Author: space4knews

Chelsea has secured its place in the FA Cup football final by defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the semifinals. Enzo Fernandez’s goal in the 23rd minute proved decisive in securing the victory for Chelsea. In the final, Chelsea will face Manchester City. On 13 Baisakh, Kathmandu, Chelsea reached the English FA Cup football final. In the semifinal match held on Sunday evening, Chelsea emerged victorious against Leeds United. The match at Wembley Stadium ended 1-0 in favor of Chelsea. Enzo Fernandez’s 23rd-minute goal was the key to Chelsea’s triumph. Now, Chelsea will compete against Manchester City for the title, with City having secured their final spot by defeating Southampton on Saturday night.

Rubina Acharya, the elected Member of Parliament from Morang-6, has initiated a campaign titled “The People’s Representative Among the People” following the conclusion of the winter session of Parliament. Acharya is conducting direct public meetings across all wards of Morang-6, gathering local issues and public grievances. She has proposed necessary measures to improve education, combat drug abuse, promote agricultural development, and enhance hospital services. (April 13, Morang)

During the election campaign, many voters voiced complaints that “leaders become distant from the public after winning elections.” Rubina Acharya, elected under the National Independent Party (RASWAPA) from Morang-6, heard similar concerns from numerous constituents. After the winter session ended, Acharya embarked on the “The People’s Representative Among the People” campaign, visiting voters at their doorsteps.

“A people’s representative must always remain among the people. Through direct meetings, continuous dialogue, and cultivating a culture of listening to the people’s voice, real problems can be identified and resolved,” Acharya stated. “Since the completion of the first session of Parliament, I have been advancing this campaign through site visits and public engagement programs within my electoral area.” She has also committed to continuing this campaign after every parliamentary session.

“I am conducting direct public meetings in all wards of Morang-6 to collect local problems, challenges, and grievances,” she elaborated. “Direct dialogue with constituents is the real foundation for addressing regional issues.” Acharya informed that she is progressing necessary steps to institutionalize feedback and suggestions received from voters through the Secretariat Committee of Morang-6. During her field visits, she inspected government schools, public hospitals, flood-prone and erosion-affected areas, as well as places undergoing soil excavation.

“Through direct communication with local residents, I have collected their problems, complaints, and suggestions,” Acharya explained. “It was observed that educational conditions are weak and marginalized communities have limited access to education. I will strive to address this problem.” She emphasized the indispensable role of local governments in ensuring quality education. With rising drug abuse among youth posing a serious societal challenge, Acharya concluded that a comprehensive long-term strategy is essential.

“Without public awareness campaigns, strict monitoring, effective rehabilitation programs, and participation of families and communities, this issue cannot be resolved,” she said. “In agriculture, opportunities must be developed, local production promoted, and farmer-friendly policies effectively implemented.” She also underscored the need for timely, quality completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and called attention to responsible agencies. Regarding hospital services, Acharya has raised her voice emphasizing that patients deserve quality care. She recommended prompt initiatives to improve hospital management and service delivery to make them effective, accessible, and people-friendly.

A 7-year-old boy, Yuvraj Budhamagar, suffering from diarrhea in Dadeldhura, died en route to medical treatment. Keshar Saud, Chief of the Dadeldhura Health Office, confirmed the death was due to diarrhea. The boy’s mother and three other children are currently receiving treatment at Jogbudha Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

On 13th Baisakh, Dhangadhi – The death of a child due to diarrhea has been reported in Dadeldhura. The deceased, 7-year-old Yuvraj Budhamagar, is from Ward No. 2 of Parshuram Municipality. Keshar Saud, Chief of the Dadeldhura Health Office, cited information received from the municipality’s health branch, confirming that Budhamagar’s death was caused by diarrhea.

According to Saud, the boy developed diarrhea after eating boiled potatoes. While being transported to the hospital for treatment, he passed away along the way. His mother and three other children are undergoing treatment at Jogbudha Hospital. The Health Office has stated that all patients currently receiving care at the hospital are in stable condition.

Dr. Shekhar Koirala, a leader of the Nepali Congress, convened a meeting with leaders from various sectors following the recent elections, marking the first time he sought their views in such a setting. He listened to opinions from Congress leaders, foreign policy experts, legal professionals, journalists, and young members. The discussion revealed concerns that the Congress has been unable to voice its stance on national and international issues, emphasizing the need for moderation to maintain party unity.

On April 26, in Kathmandu, Dr. Shekhar Koirala engaged leaders from different sectors post-election to solicit their perspectives for the first time. Present at the meeting were Congress leaders, foreign policy analysts, political commentators, lawyers, journalists, and youth representatives. Following diverse inputs regarding the nation and the party, Dr. Koirala briefly shared his views.

One participant noted, “Dr. Shekhar spoke little but ultimately expressed a moderate position to preserve party unity, remarking that both factions within the party are extremist.” Attendees voiced serious concern that the Congress is currently incapable of articulating its positions publicly. Historically, even during significant events such as the burning of BP Koirala’s history or leaders’ homes, the party remained silent; now, after the formation of a new government, that silence has deepened according to meeting participants.

