MAHARA CALLS FOR UNITY AMONG EIGHT POLITICAL PARTIES FOR NEXT 10-YEAR

After signing historic agreement with the seven party alliance, Maoist spokesperson and coordinator of the Maoist talks team Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said that the unity among eight political parties should continue until the end of feudalism in the country.
Addressing a victory meet organised in Pokhara by the Maoists, after the historic agreement between the SPA and Maoists, Mahara said the eight party alliance should continue for the next 10 years at least.
Stating that the Maoists are ready to maintain the alliance for 10 years, Mahara urged other political parties not to play competitive politics during these 10 years.
"The relation of the King with the Nepali Army is not going to break with simple decisions and cosmetic reforms," he said, adding, "Therefore a long-term coalition among political parties is essential."
He also warned that monarchy could attempt to take regressive steps if political parties did not remain alert in the days to come.
The success of summit talks is the beginning of the formation of a republican Nepal and the end of monarchy, said Mahara, adding that the agreement truly demonstrated the unity of the political parties.
Mahara further warned, “If the points of agreement are not implemented honestly, it will invite catastrophe in the country.”

AT LEAST 4O PEOPLE KILLED IN SALYAN ACCIDENT

At least 40 people were killed and over 40 others injured when a passenger bus met with an accident near Luham Bazaar in Tribeni VDC of Salyan district in mid-western region Saturday morning.
The ill-fated bus heading for Tulsipur of Dang district from Salyan skidded some 200 meters off the road and plunged into a gorge, police sources in Dang said. Most of the victims died on the spot.
Nearly 100 people were travelling in the Ra-1-Kha 185 bus belonging to Rapti Yatayat. Local people and police officials had rescued the injured passengers. Over a dozen passengers jumped off the bus and saved their lives.
Brake failure is said to be the reason behind the accident.
The injured passengers have been taken to Ghorahi in Dang and Nepalgunj for treatment. The death toll is likely to rise as a few the injured passengers are in critical condition.

THREE NEPALI WOMEN TO RUN MARATHON FOR CHARITY

Three Nepali women—Prerna Shrestha, Sworupa Khadka and Raksha Pant-- are running the US Marathons next month to raise funds for the Help Nepal Health Post in Haripurwa VDC, Sarlahi, in south-eastern Nepal.
Haripurwa VDC is a conglomerate of villages with approximately 13,000 people. The VDC does not have a health facility and the villagers have to walk long hours to the district hospital in Malangwa for minor treatments and check ups.
According to Help Nepal Network ( www.helpnepal.net), a global charity set up by Nepalis, Prerana, Sworupa and Raksha – all members of Help Nepal-- will attempt to raise at least $8,000 for the Health Post.
This summer, Help Nepal organised the US tour of the famous comedian duo, Madan Krishna Shrestha and Haribansh Acharya, and raised $10, 760.90 for the proposed 13-bed Sarlahi Health Post. The total initial estimated cost for the construction of the Health Post is approximately $19,000.
According to the organisers, Prerana will run the ING New York City Marathon on November 5, and Sworupa and Raksha will run the Philadelphia Marathon on November 19.
A PhD candidate in Neuroscience at The Rockefeller University in New York, Prerna graduated from Bates College in 2003 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biological Chemistry. She also serves in the executive committee of International Nepali Biomedical Society (INBS).
Raksha works in McKinsey & Company's Asset Management Research Practice in NYC. Raised in Thailand and the Philippines, she graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 2002 with an Economics major/Math minor. Raksha and friends have also launched "Badi ko Sathi", a non-profit with the goal of educating Badi children and raising societal awareness about the Badi plight.
Sworupa works as an Assistant Operations Manager at Mellon Financial Corporation in its Consulting and Investment Solutions group. She graduated from University of Bridgeport, CT in 2001 where she served as a president of The Himalayan Club, a student organization. She is also the founding member of XMA (Xavier's Mary's Alumni Association).
"I urge all the Nepalis—living in the US and elsewhere—to participate in and spread the word about Help Nepal's "One dollar a month" online donation program and make it one of the most inclusive, therefore one of the most powerful donation tools to make a difference in Nepal," said Shailesh Gongal, chairman of Help Nepal Network USA. "Just imagine if 100,000 Nepalis living in the US give a dollar a month, we will be raising USD 1.2 million a year," he added.
The organisers said they have already raised over 1,300 US dollars so far in support of the cause championed by three courageous Nepali women. They said they welcome online contributions at https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=5012
Set up in 1999, Help Nepal Network now has its chapters in nearly one dozen countries and is the largest charitable network of the Nepali diaspora. It has already provided assistance to implement projects mainly in education and health sectors targeting rural and underprivileged communities in Nepal.

