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Author: space4knews

Spotify Launches ‘Playlist Notes’ Feature to Add Personal Touches to Songs and Podcasts

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Spotify has introduced a new feature called ‘Playlist Notes’ designed to make songs, podcasts, and audiobooks more meaningful. This feature allows users to add notes to playlists they create or collaborate on, giving them the opportunity to write about old memories, recommendations, and personal reasons behind their selections. Currently, this feature is available to users under 16 years old in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

The new feature empowers users to write about the various musical and audio content within their playlists. Spotify believes this will encourage the sharing of musical experiences among listeners and help make playlists more personal. Alongside this, two additional features, ‘Editorial Notes’ and ‘Editorial Profiles’, have been introduced to help editors disclose the reasons behind their song selections.

Listeners can read editorial comments by clicking the notes option at the top of a playlist. To add notes, users need to open their playlist, tap the menu button next to any song, podcast episode, or audiobook, and select ‘Add Note’. The note will then appear at the bottom right of the related item and will be visible to other users.

The ‘Editorial Notes’ and ‘Editorial Profiles’ features are currently available to both free and premium users aged 16 and over in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The Playlist Notes feature works on both Android and iOS devices. Spotify also reports having more than 300 million subscribers worldwide and over 777 million monthly active users.

First PSA Satellite Squash Tournament Held in Nepal

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The Nepal Squash and Racket Federation is organizing the first-ever PSA Nepal Satellite Squash Tournament. The competition will feature 16 male players from six countries, including six players from Nepal. The total prize money for the event has been set at 1,000 US dollars. Kathmandu, August 18.

The tournament, hosted by the Nepal Squash and Racket Federation, will take place over four days in Satdobato, Lalitpur. Federation President Dhurv Bahadur Gurung announced the details at a press conference on Tuesday. The participants will include players from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. Nepal’s representatives are Arahant Keshar Simha, Deepak Thapa, Pasang Blon, Saroj Tamang, Rakesh Pariyar, and Nayan Bahadur Magar.

Although the draw size can accommodate 8, 16, or 32 players, the Vice President of the federation and tournament director, Rupak Das Tamrakar, confirmed that only 16 players will take part in this inaugural edition. Using the Monnard “draw” system, a total of 35 matches will be played. The federation views this tournament as a key opportunity to raise the standards of squash in Nepal and provide Nepalese players with valuable international competitive experience.

The total prize pool is 1,000 US dollars, with the winner receiving $400, the runner-up $200, and the two semifinalists each earning $100. Quarterfinalists will be awarded $50 apiece. With squash included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California, the sport’s international profile has increased significantly. The federation is self-funding the tournament expenses but hopes to receive financial support from the National Sports Council.

Rising Transformer Thefts in Madhesh: Authority and Police Face Dual Challenges

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Information Summary

Compiled after editorial review.

  • Incidents of transformer thefts intended for irrigation and drinking water schemes in Madhesh Province are increasing, causing hardship for farmers and local residents.
  • According to police records, 33 transformers were stolen in Madhesh in the fiscal year 2082/83 alone, with a total of 101 thefts reported over the last five years.
  • The Electricity Authority has implemented security measures such as welding, but thieves continue to bypass these protections to steal equipment.

September 18, Janakpurdham – A 100 kV transformer installed for irrigation in Ward 1 of Aurahi Municipality, Mahottari, was stolen on the night of August 13. The transformer had been installed just over a year ago on July 12, 2025 (28 Ashar 2082 BS).

Following the theft, farmers have faced difficulties irrigating their rice fields. With no reliable alternative for irrigation, this theft has caused significant problems for agriculture, explained farmer Bipin Yadav.

“The water does not arrive on time. After the transformer was installed, there was some relief, but now it has been stolen. How will we irrigate the rice fields now?” he lamented.

Earlier, on July 19 night, a transformer used for drinking water was stolen from Ward 9 in Kishore Natha Municipality, Dhanusha. Ward Chairperson Avadh Kishor Yadav said the theft disrupted preparations to operate the drinking water project. “The project was ready to start, but the theft of the transformer caused confusion,” he said.

He added that previously transformers installed between wards 8 and 9 for agricultural irrigation had also been stolen. Repeated thefts have been reported to the police administration.

