News brief following the parliamentary review. The Council of Ministers meeting has commenced on 6 May at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers office. The Council had also convened yesterday. 6 May, Kathmandu. The Council of Ministers meeting has started. A short while ago, the meeting began at the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers office. The Council had met the previous day as well.
A United Airlines aircraft collided with a utility truck and an electric pole while landing at an airport outside New York City. The incident was captured on a dashcam mounted on the service truck at Newark Liberty International Airport. The collision occurred as the truck was moving along a road near one of the airport’s runways.
The plane, arriving from Venice, was carrying a total of 231 passengers and crew members. The aircraft came to a safe stop, but the truck driver sustained minor injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident. The U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating aviation accidents has ordered United Airlines to provide the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. Meanwhile, the airline’s maintenance team has begun assessing the damage to the aircraft.
The Kathmandu District Court has refused to extend the detention of industrialist Shekhar Golchha for further investigation. Presiding Judge Mona Singh’s bench issued an order not to extend the arrest warrant. Consequently, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) is required to continue its inquiry with Golchha out of custody.
On 23rd Baishakh, Kathmandu: The Kathmandu District Court declined to prolong the custody period of industrialist Shekhar Golchha for investigative purposes. Following this ruling, the Central Investigation Bureau must proceed with the investigation without holding him in detention. Judge Mona Singh’s bench specifically rejected any extension of the previously sanctioned arrest period.
The order stated, “There is no reliable evidence suggesting that investigative circumstances necessitate keeping defendant Shekhar Golchha in detention; therefore, per Section 14(3) of the Criminal Procedure Code of 2074, an extension of detention for investigation shall not be permitted.” Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had raised concerns about why the investigation into securities fraud was being conducted in custody despite bail and surety provisions being in place.
April 5, Kathmandu – Suresh Shrestha, Minister for Culture and Tourism of Bagmati Province, has stressed the necessity of demonstrating the effectiveness of government investments made for the preservation and promotion of languages. Speaking at an interactive program organized on the occasion of Language Day, he revealed that the provincial government has spent millions of rupees on the development of languages spoken within the province. However, he noted that the returns on this investment have not been satisfactory.
Minister Shrestha highlighted that the provincial government is making all possible efforts to protect languages and culture. He emphasized that language promotion programs should not be limited to mere formalities; rather, all stakeholders must collaborate closely to achieve tangible results. He argued that continuous investment by the state will be futile if the younger generation does not learn their native languages, likening such a scenario to “throwing water on sand.” He also underscored the importance of focusing on language education at home, in communities, and in schools.
Shrestha advocated for comprehensive data collection and evaluation to assess how many individuals have learned the languages and scripts as a result of the ministry’s investments. He mentioned that Newa and Tamang languages have been established as official languages in Bagmati Province, but the formulation of related legal provisions has been delayed. Although the government planned to issue the language regulation rules on April 7, repeated holidays have hindered timely implementation.
Nonetheless, the minister pledged that the regulations will be introduced shortly. He further disclosed ongoing efforts to establish a dedicated academy within Bagmati Province. The provincial government remains fully prepared to collaborate with various institutions to promote languages and plans to discuss allocating additional budget in the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84.
He concluded by stating, “The Bagmati Province Government has invested millions of rupees for languages. What have we achieved so far? Organizations like Newa Dey Dubh and Tamang Ghedung have fought hard to sustain their languages and have succeeded in establishing them as official provincial languages. The ministry is committed to exerting its best efforts to promote languages and preserve culture in Bagmati Province.”
Kathmandu police have submitted a report to the government attorney’s office recommending the registration of murder charges against 10 individuals who attacked Shobha Pathak. Pathak was staging a sit-in protest at Maiti Gaun, demanding the reappointment of Sudhan Gurung as Home Minister. During this protest, a group including Ambika Basnet, wife of UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet, assaulted her. The police have taken these 10 individuals into custody, conducted a detailed investigation, and after reviewing the report, the attorney’s office has announced plans to proceed with filing charges in court. Dated: 22 Baisakh, Kathmandu.
According to SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai of the District Police Office, Kathmandu, the investigation was completed and the report submitted to the government attorney’s office today, Tuesday. Based on the findings, it has been recommended to file charges of attempted murder against the 10 individuals. Pathak had been protesting at Maiti Gaun demanding Sudhan Gurung’s reappointment as Home Minister. It was at this location that Ambika Basnet and her group attacked her. Following the investigation and custody of the 10 persons including Ambika Basnet, police have recommended filing charges on the grounds of attempted murder. Upon review of the report, the government attorney’s office will initiate legal proceedings in court.
