Author: space4knews

Speaker D.P. Aryal
24 Chaitra, Kathmandu – The House of Representatives is scheduled to convene today at 1 PM. The meeting is expected to include three potential agenda items. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the agendas for today’s meeting include the ‘National Forensic Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081’, the ‘Tourism Bill, 2081’, and the ‘Film Bill, 2081’.

For a long time, Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain have been centers of stability and ambition, attracting a large number of investors, major companies, and skilled workers. Their airports have developed into global hubs, while their cities have successfully become financial and tourist centers. However, the war initiated by Israel against Iran, which impacts the United States, has posed a significant challenge to this influence. Iranian missiles and drones are targeting US military bases in the region, as well as striking non-military and energy infrastructures.

Some countries are quickly attempting to restore normal life. For example, Qatar’s government has withdrawn its work-from-home permission and reopened university classes. Nevertheless, according to several analysts, although the Gulf states might endure some shocks from the conflict, it will compel them to reconsider their strategic positions. Alex Vatton of the Middle East Institute in Washington said, “You cannot stop attacks coming from Iran because this is a matter tied to geopolitics and proximity. Countries not directly involved in the war are on the front lines and are bearing significant economic costs.”

The Supreme Court has ruled that the arrests of Oli and Lekhak were not in accordance with the law and denied their detention. However, considering their situation, the police have been instructed to complete the investigation promptly.

March 23, Kathmandu – A team from the District Police Office, Kathmandu, arrested comedian Sagar Lamsal, popularly known as ‘Bale,’ on Friday night from Budhanilkantha. At the time of his arrest, Bale was facing serious allegations. A young woman residing in the United States had accused him on social media of rape. The woman, who claimed to know Bale personally, alleged that he forcibly assaulted her after coming to her room. Following these grave accusations and subsequent media coverage citing the victim, the Kathmandu police initiated an operation called Safety Kathmandu, which led to Bale’s arrest. That night, the Kathmandu police detained 195 individuals, including Bale. However, since Saturday was a public holiday, Bale’s custody was extended on Sunday. The police clarified that the extension was granted not for the rape allegations but on grounds of misbehavior, with the District Administration Office authorizing five days of police detention for investigation. Currently, Bale is held in the police custody facility at Bhadrapur, Kathmandu.

Despite the serious rape allegations made by the woman and Bale’s swift arrest, the police issued a statement denying the claims related to rape. According to SP and spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai of Kathmandu Police, the investigation ongoing pertains only to the charge of misbehavior. The statement urges the public to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding the case. The police have indicated that an investigation based on extraterritorial jurisdiction is possible. According to police sources, should the victim file an official complaint, the investigation would proceed accordingly. However, no formal complaint has yet been received from the victim or her family. “Once a complaint is lodged, the investigation will move forward,” a police source stated.

The police have further clarified that although the rape allegations involve an incident allegedly committed in the United States, an investigation can still be conducted from Kathmandu. The Criminal Code of Nepal, 2074 (2017), for the first time, includes provisions for extraterritorial jurisdiction. Article 1, Section 2 of the code stipulates that crimes committed outside Nepal are considered as if committed within Nepal, and legal action can be taken accordingly. Clause 3 of the same section explains that if a Nepali citizen commits crimes such as murder, conspiracy, maiming, abduction, unlawful detention, or rape against another Nepali citizen outside Nepal, it will be treated as if the crime took place within Nepal, allowing for prosecution there. Based on these provisions, the police in Kathmandu can progress with investigating Bale.

Former Deputy Attorney General Gopal Rizal agrees that the extraterritorial application of the Criminal Code, 2074 is possible for some offenses. However, he notes that this is only applicable if the country where the incident occurred has not already initiated legal proceedings against the individual. “An individual cannot be prosecuted twice for the same offense in two countries,” Rizal explains. “If the country where the crime took place has begun prosecution, then Nepal cannot pursue the case further under the principle of double jeopardy.” Thus, if Bale is investigated and prosecuted in Kathmandu, the case cannot be tried again in the United States. Rizal further explains that gathering evidence and factual data to be used in prosecutions outside Nepal generally must be done in that foreign country, often requiring mutual legal assistance or similar arrangements between the two countries. He adds, “If it is not feasible to travel to the crime site, investigation must proceed from where the suspect resides.” Article 2 of the Criminal Code, 2074 anticipates extraterritorial jurisdiction in rape cases. Since rape is legally recognized as a crime under US law as well, should the Nepali victim choose to pursue legal remedies in Nepal without advancing US legal processes, an investigation could proceed in Nepal. Authorities also recall a precedent where extraterritorial jurisdiction was used to investigate a murder case involving Nepalese workers in Malaysia.

