Author: space4knews

April 24, Kathmandu – Relief from the current intense heat is still a few days away. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, rainfall activities are expected to commence only from next week. Until then, hot air waves will continue, prompting meteorologists from the department to advise caution. In response to increasing temperatures across various regions, the department issued a special bulletin this evening.

Over the past few days, high temperatures have been recorded in the Terai regions and valleys of Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces. A heatwave condition has been observed specifically in the Terai areas of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces.

The department has warned that maximum temperatures in most Terai areas of Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces could reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius over the next three days. Since the risk of a moderate heatwave remains, the public is urged to exercise necessary precautions. Accordingly, Kanchanpur, Kailali, Doti, Bardiya, Banke, and Surkhet districts are categorized as areas requiring alertness. Additionally, Dadeldhura, Achham, Dailekh, Salyan, Rolpa, Pyuthan, Dang, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, Arghakhanchi, Palpa, and Parasi districts are also included in the list of regions to remain vigilant.

The department advises that excessive heat can impact health, so people should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during daytime, stay well hydrated, wear light clothing, and pay special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the ill. However, as rainfall begins in some Terai areas of Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces at the start of next week, temperatures are expected to drop slightly and cooler conditions will be felt. Meteorologist Binu Maharjan stated, “There is a possibility of moderate rainfall next week, which will alleviate some of the heat.”

Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in IPL 2026. Virat Kohli played a crucial role with 81 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 55 runs, guiding RCB to victory. With this win, RCB has accumulated 10 points from 7 matches, climbing to second place, whereas Gujarat sits in seventh position.

On April 24, Kathmandu – Powered by excellent batting performances from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, Royal Challengers Bangalore secured their fifth win in IPL 2026. In the match held at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB defeated the Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets. Bangalore chased down the target of 206 runs with 7 balls remaining, losing 5 wickets in the process.

Kohli scored 81 runs off 44 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes before getting out. Padikkal contributed 55 runs off 27 balls, including 2 fours and 6 sixes. After opener Jacob Bethell was dismissed for 14 runs and the score was 24-1, Kohli and Padikkal forged a partnership of 117 runs for the second wicket. Despite slipping from 141-1 to 173-5, Krunal Pandya remained unbeaten with 23 runs, steering RCB to victory.

Earlier, winning the toss and electing to bat first, Gujarat posted 205 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their 20 overs, largely thanks to Sai Sudharsan’s century. Sudharsan scored 100 runs off 58 balls, including 11 fours and 5 sixes. Captain Shubman Gill made 32 runs, and Jos Buttler scored 25 runs. For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazelwood, and Suyash Sharma claimed one wicket each.

The policy regarding Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship in Nepal remains vague, and its implementation has been delayed. The government needs to legally clarify the concept of ‘Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali.’ Non-resident Nepalis can play a significant role in Nepal’s development through investment and skill contributions. Decades ago, Nepal was merely a dream of foreign lands, but today there is hardly any corner of the world where Nepalis have not reached. Spread through studies, research, employment, industry, and tourism, Nepalis continue to be dispersed globally. They have continuously integrated their skills, technology, and capital accumulated abroad and are eager to invest in their homeland Nepal. Consequently, NRNs around the world have become key partners in Nepal’s economic, social, and intellectual development.

Although the Nepalese government has made some positive initiatives concerning NRN citizenship, clarity and decisiveness are still lacking. The Constitution of Nepal 2072 (2015) has provisions relating to NRN citizenship and attempts to redefine the formal relationship between the state and the NRN community. Following this, there have been implementation efforts through the Citizenship Act and regulations, but the process remains complicated and obscure. The current government, led by the National Independent Party with senior leader Balendra Shah as Prime Minister, campaigned vigorously with the commitment slogan ‘Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali’ before the February 21 elections.

The slogan ‘Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali’ has revived the attachment of Nepalis worldwide to their homeland and sparked new affection. It is true that this slogan has deeply inspired hope and enthusiasm within the NRN community. However, many still harbor doubts about how effectively this pledge will be put into practice. Repeated assurances from past governments, followed by ineffectiveness, have fostered disappointment. Therefore, the government has so far failed to transform the slogan into clear and concrete policy.

Despite some constructive steps from the government on NRN citizenship, the expected clarity and firmness are missing. Because of this, the slogan has not taken practical shape, and non-resident Nepalis continue to be deprived of clear rights and benefits. NRNs are a dependable source of investment in Nepal, and their emotional connection suggests potential for long-term and reliable investment.

