Author: space4knews

March 27, Kathmandu: Gaurikumari Yadav and Ramji Yadav, who are set to become ministers on Friday, are scheduled to take their oaths of office today. Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) is planning to expand the cabinet this Friday. He has already recommended to President Ram Chandra Paudel the appointment of Ramji Yadav as the Minister of Labor and Gaurikumari Yadav as the Minister of Industry. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the swearing-in ceremony for both ministers will also take place today. However, the President’s Office has indicated that the exact timing of the oath-taking has not yet been finalized.
Earlier, Dipak Sah, who was handling the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labor until yesterday, was relieved from the position by Prime Minister Shah. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister himself has been managing the Ministry of Industry. Ramji Yadav is an elected Member of Parliament representing Saptari Constituency No. 2, while Gaurikumari Yadav represents Mahottari Constituency No. 4.

Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Gajurel presented insignia to Padam Bahadur Budha and Pan Khatri, who were promoted from Assistant Warrant Officer to Subedar, at the Military Headquarters’ Combat Cantonment. The event was attended by Battalion Commanders, Warrant Officers, and other officers. Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra. The insignia was awarded in a ceremony held at the Military Headquarters Combat Cantonment. Both Padam Bahadur Budha (PhD) and Pan Khatri received the honor as part of their promotion to Subedar rank. The program was graced by the presence of battalion commanders, warrant officers, and various other officers.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has reiterated that a maximum of three people are allowed to be present during the farewell of a passenger at Tribhuvan International Airport. According to airport administration, allowing up to ten people creates excessive crowds and additional security challenges, prompting this decision. The administration has requested that fewer relatives attend to avoid unnecessary crowding, which complicates the movement of both domestic and international travelers. Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra – The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, along with the Tribhuvan International Airport office, has repeated the notice that only up to three people can accompany a departing passenger. When groups of up to ten people arrive at the airport for a single farewell, it leads to overcrowding, which the authorities want to minimize. Despite repeated requests, crowds have not decreased. The airport management emphasized that unnecessary gatherings increase security risks and obstruct the smooth flow of domestic and international air travelers. Therefore, only up to three relatives per passenger are advised to come and offer support.

Suryodaya Municipality has decided to eliminate the minimum support price for tea and will request the federal government to regulate the pricing. The municipal assembly has amended seven laws, including those related to education, health, traffic management, and cooperatives. Additionally, the municipality resolved to bring tea gardens under local government ownership and to construct a modern waste management center. 27 Chaitra, Ilam.

According to Mayor Durgakumar Baral, the “Quality Tea Production Standards Procedures–2075” mandated that industries pay farmers a minimum of NPR 40 per kilogram. However, following demands from both farmers and industry players for open market price determination, the 18th municipal assembly in its third meeting amended this law.

Mayor Baral stated that the assembly revised seven laws that were complicated and caused inconvenience to citizens. To address issues in the tea sector, the municipality collected suggestions from farmers and industry stakeholders across all 14 wards. A dedicated tea branch will be established within the municipality to tackle these challenges.

The municipality has allocated a budget of NPR 200,000 per ward for road repairs damaged by last year’s natural disasters across all 14 wards. Furthermore, Ward No. 5 Chairperson Urgen Bamjan noted that the municipality plans to build a modern waste management center with an investment of approximately NPR 220 million, jointly funded by the Swiss government, the provincial government, and the local government.

In Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, a 13-year-old girl was filming a selfie video on Wednesday when an Israeli airstrike took place nearby. The footage, enhanced with social media filters, shows her suddenly panicking and running away amid the attack.

The conflict has intensified since about a month and a half ago when the United States and Israel began strikes against Iran, putting Lebanon in Israel’s crosshairs. According to Israeli officials, Wednesday witnessed their deadliest air assault on Lebanon since the conflict began. Israel claimed more than 100 locations were targeted in a 10-minute period, focusing on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Lebanese sources report that Israeli attacks have already caused over 300 deaths and hundreds more injuries.