The Central Asian Volleyball Association (CABA) has announced the schedule for the CABA Women’s Volleyball Championship, which will take place from May 22 to 29 at the Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. Eight teams including Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, India, Maldives, Iran, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will compete in the tournament.
The participating teams are divided into two groups: Group A comprises Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, India, and Maldives, while Group B includes Iran, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Nepal is set to play its opening match against India on May 22. Matches between Kyrgyzstan and Maldives as well as Iran and Bangladesh will also take place the same day. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.
The final match is scheduled for May 29 at the Dashrath Rangashala’s covered hall. Ahead of the championship, the Nepal Volleyball Association had selected 20 players to undergo closed training. Although the national team’s preparations were temporarily paused due to the PM Cup NVA League, training sessions have now resumed. The championship will be broadcast live via Himalaya Sports.
April 5, Kathmandu – After four consecutive days of decline, the stock market showed a modest recovery on Tuesday.
Today, the NEPSE index rose by 8.78 points compared to the previous day, closing at 2712 points. The market had dropped by 34 points the day before. During trading, the NEPSE briefly reached a peak of 2725 points at 12:40 PM but could not sustain that level, making 2725 the highest point of the day.
Trading volume declined as well. While the previous day saw NPR 426 crore traded, today’s transactions were limited to NPR 343 crore. Share prices of 162 companies advanced, 90 companies’ prices fell, and 16 remained unchanged.
The hydropower sector was the best performing group, gaining 1.02%. Banking increased by 0.43%, investment by 0.18%, life insurance by 0.10%, manufacturing and processing by 0.63%, and other sectors by 0.08%. Meanwhile, development banks declined by 0.04%, finance by 0.12%, hotel and tourism by 0.06%, microfinance by 0.21%, non-life insurance by 0.12%, and trade by 0.29%.
Upper Lohore Khola Hydropower led the market with the highest price increase of 11.16%. Other notable gainers include Solu Hydropower at 7.56%, Dhaulagiri Microfinance at 7.04%, and Jhapa Energy at 4.80%. On the downside, Forward Microfinance’s share price declined the most, losing 9.31%, followed by Super Khudi Hydropower at 3.13% and Rawa Energy at 3%.
The top five active companies in trading today were Solu Hydropower, Reliance Spinning Mills, National Hydropower, Aankhukhola Hydroelectric Company, and Palpa Cement.
Approximately 29,000 transgender individuals live in Nepal, over 76 percent of whom earn their livelihood through sex work. Transgender people continue to struggle to obtain citizenship due to demanding medical documentation requirements, making the process cumbersome. The community experiences high rates of suicide, violence, and substance addiction, compounded by a lack of government protection and employment opportunities.
Kathmandu’s Thapathali area is gradually clearing of crowds. Nearby, a few customers sit quietly in a tea shop. Under the streetlights, human shadows become more distinct. From that light, Bobi Tamang (name changed) leans against the wall. The 29-year-old is a transgender woman and a sex worker. She has spent the past four years spending nights on the streets, enduring endless nights of waiting.
Bobi represents many transgender individuals who have been compelled to engage in sex work because of their gender identity. Like her, countless others rely solely on this work to survive. According to the National Statistics Office, Nepal has approximately 29,000 transgender people, with over 76 percent earning a living primarily through sex work. Sheetal Gurung states, “How else can we survive? No one offers us jobs or employment opportunities.”
When all avenues are closed and money is needed for survival, the streets become their last resort. This is not a profession but the final option and compulsion for many. According to Pradeep Kumar, a human rights activist from Janakpur, for transgender individuals, the only livelihoods available are dancing and sex work. He explains, “Initially, society did not understand, then it developed hatred, and only recently have some places begun to accept them.”
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued directives to all District Administration Offices to halt vehicle movement on hazardous roads and ensure the safety of passengers and vehicles. The authority has instructed that drivers and vehicle owners who violate the prohibition on movement in risky areas should face legal action.
