Author: space4knews

Bollywood director Ramesh Sippy has described actor Rajesh Hamal as Nepal’s Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. The conversation took place during the ‘Cinema Dialogue’ session at the Nepal International Film Festival, where Sippy and Hamal discussed the film ‘Sholay’. Sippy shared that the shooting of ‘Sholay’ began on October 2, 1973, with a budget that eventually reached three crore rupees.

Speaking at the event in Kathmandu, Sippy said, “Nepal is a fortunate country because you (Rajesh Hamal) embody both Amitabh and Dharmendra.” He openly discussed the film’s development and revealed that the writer duo Salim-Javed entrusted him to direct ‘Sholay’. He remarked, “They did not say this was a film in my style.”

Sippy provided details about the production timeline, noting that filming started six months after the script was completed, commencing on October 2, 1973. He added, “Initially the budget was set at one crore, but it finally escalated to three crore.”

Actor Hamal expressed admiration for Sippy’s direction of ‘Sholay’, highlighting how all the film’s characters and even the horse’s name have become iconic among audiences. Sippy shared, “Due to weather conditions, one particular scene took 21 days to shoot.” Their dialogue lasted for nearly an hour.

March 21, Kathmandu – Authorities have detained 18 individuals at Tribhuvan International Airport. The police took these measures last night amid reports of passenger scuffles occurring at the airport. SSP Ramesh Thapa of the Kathmandu District Police Office confirmed the arrests, stating that those apprehended include taxi drivers and hotel representatives involved in the incidents.

In addition to these arrests, police also took into custody a large number of individuals linked to gang-related activities during the night. The list of the 18 detainees is as follows: 1) Surya Maji, 18, originally from Sarlahi and residing in Kathmandu’s Sinamangal area; 2) Ekesh Tamang, 22, from Banke, residing near the airport; 3) Premkumar Magar, 26, originally from Panchthar and residing near the airport; 4) Rajkumar Rai, 32, from Sindhuli, living in Nayabasti; 5) Magalman Ghilan, 40, from Makwanpur, residing near the airport; 6) Khagendra Limbu, 38, from Panchthar, living in Tokha; 7) Ashis Khatiwada, 29, from Morang, residing near the airport; 8) Bishwo Moktan, 34, from Makwanpur, residing in Sambhumarg; 9) Birendra Jha, 45, from Dhanusha, residing near the airport; 10) Lada Miya, 60, from Siraha, living in Tilgaga; 11) Parsuram Rai, 46, residing in New Buspark; 12) Santu Tamang, 27, originally from Ramechhap, living in Bhaktapur; 13) Raghuvir Shah, 53, from Dhanusha, living in Tilgaga; 14) Rajivkumar Rawat, 33, from Mahottari, residing in Tilgaga; 15) Sarojkumar Mahto, 26, from Dhanusha, living in Gausala; 16) Ajaylama, 19, from Makwanpur, residing in Kaji Gausala; 17) Keshav Limbu, 39, originally from Jhapa, living in Sinamangal; 18) Ramprasad Joshi, 20, from Bajhang, residing in Sinamangal; and 19) Bimalraj Joshi, 29, from Bajhang, residing in Kirtipur.

Summary prepared after a news review. In West Asia, the United States and Israel have launched over 200 attacks on Iran, while Iran has also retaliated. Iran has announced a reward of 10 billion Iranian tomans for anyone who captures and surrenders the pilot of the downed U.S. fighter jet alive. Clashes continue between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with both sides launching missile attacks. (March 21, Kathmandu)

Tensions in West Asia have escalated significantly. While the U.S. and Israel continue their intense attacks on Iran, Iran is actively retaliating. On Saturday, the U.S. is actively searching for its downed fighter jet pilot, while Iran continues missile strikes against America. Based on direct reports received Saturday morning, the recent situation in Iran is as follows: The U.S. has deployed a C-130 Hercules aircraft to search for the pilot of the American fighter jet downed in Iran. A video circulated on social media shows the plane flying at a very low altitude over Iran while releasing hot flares.