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continued into Thursday night. Following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon and rocket attacks by Hezbollah, civilians in areas including Tel Aviv and other locations were advised to seek shelter. Iranian authorities condemned the strikes on Lebanon, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire. However, Israel and the US maintain that Lebanon will not be included in any ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump has said the conflict between Israel and Lebanon differs from the one involving Iran. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed his cabinet to engage in direct talks with Lebanon, a proposal Beirut has expressed its readiness to accept.

Netanyahu stated that he obtained cabinet approval for direct negotiations after repeated requests from Lebanon. He indicated the talks will focus on “disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace between Israel and Lebanon.”

Instagram has introduced a new feature allowing users to edit their comments within 15 minutes of posting. This long-awaited edit option enables users to easily correct errors in their comments. Previously, users had to delete their original comment and post a new one to fix typos or spelling mistakes, but that requirement has now been eliminated.

However, this new functionality comes with certain limitations. Users can only edit a comment within the 15-minute window after posting. Within this period, they may make unlimited edits as needed. After editing, an ‘Edited’ label will appear below the comment, notifying others that changes have been made. Unlike messaging apps such as iMessage, Instagram does not provide access to the edit history of the original comment.

Another important detail is that this feature applies solely to text edits; photo attachments within comments cannot be changed. Alongside launching the comment editing feature, Instagram has also taken a significant step toward improving adolescent safety. The company announced that it will restrict certain types of content shown to users aged 13 and above based on movie ratings. This move comes amid increasing legal pressure on Meta regarding child safety and mental health impacts. Recently, courts in New Mexico and Los Angeles ruled that Meta neglected child safety and designed its app in a harmful manner.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) parliamentary party leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah. File photo, Kathmandu. The Rastriya Swatantra Party parliamentary party meeting is scheduled to take place today at the parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar, concluding by 1 PM. Raswapa has announced that the meeting will discuss the upcoming election for the Deputy Speaker position and other various topics. Two candidates have registered for the Deputy Speaker post: Rubikumar Thakur from the Labour Culture Party and Saraswati Lama from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). On Thursday, 25-year-old Thakur submitted her candidacy with the backing of Raswapa. Since Raswapa holds nearly a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, Thakur’s election as Deputy Speaker is widely considered assured with Raswapa’s support.

At first glance, this might appear to be a minor issue, but in diplomacy, the ‘first impression’ and presentation hold great significance. Lining up plastic bottles on the table in front of ambassadors comes across as somewhat “cheap, careless, and informal.” This clearly exposes a lack of diplomatic sensitivity on our part.

The famous Biska Jatra in Bhaktapur commences today. This festival holds significant cultural and historical importance in Bhaktapur and is believed to have originated during the Licchavi era. The Biska Jatra spans nine days and eight nights, prompting strict security measures.

Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra – The celebrated Biska Jatra, observed over nine days and eight nights, begins today in Bhaktapur. The festival starts with the chariot procession of Bhairav and Bhadrakali four days before Nepali New Year, Bikram Sambat 1st of Vaisakh, and concludes on Vaisakh 5th. Historically and culturally vital, the Biska Jatra has been celebrated since the Licchavi period.

The festivities begin at Taumadhi square in front of the five-story temple with the chariot procession of Bhairav and Bhadrakali, followed by various events throughout the nine days. On the first day, from the courtyard of the five-tiered temple, residents of Quane and Thane pull the chariot of Bhailakh using five ropes at the front and four at the back towards their respective neighborhoods. The main highlight is the tug-of-war competition involving Bhailakh. The tugging route extends towards Tamari, Buluncha, Ghatkha, Nasamna, Mulakhu, Banshgopal, and Tekhaphukhu from the Quane side, and towards Quachen, Sakotha, Sukuldhoka, Gomari, Inacho, and Dattatraya from the Thane side.

