Author: space4knews

Authorities have announced preparations for the introduction of a ‘Facilitation Act’ and the establishment of an ‘Infrastructure Tribunal’ aimed at promptly resolving delays and disputes in major projects and preventing their recurrence. These issues, particularly prevalent in nationally significant projects, have been causing hardships for the general public. Excessive costs and their impact on revenue represent another serious concern. Ashish Gajurel, Chairman of the Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Committee, stated that plans are underway to implement such a “sunset law” within the next 10 years. “The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has set a target of 7 percent economic growth over five years, which cannot be achieved without rapid infrastructure development or significant capital expenditure,” Gajurel noted. “Once this law is enacted, other obstructive legislations will be rendered ineffective, allowing infrastructure work to progress swiftly.”

The draft of the ‘Development Project Management and Implementation Facilitation Act,’ currently under discussion, was prepared by a committee led by Arjun Jung Thapa at the National Planning Commission of Nepal. Finalized in 2080 BS, the draft received inputs from representatives of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, relevant ministries, and the Public Procurement Monitoring Office. “Existing laws related to forests, environment, procurement, and trusts are adequate. Only certain provisions complicate development and construction. The government has already made improvements in these areas,” explained Planning Commission member Thapa.

“This legislation will address practical issues such as delays in decision-making, slow approvals, unavailability of stone and gravel, tree felling procedures, and delays in environmental impact assessments.” Director committees led by the Prime Minister have been formed. If any agency fails to complete work within the stipulated timeframe, these committees will have the authority to grant approvals accompanied by penalties and sanctions. According to Thapa, once enacted, such matters will rarely need escalation to the Prime Minister. Currently, three projects approved by the Ministry of Forests in Langtang National Park have been halted without clear reasons.

Spokesperson Ramhari Pokharel emphasized the necessity of establishing an Infrastructure Tribunal, citing that cases related to development and construction suffer from slow resolution due to the convoluted process in regular courts. “The involvement of expert judges will ensure faster and more accurate dispute resolution,” he stated. Timely resolution of contract disputes will prevent project delays, he added. Gajurel highlighted, “When major infrastructure issues are handled through regular courts, processes become cumbersome and obstructive.”

“The tribunal will comprehensively address problems related to river-related matters, cost escalation, deadline extensions, and forest-related issues,” he concluded.

May 23, Kathmandu – The satirical online movement ‘Cockroach People’s Party’ is preparing to stage a protest today at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The party has announced it will conduct a peaceful demonstration against the Education Minister. Permission for the protest has already been granted.

The party’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, returned to India from the United States last Friday. Dipke, a 30-year-old graduate of Boston University, came to India to support the online movement. Previously, he collaborated with the Aam Aadmi Party as a political communication strategist. He ironically founded the ‘Cockroach People’s Party’ (CPP) on May 16. The CPP has expanded its online activities in a style similar to that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This campaign began after Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Surya Kant, referred to critical youths as ‘cockroaches’ and ‘parasites’ in a controversial comment. However, it was later suggested that his remarks were taken out of context.

The CPP has rapidly gained widespread popularity on social media. Its Instagram account boasts over 22 million followers in India, surpassing the BJP’s 9 million and the Congress party’s 13 million followers. Dipke has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of examination irregularities. He has expressed confidence in the legal process via X and urged supporters not to gather in Delhi.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk from Ladakh is also set to participate in Saturday’s protest. Despite stringent monitoring of social media in India and the blocking of some CPP accounts, the party’s popularity continues to grow.

Imagine attending a dinner party where the hosts themselves are embroiled in conflicts. Fans coming to watch the first-ever jointly hosted football World Cup in North America will face three neighboring countries that have long-standing tensions. The competition will take place across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In December, leaders from these three nations met in Washington, D.C., where they were seen taking selfies with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an effort to put aside their differences. However, ensuring cooperation throughout the 39-day tournament will present a unique challenge.

US President Donald Trump has claimed dominance for his country in North America. This implies that if Trump returns to power, underlying tensions concerning trade, immigration, and drug trafficking could resurface. On the other hand, if managed effectively, there is potential for closer relations among the three nations. While tensions exist in trade and tourism, Trump has remained firm in regarding Mexico and Canada as America’s primary trading partners, and these two countries are the first to face added tariffs.