On July 10, locals in Mithila Municipality Ward 2, Naktajhij of Dhanusha reported a transformer theft from the drinking water consumer committee’s transformer pole. The transformer, located in Eastern Ward 6 of Naktajhij, was taken down and its oil and coil stolen. This was the third such incident at the same location. Despite welding being done to prevent theft, thieves dismantled the welding to carry out the crime. After the theft, locals experienced water shortage for four days until a replacement transformer was installed.

In this season of rice cultivation, water scarcity has left farmers facing a drought-like situation. With surface water declining, farmers depend on electric motors powered by wells, boring, and shallow tube wells for irrigation. However, with the rising number of transformer thefts, they are growing increasingly concerned.

Moreover, as groundwater levels decrease, the general public also relies on electric motors and drinking water projects for water, but the transformers supporting these schemes are also being targeted by thieves.

Incidents of transformer theft are on a steady rise in Madhesh. According to Provincial Police Office Janakpur, 33 transformers were stolen in fiscal year 2082/83 alone.

Assistant Spokesperson SP Bheshraj Rizal detailed that Mahottari had the highest count with 11 transformers stolen, followed by 7 in Saptari, 4 each in Dhanusha and Bara, 3 in Sarlahi, 2 in Siraha, and 1 in Rautahat.

Rizal reported that data from the last five years shows an upward trend in transformer theft incidents, with a total of 101 thefts occurring from fiscal years 2078/79 through 2082/83.

Specifically, 21 transformers were stolen in 2081/82, 12 in 2080/81, 7 in 2079/80, and 28 in 2078/79. Though there was a decrease after 2078/79, the numbers have increased again in recent years.

These thefts have disrupted electricity supply and caused additional financial burdens on the Electricity Authority for new installations and repairs. Transformers located in fields away from villages, used for irrigation and drinking water schemes, are the primary targets of theft, leaving both the Authority and police administration struggling. Farmers and the general public have been significantly affected.

Maksud Alam, head of the Electricity Authority’s distribution center in Shakhuwa, Mahendranagar, said recent preventive efforts include welding on transformers to deter theft. However, thieves have managed to cut through the welds and continue stealing equipment.

“We weld transformers installed for irrigation inside the distribution center to prevent theft. Drinking water transformers are the primary targets of thieves, who cut welding with cutters and wireless tools,” he explained.

Alam added that discussions with the District Administration Office have emphasized the need for monitoring and patrols. He noted that organized theft gangs are active in stealing transformers, and police could control them if they prioritize the issue.

Transformers installed in remote fields are particularly vulnerable and pose challenges when replacing after theft.

Om Prasad Adhikari, Madhesh Province Police Chief, stated the police are taking the transformer theft incidents seriously.

“The police have expressed concern about these thefts and have held discussions with representatives from the Electricity Authority,” he said. “It is essential to implement necessary security and preventive measures.”

He stressed that welding transformers upon installation helps reduce theft to some extent, and local residents in installation areas must also maintain vigilance and security awareness.

Police officials revealed that due to limited manpower, it is challenging to ensure security coverage and meet all needs across regions.

According to the Electricity Authority’s Regional Office in Janakpur, Mujeliya, about 8,000 transformers are installed in Madhesh Province. Following the rise in thefts, the office has started raising public awareness about security and monitoring and has urged police authorities to take action.

“We request local residents near transformer sites to ensure their care, vigilance, and security, and to immediately report any line cuts by phone,” said Regional Office Chief Shambhu Kusiyait Yadav. “We have also communicated with Madhesh Province police to enhance monitoring, and with district administrations and police offices to increase patrols, supervision, and investigations to prevent thefts.”

He mentioned that three cases of transformer theft have already been registered in Dhanusha, Mahottari, and Siraha districts. He emphasized that the Authority’s monitoring alone cannot safeguard transformers and that the cooperation and vigilance of local communities are indispensable.

Opposition Raises Concerns as Ruling Party MPs Debate Passport Bill Amendments

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

During parliamentary discussions on the bill amending the passport law, a member of the opposition expressed concerns that the bill might benefit Ravi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Even a ruling party MP voiced worry over the bill’s provisions potentially removing criminal charges in certain cases. Nishkal Rai, coordinator of the Nepali Congress, highlighted apprehensions about the bill proposing no jail sentences for passport misuse.

