Author: space4knews

The Czech Republic has announced its final 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Experienced midfielder Tomas Soucek will lead the team as captain. The 31-year-old Soucek is considered the most seasoned player on the squad. Key players include Vladimir Coufal, Ladislav Krejci, Hugo Sochurek, and Patrik Schick. This marks the Czech Republic’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006.

The Czech Republic is placed in Group A and will play their opening match against South Korea on June 12. This will be followed by a game against South Africa on June 18 and their final group match against co-host Mexico on June 25. Goalkeepers in the squad are Lukas Hronicek, Matej Kovar, and Jindrich Stanek. Defenders include Vladimir Coufal, David Doder, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranak, Stepan Chaloupek, David Jurasik, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, and David Zima. Midfielders named are Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Soya, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Such, and Denis Vysinsky. The forwards selected are Adam Hlozek, Tomas Chorhy, Moymir Chytil, Jan Kuchta, and Patrik Schick.

June 1, Dhangadhi – Nine individuals have been arrested while playing gambling cards in Kailali, along with the seizure of cash. The district police office spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yogendra Timilsina, confirmed the arrests at Rajipur, Gauriganga Municipality-4.

According to DSP Timilsina, based on a special tip-off, a team led by Senior Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Lokendra Bahadur Chand raided a two-story concrete house of Jagat Dhami in Bajhangi Tol, Rajipur, around 6:30 PM on Sunday. During the raid, police seized Rs 179,020 in cash, four decks of playing cards, and eight mobile phones found in the upper floor meeting room where gambling was taking place, and detained the suspects accordingly.

The arrested individuals include the homeowner, 48-year-old Jagat Dhami; and locals Krishna Gurudhami, 29; Khemraj Pokhrel, 37; Shankar Dhami, 35; and Gopal Saud, 30. Also apprehended were 34-year-old Prakash Bhul from Gauriganga-1, 44-year-old Jay Bahadur Bohara from Chure Rural Municipality-1, 66-year-old Tej Bahadur Bogati from Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-3, and 50-year-old Kalu Singh Dhami from Purchaudi Municipality-8 in Baitadi. DSP Timilsina reported that the detainees have been forwarded to Malakheti Police Station for further legal action.

Samrat, who has been visually impaired since birth, has been able to operate mobile phones and computers with ease, thanks to screen reader software. When traveling, he confidently reaches new places with the help of Google Maps and screen readers. Utilizing technology, he codes on the computer and creates new melodies using music software. Samrat says, “I have been completely blind since birth. However, I have never perceived the world as a place shrouded in darkness. My world is filled with sounds, illuminated by technology, and colored with diverse experiences.”

Many often ask him, ‘Samrat, how do you use a mobile phone?’ ‘How do you read messages?’ ‘How do you reply so quickly on Facebook?’ ‘Do you also use a computer?’ Sometimes, their voices reveal a surprising fascination. He smiles and names his screen readers. “TalkBack on my mobile and NVDA on my computer are not just ordinary software for me. They are eyes that speak to my ears.” Screen readers convert every word, button, notification, and message on the screen into voice.

Samrat shares, “Social media is not just a place to pass time for me. Here, I have made friends, acquired new knowledge, shared my experiences, and gained the opportunity to understand the world more intimately.” With the aid of technology and screen readers, he confidently navigates new locations. The voice from Google Maps guides his way. He states, “For many, a map is merely a visual image. But for me, a map is a path formed through sound.”

Not limiting his relationship with technology, Samrat is also active in coding and music creation. He says, “Screen readers are not just technology for me; they have become an integral companion in my life.” Sharing his experience of gaining self-reliance and independence through technology, he adds, “I have realized that true vision is not only about the eyes, but also exists in thoughts, confidence, and the willingness to learn.”