No World Cup in history has ever been jointly hosted by three nations. The 2026 tournament will be truly continental, involving multiple entities. One major challenge will be organizing immigration controls as fans travel from one country to another, a concern already raised by many officials. Heightened security worries, exacerbated by tensions with Iran, could lead to complications, turning what seem like routine events into controversial incidents.

Each leader aims to showcase cooperation with their neighbors and boost their domestic standing by minimizing criticism during the event. In Mexico, uncertainty and frustration surrounding the preparations persist. Concerns have been raised about the readiness of the capital’s main airport, pressure on public transportation, and issues related to the renovated Azteca Stadium. Furthermore, a nationwide teachers’ union protest demanding pension and other benefits is underway, risking blockades along critical routes to the games.

The outlook for these three countries may extend beyond the World Cup. Analysts suggest that if the tournament is successfully managed, it may pave the way for positive outcomes in other areas as well. The three nations are currently facing a challenging review phase of the USMCA, the North American free trade agreement. This review has cast uncertainty over a trade partnership that has existed since 1994.

Expelled from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), leader Dhawal Shamsher Rana has decided to collaborate with Durga Prasai to form a new political party. While many are curious about the future of this new formation, Rana remains cautious, stating, “We cannot predict what will happen. We will remain loyal and honest toward the people, the country, and our cause.”
Leader Rana concluded that advancing the cause of monarchy restoration was not feasible within RPP due to the leadership style, which he identified as the main obstacle. Responding to this, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden accused Rana of working with individuals lacking party affiliation to undermine the movement for monarchy restoration.
Lingden’s criticism pointed to the violent incident in Kathmandu’s Tinkune on Chaitra 15, 2081 BS (circa April 1995), which resulted in two deaths. Following the monarchist demonstrations, the government arrested Rana, Prasai, and Rabindra Mishra on serious charges. Rana and Prasai are now progressing toward establishing their new political party. According to former Deputy Chairman Mukunda Shyam Giri, due to poor leadership styles, “there is now a situation where leadership with principled thinking and survival-focused mindset must form a new party.”
Youth leader Ranjan Karki states that Rana will serve as party chairman and Prasai as senior leader. Currently, Walendra Shah ‘Balen,’ now prime minister, is collaborating with RASWPA Chairman Ravi Lamichhane as a senior leader ahead of the upcoming elections. Karki adds, “RPP was understood as a legacy of former Panchayat leaders; we are restructuring it. We are building a technology-friendly party with 60 percent participation of youth and women at all levels.”
Could This New Party Become an Alternative to RASWPA? When RASWPA was formed, its leadership appeared distinct from the veteran politicians of parties like Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN. The party’s structure incorporated diversity in business expertise, age, and regional representation. Does the new party led by Rana and Prasai aim to present a fresh face for monarchists similar to RASWPA?
Mukunda Shyam Giri believes RASWPA had aspirations to advance the country but fell short of its goals, highlighting the need for an alternative political force. However, they are prepared to embrace many changes. Youth leader Karki notes there is a void within right-wing political forces that their new party intends to fill, positioning themselves as a monarchist party reflecting aspects of RASWPA. “RASWPA is a strong republican party, but we are building a national right-wing party that will challenge it,” he says.
“Our goal is to protect religion, culture, and history while promoting the rise of both monarchy and democracy,” says Rana. “We will give our maximum effort; if the Nepali people support us, the future will be bright, otherwise it is inevitable.” According to RPP leader Rajaram Bartola, Rana is clean but appears to lack political stability. Bartola expresses concerns about the longevity and organization of the partnership with Durga Prasai, noting that fluctuations in their relationship carry significant implications.
He does not dismiss the possibility that the new party could have a substantial impact within the monarchist and Hindu votebank. “People are looking for a new flavor, but it depends on how much they can win hearts,” he says. “Durga Prasai enjoys a form of popularity, and efforts to transform that into effective political power are not necessarily wrong.”

