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Questions Arise Over Transgender Passengers’ Rights to Board ‘Blue Bus’ Service for Women

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

As Ravi Lamichhane became a member of parliament, discussions about the Blue Bus service, which began operating in Chitwan three years ago, have resurfaced. On 19th Ashar in Kathmandu, questions have emerged regarding whether sexual and gender minority (transgender) passengers will be allowed to board the forthcoming Blue Bus service dedicated to women. Sunil Babu Pant, a rights activist for sexual and gender minorities, highlighted this issue. He raised the question: in a bus reserved for women, will trans women who were assigned male at birth but identify as female, and trans men who were assigned female at birth but identify as male, be permitted to travel?

Expressing his view on Facebook, Sunil Babu emphasized the need for the government to establish clear guidelines on this matter. His concerns caught the attention of Bhupendra Aryal, Executive Director of Sajha Yatayat, who assured that the issue is being taken seriously. Prior to commencing the service, clear provisions regarding these circumstances will be included in the operational guidelines. Aryal explained that the decision to launch the Blue Bus service is not solely Sajha Yatayat’s but is part of the Nepal government’s 100-day work plan.

Aryal informed that while the government will provide budget and policy support, Sajha Yatayat is proceeding with arranging operation through its own buses. Currently, the modality for service operation is being prepared. The service will start only after formal budget approval and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nepal government and Sajha Yatayat. “Though there is talk of starting the service from the 1st of Saun, technical procedures are still incomplete,” Aryal stated. “Service commencement will follow once budget is formally secured and operational guidelines are finalized. There is a strong possibility the service will launch within Saun.”

Beyond the matter of transgender passengers, Aryal stated that clear protocols are needed for other situations involving people accompanying women passengers. He explained: “What if a woman is traveling with her husband? What if a woman boards with her five- or seven-year-old son? What if an elderly woman needs assistance and brings her son along? These practical questions have also arisen.” According to Aryal, all such cases will be comprehensively addressed in the operational guidelines. Regarding transgender passengers, legal identification will serve as the basis. “If the individual possesses legally certified identification or relevant documents, those will be used,” he added. “Since this issue has been raised promptly, we aim to include it within the guidelines and seek solutions.”

Aryal further stated that suggestions from sexual and gender minority communities and other stakeholders will be incorporated during guideline formulation. “Now that the question has arisen, it is essential to resolve it. We are moving forward to develop practical and inclusive guidelines by incorporating all complaints and suggestions received thus far,” he commented. According to Sajha Yatayat, the final operational guidelines will be published after signing the necessary MOU with the government, only then preparing to launch the Blue Bus service.

Melamchi Water Project: Reservoir Closed Again Amid Rainy Season Fears, Sustainable Solution Still Distant

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Melamchi Water Supply Project

Image source, MWSDB

The Melamchi Water Supply Development Board announced that water delivery through the tunnel to Kathmandu has been suspended “for some time” due to increased turbidity in the Melamchi River and damage to temporary structures caused by recent heavy rains on Thursday.

Severe floods and rapid flows on Asar 1 and Shrawan 16, 2078 B.S. caused extensive damage to the intake structure—the main ‘headworks’—of the Melamchi Water Supply Project. Consequently, the annual rainy season shutdowns of the Melamchi water supply system have become a recurring pattern.

Although this vital project, which supports millions of residents in the Kathmandu Valley, is now temporarily closed, the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) has confirmed alternative water supply arrangements are being implemented to alleviate inconvenience.

However, previous promises to fully address the water shortage have not been fulfilled, causing considerable hardship among consumers.

How Long Will the Shutdown Last This Time?

Melamchi Water Supply Project structures damaged by floods

Image source, MWSDP

“On Thursday, turbidity in Melamchi River increased and damage was detected on temporary dams there. Therefore, it became necessary to halt water supply immediately,” stated Lakshmiprasad Upadhyay, Executive Director of the Melamchi Water Supply Development Board.

Russia Sends Large-Scale Humanitarian Aid to Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Russia has dispatched humanitarian aid including food and medicine to Venezuela, which was recently struck by a devastating earthquake, Alexander Schetinin, director of the Latin American department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced. He shared this information during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Simon Bolivar monument marking the 215th anniversary of Venezuela’s declaration of independence.

