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US Imposes Sanctions on Nine Cuban State-Owned Companies and Senior Officials

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

September 21, Kathmandu – The United States has announced additional economic sanctions against the communist country of Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a new phase of sanctions targeting Cuban government officials and companies. The latest sanctions include nine state-owned mining, metals, and construction companies, the Cuban Ministry of Construction, and officials associated with an international organization based in Cuba. In a statement, Rubio accused the named individuals of engaging with a “new group of international supporters” brought to Havana to mark the 100th birthday of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, aiming to expand contacts with Cuban government officials. He further asserted that these individuals are part of a global campaign to promote Marxism, ethnic discord, and communist violence worldwide.

Rubio stated, “The sanctions announced today tighten those imposed by the Trump administration and send a clear signal that the Cuban regime will no longer economically sustain its repression and decades of anti-American activities.”

Sanctions also target Cuban institute

The US has also imposed sanctions on the leadership of Cuba’s Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), established by Fidel Castro in 1960. ICAP has expanded relations with pro-Cuba organizations worldwide. According to the US, the institute invites pro-Cuban activists from various countries for visits and supports campaigns linked to the Cuban government. Rubio accused ICAP of attempting to mislead and corrupt US citizens “through lies, espionage technology, and illegal activities.” Among those sanctioned is ICAP’s president, Fernando Gonzalez Lorth, a former member of the “Cuban Five” espionage group who was released during the prisoner swap that improved US-Cuba relations under the Obama administration.

Challenges in delivering basic services to Cuban people

The Cuban government has consistently condemned all US sanctions. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez strongly denounced Rubio’s recent announcement. Speaking via social media platform X, Rodriguez accused Rubio of attempting to punish Cuban companies, which would further damage Cuba’s economy. He claimed US sanctions have made it difficult for the Cuban government to provide basic services to its people and that the blockade has already severely weakened Cuba’s fragile situation. Previously, the US had sanctioned senior officials and institutions in Cuba’s energy, financial, and defense sectors. Additionally, the country’s vital tourism sector has also been declining.

Energy crisis worsens due to disruptions in oil supply

Since the beginning of this year, the US has imposed an effective embargo on Cuban oil imports. Cuba’s heavy dependency on fuel imports and aging electrical infrastructure have worsened its energy crisis. Due to fuel shortages, hospitals have had to rely on emergency generators. Frequent and prolonged power outages have led to rare protests in some areas. The government tightly controls public dissent, and those involved in demonstrations face lengthy prison sentences.

Captain Dipendra Withdraws from ETPL; Amsterdam Flames Announce Replacement Player

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Captain Dipendra Singh Airee will not participate in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) as he must focus on the ACC Men’s Premier Cup and the Asian Games. The Amsterdam Flames have included Netherlands player David Rushmier as his replacement in the squad.

The Flames extended their best wishes to Dipendra and the Nepalese team on social media for the Premier Cup and Asian Games, stating, “We will be supporting the Tigers.” Earlier, the Amsterdam Flames had signed Dipendra under the captaincy of Australian star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

Similarly, Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, contracted with the Rotterdam Rhinos, is also likely to miss the ETPL due to national team commitments. The ICC-approved European T20 Premier League is a multinational franchise T20 tournament scheduled to take place across four European nations. This edition will mark the inaugural season of the ETPL.

The Impact of Vibe Coding on Cybersecurity

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

14-year-old Pranav Paudel surprised his family by gifting a static website created through Vibe Coding for his sister’s birthday. Nepal Telecom and various government agencies are utilizing Vibe Coding to develop internal software systems related to licensing, taxation, and payments. Cybersecurity experts warn that AI-generated code may have security vulnerabilities and recommend mandatory security testing, code reviews, and human oversight. (4 Bhadra, Kathmandu)

Pranav Paudel, a ninth-grade student, gifted his sister a static website on her birthday. The creative design of the gift amazed his sister, who was unaware that Pranav had undertaken any IT courses. Studying at Manakamana School in Narayantar, Kathmandu, Pranav’s interest in Vibe Coding brought joy to the family as they saw his enthusiasm for learning new skills.

