Author: space4knews

The Nepal Gen Z Front strongly condemns the brutal and inhumane repression carried out by the state during the eviction of unauthorized structures. The Front has demanded that the government ensure appropriate alternatives and scientific management for displaced citizens. Expressing strong objection to the inhumane treatment during the demolition process, it has urged security agencies to receive training on humanitarian principles. Kathmandu, 7 Baisakh.

The Nepal Gen Z Front has vehemently criticized the state’s cruel and inhumane attacks on citizens’ homes and livelihoods in the name of clearing unauthorized structures. In a press release issued on Monday, the Front described the forceful use of dozers to demolish the residences and businesses of impoverished citizens without any concrete alternatives or resettlement plans as a stark example of irresponsibility.

The Front stated that turning low-income people who have earned their livelihood through small businesses for decades into homeless individuals raises serious questions about the government’s planning and intent. The statement questions the government, asking, “Has the government formulated any plans regarding the future and economic arrangements for displaced citizens?”

The Front strongly demands that before removing any structure, proper alternatives and scientific management for the affected citizens be ensured. Expressing strong objection to the brutal and inhumane actions taken by federal and local police forces against persons with disabilities and the general public during the demolition, the release states, “We call for strict legal action against all those involved in such acts and urge all security forces to receive effective training on minimum humanitarian standards.”

April 20, Kathmandu – Dujang Sherpa, President of the Nepal Student Union (NSU), has called on his parent party, the Nepali Congress, to provide the organization’s constitution. In a video message released on the occasion of NSU’s establishment day, he appealed to the Nepali Congress leadership to make the constitution available. According to President Sherpa, the absence of the constitution has stalled the progress of NSU’s 12th General Convention. If it is not possible to issue the constitution, he has even urged for the dissolution of the current central committee.
“Due to the lack of the constitution, we have been unable to reach the destination of the 12th General Convention. I appeal to the party for a solution,” he said. “To advance the student movement and complete the convention, please discuss the agenda we have proposed and provide the constitution,” Sherpa emphasized. “If that is not feasible, I request that the current central committee be dissolved to pave the way forward.”
President Sherpa also demands that the party hold thorough discussions and approve the agenda proposed to it by the NSU senate. “I earnestly request the party leadership to seriously deliberate and pass the agendas submitted by the NSU senate for the past month,” he stated.
Furthermore, Sherpa has urged the party leadership to publicly clarify its official stance on the government’s decision to dissolve student organizations. He said, “The party’s silence so far on the government’s undemocratic and unconstitutional move is a cause for concern and distress.” “I want to remind the party leadership that it is under this very flag and torch that they are in leadership today. With ongoing attacks on the student movement, it is imperative for the Nepali Congress to promptly issue a statement and effectively raise this issue in the sovereign parliament,” President Sherpa concluded.

April 20, Kathmandu – Sameer Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, has arrived in Kathmandu. He landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at approximately 6:15 AM today. Of Indian origin, Kapur has come to Kathmandu with the objective of strengthening ties with the government led by newly appointed Mayor Balendra Shah.

During his stay in Kathmandu, Kapur is scheduled to hold high-level meetings and is expected to engage with several government ministers. In October of last year, US President Donald Trump appointed him as Assistant Secretary of State overseeing South Asia affairs, succeeding Donald Lu in this role. Kapur’s visit to Kathmandu will last for three days, with plans to return on Wednesday. Since the formation of the Balendra Shah-led government, Kapur is considered the highest-ranking foreign diplomat to visit Kathmandu.

April 20, Biratnagar – Jhapa-11 Football Club has emerged victorious in the 38th edition of the Birat Gold Cup football tournament. In the final match held Sunday night at the Shaheed Rangashala in Biratnagar, Jhapa-11 defeated the home team Samrat Sporting Club by a 2-1 margin to claim the championship. Jhapa had previously won the Birat Gold Cup title in 2014 (2071 BS). Along with the title, Jhapa received a cash prize of NPR 1.1 million, while the runners-up Samrat Sporting Club accepted NPR 500,000 as their award.