SPECIAL RELATIVITY THEORY

The special theory of relativity was proposed in 1905 by Albert Einstein in his article "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies." Some three centuries earlier, Galileo's principle of relativity had stated that all uniform motion was relative, and that there was no absolute and well-defined state of rest; a person on the deck of a ship may be at rest in his opinion, but someone observing from the shore would say that he was moving. Einstein's theory combines Galilean relativity with the postulate that all observers will always measure the speed of light to be the same no matter what their state of uniform linear motion is.
This theory has a variety of surprising consequences that seem to violate common sense, but which have been verified experimentally. Special relativity overthrows Newtonian notions of absolute space and time by stating that distance and time depend on the observer, and that time and space are perceived differently, depending on the observer. It yields the equivalence of matter and energy, as expressed in the famous equation E=mc2, where c is the speed of light. Special relativity agrees with Newtonian mechanics in their common realm of applicability, in experiments in which all velocities are small compared to the speed of light.
The theory was called "special" because it applies the principle of relativity only to inertial frames. Einstein developed general relativity to apply the principle generally, that is, to any frame, and that theory includes the effects of gravity. Special relativity doesn't account for gravity, but it can deal with accelerations.
Although special relativity makes relative some quantities, such as time, that we would have imagined to be absolute based on everyday experience, it also makes absolute some others that we would have thought were relative. In particular, it states that the speed of light is the same for all observers, even if they are in motion relative to one another. Special relativity reveals that c is not just the velocity of a certain phenomenon -- light -- but rather a fundamental feature of the way space and time are tied together. In particular, special relativity states that it is impossible for any material object to travel as fast as light.

ABOUT THE SUPERNOVA

A supernova is a stellar explosion that produces an extremely bright object made of plasma that declines to invisibility over weeks or months. There are several different types of supernovae and two possible routes to their formation. A massive star may cease to generate fusion energy from fusing the nuclei of atoms in its core and collapse inward under the force of its own gravity to form a neutron star or black hole, or a white dwarf star may accumulate material from a companion star until it nears its Chandrasekhar limit and undergoes runaway nuclear fusion in its interior, completely disrupting it (note that this should not be confused with a surface thermonuclear explosion on a white dwarf called a nova). In either case, the resulting supernova explosion expels much or all of the stellar material with great force.
The explosion drives a blast wave into the surrounding space, forming a supernova remnant. One famous example of this process is the remnant of SN 1604, shown to the right.
"Nova" (pl. novae) is Latin for "new", referring to what appears to be a very bright new star shining in the celestial sphere; the prefix "super" distinguishes this from an ordinary nova, which also involves a star increasing in brightness, though to a lesser extent and through a different mechanism. However, it is misleading to consider a supernova as a new star, because it really represents the death of a star (or at least its radical transformation into something else).

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION LIFTS CURFEW AFTER FIVE YEARS

The local administration removed curfew orders in Dang district after five years citing improvement in the security situation of the district.
The local administration had been imposing nighttime curfew order in the district since November 26, 2001 following the Maoist attack at all government installations in Ghorai, the district headquarter of Dang district on November 23.
Maoists launched major attack on Ghorai, the district headquarter of Dang district following a break in a four month truce.
Talking to Nepalnews, acting chief district officer of the district, Sundar Raj Aryal, informed that they removed the curfew after five years keeping in view the recent political development of the country and improvement in the security situation.
Local administrations in various districts have been imposing curfew orders in the night to avoid probable attack of the Maoists.
The government on Wednesday removed terrorist tag and red corner notice from Maoists and reciprocated the unilateral ceasefire announced by the Maoists.

MAOISTS AGREE TO SIT ON PEACE TALK

A day after the government announced a ceasefire, the Maoists have welcomed it and agreed to sit for peace negotiations with the government led by Seven Party Alliance (SPA).

In a statement issued on Thursday, chairman of the CPN (Maoist), Prachanda alias Pushpa Kamal Dahal, said his party is ready to sit for talks with the government as per the 12-point understanding reached with the SPA.
Prachanda further said his party had already handed over a "code of conduct" – to be observed by both the sides—to the government and expressed hope that it would be implemented sincerely.
The Maoist supremo warned that his party’s decision to sit for negotiations should not been seen as ‘war-weariness’ or ‘hurry to join the open politics.’ “We are prepared to fight in any front till the end for the sake of Nepal and the Nepalis,” he said.
In his statement, Prachanda expressed hope that the forthcoming negotiations would not turn into a failure as was the case with the previous two round of negotiations and that interim statute and interim government would be formed by dissolving the reinstated parliament, constitution and the government. Prachanda said the interim government would take the lead of the entire elections process for what he called the ‘unconditional constituent assembly.’ “Ultimately, it is the political consciousness and continued agitation of the great Nepali people in order to ensure safe-landing of this process,” he added.
Prachanda alleged the government of USA of trying to push Nepal towards eternal war and conflict in Nepal—situated between two giants China and India—in order to fulfill its “imperial interests.” He also claimed that the recent visit of US Assistant Secretary for South Asia, Richard Boucher, was directed in that direction.
Describing the present situation in the country as transitional, Prachanda said the country was heading towards a republic.
On Wednesday, the newly formed government led by G P Koirala declared ceasefire and decided to withdraw terrorist tag and ‘Red Corner’ notices against the CPN (Maoist) and its leadership.

MOBILE PHONES START TO RING AGAIN

The government resumed the mobile phone services that were snapped since Saturday afternoon in Kathmandu from Tuesday morning.
The government had disconnected both post-paid and pre-paid mobile services of Nepal Telecom (NT) and Spice Nepal Private Limited from Saturday afternoon to thwart the pro-democracy movement of the country.
The mobile phones went down as tens of thousands of people took to the Kathmandu streets on Saturday defying curfew orders and denouncing Friday's royal proclamation.
Telecom employees had also been carrying out protests demanding immediate resumption of services.
This is the fourth time the government had snapped the mobile phone services after the February 1, 2005, royal takeover. NT officials said that net loss of Nepal’s giant telecommunication service provider has grown to Rs. 2.5 billion due to frequent disruption of services.
The NT has distributed around 500,000 mobile phone lines across the country-- nearly half of the mobile lines have been distributed to in the Kathmandu Valley.