They stated, “Congress has failed to speak out on either national or international matters. There is a pressing need to empower the party to express itself more effectively.” The discussions also included an analysis that without achieving party unity, the Congress risks being out of power for the next 15 to 20 years. Speakers also raised concerns about the current government’s governance system.

Political analyst Puranjan Acharya evaluated measures to strengthen Congress alongside assessments of the current government’s performance. He remarked, “This wasn’t about Shekhar or Gagan; the message was unified. It’s not about individuals. There appears to be fear among people regarding democracy and its principles, raising concerns about what might happen.”

Discussions questioned the role of party president Gagan Thapa concerning the unresolved issue of selecting the parliamentary party leader. Leaders also inquired about why the topic of renewing active memberships for the 15th general convention was resurfacing, given that most renewals had already lapsed locally. Participants conveyed, “Some leaders wondered why renewals should be redone. Questions were also raised about the usefulness of retaining members unlikely to increase votes.”

Although legal disputes within Congress were settled following a court order, political disagreements persist, speakers stated.

The discussion took place at Koirala’s contact office in Vishalnagar and included participants such as Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, Madhurman Acharya, Puranjan Acharya, Dr. Uddhav Pyakurel, Purushottam Dahal, Kishor Nepal, Haridarsan Shrestha, Sher Bahadur KC, Upendrekeshari Nyaupane, Dr. Binita Karki, Jagdish Dahal, Kulchandra Wagle, and Bishnu Budhathoki. Two young leaders, Abhijit Adhikari and Karina Puri, also took part. Other Congress figures involved were Dr. Shashank Koirala, Sujata Koirala, Dhanraj Gurung, Badri Pandey, Jeevan Pariyar, NP Saud, Dr. Minendra Rizal, and Dr. Govindraj Pokharel.

Summary: After bulldozers began operating in the Sukumbasi settlement, a 17-year-old student complained about the impact on her studies even while she was taking exams. Her family took a loan to pay the 50,000 rupees college admission fee and faces expenses totaling three lakh rupees, causing her worry about continuing her education. Although the government arranged temporary shelter, it has not ensured permanent housing or the right to education. April 26, Kathmandu.

“I don’t know whether I should continue college or not,” said a 17-year-old student from the Sukumbasi settlement in Kathmandu’s Shantinagar-Gairigaun area, who arrived Sunday at the holding center inside Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. She was born in the Sukumbasi settlement and is currently taking her final exams for the first year of her Bachelor’s in Computer Applications (BCA). Bulldozers demolished homes in the settlement during the exam period.

“It’s the final exam. I came here after finishing the exam. I have written it too. But since yesterday, I have been unable to continue studying,” she explained, describing how the bulldozers affected her home and disrupted her studies. When she arrived at the holding center, she was still carrying her bag and holding hands with her 9-year-old brother. Despite needing to prepare for her exams in those conditions, both her living and study environments were unsettled.

Security personnel provided food to her on Sunday evening at the stadium, but she was not ready to eat. Her father managed to find a room to store their belongings; however, the four-member family could not live there due to space constraints. The lack of shelter compounded their worries about her education. “I have to study, but I don’t know how,” she said tearfully. “My parents have struggled hard to educate me.” Her father works as a painter, while her mother works as a domestic worker and sometimes cleans streets. “How will my parents afford my education now?” she asked.

“The entire college costs 300,000 rupees, so how will we pay?” she added. The family took loans to support her education. “Initially, we had to pay 50,000 rupees for admission, which we collected through a loan,” she said. “Originally, the fee was 30,000 rupees, but the college asked for 50,000, so we borrowed money to pay it.” Ranked second in her internal college exams, she is anxious about her final exam results. “I am unsure where to go or what to do. My parents have no money. How will I continue my studies?”

Other children of school-going age were also in the holding center, some playing and others gathering their belongings as it started to rain. While their homes of many decades were destroyed, parents are increasingly concerned about how to continue their children’s education.

The new academic session is about to start. Enrollment begins April 28, with classes commencing on May 4. With no stable place to live or study, parents remain uncertain where to enroll their children. Temporary housing has been arranged at the Radhaswami Satsang Vyas Ashram in Kirtipur for landless individuals from Thapathali and Shantinagar-Gairigaun areas. However, the government has not provided permanent housing solutions.

A woman living in the temporary shelter expressed concern about her child’s education. She does not know where to enroll her son, who is in grade five. “We do not even have a fixed address. The child needs to be enrolled in school, but we don’t know what will happen in a new place,” she said.

Article 31 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to basic education and mandates free and compulsory education. However, parents in the Sukumbasi settlement fear their children may be deprived of education. The Constitution also grants legal rights to free higher education for disabled and economically disadvantaged citizens, but these constitutional rights remain unfulfilled for the poor families of the settlement.