On Monday evening, as water levels rose in the Roshi River in Kavre, posing potential risks, five vehicles were stopped for safety, leaving passengers temporarily stranded in floodwaters. All 89 passengers were safely rescued. Following concerns raised about passenger safety due to the actions of some drivers, Deputy Secretary of the Authority, Ram Bahadur KC, informed that the authority has directed an analysis of local conditions and road risks to enforce vehicle movement restrictions as needed. The authority also urged adherence to weather forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the related advisories, warnings, and information issued accordingly.
Summary: The government has annulled civil servants’ trade unions through an ordinance, yet employee organizations continue active operations. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has expressed readiness to take necessary action, monitoring employee group activities closely. Meanwhile, the employee organizations have issued warnings of protests, demanding the restoration of trade unions and have threatened phased agitation if the government does not reverse its decision.
Kathmandu, 22 Baisakh – Despite the government’s abolition of civil servants’ trade unions via ordinance, employee organizations have been systematically maintaining their activities. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has indicated it is closely monitoring these developments and prepared to take strict measures as needed.
Following the issuance of the ‘Ordinance to Amend Certain Acts’ by President Ramchandra Paudel on Sunday, the arrangement for employees’ trade unions was officially nullified. Although the Civil Service Act prohibits any form of employee organizations, several party-affiliated employee groups released a statement on Monday. Due to these statements issued under the name of government employees, the ministry has taken the matter seriously and increased surveillance.
An official from the ministry remarked, ‘The Civil Service Act 2049 is overseen by this ministry and explicitly bans employee trade unions. Employees must focus on serving the public rather than participating in party politics. If such activities continue, we will take stringent action as necessary.’ Since the ordinance invalidates all types of employee organizations, the ministry has stated that it will seek explanations and issue warnings if any further statements or activities are conducted under employee organization names.
The chairpersons of several prominent employee groups, including Bhawani Nyaupane Dahal of Nepal Civil Servants Organization, Uttam Kumar Kutuwal of Nepal Civil Servants Union, Ambadatt Bhatt of Nepal National Civil Servants Organization, Yam Bahadur Khatri of Unified Government Employees Organization, Vijay Kumar Yadav acting chair of Nepal Madhesi Civil Servants Forum, and Sita Gurung of Independent Civil Service Employees Organization, have jointly demanded reinstatement of trade union rights in their statement.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in a statement released on Tuesday morning, emphasized that the decision to abolish trade unions was not targeted against any party but was an effort to preserve the system. He stated, ‘This is not against any political party; it is a step taken to protect the system and the future. It will free the country from partisan control and bring institutions into a proper framework. It aims to eliminate partisan influence from education and employee systems.’
After six employee organizations warned of agitation if trade unions are not restored during a meeting on Monday, the ministry has taken this threat very seriously. Sources within the ministry said, ‘We are monitoring activities conducted under employee organization names and have held discussions on the matter.’ Given that trade unions have been abolished, the ministry has assured that it will take appropriate action against any organized activities.
The six employee organizations have threatened phased protests if their demand to revoke the abolition of trade unions is not met. They have collectively issued a statement urging the government to reinstate trade union rights. They warned that if the government disregards their demands, they will collaborate with all relevant parties to engage in phased nationwide agitation, including legal measures.
File photo Summary with editorial review. Ashokkumar Chaudhary, Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has released the report card for his first month in parliament. The report card highlights his raised issues and participation during the first session held from March 2 to March 16. April 5, Kathmandu. Ashokkumar Chaudhary, MP of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has unveiled his parliamentary report card covering his initial month in office. The first session of the House of Representatives, which began on February 21, concluded between March 2 and March 10. In this period, Chaudhary documented his raised topics and participation in various parliamentary activities in the report card. Furthermore, on April 17, the election for chairpersons of the parliamentary thematic committees took place, resulting in Chaudhary’s election as the chair of the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee. Elected from Sunsari Constituency No. 3, Chaudhary had previously been a member of the House of Representatives as well. Earlier, he was elected through proportional representation, while this time he secured a direct election. View the report card below:
Nepal has set a target of 257 runs for Oman in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match held in Kathmandu. Asif Sheikh was the top scorer with 94 runs, while Arjun Kumal contributed 48 runs and Arif Sheikh added 43 runs. Nepal scored 256 runs in 49.5 overs, with Nadim Khan taking 3 wickets for Oman.
On 22nd Baisakh, Kathmandu – In the final game of the ongoing series in Kathmandu under the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal posted a target of 257 runs for Oman. Winning the toss at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal opted to bat first and were all out for 256 runs in 49.5 overs. Brothers Asif and Arif Sheikh were the standout performers with the bat. Opener Asif Sheikh top-scored with 94 runs, while Arjun Kumal added 48, Arif Sheikh 43, and vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 33 runs.