What exactly is Vibe Coding, practiced by this 14-year-old ninth grader without deep technical knowledge? Vibe Coding involves describing what needs to be created in natural language, and AI generates the corresponding code. Users do not have to write every line of code themselves; instead, they provide prompts such as ‘I want a website with this design’ or ‘When this button is clicked, perform this action,’ and the AI tool generates the code accordingly.

Cybersecurity professionals, however, express concern. According to a report published in Computer World, AI-generated code may introduce many security weaknesses. Vibe Coding can pose significant security risks for enterprises and increase the likelihood of data leaks. Nevertheless, some experts suggest adopting a hybrid approach rather than completely rejecting Vibe Coding.

While Vibe Coding’s popularity is growing worldwide, developers in Nepal’s public and private sectors have started using it. However, it remains a relatively limited practice among the country’s large and established technology companies.

Cybersecurity expert Naresh Lamgade notes that Vibe Coding is a powerful tool to speed up development, enabling organizations to create necessary software more easily. However, since AI’s primary focus is task completion, it may sometimes overlook security considerations.

Users of Vibe Coding must carefully safeguard secret keys and only proceed to host and launch once these are securely stored. A round of security testing is essential. When these measures are followed, Vibe Coding cannot be dismissed outright.

Key Transformations Indian Gen Z Has Brought to the Beauty Market

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Indian beauty brands have recently become a major attraction for global investors. In March this year, the American luxury beauty product maker Estée Lauder acquired the Indian Ayurvedic company Forest Essentials outright. In June, the French group L’Oréal took a majority stake in the digital personal care brand Innovist. Over the past few years, Unilever has invested in at least four types of beauty products in India through its ‘Venture Capital’ arm.

Forest Essentials, started by single mother and entrepreneur Meera Kulkarni from a small garage, has grown from a modest startup to a billion-dollar company with a global presence over the last two decades. This growth reflects the broad development of India’s beauty industry, which was valued at approximately $23 billion in 2025. The market size is expected to nearly double to $40 billion by the end of this decade.

Experts say that the rising spending power in Asia’s third-largest economy is driving this growth. According to business consultancy Redseer, India’s per capita income crossed $2,000 in 2019. By 2030, about 155 million households are expected to earn more than $9,500 annually.

Kushal Bhatnagar, partner at Redseer, states, “Historically, we spent less on beauty because, aside from basic products like soaps or face powders, there was no purchasing power to buy other cosmetics.” But now, increased affordability alongside improved access, distribution, and product education is changing the landscape. The internet has removed many of these barriers, allowing brands to directly connect with consumers by leveraging social networks and influencers.

Nepal Takes on NT Strike in Top-End T20 Series

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Nepal is set to field its Nepal A team in the tournament, with captain Anil Shah leading the side. The NT Strike team is captained by Darcy Short. The Top-End T20 Series is underway in Australia’s Northern Territory, and today Nepal will face the host NT Strike at 2:15 PM. In the previous edition, Nepal lost to NT Strike by 42 runs and is now competing again for the second consecutive time in the Top-End Series. Kathmandu, August 21.

Nepal’s opening match will kick off this afternoon at 2:15 PM, with Nepal A led by Anil Shah competing against NT Strike. The NT Strike squad includes experienced Australian player Darcy Short and Big Bash League stars Jordan Silk, Tom Meuzjes, and Wes Agar. Many players from the last edition such as Darcy Short, Cadel McMahon, Hamish Martin, Jordan Silk, Matt Hammond, and Tom Meuzjes are part of the team again this year.

Nepal will compete against six teams in the competition. Matches against NT Strike, Bangladesh High-Performance, Hobart Hurricanes, ACT Comets, Kingsmen, and Victoria will offer Nepalese players the chance to test themselves against teams of various styles and skill levels. Nepal’s match schedule is as follows: August 21 (5 Bhadra) – Nepal vs NT Strike, August 22 (6 Bhadra) – Nepal vs Bangladesh High-Performance, August 24 (8 Bhadra) – Nepal vs Hurricanes, August 26 (10 Bhadra) – Nepal vs ACT Comets, August 27 (11 Bhadra) – Nepal vs Kingsmen, August 29 (13 Bhadra) – Nepal vs Victoria.