Due to escalating tensions between the US-Israel and Iran, the import of 94,000 tons of chemical fertilizer already purchased by Nepal has been blocked. The government has formally requested India to provide 150,000 tons of fertilizer through a government-to-government (G2G) mechanism. With fertilizer prices doubling on the international market, suppliers who have already signed contracts have declared force majeure. April 26, Kathmandu. While the new government expresses a national commitment to streamline the supply and distribution of chemical fertilizers, international geopolitical tensions are threatening Nepal’s agriculture sector.

Despite the Prime Minister’s Office preparing a draft fertilizer purchase calendar based on necessary data to improve the distribution system, ongoing warfare in West Asia has disrupted the supply of chemical fertilizers expected in Nepal. The tension between the US-Israel and Iran has completely halted the import of more than 94,000 tons of chemical fertilizer under purchase agreements. Although the tender process is underway for an additional 90,000 tons, experts warn that the ongoing conflict and blockage of the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ will likely cause farmers to face fertilizer shortages during the main planting season.

The Agriculture Inputs Company Limited, Salt Trading Corporation Limited, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, responsible for fertilizer supply, have informed that existing stockpiles in warehouses and in transit will only be sufficient until the Nepali month of Ashad (mid-June to mid-July). The declaration of force majeure by contracted suppliers due to rising international prices and disruptions in the Hormuz Strait and other waterways is expected to severely impact the post-Ashad agricultural season. Due to fertilizer shortages and price increases internationally, suppliers are reluctant to bring fertilizer to Nepal. No interested parties responded to the government’s recent two tenders for urea fertilizer supply. Furthermore, a subsequent tender with a 21-day extension also attracted no applications from shipping companies, according to the Agriculture Inputs Company.

Amid budget constraints for fertilizer procurement, soaring prices, and the complex potential cancellation of new tenders, the government has sought assistance from India through the G2G arrangement to avert a possible agricultural crisis. Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and head of the Agriculture Development Division, stated that Nepal currently has a total of 170,000 tons of chemical fertilizer available, which will meet demand until Ashad. He said, ‘Including stock in warehouses and fertilizer currently in transit, the total is 170,000 tons. This supply will be adequate until Ashad, but the main concern is for after Ashad. If the Hormuz Strait remains closed, there is a risk of fertilizer shortage starting in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August).’

The Koshi Province Construction Entrepreneurs Federation has reported that instability in international markets, along with shortages and price hikes of construction materials, has put the infrastructure construction sector in crisis. Jana Sevak Bhandari, president of the federation, revealed that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused fuel prices to rise by 60 percent and other material costs by 40 percent. The federation has urged the government to adjust prices, extend project deadlines, and control black market activities.

Biratnagar, 13 Baisakh – Instability in international markets has significantly affected infrastructure construction work in Koshi Province. Due to shortages of construction materials and soaring prices, the sector is facing a severe crisis. The Koshi Province Construction Entrepreneurs Federation warned at a press conference in Biratnagar on Sunday that without immediate government intervention, development projects could come to a halt.

The entrepreneurs have requested the government to adjust prices and extend project deadlines by at least one year to address the ongoing crisis. According to federation president Jana Sevak Bhandari, the war and tensions in the Middle East have unnaturally increased fuel prices on the international market, directly impacting Nepal’s construction industry. “Fuel prices have increased by approximately 60 percent over the last two months,” stated Bhandari. “Essential materials such as bitumen, cement, and rods have seen price increases of 40 percent.”

Alongside rising costs, Bhandari noted that materials are also becoming scarce in the market. The federation has expressed concern that construction work, typically active from mid-February to mid-June, is at risk of being halted. Senior Vice President Keshar Kumar Budhathoki explained that discrepancies exist between the central bank’s price index and actual market prices. Entrepreneurs have emphasized that the impact of price increases ranges from small contracts to nationally significant projects.

The federation has put forth several demands: immediate price adjustments on all contracts based on real market prices, extension of deadlines for stalled projects by at least one year, and stringent measures to prevent artificial scarcity and black market practices of construction materials.

Popular pop singer Raju Lama shared his experiences on art, culture, and human progress at the ‘Nepal Discourse’ event held at Harvard University. Lama expressed on social media that speaking at such a prestigious institution as Harvard was a great honor for him.

He also announced that 20 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales at his ongoing musical events in New York would be allocated to tree planting initiatives and the education of children in Himalayan regions. Currently touring in the United States, the renowned pop singer has been performing at various concerts. During this tour, he participated in the ‘Nepal Discourse’ event hosted at Harvard University.

The program was a joint initiative by Harvard University, Nepalese students studying there, and students from MIT. At the event, Lama discussed changes occurring in art and culture as well as aspects of human development, sharing his personal perspectives. He described the opportunity as special and memorable. On Instagram, he wrote, “Speaking at a prestigious institution like Harvard is an immense honor for me.”

Lama also provided information about his upcoming musical events in the United States. According to him, 20 percent of ticket sales revenue will be utilized by the Raju Lama Foundation for reforestation and education programs for children from Himalayan areas. He urged audiences and supporters to participate in the events and support both the music and social initiatives.