18 Jestha, Kathmandu – Shivnarayan Mahto Gurau has been unanimously elected as the president of the Nepal Tharu Association, a sister organization of the Nepali Congress. The association’s first convention announced a new leadership team under Gurau. Mahto, who previously led the ad hoc committee, has been re-elected as president. The central office in Sanepa concluded the convention on Sunday night.

May 31, Kathmandu — Former Prime Minister and leader of the Nepal Communist Party, Jhalnath Khanal, has condemned Prime Minister Balen Shah’s claim that “Nepal has also encroached on Indian land” as false and anti-national. Khanal described such statements as “dangerous” and expressed that Balen is unfit to occupy the prime ministerial office.

“Yesterday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated in the House of Representatives that Nepal has encroached on Indian territory. This is a dangerous statement. It is extremely serious, unfortunate, incorrect, and anti-national,” Khanal wrote on Facebook. He further added, “The Nepalese people have been resisting foreign encroachments for a long time and continue to do so. Normalizing such acts and pandering to foreigners through such statements is an act against the nation.”

Khanal emphasized that the prime minister’s remarks hurt the patriotism of Nepal’s 30 million citizens both inside and outside the country. He stated, “Individuals who make anti-national statements like these are unfit to occupy the prime minister’s chair.” He also called on Prime Minister Balen to apologize, saying, “Unless Prime Minister Balendra Shah issues an apology, I strongly urge all patriotic citizens and forces to condemn and protest his remarks.”

Additionally, Khanal appealed to the Speaker of the Parliament to promptly remove this statement from the official parliamentary records. On Sunday, during a session of the House of Representatives, while responding to MPs, Balen Shah had claimed that Nepal itself has encroached on Indian territory. “You might be surprised, but I only realized after becoming prime minister that Nepal has encroached on Indian land in many places, not just India,” he said, adding that he recently became aware of this fact.

Balen also mentioned he has discussed border encroachments with the United Kingdom government. Following this controversial statement, widespread opposition against Balen Shah has emerged.

18 Jestha, Kathmandu – The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Committee has established the maximum wholesale prices for agricultural produce for today. According to the committee, large Nepali tomatoes are priced at NPR 65 per kilogram, large Indian tomatoes at NPR 80 per kilogram, small local tomatoes at NPR 35 per kilogram, and small tunnel tomatoes at NPR 39 per kilogram. Red potatoes (long) are priced at NPR 35 per kilogram, red potatoes (round) at NPR 30 per kilogram, and dried Indian onions at NPR 43 per kilogram.

Similarly, local carrots are set at NPR 80 per kilogram, local cabbage NPR 40 per kilogram, local cauliflower NPR 80 per kilogram, hybrid white radish NPR 25 per kilogram, long bitter gourd NPR 50 per kilogram, and dwarf bitter gourd NPR 50 per kilogram.

Other prices include long yard beans at NPR 90 per kilogram, corn yard beans at NPR 90 per kilogram, local ghee beans at NPR 90 per kilogram, hybrid ghee beans at NPR 70 per kilogram, rajma ghee beans at NPR 100 per kilogram, winged beans at NPR 130 per kilogram, cowpeas at NPR 160 per kilogram, and bitter melon at NPR 40 per kilogram. Bottle gourd is priced at NPR 70 per kilogram, local parwar at NPR 70 per kilogram, ghirla at NPR 60 per kilogram, chikindo at NPR 35 per kilogram, jyiguni at NPR 60 per kilogram, ripe pumpkin at NPR 60 per kilogram, green pumpkin (small) at NPR 50 per kilogram, okra at NPR 50 per kilogram, sweet cucumber at NPR 80 per kilogram, pindalu at NPR 40 per kilogram, and skus at NPR 100 per kilogram.

