The CPN-UML is preparing to caution Acting Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) against making statements that contradict the party’s core values. A party leader stated, ‘Yesterday, Badal made remarks in parliament that went against the party’s principles. He will be instructed on parliamentary procedures and warned to be more cautious in the future.’ Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel has informed that Badal’s controversial parliamentary statements will be discussed seriously in the UML secretariat meeting and appropriate decisions will be taken.
Kathmandu: The CPN-UML has decided to warn Acting Chairman and parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) against making statements that contradict party values. A party leader confirmed that Badal will be cautioned during today’s secretariat meeting, scheduled at 1 PM. The leader added, ‘Yesterday, Badal spoke against the party’s values in parliament. He will be educated about parliamentary processes and warned to avoid repeating such statements.’
On 19 Chaitra, during the parliamentary session, Badal accused conspiracies and collusion among agencies regarding the people’s movements on 23 and 24 Bhadra last year and the election on 21 Falgun. He also made allegations contrary to the party’s governance stance against the Nepali Army, civil servants, and foreign agencies. These controversial remarks caused unrest within the UML. Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel stated that this issue will be seriously discussed in today’s secretariat meeting and appropriate action will be taken.
Currently, Badal serves as a proportional representation member of parliament. After the arrest of Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Badal was appointed as acting chairman and leader of the parliamentary party. Another UML leader, Surendra Pandey, responded to Badal’s controversial comments by acknowledging the UML’s shared responsibility in the present political environment and blaming the previous government’s inertia. Writing on Facebook, he said, ‘Yesterday, lengthy tales of conspiracies were heard in parliament. The army did not save, the officials did not support, technology failed – all blame is shifted to others. We are also at fault. Our government’s inaction must be held responsible for creating such a situation.’
Kathmandu, 20 Chaitra – Nepal Police has announced the call for more than 400 applications for various technical positions. Recruitment is open for ranks including Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspector of Police, Sub-Inspector of Police, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, and Police Constable. Applications are invited in engineering fields such as Computer, Communication, Civil, Electrical, Building and Architecture, and Automobile.
Similarly, positions in forensic science including Biology and Chemistry, and healthcare roles such as Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Dietetics, Physiotherapy Technologist, Staff Nurse, Pharmacy Assistant, and CMA are also open for application. For the Police Constable posts, 280 applications can be submitted, while for other positions, 129 applications are accepted.
The deadline to submit applications for Deputy Superintendent of Police, Inspector of Police, Sub-Inspector of Police, and Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police is set from 25 Chaitra to 24 Baishakh. For technical Police Constable posts, the application period is from 26 Chaitra to 31 Baishakh. View the advertisement here – also check out the notice published in GorakhaPatra Daily –
The US space agency NASA’s ‘Artemis II’ mission has successfully passed a critical engine test phase and commenced its journey toward the Moon. Launched from Florida, the spacecraft orbited Earth for 24 hours before completing the engine burn that propelled it from Earth’s orbit toward lunar trajectory. The engine burn lasted less than six minutes, pushing the ‘Orion’ capsule, carrying four astronauts, on its mission toward the Moon. NASA has confirmed the successful execution of this maneuver that sent the astronauts beyond Earth’s orbit.
During the total 10-day mission, the crew will undertake the farthest human space travel to date, covering an estimated 219,639 nautical miles. Previously, during the Apollo missions, 13 astronauts had traveled approximately 217,000 nautical miles in 1970, with Apollo missions being the only human expeditions to have landed on the lunar surface. Howard Hu, the Orion program manager, described the mission’s progress as “steeply upward” and revealed that he had not been able to rest well during the past 24 hours.
Canadian crew member Jeremy Hansen reported that he and his fellow astronauts are feeling well. Reflecting on the engine burn, he stated that humans have once again demonstrated their capabilities. According to US time, Orion will approach the Moon on Monday but will pass at a distance before beginning its return trip. The astronauts are scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. NASA has stated that the flight so far has been flawless.
Scientists note that this mission will also help identify safe methods to transport astronauts to the lunar surface in future missions. The Artemis II crew will practice operating and managing the Orion spacecraft in preparation for future lunar landings. After beginning their journey, the astronauts aboard Orion have eaten their first meal in space and are currently broadcasting live. Although they have yet to communicate with their families, NASA officials say this opportunity will come soon. Until now, the crew has been very busy. The mission includes three American astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover—and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Leader of the CPN-UML, Surendra Pandey, responded to the controversial remarks made by parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, stating that politics aimed at blaming others will no longer be effective. Pandey pointed out that the inactivity of the former UML-led government contributed to the current political situation.
