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Chelsea Defeats Fulham 3-2 to Secure Winning Start in New Premier League Season

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Chelsea kicked off the new English Premier League season with a 3-2 victory over Fulham. Playing at Fulham’s home ground, Chelsea took an early lead in the opening minute through a goal by João Pedro. However, the match intensified when Josh King equalized in the 23rd minute. Morgan Rogers restored Chelsea’s lead with a goal in the 41st minute, and Cole Palmer extended the advantage with a third goal early in the second half in the 49th minute. Gonzalo García scored for Fulham in the 54th minute, narrowing the deficit, but Fulham was unable to find the equalizer, resulting in a 3-2 win for Chelsea.

Why Has the Stock Market Remained Disappointing During Balen Government’s Tenure?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

On the day before the formation of the new government led by Balendra Shah ‘Balen’, who secured a clear majority in the general elections, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index stood at 2950 on Chaitra 13. Now, approximately six months after the election and five months into Balen’s administration, the NEPSE index dropped to 2593 on Monday. This decline reflects a loss of over NPR 6 trillion in market capitalization, a key indicator of the country’s financial health. Investors and analysts interpret this as a ‘red signal’ regarding the government’s policies and approach.

The country’s sole stock exchange, NEPSE, has been operating at a sluggish pace for the past few years. The highest point recorded was 3198 on Bhadra 2, 2078 (August 18, 2021). Since then, the index has consistently trended downward. When the Balen government took office, NEPSE’s total market capitalization was over NPR 50 trillion; however, as of Monday, this value has declined to NPR 44 trillion. The index fell by 356.85 points. Experts note that the morale of the private sector and investors, already shaken by last year’s Gen Z protests and destruction, remains fragile.

Share investor Gopikrishna Thapā commented, “Currently, investors lack confidence.” He added, “Our stock market should be in the 4000–5000 range, but the government has failed to implement mature policies.” Radha Pokharel, President of the Nepal Capital Market Investors’ Association, also expressed concern: “Assurances alone are insufficient. There is no tangible improvement, no stability, and no policy clarity.”

Economist Professor Ram Prasad Gyawali highlighted three key signals from the NEPSE decline. He stated, “The most important aspect is that despite ample liquidity and low-interest rates in banks, the lack of credit flow indicates declining confidence among businessmen.” He further remarked that the current government has not gained reliable trust from the business community. Although approximately 7 million demat or beneficiary accounts have been opened for stock trading in Nepal, experts estimate that only about 400,000–500,000 investors actively trade.

Twenty-Five Nepalese Manpower Companies Withdraw Names from Malaysia’s Registration List

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Twenty-five Nepalese manpower companies listed under Malaysia’s Foreign Worker Centralized Management System (FWCMS) have decided to withdraw their names from the system. During a discussion at the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment, Secretary General Hari Bahadur Dangi announced that there was unanimous agreement to immediately remove the names of all 25 companies. Business representatives opposed the system, arguing that restricting the connection to only a limited number of companies for Malaysian employers was an attempt at syndication.

Malaysia had listed only 25 out of approximately 1,200 licensed manpower companies authorized to send Nepalese workers as ‘Registered Recruitment Agencies’ within the FWCMS. Following protests from the business community, the Association suspended these companies’ memberships. It also decided to urge the government to take action against them.

Amid this dispute, the 25 companies registered with FWCMS have collectively agreed to exit the system. According to Secretary General Dangi, they reached this decision after concluding that restricting worker deployment solely to these companies was not beneficial in the long term. Consequently, the 25 manpower companies are now required to submit commitments to the Foreign Employment Business Association. The ministry had summoned these companies for discussions.

Youth, Labour and Employment Minister Ramjee Yadav, in talks with Malaysia’s Acting Ambassador, expressed the viewpoint that issues concerning labor migration should be resolved through bilateral dialogue and mutual agreement.

