Author: space4knews

In Birgunj’s main market area, both electricity and internet services were disrupted from 5:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. today due to road expansion work. Vijay Mahto, head of the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Birgunj Distribution Center, informed that power supply irregularities may continue until April 21. Local businessman Parshuram Kalwar stated that inadequate preparation during the road expansion caused interruptions in electricity and internet services, adversely affecting daily life.

The disruption occurred when the Hetauda Road Department began demolishing unauthorized structures encroaching on the main road in Birgunj using dozers and excavators from early morning. The outage in both electricity and internet services led to difficulties in daily activities and inconvenienced residents. The affected area spans from Gandak Chowk to Miteri Bridge, where services were unavailable from 5:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Parshuram Kalwar, a local trader in Birgunj Metropolitan Ward-6, highlighted the impact of the road expansion on power and internet services. He said, “The outage from this morning disrupted daily life. The local administration failed to make adequate preparations before commencing the road expansion, causing problems for the general public during the summer season. Without electricity, motors cannot operate, and water cannot be drawn from borewells, leading to water shortages necessary for sanitation.”

Vijay Mahto of the Nepal Electricity Authority’s Birgunj Distribution Center confirmed that during the road expansion from Miteri Bridge to Gandak Canal, power supply will be irregular. He stated, “From today until April 21, power supply disruptions are expected. Due to extensive repair work outside the Kabul area, maintenance has been ongoing since early morning.” Mahto urged the public and relevant stakeholders to exercise patience given the anticipated interruptions in service.

Summary: Following the Supreme Court’s decision to legitimize Gagan Thapa’s leadership, the Deuba faction of the Congress Party has chosen to adopt a ‘wait and see’ strategy for a few days. The Deuba camp convened a meeting of former central members, deciding to accept the court order while continuing the political struggle. Discussions between the two factions within Congress are ongoing, with a decision to allow some time to formulate the next steps.

Kathmandu, Baisakh 6 – After the Supreme Court granted legal recognition to Gagan Thapa’s leadership, Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction within the Congress Party took a defensive stance, adopting a multi-day ‘wait and observe’ approach. Following intensive discussions over Saturday and Sunday, the party leadership concluded that they would carefully observe the role the party will assume, subsequently determining their strategy. The establishment faction has reviewed the possibility that if the Deuba group is not treated respectfully, they may seek alternative options.

After Friday’s court order, the Deuba faction held persistent discussions and organized a meeting of former central members today. On Saturday, under the leadership of former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka, top leaders of the Deuba group gathered, followed by today’s meeting where former central members expressed their views. These members strongly voiced their opposition to the special general convention, led by four senior leaders—Khadka, Bimalendra Nidhi, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, and Prakashman Singh.

Some leaders aligned with Dr. Shekhar Koirala did not participate in the Deuba faction’s discussions. Former General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala was also absent from today’s meeting. Approximately three dozen former central members took part in the discussions, while Shekhar Koirala’s faction held a separate meeting on Sunday morning. Koirala’s faction decided to accept the court ruling, reflecting their past role as mediators. Commenting on the situation, Koirala-aligned leader Jeevan Pariyar emphasized, ‘There is a shared responsibility among all to build broader interests, unity, and a stronger organization within the Congress. The Central Working Committee and the party president bear even greater responsibility. In difficult times, all members must be responsible and committed from their positions.’

According to leaders from the Deuba faction, this series of meetings will continue systematically. Former central member Guru Baral informed that meetings began on Saturday and will proceed in a series until collective decisions are reached. However, the date for the next meeting has not yet been set. Despite accepting the court order during discussions on Saturday and Sunday, participating leaders expressed reservations about its interpretation. The court had previously endorsed the leadership selected through the special general convention.

Following the court’s ruling, former acting president Khadka convened meetings of the faction yesterday and today to develop strategy. Speaking at Sunday’s meeting, former central member Baral stated, ‘We accept the court’s decision, but the political struggle will continue.’ Though the immediate possibility of forming a new party is limited, suggestions have been made to prepare for that option. Should Gagan Thapa’s faction adopt a plan to avoid pressure, participating leaders believe preparations for alternatives must be considered.

Veer Bahadur Balayar, president from Far-Western Province, commented, ‘Whether unity will be achieved or not is not entirely in our hands. The responsibility to advance inclusively lies with the leadership that the court has recognized. There are lifelong veteran leaders here, and how this faction is treated is the responsibility of the court-recognized leadership.’

