Author: space4knews

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of PS Baniya Construction Services, acknowledged that various factors delayed the work, noted that machinery had been withdrawn from the site, and assured that work would resume within a few days.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecasted that maximum temperatures may reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in five cities of the Terai region this afternoon. The department specifically highlighted the possibility of extreme heat in Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.

April 23, Ghodaghodi (Kailali) – It is not always necessary to have sight to see the light in life; sometimes confidence, hard work, and strong determination can also illuminate the path. Viktalal Chaudhary, a 42-year-old resident of Bardagoriya Rural Municipality-3, Ranikunda, exemplifies this truth. Blind from birth, he has wiped away the darkness of a bleak future from his life and stepped firmly toward the light. Viktalal has dedicated himself not only to his own progress but also to brightening the futures of thousands of students.

Since 2008 BS, Chaudhary has been involved in teaching at Jagdambike Bhagwati Secondary School and has spent over 15 years in the classroom. For him, school is not just a job but a life mission. Though he cannot see with his eyes while standing in the classroom, he perceives the abilities, potential, and future of his students through inner vision.

The students he has taught have established themselves in various fields today. Seeing these students—who studied in the village—succeed has made his struggles worthwhile. “If my modest knowledge has changed someone’s life, what greater happiness could there be?” he says. However, his life journey has not been easy. He lost both parents at a young age, causing his family’s circumstances to weaken. Living with blindness made daily life even more challenging. His older brothers are also visually impaired, and he has lived with his sisters and sisters-in-law.

The humiliation and pain he endured as a child remain fresh in his memory. Many in the village would insult him by calling him ‘blind’ and were afraid to walk alongside him. Simply moving around, attending school, and managing daily life were all formidable challenges. Instead of weakening him, these hardships strengthened his resolve. Initially, he doubted his ability to study, but the support and encouragement of a teacher changed his perspective. When the teacher came to his home to help him study, his confidence grew. He realized that although physically challenged, a desire to learn and hard work open limitless possibilities.

After passing the SLC exams, he embarked on a teaching career. This was more than just starting a job; it was a turning point that gave new direction to his life. Teaching while being blind was not easy, yet he never considered himself weak. He converted his weaknesses into strength and moved forward. Alongside teaching, he also completed higher secondary education. In the classroom, he does not only discuss textbooks but also shares life experiences.

His family life has also been a struggle. His wife is visually impaired, and together they care for their 13-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. His daughter carries significant responsibilities from a young age, actively involved in managing household chores and caring for her parents. Music and literature hold a special place in Chaudhary’s life; he occasionally sings and writes poetry. A poem he wrote as a child still reflects his mindset: ‘Though the eyes are closed, the mind never shuts down.’ This belief continuously fuels his forward momentum.

Society’s attitude toward people with disabilities is gradually becoming positive. “Those who once looked down on me now speak with respect and seek advice,” he says. He is specially invited to village events and has become not just an individual but a source of experience and inspiration. In his view, people with disabilities need opportunities, not pity. “We should not be deemed weak and left behind; if given a chance, we can work too,” he asserts.

A newly proposed rule in the draft of the House of Representatives’ procedural guidelines has sparked criticism for potentially protecting MPs facing corruption and money laundering charges from suspension. The draft, prepared by a committee led by Ganesh Parajuli of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and submitted to the Speaker, reportedly includes phrasing that places these guidelines above existing laws concerning MPs.

Rule 259 of the proposed guidelines states, “Regardless of any provisions in existing laws, this guideline shall operate as federal law concerning the House committees and members, applying as special legislation.” The guideline further clarifies that it will serve as a “special privilege of House members.” This provision has raised concerns, linking it to ongoing issues involving Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane, who is currently suspended.

Ganesh Parajuli, chair of the Procedural Committee, has clarified that the rule is not targeted at any individual. He commented, “Each of the state’s three branches has its jurisdiction. Article 104 of the Constitution grants the House the authority to formulate its own rules.” Legal experts, however, argue that this provision conflicts with laws related to money laundering, corruption prevention, and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, potentially undermining their effectiveness in addressing Lamichhane’s case.

According to Section 27 of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2064 (2007), public officials and employees charged with money laundering cases are subject to automatic suspension. Based on this provision, the Federal Parliament Secretariat issued a suspension notice for Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Lamichhane on Poush 8, 2081 BS (December 23, 2024). Meanwhile, Rule 247 of the yet-to-be-approved draft guidelines specifies that any MP charged with a criminal offense punishable by three years or more in prison or involving moral turpitude and who is in custody for prosecution shall be suspended during that period.

Barcelona extended their lead to nine points in La Liga by defeating Celta Vigo 1-0 at home. Lamin Yamal scored the only goal from a penalty in the 40th minute. With this win, Barcelona has accumulated 82 points from 32 matches, while second-placed Real Madrid has 73 points. April 23, Kathmandu.