‘NADA Auto Show’ Ready to Launch with Parking Arrangements at Two Locations

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

The preparations for the NADA Auto Show, set to begin tomorrow at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu, have been completed, the Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) informed on Monday. According to Chairman Surendra Kumar Upreti, more than 215 stalls are ready, and the exhibition area has been divided into five sections. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav will inaugurate the event at 10:30 AM. The entry fee is set at NPR 200 for the general public and NPR 150 for students.

The NADA Auto Show, starting Tuesday at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu, is fully prepared as announced by NADA during a press conference on Monday. Chairman Surendra Kumar Upreti revealed that over 215 stalls have been set up as of Monday. He added that this year’s stalls are spacious and well-organized. The exhibition venue is wheelchair-friendly, with ample lighting, air conditioning, and fans available.

The exhibition space is categorized into five segments: four-wheelers, two-wheelers, financial institutions, auto parts and garage equipment, along with the “Made in Nepal / Made for Nepal” pavilion and an international business pavilion. Visitors will first be able to explore vehicles, followed by financial, insurance, service, and parts-related information. This arrangement aims to provide prospective buyers with thorough details about costs and facilities. The show features 53 vehicle brands, 70 parts and service companies, and around 11 banks and financial institutions.

NADA has arranged for advance ticket bookings, which can be purchased via the Khalti app or official QR codes. The entry fee is NPR 200 for the general public and NPR 150 for students. The inauguration ceremony will be conducted by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav at 10:30 AM. For visitors, parking is available at Nepal Police Club’s Blue Pavilion underground area and at the National Trading Complex near Singha Durbar. The venue also hosts a traffic management information desk, media desk, cafeteria, and emergency medical services. Furthermore, CCTV surveillance and fire control systems have been properly installed to ensure safety and smooth operations.

Minimum Paid-Up Capital of NPR 1 Billion Mandatory for Companies Issuing Debentures; Circular Procedure Issued for International Institutions

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

The Nepal Securities Board has released a draft proposal making it mandatory for listed companies wishing to issue debentures to maintain a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 1 billion. The draft includes provisions such as limiting the debt-to-equity ratio to no more than 70:30, requiring credit ratings to be obtained and updated annually, and a trustee license fee set at NPR 1 million, with a minimum paid-up capital requirement of NPR 100 million. It also mandates that publicly issued debentures must be listed on the securities market. Kathmandu, 8 Bhadra.

The Securities Board of Nepal has proposed that companies listed on the securities market maintain at least NPR 1 billion in paid-up capital when raising capital through debentures. The Board has prepared a draft titled ‘Debenture Registration and Issuance Regulations 2083’ and opened it for public suggestions. The draft aims to introduce transparency and organization in the processes related to institutional debenture registration, issuance, over-the-counter (OTC) trading, and trustee license procedures.

The draft proposes that the issuing institution must have a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 1 billion to issue debentures. It stipulates that the institution must have audited accounts approved by the general assembly, and foundational shareholders or directors must not have any blacklists or regulatory penalties. Additionally, it proposes that the institution’s debt-to-equity ratio should not exceed 70:30 upon issuing debentures.

Except for banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, or institutions established under special laws, others are permitted to issue only secured debentures. Prior to issuing debentures, companies must obtain credit ratings from authorized agencies and update these ratings annually throughout the debenture’s tenure. The draft also allows targeted sales to up to 50 qualified investors via letters, emails, or phone calls without a public advertisement.

Referred to as a circular procedure in the draft, it states that for the general public, a prospectus or periodic prospectus will be issued and publicly invited through sale managers only after approval by the Board. The approval for issuing debentures from the Board will be valid for three years. The nominal value of each debenture is set at a minimum of NPR 1,000. Arrangements concerning trustee appointments and associated fees have also been included. A trustee with a license is required to be appointed before any public issuance or circular method issuance. The trustee license fee is fixed at NPR 1 million, and the trustee must maintain a minimum paid-up capital of NPR 100 million.

