Author: space4knews

A preliminary hearing has commenced in the Supreme Court regarding three separate writ petitions challenging the appointment of the Attorney General on the grounds of insufficient qualifications. The petitions were filed by eight and five advocates respectively before a bench headed by Justice Kumar Regmi. The petitions demand the removal of Attorney General Dr. Narayandatt Kandel, citing his failure to meet the mandatory continuous 15 years of legal practice experience required for the post. Kathmandu, 24 April.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing three distinct writ petitions simultaneously, all asserting that the appointment of the Attorney General did not meet the required qualifications. The bench led by Justice Kumar Regmi is overseeing the hearing. The petitions were filed separately by eight advocates including Madhav Basnet and Shivraj Baral, and five advocates including Deepkaraj Joshi. Initially, the Supreme Court administration had refused to register these petitions. However, a single-judge bench later overturned that decision and ordered the petitions to be registered.

According to Supreme Court regulations, the Attorney General—considered equivalent in rank to a Supreme Court justice—must have continuously practiced law for 15 years. Dr. Narayandatt Kandel, who has spent a long time practicing law in the United Kingdom, reportedly does not fulfill this continuous 15-year practice criterion. Hence, the writ petitions seek his removal from the position.

Former Miss Nepal and actress Nikita Chandak is set to appear in the Netflix web series ‘Glory’. Chandak shared this news on Instagram, inviting fans to watch the series starting May 1. This marks her debut in a web series. The show is a thriller centered around themes of revenge and is produced by Atomic Films.

Kathmandu – Nikita Chandak, a well-known model, actress, and beauty pageant winner, will make her debut in the Hindi web series ‘Glory’ streaming on Netflix from May 1. Chandak personally announced the news on Instagram, stating, “This feels like my ‘Red Season’, perhaps because it’s my ‘Netflix Season’. Watch ‘Glory’ on Netflix from May 1. This is my first web series.”

The announcement has been met with numerous congratulatory and supportive responses from fans. Produced by Atomic Films, the series focuses on a gripping narrative of thriller and revenge. However, Chandak has not divulged details regarding the nature or length of her role in the series.

Nikita Chandak is a celebrated Nepalese model and actress who won Miss Nepal in 2017 and represented Nepal at Miss World the same year. She began her acting career with the Nepalese film ‘Saanglo’ and has since been actively involved in acting, advertising, and digital projects based in Mumbai, India. Last year, she revealed plans to act in an upcoming film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and has appeared alongside Rajkummar Rao in a commercial. Her most recent Nepalese film appearance was in ‘Rajagang’, directed by Deepak Rauniyar, which had its world premiere in Venice.

April 23, Goksho, Solukhumbu – A climate conference held in the Khumbu region has concluded with the release of a 9-point Goksho declaration emphasizing Nepal’s leadership role among Himalayan and mountain nations in climate justice. The declaration was issued following the conference held on Wednesday to mark World Earth Day, highlighting the need to strengthen climate diplomacy and prioritize Himalayan issues in international forums.

The Goksho Climate Conference was organized collaboratively by Solukhumbu’s Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality and organizations actively involved in climate justice and tourism development. Experts and delegates traveled from Kathmandu to Gokyo via Lukla, Namche, Khumjung, and Machermo to attend the event. Indira Rana, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and current parliamentarian, read the declaration and expressed gratitude to the organizers for their role in pressuring the government on climate justice from the citizen level.

“The government alone cannot halt the problems caused by climate change. It must collaborate directly with citizens from affected areas,” she said. “Both the government and parliament should carefully consider the recommendations outlined in this declaration.” Arunbhakta Shrestha, a glaciologist, highlighted the importance of the conference in addressing the risks associated with glacier melting. Youth leader Tasi Lazum, renewable energy researcher Kushal Gurung, rights activist Sama Shrestha, lawyer Saroj Ghimire, and journalist Babita Basnet also read out the declaration points and affirmed their consensus during the meeting.

The delegation conducted community dialogues and household surveys with women in Khumjung and observed glaciers in Goksho to assess threats posed by climate change. The declaration recommends adopting gender-sensitive and environmentally sustainable energy solutions to resolve the ongoing energy crisis. Organizer Bal Krishna Basnet informed that the accompanying study report will be submitted to local governments, provincial and federal authorities, as well as the federal parliament for policy formulation and management.

“Working closely with local authorities enabled us to gain a direct understanding of the impacts of climate change. Experts have indicated increasing risks posed by glaciers in the Goksho area,” Basnet remarked. The declaration underscores a commitment to making climate action just, inclusive, and rights-based, advocating for meaningful participation of women, indigenous peoples, youth, and marginalized communities at all levels. The conference was held in partnership with organizations including the Nepal Mountaineering Association, BYD electric vehicles, NCL, Nepal Airlines, and TAHAN.