April 19, Kathmandu – A significant fire broke out on Sunday afternoon at the Hajipur Tea Cafe located in Chabahil, Kathmandu. The blaze completely destroyed the cafe’s structure. Upon receiving the report, the Kathmandu Metropolitan Fire Brigade promptly arrived at the scene and successfully brought the fire under control. The fire also caused damage to nearby structures. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have started due to a gas leak. While there were no human casualties, authorities have reported that the fire resulted in physical damages amounting to millions of rupees.

April 19, Kathmandu – The government has formulated a plan to provide salaries and allowances to civil service employees in installments every 15 days. The Ministry of Finance issued a ministerial-level directive last Friday, instructing the Office of the Comptroller General to make the necessary arrangements for this change. Comptroller General Shobhakant Paudel confirmed the receipt of the circular from the ministry and stated that the decision will be implemented soon. “The circular has arrived from the Ministry of Finance. The implementation will commence shortly,” he said.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to ensure timely crediting of funds into employees’ accounts and to keep the economy functioning smoothly. However, implementing this decision requires amendment of the existing legislation. Currently, government employees receive their monthly salaries and allowances once a month, with payments transferred to their bank accounts during the last week of each month. Transitioning to a bi-monthly salary payment system necessitates changes to the Federal Civil Service Act. “Under the old act, civil servants receive their salaries and allowances only after completion of the one-month payment cycle,” an official from the Ministry of Finance explained. “Therefore, to introduce salary and allowance payments every 15 days, amendments to the act are essential.”

The current administration is preparing to enact a new Federal Civil Service Act, which will include provisions for salary payments every 15 days. “Once the Federal Civil Service Act is passed, the decision can be implemented at any time. Necessary preparations are underway,” a source from the Ministry of Finance stated.

The Nepali Congress has expressed serious concern over the imposition of customs duty on goods priced above Rs 100 in the Indian border areas. Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise criticized the decision as anti-people, impractical, and insensitive. He stated, “Such policies or government behaviors are not only anti-people and impractical but also add to the burdens on citizens amidst the current economic crisis.”

The Congress has also presented five demands to the government, emphasizing that additional charges on petroleum products will institutionalize poverty further. Chalise explained that, due to the open border, residents in the border areas have been sustaining themselves by purchasing daily necessities from India at cheaper prices. This decision has directly impacted millions of common people, daily wage workers, small farmers, and low-income families, particularly in the Madhesh Province.

Given the already high prices of petroleum products, charging extra fees on purchases ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 300 negatively affects people’s purchasing power and represents a policy that institutionalizes poverty, stated the Congress in opposition to the measure. The party stressed that the government must urgently address and fulfill these five demands.

In the English Premier League, Manchester City reduced their points deficit to Arsenal by defeating them 2–1. Ryan Cherki and Erling Haaland scored for City, while Kai Havertz netted for Arsenal. City has the chance to climb to the top with a two-goal victory against Burnley.

Kathmandu, April 19 – The race for the English Premier League title has become more thrilling. In the match played on Sunday night, second-placed Manchester City defeated league leaders Arsenal 2–1, narrowing the points gap.

At their home ground, City took the lead in the 16th minute through Ryan Cherki. Just two minutes later, Kai Havertz equalized for Arsenal, and the first half ended 1–1. In the second half, Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute. With no further goals, Arsenal missed the opportunity to extend their lead.

Had Arsenal won, they would have increased their lead to nine points. Currently, City has 67 points from 32 matches, while Arsenal sits on 70 points from 33 matches. City, facing a double gameweek, could move to the top if they secure a two-goal win against Burnley.

April 19, Kathmandu: A courtesy meeting took place between Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of Nepal’s National Assembly, and Milton Dick, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives. The leaders met during the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Istanbul, Turkey. According to the Chairperson Dahal’s secretariat, the discussion focused extensively on bilateral relations, mutual interests, and parliamentary cooperation between Nepal and Australia.

Acknowledging Australia’s longstanding support for Nepal’s development and prosperity, Chair Dahal expressed hopes for increased future collaboration and assistance. In response, Speaker Milton Dick affirmed that the relationship between Australia and Nepal has historically been very cordial, and he expressed confidence that parliamentary cooperation would further strengthen and deepen ties between the two nations. Members of the Nepali parliamentary delegation at the meeting included National Assembly members Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Dr. Anjan Shakya, and National Assembly Secretary Tulbahadur Kandel.

Punjab Kings continued their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026 by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs. Punjab set a challenging target of 254 runs, which Lucknow could not chase down, being all out for 200 runs in 20 overs. With 11 points from six matches, Punjab tops the standings, while Lucknow holds the eighth position with 4 points.

On April 19, in a match held at Mullanpur, Punjab Kings maintained their lead in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 by securing an emphatic 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab posted a strong total of 255 runs, a target that Lucknow failed to achieve despite their best efforts, reaching only 200 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs.

Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant was the top scorer for his side with 43 runs, supported by Aiden Markram’s 42 runs. For Punjab, Marco Jansen claimed 2 wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vaishak, and Yuzvendra Chahal each took one wicket. After losing the toss, Punjab elected to bat first and posted 254 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 20 overs, thanks to aggressive innings from Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly.

Arya played a brilliant innings, scoring 93 runs off 37 balls, featuring 4 fours and 9 sixes. Connolly contributed 87 runs from 46 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes. Despite both nearing centuries, they fell short but put together a formidable 182-run partnership for the second wicket, following an early loss of the first wicket for just 3 runs. Marcus Stoinis added 29 runs and Shashank Singh contributed 17. For Lucknow, Prince Yadav and Manimaran Siddharth took 2 wickets each, while Mohammad Shami and Mohsin Khan took one wicket each. With this win, Punjab recorded their fifth victory in six matches, securing 11 points to remain at the top of the table. Lucknow, on the other hand, has 4 points from six matches and is placed in eighth position.

April 19, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress MP Aain Mahar has vowed that no government attempts to suppress or ban student protests will succeed. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Sunday, Mahar described the student movement as the guardian of democracy. He also dismissed the idea of dissolving student organizations as ‘absurd.’

Mahar accused the current government of lacking patriotism and respect for Nepal’s sovereignty. He highlighted that the government’s proposed administrative reforms include a provision (clause 86) aimed at dissolving student organizations. Mahar questioned why student leaders remained silent despite such a move, especially when the nation could face a shutdown the very next day.

“This government is undemocratic, unpatriotic, and imported from outside. It shows no regard for Nepal’s nationalism and independence,” he said. “You take to the streets; we will support you on all fronts. If necessary, I am ready to remove my parliamentary insignia and join you on the streets.” Recalling that students led the charge and shed blood for establishing the republic even ahead of political parties, Mahar stated that attempts to weaken the student movement under the current regime are unacceptable. He urged students to prioritize the implementation of their fundamental right to education as outlined in Article 31 of the constitution as the main agenda for their protests.

Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has been accused of using force, physical assault, and confiscating goods from business owners during its campaign to remove sidewalk encroachments. Four major business organizations have condemned the municipal police for their use of force and unauthorized seizure of goods, demanding clear guidelines be established. Police Chief Jayashwar Pandey claims that only items obstructing sidewalks were removed and that they acted in self-defense when met with resistance. (6 Baisakh, Butwal)

Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City has recently launched an operation to clear sidewalk encroachments. Various videos circulating show municipal police allegedly applying force, assaulting business operators, and confiscating goods without proper documentation during the clearance efforts. According to business owners, police forcibly removed goods, used punches during altercations, and fractured fingers. They argue that these actions were taken without clear protocols or records, adversely affecting their morale amid rising inflation and economic downturn.

Vijay Raymajhi, owner of City Bag House located in Rammandir Line, shared his grievances, stating that although his shop did not encroach on the sidewalk, police forcibly removed a temporary plastic sunshade he had installed over his shutter. He said, “During the clash with the police, I was punched, breaking the finger on my right hand. We received no prior public notice prohibiting the use of such sunshades.”

“Even after paying taxes to the state, the municipality treated us like criminals. Now I am torn between continuing my business or shutting down and moving abroad,” he lamented. “Instead of acting as a protector, the municipality resorted to violence and failed to ensure our security.” Mohammad Mustafa of Himalaya Foam House complained that the municipality enforced sidewalk management in an authoritarian manner reminiscent of Rana rule, forcibly confiscating goods without documentation. He added, “Despite prior announcements, clear standards for sidewalks and permissible items were never defined. The municipality should have communicated these guidelines.”

Business Associations Raise Concerns: Following the forceful removal of goods from business owners during sidewalk clearance, four prominent business associations in Butwal jointly voiced their opposition. Prakash Dhakal, President of Rupandehi Trade Association; Hariprasad Aryal of Butwal Industry and Commerce Association; Krishnaprasad Parajuli of Rupandehi Industry Association; and Loknath Panthi of Butwal Industry and Trade Association issued a joint press release condemning the municipality’s use of force and unauthorized confiscation of goods.

Police Chief Jayashwar Pandey defended the actions by emphasizing that only items obstructing sidewalks were removed, and that police responded after being assaulted. He noted the campaign will continue for a few more days and that data on the quantity of confiscated goods is yet to be compiled. “We removed items from areas invading the sidewalks after public announcements and followed the orders of the municipal chief. We retaliated only when attacked,” Pandey stated.