Songs are like people. They are born, grow, and embark on their own journeys with distinct purposes. Nowadays, numerous new songs are released every week—from films, bands, and independent artists alike. However, not all receive widespread promotion. Here are some of our latest releases that are mainly following their own paths and have received limited attention:

Sahara by Shravan Kesh Shrestha
A fresh talent in the Nepali music scene, Shravan Kesh Shrestha presents ‘Sahara,’ a song embodying support and hope within love. The lyrics and composition reflect a lover’s expectations and promises, giving a tangible form to the essence of love. The music video accompanying the song is also excellently produced.

Chahana by Bipul Mahat
This track offers a delightful and heartfelt experience, blending folk, funk, and country styles. It explores the various dimensions of romantic expectations. The song conveys a lover’s wish to constantly remember and cherish their partner, promising to be like a shadow—a consistent presence. Bipul Mahat’s own lyrics and composition make this song truly captivating.

A Kanchi by Raeba and Trishala Gurung
Produced in an enjoyable duet format, this song presents a playful exchange between a boy and a girl expressing their perspectives and emotions about love. Both love each other but face certain disputes or issues, which form the central theme of the song.

Samhalaidechu by June
Rendered in a pure rock style, this song features some exquisite audio effects adding a fresh listening experience. It delves into the emotions and states that arise after separation, reflecting on what happens to a person mentally and emotionally when love ends.

Riagmyan by Dong
Popular rapper Dong collaborates with Wild Martin and Bull P to deliver a powerful rap track focused on themes such as the darker side of social media, personal struggles, friendship, and identity. This rap avoids explicit language and is presented across varied tempos, offering a unique auditory experience.

Chiso Hawale by Subhan
Newcomer Subhan in Nepali music has released this romantic and affectionate song after a long interval. Ideal for playlists during journeys, it beautifully portrays the bond between lovers through its heartfelt expression.

Timī by Gaurav
If you enjoy independent-style songs with rich instrumentation, this track could be a fresh addition to your playlist. Filled with inspiring lyrics, it provides comfort and encouragement during times of loneliness or sorrow.

Besides these, other noteworthy songs include Manish Adhikari’s ‘Euta Shabd,’ Kamal Prasain’s ‘Nimto,’ Adrien Pradhan’s ‘Me Sayer Hu,’ Melina Rai’s ‘Tukraera Mero Maya,’ ‘Kura Bujsesi,’ Alina Chauhan’s ‘Doshi Hoina Doshi Dekhais,’ and Wang’s ‘Sakin,’ among others.

22 Jestha, Kathmandu – Following the government’s inaugural open competitive process for ambassadorial appointments, nearly three thousand applications have been submitted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a call for applications from Jestha 14 to 22. During this period, the ministry reported receiving a large number of applications through online platforms, email, and physical submissions.

Currently, Nepal has diplomatic missions in 34 countries. Among these, ambassadorial posts in 17 countries are filled through political appointments, while the remaining 17 are staffed by ministry officials. All 17 politically appointed ambassadorial positions are currently vacant.

The government invited applications specifically for 13 countries but also allowed candidates to apply for other countries by specifying their preference. The previous administration, led by former Prime Minister Sushila Karki, recalled ambassadors who had political appointments in 10 countries. Subsequently, under the leadership of Balendra Shah, those politically appointed ambassadors were relieved of their duties. With these vacancies, the government opened the first-ever competitive recruitment process for these ambassadorial posts.

According to ministry sources, some applications were duplicates and others were inflated due to recommendations, causing the total numbers to appear higher. The actual count will be disclosed after verification and authentication of all applications. Once the final details are confirmed, the ministry will complete the necessary screening processes and forward the list of qualified candidates to the Council of Ministers. Following parliamentary hearings of the recommended candidates by the Council, appointments will be made by the President. After appointment, ambassadors are required to sign performance agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before assuming their responsibilities.

The ministry issued the call for applications in accordance with the “Ambassador Appointment Directive, 2075 (amended).” The directive stipulates that applicants must be Nepali citizens at least 35 years old and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Additionally, candidates must have no criminal convictions related to corruption or moral turpitude, and must not hold permanent or temporary residency permits (PR or Green Card) from any foreign country. Candidates are also required to have experience in foreign policy, international relations, or diplomacy, along with a good command of the English language.