April 23, Ilam — When Haribahadur Tamang opened his shop in 1993 (2050 BS), the Fikkal market in Ilam was nothing like the bustling area it is today. The narrow roads, small settlements, and modest houses set a very different scene. He recalls, “There were no roads in the village and very few snack shops in the market. People who came on foot used to eat their snacks and meals right at my shop.”

For over three decades, he has been running his sweet shop in Fikkal market, located in ward number 10 of Suryaodaya Municipality. He shares proudly that through hard work in Nepal, selling sweets has brought him happiness and livelihood. His business flourished from the morning right up to 2001 BS (1954 AD). During that time, he purchased a house in the Terai region and acquired three plots of land near Fikkal’s New Chowk area.

He also succeeded in educating two daughters abroad in the United States and Australia. His youngest daughter is currently studying Chartered Accountancy and a BBIS degree in Kathmandu, funded by the income from this shop. “The house in Birtamod, Jhapa, and the lands at New Chowk were all possible because of the business back then,” he explained. “I started the shop in 1993 with an investment of 22,000 rupees, paying 200 rupees monthly rent. Even when selling snacks that filled the stomach for just five rupees, I was able to earn money. I have provided stability for my daughters and earned happiness by selling sweets.”

His shop, Janata Misthan Bhandar, is still operating today, though the profit margin is not what it once was. Tamang says, “Prices have risen. I am in the process of buying supplies now. Customers still come, but competition is fierce, as there are many shops now. Nevertheless, I manage to save 60-70 thousand rupees.” He attributes his daughters’ bright futures to his honest mindset and continuous hard work.

“I sent my eldest daughter to the U.S. after nursing studies in Kathmandu. My middle daughter is in Australia, and the youngest is studying Chartered Accountancy and BBIS here in Kathmandu. I feel very satisfied,” he shared emotionally. To support his daughters’ education, he even sold the house he had built in Birtamod.

The nature of business has changed over time. About 20 years ago, his shop moved from the Pashupatinagar area of Fikkal to beneath the Ilam STEN in the market. Items that once cost five rupees are now priced at 150 rupees. The shop offers an array of snacks including samosas, sel roti, puri, laddus, khurma, rasbari, jeri, and bhujia, and currently employs two staff members.

He adds, “Competition has grown and customer preferences have shifted. Many sell alcohol now, but I have never sold liquor, tobacco, or cigarettes.” Around 1985 (2042 BS), he ran a rickshaw in Kankadbhitta, Jhapa, gaining the trust of 600 workers to become the treasurer of the Rickshaw Union. After working in a hotel for a period, he started the sweet shop and remains dedicated to it today. Despite aging, his passion for work remains strong. “You can’t live without working, but nowadays, young people don’t want to work this hard,” he observes.

The historic Gorkhe market was the commercial hub back then, where people had to carry heavy loads to shop for goods. “We used to carry heavy loads early in the morning to Fikkal. We would go to Hari’s sweet shop to have snacks. These people are from an earlier time and still do business the same way,” recounts 76-year-old Veerbahadur Rai from Gorkhe. “Even today, when I visit Fikkal, I don’t leave without eating samosas at Hari’s shop.”

Air pollution in Kathmandu has reached an extremely unhealthy level today, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting 247. Currently, Nepal ranks as the second most polluted country in the world, following Pakistan in the first position. According to the Nepal government’s AQI classification, values between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, while those above 301 are deemed hazardous.

On April 23, Kathmandu’s air quality has severely deteriorated. This morning, real-time measurements from the Swiss platform IQAir recorded an AQI of 247, which dropped slightly to 216 by the time this report was prepared. An AQI between 201 and 300 falls under the very unhealthy category.

Nepal now stands second on the list of the world’s most polluted countries, with Pakistan leading. In the Kathmandu Valley, dense smog was visible today. According to the Nepal government’s AQI scale, 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and above 301 hazardous.

10 Vaishakh, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee has announced the wholesale prices of agricultural produce for today. According to the committee, the prices per kilogram are as follows: Large tomatoes (Indian) 80 NPR, small tomatoes (local) 50 NPR, small tomatoes (Indian) 55 NPR, small tomatoes (Terai) 65 NPR, red potatoes 26 NPR, red potatoes (Indian) 25 NPR, dried onions (Indian) 37 NPR.

Similarly, carrots (local) are priced at 60 NPR per kilogram, carrots (Terai) 30 NPR, cabbage (local) 45 NPR, cabbage (Terai) 30 NPR, cauliflower (local) 30 NPR, cauliflower (local, Jyapu variety) 40 NPR, white radish 30 NPR, white radish (hybrid) 30 NPR, long eggplant 50 NPR, and round eggplant 60 NPR.