The second day of the festival is observed as a day of rest. On the third day, at Gahiti, a buffalo sacrifice is offered to Bhairavnath, followed by a government-led ritual organized by the Guthi Institution. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to residents of Lakulache, locally called ‘Syahkwahtyahkwah,’ as prasadam. On the fourth day, in the morning at Kumale Tole in Talakwo, a handless lingam called Lhamaru Mh Yasindyo is erected, and in the evening, a tantric ritual called Dashakarma is performed to erect a 55-hand-long lingam at Bhelukhel, Lysingkhel. The tradition of erecting Yasindyo forms another major attraction of Biska Jatra.

On the night of Yasindyo’s erection, the Navadurga deities gather and a special Dumaju worship is conducted at Taleju Temple. Following the installation of Yasindyo, the local Barahi Devi’s Timpwa Jatra and Indrayani Devi’s Twariba Jatra are celebrated. On the fifth day, which coincides with New Year’s Day, Vaisakh 1st, devotees flock to Chupingghat and Lysingkhel from early morning. Traditional musical instruments are played across neighborhoods, and people wear customary attire to offer worship and visit Bhairav, Bhadrakali, Betal, and Yasindyo.

The sixth day celebrates the chariot festivals of Mahakali and Mahalaxmi. The seventh day features the Brahmayani and Maheshwari Jatras at Tachpal. On the same day, Batukbhairav and Jatha Ganesh Sindur Jatra occur at Talakwo, while the Pardeshi Bhimsen’s Khat Jatra is held in Khal. On the eighth day, the powerful deities of Bhaktapur are brought out from their shrines and placed in courtyards, halls, and resting places where they are worshipped with various offerings, known as Dyo Swang Puja (Saguna Jatra).

The final day of the festival includes the dismantling of the Lhamaru Mh Yasindyo at Kumale Tole in Talakwo in the morning, concluding the Biska Jatra celebrations.

Former Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, who was injured in an attack earlier in April, has died during treatment. Known as a reformist leader, Kharazi also served as an advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Reports indicate that his wife died in the attack, which targeted their home in Tehran.

Kathmandu, 10 April – Kamal Kharazi, former Iranian Foreign Minister, has passed away. Kharazi was injured at the beginning of April and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing medical care. Iranian media outlets have reported on the death of the former foreign minister, who was recognized as a prominent reformist figure in Iranian politics.

Kharazi was the head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and served as an advisor to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He held the position of Iran’s Foreign Minister from 1997 to 2005. The reformist-supporting Jamaran News website reported on April 1 that Kharazi had been seriously wounded and admitted to the hospital. According to reports, his wife also died in the attack. Jamaran further claimed that Kharazi’s residence in Tehran was the target of the assault.

Two weeks after the oath-taking ceremony of the House of Representatives members, the Nepali Congress has still not been able to select its parliamentary party leader. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa’s attempt to appoint a consensus leader has been delayed due to disagreements between Arjun Narasingh KC and Mohan Acharya. Although an election committee was formed on Chaitra 24 (April 7), the absence of agreement postponed the election of the party leader. (Chaitra 26, Kathmandu)

Despite the members of the House of Representatives taking their oaths two weeks ago, the Nepali Congress has yet to finalize the parliamentary party leader. President Gagan Kumar Thapa’s efforts to reach a consensus contributed to the delay. Additionally, senior proportional representation member Arjun Narasingh KC’s role in presiding over the House sessions has also caused postponements. KC was relieved from the chairmanship of the parliament after the Speaker election held on Falgun 22 (March 6).

The Congress stated that KC plans to advance the parliamentary party leader selection process only after fully stepping down as Speaker. The party had formed an election committee under the coordination of General Secretary Prakash Rasaili ‘Snehi’ on Chaitra 24 (April 7) to proceed with the leadership selection. However, the committee did not advance the process, and no official notification was released under Rasaili’s leadership.