Goals from Rajesh Dahal and Divas Urau secured the victory for Jhapa, while Saurabh Tamang scored a consolation goal for Samrat Sporting. The competitive final saw a goalless first half. The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Jhapa’s Rajesh Dahal put his team ahead. Just six minutes later, Divas Urau extended the lead, effectively sealing the win. In injury time, Samrat’s Saurabh Tamang scored to reduce the deficit, making the score 2–1.

Rajesh Dahal of Jhapa was named Player of the Match in the final. Ashok Khawas of Samrat Sporting was honored as the Best Player of the tournament and awarded NPR 51,000 in prize money. The awards ceremony featured Koshi Province Speaker Ambar Bahadur Bisht, Minister for Forest, Tourism, and Environment Bhim Parajuli, Biratnagar Metropolitan Chief Niges Koirala, and Birat Gold Cup Football Trust Chairman Kishor Bahadur Shahi presenting the trophies. The tournament, which began on March 12, featured eight teams including participants from India.

US President Donald Trump has announced that an Iranian-flagged vessel has been seized as part of the maritime blockade imposed on Iran. The cargo ship, reportedly detained by US forces in the Gulf region, has not yet prompted any official response from Iran. Trump stated on Truth Social that the US Navy took control of the ship named ‘Tosca’ after warnings to stop were ignored.

This announcement coincides with the White House confirming that US Vice President Mike Pence will lead the second phase of talks in Pakistan aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. However, Tehran has yet to officially confirm its participation in these talks. Iranian state media has indicated that Iranian officials will not take part as long as the US maritime blockade continues.

Trump described the seized vessel as approximately 900 feet long and weighing as much as an aircraft carrier. He said the ship was stopped by creating holes in the engine room, citing violations of the US naval blockade. “Due to past illegal activities, Tosca is under US Treasury sanctions. We have full control of the ship and are inspecting its contents,” Trump said.

A video released by US Central Command shows a US naval ship warning the vessel to halt, followed by gunfire. Following a failed first round of talks between the US and Iran, Trump earlier warned that the maritime blockade of Iranian ports would continue until an agreement between the two countries is reached.

The Central Discipline Committee of the Nepali Congress is scheduled to convene today at the party’s central office in Sanepa. According to committee secretary Dinesh Thapa Magar, the meeting will discuss the complaints received against various party leaders. Kathmandu, 7 Baishakh. The Nepali Congress Central Discipline Committee meeting has been called for 3 PM today in Sanepa. Secretary Dinesh Thapa Magar has issued an official notice regarding the meeting.

As per the secretary, complaints filed against several leaders will be deliberated during the session. Following the special general convention that elected a new working committee under Gagan Thapa’s leadership, there have been complaints lodged against some leaders aligned with Sher Bahadur Deuba, who oppose this new leadership, sources informed. Previously, former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, as well as former Home Minister and Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, were arrested amid accusations related to suppression of the Janajati agitation. In response, Purnabahadur Khadka, acting president of the party, had issued a statement addressing the matter.

Subsequently, the Congress party asked Khadka to provide clarification within seven days. However, citing the ongoing Supreme Court consideration of a dispute over party legitimacy, he maintained his refusal to submit any explanation. On 4 Baishakh, the Supreme Court ratified the Election Commission’s decision, officially recognizing Gagan Thapa’s leadership of the Congress. Despite this, some senior party leaders, including former vice-president Bimlendra Nidhi, publicly expressed dissent against the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Although the newly formed government has included chemical fertilizer distribution in its draft national commitments, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted the import of these essential agricultural inputs. Officials report that the government has already contracted to purchase 94,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer, but shipments have been delayed due to the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Despite opening tenders for an additional 90,000 metric tons, experts warn that the Iran war, which has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, might cause shortages of fertilizer critical for timely agricultural production.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated in the draft national commitments released Tuesday that, “The fertilizer requirement data will be updated, procurement schedules will be prepared, and the existing mismanagement in purchase, sale, and distribution will be addressed.” The government imports chemical fertilizers through Agriculture Material Company Limited and Salt Trading Company Limited. According to customs data, private sector imports reached 50,000 metric tons last year, though officials believe the actual volume is higher.