KING GYANENDRA RESTORE THE DISSOLVE PARLIAMENT

In a major political breakthrough, His Majesty King Gyanendra restored the dissolved House of Representatives through a royal proclamation on Tuesday.

In his televised address to the nation later this evening, the King stated that the lower house of parliament dissolved in May 2002 has been reinstated as per the spirit of the ongoing people's movement and the roadmap of the opposition seven-party alliance (SPA).
The King also called the session of the parliament on Friday (April 28) at 13:00 p.m. at the parliament building in Singh Durbar.
He expressed hope that the SPA would become able to establish permanent peace and national unity and uphold total democracy in the country and extended his condolence to those who lost their lives during the ongoing people's movement, wishing speedy recovery of those injured.
Sovereign and executive power rest on the Nepali people as per the constitution of the Kingdom, the King said.
Reinstatement of the parliament has been on of the main demand of the SPA that has been carrying out nationwide general strike since last 19 days.

PARTIES GEAR UP FOR TUESDAY'S MASS DEMONSTRATIONS,PROFESSIONAL PLEDGE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

The seven-party alliance (SPA) has completed preparations for the mass demonstrations in Ring Road, Kathmandu, on Tuesday, as various professional groups and trade unions pledged active participation in the protests.
Separate meetings of the seven parties on Monday decided to mobilise their central leaders to lead the rallies at different places. A meeting of the Standing Committee (SC) of the CPN (UML) decided to send all SC members to lead the peaceful rallies while the Central Working Committee meetings of Nepali Congress (NC) and NC (Democratic) also decided to deploy senior central committee members to coordinate the rallies. Four other parties also made similar decisions.
The parties also urged their cadres to mobilise the masses in a peaceful way and keep and eye on the ‘government-sanctioned vigilantes’ who could provoke violence during the demonstrations. Issuing separate statements after the meetings, the parties also appealed to the general people and professional organisations to actively participate in the demonstrations against the royal proclamation of Friday.
As per the decision of the meeting of the Central People’s Movement Coordination Committee held on Sunday NC president Girija Prasad Koirala will address a mass gathering at Narayangopal Chowk, UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal a mass meeting in Kalanki, NC (D) president Sher Bahadur Deuba at Gongabu and Amik Sherchan at Satdobato. Similarly, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party chairman Narayan Bijukchhe, Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandi Devi) vice-chairman Bharat Bimal Yadav and United Left Front’s Bishnu Bahadur Manahandhar will address the mass meetings at Koteshwor, Sitapaila and Chabahil respectively.
The demonstrations will be carried out from interior parts of the city and along the stretch of Ring Road from 12:00 p.m., which will converge into mass meetings.
In a show of strength, the SPA has vowed to bring as many as 2 million people in the streets of Kathmandu. Mass demonstrations will be organised in all cities and towns around the country on Tuesday, according to the parties.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the eight student organisations appealed to all students in the Kathmandu Valley and outside to leave their studies for one day and actively join in the pro-democracy demonstrations on Tuesday.
Expressing full support to the ongoing movement of the parties, various professional organisations and trade unions have pledged active involvement in Tuesday’s mass demonstrations.
The Professionals Alliance for Peace and Democracy (PAPAD) asked all organisations associated with it to join in the peaceful demonstration. A statement issued by PAPAD today said doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers and other professionals would join in the rallies.
Similarly, Nepal Government Employees Union, National Private and Boarding Schools Organisation Nepal (N-PABSON), Nepal Trade Union, Nepal Trade Union Congress and G-Font have also asked their members to participate in the rallies.
In the same manner, Nepal Doctors Association and the Nursing Association in separate statements said volunteers would be stationed at various places to provide treatment to injured persons as there is a possibility of use of force by the security forces during the demonstrations.