Asif played 97 balls, striking 7 fours and 5 sixes. He was dismissed on the third ball of the 35th over while attempting a big shot, caught near the boundary line. This innings marked Asif’s 14th half-century in ODIs; across 66 matches, he has scored one century and fourteen fifties. After the other opener, Binod Bhandari, was dismissed without scoring in the second over, Asif and Arjun Kumal put together a 123-run partnership for the second wicket.
Arjun scored 48 runs off 87 balls, featuring 4 fours, just missing out on a half-century by two runs. Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee scored 33 runs from 42 balls, including 1 four. Gulshan scored 17 runs off 23 balls with 2 fours. Captain Rohit Paudel managed 9 runs from 16 balls. At 237/9 in the 49th over, Asif accelerated the scoring with three consecutive sixes in the final over. However, Nepal was all out on the fifth ball of that over when Arif was dismissed. For Oman, Nadim Khan took the most wickets with 3, while Sakil Ahmad claimed 2 wickets.
April 22, Sarlahi – An elderly man lost his life after being struck by a motorcycle in Sarlahi district. The incident occurred on Monday evening near Dharhara Chowk of Bagmati Municipality-2, along the New Road-Barhathwa highway, where the approximately 75-year-old local, Haribahadur Adhikari, was hit, police confirmed.
According to Saroj Rai, spokesperson and DSP of the District Police Office, Sarlahi, the motorcycle bearing Indian registration number BR 33 BF 7821, traveling from New Road toward Barhathwa, collided with Adhikari, who was walking, at around 6 PM.
Adhikari sustained serious injuries and was first taken to Birgunj for treatment. Subsequently, he was transferred to LS Neuro Hospital in Bara, where doctors declared him dead at 7 PM.
Following the accident, the motorcycle has been secured at the Dungrekhola Police Post, and the driver, approximately 20-year-old Shivam Kushwaha from Godaita Municipality-2, has been detained by the Hariwan Police Office. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, authorities said.
Editorial Review Completed.
April 22, Kathmandu – The results of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election have dealt a severe blow to Mamata Banerjee’s party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Previously holding 215 seats, the party failed to win even 100 seats this time.
Even more significant is that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which Mamata Banerjee and her party had vigorously opposed, emerged victorious in West Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee was seen as a prominent figure among the opposition against the BJP-led central government, with support from leaders such as Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and leader of the Samajwadi Party, and Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) from Bihar.
However, despite backing from many opposition leaders, Mamata Banerjee failed to retain power. This defeat is not only a major setback for opposition parties but also indicates a further weakening of their influence in Indian national politics.
Mamata Banerjee was considered a key face of the India bloc formed against the Modi government and the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She advised leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar to convene the opposition alliance’s first meeting in Patna.
Following her advice, the India bloc held its inaugural meeting in Patna. This report examines the impact of Mamata Banerjee’s assembly election defeat on her political stature, and the broader consequences for the national opposition and political future.
‘Opposition Has Weakened’
The Trinamool Congress is the third largest opposition party nationally. In 2024, among opposition parties, only the Congress (99 seats) and the Samajwadi Party (37 seats) won more seats.
The TMC secured 29 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal. Senior journalist Rashid Kidwai states, ‘With this victory, the BJP will now strive to dominate all 42 seats in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee is a significant leader, but her party’s defeat has weakened the opposition and strengthened the BJP.’
He added, ‘It is clear the opposition parties lack unity. They saw Mamata Banerjee only as a political headache. These parties differ ideologically, whereas the BJP’s right-wing politics faces no serious alternative.’
In terms of opposition’s performance, while the Congress-led UDF coalition regained power in Kerala, it suffered defeat in Assam. Similarly, DMK leader M.K. Stalin, who opposed the BJP in Tamil Nadu, also lost. Senior journalist Neerja Chaudhary comments, ‘Overall, the opposition is weak. All major opposition leaders have been defeated. This may lead to internal conflicts and controversies among them, affecting figures like Mamata Banerjee and M.K. Stalin.’
BJP leaders accused Mamata Banerjee and her party during West Bengal campaigning of sheltering Bangladeshi citizens and corruption. In Tamil Nadu, BJP and DMK have clashed over issues related to Hindi language and Sanatan Dharma.