Dr. Ram Krishna Shrestha, Chief of the Agriculture Development Division under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, explained that the government had targeted the supply of 550,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer this year. The ministry received a budget allocation of NPR 2.882 billion for this purpose. “So far, 525,000 metric tons have been imported. The quantity exceeding the tender amount is due to leftover fertilizer from tenders of the previous fiscal year arriving late,” Shrestha clarified.

The ministry also informed that out of the imported fertilizer, 420,000 metric tons have already been sold, with the remainder stored in warehouses. Various studies on fertilizer demand have been conducted. According to a National Agricultural Census study, Nepal requires 1,737,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizer based on the total arable land and crops cultivated. Agriculture expert Mahadev Prasad Paudel notes that since only 400,000 to 500,000 metric tons are imported annually, shortages every year are a common concern.

April 20, Dhangadhi – Police have arrested six individuals with illegal drugs (a brownish substance resembling heroin) from various locations in the Kailali and Kanchanpur districts of Sudurpashchim Province. Separate operations were conducted throughout Sunday, resulting in the arrests.

In Kailali’s Godawari Municipality-2, Baspark area, 25-year-old Krishna Damai, a resident of Shikhar Municipality-2 in Doti district, was arrested with 370 milligrams of illegal drugs. A police team dispatched from Malakheti Police Post intercepted him during a suspicious check and recovered the substance. Similarly, 30-year-old Prakash Sharma was arrested at Thpalipur, Lamkichuha Municipality-1, along with 160 milligrams of brown heroin. He was taken into custody by a team from the Lamki Police Post.

Also in Kailali, 30-year-old Tejbahadur Mauni from Ghaela Bauniya, Joshipur Rural Municipality-7, was apprehended at Kusumghat, Bhajani Municipality-3, with 540 milligrams of illegal drugs. This arrest was carried out by a team from Bhajani Police Post. In Kanchanpur’s Beladandi Rural Municipality-3, Banpurwa area, two individuals, 22-year-old Sunil Chaudhary and 18-year-old Hasib Chaudhary, were detained with 860 milligrams of illegal drugs. They were apprehended by a team dispatched from Bhunda Police Post.

Additionally, in Belouri Municipality-10, Darsikhalla area, police stopped a suspicious motorcycle with license plate number Sudurpashchim 02-003 P 2373, driven by 32-year-old Ishwar Dagaura with 25-year-old passenger Akash Dagaura. They were arrested after officials seized 10 grams and 520 milligrams of illegal drugs from their possession. The motorcycle was also confiscated.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing against all involved individuals under drug-related offenses. Given the increasing trafficking and usage of narcotics in Sudurpashchim Province, police have intensified surveillance and law enforcement efforts to curb illicit drug activities.

April 20, Kathmandu—Nepal Rastra Bank has set the foreign currency exchange rates for today. According to the established rates, the US Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 148.39 and the selling rate is NPR 148.99. The European Euro has a buying rate of NPR 174.56 and a selling rate of NPR 175.26. The UK Pound Sterling’s buying rate stands at NPR 200.57 with a selling rate of NPR 201.38, while the Swiss Franc is set at a buying rate of NPR 189.79 and a selling rate of NPR 190.56.

The Australian Dollar’s buying rate is NPR 106.37 and the selling rate is NPR 106.80. The Canadian Dollar is buying at NPR 108.37 and selling at NPR 108.80. The Singapore Dollar is priced with a buying rate of NPR 116.83 and a selling rate of NPR 117.30. For the Japanese Yen (per 10 units), the buying rate is NPR 9.35 and the selling rate NPR 9.39. The Chinese Yuan has a buying rate of NPR 21.77 and a selling rate of NPR 21.85, while the Saudi Arabian Riyal is priced at NPR 39.56 for buying and NPR 39.72 for selling. The Qatari Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 40.70 and its selling rate NPR 40.86.

