Research shows that women fall behind in the workplace primarily due to time constraints caused by balancing both domestic and professional responsibilities. The main reason women lag at work is not solely due to different behavior or lower pay. A recent study led by Professor Toyin Adisa and colleagues from the University of East London (UEL) has uncovered a deeper cause, termed the ‘Hidden Time Gap’. Published in the International Journal of Management Reviews, the study analyzed 88 different research papers and concluded that women are not less capable or ambitious but are hindered by a lack of time.
The impact of dual responsibilities: According to the research, many women essentially carry out “two jobs”: one being the paid office work, and the other the unpaid, ongoing household tasks such as caregiving, cooking, and other domestic duties. This dual workload leaves women with insufficient time to expand their professional networks, pursue training, participate actively at work, or focus on career advancement. Professor Adisa explains, “The reason women fall behind is not a lack of ability but because workplaces fail to acknowledge their ‘double shift’—the dual responsibilities at home and in the office. We still imagine the ideal worker as someone with no home obligations and unlimited time.”
Flexible working arrangements alone are insufficient: The study also revealed that while many organizations offer flexible working options, these have not fully resolved the issue. Although working hours may be adjustable, productivity and availability expectations continue to be based on the traditional model of an ‘ideal worker,’ exacerbating mental pressure on women. This problem is widespread globally, not confined to Africa or developing countries. Cultural expectations, especially related to motherhood, further limit women’s time, preventing them from competing equally with male colleagues.
Structural change, not just surface-level reforms, is needed: Professor Adisa and her team emphasize that small policy tweaks are not enough to solve the problem. They highlight several critical measures: supportive childcare—accessible, quality childcare facilities close to or within workplaces should be available; fair distribution of workload—household and professional duties must be shared equally between men and women; and work restructuring—assessment should be based on outcomes rather than time spent, with recognition given to domestic responsibilities. Adisa adds, “If we truly want to create inclusive workplaces, society must rethink the value of caregiving and revise the expectations placed on employees by organizations.”
In Panchthar’s Hilihang Rural Municipality–5, a pickup truck accident resulted in the death of 24-year-old Abhas Mabo. According to police, the accident occurred after the pickup lost control and fell 50 meters off the road. Among the three passengers in the vehicle, 24-year-old Sandip Ubharkoti was injured, while driver Krishna Bahadur Barailee has been taken into police custody.
March 19, Panchthar – A fatal pickup truck accident in Hilihang Rural Municipality–5 claimed the life of local resident Abhas Mabo, aged 24. The pickup truck, registered as Me 1 Cha 6029 and transporting firewood from Amliso’s Kucco Boko, went off the road at a bend and fell 50 meters down. According to information provided by the Panchthar police, the vehicle was carrying three individuals including the driver. Although 24-year-old Sandip Ubharkoti was injured, his condition is reported to be stable. The driver Krishna Bahadur Barailee has been detained by the authorities.
The new Covid-19 variant BA.3.2 ‘Cicada’, part of the Omicron family, was first detected in South Africa in November 2024.
This variant infects children aged 3 to 15 more frequently, with infections in New York found to be five times higher than other variants.
Scientists confirm that Cicada does not cause severe illness, current vaccines offer strong protection, and a major pandemic wave is unlikely.
A newly identified and highly mutated variant of the Omicron group, BA.3.2, has emerged and has been named ‘Cicada’ by scientists.
The name was inspired by the cicada insect, known for remaining underground for long periods before resurfacing, reflecting the variant’s mysterious reappearance.
The most unusual feature of this variant is that it predominantly affects children aged 3 to 15 years rather than the elderly.
Scientists noted that the Omicron sublineage BA.3, identified in 2022, had remained hidden in an enigmatic manner.
Experts hypothesize that this virus had persisted in an individual with a compromised immune system for two years, during which extensive mutation occurred due to prolonged virus-host interaction.
First identified in November 2024 in a 5-year-old child in South Africa, BA.3.2 shows 70 mutations in the spike protein compared to the original 2019 virus, and 53 mutations relative to its parent strain.
Analysis of data from New York City shows the likelihood of children contracting BA.3.2 is five times higher than with other variants.
Authorities emphasize that this variant has not caused severe illness or hospitalizations, and current vaccines remain effective. In Germany, where it once accounted for 30% of infections, cases are now declining.
To date, the variant has been detected in wastewater samples from 23 countries worldwide and 25 U.S. states.