Trustees will be responsible for protecting investors’ interests, monitoring collateral/security, and initiating legal action if terms are violated. The draft proposes that with government approval, international financial institutions will be able to issue debentures through circular or public issuance. Nepali institutions may also issue debentures in foreign currency on foreign capital markets with approval from the Board and Nepal Rastra Bank and invest the proceeds in Nepal.

The draft also states that green debentures, social debentures, and sustainable debentures can be issued with the Board’s approval on subject-specific debentures and transactions. Publicly issued debentures must be listed on the securities market, while unlisted debentures issued via the circular method may be traded on the OTC market.

Government’s Taxpayer Reward Program Drives Change in Market and Consumer Behavior

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Since 1st Shrawan 2083, the government has implemented a taxpayer reward incentive program, offering prizes ranging from NPR 100,000 to NPR 1,000,000 to consumers who request bills. Business owners from stores like Bhatbhateni, Salesberry, and Pokhrel Stores have reported an increase in customers asking for bills and registering their PAN numbers following the program’s initiation. Consumers Anisa Shrestha and Luma Basnet, while appreciating the plan, have suggested that more promotion is needed as many people remain unaware of it.

Consumers shopping in daily markets now see requesting bills not only as a chance to become millionaires but also as part of a movement to promote market transparency. Under this initiative, consumers who ask for bills can win prizes ranging from NPR 100,000 to NPR 1,000,000. Conscious consumers like Rameshwar Acharya from Gothatar, Bhaktapur, have started to insist on receiving bills.

According to Ajay Lama, the manager of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, the program has boosted customer enthusiasm. Customers are increasingly registering their personal details, including their PAN numbers. Monica Paudel, supervisor at Salesberry Departmental Store, also noted a rise in consumer awareness about bill receipts.

However, many consumers remain unaware of the reward scheme. Anisa Shrestha stated, “Requesting bills is both a right and responsibility of consumers,” emphasizing that everyone should understand and benefit from this program. The government’s initiative has proven to be a positive and effective step toward market transparency and reducing tax evasion.

Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir Visits Iran for Crucial Talks with Top Leaders

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

August 24, Kathmandu – Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran, the capital of Iran, on Monday. According to the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir’s visit aims to discuss the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The Pakistan Army described this trip as part of Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability and to seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

During his stay in Tehran, Munir is scheduled to hold important meetings with top Iranian leaders. This marks Munir’s fourth visit to Tehran within the past six months. Pakistan has been playing a mediating role to prevent escalation in the current conflict between the US and Iran. Under Pakistan’s mediation, both countries had signed the Islamabad Agreement. However, tensions have recently intensified again over the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Constitution Violated by Granting Cooperative Regulatory Powers to Provinces and Local Levels Risks Billions in Deposits

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Article Summary

  • Granting cooperative regulatory authority to provinces and local levels, which is not provided by the constitution, through the Cooperative Act, puts billions of deposits at risk.
  • Though Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City declared Barah and Shreya Cooperatives problematic, it has failed to form management committees, delaying the deposit refund process.
  • According to the Cooperative Authority, complaints have been filed against more than 800 cooperatives, with an initial estimate of over two hundred billion rupees misappropriated.

September 24, Kathmandu – The constitutional provision denying regulatory authority to provinces and local levels has been bypassed by laws granting such powers, risking billions of rupees in public deposits.

The Cooperative Act 2017 assigns cooperative regulatory authority to the federal government, provinces, and local governments. However, due to inefficiencies in the provincial and local governments, this authority remains ineffective, placing cooperative depositors’ savings at risk.

For instance, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City declared Barah Cooperative, which reportedly misappropriated about 1.1 billion rupees, as problematic on January 12, 2025 (29 Poush 2081 BS). Yet, it has not been able to form a management committee to resolve the issue.

Similarly, Shreya Savings and Credit Cooperative, which faced problems after misappropriation of 160 million rupees, was declared problematic by Dharan on April 28, 2025 (16 Baisakh 2082 BS). However, without a management committee, depositors’ refunds have not progressed.

An official from Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City cited lack of manpower, coordination capacity with government and other agencies, as reasons for the delay in forming management committees.