According to the central bank, the Thai Baht’s buying rate is NPR 4.65 and selling rate NPR 4.66. The UAE Dirham is set at NPR 40.40 for buying and NPR 40.56 for selling. The Malaysian Ringgit has a buying rate of NPR 37.54 and selling rate of NPR 37.70. The South Korean Won (per 100 units) is priced at NPR 10.11 for buying and NPR 10.16 for selling. The Swedish Krona’s buying rate is NPR 16.19 with a selling rate of NPR 16.26, and the Danish Kroner is priced at NPR 23.36 for buying and NPR 23.45 for selling.

The Rastra Bank has also set the Hong Kong Dollar’s buying rate at NPR 18.95 and selling rate at NPR 19.02. The Kuwaiti Dinar’s buying rate is NPR 484.38 and selling rate NPR 486.34. The Bahraini Dinar is priced at NPR 393.61 for buying and NPR 395.20 for selling, and the Omani Riyal’s buying rate is NPR 385.93 with a selling rate of NPR 387.49. Additionally, the Indian Rupee (per 100 units) is set at NPR 160.00 for buying and NPR 160.15 for selling. Nepal Rastra Bank has indicated that it reserves the right to amend these exchange rates at any time as necessary. Commercial banks may have different rates, and updated rates will be available on the central bank’s official website.

Summary: Nepal secured a 50-run victory over Italy in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy in Rwanda, propelled by Rubina Kshetri’s four wickets. Winning the toss, Nepal batted first and scored 112 runs for eight wickets, with vice-captain Puja Mahto remaining unbeaten on 48. Italy was bowled out for 62 runs in 18.4 overs, with Rubina conceding just four runs in 2.4 overs and taking four wickets, earning her the Player of the Match title. Kathmandu, 20 April.

Rubina Kshetri’s four-wicket haul was instrumental as Nepal triumphed over Italy by 50 runs in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy held in Rwanda on Sunday. This marks Nepal’s first win in the tournament, after a previous loss against the United States on Saturday. At the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Nepal elected to bat first following the toss and posted 112 runs for eight wickets. Vice-captain Puja Mahto starred with an unbeaten 48 runs, supported by Samjhana Khadka’s 16, Bindu Rawal’s 15, and captain Indu Burma’s 10 runs. Other batters were unable to reach double figures.

For Italy, Emilia Bartram took three wickets, while Kumudu Pedric, Alexia Contopirakis, Elena Sims, Pasandi Kanakege, and Thilini Fernando claimed one wicket each. Chasing 113, Italy was all out for 62 runs in 18.4 overs. Chathurika Mahamalage top-scored for Italy with 22 runs. Nepal’s Rubina Kshetri dismantled the Italian batting line-up, conceding only four runs in her 2.4 overs while taking four crucial wickets. Her outstanding performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Additionally, Kavita Kunwar captured two wickets, while Manisha Upadhyay, Riya Sharma, and Rachana Chaudhary took one wicket each.

The editorial review covers the shifting realities facing today’s youth, whose lifestyles starkly contrast with those of older generations. This demographic has spread across the globe in search of livelihoods, increasingly connected through mobile phones, yet showing diminishing attachment to traditional societies. This detachment, coupled with uncontrolled social media use, has contributed to current political unrest and rebellion.

This in-depth article by sociologist Mishra, published in three parts, situates the Generation Z movement within a global context and focuses on Nepal’s specific social dynamics. Professor Mishra, part of Nepal’s first generation of formal sociology educators and author of works such as Capitalism and Nepal, Changing Nepali Society, Essays on the Sociology of Nepal, and Democracy and Contemporary Marxism, examines how technological tools have fueled youth-led resistance and their wide-ranging effects.