The government must focus not only on declarations but also on concrete implementation regarding NRN policy. Specifically, it must legally clarify the ‘Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali’ concept, simplify and make the citizenship process transparent, create an investment-friendly environment, and effectively implement a one-door service system. Non-resident Nepalis are not just remittance senders but development partners for Nepal.

Author: Lokprasad Dahal (Vice President of Dahal Non-Resident Nepali Association – NRNA).

Nepal secured its One Day International (ODI) status by winning 11 out of 11 matches in the previous phase of the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two. Scheduled from April 25 to May 5 at the TU Ground, Nepal will play two matches each against the UAE and Oman in the upcoming League Two series. Currently positioned seventh with 5 wins and 12 points from 20 games, Nepal aims to improve its performance in these home fixtures.

In the earlier stage of ICC Cricket World Cup League Two, Nepal delivered a remarkable performance by winning 11 out of 12 matches, thereby securing a place in the final qualification round for the ODI World Cup and maintaining its ODI status. Nepal played two of the last three series on home soil, clinching victories in all eight matches of those series. Under the guidance of new coach Monty Desai and the leadership of young captain Rohit Paudel, the Nepalese team demonstrated exceptional coordination.

Currently, Nepal’s situation in League Two is more challenging compared to before. However, there have been significant developments in Nepalese cricket. Nepal qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup for the third time, and the TU International Cricket Ground has undergone upgrades, including the installation of floodlights. Nepal has also adopted separate captains and squads for ODI and T20 formats.

Through these upcoming two home League Two series, Nepal aims to retain its ODI status, reach the final qualifiers for the ODI World Cup, and ultimately compete in the World Cup. Starting from Saturday at their home ground, Nepal aspires to replicate the exceptional performances they achieved two years ago, embracing the challenge ahead.

CP Gajurel, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Communist Party, has accused the current government of functioning in a fascist manner. He highlighted the government’s decision to deploy bulldozers in the Sukumbasi settlements and to impose bans on student organizations as examples of fascism. Gajurel emphasized that the government is not working in the interest of the Nepali people and called for cooperation among revolutionary and patriotic forces to protect the nation from crisis. April 24, Kathmandu.

Speaking at an event held in Kathmandu on Friday, Gajurel stated that the government’s actions are progressing in a fascist style. He opposed the bulldozing of Sukumbasi settlements and the prohibition on student organizations, noting that such measures were never seen even under the Panchayat regime. “The situation has changed. Viewing from Nepal’s current context, fascism is being implemented. Less than a month after the government was formed, it decided to remove the Sukumbasi people using bulldozers. This is a clear use of fascism. Preventing students from forming organizations is also fascism,” he said.

Gajurel also asserted that the government has failed to act in the interest of the Nepali people. “Under the non-partisan system, students could participate in elections and have certain rights. This government grants even fewer rights than the Panchayat system,” he added. Furthermore, he stressed that to safeguard the country from crisis, cooperation among all revolutionary and patriotic forces is essential.

On the second day of the Red Bull 10th PM Cup NVBA Women’s and Men’s Volleyball League 2083, the performances of departmental teams were mixed. In the men’s category, Nepal Police Club and Tribhuvan Army Club secured victories, while Nepal APF Club was defeated. The league features 8 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams competing over 9 days with a total of 45 matches. Kathmandu, 11 Baishakh.

On Friday, at the Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, in the first men’s match, Police defeated Koshi Province Volleyball Club 3–1 in sets. Police won the first set 25–23, but Koshi leveled the match by taking the second set 25–22. Police then won the next two sets 25–20 and 25–22 to clinch the match.

Similarly, in the third men’s match of the day, Army defeated Budhanilkantha 3–1 in sets. Army claimed the win by scores of 25–19, 20–25, 25–14, and 25–15, marking their second victory. Rukum Paschim Volleyball Club defeated APF in straight sets, winning 25–14, 25–21, and 25–15.

On the women’s side on Friday, APF was also defeated by Butwal’s Everest Volleyball Club. In the NVBA league, three men’s matches and two women’s matches are scheduled for Saturday. In the women’s category, the matches will start at 9 a.m. with Nepal Police Club versus Sudurpaschim, followed by New Diamond against Everest Volleyball Club at 11 a.m.