Rai did not directly mention Lamichhane by name but referenced ongoing court cases related to passport misuse. He stated, “We are concerned that this will also benefit the ruling party chairman along with other individuals.”

Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting, Rai said, “The passport issue is highly important and complex; we cannot overlook it. Senior political leaders and prominent figures have also faced questions regarding passports.” He added, “I would like to remind everyone that the issue of passport misuse has already reached the courts.” Lamichhane was investigated for allegedly presenting false information to obtain a Nepali passport despite holding a U.S. passport. However, the Attorney General’s Office decided not to pursue the case further, and a writ petition against this decision is pending before the Supreme Court.

MPs raised concerns about the following arrangement: Under Section 22 of the current Passport Act, if a person is found to have obtained a passport by providing false information, a punishment of one to three years imprisonment, or a fine ranging from NPR 200,000 to NPR 500,000, or both, can be imposed. However, the government’s bill proposes that no imprisonment will be given for such an offense. Instead, a fine of NPR 100,000 to NPR 200,000 will be imposed, and the Director General of the Department of Passports could pay this fine on behalf of the offender. This provision has drawn significant concern within parliament.

FIBA Asian Potential Referee Training Camp Concludes Successfully

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The Nepal Basketball Association organized a FIBA Asian Potential Referee Training Camp held in Kathmandu from August 16 to 18. The camp saw the participation of 35 referee candidates and was conducted by Ferdinand Pascal Cruz, a FIBA referee instructor from the Philippines. NEBA President Bhim Singh Gurung stated that this camp was held in preparation for the FIBA referee application opening in 2027.

The primary objective of the camp was to develop referees qualified for international-level basketball. Referees from outside the Kathmandu Valley also took part. President Gurung remarked, “This three-day FIBA Asian Potential Referee Camp featured the presence of Asia’s number one referee who has officiated at the Olympic Games, World Cup, and major Asian competitions.”

He further added, “Outstanding referees will be selected from this group to apply for 2027. It is essential to make the technical officials proficient, and only by producing skilled technical officials can we achieve success at the international level.” The closing ceremony was attended by Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha and General Secretary Rajiv Shrestha.

Decision to Immediately Advance Pending Procurements for Implementation of Zero-Day Procurement Policy

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

The government has announced the implementation of the Zero-Day Procurement Policy, yet some agencies have not completed procurement processes even in the first month of the current fiscal year. In Monday’s secretariat meeting, concerned ministries and agencies with programs and projects where procurement has not yet started were directed to immediately move forward with public procurement. The meeting also mandated that all ministries and agencies must submit monthly progress reports on implementation to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers by the 27th of each month.

September 18, Kathmandu – The government had declared the adoption of the Zero-Day Procurement Policy in the policy and programs for the fiscal year 2079/80 (Nepali calendar). However, despite the first month of the fiscal year having ended, some agencies have yet to complete procurement processes. This is corroborated by data from the first month of budget implementation. In this context, Monday’s secretariat meeting decided that ministries and agencies associated with programs and projects where procurement has not started must immediately proceed with public procurement.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the meeting also reviewed the progress of implementation on decisions made in previous secretariat meetings. All ministries and agencies were instructed to prioritize these decisions and submit monthly progress reports on implementation to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers by the 27th of each month without fail. The meeting additionally reviewed the annual progress of ministry-wise and agency-wise work plans and milestones for the fiscal year 2078/79.

The secretariat meeting further decided that all ministries and agencies must ensure that planned activities and milestones for the ongoing fiscal year are completed within scheduled timeframes. Ministries were also instructed to revise concept papers regarding immediate areas for improvement that require citizen permissions and implement those revisions swiftly, while regularly submitting updates on progress to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Nepal Defeats Karnataka by 116 Runs in Practice Match, Bundling Them Out for 72

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Summary of the News

  • The Nepal cricket team, preparing for the ACC Premier Cup, secured a 116-run victory against Karnataka in their first practice match in India.
  • Batting first, Nepal was all out for 188 runs in 45 overs, with Asif Sheikh top-scoring at 49 runs.
  • Karnataka was bowled out for just 72 runs in 28 overs, with Karan KC taking 2 wickets, and Lalit Rajwanshi, Sher Malla, and Basir Ahmad each taking 2 wickets.