The official commented, ‘The central government failed to manage cooperative problems and simply shifts this responsibility to local levels. Without skilled personnel and cooperation from provincial and central governments, committee formation delays are inevitable.’

Victims who file complaints at local levels to declare cooperatives problematic often see their claims rejected because local governments are unable to effectively manage cooperative liabilities and assets, said Kushal KC, chairperson of the National Campaign for Protection of Cooperative Depositors.

‘When asked why committees have not been formed, Kathmandu Metropolitan City responded that they are incapable of doing so. This raises concerns about who else could manage them,’ KC added.

KC further accused local governments of protecting fraudulent cooperatives by not taking initiative to declare troubled cooperatives problematic.

He stated, ‘Though management committees are necessary for problem cooperatives, delays caused by difficulties in asset management, weak loan recovery, inadequate savings protection, legal complexities, and lack of coordination have hindered expected outcomes.’

Up to now, only 23 cooperatives have been declared problematic at the federal level, with Bagmati and Koshi provinces forming provincial committees, and Thimi Municipality being the sole local body to set up such a committee. The Cooperative Act (Section 104) mentions that all seven provinces and over 750 local levels are authorized to form such committees.

The Act stipulates that declaring cooperatives problematic is to be done according to province and local-level cooperative legislation, with management committees responsible for assisting in asset and liability management. The ministry has sent letters to concerned agencies for coordination and guidance.

Cooperative Regulations 2018, rules 71 and 72, allocate regulatory powers to Nepal Rastra Bank, federal, provincial and local governments, and related departments and authorities. However, most provinces and local governments have yet to draft their own laws, hampering effective regulation.

According to Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, about 13,000 depositors of Barah Cooperative have requested refunds amounting to roughly 1.1 billion rupees, while 531 depositors of Shreya Cooperative have sought refunds totaling 159 million rupees.

The Commission for Investigation of Cooperative Irregularities’ 2025 report states that due to lack of technical capacity, skilled manpower, record keeping, and coordination, irregularities in cooperatives are increasing.

The report emphasizes that ineffective regulation has worsened cooperative malpractice. Even where management committees are formed, intervention delays, asset management difficulties, weak debt recovery, insufficient savings protection, complex legal proceedings, and coordination gaps prevent achieving desired results.

Employees of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City and officials from provincial and federal problematic cooperative management committees conclude that solutions are not feasible through current committee mechanisms.

An ordinance led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah to amend the Cooperative Act has granted provinces and local levels authority to declare cooperatives problematic and to form management committees.

The ministry has issued correspondence for regulatory bodies and government agencies to coordinate and cooperate accordingly.

Following federal declarations of cooperatives as crisis-affected, procedural support guidelines of 15-16 points have been issued, according to Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City staff.

Barah Cooperative chairman Man Bahadur Bishwakarma stated that the cooperative repeatedly invested depositors’ money into other companies, leaving non-members as depositors as well, complicating refunds.

Acting Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Eindra Bikram Bheghale, assured, ‘We will promptly form a management committee for the problematic cooperative and initiate a resolution process.’ However, he did not address the delays in committee formation.

Constitutional Conflict Regarding Multi-level Regulation

According to Schedule 5 of Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, sole regulatory power over cooperatives is vested in the federal government. Provinces and local levels have authority only over cooperative institutions, not regulatory powers.

Yet, the Cooperative Act 2017 controversially grants regulatory powers to federal, provincial, and local governments, conflicting with the Constitution.

The Cooperative Act also prescribes that registration and regulation of cooperatives at local and provincial levels are carried out separately by respective tiers.

The Local Government Operation Act 2017 grants policy, legal, standard implementation, and regulatory authority over cooperatives to local governments.

However, this multi-regulatory framework deviates from the Constitution, causing contentious legal and operational challenges.

A report by Dr. Jayakant Raut as task force coordinator highlights that weaknesses in legal and regulatory frameworks have exacerbated the cooperative crisis.