Other leafy vegetables include spinach at NPR 80 per kilogram, palungo at NPR 90 per kilogram, chamsur leaves at NPR 90 per kilogram, mustard greens at NPR 50 per kilogram, fenugreek at NPR 60 per kilogram, green onions at NPR 100 per kilogram. Mushrooms are priced with kanya (button) mushrooms at NPR 250 per kilogram, large mushrooms at NPR 450 per kilogram, king oyster mushrooms at NPR 320 per kilogram, and shiitake mushrooms at NPR 1,000 per kilogram. Additionally, bitter gourd is NPR 350 per kilogram, nyuro at NPR 80 per kilogram, broccoli at NPR 110 per kilogram, beetroot at NPR 60 per kilogram, saagawan at NPR 120 per kilogram, red cabbage at NPR 50 per kilogram, cumin leaves at NPR 100 per kilogram, celery at NPR 130 per kilogram, parsley at NPR 220 per kilogram, fennel leaves at NPR 90 per kilogram, mint at NPR 150 per kilogram, green corn at NPR 50 per kilogram, gantemula at NPR 60 per kilogram, tamarind at NPR 180 per kilogram, tama at NPR 140 per kilogram, tofu at NPR 160 per kilogram, and dried leafy greens (gundruk) at NPR 350 per kilogram.

Fruits prices include Fuji apples at NPR 300 per kilogram, Nepali bananas at NPR 200 per dozen, Malbhog bananas at NPR 221 per dozen, lemons at NPR 221 per kilogram, pomegranates at NPR 420 per kilogram, Maldah mangoes at NPR 120 per kilogram, Dussehri mangoes at NPR 130 per kilogram, green watermelon at NPR 45 per kilogram, local cucumbers at NPR 80 per kilogram, hybrid cucumbers at NPR 25 per kilogram, local cross cucumbers at NPR 70 per kilogram. Further, khatakhar is NPR 50 per kilogram, Chinese pears at NPR 160 per kilogram, Nepali walnuts at NPR 90 per kilogram, Indian walnuts at NPR 100 per kilogram, local lychee at NPR 250 per kilogram, Indian lychee at NPR 300 per kilogram, raw coconuts at NPR 80 per kilogram, and green coconuts at NPR 180 per kilogram.

Prices for spices and other produce include ginger at NPR 120 per kilogram, dried chili at NPR 450 per kilogram, long green chili at NPR 60 per kilogram, bullet chili at NPR 50 per kilogram, mache chili at NPR 60 per kilogram, Akabare chili at NPR 420 per kilogram, and sheep chili at NPR 70 per kilogram. Green garlic is priced at NPR 180 per kilogram, fresh coriander at NPR 150 per kilogram, dried Chinese garlic at NPR 221 per kilogram, dried Nepali garlic at NPR 180 per kilogram, fresh dried garlic at NPR 1,000 per kilogram. Fresh fish prices are set at Rahu fish at NPR 340 per kilogram, Bachuwa fish at NPR 300 per kilogram, and Chhadi fish at NPR 250 per kilogram.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen has become the focal point of controversy along with his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), following his maiden speech in the House of Representatives. His comments during Sunday’s session, responding to questions about the Nepal-India border dispute, have ignited debate and criticism. While addressing the parliament, Shah stated, “You may be surprised, but I only realized after becoming Prime Minister that not only has India encroached on Nepalese land in many areas, but Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory in several places. This has come to light recently, and therefore both countries are considering studies to resolve the disputed areas.”

Following these remarks, opposition members raised objections within the parliament. The Prime Minister’s statement has also become a major topic of discussion and dissent across social media and the press.

In response to the escalating controversy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement titled “Response to Media Queries Regarding the Honorable Prime Minister’s Statements on Nepal-India Border Relations.” The spokesperson clarified that the Prime Minister’s remarks fundamentally concerned “Dashgaja encroachment and cross-border occupation” issues. According to the spokesperson, “When demarcating the Nepal-India border, a fixed boundary principle was adopted in riverine areas, resulting in residents of one country engaging in agricultural or residential activities on land technically belonging to the other country.” The technical assessment showed that some land currently used by Nepal might lie on the Indian side of the border, and likewise, some land used by India might be within Nepalese territory. The Prime Minister’s reference in parliament to “certain places where Indian territory may lie on the Nepal side” pertains to this technical reality and cross-border occupation concerns.