September 18, Kathmandu – The Nepal national cricket team, currently in India prepping for the ACC Premier Cup, achieved a thrilling 116-run win in their first practice match against Karnataka.

Chasing the target of 189 set by Nepal, the Karnataka lineup was bowled out for just 72 runs in 28 overs. Sharath Srinivas top-scored for Karnataka with 32 runs off 65 balls, including 3 fours. Revanth Bairi contributed 10 runs, and Santosh Singh added 9 runs.

Other Karnataka batsmen were dismissed cheaply: Lochan Gouda scored 2 runs, Tushar Singh and Samarth Srinivas were out for ducks. Sanjay Ashwin managed 1 run, Ritesh Bhatkal 6, Sagar Gautam 0, Kirti M 3, and Aditya Goyal 6 before returning to the pavilion.

Nepal’s bowlers delivered an excellent performance. Karan KC took 2 wickets conceding just 9 runs in 5 overs. Lalit Rajwanshi, Sher Malla, and Basir Ahmad each claimed 2 wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane took 1 wicket.

Batting first after winning the toss, Nepal was all out for 188 runs in the allotted 45 overs.

Asif Sheikh top-scored for Nepal with 49 runs, compiled off 70 balls with 2 fours and 1 six. Opener Dev Khanal made 27 runs off 43 balls including 5 fours, and Ishan Pande contributed 34 runs from 49 balls with 3 fours.

Sandeep Jora scored 27 runs off 37 balls with 2 fours, while Basir Ahmad finished not out on 19 runs off 27 balls. Gulshan Jale added 11 runs from 16 balls.

Rohit Paudel scored 4 runs off 8 balls before being dismissed. Karan KC was out for a duck in 7 balls, Sandeep Lamichhane made 2 runs off 7 balls, and Sher Malla scored 1 run from 2 balls.

Nepal’s start was shaky as Arjun Kamal was out for a duck after facing just 4 balls. However, Asif, Dev, and Ishan steadied the innings, guiding the team to a competitive total.

Kirti M of Karnataka excelled with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 20 runs in 8 overs. Aditya Goyal, Arvind Kumar Rai, Chirant Shivrudra, Sagar Gautam, and Samarth Srinivas each took one wicket.

This practice match against Karnataka is part of Nepal’s preparations ahead of the ACC Premier Cup.

Ncell Implements 60-Second Pulse Rate for International Outgoing Calls

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Starting Tuesday, Ncell has introduced a new 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 destination countries. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority approved the new pulse rates under Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act 2053 on August 7.

Countries where the new pulse rate is applied include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, the United States, China, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Mexico, Libya, among other destinations.

The complete list of countries where the new pulse rate is enforced, along with call and SMS charges, is available in the ‘International Call and SMS Rates’ section on Ncell’s website.

Pakistan Supreme Court Orders Hospitalization of Imran Khan at Shifa International

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the former Prime Minister Imran Khan to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for treatment. The court directed that Khan remain hospitalized until the next hearing scheduled for September 16 and that he be allowed weekly visits with his family.

Julfikar Bukhari, an advisor to Imran Khan, welcomed the court’s decision and expressed concern about Khan’s health condition. He stated, “The order to transfer Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital is appropriate. Had this decision been made earlier, his eyesight and health would not have deteriorated so severely.”

A three-member bench heard the petition for Khan’s hospitalization. The bench was chaired by Justice Shahid Wahid, with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim as members. The Supreme Court also issued a contempt notice to the superintendent of Adiala Jail.

The court instructed that all medical records related to Imran Khan’s health be submitted. Additionally, it ordered that family members be allowed weekly visits. The court further directed that full details of all pending cases against Khan be provided.

West Indies Players Win Both ICC Player of the Month Awards for July

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

West Indies cricketers Justin Greaves and Hayley Matthews have been announced as the ICC Players of the Month for July. Greaves earned the award for the first time following impressive performances with both bat and ball in Test matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Matthews secured her fifth ICC Player of the Month title after scoring 265 runs and taking seven wickets in a three-match ODI series against Ireland. Kathmandu, 18 August.

On the men’s side, Greaves was selected as the top player, while Matthews received the honors on the women’s side. Greaves’ exceptional batting and bowling displays in July earned him the ICC Player of the Month award for the first time. His dominant performances in Tests played at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan were crucial. In the Test against Sri Lanka, West Indies found themselves under pressure at 144 for four when Greaves played a magnificent innings of 180 runs. He struck 14 fours and two sixes, enabling West Indies to approach the massive total of 549 set by Sri Lanka. That Test eventually ended in a draw.