Scientists believe that because BA.3.2 binds less strongly to the ACE-2 receptor, it is unlikely to trigger a large-scale global wave like previous variants.
According to Dr. Tulio de Oliveira of South Africa, there is no immediate need to launch new vaccination campaigns, but it is essential to closely monitor the virus’s mutations continuously.
Ravi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party and newly elected member of parliament, stated that they have received a mandate not to run the Singha Durbar (central government complex) but to transform it, and that work has already begun.
Addressing the first session of the House of Representatives following the recent elections, he declared that the government’s operations will now be vocalized.
“You have witnessed the government’s pace. Now the entire country, including the bureaucracy, has no option but to keep up with this speed. We are ready to take ownership not only of our commitments but also of the legitimate commitments of the opposition parties,” he said.
Additional Remarks by Lamichhane
He invited opposition members to monitor their activities 24/7.
“Please point out if we err; correct us if we stray,” he said, “In a democracy, the ruling party and the opposition are not just competitors but also complementary forces. One governs, the other monitors. We will not allow the opposition’s voice to weaken; if that happens, democracy itself grows weak.”
“Yesterday, laws were amended and ordinances issued to protect our own and trap the opposition. I want to inform this house that such wrongful activities will be corrected immediately.”
“The chapter of arrogance and retaliation against the opposition will not repeat. There will be no discrimination based on belief. No one’s microphone will be cut off for not wanting to listen to unfair, oppressive remarks. Parliamentary committees will not conduct retaliation or oppression based on numerical pressure. The pace of good governance will not stop.”
“The first right to justice belongs to the mother of a martyr; this cannot be termed retaliation.”
Lamichhane issued a public apology on behalf of the government to the Dalit community for the “centuries-old history of discrimination, injustice, and oppression.”
He also apologized to citizens working abroad for the “personal sacrifices they have had to make.”
“This country has not properly honored your sacrifices. Now your pain will no longer remain just a story, it will become policy and a state priority,” he said. “Intermediaries and labor mafia will now be held accountable. The upcoming policies and budgets will be for you.”
Questions Raised on Karki Commission Report
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Bhishmaraj Angdembe, a member of parliament from Nepali Congress, stressed the necessity to thoroughly examine the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 (September 8 and 9).
“Some witness the events of the 23rd but not the 24th, others see the destruction on the 24th but not the suppression on the 23rd,” he remarked. “This approach is flawed. Even the commission established by the previous government recommended investigation and prosecution for the incidents on the 23rd but indicated that the 24th was not properly investigated. What kind of approach is this?”
“I want to draw the attention of the new prime minister: Will the government itself publish the commission’s report, or will it rely on newspaper coverage? The government should present itself with wisdom, respecting the law and procedural decorum.”
UML Raises Concerns Over Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Victory
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Rambahadur Thapa, a member of parliament from the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), described the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s victory as “magical” and a “miraculous triumph.”
“Primarily the Nepali Army, the bureaucracy, the Sushila [Karki] government, Karki commission, and NGOs like the Barbara Foundation played decisive roles in this victory,” he claimed.
Thapa said this victory raises “several extraordinary questions.”
“For what purpose were the Singha Durbar, Sheetal Niwas, Baluwatar, Supreme Court, private residences of political leaders, police stations, and commercial establishments systematically set on fire? Who incited the innocent students to cross prohibited areas, and why? What was the motive behind the mysterious appearance of armed ‘TOBs’? Why were former prime ministers and home ministers arrested illegally, and plans made to arrest political leaders?” he asked. “We will continue to raise these and similar questions with full force to the government.”
“RSP Should Learn From Our Past”
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Barshaman Pun of the Communist Party of Nepal reminded that although they once secured strong public support in the past, they failed to capitalize on it effectively, urging the Rastriya Swatantra Party to learn from this experience.
“Learn from our shortcomings and work towards advancing the country. We are ready to support you.”
Hark Sampang from the Labor Culture Party advocated for the cancellation of the ‘MCC’ agreement with the United States, to protect the country’s sovereignty, geopolitical balance, and non-aligned foreign policy.
He also said he would support the government in establishing a process for directly electing the executive.
Similarly, Gyan Bahadur Shahi from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party pledged to assist in reaching a two-thirds majority if the process to abolish the provincial structure is initiated.
Mahavir Pun, elected from Myagdi, introduced himself as an “unusual member of parliament.”
“I am different; my way of speaking and working is also different,” he said. “I am a social worker and will remain one. My role in the parliament will be impartial rather than simply supporting or opposing.”