DEMOSTRATION CONTINUE,OVER 16 PEOPLE KILLED DURING THE DEMONSTRATION,TU POSTPONE ITS EXAM

Pro-democracy activists have continued to defy the curfew orders imposed by the local administrations and continued demonstrations demanding restoration of complete democracy in the country, on Monday, the 19th day of the indefinite general strike called by the seven party alliance (SPA).
According to latest reports, pro-democracy activists carried out protest rallies in Chabahil, Gongabu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Narayangopal Chowk, Kalanki and other places calling for people to join the protest programme of SPA on Tuesday.
According to Nepal FM, a private FM station, over 15 people were injured when police baton charged and used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors near Narayan Gopal Chowk.
Demonstrations were going on in Chabahil, Gongabu, Kalanki, Mangalbazar of Patan, Tahachal and Bhaktapur areas at 2:30 p.m.
The SPA that is planning to hold a major showdown in the capital on Tuesday is organizing various programmes for the publicity of the Tuesday’s protest programme.
Sunday’s meeting of the Central People’s Movement Coordination Committee announced to stage a Ring Road-centered peaceful demonstrations in Kathmandu and protest rallies in all cities and towns around the country on Tuesday.
Top leaders of the SPA will address the rallies.
Likewise, FM reports said rallies and protests continued in major towns in various districts across the country on Monday as well.
A report from Pokhara said various professionals including teachers, students, legal practitioners, health workers, human rights activists and political parties organised separate rallies from different parts of the city.
In Biratnagar, students and party activists organised rallies. No vehicles plied on the roads.
In Nepalgunj, political workers, teachers, government employees, women, hotel workers and legal practitioners took part in the rally.
Likewise, demonstrations were held in Butwal, Bhairahawa and Rupandehi districts.
There have been no reports of violence till 2:30 p.m.
The SPA has decided to continue their protest programme even after King Gyanendra, in the royal proclamation on Friday, said he had returned the executive power to the people as per the Article 35 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal and asked the agitating seven-party alliance to recommend a name for the Prime Minister.
According to reports, 14 protestors were killed and 5,000 injured till Sunday in course of the ongoing pro-democracy movement of the country.
Meanwhile, following the political unrest in the country, the Tribhuvan University (TU) postponed all exams of Bachelor level 2nd year until further notice.
In a notice issued by the exam control office of the TU, the TU postponed the examination of all faculties – Humanities, Education, Science, Law and Commerce slated from May 4.
TU has already postponed the 3rd year exams of the same level.

ONE SOLDIER AND FIVE MAOISTS KILLED IN CHAUTARA ATTACK

At least five Maoists and one solider were killed during a clash between Maoists and security forces at Chautara of Sindupalchowk district on Sunday.
According to security sources, Maoists launched simultaneous attacks on the Royal Nepalese Army’s Naya Srinath Battalion, security forces deployed nearby to guard the repeater tower of Nepal Telecom in Chautara, District Administration Office and district jail on Sunday night.
Officials at the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) said that the clash that started at around 9 p.m. on Sunday evening continued till 4.15 a.m. Monday morning.
Security forces Monday morning recovered five bodies of Maoists while a soldier was killed in the attack, the official added.
He informed that Maoists bombed some government offices during the incident. However details were not immediately available.
A telecommunication tower was destroyed in the attack.
Roads leading to the district headquarters were blocked and Maoist militia were seen in large numbers at different places, reports quoted locals as saying.
Details are still awaited.

LEADERS ARE INVITED FOR DISCUSSION BY KING

His Majesty King Gyanendra granted audience to former Prime Ministers Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Surya Bahadur Thapa at the Naryanhity Royal Palace as seven opposition political parties continued their agitation for ‘total democracy’ on12th straight day on Monday.
Talking to reporters after the royal audience, Bhattarai said, “The process of dialogue has started. Democracy will certainly return in the country.”

The veteran Congress leader who is out of active politics for sometime said he was against the idea of election to the constituent assembly as well as the roadmap of the seven opposition political parties for ‘total democracy’. He said his interaction with the King was focussed on how the constitution of the 1990 could be activated.
Asked if the King was ready to cede power, Bhattarai remarked in his token light-hearted manner, “No one in power would want to give up power.”
He also made clear that he was a royalist. “I am a royalist. I am here to listen to what the King has to say,” he said before entering the palace.

Meanwhile, talking to journalists after the royal audience former Prime Minister and chairman of the Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP), Surya Bahadur Thapa, said, he informed His Majesty about the current scenario of the country.
Asked whether he will be the next Prime Minister, Thapa said, the present need of the country is to address current problems not the issue of post.
Thapa also served the post of Prime Minister for a term after the King sacked elected Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on October 2002. However, RJP is stressing the need of consensus among all constitutional forces (the King and political parties) to resolve current political stalemate of the country.
The King appointed three Prime Ministers since October 2001 to February 1, 2005 before forming the cabinet under his chairmanship.
The King had given separate audiences to cabinet vice chairmen and the ambassadors of India, United States and China on Sunday. Reports said the current political crisis in Nepal and its possible outlet was discussed in the meetings.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukharjee, who received royal audience on Sunday, called on Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala on Monday morning.
According to, NC sources, the duo discussed about the royal audience and current political situation of the country.
King Gyanendra has called upon all political parties to join in a dialogue to bear the responsibility of activating the multiparty democratic polity and contribute towards the same in his message on the occasion of Nepali New year on Friday.
International communities have been pressurizing the King to initiate dialogue with the seven political parties to resolve the present problems of the country. But it is not clear whether the monarch will call the seven agitating political parties for talks or not.

KARAN SINGH TO VISIT KATH AS SPECIAL INDIAN ENVOY

As the nationwide general strike and opposition protests are to complete the second week, Nepal’s southern neighbour India is sending Karan Singh as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy to convey New Delhi's message to the monarch, reports said.
Officials news agency of India, PTI, reported that former Union Minister and member of parliament Singh will visit Kathmandu on Wednesday and is expected to meet King Gyanendra.
He is also expected to meet opposition leaders in Nepal.
Singh, who is said to have excellent relations with the Nepalese royal palace, is also the president of Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).
The decision comes two days after Indian ambassador to Nepal, Shiv Shanker Mukherjee, met the King and conveyed India's message underlining the immediate need for dialogue with political parties and restoration of multi-party democracy, the news report said.
Nepal has been witnessing increasing pro-democracy movement over the last fortnight.
India and rest of the international community has also been building pressure on the monarch to relinquish power that he seized by removing an elected government 14 months ago, the report added.
Expressing "concern" over the situation in Nepal, Mukherjee urged Nepalese monarch on Sunday to initiate dialogue with political parties aimed at reconciliation and evolving national consensus, according to reports.
Indian premier Singh also held a high-level meeting on Sunday night to review the latest developments in the neighbouring country.