Rapid social generational shifts have profound impacts, transforming not only individual life courses but also broader social-historical paradigms. These changes, accelerating in social, economic, political, and cultural realms, are expected to intensify in the coming decades, potentially sparking widespread conflicts, clashes, and generational rifts. These processes collectively bring forth new generations over abbreviated timespans.

The expansion of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically increased access to information and knowledge, but it also opens the door to floods of disinformation and fabricated visuals, with potentially significant political, economic, and social repercussions. Projected advances in AI and robotics may elevate unemployment—particularly in repetitive jobs and lower-tier digital and clerical work.

Additionally, pandemics and wars risk devastating large segments of humanity. Climate crises threaten myriad livelihoods through irregular rainfall, resource scarcity, and population decline, potentially normalizing social instability, conflict, and displacement—which in turn creates marginalized communities. New instabilities within the capitalist global economy increase the likelihood of political and military realignments worldwide, often driven by right-wing, ethnic, and nationalist forces.

Accelerated de-ruralization is transforming villages into shadows of urban centers, exacerbating shortages of local resources and existential threats. These conditions fuel intensified generational social conflicts. Traditional political coalitions are losing relevance, while emerging social structures give rise to new identities. Individuals are also undergoing profound changes, necessitating a redefinition of generational relationships in line with societal transformations.

In Nepal, the youth, especially Generation Z, express varying degrees of rebellion through technology. The violence witnessed on September 8–9 underscores that not all Nepali youth collectively represent Gen Z. Reports indicate involvement of multiple factions in political violence during these events.

Over recent decades, Nepal’s youth have experienced significant social, economic, and cultural shifts—aggravating rural-to-urban migration and destabilizing traditional livelihoods. Declining agricultural contributions have generated unprecedented challenges for production processes, social structures, and farming lifestyles. Demographically, birth rates have plummeted and household sizes have shrunk. Migration from hill and mountain regions to the Terai and urban areas has increased notably, with the Terai’s population share rising significantly from 1971 to 2021.

Urbanization is playing out unevenly, with employment often precarious and poorly paid. Growing dependency on foreign employment and remittances has reshaped the economy, while fallow land and disrupted traditional farming pose grave challenges in rural areas. Abandoned fields, aging populations, and animal damage vividly illustrate these trends. Livelihood sources are increasingly shifting toward urban and international centers, weakening intra-community relations and cooperation in rural locales.

Traditional demarcations between city and village no longer capture reality, prompting the need for fresh cultural and political definitions. Urban lifestyles and cultures are reshaping rural areas profoundly. Understanding the origins and experiences of today’s Generation Z requires both local insights and a grasp of global trends.

The Gen Z involvement in the September 8–9 violence was neither complete nor universally accepted. Long-term economic, cultural, and work-related changes have profoundly altered social bonds and attachments. People are moving away from traditional families and communities toward shorter-term and more superficial personal relationships. Often, this increases instability and uncertainty, especially among impoverished and marginalized groups. Conversely, some groups—such as rural Madhesi women, Dalits, and agricultural laborers—have gained new freedoms and access, though they remain far from full empowerment.

Scarcity of rural production resources weakens community attachment and destabilizes livelihoods. Significant structural reform is urgently required to prevent large numbers of youth from falling into social and economic instability.

Youth engagement and social influence have grown alongside shifts in power. Although savings are limited in rural areas, urban centers offer employment and income opportunities that attract youth. Cities serve as hubs introducing youth to modern education, healthcare, and global trends. Nepali youth abroad share information and experiences that foster social and political awareness at home. Urban youth lead political and social movements, shaping political consciousness nationwide. Their votes significantly impact election outcomes, even in rural areas.

Mobile phones and social media have become unprecedented tools for connecting Nepali youth, facilitating relationships, information exchange, and global connectivity. These platforms erase geographic barriers, easing the flow of knowledge and ideas. However, social media also produces harmful effects: echo chambers, fake news surges, anonymity-driven misconduct, and dangerous behaviors proliferate. Disinformation spread online has been a key driver of political disputes and violence.

The third and final part of this article will be published on Monday.