This flare release technique helps the aircraft evade missile attacks by diverting missiles to the flares’ heat signatures instead of the engine’s hot parts. Meanwhile, an Israeli official has claimed that one of the two pilots of the downed U.S. fighter jet has been rescued alive in Iran. The search for the other pilot is ongoing. However, this claim has yet to be officially confirmed. Iran initially claimed to have shot down an American F-35 fighter jet, but some reports suggest the plane might have been an F-15E. Additionally, in the Gulf region near Hormuz, an A-10 Warthog aircraft crashed, and U.S. officials say one of the two pilots was rescued.

Iran Announces Reward for Capturing U.S. Pilot Alive. Iran’s state media IRIB presenter has called upon the public, announcing a reward of 10 billion Iranian tomans for anyone who captures and surrenders the U.S. fighter jet pilot alive. After declaring the downing of the U.S. aircraft, celebrations have been reported on the streets of Iran. Iranian officials have warned that their military capabilities are vast and that attacks will continue. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, sarcastically stated, “Those who boasted about defeating Iran 37 times are now unable to find their own pilot.”

Over 200 Attacks in 24 Hours. In the last 24 hours, the U.S. and Israel have launched more than 200 attacks on Iran. The human rights organization based in the U.S., Human Rights Activists in Iran, reported that from Thursday to Friday, 206 attacks occurred across 13 provinces in Iran, resulting in the death of one civilian. However, the New York Times, citing American intelligence reports, said Iran was able to restore its underground missile bunkers damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes within a few hours. Iran is also believed to have preserved a large number of missiles and mobile launchers safely.

Iran’s Retaliation. On Friday night, Iran fired missiles targeting Israeli and American checkpoints. Iranian ballistic missiles struck Kiryat Atta and Petah Tikva in northern Israel, causing damage to vehicles and buildings. The armed group Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed it launched 19 drone and missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and neighboring areas in the past day, although the U.S. has not confirmed this. During these events, an Iranian drone crashed in Bahrain’s Sitra region, injuring four people and damaging homes.

Similarly, drone debris fell while intercepting an air attack in Dubai’s Marina area, but no human injuries were reported there. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the downing of the fighter jet will not affect potential talks with Iran, adding, “This is war. We are in a state of war.” Republican Congressman John Curtis said that Congress will not provide further military funding until formally declaring war. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated Europe would not fully support the U.S. in a war against Iran, emphasizing national interests as the top priority. Trump criticized European allies for not supporting a war with Iran. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with Trump on April 8. A proposed U.N. Security Council vote on Bahrain’s proposal to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has been postponed until next week.

Clashes in Lebanon. In Lebanon, violent clashes continue between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli Air Force destroyed rocket launchers fired by Hezbollah in northern Israel and conducted attacks on various locations in Beirut. Hezbollah claimed it launched rockets and guided missiles targeting Israeli troops at three different locations in southern Lebanon. (With agency contributions)

21 Chaitra, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today. The buying rate for the US dollar is NPR 148.67, and the selling rate is NPR 149.27. The European Euro’s buying rate is NPR 171.62, and the selling rate is NPR 172.31. The British Pound Sterling has a buying rate of NPR 196.76 and a selling rate of NPR 197.55, while the Swiss Franc’s buying rate is NPR 186.22 with a selling rate of NPR 186.97.

The Australian Dollar is priced with a buying rate of NPR 102.71 and selling rate of NPR 103.12. The Canadian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 106.76 and selling rate is NPR 107.19. The Singapore Dollar has a buying rate of NPR 115.65 and a selling rate of NPR 116.11. The Japanese Yen per 10 units has a buying rate of NPR 9.32 and a selling rate of NPR 9.36. The Chinese Yuan’s buying rate is NPR 21.61 and selling rate NPR 21.69. The Saudi Arabian Riyal is bought at NPR 39.59 and sold at NPR 39.75, and the Qatari Riyal has a buying rate of NPR 40.78 and a selling rate of NPR 40.94.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.57 with a selling rate of NPR 4.58. The UAE Dirham is priced at NPR 40.48 for buying and NPR 40.64 for selling. The Malaysian Ringgit’s buying rate is NPR 36.88 with a selling rate of NPR 37.03. The South Korean Won per 100 units is bought at NPR 9.85 and sold at NPR 9.89. The Swedish Krona’s buying rate is NPR 15.76 and selling rate NPR 15.82, while the Danish Kroner is bought at NPR 22.96 and sold at NPR 23.06.