According to Schetinin, tents, food supplies, essential medicines, and other critical items have been sent to Caracas to provide temporary shelter for displaced individuals. Additionally, Russia is preparing to deploy a team of specialists in sanitary and epidemiological control to Venezuela.

Schetinin emphasized that Russia remains committed to extending a helping hand to Venezuela to combat the consequences of this natural disaster and assist in recovery efforts. Official figures report that two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela on June 24, resulting in 2,295 deaths and 11,267 injuries. In total, over 26,000 people have been affected by this catastrophe.

Can Debutant Cape Verde Make History Against Former Champion Argentina?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Argentina and Cape Verde are facing each other for the first time in international football. On July 3rd in Kathmandu, during the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, reigning champions Argentina will go head-to-head with the debutants Cape Verde. The match will take place at Miami Stadium, United States, starting at 2:30 AM local time. This is Cape Verde’s maiden experience at the FIFA World Cup. Previously, the citizens of this small island nation, who used to watch star players from Brazil and Argentina on television, are now witnessing history as their country competes in the knockout stage. With a population of around half a million, Cape Verde is the smallest nation to reach the World Cup’s knockout rounds. Among the four debutant teams participating in this tournament, Cape Verde is the only one to advance to the final 32.

Both Argentina and Cape Verde enter this competition undefeated. Argentina topped Group J with wins over Algeria (3–0), Austria (2–0), and Jordan (3–1), maintaining a perfect record as they advanced. Cape Verde made history by finishing as runners-up in Group H, drawing against two former World Cup winners, Spain and Uruguay. Argentina’s 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi is in peak form, having scored six goals in the three group matches, currently leading the Golden Boot race. Messi’s prowess, alongside world-class teammates Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister, presents a formidable challenge for Cape Verde.

Cape Verde’s strongest asset lies in its defensive line. The team secured two clean sheets in the group stage, including goalless draws against Spain and Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde’s 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Vozinha has become the third oldest goalkeeper in history to keep more than two clean sheets at a World Cup. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged that Cape Verde is no easy opponent, emphasizing their achievements are the result of skill rather than luck. “Cape Verde are not an easy team. They have come here not by chance but as an excellent team. We must respect them and step onto the field with due respect,” Scaloni stated. Cape Verde’s head coach Bubista expressed that they will continue with their natural and fearless style of play against Argentina. “From the start, we have believed in our work and capabilities. If others do not respect us, that is their problem. Against Argentina, we will maintain our natural and fearless approach,” he said.

Making their World Cup debut and facing a world champion in the knockout stage, Cape Verde becomes only the third team in history to do so. Previously, Norway played Italy in 1938 and Ghana faced Brazil in 2006 under such circumstances. This match also marks the first-ever direct international football encounter between Argentina and Cape Verde. The victor of this match will advance to the quarterfinals to compete against the winner of the Australia vs. Egypt match.

Khamenei’s Body Placed in Mosque; Leaders from Pakistan to China Attend Iran Memorial

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

June 19, Kathmandu – The body of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack by the United States and Israel, along with family members, has been placed in a mosque in Tehran for the final tribute. Reports confirm that his body is laid in the mosque, where foreign dignitaries have arrived to pay their respects by attending prayer services.

Among the attendees are Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Afghanistan’s Taliban government Foreign Minister Amin Khan Muttaqi, and the Deputy Head of the Chinese Communist Party, all present in Tehran. Officials from India, China, and Tajikistan have also reportedly come to participate in the memorial ceremony.

On February 28, a joint attack by the U.S. and Israel targeted Supreme Leader Khamenei, resulting in his death. Several family members, including one of his daughters, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law (currently the wife of the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei), also lost their lives in the incident. The funeral is scheduled to take place next Wednesday.

Oyarzabal’s Goal Gives Spain the Lead Against Austria

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

June 18, Kathmandu – In the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match, Spain has taken the lead against Austria. Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the 36th minute to put Spain ahead. The game, held at the Los Angeles Stadium, saw Oyarzabal successfully convert a pass from Marc Cucurella into a goal. Oyarzabal is the first Spanish player to score in a World Cup knockout stage since Andrés Iniesta’s goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 final.