Nepal squad: Anil Shah (Captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Tritraj Das, Mayan Yadav, Pawan Sarraf, Deepak Dumre, Kushal Malla, Rashid Khan, Narayan Joshi, Aakash Chand, Shahab Alam, Bipin Khatri, Yuvraj Khatri, and Rijan Dhakal.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Elected as Bangladesh President

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

The Bangladesh Parliament has elected Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the country’s new president with 255 votes. This marked the 23rd presidential election and the first direct vote in nearly 35 years. Alamgir, the candidate from the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), defeated his rival, retired Colonel Oli Ahmed, by 88 votes. He is considered one of the main opponents of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Following the student movement in 2024, Sheikh Hasina was removed from power and is currently residing in India. Bangladesh has requested her extradition. Alamgir played a vital role in leading the BNP during difficult times and has been arrested on multiple occasions. Although the presidency in Bangladesh is largely a ceremonial post, proposed reforms may grant it additional powers aimed at maintaining a balance of power among the country’s top leaders.

Despite Gas Shortages, Trust in Electric Stoves Remains Low; Nepal Electricity Authority Plans Dual-source Power Supply

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Woman preparing tea on an induction stove

Although shortages of essential LPG for cooking are increasing, consumers remain skeptical of electric stoves, while officials from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) emphasize extensive efforts to improve power transmission and distribution quality.

Despite adequate electricity generation during the monsoon season, the adoption of electric stoves has not grown as expected, raising ongoing concerns about power quality and supply reliability.

About a decade ago, Nepal experienced widespread power outages, but now during the monsoon, electricity production exceeds domestic consumption. Still, consumers remain hesitant to cook solely on electric stoves even without load shedding, which poses a significant challenge.

Officials state that the authority is committed to addressing these challenges.

“We have prioritized ensuring dependable availability of electricity distribution so that consumers can confidently switch to electric stoves,” said Dhirajyukumar Shrestha, Acting Executive Director of the Authority.

Newly Appointed Deputy Governor Dhirbahadur Rawal Takes Oath of Office

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Dhirbahadur Rawal, the newly appointed Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, took his oath of office on Thursday from Governor Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Poudel and assumed his responsibilities. The government had appointed Rawal to the vacant Deputy Governor position on Wednesday, completing the Bank’s Board of Directors with his inclusion. Rawal brings over two decades of experience at the central bank, specializing in financial institution regulation, bank supervision, monetary policy analysis, and anti-money laundering measures.

Kathmandu, 4 Bhadra: Dhirbahadur Rawal formally assumed his duties as Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank starting Thursday, having taken the oath of office and secrecy from Governor Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Poudel. The government had authorized his appointment to the previously vacant Deputy Governor post on Wednesday and directed him to commence his responsibilities immediately.

The Deputy Governor position, vacant since Falgun 2082, has been filled by Rawal, thereby completing the Rastra Bank’s Board of Directors. Earlier, in Baisakh of this year, the government appointed one Deputy Governor, Kiran Pandit, but the other post remained unfilled until now.

Rawal, previously the Executive Director leading the supervision division of Nepal Rastra Bank, officially began his role as Deputy Governor on Thursday. With over 20 years of experience at the central bank, he is regarded as an expert in financial institution regulation, bank supervision, monetary policy analysis, currency management, and anti-money laundering practices. He has led efforts in prudential regulation, risk-based supervision frameworks, and financial stability monitoring.

In his earlier capacity as Director of the currency management department, Rawal played a crucial role in strengthening systemic controls and risk management mechanisms in national currency operations. From 2019 to 2024, he headed the Financial Information Unit responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing activities. Additionally, he served as the Member Secretary of Nepal’s National Coordination Committee, the apex body overseeing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts. He was also the main liaison during Nepal’s third mutual evaluation phase (2022–2024).

Before joining Nepal Rastra Bank, Rawal was an Assistant Manager at Nepal Bank. He holds a PhD in Finance from Kathmandu University’s School of Management and has earned an MPhil in Finance, a postgraduate degree in Economics, an MBA in Management, and a postgraduate degree in Sociology. Recognized as a top student at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, he is a co-author of two books on Nepalese banking. In 2012, he received the ‘Samana Banking Award’ in recognition of his contributions.

Farmers Producing Milk in Syangja Receive NPR 5 per Liter Subsidy

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

September 20, Syangja – Farmers producing milk in Syangja have been granted a subsidy of NPR 5 per liter. The Veterinary Hospital and Animal Services Office in Syangja has provided this subsidy to farmers through cooperatives based on the quantity of milk sold, aiming to encourage milk production.