In that case, 40-year-old Dhanbahadur Pradhan from Shivsatakshi Municipality-3, Jhapa, was murdered in Malaysia. The murder accused was Anil Kumar Sah, a 24-year-old Nepali also working there in the same company in Gaushala Municipality-5, Mahottari. Pradhan was Sah’s supervisor and they often had disputes over work matters, which resulted in Sah killing Pradhan on November 17, 2023 (2 Mangsir 2080 in Nepali calendar). Sah was arrested upon returning to Nepal on January 14, 2024 (30 Poush). SP Kumod Dhungel of the District Police Office Kathmandu, who investigated the case, explained that the investigation involved collecting evidence through various means including the Malaysian police’s forensic reports, Interpol cooperation, video conferencing eyewitness statements, and the accused ultimately confessing.

Given the global dispersion of the Nepali diaspora, with significant populations in Europe, the US, and the Gulf countries, challenges have arisen in investigating and resolving such cases, prompting repeated demands for the appointment of police liaison officers abroad. Establishing police attachés in countries with dense Nepali populations facilitates coordination with local law enforcement and other concerned entities to address legal and security issues Nepali nationals face overseas. So far, Nepal has only posted police attachés in India but none elsewhere. Experts note that having police liaison officers in the US would simplify direct communication with the victim in such cases, enable collaboration with US police, and streamline the transfer of investigative materials such as crime scene reports to Nepal. This enhances the feasibility and efficiency of legal proceedings and victim support.

Inspector General of Police Dhan Bahadur Karki also emphasized the need for police attachés in countries with large Nepali populations during his address at the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 13, 2023 (27 Kartik). He stated, “Given the vast contribution of Nepalis abroad to national economic development and the necessity of their security and emergency preparedness, the government is expected to prioritize and implement the deployment of police attachés in such countries.” The Nepal Police have repeatedly urged the establishment of police attachés in the Gulf countries, the United States, China, and several European nations, though implementation is pending.

March 6, Kathmandu – Dharmaraj Bhusal, Chairman of OnlineKhabar.com (Pvt. Ltd.), stated that each story of the 50 influential women is like a university in itself, and that history will eternally remember these impactful contributions. Speaking at the event unveiling the 2082 BS list of influential women, Chairman Bhusal emphasized that attempts to portray women merely as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive’ have failed. “Our society long tried to depict women only as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive,’ but the 50 faces present here have successfully shattered that traditional mindset,” he said. “You have broken through conventional limits, deficiencies, and policy weaknesses to carve your own paths.”
Chairman Bhusal described the ‘OnlineKhabar 50 Influential Women’ campaign as a small effort to honor their contributions. He underscored the media’s duty not just to revolve around power but to bring the sweat and struggles of grassroots people into the mainstream. “Today’s media role is no longer confined to recording politicians’ speeches or making negative incidents headlines. The evolving state of journalism challenges us: Are we truly showing the real picture of our society? Media’s work is not just about power and authority; it is about telling the stories of the grassroots people’s sweat, struggle, and success,” said Chairman Bhusal.
He clarified that when compiling the list, official positions or titles were not the primary criteria. “We did not set specific positions or responsibilities as standards for this list. Our main criterion is the impactful work done in society,” he explained.
He extended greetings to the honorable Acting Chief Justice, distinguished guests, respected sisters from various geographic regions of the country, and all attendees. “Despite your busy schedules, thank you for supporting us in moving forward. On behalf of the OnlineKhabar family and personally, I sincerely welcome and thank everyone. I feel a special energy at today’s program. This energy is not merely formal but reflects dreams, struggles, and a transforming Nepal. Today, we are revealing the list of ’50 Influential Nepali Women.’ I congratulate and honor all these great women.
Dear guests, I would like to begin with a brief clarification and honest admission. OnlineKhabar has traditionally published this list annually on International Women’s Day. However, this year, we had a significant national responsibility to fulfill. Due to the general election held on Falgun 21 (March 5), our entire editorial team had to work diligently providing election updates and supporting democracy. Therefore, we could not release this list on March 8 but have done so a few months later.
Over the past four months, we rigorously discussed more than 460 names. Listening to the stories of women from the Himalayas to the Terai and abroad, it became clear that Nepal indeed stands on the shoulders of women. The media’s role is not limited to recording political speeches or highlighting negative news. Its responsibility is to bring the efforts, struggles, and aspirations of grassroots people into the mainstream. The ‘OnlineKhabar 50 Influential Women’ campaign is a significant step toward that responsibility.
Our society had long tried to portray women as ‘victims,’ ‘mute,’ or ‘supportive,’ but the 50 women represented here have broken that myth. These women have shattered narrow traditional confines, mountains of scarcity, and policy gaps to forge their own paths. When preparing this list, we did not measure by position or role but by exemplary deeds.
The story of a worker from Jajarkot who processed Ratnapathar and succeeded in reaching the international market is extraordinary. A woman who married at age ten but went on to empower thousands to become self-reliant; a courageous woman who cleaned hospital floors while fighting for Dalit women’s justice; all these are universities in themselves. A woman who lost her eyesight at three but became an Under Secretary in Braille script; a devoted woman giving artificial respiration to newborns; a teenage girl fighting abroad to save her brother’s life – all will be eternally remembered by history.
You are Nepal’s true influencers. Your impact is not measured by social media views but by the living standards of grassroots people. This year, we announce the formation of the ‘50 Influential Women Alumni’ network, which will connect these honored women, open paths for collaboration, and serve as mentors for future generations.
Finally, though only 50 women could be included due to our limitations, thousands more influential women exist, whose contributions are inscribed in golden letters in society. We will continue to share your stories in the days ahead. In this new post-election period, the energetic women present here clearly demonstrate Nepal’s promising future. You are the fireflies capable of bringing light to darkness. The recent Gen Z movement has brought Nepal its first female Prime Minister and increased the presence of young women and youth in parliament, a source of pride. Now, policy reforms for women and swift justice for those who have suffered violence are urgently needed.
On behalf of OnlineKhabar, I express our commitment not to silence the voices of courageous women like you and to always stand for hope, struggle, and success in journalism. We sincerely thank the adjudicating panel, colleagues, business partners, and readers who have supported this campaign. May your journeys continue forever. In this journey toward equality and coexistence, OnlineKhabar will always stand with you. Once again, welcome to all and heartfelt congratulations to the honored personalities. Thank you.