Police have arrested Indian national Rameshkumar Pandit in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Roma Tiwari in Damak Municipality, Jhapa. Authorities report that the victim was killed over a financial dispute and her body was disposed of beneath a bridge over the Ratuwa River. The arrest was made with the aid of CCTV footage. The Damak Police Station is continuing investigations into charges of rape and murder against Pandit.

Biratnagar, 22 Jestha – Police detained 34-year-old Rameshkumar Pandit, originally from Araria, India, residing in Damak, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Roma Tiwari, also known as Roma, from Ward No. 8 of Damak Municipality, aged 21. Following a midnight meeting on 13 Jestha, the murder reportedly occurred due to a transaction dispute. Pandit was arrested on Thursday at his residence in Ward No. 5 of Damak Municipality. After his confession, details of the incident were released on Friday.

Acting spokesperson for Jhapa Police, Inspector Suman Baniya, confirmed that further investigation is ongoing regarding charges of rape and culpable homicide against Pandit.

According to the police, Pandit had been involved in contracts for tile and marble installation in Damak. Investigations revealed meetings between him and the deceased prior to the incident. Police sources stated the murder happened following a dispute near the accused’s lodging.

Midnight Murder and Morning Worship

The police reported the murder occurred around 11 p.m. near the accused’s room. After killing the victim, Pandit reportedly transported the body by packing it in a sack and loaded it onto a motorcycle with Indian number plates. The body was dumped under the bridge in Setumari area, Ward No. 10 of Damak Municipality. The victim’s slippers were found near the crime scene.

The body was disposed of on 13 Jestha. Locals discovered it under the Ratuwa River bridge on 16 Jestha and notified authorities. The suspect was arrested based on CCTV footage. Pandit admitted to knowing the victim for some time, and the two had met the night of the incident.

Police sources disclosed that after committing the murder and disposing of the body, Pandit could not sleep. On the morning of 14 Jestha, he went to Pashupatinath Temple in Damak to perform atonement rituals and prayers.

“It appears the murder was motivated by fear of defamation after nighttime noise. After disposing of the body, he sought forgiveness the next morning at the temple,” said a police source. “An Indian-plated motorcycle was used in disposing of the body.”

Once the victim was identified, her relatives mentioned that she had met her boyfriend on the night of 13 Jestha at his invitation and was then murdered. Initially, police suspected her boyfriend, but lacking evidence, investigations widened and eventually led to Pandit.

The investigation was carried out by a team led by DSP Haribahadur Basnet of Damak Police Station.

The recommendation committee for vice chancellors of eight universities has published the shortlist of candidates. Feedback and suggestions about the shortlisted candidates can be submitted by Jestha 25, 2083 (Nepali calendar). Kathmandu, Jestha 22 – The shortlist for vice chancellor candidates of eight government universities has been made public. These universities include Tribhuvan University, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Mid-Western University, Far-Western University, and Rajarshi Janak University.

The recommendation committee responsible for selecting vice chancellors released this list on Friday. Inputs and opinions regarding the shortlisted candidates can be given by Jestha 25, 2083. There were a total of 218 applicants across the universities: 50 for Tribhuvan University, 38 each for Purbanchal University and Pokhara University, 19 for Far-Western University, 20 for Mid-Western University, 11 for Lumbini Buddhist University, 15 for Agriculture and Forestry University, and 27 for Rajarshi Janak University.

The shortlist was prepared based on evaluation scores provided by experts. The application process had been opened on Baishakh 25 with a 10-day submission window to select new vice chancellors. This selection process was initiated following the vacancy of the vice chancellor posts through an ordinance. The university chancellor, Balen Shah, formed the recommendation committee under the chairmanship of Education Minister Shashmit Pokharel to propose candidates for the vice chancellor positions. The committee created a subcommittee led by experts to prepare the shortlist based on the evaluation scores assigned by experts.

