Author: space4knews

The implementation of the National Project Bank and Project Classification Criteria in Nepal’s planned development and budget formulation processes is expected to bring significant changes to the budgeting procedure. For economic prosperity, it is essential to effectively deploy financial instruments such as public-private partnerships, loans, grant-mixed loan investments, and project bonds. The restructuring and capacity enhancement of institutions like the Municipal Development Fund, Infrastructure Development Bank, and Nepal Investment Board are imperative for infrastructure development. The Government of Nepal extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure to Honorable Finance Minister Wagle. It is anticipated that under your leadership, Nepal will progress towards achieving planned development, improved budgeting, infrastructure advancement, and overall prosperity.

Nepal’s first Five-Year Plan, initiated in 1956 (2013 BS), targeted an investment of NPR 33 million, whereas the seventh plan set an investment target of NPR 2.9 billion. Until 1990 (2046 BS), development projects heavily relied on internal resources and foreign grants, with combined internal and external loans amounting to approximately NPR 7 billion. Currently, the nation’s internal debt stands at NPR 1.348 trillion and external debt at NPR 1.53 trillion, totaling nearly NPR 2.9 trillion. From the eighth to the sixteenth plan, the sixteenth plan’s investment target is set at NPR 9.4 trillion, expecting investments from the public sector of NPR 3.025 trillion, the private sector NPR 6.725 trillion, and cooperatives NPR 265 billion.

To realize economic prosperity through more effective public debt utilization and the deployment of financial investment instruments, several recommendations are put forward. The successful implementation of the “Project Classification Basis and Criteria 2080” and the “National Project Bank (Operation and Management) Criteria 2081,” introduced by the National Planning Commission, will require the active participation of the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, provincial governments, and provincial planning commissions. This will fully pave a new path in the budget formulation process.

The Nepal cricket team is preparing to play two T20 International (T20I) matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on April 20 and 21. These matches will serve as a warm-up ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series to be held in Nepal from April 25, featuring Nepal, Oman, and UAE.

According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), both matches will start at 9:30 AM at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground. The League 2 series will officially begin on April 25. The T20I games between Nepal and UAE are considered a classic clash within associate cricket, with their last meeting in the T20 World Cup qualifiers.

Nepal will also host another League 2 tri-series from May 12 to 22, involving the United States and Scotland alongside Nepal. Additionally, Nepal’s “A” team is scheduled to play 50-over matches against Oman, Scotland, and the USA as part of their ongoing development programs.

Dolpa, naturally abundant in beauty, still lags behind in infrastructure development. Its stunning landscapes and natural heritage have the potential to attract tourists, yet the lack of adequate facilities poses significant obstacles to its progress. Access and transportation remain major challenges in the region. It is essential to explore new development approaches that protect Dolpa’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable growth.

The Nepal Rastra Bank has set today’s buying rate for the US dollar at NPR 147.96 and the selling rate at NPR 148.56. The values of the UK Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar, and Singapore Dollar have declined today. The central bank has stated that exchange rates may be adjusted as needed, and commercial banks may set different rates. Kathmandu, 27 Chaitra.

According to the exchange rates determined by Nepal Rastra Bank today, the US dollar has appreciated in value. Conversely, the Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar, and Singapore Dollar have depreciated. Today, the buying rate for one US dollar is NPR 147.96, and the selling rate is NPR 148.56. Yesterday, the buying rate was NPR 147.84, and the selling rate was NPR 148.44.

Today, the European Euro’s buying rate is NPR 172.82, and the selling rate is NPR 173.53. Yesterday, the Euro’s buying rate was NPR 173.08, and the selling rate was NPR 173.78. The value of the UK Pound Sterling has also decreased today, with a buying rate of NPR 198.45 and a selling rate of NPR 199.26. Yesterday, these rates were NPR 199.09 and NPR 199.90 respectively.

The Swiss Franc has also declined today, with a buying rate of NPR 187.05 and selling rate of NPR 187.81. These were NPR 187.70 and NPR 188.46 yesterday. The Australian Dollar’s value has similarly decreased today, with a buying rate of NPR 104.13 and selling rate of NPR 104.55, compared to yesterday’s rates of NPR 104.29 and NPR 104.72.

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has called for setting a firm deadline and accelerating the construction of the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project. Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has pledged the government’s full support to facilitate the completion of this project. The Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project, with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, is a national pride initiative, estimated to cost NPR 374 billion. Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra.

Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal expressed serious concern regarding the construction progress of the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project. In a discussion held on Thursday in his office with Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Project Chief Executive Officer Arun Rajouria, he emphasized the urgent need to progress the construction within a defined timeline. He stated, “This is a project of national pride. It not only contributes to electricity generation but also directly supports tourism, expansion of agricultural markets, and employment promotion. Further delays are unacceptable.”