Pandey wrote on Facebook, “Yesterday, long stories of ‘conspiracy’ were heard in parliament. The army did not protect, staff did not support, technology failed – all blame placed on others! Aren’t we also responsible—doesn’t our own government’s inactivity bear responsibility for creating this environment?” He commented that the nationalist politics claiming to be ‘besieged’ is quite old, adding, “The only genuine nationalist line now is Nepal’s economic reform; everything else is just individual agendas.”
He emphasized the need for an investigation into the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 and added, “However, the reality that our politics does not align with the aspirations of the people must not be ignored.” Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, who is also the acting chairperson of the UML, had previously stated that the outcomes of the Jana Jivan Andolan on Bhadra 23 and 24, as well as the Falgun 21 elections, were results of conspiracies and collusion among various agencies.
Badal’s controversial statements have stirred reactions within the UML. Vice President Bishnu Paudel has informed that today’s secretariat meeting will hold serious discussions regarding Badal’s comments and appropriate decisions will be made.
Under-construction bridges in Panchthar and Taplejung have been damaged by floods, disrupting local life and causing significant losses to government investments. Pawan Bhattarai, Head of the Road Division Office in Ilam, emphasized the need for a thorough study to determine the causes of the damage to the bridges. Bridge design expert Sakil Manandhar has suggested that climate change necessitates updating technology and construction methods for building bridges.
On March 31, in Panchthar, bridges under construction over Mewakhola in Panchthar and Neruwa River in Taplejung, located along the Mid-Hill Highway, collapsed during floods. Both bridges were scheduled to be completed during this year’s monsoon season. Engineers confirmed that the damage was caused by flooding. Every year, floods destroy and damage bridges in districts such as Eastern Panchthar, Ilam, and Taplejung, causing hardships for local residents and incurring substantial losses to government projects.
The recurring flood damage—and resulting destruction—of bridges and Bailey bridges has raised questions about the need to revise construction technology. For example, the Mewakhola bridge on the Mid-Hill Highway was previously washed away by floods in Ashad 2080 (mid-2023). The current damage occurred at the same construction site. At that time, five bridges were swept away by floods in Panchthar alone. “The contractor had completed work ahead of the deadline, including concrete casting. However, the flood in Chaitra caused damage to the staging and ultimately destroyed the bridge,” said Shivram Prasad Dev, engineer at the Mid-Hill Highway Project Office in Phidim. “The bridge was expected to be ready for vehicle use within a few weeks.”
Similarly, bridges over Oyam Khola and Phalame Khola along the highway were destroyed by floods in Asad 2081 (mid-2024). Numerous bridges in Panchthar, Taplejung, and Ilam have been swept away by floods over the years. This year, a Bailey bridge over Hellok Khola in Taplejung was also destroyed by floods in Shrawan (July-August). In 2080 BS, four motorable bridges over Hewakhola in Panchthar washed away. Subsequently, a Bailey bridge over Hewakhola along the Mechi Highway was also destroyed by floodwaters in Ashoj 2081 (September-October) and replaced with a modular bridge.
“The pattern of how water flows has changed. Floods in the months of Chaitra, Ashoj, and Kartik have been damaging the bridges. We need to study the reasons for these damages,” Pawan Bhattarai of the Road Division Office Ilam stated. “No matter how well roads and infrastructure are built, factors like encroachment and human-made disturbances continue to affect these structures.” Bridges built and under construction in the hills are suffering flood damage annually. Bridges designed to withstand a 100-year flood are collapsing within a few years. Water flow patterns have shifted, with rainfall occurring at different times and concentrated in specific areas. Such changes require detailed studies,” said Shailendra Singh, Chief of the Infrastructure Development Office in Panchthar.
The absence of bridges causes transportation difficulties during the rainy season. Despite alternative routes when parts of the Mechi Highway are blocked, problems persist due to damaged bridges. According to Naveen Sah, engineer at the Bridge Sector Project Office in Itahari, out of eight bridges, construction is ongoing on only five. While the contracts for all bridges have expired, work has stalled. Progress on bridges contracted in 2078 BS (2021-2022) remains weak: navigation bridge 39%, Lakhua Khola bridge 30%, Raghua bridge 26%, Charuwa bridge 67%, and Kabuwa bridge 25% progress only.