Spain maintained relentless pressure on Austria from the start, continuously pushing for a goal. A goal by Cucurella in the 29th minute was disallowed because the referee judged that Spanish players had impeded the Austrian goalkeeper. Shortly after, in the 33rd minute, Oyarzabal’s shot was superbly saved by Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Austrian defenders closely marked Spain’s young star Lamin Yamal throughout the match.

Australia vs Egypt: Both Teams Clash for Their First Knockout Stage Victory

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Both teams are poised to make history by securing their first knockout stage win in today’s match.

June 19, Kathmandu – In the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Australia and Egypt face off today. The match will kick off tonight at 11:45 PM local time at the Dallas Stadium in Texas, USA.

Both teams aim to set new records with a victory today. Egypt has reached the knockout stage for the first time in its World Cup history, having advanced beyond the group phase for the first time. Meanwhile, Australia, despite participating in the World Cup for the seventh time and reaching the Round of 16 twice, has yet to win a knockout stage game.

Egypt opened their tournament with a 1–1 draw against Belgium, recorded their first-ever World Cup win by defeating New Zealand 3–1, and finished the group stage with a 1–1 draw against Iran. This performance has allowed them to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in 92 years.

Australia began their campaign strongly by defeating Turkey 2–0, but then suffered a 2–0 loss to co-host United States. In their final group match, they drew 0–0 with Paraguay to secure their passage to the knockout round. Although Australia’s defense remains robust, the team has not scored in the last two games, putting significant pressure on their strikers to find the net today to advance further.

Australia is known for its strong defensive lineup that limited opponents’ scoring opportunities throughout the group stage. The team will rely heavily on the pace and counter-attacking skills of 20-year-old sensation Nestory Irankunda. The Watford forward has exceptional speed and powerful shooting ability, potentially serving as a key weapon to break through Egypt’s high defensive line.

Egypt’s attacking style featured an average ball possession of 56.55% in the group stage, displaying strong performance. The partnership of Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah will present significant challenges to Australia’s defense. Egypt plans to maintain a solid backline and use Salah and Marmoush’s speed for counter-attacks aimed at scoring. Captain Salah’s fitness after a hamstring injury sustained against Iran remains uncertain, but his presence alone will put substantial pressure on the opposition’s defense and could influence the match outcome.

Australia’s head coach Tony Popovic commented on the match: “We must remain fully focused on the present. History is made after the game is over, so we need to fulfill our roles correctly on the field to create that history.”

Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan said, “Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of the challenges Australia presents on the field, we are prepared to face them.”

Since their first World Cup appearance in 1934, Egypt now has the opportunity to make history by reaching the Round of 16. Australia had previously reached this stage in the 2022 Qatar World Cup but was defeated by Argentina.

These two teams have only met twice before: Australia won 4–3 on penalties during the 1987 President’s Cup, while Egypt claimed a 3–0 victory in a 2010 friendly match.

The winner of today’s match will face the victor between defending champions Argentina and Cape Verde in the Round of 16, which will be held on July 7 in Atlanta.

Pedro Poro’s Goal Doubles Spain’s Lead

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

At Los Angeles Stadium, Pedro Poro scored in the 66th minute off a cross from Alex Baena. This was his first international goal for Spain. On June 18 in Kathmandu, following Poro’s goal in the second half, Spain took a 2-0 lead against Austria in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Earlier, Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Spain in the 36th minute with an assist from Marc Cucurella. Oyarzabal became the first Spanish player to score in the knockout stages since Andrés Iniesta’s goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.

In the first half, Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Slager made several excellent saves, preventing Spain from scoring more goals. Although Marc Cucurella found the net in the 29th minute, the referee disallowed the goal citing obstruction of the Austrian goalkeeper. Likewise, Oyarzabal’s shot in the 33rd minute was superbly saved by Slager. During injury time in the first half, Spain missed a chance to double their lead when Alex Baena’s free kick hit the bar and rebounded back. In the subsequent rebound, Amad Diallo’s strike was saved by the goalkeeper.