Pun stated that during the previous government, he attempted to introduce some education-related ordinances but resigned from his ministerial position and contested elections when that effort failed.
He served as Education Minister under the election government led by Sushila Karki.
Opposition from UML Lawmakers
At the start of the session, UML parliamentarian Guru Baral expressed objection to the arrest of UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, who served as Home Minister in Oli’s government.
As Baral stood to voice protest, Speaker Arjun Narasingh KC instructed him to keep his remarks within two minutes.
Baral demanded immediate release of Oli and Lekhak, and called for investigation and action against perpetrators involved in the repression of peaceful protests against Oli’s arrest.
“I request that the fundamental right to peaceful protest be fully guaranteed in the country,” he added.
Home Minister Presents Three Ordinances
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In Thursday’s session, Home Minister Sudan Gurung presented three ordinances: ‘Voter List First Amendment Ordinance, 2082 (2025)’, ‘House of Representatives Member Election First Amendment Ordinance, 2082’, and ‘Nepal Special Service Second Amendment Ordinance, 2082.’
The next session of the House of Representatives is scheduled for the 22nd of this month, where Speaker Arjun Narasingh KC said the process to elect the Speaker will take place.
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Bus operators have urged the federal government to renew bus committees in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive. The court ordered on Chaitra 20, 2080, that these committees be renewed under the Institution Registration Act 2034. The operators have also appealed to the government to establish scientifically determined fare rates and to halt uncontrolled vehicle imports. (Chaitra 19, Butwal)
During a press conference in Butwal, the Western Nepal Bus Operators Pvt. Ltd. demanded the immediate renewal of transport-related associations registered and operating under the Institution Registration Act 2034, as per the Supreme Court’s order. The directive came from a bench of then Supreme Court justices Satyanarayan Pradhan Malla and Bal Krishna Dhakal, responding to a case filed by the Koshi Bus Operators Association.
The company’s chairman, Dadhiram Kharel, stated, “The court recognized bus committees as social organizations operating under the Institution Registration Act and ordered their renewal as previous committees. Therefore, the current government must implement this order.” He added, “To implement the Supreme Court’s decision, the federal government under Sushil Karki had formed an inquiry commission and submitted recommendations to then Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Chaitra 3. We now demand that the new government’s cabinet put these recommendations into action.”
Chairman Kharel also highlighted that the costs of vehicle chassis, body, spare parts, tires, and fuel have surged significantly, urging the government to set scientifically justified fare rates accordingly. Currently, passenger vehicles are being imported in an uncontrolled manner, displacing existing operators. This not only leads to unnecessary foreign capital outflow but also jeopardizes the businesses of purely domestic investors who have already invested. Therefore, bus operators have requested the government to restrict public passenger vehicle imports strictly according to passenger demand.
The government has issued a warning that in cases of corruption, favoritism, or irregularities, the heads of the concerned agencies and the secretaries of the ministries will be held responsible. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Balen Shah, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal has issued a circular instructing all secretaries to prioritize anti-corruption measures. Chief Secretary Aryal has directed all agencies to take necessary actions to eradicate corruption and establish good governance, and to report any irregularities found. Dated 19 Chaitra, Kathmandu.
The government has publicly warned that any corruption, favoritism, or irregularity occurring within a department or office will lead to accountability of the head of that agency and the ministry secretary. Through the circular issued on Thursday, Chief Secretary Aryal reiterated the government’s commitment to ending corruption. The circular emphasized that eliminating policy, institutional, and procedural corruption in public bodies and establishing good governance remains the government’s top priority, urging secretaries to focus on effective implementation.
The circular states, “All ministries, commissions, offices, and subordinate agencies must take necessary actions to end corruption arising from the abuse of public positions and authority in service delivery, development projects, revenue administration, contracting, and procurement processes. Efforts must be made to establish good governance and integrity to a level perceptible to the citizens.” The Chief Secretary instructed agencies under his jurisdiction to maintain vigilant oversight of any possible corruption and irregularities, and to immediately report related information to the relevant authority. He also warned that if any irregularities or corruption are detected within an agency, its head or the executing official will initially be held responsible. Chief Secretary Aryal has further requested suggestions on policy, legal, institutional, and procedural reforms to prevent financial irregularities and corruption.