Caption: Most of Iran’s uranium stockpile, believed to be stored in Isfahan, was damaged in last year’s US-Israel strikeArticle Details
It may seem far-fetched that US forces would conduct a covert raid on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities to seize enriched uranium. However, this is reportedly a key objective President Donald Trump is considering to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Military experts and former US defense officials interviewed note that such an operation would be extremely challenging and risky. It would require on-site troop deployment and could take several days or weeks to complete.
Mike Mulroy, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, described the removal of uranium stockpiles as “one of the most complex operations in history.”
This is one of several military actions Trump could take against Iran.
He further stated that US measures might include pressuring to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and attempts to control Kharg Island. The administration might also issue new military threats to bring Iran to the negotiating table.
In a telephone interview with the US partner network CBS News on Monday, President Trump declined to say whether victory in a war without destroying or seizing Iran’s ‘enriched uranium’ was possible.
However, referring to damage inflicted during the US-Israel strike in June last year, he appeared to downplay the importance of those stockpiles. “It’s so deep that no one can get in easily,” Trump said. “It’s very secure. We will decide.”
This statement came after The Wall Street Journal reported that the US is preparing to extract the nuclear material. The White House said the final decision remains pending with Trump.
Experts say that leadership challenges targeting Iran’s weapons stockpiles would be significant.
At the start of the war, Iran had about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, which can be rapidly further refined to weapons-grade at the 90-percent threshold.
Iran also possesses roughly 1,000 kilograms of uranium enriched to 20 percent and 8,500 kilograms enriched to 3.8 percent, which is acceptable for medical research purposes.
Most uranium that can be easily used in bombs or missiles is believed to be stored in Isfahan. This site was among three underground nuclear facilities targeted in last year’s US-Israel airstrike.
However, it is unclear if highly enriched uranium is stored at other locations.
Jason Campbell, a former US defense official, said a military operation would be simpler if the exact locations of stockpiles were known.
“The best-case scenario is knowing exactly where it is,” Campbell explained. “If it’s spread across four different locations, the complexity increases significantly.”
Image source: Getty Images
Caption: Satellite image after recent airstrikes on Isfahan missile facility
Additionally, some highly enriched uranium might be stored in Fordow and Natanz. Both sites were targeted during the military operation titled ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ last year.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated last month that most highly enriched uranium is at Isfahan with some possibly at Natanz. However, inspectors have not returned to the sites since the 2025 US-Israel strikes.
“Many questions will only be clear once we can return,” Grossi said.
Even without confirmation, the US has made estimates about uranium locations, but reaching those places would pose another challenge.
Before the US-Israel attack, Iran had reportedly reinforced underground structures near its nuclear sites. Satellite images from February show entrances to tunnel complexes at Isfahan blocked with earth, complicating operations.
Since the start of warfare, US and Israeli airstrikes have destroyed Iranian naval assets, ballistic missiles, and industrial infrastructure. However, experts insist securing enriched uranium stocks requires ground troop deployments.
The US might deploy its 82nd Airborne Division in the Middle East to secure the areas around Isfahan and Natanz before sending trained special forces to retrieve the enriched uranium.
Satellite images reveal damage to the interior of the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities from US airstrikes. Iran may counterattack, requiring US forces to use heavy equipment to locate and extract uranium from underground tunnels.
“First you have to excavate and then locate it while operating under constant threat,” Campbell noted.
Image source: Getty Images
Caption: 2025 satellite image of Natanz nuclear enrichment facility
Iran’s reaction and the risks involved if US ground forces attack key nuclear sites remain open questions.
Alex Plitsas, senior fellow at the Scowcroft Middle East Security Institute and former US defense official, said, “If necessary, Iranian defense capabilities would be weakened to strengthen such an operation,” but it would still carry very high risks.
The operation could take many forms, but experts agree it would require capturing airspace or establishing an air assault zone before removing enriched uranium from Iran.
The specially trained 82nd Airborne Division could work with US forces to establish forward operating bases for such a mission. After uranium retrieval, the US would decide whether to remove it from Iran or destroy it onsite.
Senior administration officials indicate that early in the war, the US might prefer to destroy highly enriched uranium on site rather than remove it.