According to the office, a total of NPR 630,145 was distributed as a subsidy for 126,029 liters of milk collected through Bheerkot Dairy Producers Cooperative located in Bheerkot Municipality-1. Similarly, a subsidy at the rate of NPR 5 per liter was granted for 70,817 liters of milk collected via Ratnapur Small Farmers Cooperative in Kwami, Chapakot Municipality-5.

Dr. Rupesh Shrestha, the head of the office, stated that farmers affiliated with selected cooperatives, based on official announcements, received subsidies for milk produced from cow and buffalo farming. The subsidy distribution was based on the volume of milk sold through cooperative milk collection centers.

Overall, the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Services Office has disbursed subsidies totaling NPR 12,867,200 under various livestock promotion programs, including those aimed at enhancing milk production. Beyond dairy, the office has also provided subsidies under the broader Livestock Development Promotion Program for new animal sheds, fencing, milking equipment, buck goats, and mechanization to various groups and cooperatives.

Specifically, the following subsidies were granted: NPR 846,739 to Kaligandaki Agricultural Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1 and 2; NPR 811,034 to Balamdanda Shanti Agriculture and Livestock Farmers Group in Bheerkot Municipality-2; NPR 888,924 to Banethok Deurali Goat Rearing Group in Bheerkot-3; and NPR 842,231 to Chelolaune Women Farmers Group in Fedi Khola Rural Municipality-4.

Under the Kaligandaki Corridor-focused Livestock and Fisheries Production and Promotion Program, Pakwadi Agriculture Cooperative received NPR 1,740,730, and Ama Multipurpose Cooperative received NPR 1,762,441 as subsidies aimed at improving animal shelters and pens.

Additionally, the commercial block development program provided NPR 2,787,302 to Suryamukhi Goat Rearing and Agricultural Group for wards 4, 5, 6, and 7 in Harinas Rural Municipality.

The office emphasized that although various subsidies have been provided in the livestock and agriculture sectors, priority now lies in distributing subsidies based on actual production and needs, facilitating easy and affordable agricultural loans, and ensuring reliable markets for produced goods.

Government Forms Subcommittee to Revise Power Purchase Agreements

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

September 19, Kathmandu – The government has initiated the process of revising the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). In a meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, the Board of Directors of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) resolved to form a subcommittee to establish the necessary criteria for opening the PPAs.
The subcommittee, chaired by NEA board member Anshukiran Shahi, is tasked with preparing the criteria within seven days and submitting them to the board. The subcommittee includes the Deputy Director General of the Department of Electricity Development, CDE Shaligram Bhandari from the Ministry of Energy, expert member Riwaj Sharma, while the Director of the Trade Branch serves as the member secretary.
The decision of the Board of Directors states, “In accordance with the Fiscal Act, 2026 (2083 BS), and after reviewing existing PPAs with energy producers holding production permits, as well as recommendations from the committee formed by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, a subcommittee chaired by board member Anshukiran Shahi has been formed to prepare the criteria for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) within seven days.”

Royal Enfield ‘Gorkha Edition’ Launched at NPR 599,000

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Alpha Automotive has unveiled the Royal Enfield Classic 350 ‘Gorkha Edition’ in Kathmandu. The starting price for the Classic 350 Gorkha Edition is set at NPR 599,000. This new variant features an olive green color, distinctive graphics, and cross Khukuri motifs. Kathmandu, 21 August — Alpha Automotive Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of Royal Enfield in Nepal, launched the ‘Royal Enfield Gorkha Edition’ during an event held in the capital. The unveiling ceremony was graced by retired Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Bahadur Kshatri as the chief guest.

At the event, Alpha Automotive director Meghraj Paudel recalled Royal Enfield’s proud 125-year history and its strong connection with Nepali riders. He emphasized that the name “Gorkha” is not just a brand but a symbol of Nepali bravery, courage, and discipline, and expressed pride in linking it with Royal Enfield’s heritage. “Today, we are not just launching a new motorcycle; we are bringing the spirit and identity of Nepali riders and the Gorkhali legacy to the streets,” he said.