March 19, Kathmandu – Oil prices surged after an address by US President Donald Trump. Following the White House statement concerning the ongoing conflict in Iran, Brent crude prices experienced a notable increase. Brent crude, which had been trading around $100 per barrel, showed some volatility during Trump’s speech but saw a significant rise by the end, reaching $105.38 per barrel, a 4% increase.
There had been expectations that Trump would make announcements regarding the Strait of Hormuz. However, since he did not provide new information about the Strait, the price increases were attributed to the uncertainty. The Strait of Hormuz is critically important to the global economy, as nearly 20% of worldwide energy trade passes through this maritime route. Since the conflict that began on February 28, this passage has been nearly closed. Iran has also issued warnings of attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli air strikes.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung presented three ordinances in the House of Representatives. These ordinances relate to citizenship amendment, amendment to the election of House of Representatives members, and amendment to the Nepal Special Service. The Nepal Special Service (Third Amendment) Ordinance has provided for the National Investigation Department to be placed under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During the first session of today’s meeting, after members from various parties expressed their views, he sequentially presented the ‘Citizenship (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082,’ ‘House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082,’ and the ‘Nepal Special Service (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2082.’ These amendments were made via ordinance to ensure reservation based on population under the proportional closed list system, as per Article 84(2) of Nepal’s Constitution.
Following the determination of the House of Representatives election date on Falgun 21, the previous government issued the ‘House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance’ to update the voter list. Home Minister Gurung also informed that the ‘Nepal Special Service (Third Amendment) Ordinance’ was issued to transfer the National Investigation Department from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The meeting also passed condolence motions for the passing of Constituent Assembly members and former members Rishikesh Gautam, Mohammad Aftab Alam, Krishnakumari Shrestha, Amod Prasad Upadhyay, Homanath Dahal, and Baldev Bohara, who served in the Constituent Assembly and National Assembly, at various times. The next House of Representatives meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Chaitra 22, at 11 a.m.
A team dispatched from Swyambhu Police Station arrested 24-year-old Sunil Chimsé, also known as Sunil Gole, from Kakani Rural Municipality-5, Nuwakot, with 4,680 tramadol capsules.
Authorities seized 145 Nitrazepam tablets, 60 Diazepam ampoules, 58 Phenergan ampoules, 58 Narpin ampoules, and 17,300 rupees in cash from him.
March 2, Kathmandu – A man has been arrested with more than 4,000 tramadol capsules.
The individual arrested is 24-year-old Sunil Chimsé, also known as Sunil Gole, a resident of Kakani Rural Municipality-5, Nuwakot. The arrest was made by a team deployed from Swyambhu Police Station.
Authorities confiscated 4,680 tramadol capsules, 145 Nitrazepam tablets, 60 Diazepam ampoules, 58 Phenergan ampoules, 58 Narpin ampoules, along with 17,300 rupees in cash from him.
The first session of the new Parliament has commenced on Chaitra 19 at the Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar, following the election of the members of the House of Representatives. President Ramchandra Paudel, upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, has convened the session of both houses. In the House of Representatives, the National Independent Party holds 182 seats, Nepali Congress 38, and CPN-UML 25 members are present. (Chaitra 19, Kathmandu)
After the election of the House of Representatives members held on Falgun 21, the first session of Parliament has begun today. The meeting was inaugurated in the multi-purpose hall of the under-construction Federal Parliament Building located in Singha Durbar. President Ramchandra Paudel, on Chaitra 16 and in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal, summoned the session of both houses of the Federal Parliament today based on the Council of Ministers’ recommendation.
Senior member Arjunanarasingh KC will open the session by reading the letter regarding the convening of the session and will provide information on the formation of the Council of Ministers. The 275-member House of Representatives currently includes 182 members from the National Independent Party, 38 from Nepali Congress, 25 from CPN-UML, 17 from the Nepal Communist Party, 7 from the Labor Culture Party, 5 from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and one independent member. The agenda includes members from various parties delivering their remarks on the occasion of the session’s commencement.
The House of Representatives session concluded on April 1.
Senior member Arjun Narasingh K.C. informed that the next session will be held on April 5, Sunday, at 11 AM.
April 1, Kathmandu – The House of Representatives session concluded today. At the end of the session, the senior member announced that the next meeting will be held on April 5, Sunday.
“It is adjourned to meet at 11:00 AM on Sunday, April 5, 2082 (Nepali calendar),” said senior member Arjun Narasingh K.C.