Jonathan Ruhe, an Iran nuclear program expert at the conservative think tank Jewish Institute for National Security of America in Washington DC, described such an operation as large, complex, and time-consuming.
Ruhe said uranium could be rapidly seized and extracted but acknowledged the high risks involved.
“You’re talking about removing nearly half a ton of weapons-grade uranium,” Ruhe stated.
“And this could create a million complications.”
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The Postal Service Department has initiated procedures to enable sending goods abroad and clearing imports even on public holidays.
The Customs Office and bank branch at the customs postal office in Dillibazar are being prepared to remain open during public holidays to facilitate service.
In the month of Fagu, the customs postal office imported approximately 19,200 items and exported around 11,700 items, generating revenue of Rs 2.94 million.
March 3 (20th Chaitra), Kathmandu – Initiatives have begun to enable the sending of goods abroad and clearance of imported goods through postal offices even on public holidays. The Postal Service Department, in coordination with the Customs Department, has commenced processes to provide these services on such days.
Although the customs postal office in Dillibazar has traditionally operated services on public holidays, the closure of the customs office and bank branch located there caused issues with inspections and clearances. Following complaints about service disruptions due to lack of coordination among different agencies, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology also took notice of the issue. Under the direction of Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina, the Postal Service Department is preparing to make import-export services available via postal channels even on public holidays.
Manmaya Bhattarai Pangeny, Director General of the Postal Service Department, stated, “Sending goods through postal services or international courier has been available from the customs postal office on public holidays. However, the closure of the customs office branch at Tribhuvan International Airport on these days caused problems with inspection passes. We have informed the Customs Department both verbally and in writing to resolve this issue.”
Similarly, Shyam Prasad Bhandari, Director General of the Customs Department, has assured that arrangements will be made to keep the customs branch at the customs postal office operational on public holidays.
The bank branch at the location is also preparing to remain open to facilitate revenue payments. Efforts are underway to keep the National Commercial Bank’s branch operational during public holidays.
In the month of Fagu alone, the customs postal office in Dillibazar handled over 19,200 items, including parcels, small packets, ordinary letters, registered letters, and book posts arriving from foreign countries.
Exports were approximately 11,700 items, generating around Rs 2.94 million in revenue for the customs office, according to officials.
Operating offices on public holidays is expected to offer more convenient service to citizens and improve the overall business and performance of the office.
The first meeting of the House of Representatives, elected in the election held on Falgun 21, was held in the multipurpose hall of the Federal Parliament building at Singha Durbar. Chaired by Speaker Arjun Narasingh KC, the meeting faced disruption attempts by CPN UML lawmakers, after which Guru Baral demanded the release of Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The Speaker informed the assembly about the appointment of Balendra Shah as Prime Minister by President Ramchandra Paudel, and seven leaders shared their views. Kathmandu, 19 Chaitra.
The inaugural session of the House of Representatives, elected in the Falgun 21 election, was held on Thursday in the multipurpose hall of the under-construction Federal Parliament building at Singha Durbar. The meeting was chaired by the senior member of the House, Arjun Narasingh KC. At the start of the session, lawmakers from the CPN UML staged a brief protest attempting to disrupt proceedings. Subsequently, Speaker KC permitted UML lawmaker Guru Baral to deliver a statement. Baral opposed the arrests of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, demanding their immediate release from the government.
After the meeting resumed, Speaker KC conveyed the message from President Ramchandra Paudel announcing the appointment of Balendra Shah as Prime Minister. Following the agenda, lawmakers began presenting their party statements. Speakers included Rashtriya Swatantra Party Chair Ravi Lamichhane, Nepali Congress’s Bhishmaraj Angdembe, UML’s Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, Nepal Communist Party’s Barshaman Pun, Labor Culture Party Chairman Harkraj Rai (Sampang), Rashtriya Prajatantra Party’s Gyanendra Bahadur Shahi, and Independent lawmaker Mahavir Pun. Subsequently, Home Minister Sudan Gurung presented the ordinances issued by the previous government to the parliament. After adopting several condolence proposals, the meeting was adjourned, with the next session scheduled for 22 Chaitra.