After the Prime Minister’s initial parliamentary remarks were deemed “incorrect,” there have been demands for his resignation, calls for a formal apology, and skepticism about whether he misspoke. Former Foreign Minister and RSP leader Kamal Thapa expressed that Shah’s statements “shocked and surprised the entire nation.” Thapa urged the Prime Minister to rectify the exaggerated and inaccurate claims immediately. He emphasized, “Although there are some border disputes, Nepal has not encroached upon or occupied Indian territory. Our firm stance is that Nepal must not violate its neighbors’ borders. If the Prime Minister believes Nepal has encroached on India’s territory, he must present evidence promptly and take swift action to correct the mistake by returning the land to India.”

May 31, Kathmandu – U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has given a guarantee that it will not develop nuclear weapons. He has emphasized that preventing Iran from building nuclear arms is his top priority in any potential agreement. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “The guarantee I need is a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has agreed to this.”

Meanwhile, U.S. media reports indicate that the Trump administration has sent a new peace proposal to Iran with stricter conditions. The details of the proposal have not been made public. Trump highlighted the necessity of halting Iran’s nuclear weapons development as well as fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route. However, Iran has expressed skepticism toward Trump’s assertions.

According to Iranian media, Tehran demands the release of $12 billion in frozen overseas assets before any substantive negotiations on its nuclear program can proceed. Iran has dismissed Trump’s claim that “enriched uranium has been destroyed” as unfounded. It has also insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire or peace agreement.

Israel has asserted that it has conducted targeted airstrikes against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has echoed Trump’s statements, affirming at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the U.S. remains fully capable of renewed military action if necessary. In April, mediated by Pakistan, Tehran and Washington agreed to a temporary ceasefire. While daily attacks have ceased since then, sporadic armed incidents continue.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply, have driven up oil prices on the international market following the conflict. This has increased pressure on the U.S. and global economies. Analysts suggest this is why the Trump administration faces growing pressure to reach some form of agreement with Iran. Through social media, Trump announced that as part of the potential agreement, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, with Iran pledging no fees on ships passing through. However, according to Iranian news agency Fars, this provision is not included in the draft agreement.

May 31, Myagdi. The road connecting Beni Municipality–10 Wakhet to Todke, a major tourist destination in Myagdi, has been upgraded. Situated at an altitude of 2,430 meters above sea level on the boundary of Raghuganga, Mangala Rural Municipality, and Beni Municipality, Todke is developed as a tourist spot for observing sunrises, mountain ranges, Gurans forests, and hilly landscapes. Masveer Roka, ward chairperson of Beni Municipality–10, informed that the local infrastructure project Pokharamar has concreted the section of the Patlekhet–Wakhet–Todke road from Gahete Chowk through Wakhet to the Ramjali Temple segment.

“By concreting and paving the road, the journey which earlier took 20 minutes between Gahete Chowk and Ramjali Temple has now been reduced to just 5 minutes, making travel more convenient for local residents and tourists heading to Todke,” he said. “We are continuing efforts with the municipality, provincial, and federal governments to further improve the road from Ramjali Temple to Barahthan and up to Todke.” On January 24, the construction contract worth NPR 23,623,152 was awarded to Dupcheshwar Shubham Builders for the Wakhet–Todke road upgrade project.

The plan to upgrade 1.7 kilometers of road has been completed ahead of schedule, two months prior to the deadline on July 15. Subas Chandra Karki, director of the construction company, stated that necessary equipment and labor were deployed immediately after the contract was signed, managing construction materials efficiently. Despite hikes in fuel and material costs, they completed the work before the targeted deadline. Although construction is complete, technical inspection and payment processes remain outstanding.