The House of Representatives has formed a 21-member Parliamentary Procedure Advisory Committee. The committee includes 21 members of parliament such as Achyutam Lamichhane, Afsana Banu, Aryan Rai, among others. Kathmandu, 23 Chaitra. The House session held on Monday approved the formation of this committee. The following MPs represent the committee: 1. Achyutam Lamichhane 2. Afsana Banu 3. Aryan Rai 4. KP Khanal 5. Kamini Chaudhary 6. Krantishikha Dhital 7. Khuswu Oli 8. Ganesh Singh Thagunna 9. Guruprasad Baral 10. Ganga Laxmi Awal 11. Tapeshwar Yadav 12. Devaraj Pathak 13. Narendra Kumar Kerung 14. Prakash Chandra Pariyar 15. Nisha Dangi 16. Bodh Narayan Shrestha 17. Meena Kumari Yadav 18. Yubaraj Dulal 19. Rajan Gautam 20. Dr. Ram Lama 21. Bipin Kumar Acharya.

The Nepalese government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Balen Shah, has announced its intention to formally apologize to Dalit and marginalized communities. This historic move has garnered notable attention in Indian media as well. Indian MP Chandrashekhar Azad cited this initiative as an example and urged the Indian government to offer a formal apology to the Dalit community. Kathmandu, Chaitra 23.

For the first time in Nepal’s history, the state is preparing to formally apologize to Dalit and historically marginalized communities. The newly formed government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah passed a 100-point governance reform agenda during its first cabinet meeting, which includes issuing the apology within 15 days. Alongside the apology, special reform programs aimed at social justice, inclusive restoration, and historical reconciliation are planned for implementation.

Dalit activists have described this step as ‘historic,’ and it has sparked a new debate on caste-based discrimination in South Asian countries. The issue has also been vocalized within the Indian Lok Sabha. MP Chandrashekhar Azad referred to Nepal’s decision as an example and called on the Indian government and parliament to formally apologize to Dalit and marginalized communities, thereby taking moral responsibility for historical injustices.

Caste has existed in India for thousands of years and still profoundly influences social and political life. The Indian Constitution banned caste discrimination entirely in 1950. However, caste-based discrimination continues in various forms across the country, except in major cities, with Dalit communities frequently facing prejudice. Similarly, Nepalese society is also influenced by the Hindu caste system. Rashwapa Chairman Ravi Lamichhane has already apologized to the Dalit community. This development has highlighted a shared social and cultural issue between Nepal and India on an international platform.