The Government of Nepal has decided to operate special flights on April 3, 4, and 5 to evacuate Nepalis affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Nepal Airlines Corporation will operate flights on Kathmandu–Dubai, Dubai–Kathmandu, Kathmandu–Dammam, and Dammam–Kathmandu routes. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has issued instructions for this operation. (March 20, Kathmandu)
Due to the continuing conflict in West Asia, Nepali citizens stranded there have faced difficulties. To address this, the Government of Nepal will run special flights for three consecutive days starting today. Nepal Airlines Corporation plans to operate the Kathmandu–Dubai flight on April 3, Dubai–Kathmandu on April 4, and Kathmandu–Dammam and Dammam–Kathmandu flights on April 5. These special flights aim to bring Nepali citizens back home from the affected regions and take those unable to reach their destination countries safely to their intended locations.
On March 31, a high-level meeting was held involving officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Nepal Airlines Corporation. The meeting focused on facilitating the evacuation and safe movement of Nepalis in West Asia, as well as ensuring the provision of necessary air services. Following Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal’s directives, Nepal Airlines Corporation decided to operate these special flights over three days.
Regular flights to and from the affected West Asian regions have been suspended since February 28 due to heightened tensions and security concerns. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the National Insurance Company has assisted in streamlining the necessary insurance arrangements during these flights. The ministry also expressed gratitude to all responsible agencies for their cooperation and coordination in facilitating the special flight operations amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
March 20, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Friday). The buying rate for the US Dollar is NPR 148.67 and the selling rate is NPR 149.27. The Euro’s buying rate is NPR 171.24, and its selling rate is NPR 171.93; the British Pound Sterling is priced at NPR 196.13 for buying and NPR 196.92 for selling; the Swiss Franc has a buying rate of NPR 185.78 and a selling rate of NPR 186.53.
The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 102.03 with a selling rate of NPR 102.44. The Canadian Dollar stands at NPR 106.79 for buying and NPR 107.22 for selling. The Singapore Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 115.44, with a selling rate of NPR 115.91. The Japanese Yen (per 10 units) is valued at NPR 9.31 for buying and NPR 9.34 for selling. The Chinese Yuan’s buying rate is NPR 21.55, and selling rate NPR 21.64. The Saudi Arabian Riyal is NPR 39.61 for buying and NPR 39.77 for selling, while the Qatari Riyal is at NPR 40.78 buying and NPR 40.94 selling.
According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying and selling rates are NPR 4.53 and NPR 4.55 respectively. The UAE Dirham is NPR 40.48 for buying and NPR 40.64 for selling. The Malaysian Ringgit is set at NPR 36.81 buying and NPR 36.96 selling. The South Korean Won (per 100 units) comes at NPR 9.80 buying and NPR 9.84 selling rates. The Swedish Krona’s buying rate is NPR 15.65 and selling rate NPR 15.71, while the Danish Krona’s rates are NPR 22.92 buying and NPR 23.01 selling.
Nepal Rastra Bank has also set the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate at NPR 18.97 with a selling rate of NPR 19.05. The Kuwaiti Dinar is priced at NPR 484.50 for buying and NPR 486.46 for selling. The Bahraini Dinar stands at NPR 393.78 buying and NPR 395.36 selling, and the Omani Rial at NPR 386.21 buying and NPR 387.76 selling. Additionally, the Indian Rupee (per 100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 160 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.
The central bank has stated that these exchange rates may be amended at any time as necessary. It has also noted that the exchange rates offered by commercial banks may vary, and the updated rates will be available on the Nepal Rastra Bank’s official website.
The government’s decision to restrict official advertisements exclusively to state-run media has raised serious concerns among advertising agencies and the private media sector. Sudip Thapa, President of the Nepal Advertising Association, described this move as a crisis for the advertising industry. Private media outlets and advertising agencies reliant on government advertisements now face the risk of closure.
March 19, Kathmandu – Recent government directives limiting official advertisements strictly to government communication platforms have triggered profound apprehension within the advertising agencies and private media. This policy is seen as a stark reversal of past administrations’ efforts to promote private sector growth, signaling a significant threat to the advertising industry’s viability.
According to Sudip Thapa, President of the Nepal Advertising Association, “Advertising agencies interpret this decision not only as a challenge to the media sector but as a crisis threatening the very advertising industry.”
He further stated, “The government circular disregards the essential needs of service providers like advertising agencies. By relying solely on its own capacity and cutting out private sector services, the government has created contradictions in the advertising market.”