त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालयका उपकुलपति पदका लागि सिफारिस समितिले ५० आवेदकबाट १० जनाको नाम छानिएको छ। यस सूचीमा काठमाडौँ विश्वविद्यालयका पूर्व उपकुलपति भोला थापा र मध्य-पश्चिम विश्वविद्यालयका पूर्व उपकुलपति नन्द बहादुर सिंह लगायतका व्यक्तिहरू समावेश छन्। यस सूचीबाट नयाँ उपकुलपति नियुक्त गरिनेछ।

जुन ५, काठमाडौँ – त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालयका उपकुलपति पदका लागि १० जनाको नामको सूची शुक्रबार सार्वजनिक गरिएको छ। सिफारिस समितिले यस सूचीमा अमर प्रसाद यादव, कवि प्रसाद पौडेल, कृष्णराज आचार्य, गोविन्द सुवेदी, टंकनाथ धमला, तारा प्रसाद भुसाल, दुर्गा दत्त पौडेल, नन्द बहादुर सिंह, भोला थापा, र राम प्रसाद रागमीलाई समावेश गरेको छ। भोला थापा काठमाडौँ विश्वविद्यालयका पूर्व उपकुलपति हुन् भने नन्द बहादुर सिंह मध्य-पश्चिम विश्वविद्यालयका पूर्व उपकुलपति हुन्। प्रारम्भमा त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालयका उपकुलपति पदका लागि ५० व्यक्तिले आवेदन दिएका थिए। तीमध्येबाट १० जनाको यो सूची तयार गरिएको हो। यसमा एक जनालाई नयाँ उपकुलपति नियुक्त गरिनेछ।

After the Supreme Court annulled the registration of the party led by Ashok Rai, questions have arisen regarding the legal status of its public representatives. The Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav, is preparing to seek clarifications from the MPs of Lumbini and Koshi provinces who sided with Ashok Rai’s faction. Rai stated that the court’s verdict has opened a new path for unified progress with other parties. Kathmandu, 22 Jestha — Following the Supreme Court’s refusal to recognize Ashok Rai’s JSP party, JSP Nepal led by Upendra Yadav has decided to ask for clarifications from provincial assembly members, ministers, and local representatives elected under that party.

In 2081 BS, the Election Commission had registered Ashok Rai’s faction as a separate party after splitting from JSP Nepal. Against this decision, Upendra Yadav’s party had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. The full bench of judges Kumar Regmi, Mahesh Sharma Paudel, and Shrikant Paudel dismissed the registration of Rai’s party, effectively voiding its legal status.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the party-affiliated status of representatives elected under Rai’s faction has come into question. Legally, these representatives are now considered members of JSP Nepal. The party is preparing to request clarifications on allegations of disciplinary violations regarding party splits. Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Lumbini Province, Order Kumar Agrawal, along with Lumbini MP Bhandarilal Ahir and Koshi MP Nirmala Limbu, will be asked to provide explanations. Manish Suman, spokesperson for JSP Nepal, confirmed that these individuals had joined the Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajwadi Party during the division of JSP Nepal.

According to Suman, legal proceedings to remove legislators who have left the party for another will be initiated. “The party will first seek clarifications, after which legal procedures will follow,” he said. Koshi Provincial Assembly member Nirmala Limbu stated that she cannot be punished under the defection law, asserting, “I have not left the party nor joined another. Due to leadership disagreements and party splits, I chose to remain with JSP Nepal.” Lumbini MP Ahir mentioned that they are currently consulting and will decide their next steps after reviewing the full Supreme Court order and the Election Commission’s decision. “We are in discussions and will reach a conclusion after reviewing the Commission’s decision,” he said.

Since the divided faction did not obtain recognition, Ashok Rai will need to rename the party. JSP leader Yograj Limbu shared that discussions are ongoing on how to strengthen the party after the Supreme Court ruling. Chairman Rai noted that the decision opens new paths forward. “This verdict should not cause confusion but is a call to remain active as it paves the way for a new unified approach with other parties,” Rai wrote on Facebook. “Therefore, this is being viewed as an opportunity to promptly initiate the process of forming a unified party.”