Nepal Rastra Bank has set the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate at NPR 18.97 and selling rate at NPR 19.05. The Kuwaiti Dinar is bought at NPR 484.50 and sold at NPR 486.46. The Bahraini Dinar’s buying rate is NPR 393.83 with a selling rate of NPR 395.42, and the Omani Riyal is bought at NPR 386.21 and sold at NPR 387.76. The Indian Rupee for 100 notes is set at a buying rate of NPR 160.00 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.

The central bank has indicated that these exchange rates may be revised at any time as necessary. Commercial banks may offer different exchange rates, and the updated exchange rates are available on the central bank’s official website.

March 21, Siraha – The administration has tightened supervision in Siraha during the second day of the Nepali language subject exam under the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). According to the Education Development and Coordination Unit, during monitoring conducted on Friday, 194 mobile phones and 2 smartwatches were seized from nine examination centers across the district. Following violations of exam discipline, two center chiefs and four inspectors found with mobile devices were expelled.

The expelled individuals include Sanjay Yadav, the center chief from Balmandir Secondary School, and Ramkishor Yadav, the center chief from Janata Secondary School, Phulbariya.

According to Unit Chief Deepak Raj Kanaulee, an oversight team deployed under the leadership of Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel took immediate action upon attempts to disrupt the examination’s integrity. In the past, Siraha’s examination centers had been affected by cheating, influence, and mediation activities, which had cast doubts on the credibility of the examination system. This year, to prevent recurrence of such incidents, Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel confirmed that strict monitoring has been enforced.

This year, a total of 11,037 students from Siraha are participating in the SEE exam, including 10,625 from the general stream and 412 from technical streams. Among the examinees, 5,308 are female and 5,729 are male students. The district has designated 51 examination centers. According to the National Examination Board, the SEE exams are being conducted from Chaitra 19 to 29, from 8 AM to 11 AM daily.

March 21, Kathmandu – The Nepal Electricity Authority has announced a power outage in several areas across Kathmandu today. According to a notice issued by the Authority, the planned power disruption aims to replace deteriorated poles in the distribution network supplied through the Imadol feeder of the Baneshwor distribution center.

The Authority stated that electricity will be cut off to replace 11 kV capacity poles near Narephat, around CCRI College, and along the Suryakot route. The outage is scheduled from 11 AM to 3 PM today. The Authority apologized for any inconvenience caused by this necessary maintenance work.

Former Secretary Kishor Thapa has described the directive given by Physical Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development Minister Sunil Lamsal to construction entrepreneurs not to pay additional fees to employees as courageous. Minister Lamsal made this request during a meeting with a delegation from the Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs Federation on March 29, according to the federation’s outgoing president, Ravi Singh. “(The minister) asked that no member of any construction company engage in improper transactions and that they support me,” Singh said, “We immediately convened a federation meeting and informed construction entrepreneurs across the country.”

Former Secretary Thapa mentioned that he could not recall any previous instance where a minister had issued such a directive, including to secretaries and director generals. “To my knowledge, no minister had dared to do so until now,” he said, “because ministers typically had deep collusion with construction entrepreneurs and middlemen.” The federation has also made public a letter informing all entrepreneurs about the minister’s directive, which states that from now on, construction entrepreneurs should not give additional fees to government officials at any level related to ongoing projects, and if any government official demands such fees, they are to report it directly to the minister.

A construction entrepreneur who stated that they would now refuse to pay these commissions revealed the reality of previous practices. They explained that earlier commissions that needed to be paid, which were as high as 10-15 percent, have currently dropped to 5-6 percent. Providing details on when the commission typically starts and its rates, he said, “Upon signing the contract after winning the bid, a payment of 0.5 to 2.5 percent is expected,” he added, “Then, with each running bill, commissions up to 4-5 percent are paid until the contract is completed. Previously, this money reached the minister, but now it won’t.”

Former Secretary of the Urban Development Ministry, Kishor Thapa, acknowledged this observation but noted that entrenched practices like this are not easily eradicated. According to him, with no departmental minister involved, such practices are beginning to decline. For that reason, he views Minister Lamsal’s directive as a positive first step, though not sufficient. He further explained that along with ministers, political parties have also used both employees and entrepreneurs as channels to collect money.