“Currently, over 800 national and local media outlets—including those classified as A, B, and C categories—operate across the country. Government advertisements have been a significant source of financial support for these media organizations.”
“Although the government promotes job creation, this decision puts thousands of jobs generated by private media and advertising agencies at risk, posing a severe crisis for business owners.”
“If this decision is not reconsidered, many media houses and advertising agencies may be forced to shut down.”
The move is also viewed as a threat to press freedom. While the government is not shutting down private media, reliance exclusively on government advertisements appears to be a way to weaken and control dependent outlets financially.
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for the private sector. It is time for private media to prove their effectiveness and demonstrate that public information and communication can reach the masses smoothly even without government announcements.”
“Previously, there was discussion to eliminate advertisements from government outlets like Nepal Television. Yet, now with the government assuming full control through this policy change, success appears unlikely.”
“The hurried issuance of this circular without consulting stakeholders raises questions about its intent.”
“Advertising agencies and media entrepreneurs initially urge the government to reconsider this decision and engage in dialogue. Should the government disregard these demands and continue limiting private sector rights, we will be compelled to take strong measures to protect the employment of businesses and their workers.”
The balance of payments for the current fiscal year 2082/83 during the period from Shrawan to Falgun stands at a surplus of NPR 658.35 billion. In the same period last fiscal year, the balance of payments amounted to only NPR 310.37 billion. During this period, direct foreign investment inflows reached NPR 1.084 billion. Kathmandu, 19 Chaitra.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank, in the eight-month span of fiscal year 2082/83 (Shrawan–Falgun), the balance of payments shows a surplus of NPR 658.35 billion. This marks a significant increase compared to the NPR 310.37 billion surplus recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year. The surplus reflects higher inflows of foreign currency compared to outflows.
The balance of payments summarizes the economic and financial transactions between residents and non-residents during a specified period. A surplus in the balance of payments indicates a net inflow of foreign currency from external sector activities, whereas a deficit would signify net outflows. This account aggregates the current account and the capital and financial account transactions involving non-resident entities.
Moreover, the high volume of remittances significantly contributes positively to the balance of payments position. In terms of US dollars, the balance of payments surplus increased from USD 229 million in the previous year’s corresponding period to USD 461 million currently. Concurrently, the current account stands at a surplus of NPR 552.85 billion in this period, substantially higher than last year’s NPR 197.30 billion.
The Kathmandu District Court has granted a two-day extension for the investigation against Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak. The Inquiry Commission had recommended an investigation into Lekhak’s role during the JNU protests on Bhadra 23 and 24, citing charges related to loss of life. The court also extended the deadline by two days for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, with both having been arrested in Bhaktapur on Chaitra 14. This update is from March 19, Kathmandu.
The Kathmandu District Court has extended the investigation period by two days for Nepali Congress leader and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. According to court spokesperson Deepak Kumar Shrestha, the bench led by Judge Purushottam Khatiwada issued the order to grant the additional two days. The Inquiry Commission had raised questions regarding Lekhak’s role, as Home Minister, during the JNU protests on Bhadra 23 and 24, recommending an investigation on charges connected to fatalities. The court likewise issued an order to extend the investigation period by two days for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Both Oli and Lekhak were arrested on the morning of Chaitra 14 in Bhaktapur.
Having a mechanism to address student issues within universities is essential, but it must be entirely independent from partisan politics. How do non-political ‘student councils’ in foreign universities function in promoting the overall welfare of students without disrupting academic activities?
Nepal Rastra Bank has reported that the country’s foreign currency reserves have reached NPR 3.413 trillion as of the end of the month of Falgun in the current fiscal year. According to the central bank, this reserve is sufficient to cover 21.4 months’ worth of goods imports and 18.5 months of goods and services imports based on current import levels.
The foreign currency reserves increased by 27.5 percent by the end of Falgun, with an 18.3 percent growth in US dollar reserves over eight months, the Rastra Bank has stated. A report released on 19 Chaitra in Kathmandu notes a significant rise in currency reserves compared to the end of Ashad this fiscal year.
As of the end of Ashad, the nation’s foreign currency reserves stood at NPR 2.677 trillion. Currently, the US dollar reserves amount to approximately 2.308 billion USD. During this period, the US dollar reserves grew by 18.3 percent. Additionally, the Rastra Bank reported that Indian currency constitutes 21 percent of the total foreign exchange reserves as of Falgun’s end.