The report states, ‘Due to transitional challenges in constitutional and legal cooperative management frameworks and limited regulatory capacity, cooperative regulation remains weak. Inability to implement certain provisions of the Cooperative Act and lack of capacity at all three levels have intensified problems.’

Current Status of Cooperatives

The government has announced the return of cooperative victims’ deposits within 100 days, advancing efforts by establishing a revolving fund.

The initial phase prioritizes refunding depositors of problematic cooperatives, with special attention to small depositors.

However, protests in Kathmandu by victims have occurred, objecting to distinctions made between small and large depositors. The government has not assured full refunds yet.

Cooperative Minister Pratibha Rawal requested six months to refund all depositors’ money, which led to suspension of protests.

The ministry has amended legal frameworks to identify and recover assets from fraudulent cooperatives, but results remain ineffective.

Approximately Two Hundred Billion Rupees Misappropriated in Cooperatives

So far, the federal government has declared 23 cooperatives problematic. Among provinces, Bagmati has declared five, and Koshi one cooperative problematic.

In Kathmandu Metropolitan City alone, 187 cooperatives have complaints regarding failure to refund deposits, with thousands of depositors claiming over 800 million rupees remain unpaid.

The National Federation to Protect Cooperative Depositors currently has 619 victim depositors enrolled, representing over 500 problematic cooperatives. The federation has submitted requests for declarations to relevant authorities.

The Cooperative Authority reports 894 complaints against more than 800 cooperatives, with an initial estimate of over two hundred billion rupees misappropriated.

Cockroach Party in India Announces Another Street Protest

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

August 24, Kathmandu – India’s Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced plans to hold another street protest. Following months of agitation after the leak of the NEET question paper, which compelled the then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, the CJP is preparing to take to the streets again on September 5.

The CJP has declared it will organize a peaceful youth march from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters on September 5. Through the social media platform X, the CJP accused the Narendra Modi government of failing to withdraw police cases filed against protesters during the student movement. Along with the resignation of former Education Minister Pradhan, the government had also agreed to retract the FIRs registered against the students.

Nepali-Made ‘Yatri P-2’ Electric Scooter Launched with 157 Kilometer Range

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Yatri, a Nepali brand, has launched a new electric scooter, the ‘Yatri P-2’, which is designed and manufactured entirely in Nepal. The P-2 is available in three battery options, with the 5.2 kWh model claimed by the company to cover a distance of up to 157 kilometers on a full charge. Sipradi Yatri has announced plans to invest approximately NPR 600 million to produce the P-2 and to install DC chargers at 35 locations across the country. Kathmandu, 8 Bhadra.

Sipradi Yatri introduced the P-2 with multiple battery capacities to the market, offering customers a choice among 5.2 kWh, 3.7 kWh, and 3 kWh battery models. According to the company, the largest 5.2 kWh battery variant can travel up to 157 kilometers on a single charge. Meanwhile, the 3.7 kWh model covers 112 kilometers, and the 3 kWh model can travel up to 90 kilometers per full charge.

The company also plans to install DC chargers at 35 locations nationwide to support the scooter users. The P-2 supports DC chargers with a capacity of 3.3 kW. This feature aims to ensure accessible charging services for customers traveling long distances. Beyond being an electric scooter, the Yatri P-2 comes equipped with smart features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a real-time energy meter, and a smart display.

Before its market release, the P-2 underwent rigorous testing in diverse geographic regions of Nepal, including Terai, hilly areas, and challenging road conditions. Testing locations included Jiri, Kathmandu, Mulikot, Katari, Bharatpur, and Waling. Developed in partnership between Sipradi Trading and Yatri Motorcycles, the P-2 is positioned as an electric scooter wholly designed, engineered, and produced in Nepal. This marks a significant step toward professional production of electric two-wheelers based on Nepali design and technology. Sipradi Yatri plans to invest around NPR 600 million in the plant with an annual production target of up to 50,000 units of the P-2.