March 23, Kathmandu – Throughout the month of Chaitra, bird flu has been detected in 23 different locations. According to Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, there were no confirmed cases of bird flu prior to Chaitra this year, but the disease was identified in 23 places during this month alone. The first cases of the year were reported simultaneously on March 19 (Chaitra 6) in two locations within Morang District—Sundarharaicha and Urlabari municipalities.

Dr. Dahal further informed that there have been 12 confirmed cases in Sunsari, 7 in Morang, 2 in Jhapa, 1 in Chitwan, and 1 in Kathmandu. He stated that efforts to control each affected area have successfully prevented further spread of the disease. According to him, a total of 104,000 poultry birds, including chickens and ducks, have been culled in the affected regions.

Bird flu was also confirmed among crows within the premises of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. Following the outbreak and spread of infections in Sunsari, Jhapa, and Morang districts, restrictions have been imposed on the transport of livestock and poultry in these areas. “We have officially declared the affected zones and our rapid response teams are carrying out the destruction of infected animals,” Dr. Dahal explained. “These measures have prevented further transmission of bird flu within these districts.”

The government has established a protocol to cull affected birds and provide compensation up to 75% of the loss to farmers impacted by bird flu outbreaks.

In the Gausala-Pingalashthan area of Kathmandu, the Narcotics Control Bureau opened fire to apprehend two Indian nationals. The detainees are suspected of being involved in drug trafficking. The vehicle they were traveling in has also been seized. The incident occurred on 24 Chaitra in Kathmandu.

On suspicion of drug trafficking in the Gausala-Pingalashthan vicinity, two Indian nationals were arrested. The Narcotics Control Bureau team fired shots at midnight to detain the individuals. Authorities believe the arrested persons are engaged in drug-related activities. Their vehicle has been taken into custody as well. Further details about the case are yet to be disclosed.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment has decided to relocate 18 blackbucks from Kanchanpur and Bardiya to the Tikouli area of Chitwan. The blackbuck is listed as an endangered species, and the ministry has informed that Nepal’s population exceeds 500. A secure environment will be created by erecting an enclosure and constructing infrastructure within an area of 20 hectares for the relocation.

The blackbucks will be moved from Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur and the Blackbuck Conservation Area in Bardiya to the Tikouli area in Chitwan. According to the ministry, six males and twelve females will be relocated. In 1976 (Bikram Sambat 2033), the blackbuck population in Khairapur, Bardiya was limited to just nine. The ministry noted that effective conservation measures have led to a significant increase in their numbers since then.

Over the past decade, a total of 42 blackbucks have been relocated from Sadar Zoo and Khairapur to the Hirapur Range of Shuklaphanta National Park to increase their population in Nepal. The ministry explained that limiting wildlife to specific areas poses risks of sudden extinction due to genetic, environmental, and unforeseen factors.

In line with this practice and necessity, a task force formed by the ministry prepared a feasibility and field study report, recommending relocation based on prior theoretical decisions and approved action plans. Accordingly, an enclosure and minimal infrastructure will be established on approximately 20 hectares to facilitate the blackbucks’ relocation.

The Central Executive Committee of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has approved the annual program and budget for 2026. CAN has also decided to hold its annual general meeting on Baisakh 27 and 28, 2083 BS, in Biratnagar. The second edition of the Nepal Premier League has generated an income of NPR 473.6 million.

Kathmandu, Chaitra 23 – The Central Executive Committee of CAN approved the annual program and budget for 2026 during its recent meeting. The committee also decided to extend the contract period for the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur and to request the Nepal Government to transfer ownership of the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground, which is currently managed under the National Sports Council, to CAN.

According to a CAN press release, “As the contract period with Tribhuvan University for the cricket ground is nearing its end, the government has given high priority to completing the first phase of the international-standard cricket stadium, including the installation of floodlights. This ground is essential for the development of Nepali cricket, and hence the committee resolved to request an extension of the contract agreement for the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.”

Furthermore, the tenure of the executive committees of 20 districts, whose four-year terms have ended, has been extended until the end of Jestha. The committee also directed that mandatory elections be held immediately following the annual general meeting. The income and expenditure report of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) was approved, showing total revenue exceeding NPR 473.6 million and expenses amounting to approximately NPR 219.6 million. After deducting expenses, approximately NPR 253.9 million remains. Fifty percent of this amount has been distributed among the eight franchise teams, while CAN will receive about NPR 92.1 million. Additionally, following ICC guidelines, CAN has decided to annually invest USD 50,000 towards the development of women’s cricket.