The Gorkha Edition combines Royal Enfield’s classic design with the pride of Nepal, the company claims. Alpha Automotive has been providing various models in the Nepali market, including the Hunter, Classic, Meteor, Scram, Himalayan, and recently launched Gurkha. The company also reiterated its commitment to strengthening after-sales service, spare parts availability, and the riding community. Launched under the slogan, “Name is Gorkha, Spirit is Nepalese, Journey is Royal Enfield,” the edition is expected to be well-received by Royal Enfield enthusiasts in Nepal.

U.S. Federal Debt Surpasses $40 Trillion, Raising Economic Risk Concerns

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

News Summary

Reviewed period.

  • Federal government debt reached $40 trillion on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.
  • The budget deficit topped $1.8 trillion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year.
  • The government is expected to spend over $1 trillion on interest payments this fiscal year.

September 20, Kathmandu – The United States, the world’s largest economy, has surpassed a federal debt level of $40 trillion. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, this milestone was reached on Tuesday, marking the highest outstanding debt in history.

CNN reports that in recent years, the U.S. government debt has risen much faster than expected. Along with the increased debt, the responsibility to service the interest payments has also become significantly heavy.

Despite a relatively strong economy, economists and budget experts have expressed serious concerns over the persistent rise in government debt.

Michael Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, warned that if the current growth rate continues, the total government debt could exceed $50 trillion within the next six years.

“Just about a decade ago, debt was $20 trillion; now it has doubled to $40 trillion,” he said. “This puts the U.S. economy and the country’s long-term security at serious risk.”

Rapid Increase in Social Security and Healthcare Spending

Among the main drivers of the recent surge in U.S. federal debt are rising expenditures in social security and healthcare. As the U.S. population ages, approximately 10,000 baby boomers retire every day, with their life expectancy also increasing.

This debt milestone was reached sooner than previously anticipated.

Consequently, although government spending on social security and Medicare programs has risen, the lack of proportional growth in labor force and taxpayers adds long-term fiscal pressure.

Additionally, the U.S. Congress has enacted numerous programs over past decades, including tax cuts and spending increases. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and COVID-19 relief packages notably contributed to the debt rise.

In 2023, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) had estimated that federal debt would reach $40 trillion by the fiscal year 2028, but current data show the debt has increased by an additional $1 trillion within just five months.

The government’s spending has outpaced its revenues, resulting in a budget deficit of $1.8 trillion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, which ends September 30.

Interest Payments on Debt Expected to Exceed $1 Trillion

Not only has the debt grown, but rising interest rates have substantially increased the government’s cost to service this debt.

In previous years, comparatively low interest rates allowed easier borrowing, but following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve increased rates to control inflation, driving up debt servicing costs.

This fiscal year, the government is expected to spend over $1 trillion on interest payments alone — an all-time record high.

According to Mark Goldwein, Senior Policy Director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, interest expenses have more than tripled in the last five years.

Interest payments now rival Medicare spending and have become the second-largest federal expense after Social Security.

The government currently spends more on interest payments than on defense and nearly 50% more than on children-related programs.

This mounting debt pressure is increasingly impacting bond markets and the overall economy.

Heavy debt burdens limit government resources for priorities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

“We are spending more paying past debt than investing in the future,” Goldwein stated. “This creates a vicious cycle of borrowing to pay down debt.”

Debt Growth Exerts Pressure on Bond Markets

Rising debt levels have also pressured the bond markets.

On Tuesday, the yield on 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds hit its highest level since 2007. Similarly, 10-year Treasury yields are reaching levels last seen before President Trump’s second term.

The increase in yields is driven by the growing government deficit, increased supply of government and corporate bonds, inflation concerns, and Federal Reserve interest rate policy uncertainties.

Investor perceptions of heightened debt risk have led to demands for higher yields, directly impacting interest rates.

Since the 10-year Treasury yield influences mortgage, auto, and business loan rates, this may ultimately pressure consumer spending and private investment.

Higher borrowing costs also make it more expensive for the government to issue new debt, potentially exacerbating the debt burden.

Maya MacGuineas, Chair of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, commented, “The $40 trillion debt is not just an accounting figure; its effects ultimately ripple through the economy and impact everyone’s pockets.”

The U.S. Treasury Department plans to increase long-term government bond buybacks in coming months, signaling government concern over rising yields and debt costs.

