions. In various periods, women have exhibited bravery in safeguarding the nation, society, and communities. For example, during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816), women played vital roles in warrior support, treating injured soldiers, and resistance activities in battles like Nalapani (Kunwar, 2065). Yogmaya Neupane, regarded as the founder of modern Nepal, raised voices against child marriage and opposed Rana regime injustices.

Women actively participated in the labor movement of 1956 (2003 BS) and the civil movement of 1957 (2004 BS), leading to the establishment of the Nepal Women’s Association under the leadership of Mangala Devi Singh in the same year. Although the Rana regime ended and multi-party democracy began in 1957 (2007 BS), the women’s movement continuously advanced education, employment, and political participation. Despite ongoing challenges, gender consciousness and women’s roles in society have steadily increased. Women’s involvement in the 2006 (2062/63 BS) democratic movement was especially notable. Acknowledging that women’s issues differ by class, caste, language, region, and religion, inclusivity and equality were ensured during the constitution drafting process. The Interim Constitution promulgated on Magh 1, 2063, secured one-third women candidates and equal rights. The new Constitution of 2072 introduced stricter provisions against violence targeting women and institutional recognition. Especially significant was ensuring more than 40 percent female participation at the local level. However, effective leadership remains limited. Article 38 of the Constitution guarantees equal hereditary rights for women, proportional participation, reproductive rights, and punishment for perpetrators of violence along with victim compensation. At least one-third female representation is ensured in both federal and provincial parliaments. In the 2074 federal elections, women constituted about 33 percent in the House of Representatives, though the number elected through direct vote was low. By the 2079 elections, female representation reached 33.8 percent. Women’s participation in provincial assemblies increased from 34.36 percent in 2074 to 36.4 percent in 2079. In local governments, women accounted for 40.95 percent of representatives in 2074, rising to 41.21 percent in 2079. Nonetheless, the number of women in leadership positions remains limited. Overall, while women’s political participation has significantly increased, limited direct electoral opportunities, quota system dependence, leadership constraints, party structural inequalities, and patriarchal mindsets persist.

From 2048 to 2015 BS, women’s participation in elections was limited. In the 2015 election, only one woman MP was elected. After the constituent assembly elections, the proportional representation system increased women’s participation, with approximately 197 female members in the first assembly and 176 in the second. Political development between 2074 and 2079 saw a substantial rise in female representation, but leadership and effectiveness gaps remain. In recent years, Nepal’s younger generations born after 1997 have become increasingly politically and socially conscious, raising their voices actively through digital platforms. The Gen Z Movement, which began on Bhadra 23, 2082, marked a significant event in political and social dissatisfaction, with 76 deaths recorded. The government provided financial relief to the families of the deceased. Subsequently, Nepal appointed its first female Prime Minister, inaugurating a new chapter in women’s leadership history. Prime Minister Sushila Karki demonstrated exemplary leadership and sent a positive message that women can hold the highest office. Her main challenges included addressing youth demands, managing economic crises, and maintaining political stability. Re-establishing trust among parties and introducing a shared agenda for upcoming elections or constitutional amendments were urgent priorities.

The Fagun 21, 2082 House of Representatives elections posed challenges for women’s political participation. While Nepal’s Constitution mandates a minimum of 33 percent women in the House, the number of female direct candidates remained low, and many parties fulfilled representation primarily through proportional lists, perpetuating structural inequalities. Women’s political participation in Nepal’s history has been arduous, influential, and continuously evolving. Initially limited to small roles, women’s positions strengthened through the Maoist movement, formation of women’s associations, and proportional representation systems. Although the Constitution guarantees adequate female representation, limited direct election opportunities, restricted leadership access, party structure inequalities, and patriarchal attitudes remain. Improvements in female representation from 2074 to 2079 are evident, but deeper introspection and structural reforms are needed for proportional leadership and effective influence. Ultimately, women’s political participation in Nepal must focus not only on numerical growth but also on impactful roles in leadership, decision-making, and policy formulation. From history to the present, women’s leadership and contributions under challenging circumstances clearly indicate progress toward gender equality.

Kathmandu, 15 Chaitra – The Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for Sunday. According to the established rates, the buying rate for the US dollar is NPR 151.41 and the selling rate is NPR 152.01. The buying rate for the Euro is NPR 174.32 and the selling rate NPR 175.01; for the British Pound Sterling, the buying rate is NPR 201.41 and the selling rate NPR 202.20; and for the Swiss Franc, the buying rate is NPR 189.92 and the selling rate NPR 190.67.

The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 104.37 with a selling rate of NPR 104.79; the Canadian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 109.32 and selling rate NPR 109.75; the Singapore Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 117.64 and selling rate NPR 118.10. For Japanese Yen (10 units), the buying rate is NPR 9.47 and the selling rate NPR 9.51; Chinese Yuan’s buying rate is NPR 21.91 and selling rate NPR 21.99; Saudi Arabian Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 40.35 and selling rate NPR 40.51; and Qatari Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 41.44 with a selling rate of NPR 41.61.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.60 and the selling rate NPR 4.62; UAE Dirham’s buying rate is NPR 41.23 and selling rate NPR 41.39; Malaysian Ringgit’s buying rate is NPR 37.73 with a selling rate of NPR 37.88; South Korean Won (100 units) buying rate is NPR 10.03 and selling rate NPR 10.07; Swedish Krona’s buying rate is NPR 16.05 and selling rate NPR 16.11; Danish Kroner’s buying rate is NPR 23.33 and selling rate NPR 23.42.

The Rastra Bank also reported that the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 19.33 and selling rate NPR 19.40; Kuwaiti Dinar’s buying rate is NPR 493.76 and selling rate NPR 495.71; Bahraini Dinar’s buying rate is NPR 401.57 and selling rate NPR 403.16; Omani Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 393.28 and selling rate NPR 394.84. The Indian Rupee (per 100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 160.00 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15. The Rastra Bank has stated that these exchange rates may be revised at any time as necessary. It also noted that commercial banks may set different exchange rates, and the updated rates will be available on the central bank’s website.

15 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress leader and former Energy Minister Dipak Khadka has been arrested. Sources report that he was taken into custody during the investigation related to a money laundering case.