President Thapa mentioned that discussions are ongoing to appoint the parliamentary party leader by consensus, which led to the Rasaili committee refraining from moving forward and postponing the election scheduled for Chaitra 24. A Congress leader noted, “President Thapa wants to appoint Arjun Narasingh as the unanimous party leader; otherwise, he won’t be made leader. Arjun Narasingh is also willing to contest the election. This has caused delays in selecting the party leader.” Another senior leader attributed the delay to efforts for consensus.

“Delays have occurred due to attempts to block Arjun Narasingh, appoint another candidate, and then secure consensus on that candidate,” the leader said. “A decision will be reached within Chaitra (April).” According to a party official, both President Thapa and Deputy President Bishwaprakas Sharma are reluctant to have KC as the leader. However, pressure from lawmakers has boosted KC’s morale. The official said, “Neither Gagan nor Bishwajeet want KC as leader, but many parliamentarians believe KC should lead, raising his confidence.”

It is understood that the non-establishment faction within Congress is encouraging KC to expose President Thapa. A general secretary said, “It seems there is an effort to expose Gaganji. Leaders like Purnabahadur Khadka and Dr. Shekhar Koirala are personally supporting KC to become party leader.” President Thapa, on the other hand, prefers Mohan Acharya, a directly elected lawmaker from Rasuwa, as the party leader. However, Congress leaders reported that consensus around Acharya’s name has not been achieved.

A senior leader commented, “Though Mohan Acharya is the President’s favored candidate, he cannot secure consensus. Regardless of party president, efforts will be made to elect a leader by consensus.” Similarly, proportional representation MP Bhishma Raj Andembe, elected as a general secretary in the 14th General Convention, is also interested in becoming the parliamentary party leader. Three days ago, Congress leaders met with KC to discuss consensus, where KC requested the creation of a conducive environment for his uncontested leadership and cautioned that he would run as a candidate if such support was not fostered.

Sources indicate the non-establishment group is likely to assist KC in becoming the party leader. KC has asked President Thapa to appoint him as the unanimous party leader. However, the party’s parliamentary history indicates no consensus leader has been selected since 2007 BS (1951 AD). Accordingly, this time as well, leader selection is expected to proceed by vote. For the parliament formed after the 2079 BS (2022 AD) general election, Congress had initiated a voting process for leader selection. In the election held on Falgun 21 (March 5), candidate nominations were signed by both President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Gagan Kumar Thapa — Deuba signing the proportional representation list, Thapa approving direct election tickets.

Of the 38 MPs elected through both direct and proportional representation systems, the establishment faction dominates direct seats while non-establishment members hold more proportional representation seats. Sources say the establishment faction counts 16 MPs and the non-establishment faction 22 MPs. Among them, 15 MPs are close to outgoing President Deuba and 7 align with Koirala. However, recent internal divisions have complicated the exact determination of MP affiliations.

US President Donald Trump has stated that there is no agreement with Iran regarding the regulation of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Responding on the social media platform Truth, Trump criticized Iran’s behavior, describing it as “not good.” Iran had announced that its military would control and require permits for ships transporting fuel through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Trump asserted, “We do not have such an agreement.”

Earlier reports indicated that Iran had been collecting fees from vessels passing through the Hormuz Strait. Trump condemned Iran’s fee collection as inappropriate. “It would be better if they do not do this. If they are doing it, they must stop immediately,” Trump stated. The UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also emphasized that no fees should be imposed on international waterways.

Cooper said, “No one can unilaterally restrict maritime freedom or sell control to a single owner. Charging fees for international waterways is absolutely unacceptable.” Despite a ceasefire declaration between the US and Iran, disputes between the two sides continue concerning agreements.

Meanwhile, preparations for talks between Israel and Lebanon are underway. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, 303 people died in an Israeli attack the previous day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible. He stated that the talks will focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.