The road has been paved and concreted to a width ranging from 3.5 to 4 meters. Ward member Begum Paija from Beni Municipality–10 noted that the route, opened in 2009 BS (1952-53 AD), has been concreted after 16 years. Local residents are enthusiastic about the new paved road. Arjun Pun, a resident of Wakhet, shared that the previously narrow and unpaved road made travel difficult, but concreting has shortened travel time and improved convenience. Roads connecting Wakhet in Beni Municipality to Jhhi in Raghuganga Rural Municipality–5, Daduwa in Beni Municipality–5, Poornagaun in Mangala Rural Municipality–1, and Kuhun-Bhirketera lead to Todke.

Todke offers a unique vantage point to view long mountain ranges including Gurja, Churen, Manapathi, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung. Visitors can enjoy yoga and meditation amid the mountain scenery. Local agricultural products like radish, potatoes, and beans can be savored here. Additionally, Todke holds religious significance due to the penances performed by many saints, including Swargadwari Mahaprabhu. The hilltop contains a branch of the Swargadwari Ashram called “Tapovan Shivalay” and other sacred sites. Shivalay is an affiliate of the Swargadwari Ashram in Pyuthan. The temple houses statues of saints such as Pujari Maharaj and Rakhal Maharaj, as well as historical relics like Shiva lingams and ritual materials used by Mahaprabhu. The ashram complex also includes a cowshed.

18 Jestha, Kathmandu – Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today (Monday). According to the central bank, the buying rate for the US Dollar is NPR 151.71 and the selling rate NPR 152.31. Similarly, the Euro’s buying rate is NPR 176.89, with a selling rate of NPR 177.59; the British Pound Sterling’s buying rate is NPR 204.21 and selling rate NPR 205.02; and the Swiss Franc buys at NPR 194.21 and sells at NPR 194.98.

The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is set at NPR 108.98, with a selling rate of NPR 109.41; the Canadian Dollar buys at NPR 109.97 and sells at NPR 110.40; the Singapore Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 118.83 and selling NPR 119.30. For the Japanese Yen (10 units), the buying rate is NPR 9.53 and selling NPR 9.56; the Chinese Yuan buys at NPR 22.42 and sells at NPR 22.51; the Saudi Arabian Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 40.43 and selling NPR 40.59; and the Qatari Riyal buys at NPR 41.66 and sells at NPR 41.82.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht buys at NPR 4.67 and sells at NPR 4.69; the UAE Dirham’s buying rate is NPR 41.30 and selling NPR 41.47; the Malaysian Ringgit buys at NPR 38.26 and sells at NPR 38.41; the South Korean Won (100 units) has a buying rate of NPR 10.06 and selling rate of NPR 10.10; the Swedish Krona buys at NPR 16.41 and sells at NPR 16.48; and the Danish Krone’s buying rate is NPR 23.67 and selling rate NPR 23.76.

Nepal Rastra Bank has also established the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate at NPR 19.36 and selling rate NPR 19.43; the Kuwaiti Dinar’s buying rate at NPR 494.65 and selling rate NPR 496.61; the Bahraini Dinar buys at NPR 402.39 and sells at NPR 403.98; the Omani Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 394.05 with a selling rate of NPR 395.61. The Indian Rupee (100 units) is set at a buying rate of NPR 160.00 and a selling rate of NPR 160.15.

The central bank has noted that these exchange rates may be revised at any time as necessary. Exchange rates set by commercial banks may vary, and the latest updated rates are accessible on the Nepal Rastra Bank’s official website.

Border expert Buddhinarayan Shrestha has clarified that Nepal has not encroached upon India’s territory and that only limited mutual land usage occurs in the border areas. India has reportedly encroached upon 372 square kilometers of Nepalese land in Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, and another 145 square kilometers in Susta, Nawalparasi. The Prime Minister has announced plans to engage in diplomatic talks with India to resolve the border dispute, adding that consultations with the UK government are also underway. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, speaking from the parliament rostrum, expressed the view that Nepal has also encroached on India’s territory, and he committed to discussing the issue at the negotiation table with India.