CIVILS SERVANT ARE ALSO ON STRIKES ,NATIONWIDE STRIKE RUN ON ITS 11TH DAY

Over 25 employees of Home Ministry and four journalists were arrested on Tuesday from protest programme of the employees.
Police arrested 25 employees including four section officers and personal secretary of Home Minister while they are organizing sit-in protest programme at the Ministry at the premises of Singha Durbar.
Talking to Nepalnews, Bhola Pokhrel, general secretary of Civil Servants Organization of Nepal said that they will announce new protest programmes if the government did not release them immediately. He warned to bring all office work to a complete halt if the government failed to release them immediately.
He informed that the employees of various ministries organized demonstrations at the ministry premises to express solidarity to the ongoing pro-democracy movement of the country.
He condemned the incident saying it is against the labour laws and trade union laws. This is the first time civil servants were arrested while expressing solidarity to the pro-democracy movement of the country.
Police also arrested three journalists and one driver who reached there to cover the strike of employees.
Balram Baniya, reporter of Kantipur daily, Bimal Gautam, reporter of Kantipur Television, Raju Timilsina, cameraman and Shiva Ram Thapa, driver of Kantipur Television were arrested from the Central Secretariat complex (Singha Durbar) while they reporting news on the protest organized by civil servants against the government.
They were taken into control when they tried to enter the Home Ministry to cover news, and were taken to Hanumandhoka District Police Office.
Meanwhile, the pro-democracy demonstrations continued in the valley and other parts of the country on Tuesday as well.
Sangita Chhetri was injured when police fired rubber bullets at protestors in Buddanagar area of the capital. She is undergoing treatment at Everest Nursing Home. She was hit by rubber bullets when police fired to disperse demonstrators after they set ablaze a tempo in New Baneshwore for defying the general strike.
According to reports, she was returning home after completing the tuition classes.
Police also arrested 11 employees of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central Bank of the country, while they were organizing peaceful protest programme at the Bank. The employees Union of the Bank has warned of further strike if they were not released immediately.
The employees are planning to surround the governor's office, accusing the Bank administration of calling the police to arrest them. Those arrested have been detained at District Police Office Hanumandhoka.
Demonstrations were held in various parts of capital including Thamel, Gongabu, Soyambhu, Naya bazaar, Jorpati among others. Police arrested more than a dozen demonstrators from various protest rallies.
Reports from out of the valley said demonstrations have been continuing in various parts of the country including Pokhara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Butwal, Bara, Birjung, Sindhuli, Nepalgunj. One protestor received rubber bullet injuries in Gaighat of Udaypur district.
Employees of various organizations and government offices continued protests on Tuesday as well.
Meanwhile, protestors vandalized 14 vehicles in Bara.
One demonstrator was killed and over 100 injured during clashes between security forces and demonstrators on Monday.

WE ARE SHOCKED TO HEAR ABOUT BENOD

Mr. Benod was a very coperative and one of aur gang memeber.He was the member of this burush gang.As we heard about him that he was drawn in INdravati river nobody could beleive that.He was avery good footbal player and cricket player too.
we express our heartfelt condolence to the bereived family and pray god that we will get the place of heaven.........................

NEPAL NEEDS REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE TO RESTORE PEACE

Police have taken into custody more than 100 leaders of seven agitating political parties from Kathmandu, while defying the prohibitory orders imposed by the government.
Police arrested more than 20 protestors including CPN-UML leader Pradip Gyawali and Prabhu Narayan Chaudhari of United Leftist Front. Likewise 15 protestors were arrested while they were moving to Thamel from Gongabu; over 12 including Tek Bahadur Chokhayal of NC arrested from Maitidevi and over two dozen protestors including Tirthaman Dangol and Ghanashyam Poudel were arrested from Mahabouddha.
They were scheduled to organize a condolence meet at Tundikhel—a prohibited zone to pay tributes to martyrs of the on-going movement.
Three demonstrators have been killed in the protest programme launched by the SPA from April 6.
Local authorities in Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts issued prohibitory orders, barring public assemblies and rallies within the Ring Road area from April 4 ahead of planned four-day general strike of SPA beginning April 6.
Police also entered the Bhaktapur campus hostel and arrested five people, reports said.
Pro-democracy activists continued their agitation against the government demanding restoration of full democracy in Kathmandu and other parts of the country on Wednesday as well.
According to latest reports, protestors carried out rallies in different parts of the capital including Gongabu, Sitapaila, Chabhil, Patan and Kirtipur areas.
Police arrested more then 20 professors including chairman of Nepal University Teachers Association (NUTA) from a protest programme organized by NUTA in Tri-Chandra Campus.
Likewise, police also intervened a rally organized by writers at Old Baneshwore and took into custody over 25 writers.
Protestors also clashed with police in Thamel and Bhedasingh area as well.
Local authorities lifted the day-time curfew imposed in Kathmandu and Lalitpur from Wednesday.
Protestors carried out demonstrations in various districts of the country including Narayangadh, Chitwan, Tanahu, Dang, Biratnagar, Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal among others.
Meanwhile, police arrested a group of rights activists, collecting money for the fund established for the treatment of injured people in the ongoing protest from Baghbazar area of the capital.
According to newspaper reports, over 300 protestors were injured across the country on Tuesday, while defying curfew orders imposed by local authorities.