New Treatment Trials Begin Amid Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Ebola patient in ambulance

Image source: Reuters

Image caption: The recent Ebola outbreak began in May in DR Congo and Uganda

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New clinical trials for a potential treatment targeting the virus responsible for the deadly Ebola outbreak currently affecting the African nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have begun, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the first patient was admitted for the trial in DR Congo on Thursday.

So far, during this latest outbreak, over 1,400 cases of Ebola infection have been confirmed in DR Congo alone, with 438 deaths.

Development of Treatment Methods

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaking to journalists on Thursday

Image source: EPA

Currently, no approved vaccine or treatment exists for the highly contagious Bundibugyo virus strain causing this outbreak.

The trial is being conducted by the WHO in coordination with DR Congo’s health research agencies, Belgium’s Institute of Tropical Medicine, and scientists from the University of Oxford in the UK.

US Claims Israel Planned to Assassinate Iranian Leaders Involved in Negotiations

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Kathmandu, 19 Ashar – During the talks between the United States and Iran initiated in April, Israel reportedly planned to target Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. This raised significant concerns in the US, prompting it to send warnings to Tehran through several Middle Eastern allied nations. According to a New York Times report, the US feared that assassinations of these key negotiators could derail the ceasefire and peace process.

At the time, the Trump administration was working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and achieve an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. The report highlights that before a meeting convened in Pakistan, where Iranian delegates were at risk of attack, Islamabad provided fighter jet escort protection to ensure the safe arrival of the Iranian delegation’s plane. Following the return journey, security alerts forced an emergency landing in Mashhad, and the delegation traveled overland to Tehran.

The Washington Post reported that senior US officials expressed deep concern over Israel’s alleged plot to assassinate Iran’s top negotiators while the Trump administration was attempting a high-risk deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The US protest against the potential killings of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was so intense that the US reportedly warned Iran of Israel’s assassination plans via intermediaries earlier this spring.

“If you kill those individuals, you kill the pragmatists,” one US official stated, speaking anonymously about American perspectives on Israel’s targeted killing campaign. Iran has accused Israel of threatening its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and has filed a complaint with the United Nations. US officials interpret the necessity of warning Iran about the possible assassination of its top negotiators as indicative of tensions between the US and Israel and the Trump administration’s limited influence over the Israeli government.

Ronaldo’s Penalty Goal Secures Draw for Portugal Against Croatia

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

In the FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first knockout stage goal. On June 19 in Kathmandu, during the Round of 32 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Croatia, Ronaldo equalized for Portugal through a penalty. The game, held in Toronto, saw Portugal trailing by one goal before Ronaldo leveled the score in the 68th minute. Croatian player Vlasic pulled the jersey of Portugal’s Ricardo Veiga, but with the assistance of VAR, the referee awarded a penalty to Portugal.

This goal marked Ronaldo’s third of the tournament. He had previously scored twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage. With this goal, Ronaldo’s total World Cup goals have reached 11, placing him tied for ninth among the all-time top scorers. The match intensified following the equalizer. The first half ended goalless, and in the 53rd minute, Croatia’s Ivan Perisic had put his team ahead.

Security Guard Rescued Alive Eight Days After Earthquake in Venezuela

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

A security guard trapped beneath the rubble of a shopping mall damaged by an earthquake has been rescued alive after eight days. Following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week, a man was successfully rescued after being trapped for eight days inside the collapsed remains of a shopping mall. Emergency responders found Hernan Gil for the first time after spending nearly 100 hours beneath 140 tons of debris and managed to bring him out safely. He was a security guard at the mall.

Hundreds of rescuers from Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States collaborated in the rescue operation. After establishing nighttime contact with Gil, the rescuers successfully transported him to a safe location. A rescuer from Chile described the mission as “the most complex and technically challenging rescue operation I have ever been involved in.” As of June 24, the earthquake in Venezuela has resulted in 2,600 confirmed deaths, with thousands still unaccounted for.