Following that, Greaves delivered the best bowling performance of his career against Pakistan, taking five wickets in the first innings. He bowled five consecutive maiden overs, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order, and finished the game with seven wickets in total. His overall performance helped West Indies secure a comfortable 90-run victory over Pakistan. Greaves was also named Player of the Match in both Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

On the women’s side, Matthews claimed her fifth ICC Player of the Month award. In the three-match ODI series against Ireland, she scored 265 runs and played a vital role in West Indies’ 3–0 series win. Matthews posted consecutive centuries in the first two matches of the series. She scored an unbeaten 159 runs and took three wickets in the opening game, followed by 100 runs and two more wickets in the second match. Across the three games, Matthews averaged 132.50 with a strike rate of 117.25, amassing 265 runs and taking seven wickets. Matthews competed for the award alongside England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama on the women’s side.

What Caused the 10-Minute Call Disruption Between Ncell and NTC?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

Summary: On Tuesday afternoon, calls from Ncell to Nepal Telecom numbers experienced about a 10-minute disruption. When attempting to call, users received a message stating ‘Incoming calls are prohibited,’ according to Kamal Lamichhane, spokesperson for Nepal Telecom. Lamichhane confirmed a technical issue and said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause. Kathmandu, 19 August — On Tuesday afternoon, calls from Ncell to Nepal Telecom (NTC) numbers were disrupted for approximately 10 minutes. Users attempting to call NTC from Ncell encountered a message indicating ‘Incoming calls are prohibited,’ preventing phone connections. This issue affected some users temporarily but has now been fully resolved. Kamal Lamichhane, spokesperson for Nepal Telecom, confirmed the technical problem and stated that the technical team is investigating the cause. ‘Our technical team is working to identify the cause. The disruption lasted for about 10 minutes,’ he said.

Elderly Man Accosted in Singapore After Touching Girl’s Head Without Permission

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

A 73-year-old man in Singapore recently found himself at the center of a viral social media incident after he touched the head of an unknown young girl. Footage captured at a food court shows the elderly man making contact with the girl’s head. Following this, a woman believed to be the girl’s mother attempted to intervene, leading to a confrontation between the man and another individual.

The man involved in the dispute is presumed to be the girl’s father. This incident has sparked widespread public debate in Singapore. Many have condemned the aggressive response against the elderly man, while others argue that touching a child without parental consent is inappropriate. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the matter is underway.

Israeli Military Activity Intensifies Sharply in Southern Lebanon

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

UNIFIL has reported a significant increase in Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon over the past two weeks. From August 5 to 16, an average of 137 projectiles were launched daily. On Saturday, 208 projectiles struck their targets, and on Sunday, 185, causing insecurity and uncertainty that has displaced many families.

UNIFIL stated that peacekeeping forces are playing an active role in patrols, monitoring, route clearance, and reducing explosive risks, which has facilitated access to humanitarian services. According to a report published by UNIFIL, “There has been a substantial increase in Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon over the last two weeks.” As tension escalates, civilians have once again been forced to pay a heavy price, UNIFIL emphasized.

Following Israel’s 1978 invasion, a peace mission was deployed in Lebanon under a mandate from the United Nations Security Council. This mandate is renewed every six months. At the end of August 2025, the mission’s mandate was extended until December 31, 2026. Additionally, a decision has been made to commence a secure drawdown, with full withdrawal planned by 2027.

Trump Issues Stark Warning to Ally Nations Amid Iran’s Military Expansion

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

President Donald Trump has established new rules for America’s allied countries, warning that nations opposing US policies in one region may face consequences in another. During his second term, Trump has intensified pressure on allied countries, often humiliating their leaders and leveraging decades-old security relationships to advance his personal and political agendas. The conflict with Iran has further accelerated this approach. Trump’s frustration with allies who keep a distance from the war has grown, leading him to penalize countries involved in efforts to end the conflict.