In Kathmandu, police conducted an overnight search operation resulting in the arrest of 195 individuals involved in hooliganism, fraud, and brokerage activities. According to SSP Ramesh Thapa of the Kathmandu District Police Office, those arrested were apprehended from areas including Tribhuvan International Airport, Thamel, and Budhanilkantha. Authorities are continuing their investigation against the detained suspects.

March 21, Kathmandu – The police in Kathmandu carried out a search operation throughout the night targeting individuals engaged in illegal activities such as hooliganism, fraud, and brokering. SSP Ramesh Thapa reported that 195 people were apprehended from various locations across the city. He specified that the detainees were arrested from key areas including Tribhuvan International Airport, Thamel, and Budhanilkantha. “We have taken 195 individuals under control, including those who lure people in Thamel and the airport areas, as well as previously active hooligans and brokers,” said SSP Thapa. The police are continuing further investigation into these arrests.

With temperatures soaring above 45 degrees Celsius in India, residents are bracing for intense heat. However, India’s $6 billion bottled water industry is currently facing significant challenges due to raw material shortages. Last month, leading company Bisleri announced an 11 percent price hike, increasing the cost of a 12-pack of one-liter bottles by 24 rupees. Other companies such as Bailey’s and Clear Premium Water have also raised prices. According to a study by Data for India, 15 percent of urban households and 6 percent of rural households depend on bottled water, making it an expensive option especially for rural consumers.

Access to clean water remains a major challenge across many parts of India, with issues stemming from water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. Industry leaders and bottle manufacturers warn that if the ongoing war in Iran persists, rising fuel prices could further increase bottled water costs. Approximately 20 percent of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas are transported via the Strait of Hormuz shipping route, which Iran has currently closed off completely, impacting global fuel prices.

Why might the price of drinking water continue to rise? Vijay Singh Dubal, president of the Maharashtra Bottled Water Manufacturers Association, attributes the increase to higher crude oil prices driving up the cost of plastic bottles. This week, Brent crude oil prices hit $119 per barrel, marking the highest level since the US and Israel initiated conflict against Iran. Crude oil is a key raw material used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin pellets for plastic bottles. Dubal explained, “The price of preforms has risen from 115 rupees per kilogram to nearly 180 rupees.”

Glass bottle manufacturers are also feeling the impact of the war. Last month, the Brewers Association of India, representing major breweries like Heineken and Carlsberg, reported a 20 percent increase in glass bottle prices. Indian liquor producers have petitioned state governments for price hikes in response. Companies such as Vitrum Glass cite fluctuations in natural gas prices as a driving factor behind the rising cost of glass bottles. An industry insider stated, “The situation is very fragile. Even a slight disruption in the supply of essential commodities like water and medicine has a huge effect.”

March 20, Saptari – A young man has been arrested on charges of luring and abducting a teenage girl in Saptari. The police detained 21-year-old Chandan Das from Ward 9 of Bodebarsain Municipality, who is accused of enticing and causing the disappearance of Smritikumari Mandal, a resident of Ward 14 of the same municipality.
According to the police, on Bhadra 2 (mid-August) after completing an exam at Mahendra Chuni Secondary School in Manraja, Mandal was abducted during her journey home through various inducements. Authorities have also indicated the involvement of Kanchankumari Das, Rajvriksha Das, and Surendra Das in the case.
After the incident, Chandan had fled but was apprehended on Thursday morning from Surunga Municipality, Ward 6, as confirmed by Dambar Bahadur Puri, Deputy Superintendent of Police at Saptari District Police Office. The district court of Saptari has extended the investigation period by seven days on charges related to the abduction, with authorities continuing their inquiry.

March 21, Kathmandu – At a gas plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, debris from missiles and drones falling caused one fatality and several injuries. A fire broke out at the Habshan gas plant, where two Pakistani and two Egyptian nationals were injured, and one Egyptian national died, according to local media reports.

According to Gulf News, the debris fell on the gas plant while the air defense system was intercepting incoming threats. The Egyptian national died during the evacuation of the site. The four injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition and were promptly rescued and taken to the hospital.

Earlier, on Friday, debris falling in Ajban region during air defense operations led to injuries of 12 individuals, including seven Nepalis. Among the injured, one Nepali’s condition is serious, while the remaining five injured are Indian nationals.