POLICE SET FIRE ON LAWYERS' RALLY TODAY

In what is seen as yet another evidence of ‘zero tolerance’ policy of the royal regime towards anti-government protests, police on Thursday opened fire at a peaceful rally being carried out by the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) in the capital, Kathmandu, Thursday morning without provocation.

Lawyers Ramchandra Simkhada, Bharat Mani Gautam, Tanka Chaulagain have received bullet injuries while over a dozen lawyers, including NBA president Shambhu Thapa, were injured in police baton charging.
Police have manhandled and arrested over 50 lawyers from the rally.
According to a Nepalnews correspondent who was on the scene, police first tried to stop the rally of nearly 400 lawyers-- who were donning black coats-- as it was coming out of the central office of the Nepal Bar Association at 9:20 a. m.. Seven police vans were parked outside the NBA to stop the demonstration. The lawyers, anyhow, managed to break through the police cordon and proceeded towards Babarmahal past Maitighar Mandala.
Police pursued the rally—that was heading towards New Baeswore, which doesn’t fall in the ‘prohibited zone—and opened fire all of a sudden from the backside of the rally. Police personnel then threw tear gas shells targeting NBA president Thapa, advocate Indra Lohani and other lawyers.
“All the journalists and lawyers are Maoists,” a police officer was heard as saying as enraged policemen were raining batons on the peaceful demonstrators. There was no warning and nobody knew why the police was using force.
NBA and rights groups have condemned the police action on a peaceful demonstration with strongest possible words.
NBA—that represents over 5,000 practicing lawyers -- was the first professional body in the country that termed the seizure of power by King Gyanendra as ‘unconstitutional’ and demanded resignation of the royal government.
NBA has been in the forefront of a civic movement calling for respect to human rights and rule of law in the country.
Inujured lawyers including Thapa are undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu Model hospital while other detained lawyers are being kept at the Covered Hall, Dasarath Stadium, Tripureswore.

THREE SHOT OUT BY POLICE DURING LOWYERS' AND UMAN RIGHTS PORSONNELS' PEACEFULL RALLY IN KATHMANDU

In what is seen as yet another evidence of ‘zero tolerance’ policy of the royal regime towards anti-government protests, police on Thursday opened fire at a peaceful rally being carried out by the Nepal Bar Association (NBA) in the capital, Kathmandu, Thursday morning without provocation.

Lawyers Ramchandra Simkhada, Bharat Mani Gautam, Tanka Chaulagain have received bullet injuries while over a dozen lawyers, including NBA president Shambhu Thapa, were injured in police baton charging.
Police have manhandled and arrested over 50 lawyers from the rally.
According to a Nepalnews correspondent who was on the scene, police first tried to stop the rally of nearly 400 lawyers-- who were donning black coats-- as it was coming out of the central office of the Nepal Bar Association at 9:20 a. m.. Seven police vans were parked outside the NBA to stop the demonstration. The lawyers, anyhow, managed to break through the police cordon and proceeded towards Babarmahal past Maitighar Mandala.
Police pursued the rally—that was heading towards New Baeswore, which doesn’t fall in the ‘prohibited zone—and opened fire all of a sudden from the backside of the rally. Police personnel then threw tear gas shells targeting NBA president Thapa, advocate Indra Lohani and other lawyers.
“All the journalists and lawyers are Maoists,” a police officer was heard as saying as enraged policemen were raining batons on the peaceful demonstrators. There was no warning and nobody knew why the police was using force.
NBA and rights groups have condemned the police action on a peaceful demonstration with strongest possible words.
NBA—that represents over 5,000 practicing lawyers -- was the first professional body in the country that termed the seizure of power by King Gyanendra as ‘unconstitutional’ and demanded resignation of the royal government.
NBA has been in the forefront of a civic movement calling for respect to human rights and rule of law in the country.
Inujured lawyers including Thapa are undergoing treatment at the Kathmandu Model hospital while other detained lawyers are being kept at the Covered Hall, Dasarath Stadium, Tripureswore.

The Belgian sisters, Nicole and Ingrid, also called as 'crazy twins,' arrived Kathmandu last week over land from India as part of their ambitious programme to visit 55 countries around the world over the span of five years.
Nepal is the 19th country in Asia they are visiting.
Nicole and Ingrid plan to complete their nearly 100,000 km journey in the Kayak, bicycle, roller blades and horses. They said they are planning to try balloon and sledge as well.
The state-run The Rising Nepal daily quoted the Belgian sisters as saying that newspapers in Belgium mostly report negatively on Nepal's latest situation. “We are surprised to see the hospitality of Nepalis that we received during our travel to Kathmandu from Kakarvitta in the eastern border,”
”The main purpose of our trip is to promote cycling and trekking,” Nicole and Ingrid said during a programme organised by the Nepal Tourism Board in their honour in Lalitpur on Friday.
They will travel on foot and on mountain bike in Nepal on their way to Lhasa of People’s Republic of China .
During their two months stay in Nepal, the duo also have plans to visit the Everest base camp.
Their 'Journey through the world' had begun on 17 April 2004.