Photos: Shankar Giri

James Kalkin Shrestha Named Best Player at Thunderbolts Cup Swimming Competition

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The two-day Thunderbolts Cup swimming competition, organized by James School Dhapakhel, has concluded. The event featured participation from 345 athletes representing 81 schools, competing across 79 different events within 10 age categories. In the Under-18 category, James School’s Kalkin Shrestha was declared the best male player, while Royal Prajapati from The British School was named the best female player.

In the Under-14 division, James School’s Mayon Shrestha delivered an outstanding performance among males, and Devansi Joshi from St. Mary’s Secondary School stood out among females. For the Under-12 category, Sahas Shakya of Nisarga Vatika School was selected as the best male player, with Ivana Shrestha from Prime International IB School recognized as the top female athlete. In the Under-10 age group, Chirag Maharjan from James School and Betty Shrestha from Euro School were awarded the titles for best players.

Additionally, in the Under-8 male category, both Kevat Singh and Kautik Sharma from Brihaspati Vidya Sadan were jointly declared best players. The best female player in the same category was Bhidi Goyal of Uniglobe Secondary School.

‘We are drafting a law to achieve zero waste within three years’

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

News Summary

Reviewed Content.

  • The government is in the process of registering the Solid Waste Management Bill 2083 in Parliament, specifying aspects such as transfer stations, processing centers, and recycling.
  • According to Minister Sunil Lamsal, the old law, legal ambiguities, and lack of structure have prevented integrated waste management in many municipalities, including Kathmandu.
  • Lamsal claims that all municipalities across the country will be led towards a zero-waste concept within three years, with visible effects starting within a year after the bill is passed.

The government is preparing legislation to improve waste management. Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has stated that the Solid Waste Management Bill 2083 is in the process of being registered in Parliament. During Balendra Shah’s tenure as Kathmandu Metropolitan Mayor, Lamsal worked on waste management issues. Notably, Minister Lamsal has also completed a PhD focused on solid waste management.

When Balendra Shah was mayor of Kathmandu, the Bancharedanda landfill site was initiated. However, the waste management problem persists. Why was the landfill site, planned for 20 years, filled up in just four years? Why is waste management so complex? What is the government doing to address these issues?

Focusing on these questions, OnlineKhabar reporter Dinesh Gautam interviewed Minister Lamsal. Below is an edited excerpt from the conversation:

You worked with Kathmandu Metropolitan and also studied solid waste management. Where are the problems in waste management? Why are solutions elusive?

The Constitution grants local governments authority over waste management, but the current Solid Waste Management Act dates back to 2011 (2068 BS), predating the Constitution. That law did not conceptualize an integrated waste management system. Many municipalities, including Kathmandu, require an integrated approach.

Because no integrated system was established, it was expected Kathmandu Metropolitan would lead under a common understanding, but this lacked legal validity, preventing sustainable progress.

In 2009 (2066 BS), a tender was issued for waste management in Kathmandu, but due to legal ambiguities and delays in decision-making, it could not be implemented.

The Constitution transferred waste management rights to local bodies, yet the tender remained pending due to weak legal foundations.

Another problem is unclear legal ownership of the landfill in Dhunibeshi Municipality. The forthcoming law will clarify these issues.

So, the bill is being prepared specifically for waste management? What does it include?

Yes, the Solid Waste Management Bill 2083 is in preparation. Having closely observed waste management challenges during my time in Kathmandu, the bill aims to address these problems.

The bill focuses on regulating solid waste and scrap from waste in an organized and pragmatic manner. It includes standards for reuse and recycling of scrap derived from waste.

In Kathmandu, waste is collected from homes and transferred to transfer stations. The old law did not authorize establishing transfer stations, which caused ongoing problems. The new bill exempts transfer stations from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements.

A transfer station is not for dumping waste; it is a place to transfer waste from smaller to larger vehicles.

This approach will help reduce waste and pave the way for a zero-waste concept. The bill mandates standards for vehicles used for collection, area, and location selection for transfer centers.

Regarding processing centers, provisions are made for units producing organic fertilizer (compost). These units will receive formal factory recognition and subsidies, encouraging conversion of waste into fertilizer, reducing waste destined for Bancharedanda.