The areas of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Susta are recognized as Nepalese territory encroached upon by India. Following the Prime Minister’s parliamentary statement suggesting Nepal might have encroached on India’s border, what are the facts? In an interview with border expert Buddhinarayan Shrestha, he asserted, “Nepal has not encroached upon India’s border anywhere.” However, a technical aspect to understand is that Nepal shares an 1880-kilometer-long border with India, involving 27 Nepalese districts. Due to the extensive border, there are some cases of ‘cross-holding occupation’ related to land used for farming purposes.

‘Cross-holding occupation’ refers to a situation where residents along the border mutually use each other’s land. To clarify, how does this usage occur? To some extent, Indian citizens cultivate land owned by Nepalese farmers, and likewise, some Nepalese farmers cultivate Indian land. This is a common practice in border areas and does not constitute territorial encroachment. For example, near the district of Parsa close to Birgunj, the Sirsia River historically flowed straightforwardly. Over time, the river changed course, and as the Sirsia River is the border, this shift affected land usage rights.

India has encroached upon 372 square kilometers in Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, and 145 square kilometers in Susta, Nawalparasi. Nepal, however, has not encroached upon any significant area of Indian territory. The issue is limited to simple cross-border usage, which cannot be characterized as encroachment but rather as ‘usage interference.’ There are no precise estimates of the area involved in this mutual usage on either side at present.

The Prime Minister stated in parliament that India has responded positively to talks aimed at resolving the disputes concerning Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Susta. Are these issues connected and discussed collectively, or are they separate matters? In fact, they are closely related topics. India is currently preparing to facilitate pilgrims traveling to Mansarovar via the Lipulekh route and has even issued calls for applications to collect funds for this purpose. Following this, the Nepalese government has asserted its rights firmly.

Nepal has sent diplomatic notes regarding this matter to both India and China. The Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has rejected Nepal’s claims, alleging that pilgrims are being taken through Indian territory where Nepal claims mutual usage. China has not yet responded. Nepal has proposed resolving the issue through dialogue, a stance the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also acknowledges as necessary, but no concrete steps have been taken so far.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to initiate dialogue soon. He also mentioned ongoing talks with the UK government regarding the border dispute. How does the UK relate to this issue? According to my research, Nepal has not formally requested the UK government’s involvement, but the Prime Minister’s statement is welcome. The Treaty of Sugauli, signed in 1816, was between Nepal and British India, not independent India.

Requesting the UK to mediate in the border dispute is a constructive proposal. The best resolution is through bilateral dialogue. If that fails, a third party may mediate, potentially including the UK, given its involvement in the Sugauli Treaty. However, no official correspondence has been exchanged so far, and historically Nepal has not engaged in such communications with the UK. Is it possible for Nepal and India to settle their border issues without involving the UK? Yes, both countries can resolve the dispute amicably by referring to old maps, historical documents, and border details through mutual dialogue. Only if negotiations fail should mediation be sought, at which point the UK could be promptly included. Since the Sugauli Treaty was signed with British involvement, the UK could be engaged as a mediator if requested officially. To date, no such official request has been made.

The House of Representatives session on 31 May was disrupted after opposition MPs surrounded the well and protested against the Speaker by shouting slogans. Even after the suspended session resumed, the opposition MPs reached the Speaker’s podium to voice their dissent. Kathmandu, 31 May.

The House of Representatives session has encountered controversy today. The meeting, which was suspended earlier this morning due to obstruction by opposition members, faced continued disruption upon resumption. Opposition MPs are once again surrounding the well and have advanced to the Speaker’s podium to demonstrate their protest, loudly chanting slogans against the Speaker.