April 24, Kathmandu – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that Nepalis currently in Iran are not immediately willing to return to Nepal. According to the ministry, during the attacks by Israel and the United States in Iran, the government took initiatives to facilitate the return of Nepalis from the region. However, the spokesperson of the Ministry, Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri, informed that most of them have expressed reluctance to return at this time.

He said that out of the 10 Nepalis residing there, 8 have decided not to return to Nepal, while 2 are presently in the process of returning, according to spokesperson Kshetri. Despite repeated appeals from the government to return home, these individuals have cited personal reasons that prevent their immediate departure.

“They have been repeatedly requested to come back. Initially, they were willing to return, but since yesterday evening, we have received news that they are unable to come back,” said the spokesperson. “Their decision not to return is not due to security concerns or other safety reasons, but rather because of their current circumstances such as employment opportunities.” He also noted that all Nepalis in the area remain in continuous contact with the Nepali Embassy in Qatar. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that efforts for rescue and repatriation are being coordinated through the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi.

April 23, Kathmandu – The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has drafted a Federal Civil Service Bill that proposes to increase the retirement age of civil servants to 60 years. The ministry’s team is preparing to release the draft bill for public feedback. Minister Pratibha Rawal informed that the bill has been prepared with the aim of extending the retirement age for civil servants to 60 years. According to her, once the bill is passed by the federal parliament, the retirement age will be raised to 59 years in the first year and then to 60 years from the second year onward. ‘We have held detailed discussions with ministry employees and experts about the bill; however, rumors and misinformation circulating on social media are not part of the bill,’ she said. ‘Our focus has been on creating a digital service-oriented framework that promotes incentives based on employee capacity and skills.’

Regarding age limits and service duration, the bill maintains the retirement age for civil servants at 60 years, with implementation carried out in two phases. It proposes reducing the term of office for the chief secretary (14th level) from three years to two years, while the secretary (13th level) will serve a fixed two-year term with a provision for the government to extend it by one additional year if necessary. Contrary to social media rumors suggesting different maximum service durations and separate age limits for undersecretaries, there will be no changes to their service tenure or retirement age. Undersecretaries will be allowed to serve up to 60 years unless promoted to secretary, after which retirement will align with the prescribed term for secretaries. The service terms and age limits for lower-level employees will remain unchanged.

The bill also proposes changes to the maximum entry age and cooling-off period. Under the new proposal, men must join the civil service by age 32, women by 35, and persons with disabilities by 39. Previously, the limits were 35 for men and 40 for women. Additionally, the bill stipulates that retired civil servants must wait at least two years before accepting any government appointment. During this cooling-off period, they are prohibited from filing candidacy or holding elected office. Although the Constitutional Committee previously debated the cooling-off period, no consensus was reached.

The bill introduces the concept of executive positions equivalent to secretaries, allowing qualified individuals from various sectors to be directly appointed through tests or competitive selection. Their tenure in these posts will be two years, similar to the terms of secretaries and top-tier civil servants, with the option to extend by one year.

Provisions addressing conflicts of interest are also included. Civil servants will be required to declare any personal interests and maintain relevant records, with a prohibition on making decisions involving those interests. Employees found violating this rule will face departmental action. The Ministry of Law had prepared two draft proposals on this matter in 2022, but they were not implemented. Furthermore, the bill recommends excluding current civil servants from preparatory classes and examinations for entry into the civil service.

Long-discussed arrangements for chief administrative officers at the local level are also addressed. The bill proposes deploying chief administrative officers directly from the federal level to the offices of provincial chief ministers. Currently appointed officers will be assigned to local governments through the chief minister’s office. The tenure for these officers will be five years once the act is enacted. A separate quota will be set at the provincial level for the transfer of certain employees from the federal level. Employee transfers may occur between two local governments with mutual consent, but the receiving local government will assume full responsibility for the transferred staff. Similar management provisions will apply to provincial service employees as well.

April 24, Birgunj – The Armed Police Force Nepal in Parsa has confiscated 22 electric scooters that were smuggled into the country from India without paying customs duties. Mohan Niraula, Deputy Superintendent of the Armed Police Force Nepal, No. 13 Battalion Headquarters in Parsa, announced on Thursday that the scooters, valued at approximately NPR 1.73 million, were seized from multiple locations across Parsa.
According to him, the scooters were seized as follows: 14 at the main customs checkpoint in Birgunj Metropolitan-16, 7 at Sirsiya checkpoint, and 1 at Prasaunibhatta in Bindabasini Rural Municipality-5, totaling 22 electric scooters. – Rastriya Samachar Samiti