South Korea, once praised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as an exemplary ally, has recently become a surprising target in Trump’s campaign of retaliation. On Sunday, Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly scale back the Ulchi Freedom Shield annual military exercises, citing their high cost. This joint exercise has been a cornerstone of US and Seoul defense strategy against nuclear-armed North Korea for nearly half a century. Trump also claimed to have a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, ‘I recently asked the President of South Korea to participate in ending Iran’s nuclear program, and he said, thank you, we cannot.’

In a Monday press briefing, Trump added, ‘We cannot always defend all these countries, especially those that do not cooperate.’ European nations have long endured Trump’s attacks on the US-led alliance, and the Iran war has further strained these ties. Trump’s pressure campaign has become more systematic. According to Bloomberg, the Pentagon has sent a questionnaire to NATO allies to test their loyalty to Trump’s foreign policy. Based on their responses, the US will decide where to deploy or withdraw military forces. The survey focuses on American military deployments and arms purchases, primarily gauging each country’s support for the Trump administration’s foreign policy.

Allied countries that have resisted this coercive approach have already paid a price. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly criticized Trump’s Iran strategy, leading the Pentagon to decide in May to withdraw nearly 5,000 US troops from Germany. Spain refused to allow US military bases to be used for an attack on Iran, prompting Trump to threaten a complete halt to trade with Spain. Within weeks, Pentagon officials proposed suspending Spain’s NATO membership. Oman, a key mediator attempting to facilitate a Hormuz agreement, has also come under Trump’s scrutiny. On Monday, Trump threatened harsh repercussions if Oman broke the deal with Iran. This escalating conflict has also exposed the limits of American military power.

Trump and Iran set a 60-day deadline for a final peace agreement, which expired Monday without a deal. Since signing the memorandum of understanding in June, both sides have grown further apart. Despite US military and economic pressure, tensions remain high around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump has asserted that the waterway should remain open and effectively become US-controlled territory. In light of rising tensions, the US Navy is withdrawing the USS George Washington from the Western Pacific, relieving the long-deployed USS Abraham Lincoln. This move will leave the Asian region temporarily without a US aircraft carrier. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelley stated, ‘President Trump has restored America’s respect. The results are clear to everyone: nine wars ended; hostages freed from Gaza; fairer trade deals. Now, Iran will never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.’ She claimed Trump would never tolerate unfair treatment of America, correcting decades-old mistakes of predecessors and making diplomatic relations bilateral and equal.

Trump is teaching America’s partners that Washington may not always be there to support them when needed. This is likely to motivate them to reduce dependence on the US, gradually weakening the network of alliances that has strengthened American power for generations.

Nepal Earns 3 Billion NPR from Electricity Exports Amid Growing Concerns Over Market Expansion

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Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha informed at an event organized by the Nepal Electricity Authority on Monday that Nepal is now capable of exporting electrical energy worth nearly 3 billion Nepalese rupees. He described last fiscal year’s electricity trade figures in foreign markets as not merely an achievement but also as proof that “Nepal is undergoing transformation.” However, some experts in the energy sector pointed out that despite these positive figures, there is still insufficient assurance regarding sustained foreign market access and expansion in domestic consumption alongside the continuously increasing production. They cautioned that as production rises without corresponding market and consumption growth, the risk of electricity being wasted uncontrollably could increase. This issue has particularly manifested in recent years with a noticeable rise in electricity wastage during the rainy season.

“An excess production of around one or two hundred megawatts can be considered a non-problematic reserve,” said Mohan Dangi, President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN). “However, as new production capacity continues to be added, this issue could become a major challenge.” Former Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, Hitendra Dev Shakya, highlighted delays in expanding the transmission and distribution systems over recent years in response to private sector demands related to electricity trade and transmission. “The private sector is already capable in electricity production, so the primary focus now should be on transmission and distribution infrastructure, but requisite ‘attention’ and ‘urgency’ in these areas are lacking,” he stated.

Energy producers have long called for allowing private sector participation not only in production but also in market expansion and transmission line construction to prevent electricity wastage. “Indian traders are also willing to assist in electricity trade, and the private sector has gained experience in constructing major transmission lines from hydropower plants,” noted IPPAN President Dangi. Sandeep Kumar Dev, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, revealed that the legal amendment process to permit private sector involvement is underway. “A new Electricity Act was presented to Parliament but was stalled due to its dissolution. Efforts are now being made to reintroduce the bill, which will include provisions for private sector participation,” said Dev.