The bill also includes provisions to generate electricity by burning waste or through other processes. The government guarantees to purchase electricity at rates between NPR 16 and 18 per unit, facilitating investment.

There is a provision for establishing crusher plants to process construction waste, producing items like tiles and rings, which the government will prioritize.

The bill also mandates incineration plants to burn unprocessable waste. Waste-producing companies must bear management costs proportional to their market share, reflecting global practices.

After the bill’s passage, municipalities must form committees within three months, allocate necessary land within six months, and transform all municipalities into zero-waste models within three years.

What was the main reason Bancharedanda landfill filled up in four years during your administration?

The main reason was the large quantity of waste. Currently, a minimum of 1500 metric tons of waste is generated daily. Lack of legal guidance prevented municipalities from establishing proper infrastructure, worsening the problem.

Many municipalities have not allocated land for waste management. In Kathmandu Metropolitan, only a small site at Teku was reserved, and that too is disputed.

Waste reduction must start at the source; simply transporting waste to landfills is not a solution. I am confident that effects of the bill will be visible within a year of its enactment.

Why was there no permanent solution during your time at Kathmandu Metropolitan?

We made progress and significantly reduced waste. At Teku alone, waste from 12 wards was reduced by over 80%. If all municipalities had done this, the landfill’s lifespan could have extended by 10 years.

The situation at Bancharedanda landfill is complex: leachate is leaking into streams, and surrounding villages suffer from foul odors. What is your assessment?

Currently, management is better than the previous Sisadol site but still needs improvement. It is important to convert this site into a processing unit because leachate is highly odorous.

We had advanced leachate treatment initiatives and reached the tender process but faced legal ambiguities. Leachate is the biggest challenge in managing mixed solid waste.

A leachate management dam was constructed at Bancharedanda, but overflow led to contamination of nearby streams. Why did this happen?

This occurs in the rainy season because the system is designed to collect leachate for evaporation and drying as per conceptual plans.

You planned to treat leachate and dump the treated waste on top of the landfill; why did this fail?

It did not fail but became less effective due to heavy rainfall. The system works effectively during other times.

Local residents are dissatisfied, citing unbearable odors and questioning the landfill’s capacity. What is the status of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report?

The EIA has been completed. The report assesses whether additional land is needed and the extent of impact. There are differences between local demands and the report’s findings, so further study is needed.

Land acquisition has occurred from the hilltop down to the landfill site, but people still farm on acquired government land.

Locals say, ‘We can’t live with waste; how much longer can this continue?’ How do you respond?

People do not live close to the waste, but they suffer from its effects. We need long-term solutions.

Locals have threatened protests. What is the basis for resolution?

We must act and deliver results now. The Parliament will debate this issue, which is the proper forum. The government is working quickly and with understanding. Solid and permanent solutions can be found within one or two years.

Will the bill pass in this parliamentary session or extend to the next?

Once introduced to Parliament, progress will follow required procedures. It can pass quickly in the House of Representatives, and no major issues are expected in the National Assembly.

Nepal Secures First Victory in Top End T20 Series

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Nepal achieved its first win in the Top End T20 series held in the Northern Territory by defeating the Hobart Hurricanes Academy by 39 runs. Nepal A team posted 154 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs, with Kushal Bhurtel top-scoring with 39 runs. The Hobart team was bowled out for 115 runs in 18.3 overs, with Narayan Joshi claiming 3 wickets for Nepal.

Nepal is scheduled to play against the ACT Comets on Wednesday. Kathmandu, August 24. In the ongoing Top End T20 series in Australia’s Northern Territory, Nepal registered its first victory. On Monday, Nepal defeated the Hobart Hurricanes Academy by 39 runs. Defending a target of 155 runs, Hobart was dismissed for 115 runs in 18.3 overs.