Additionally, cluster beans (whole) cost 50 NPR per kilogram, peas (pod) 60 NPR, winged beans (local) 30 NPR, winged beans (hybrid) 30 NPR, kidney beans 110 NPR, soybeans 180 NPR, bitter gourd 90 NPR, bottle gourd 30 NPR, ridge gourd 80 NPR, ridge gourd (Terai) 80 NPR, sponge gourd 50 NPR. Sponge gourd (small type) is 30 NPR, pumpkins (ripe) 60 NPR, long green pumpkin 30 NPR, short green pumpkin 25 NPR, okra 60 NPR, bitter melon 60 NPR, chayote 75 NPR, taro 50 NPR, and ivy gourd 60 NPR per kilogram.

Other prices include spinach 60 NPR, palungo (spinach type) 100 NPR, chamchure 80 NPR, mustard greens 40 NPR, fenugreek 80 NPR, green onions 80 NPR, buckwheat leaves 60 NPR, mushrooms (button) 2,280 NPR, mushrooms (oyster) 350 NPR, king oyster mushrooms 300 NPR, and shiitake mushrooms 1,000 NPR per kilogram. Additionally, yam bean 450 NPR, winged bean 80 NPR, broccoli 80 NPR, beetroot 50 NPR, coriander 300 NPR, red cabbage 50 NPR, cumin leaves 80 NPR, gathkopi (shoulder cabbage) 50 NPR, parsley 190 NPR, celery 180 NPR, fennel leaves 80 NPR, mint 100 NPR, gante mula 50 NPR, tamarind 180 NPR, copper leaves 150 NPR, tofu 150 NPR, and dried leafy greens 250 NPR per kilogram.

Apple (Jhole variety) is priced at 250 NPR per kilogram, Fuji apple 300 NPR, lemon 390 NPR, bananas (per dozen) 250 NPR, pomegranate 400 NPR, green grapes 240 NPR, black grapes 380 NPR, green watermelon 45 NPR, and wild pumpkin 250 NPR per piece. Cucumbers (local) are 40 NPR per kilogram, cucumbers (hybrid) 15 NPR, cucumber (local cross) 40 NPR, kaki fruit 80 NPR, Chinese pears 250 NPR, Nepali walnuts 80 NPR, Indian walnuts 90 NPR, kiwi 450 NPR, and avocado 800 NPR per kilogram.

Ginger is priced at 100 NPR per kilogram, dried chili 450 NPR, green chili 100 NPR, bullet green chili 80 NPR, mached chili 80 NPR, Akbare chili 500 NPR, black goat chili 80 NPR, green garlic 80 NPR. Green coriander costs 80 NPR, dried garlic (Chinese) 200 NPR, dried garlic (Nepali) 130 NPR, dried fish 1,000 NPR, fresh fish (Rahu) 340 NPR, fresh fish (Bachuwa) 310 NPR, and fresh fish (Chhadi) 300 NPR per kilogram.

The blacktopping work on the Martadi–Kolti road segment has been left unfinished because the contractor, PS Baniya Construction Services, failed to complete the job on time. The Infrastructure Development Office in Achham has reported that this has left the project in limbo. Due to the failure to complete the work within the allocated NPR 150 million budget in the previous fiscal year, NPR 135 million had to be returned. For the current fiscal year, although NPR 200 million has been budgeted, work has yet to commence, said the office chief, Jangbahadur Thapa.

The Martadi–Kolti road spans 41 kilometers and has undergone tendering in three packages amounting to NPR 1.57 billion. However, even after 26 years, the construction remains incomplete. On 10th Baisakh in Bajura, it was reported that the blacktopping work between Dhamkane and Kolti on this road segment is currently stalled. Thapa emphasized that the construction company failed to meet deadlines.

The Infrastructure Development Office has indicated that PS Baniya Construction Services did not complete the work on schedule, which has resulted in annual budget refunds. Last fiscal year, as the project could not be completed despite a NPR 150 million allocation, NPR 135 million had to be returned. This fiscal year, even though NPR 200 million has been allocated, the contractor has yet to commence operations, clarified office chief Thapa.

PS Baniya Construction Services is registered under the name of Indra Bahadur Baniya, a leader of the Nepali Congress. He is a member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly and the president of Nepali Congress Bagmati Province. Saroj Rai, the representative and engineer of PS Baniya Construction Services, acknowledged that various factors delayed the work, noted that machinery had been withdrawn from the site, and assured that work would resume within a few days.