Lamin Yamal’s solitary goal helped league leaders Barcelona strengthen their top position by beating Celta Vigo 1-0 in last night’s match at the Camp Nou. The home side earned three points with a narrow victory, further extending their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to nine points. Yamal advanced Barcelona in the 40th minute by converting a penalty. Although Ferran Torres scored in the 55th minute, the goal was disallowed after VAR review.

Interior Minister Sudhan Gurung purchased 19 ropani 15 aana of land in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6, Dhankuta, on Chaitra 11. The Land Revenue Office assessed the land value at NPR 690,000 and the corresponding revenue was paid accordingly. However, the Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality claims the market price of land in the area is NPR 500,000 per ropani.

Dhankuta, 9 Baishakh – The recently resigned Minister Sudhan Gurung has drawn criticism over an apparent undervaluation of the land he bought in Dhankuta. Having been appointed minister on Chaitra 13, Gurung acquired nearly 20 ropani of land on Chaitra 11 near Bhedetar, the prime tourist location in Dhankuta, specifically in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality-6 (formerly Karkichhap-5), plot number 167.

According to the Dhankuta Land Revenue Office, Gurung purchased the land from Junu Limbu. Junu’s father-in-law, Karn Bahadur Magar, who holds the land in his daughter’s name, confirmed the sale but declined to disclose the transaction price, citing a confidential agreement. Kamal Bahadur Thapa, head of the Dhankuta Land Revenue Office, explained that the land was registered with an assessed value of NPR 690,000, and the corresponding revenue was paid as per that valuation.

Jitendra Rai, chairperson of Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality, noted that the land is in an area not yet serviced by roads but stated that the market price is NPR 500,000 per ropani. By that standard, the actual value of the acquired land could amount to approximately NPR 10 million. Deepak Magar, ward chairperson of Sangurigadhi-6, confirmed that transactions in the area generally occur around NPR 500,000 per ropani and that the municipality has declared the land suitable for commercial use.

Ward Chairperson Magar asserted that acquiring 19 ropani 15 aana at NPR 690,000 is virtually impossible at current rates but mentioned the exact acquisition location has not been clearly identified yet. The land purchased by Gurung lies about 3 kilometers east of Bhedetar. The Land Revenue Office said that because the village administration recommended the land as lacking road access, they used minimum government valuation standards to approve the transaction.

Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality’s valuation confirms the price at NPR 500,000 per ropani and that transactions are conducted accordingly. Kamal Bahadur Thapa clarified that the difference between government assessment and actual market price explains the apparent discrepancy. Although former Minister Gurung listed the land purchase in his asset declaration, he has not publicly disclosed the actual purchase price or funding sources.

The recent claim by the US President that Tehran has agreed to transfer its stockpile of enriched uranium as part of a deal to end the war has once again drawn significant attention. However, on Monday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh denied this allegation in an interview with the Associated Press, stating it is impossible. As both sides continue peace talks, this issue is certain to remain a key agenda item.

But what exactly is enriched uranium and why is it important? Uranium is a naturally occurring element found on the Earth’s surface. It has two isotopes: U-238 and U-235. Natural uranium consists of about 99% U-238, which cannot initiate a chain reaction. Only about 0.7% is U-235, which fissions easily and is useful in the process of nuclear fission — the splitting of atoms to release energy.

The level of uranium enrichment determines its purpose. Low-enriched uranium contains between 3 to 5% U-235 and is commonly used as fuel in commercial nuclear power plants. It can sustain controlled chain reactions but is not suitable for weaponization. Uranium enriched to 20% or higher U-235 is considered highly enriched and is used in research reactors. To make nuclear weapons, uranium enrichment levels must reach approximately 90% U-235.

The 2015 agreement between Iran and six world powers — China, France, Germany, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom — limited Iran to enriching uranium only up to 3.67% and restricted its stockpiles to no more than 300 kilograms.

Currently, the talks focus on the future of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves. Senior US officials have revealed that Iran possesses nearly 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to a high level.

Iran continues to assert that its nuclear facilities are used solely for peaceful purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no evidence of an active nuclear weapons program in Iran.

Kathmandu – Google has introduced a new feature called ‘Continued Conversation’ in its smart home devices, addressing a key user demand. This update allows users to interact with the Gemini device in a more natural and seamless way. Upon first saying “Hey Google,” the device will respond and keep the microphone active for a few seconds, indicated by pulsing lights on the device, eliminating the need to say “Hey Google” again for follow-up questions.