March 19, Kathmandu – A video showing two horses being brutally beaten in Laligurans Municipality, Tehrathum, has gone viral on social media. The footage depicts a horse owner violently striking the animals with a stick because they were not walking properly. At one point, a woman attempts to take the stick away from him, and he reacts angrily, trying to hit her as well. Locals report that municipal police were present at the scene but did not intervene, prompting outrage on social media over their inaction.
What does Arjun Mabohang, the Municipality Chief, say? Following the viral video, a phone interview was conducted with Arjun Mabohang, Chief of Laligurans Municipality. He confirmed that the day after the incident, authorities questioned the person who beat the horses. “We have taken a formal statement,” Mabohang said. “The police arrested the suspect the following day and preparations are underway to file charges.” According to Mabohang, the individual claimed he struck the horses after they tried to bite him. The mayor also emphasized the role of the municipal police, stating, “They must exercise restraint and intervene in incidents like this. I have previously urged to stop cruelty towards animals; coordination is needed once again.”
Mabohang described the suspect as a man in his mid-50s. “The horses were tired, and he must have been tired as well. However, this does not justify beating a horse for not walking,” he said. “We must understand that horses also get tired, not only humans.”
What penalties apply? In Nepal, animal cruelty is punishable under the Animal Offense and Punishment Act. This law criminalizes causing unnecessary pain, violence, or inhumane treatment toward animals. If proven, the offender may face fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, failure to fulfill responsibilities for animal protection or negligence can lead to legal action. Consequently, incidents like beating horses are punishable offenses, and the responsible individual will face appropriate penalties after investigation.
Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, stated in the House of Representatives meeting that the first right to justice belongs to the mother of the martyr. He urged opposition parties to abide by the law and emphasized that there should be no foreign interference when it comes to relinquishing power. Lamichhane also expressed commitment to adopting a transparent foreign policy and ensuring protection for both domestic and foreign investors. Kathmandu, 19 Chaitra.
Addressing the opposition’s protests regarding the arrest of UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, Lamichhane spoke during the first session of the House of Representatives on Thursday. He reiterated that the primary right to justice rests with the mother of the martyr, recalling those who lost their lives during the livelihood movement on Bhadra 23 and 24, saying, “The first right to justice belongs to the martyr’s mother, and this cannot be called retaliation.”
He urged the opposition parties to adhere to the law and declared that the tactic of invoking foreign interference when compelled to surrender power will no longer be effective. Lamichhane stated, “Once power must be relinquished, the game of foreign interference will no longer occur. From now on, there will be a transparent foreign policy that will ensure national interest.” He also guaranteed transparency and security for both domestic and foreign investors in Nepal.
March 19, Kathmandu – The European Union has set a new record for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in March 2026, achieving the highest volume to date.
According to a report citing data from ‘Gas Infrastructure Europe,’ 13.7 billion cubic meters of LNG entered the European system through terminals in March alone.
This marks a 15 percent increase compared to February and an 8 percent rise compared to March 2025.
Previously, the record was held in May 2025 with 12.85 billion cubic meters of imports, which has now been surpassed by this March’s figures.
By the end of the first quarter of 2026, Europe’s total LNG imports have exceeded 38 billion cubic meters, representing a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The new session of the Federal Parliament has commenced as of Thursday, following the recent House of Representatives election. Under the leadership of senior leader Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the newly formed powerful government aims to enact several new laws during this session. The recent election brought 182 RSP members into the House of Representatives. Although this nearly constitutes a two-thirds majority in the lower house, the party holds no representation in the upper house, the National Assembly. This situation has sparked widespread curiosity about whether the RSP-led government will be able to pass legislation according to its intentions.
Upon becoming Prime Minister, Shah highlighted a hundred-point agenda for government reform, including drafting the Federal Civil Service Act within 45 days. The government has already announced plans to create new laws or amend existing ones regarding data regulation, promotion of integrity, and acceleration of government processes. However, is a majority in the House of Representatives alone sufficient to push these legislations forward? Former National Assembly member and Constituent Assembly member Radhe Shyam Adhikari expressed confidence that the government, with 182 representatives in the lower house, can advance lawmaking even when it requires approval from both houses.
According to Article 111 of the Constitution, any bill passed in the House of Representatives must also be presented to the National Assembly. The National Assembly has three options regarding these bills: approve them outright; return them with suggestions or amendments; or approve them with modifications. However, if the House of Representatives further amends the bill after receiving it back from the National Assembly, the National Assembly can reject those additional amendments. The Constitution mandates the National Assembly to implement its decision within 15 days for budget-related bills and within two months for other types of legislation upon receipt.