The Speaker urged the project’s leadership to prioritize this initiative at the highest level. He underscored the importance of establishing a clear work schedule that specifies start and completion dates. During the discussion, Minister Shrestha affirmed the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to accelerate the project’s progress. Additionally, Rudra Singh Tamang, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, assured that the ministry would extend substantial assistance to advance the project. Bodhnarayan Shrestha, Member of Parliament from Dhading, expressed that the government’s special prioritization of large-scale projects demonstrates its serious commitment to national prosperity.

The Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project is a reservoir-based 1,200-megawatt installation located along the border of Gorkha and Dhading districts. It carries an estimated budget of NPR 374 billion.

According to recent reports, during Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s tenure, five VIPs, including former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who were arrested in connection with the suppression of the Janajati movement, have been released. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung publicly shared this update on Facebook. Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra. Almost immediately after assuming office, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration began a high-profile series of arrests. Initially, former PM KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were detained on charges of suppressing the Janajati movement. The District Administration Office arrested them on 14 Chaitra, a day after the new government was formed.

As the number of VIP arrests increased, Home Minister Gurung frequently updated the public by posting detailed arrest information and warrants on Facebook. According to Gurung, five such VIP detainees have since been released. Oli was freed on Thursday morning, with Lekhak also released the same day. Prior to this, three other VIPs had been released. On 17 Chaitra, former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Shavi Rizal, was released on bail. Rizal had been arrested by a team from the Crime Investigation Office in Sukhimuhan. He was the Chief District Officer of Kathmandu during the Janajati movement and was accused of suppressing the protest on 23 and 24 Bhadra 2079 (September 2022).

The investigation commission, led by Gauribahadur Karki, had recommended disciplinary action against Rizal. However, he was released on the same day he was arrested. Rekha Sharma, a Member of Parliament from Lumbini Province, was also freed after detention. Sharma was arrested on the night of 15 Chaitra before being released on 22 Chaitra. She was accused of keeping a minor girl in her home and forcing her into child labor. The girl claimed she had worked in the MP’s household for six years and had experienced physical abuse. Metropolitan employees, ward representatives, and police conducted an inquiry and even drafted a formal statement at the site.

Due to the complex condition of the girl, the municipal task force rescued her promptly and placed her in a protective shelter. However, no legal case was filed against the MP. Following a decision by the Attorney General’s office dated 16 Jestha 2082 (May 2025), Kathmandu District Court ordered Sharma’s release from custody. Another high-ranking official, Shankar Agrawal, was also released on 22 Chaitra after completing the statement process. He was among those detained in this crackdown.

Photojournalist Narendra Shrestha from Nepal has been awarded top honors at this year’s World Press Photo contest for his striking image of the burning Singha Durbar. The photograph vividly captures the fire that broke out during the Janajati movement at Singha Durbar, the central administrative complex of Nepal. This marks the first time in the 71-year history of the World Press Photo competition that a photo taken by a Nepalese photographer has been recognized as the best. In previous years, images capturing events in Nepal were typically shot by foreign photojournalists who received awards.

This year, the contest drew participation from 37,047 photojournalists across 141 countries. Shrestha’s photograph won first place in the ‘West Central and South Asia’ category. Selected from over 57,000 submissions, his image was deemed outstanding. Shrestha commented, “I have been dedicated to this field for 25 years continuously. Achieving success this time fills me with immense joy. Winning this contest is a great honor for any photojournalist worldwide.”

Based in the Netherlands, the non-governmental organization organizes exhibitions and various programs worldwide. Shrestha captured the awarded photograph for the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA).

Rubikumari Thakur, a 25-year-old proportional representation MP from the Labor Culture Party, is a promising candidate for the position of Deputy Speaker. She completed a three-year diploma in engineering and has been working for the past seven months at a consultancy in Dhanusha, earning a monthly salary of NPR 20,000. Rubi has expressed her commitment to addressing social issues such as the dowry system, child marriage, and unemployment through parliamentary initiatives, while also planning to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree. Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra.

Rubikumari became affiliated with the Labor Culture Party before Hark Sampang launched his electoral campaign in Dhanusha. After meeting Hark for the first time, she actively canvassed voters through door-to-door visits. Having secured her seat through the proportional representation system, Rubikumari is considered a strong contender for the respected position of Deputy Speaker, enjoying support from the largest parliamentary party, Rastriya Swatantra Party.

She described her journey into parliament as unexpected. Reflecting on her inclusion on the proportional representation list, she said, “I am an ordinary person. However, I always watched Labor Culture Party and Chairman Hark Sampang’s videos. Believing the country needed such leaders, I became a supporter. Becoming a parliamentarian is quite a surprise for me.” Unless a major unforeseen political event occurs, she is almost certain to assume the role of Deputy Speaker.

Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra – The new academic session 2083 and student enrollment will commence from Baisakh 15. The government has decided to launch the new academic session starting on this date. While there had been some uncertainties regarding the enrollment start date, the Education and Human Resource Development Center has confirmed that the enrollment campaign will also begin on Baisakh 15. The notice issued by the center states that the enrollment campaign will start on Baisakh 15, and classes will begin on Baisakh 21.
Previously, the academic session generally started from Baisakh 1. The notice further specifies that from Baisakh 2 onwards, schools will engage in promotional and creative educational activities. By Baisakh 15, schools are expected to prepare work plans, annual calendars, educational plans, and update school improvement plans, along with conducting programs related to professional capacity development for teachers.
Furthermore, plans must be developed to improve student learning achievements. Since it has been decided to designate Saturdays and Sundays as separate public holidays in educational institutions, schools are instructed to formulate and implement academic programs accordingly.

Following a recommendation from Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) Chairman Ravi Lamichhane, Prime Minister Balendra Shah removed Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security Deepak Kumar Sah from his post within 14 days. The disciplinary committee recommended action after finding that Minister Sah violated the party constitution by appointing his wife as a member of the Health Insurance Board.

Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra — After investigations and information regarding Minister Sah presented by Raswapa Chairman Ravi Lamichhane, Prime Minister Balendra Shah officially dismissed him from the ministerial position on Thursday. Minister Sah came under fire for allegedly abusing his office to secure a permanent appointment for his wife, Junu Shrestha, as a member of the Health Insurance Board, which was deemed a violation of party rules.

Article 71 of the Raswapa constitution explicitly prohibits appointing family members to any party or state bodies. Specifically, clause 71(2) states, “No recommendation or nomination shall be made for appointing family members of central or provincial party body members to any party or state organization.”

Raswapa’s acting disciplinary committee chief, Ramakant Rimal, confirmed that after verifying the violation of party regulations by Minister Sah, the committee recommended appropriate disciplinary measures. As Sah’s conduct contradicted the party’s values, policies, and principles, Chairman Lamichhane sent a letter recommending disciplinary action.

Following media reports exposing Minister Sah’s irregularities, the disciplinary committee sought clarification from him; however, Sah provided false and incomplete information. Based on this, Chairman Lamichhane recommended to the Prime Minister on 26 Chaitra to remove Sah from his post. The dismissal was made under Articles 25(4) and 69 of the party constitution. Article 25(4) emphasizes the chairman’s responsibility to uphold party ideals and dignity, while Article 69 allows recalling officials if they misuse their position.

Adhering to party constitution enforcement, Chairman Lamichhane’s recommendation led Prime Minister Shah to dismiss Minister Sah. Political analyst and professor Dr. Krishna Pokharel stated this move clearly signals Raswapa’s commitment to good governance. He noted, “In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister holds the authority to dismiss ministers, and decisions based on party recommendations must be accepted by all.”

Chairman Lamichhane has previously oriented party MPs, affirming strict discipline within the party and rejecting any anarchic tendencies. He stated in an address, “We will enforce the ‘Right to Recall’ rigorously.”

Since its inception, Raswapa’s constitution includes provisions for recalling MPs. The revised constitution maintains this mechanism, allowing for recall of both directly elected and proportional representation members. Directly elected representatives can be recalled by general members, while proportional representatives can be recalled by the central committee. Proportional representatives acting against party interests may be subject to performance evaluations or other recall reasons. Article 69 empowers ordinary members dissatisfied with their representatives’ performance to initiate recall processes through the central committee according to regulations.

Due to the alliance with former Kathmandu Metropolitan City chief Balendra Shah’s faction during candidate selection, Raswapa had to finalize nominations hurriedly. Candidates from various parties and professions, some with controversial past behavior, joined Raswapa, which has drawn criticism.

Dr. Pokharel explained, “There was limited time to thoroughly vet the MPs’ backgrounds, and legal complexities exist in recalling members. The constitution mandates a somewhat complex process.”

In a prior instance, proportional representative MP Dhaka Kumar Shrestha was dismissed from Raswapa following an audio scandal revealing financial irregularities. Transparency International Nepal’s former chairman Khemraj Regmi regarded such actions positively, stating, “Immediate disciplinary action upon evidence of nepotism sends a constructive message.”

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal emphasized the necessity for local governments to play an effective role in delivering services to the public. He stated that work should be carried out with a strong focus on service recipients, ensuring that no errors occur in service delivery. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening local governments and fostering coordination among all levels of government on issues including budgeting. Kathmandu, 26 Chaitra.

On the occasion of the 33rd establishment day of the Nepal Municipal Association, Speaker Aryal urged prioritizing social development and good governance through the exchange of experiences and best practices. He reiterated the need to prioritize service recipients and avoid any form of service error.

Speaker Aryal stressed that service recipients’ satisfaction should take precedence over institutional or personal gains. He pointed out that local governments must play an active role in bringing joy to the people and making them feel that the government is working for their benefit. Highlighting the necessity of coordination among all governmental tiers regarding strengthening local governments and budgeting, he affirmed his commitment to this task.