At the beginning of August, a 30-year Treasury bond auction saw yields reach their highest since 2001, indicating investor demand for higher returns on U.S. government debt.

In 2025, Moody’s downgraded U.S. debt credit ratings, effectively stripping the country of its top credit status, although U.S. debt still holds the highest rating among developed economies.

Similarly, developed nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan face pressure from rising government spending, budget deficits, and debt, with their government bond yields also near multi-year highs.

– Source: CNN

69 Billion NPR Allocated for Road Repairs Over 5 Years, Only Half Spent, Problems Persist

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Summary

Reviewed with verified statistics.

  • According to the Auditor General’s report, only about NPR 3.79 billion out of the NPR 6.874 billion allocated for road repairs in the last five years was spent.
  • Out of NPR 5.636 billion allocated for strategic road maintenance, only NPR 3.014 billion was utilized, while periodic maintenance and reconstruction progress remains low.
  • The Auditor General has recommended that the government improve legal enforcement, coordination, and manpower regarding road repairs, budgeting, load management, bridge protection, and road safety.

September 20, Kathmandu – Despite significant annual budget allocations for road repairs in Nepal, the quality and progress have not met expectations.

According to the audit report by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), over the past five years, the Road Board allocated a total of NPR 6.874 billion for strategic and local road maintenance.

Of this amount, NPR 5.596 billion was released, but only about NPR 3.79 billion was actually spent.

This means that while 81.4 percent of the budget was released to the Road Board, only 67.72 percent was expended.

The OAG states that budget deficits due to expanding road networks and unspent allocated budgets remain major issues.

The report cites lack of coordination among related agencies, insufficient budgets, delays in plan approval, contracting procedures, and payments as factors hindering targeted budget expenditure.

Furthermore, regular maintenance is often neglected, leading to road deterioration and increasing reconstruction burdens, which heightens accident risks.

The Auditor General has directed the government to allocate budgets effectively and improve interagency coordination for efficient implementation of maintenance plans.

In the last five years, the government collected NPR 7.533 billion from road usage and maintenance fees, but only half of it was spent on maintenance, highlighting underutilization.

Poor Expenditure on Strategic Roads

The government divides road maintenance into strategic and local categories. The Department of Roads allocated NPR 5.636 billion over the past five years for strategic road repairs.

Of this, NPR 4.974 billion was released, but only NPR 3.014 billion (60.59%) was spent.

The Department of Roads and its subdivisions—including the Federal Road Monitoring and Supervision Office, Road Division Office, Heavy Equipment Division, and Mechanical Office—received this budget through the Road Board.

Although 63 offices conduct strategic road maintenance, the low expenditure compared to the budgeted amount has raised concerns.

The Auditor General has suggested reviewing budget adequacy based on the actual condition and needs of roads, recommending increased budgets and improved spending.

 

According to the Auditor General, the Road Board has not provided details on expenditures related to local road maintenance, though the condition remains poor due to irregular maintenance.

This adversely affects transportation services and public safety, and demonstrates ineffective use of public resources.

The office advises making plans and budgets realistic, prioritizing completed preparatory projects, simplifying procurement and fund release procedures, and increasing the capacity of implementing agencies to enhance budget implementation.

Low Priority for Periodic Maintenance and Reconstruction

In Nepal, road maintenance is categorized into regular, patchwork, periodic, restoration, reconstruction, special, emergency, and road safety maintenance, of which periodic and reconstruction are vital for enlarging road lifespan.

However, progress in these areas remains weak. Over the past five years, regular and patchwork maintenance targets have generally been met.

Yet, periodic maintenance has only achieved between 42% and 73%, while restoration and reconstruction stood at just 21% to 75% progress.

The Auditor General has instructed to prioritize periodic maintenance and improve effectiveness of projects.

In the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), 7,938 km of roads received regular maintenance, 3,929 km underwent patchwork repairs, while only 369 km of the target 550 km was achieved for periodic maintenance, and 39 km out of 75 km for reconstruction.

Weak Enforcement of Legal Frameworks

The study points out that effective enforcement of laws related to road maintenance is the weakest aspect.

Measures such as budgeting to reduce maintenance costs, prioritizing road safety funds, vehicle load measurement, research, and penalties for violations are not adequately implemented.

Manpower Shortage

The Road Board has only 27 permanent positions. Although the number of local governments has increased due to federalism, staff numbers have not grown accordingly.