12 INJUIRED IN BOMB EXPLOSION AT SLC EXAM CENTRE IN DAILEKH

Eleven examinees and an invigilator were injured in a bomb explosion that occurred while the students were taking SLC Social Education examination at an exam centre in Narayan Municipality-9, Dailekh district, Friday morning.
The exam has been put off to April 7 after the blast.
Office of Controller of Examination has okayed the decision to put off the exam. District Examination Committee said the remaining exams will now be conducted in Sunrise Boarding School.
As many as 204 examinees were appearing for test in Saraswoti Secondary School at Jhupresal Tartang in Dailekh Bazaar when the blast rocked the centre at 8:30 am.
The school building suffered some damage due to the explosion.
The bomb was planted outside Room No 8 of the school.
Many students fainted out of fear after the blast, reports quoted Regional Administrator of mid western region, Mrigendra Prasad Yadav as saying.
According to the police, condition of examinees Hima Gautam, Chandra Kumari Panta, Shanti Kumari Panta, Uma GC, Urmila Sharukh and invigilator Gopal GC was critical and they have been admitted to Dailekh District Hospital for treatment.
The security forces misbehaved with the journalists who reached the blast site and warned them not to report the news.
Students chanted slogans against Maoists after the incident.
Meanwhile various rights organizations have condemned the incident and urged all conflicting parties “to respect examination sites as safe and peaceful areas where there are no disturbances.”
There is no word from the rebels about the incident.
Maoists exploded the bomb violating their commitment not to target exam centres. Earlier issuing a press statement, the student wing of the Maoists, All Nepal National Independent Students' Union-Revolutionary (ANNISU-R) appealed to all to make the environment conducive for the smooth running of the SLC examinations.
The ANNISU-R has also asked human rights activists, civil society, journalists and stake holders to directly monitor the exams.

SHOOTING FOR THE HEARTS: ASTRONOUTS FINDS PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN SPACE

Moroccan desert sand seas ripple in the sun. Rugged, snowcapped Himalaya Mountains pierce the heavens. Egyptian lakes spill liquid metal onto the Earth's surface while stretches of shoreline summon the eye. The eye widens, zeroes in and blinks. Whir, click-click. Captured! For more than a century, travels to exotic lands have inspired explorers to record their journeys in snapshots. However, no place on Earth lends a better view to these beautiful places than in space. Unlike most travelers, Astronaut Leroy Chiao has come full circle. Orbiting the Earth every 92 minutes onboard the International Space Station, Chiao made his trek from afar capturing more than 24,000 images along the way.

Photography – Greek for the words light and writing – from space is useful for scientific research on Earth. Among Chiao's tasks in space as Expedition 10 Station Commander was to snap up various meteorological and atmospheric phenomena as well as geographical, manmade and natural landmarks. With no darkroom onboard, the perfect temperature and mix of developer, fixer and stop-bath solutions are replaced with pixels, a sensor and various lenses instead. Digital cameras aid astronauts in getting the right shot with instant image processing. "I was able to see my results quickly and adjust technique and composition for next time," Chiao said. Still, pointing a digital camera at Earth from space while flying 230 miles above the planet calls for a different approach to "light writing" altogether.

"Being in space means having to find ways to support yourself and the camera," Chiao said. "Since the Earth is moving past at 17,500 mph, one must pan the camera as the shutter is released, otherwise the image will smear and appear out of focus." A special team of scientists identify photo opportunities that align with the orbiting vehicle's path and notify the working astronauts in advance. Other shots come by chance as astronauts peer out their window to the world. Flying at five miles a second, however, these opportunities come only as mere flashes. Trigger-happy fingers must set the perfect aperture and shutter speed – major aspects of good photography – before the opportunity vanishes. Weather and lighting also play a major factor in photography from space. Image above: Lake Nasser glistens as the Station flies over Egypt. "I was able to shoot this photo just as the sun was reflecting off of the water, making it appear to be liquid metal," Chiao said. Photo Credit: NASA With six months of consistent practice, Chiao improved his camera skills while in space, and developed a real passion for it. "Technically, one can practice and master the right methods of shooting good space photos," he said. "For engineers like me, I recommend that they think about composition. That is, don't just capture the data, but try to compose photos that are beautiful too." In photography, the eyes have it. When shooting from space, this is especially true. The camera's eye – the lens – determines what will be in the picture and how. It also gives the photographer more reach or wider angles. "I shot mostly 180mm, 400mm and 800mm, but also worked with 50 and 58mm," said Chiao, who chose his lenses to grab the best focus and exposure of his targets. Image right: The Himalaya Mountains give a majestic view from space's vantage point. Using a digital camera, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao captured this shot while flying high above the Earth. Photo Credit: NASA Depending on the lens and the aperture (the size of the camera’s “eye” opening) some shots show great depth of field with artistic details of hard rock, ridges, valleys and rivers. Among Chiao's photo album is the first confirmed picture from space of the Great Wall of China. Although the Great Wall was difficult to see with the unaided eye, Earth’s geological diversity in Chiao’s collage of images remained very visible. Chiao also collected snapshots of the Chinese launch site. "The launch site was of great interest to me, because of its historical significance," Chiao said. "It is only the third place in history from where astronauts were launched into space." Other memorable shots for Chiao were Lake Nasser in Egypt, the pyramids at Giza and the Moon next to the Earth's limb, a shot that can only be taken from space’s vantage point. Image left: The Moon aligns next to the Earth limb. "This photo to me is about dreaming," said Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, who took this photo while onboard the International Space Station. Photo Credit: NASA "I try to be artistic, but I am in many ways, a typical engineer," Chiao said. "Photography in space helped bring out the artistic side in me. The beauty of the Earth was very inspiring, and I tried to find new ways to capture and express that beauty." Chiao's vivid experience in space opened new horizons for him. Though being an astronaut will always come first, he plans to continue to develop his photography skills now that he’s back on Earth.