Politics Without Opposition
After losing power in many states in recent years, opposition parties have weakened in national politics. The BJP has been back in power for nearly three decades in Delhi. Recently, the BJP made Samrat Chaudhary the Chief Minister in Bihar for the first time.
The BJP currently governs many states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Assam, either directly or in coalition governments maintaining majority support.
The victory in West Bengal opens new opportunities for the BJP, allowing it to advance with high morale even in states previously considered difficult for the party to govern.
Former Director and political analyst D.M. Divakar of the AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies (Patna) says, ‘The BJP desires politics without a substantial opposition. This victory will boost their morale. The opposition must rethink its weaknesses after this defeat. Parliamentary politics is opportunistic, so everyone looks out for their own interests.’
Divakar adds, ‘Opposition and regional parties are fragmented. The BJP’s win in West Bengal could be replicated in Uttar Pradesh. In politics, only small opposition parties remain against the BJP, which is unfortunate for democracy.’
Rashid Kidwai notes, ‘In West Bengal, left-wing parties, AIMIM, Congress, and TMC divided the secular vote, but the BJP’s majority politics kept their votes consolidated.’
He further states, ‘Another problem for the opposition is that their unity or strategy often remains only on paper. If Congress had agreed on an alliance with the winning party in Tamil Nadu, it would have been beneficial, but P. Chidambaram’s refusal left the Congress isolated.’
Path Forward for the Opposition
On June 23, 2023, opposition parties held a meeting in Patna to face the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting included leaders such as Bihar’s then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad Yadav of RJD, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Hemant Soren, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Farooq Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, among others.
However, just a few months later, Nitish Kumar broke away from the opposition alliance and allied with the BJP, marking a significant blow to the opposition coalition.
Since then, the remaining opposition parties have failed to present a united front for the Lok Sabha elections. Splits emerged from Delhi to Punjab, and West Bengal to Bihar.
Divakar states, ‘The loss in West Bengal will demoralize the opposition, but it would be good if they remain active and do not become inactive after the defeat.’
He adds, ‘In Mamata Banerjee’s case, there was an anti-incumbency wave and public sentiment, but the BJP’s aggression led to her defeat. The Election Commission’s role is to increase voter participation — a healthy aspect of democracy — but that is declining.’
A major challenge facing the opposition is that when Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav were holding ‘Vote Rights Rallies’ in Bihar, Mamata Banerjee did not participate. During the occurrences similar to the SIR incidents in West Bengal, opposition parties did not offer her full support.
Neerja Chaudhary opines, ‘Following Mamata Banerjee’s defeat, there is only one way forward for the opposition — accept Congress leadership and for Congress to show generosity. If this happens, the opposition can move forward. This phase is important not just for opposition parties but also for the BJP to see what strategy the opposition forms next.’
Rashid Kidwai comments, ‘When the BJP loses, it immediately prepares for the next battle, but when the opposition loses, it becomes indifferent, as seen after Bihar’s defeat when the opposition remained passive and disconnected from public issues.’
(Content contributed by Chandan Kumar Jazwade for BBC Hindi)
While descending from the Everest Base Camp towards the Second Camp, a large serac collapse occurred in the Khumbu Icefall, injuring Indian climber Nimis Kumar Singh and Sherpa guide Pemba Tenduk. The incident took place at 5:45 AM. A rescue helicopter from Lukla arrived at the site by 6:30 AM. Both individuals were evacuated to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment, and the Tourism Department has reported that their condition is stable. Dated 22 Baisakh, Kathmandu.
The injuries occurred as the climbers were on a rotation from Everest Base Camp to the Second Camp through the Khumbu Icefall. According to the Tourism Department, the Khumbu Icefall, which was only recently opened last week, is considered dangerous. The collapse of a large serac—a mass of ice—affected the route. As a result, 40-year-old Indian climber Nimis Kumar Singh from Pune and 44-year-old Sherpa guide Pemba Tenduk were injured.
Immediately after the incident, Sherpa guide teams from Pioneer Adventure Pvt. Ltd. and Summit Force Expedition conducted a prompt rescue operation and informed the base camp. Coordinated by the Seven Summit team, a helicopter from Lukla reached the site at 6:30 AM and evacuated the injured climbers. According to the Seven Summit Trek information, the injured are currently undergoing treatment at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu. The Tourism Department has confirmed that their condition is not critical.