This has led to overburdened staff and insufficient performance.

The Auditor General suggested implementing an integrated annual planning system with an automated online platform to improve project selection for road repairs.

Weak Load Regulation on Roads

The Auditor General noted that heavy load vehicles are operating on main highways like the Tribhuvan Rajpath and Mahendra Highway, accelerating road damage.

Heavy vehicles cause cracks, subsidence, and potholes on road surfaces.

It urged for effective weighbridge operations and better coordination among agencies to measure and enforce load limits rigorously.

Neglect in Bridge Protection

According to Road Board regulations, separate programs for bridge maintenance should exist, but none have been implemented.

Division offices do not receive regular budgets, preventing timely bridge repairs.

Neglected bridges suffer structural damage, reduced lifespan, increased safety risks for vehicles and passengers, traffic disruptions, economic losses, and weakened disaster resilience.

Low Budget Allocation for Road Safety

Only a small portion of the annual road maintenance budget is allocated to road safety.

Ineffective use of allocated budgets has increased road accident risks, the Auditor General highlighted.

Recommendations to Address Road Maintenance Challenges

· Amend existing laws to address weaknesses and ensure constitutional compliance; prepare specific legislation for road maintenance.

· Define clear mandates for the board, manage personnel and budget disbursements effectively, reduce expenses, and increase effectiveness.

· Prioritize implementation of all categories of maintenance: regular, patchwork, emergency, and periodic.

· Clarify roles and responsibilities to improve inter-agency coordination and streamline procedures.

· Adopt automated online systems for periodic maintenance procedures as per regulations.

· Allocate sufficient budget emphasizing road safety and quality, select projects based on technical assessments, and strengthen monitoring and coordination.

· Extend project timeframes with impact evaluations and improve contract management.

· Develop clear plans to reduce costs and ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and coordination.

Unemployment Rate Rises in Australia in July

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Canberra, August 20 – Australia’s unemployment rate reached 4.5 percent in July, according to government statistics released on Thursday. Economists had forecast the rate to remain steady at 4.4 percent, but it has instead increased. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that between June and July, the number of employed persons decreased by 15,800, while the number of unemployed individuals rose by 4,200. The July unemployment rate is among the highest since November 2021.

Sean Creek, head of labor statistics at the ABS, noted that employment among men declined by 11,000 and among women by 5,000 in July. Despite a decrease of 22,000 in the number of women working part-time, full-time employment among women increased by 17,000. Total hours worked during this period remained nearly flat, decreasing by 0.0 percent to 199 million hours. Additionally, the labor force participation rate of working-age individuals, either employed or seeking work, fell slightly from 67 percent in June to 66.9 percent in July, according to the ABS.

The Tradition of Overseas Trips Under the Pretext of Sports: What Will Happen This Time?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

An age-old tradition exists where officials tend to travel more than athletes to major international competitions like the Olympics, Asian Games, and South Asian Games. At the 19th Asian Games held in Huizhou, China, Nepal’s contingent included 253 athletes, but the total team size was nearly 400 members. Similar criticism arose at the Paris and Tokyo Olympics, where the number of coaches and officials exceeded that of the athletes. For the upcoming 20th Asian Games, the National Sports Council (Rakhap) has formed a 218-member team including 137 athletes and has announced that unrelated personnel will not be sent. Kathmandu, 21 August.

Three years ago, at the 19th Asian Games in Huizhou, China, Nepal sent 253 athletes who secured two medals. However, the total team, including athletes, coaches, and officials, numbered around 400. Previously, a similar situation occurred at the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024, where only 7 athletes represented Nepal, but the number of coaches and officials was more than double—totaling 22. Nepal did not win any medals there.

The practice of traveling abroad and claiming allowances under the pretext of sports competitions has been long-standing in Nepali sports. Prioritizing officials over athletes in terms of necessary training and management has drawn criticism repeatedly. The 20th Asian Games will take place this Ashwin (September-October). There is concern about whether a large number of officials will attend again, or if only sports-related personnel will be present. The government has stated that unrelated individuals will not be sent this time. According to Ramcharitra Mehta, Secretary of Rakhap, a total Nepali contingent of 218 members, including 137 athletes, will participate in the upcoming Asian Games.