Nitesh Samuel was the top scorer for Hobart with 37 runs. Tim Ward contributed 23 runs, while Nivethan Radhakrishnan added 20 runs. Nepal’s Narayan Joshi took 3 wickets, Pawan Sarraf and Shahab Alam took 2 wickets each, and Bipin Khatri claimed 1 wicket.

Batting first, Nepal A scored 154 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Kushal Bhurtel led the scoring with 39 runs, Anil Sah chipped in with 28 runs, and Lokesh Bam remained unbeaten with 20 runs. Hobart’s Raf McMillian bowled 4 overs, conceding 18 runs and taking 3 wickets. Marcus Binn took 2 wickets, while Bradley Hope and Nivethan Radhakrishnan took 1 wicket each.

Nepal had suffered defeats in its opening two matches. The team will now face the ACT Comets in its fourth game on Wednesday.

Xiaomi Unveils New Surge Chip, Prepares for Use in Foldable Phones

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Xiaomi has introduced its newly developed mobile chip, the ‘Surge O3’, aiming to reduce reliance on Qualcomm and MediaTek. Manufactured by TSMC using a 3-nanometer process, this chip features 2.4 billion transistors and a 10-core CPU, achieving a score of 5.22 million on AnTuTu benchmarks. It is expected to be incorporated into Xiaomi’s premium foldable phones, with plans to ship between 200,000 and 300,000 units to the market.

Kathmandu, 08 Bhadra – Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has launched its self-developed mobile chip named ‘Surge O3.’ The company introduced this chip to increase control over key phone components and reduce dependency on external suppliers like Qualcomm and MediaTek. According to reports, the chip will be produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) using a 3-nanometer manufacturing technology.

Nanometers measure the scale of microscopic components on a chip; lower nanometer values generally indicate faster performance and better energy efficiency. The Surge O3 chip boasts 2.4 billion transistors and a 10-core CPU, attaining an AnTuTu benchmark score of 5.22 million and 15,221 points in Geekbench’s multicore test. This chip is anticipated for use in Xiaomi’s high-end foldable smartphones. Sources cited by Reuters reveal that the company aims to ship between 200,000 and 300,000 units of this phone to the market.

Along with this new chip, Xiaomi is gearing up to compete with Huawei in the foldable phone market. Earlier, in May 2025, Xiaomi unveiled its first mobile chip, the ‘Surge Uwan,’ which has sold over one million units across smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The company is also preparing to produce other chips via TSMC, including the AI-accelerated ‘Surge Uwan Hundred’ and the autonomous vehicle-focused ‘Surge Diwan Hundred.’ Production of the new mobile chip has already begun, and Xiaomi plans to launch the other two chips next year. The company resumed large-scale chip development in 2021 and plans to invest at least 5 billion yuan over the next 10 years.

Apple Tests Foldable iPhone Ahead of September Launch

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Summary of the News

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  • Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone, named ‘iPhone Ultra,’ this September.
  • Test models used outside Apple reportedly feature strong and user-friendly folding and unfolding mechanisms.
  • The device is expected to have a large foldable screen, Touch ID, and could be priced at a minimum of $2,000 USD.

September 24, Kathmandu – Apple is gearing up to launch its first foldable iPhone in September.

The phone, called ‘iPhone Ultra,’ has been reportedly tested by a few individuals outside Apple using early prototype models before the official market release.

According to Apple Insider citing Bloomberg technology journalist Mark Gurman, testers have praised the device’s fold and unfold mechanism as sturdy and easy to use. Although slightly thicker when folded, they note it still fits comfortably in a pocket.

The phone will reportedly feature a large foldable screen that supports multitasking similar to an iPad, allowing multiple apps and content to run simultaneously. This larger display is expected to enhance experiences such as video viewing, productivity, and multitasking.

Reports suggest the camera may lack a telephoto lens for zooming in on distant subjects. However, the large foldable screen can be used as a viewfinder for photos and videos, providing an improved user experience according to early testers.

The new iPhone may replace Face ID with Touch ID fingerprint recognition for unlocking the device. Industry estimates project a starting price of at least $2,000 USD for this model.