Trump Warns: Europe Must Increase Defense Commitments or US Will Reduce Security Guarantees

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

June 19, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the European NATO allies. Highlighting Europe’s lack of support in the US-Iran conflict and the significant disparity in defense spending, Trump described the current European contributions as laughable and indicative of a one-sided relationship. His sharp remarks come ahead of the NATO summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara, Turkey, reflecting growing internal divisions within the alliance.

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump targeted key allies including France and the United Kingdom, stating, ‘They did not stand with us.’ He has long been critical of European nations for not allowing the US military to use their bases during the conflict with Iran. Accusing the alliance of lacking reciprocity, he reiterated, ‘They did not stand with us!’

In the post, Trump highlighted the stark imbalance in defense expenditures between the US and European countries, sharing various statistics. He emphasized that the United States bears a disproportionately large economic and military burden compared to other alliance members. The data he released clearly illustrate the amount each country spends on its armed forces.

Signaling a reduction in security commitments, Trump repeated that European countries must take greater responsibility for their own defense and warned that the current situation is unsustainable. If Europe does not increase its commitments, the US will gradually reduce its security guarantees. Under Trump’s sustained pressure, NATO member states agreed last year to raise their defense spending to 5 percent of their GDP by 2035. Established in 1949 and led by the United States, NATO remains the world’s foremost defense alliance, playing a crucial role in maintaining stability in Europe, countering the influence of the former Soviet Union, and extending America’s global strategic dominance. Trump’s dissatisfaction is expected to be a central agenda item at the Ankara summit.

Ronaldo to Retire from International Football After 2026 World Cup, Says Sister Katia Aveiro

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

According to Katia Aveiro, Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, the Portuguese captain will retire from international football following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kathmandu, 3 July. On Friday morning, Ronaldo scored his first goal in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 with Ronaldo’s penalty goal and Goncalo Ramos’ injury-time strike, securing a place in the round of 16 and maintaining their chances of lifting the trophy. As Ronaldo extends his journey at the World Cup in North America, new information has emerged regarding his future.

Katia Aveiro revealed that Ronaldo will retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup in 2026. This announcement came from a family source following Portugal’s late victory over Croatia. Having made his World Cup debut in Germany in 2006, Ronaldo is now playing in his sixth consecutive tournament and has been active in international football for over two decades. The news of his impending retirement from his family has led many to believe it to be true.

“Enjoy this time, it will be over soon. According to a reliable source, this is his ‘last dance,’” Ronaldo’s sister told Sport TV during the live broadcast of the match. Ronaldo has played 246 international matches, scoring 146 goals. In his career, he has scored a total of 976 goals, nearing the milestone of 1,000 goals. With his goal against Croatia, Ronaldo now has 11 World Cup goals. In that match, he became the oldest outfield player to participate in a World Cup game and the oldest player to score in the knockout stages, at 41 years and 147 days old. The overall record for the oldest player to score in a World Cup belongs to Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who netted a goal against Russia at the 1994 tournament in the United States at 42 years and 39 days old.

Switzerland Defeats Algeria to Advance to Last 16 in FIFA World Cup 2026

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Switzerland will face the winner of the upcoming match between Colombia and Ghana in the pre-quarterfinals. On June 19, in Kathmandu, Switzerland secured their spot in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by defeating Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32. The match took place at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, where Switzerland scored one goal in each half.

Goals for Switzerland came from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. In the first half, Embolo scored in the tenth minute, putting Switzerland ahead with an assist from Johan Mambimbi.

Building on their lead from the first half, Switzerland doubled their advantage just one minute into the second half through Dan Ndoye. The winger from Nottingham Forest found the net 48 seconds after the restart. In the 81st minute, Switzerland missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead further when Fabian Rieder’s shot from close range was expertly saved by the Algerian goalkeeper.

With this victory, Switzerland moves on to compete against the winner between Colombia and Ghana, who will play on Saturday to determine the next opponent.

Algeria became the fifth African team to be eliminated in the Round of 32. Of the six African teams that reached this stage, only Morocco advanced to the last 16. Alongside Algeria, South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Senegal also exited at the Round of 32. Out of 10 African qualifiers at this World Cup, nine had entered the knockout phase. Cape Verde, Egypt, and Ghana still have Round of 32 matches remaining, while Tunisia was eliminated during the group stage.