The update brings four main improvements:

• Contextual Conversation: Unlike previous versions of Google Assistant, Gemini now remembers the context of the conversation, reducing the need to repeat questions and fostering a more natural interaction.
• Multilingual Support: The feature is not limited to English but is available in all supported languages and regions worldwide.
• Household Conversation Differentiation: The smart AI can distinguish between general conversations among family members and commands directed at Gemini, minimizing unnecessary responses.
• Easy Accessibility for Everyone: Once enabled, all family members and guests at home can use this feature.

To activate Continued Conversation, users need to go to the settings on their Google Home app and select the ‘Continued Conversation’ option under ‘Gemini for Home Voice Assistant’. This enhancement is expected to make interactions with smart home devices more efficient and faster.

Youth and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel’s priorities appear predominantly education-centric. His decisions mainly concern the education ministry, resulting in the neglect of the sports sector. The National Sports Council (Rakhap) has been operating under interim leadership for five months, and the participation of Nepalese athletes in the upcoming 20th Asian Games remains uncertain. Until the sports ministry is independent, the lack of clear policies and leadership continues to pose challenges to long-term planning, budget management, and international preparations.

The ongoing disputes between Rakhap and the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) have increased instability across various sports federations, including football, and athletes have yet to receive announced awards. Following the formation of the Balen government, athletes remain disappointed, having hoped past shortcomings would be addressed and awards distributed. These examples highlight the current discouraging state of Nepal’s sports sector. Even under Prime Minister Prachanda’s strong government, Nepalese sports have not emerged from this state of uncertainty.

While instability is evident in the sports sector, the government remains in its early stages, and sports stakeholders maintain expectations that the Balen-led administration will take decisive actions to improve the sector. At present, Nepalese sports lack clear policies, and inadequate leadership is weakening the overall sports infrastructure.

With weak leadership at Rakhap, the entire sports system shows signs of disarray. The Youth and Sports Ministry and Rakhap leadership are pushing Nepalese sports’ future toward an uncertain direction. The 10th National Games, which were scheduled to be held in Karnali Province in 2024 (2081 BS), have repeatedly been postponed, negatively impacting athletes’ futures. For Nepal to compete well and win medals internationally, hosting large national competitions regularly, such as the National Games, is essential.

Sports in Nepal are weakening off the field rather than flourishing on it, which has hindered international performance. To overcome this crisis, concrete and effective measures are urgently required. Transparent and decisive leadership is needed in the ministry and Rakhap. Appointments of member secretaries and federation leaders must be transparent. It is also necessary to establish athlete-centered policies covering awards, insurance, employment, and career security.

April 23, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today. According to the fixed rates, the buying rate for the US Dollar is NPR 149.78 and the selling rate is NPR 150.38. Similarly, the buying rate for the European Euro is NPR 175.91 and the selling rate is NPR 176.61; the British Pound Sterling’s buying rate is NPR 202.35 and the selling rate NPR 203.16; and the Swiss Franc’s buying rate is NPR 191.67 with a selling rate of NPR 192.44.

The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 107.20 and selling rate NPR 107.63; the Canadian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 109.67 and selling rate NPR 110.11; Singapore Dollar buying rate is NPR 117.63 and selling rate NPR 118.10. The Japanese Yen (per 10 units) has a buying rate of NPR 9.41 and selling rate of NPR 9.44, while the Chinese Yuan’s buying rate is NPR 21.95 and selling rate NPR 22.04. The Saudi Arabian Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 39.94 and selling rate NPR 40.10; the Qatari Riyal shows a buying rate of NPR 41.09 and selling rate of NPR 41.26.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.65 with a selling rate of NPR 4.67; UAE Dirham buying rate NPR 40.78, selling rate NPR 40.94; Malaysian Ringgit buying rate NPR 37.90, selling rate NPR 37.05. The South Korean Won (per 100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 10.13 and selling rate NPR 10.17; Swedish Krona’s buying rate is NPR 16.33 and selling rate NPR 16.40; Danish Krone’s buying rate is NPR 23.54 and selling rate NPR 23.63.

Likewise, the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 19.12 and selling rate NPR 19.20; Kuwaiti Dinar has a buying rate of NPR 488.76 and selling rate NPR 490.72; Bahraini Dinar’s buying rate is NPR 397.29 and selling rate NPR 398.89; and Omani Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 389.03 and selling rate NPR 390.59. The Indian Rupee (per 100 notes) is set at a buying rate of NPR 160 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.

The central bank has noted that these exchange rates may be revised at any time based on demand. Commercial banks may apply different exchange rates, and the latest rates are available on the central bank’s official website.

President Ramchandra Paudel has announced a session of the Federal Parliament to be held on Thursday, April 27, at 2 PM. This call follows the recommendation made during the council of ministers meeting held on Tuesday, endorsing the convocation of both houses for this session. The upcoming session will also serve as the budget session. The government is required to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year to Parliament by May 29. A schedule for pre-budget discussions has also been arranged ahead of the budget presentation.