With six months of consistent practice, Chiao improved his camera skills while in space, and developed a real passion for it. "Technically, one can practice and master the right methods of shooting good space photos," he said. "For engineers like me, I recommend that they think about composition. That is, don't just capture the data, but try to compose photos that are beautiful too." In photography, the eyes have it. When shooting from space, this is especially true. The camera's eye – the lens – determines what will be in the picture and how. It also gives the photographer more reach or wider angles. "I shot mostly 180mm, 400mm and 800mm, but also worked with 50 and 58mm," said Chiao, who chose his lenses to grab the best focus and exposure of his targets.

NAMIBIA EYED VICTORY AS NEPAL FLATTERS

Namibia will go into the final day of the ICC InterContinental Cup playoff match against Nepal with an eye on victory and almost ensured qualification to the only first class event for associate nations.
Nepal was bowled out at 143 runs in the first innings while replying of Namibia’s first inning’s 272. Namibia was 10 without loss at stumps in second innings with an overall lead of 139 runs.
Paresh Lohani and Kaniska Chaugai gave Nepal a good start adding 45 runs before the U-19 captain failed to KB Burger after making 14. Paresh scored 34 in 74 balls before edging to wicket-keeper H Ludik off G Snyman.
Middle-order batsmen failed to show the patient as Namibian bowlers enjoyed home conditions well to outrun Nepal. Sharan Vesawkar (5), Shakti Gauhan (11), Gyanendra Malla (7), Mehboob Alam (13) and Binod Das (duck) couldn’t stay long.
Earlier, captain Binod Das’ heroics cleaned up the Namibia tail in just 12.2 overs play after the hosts resumed the play from 245/6. Binod took six wickets for 80 runs – his second best bowling after 6/29 against Hong Kong. He even denied the century for Deon Kotze, who just added four runs to his overnight 90, and gave a catch to Shakti Gauchan.

NEPAL'S TIMELINE

A chronology of key events:

1768 - Gurkha ruler Prithvi Narayan Shah conquers Kathmandu and lays foundations for unified kingdom.
Mount Everest, known in Nepal as "Sagarmatha"
1792 - Nepalese expansion halted by defeat at hands of Chinese in Tibet.
1814-16 - Anglo-Nepalese War; culminates in treaty which establishes Nepal's current boundaries.
1846 - Nepal falls under sway of hereditary chief ministers known as Ranas, who dominate the monarchy and cut off country from outside world.
1923 - Treaty with Britain affirms Nepal's sovereignty.

Absolute monarchy

1950 - Anti-Rana forces based in India form alliance with monarch.
1951 - End of Rana rule. Sovereignty of crown restored and anti-Rana rebels in Nepalese Congress Party form government.
Nepal's Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first to the top of the world
1953 29 May - New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepal's Sherpa Tenzing Norgay become the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
1955 - Nepal joins the United Nations.
1955 - King Tribhuwan dies, King Mahendra ascends throne.
1959 - Multi-party constitution adopted.
1960 - King Mahendra seizes control and suspends parliament, constitution and party politics after Nepali Congress Party (NCP) wins elections with B. P. Koirala as premier.
1962 - New constitution provides for non-party system of councils known as "panchayat" under which king exercises sole power. First elections to Rastrya Panchayat held in 1963.
1972 - King Mahendra dies, succeeded by Birendra.

Multi-party politics

1980 - Constitutional referendum follows agitation for reform. Small majority favours keeping existing panchayat system. King agrees to allow direct elections to national assembly - but on a non-party basis.
1985 - NCP begins civil disobedience campaign for restoration of multi-party system.
1986 - New elections boycotted by NCP.
King Mahendra's 1962 constitution cemented royal rule

1989 - Trade and transit dispute with India leads to border blockade by Delhi resulting in worsening economic situation.
1990 - Pro-democracy agitation co-ordinated by NCP and leftist groups. Street protests suppressed by security forces resulting in deaths and mass arrests. King Birendra eventually bows to pressure and agrees to new democratic constitution.
1991 - Nepali Congress Party wins first democratic elections. Girija Prasad Koirala becomes prime minister.

Political instability

1994 - Koirala's government defeated in no-confidence motion. New elections lead to formation of Communist government.
1995 - Communist government dissolved. Radical leftist group, the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) begins insurrection in rural areas aimed at abolishing monarch and establishing people's republic.
1997 - Continuing political instability as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is defeated and replaced by Lokendra Bahadur Chand. Chand is then forced to resign because of party splits and is replaced by Surya Bahadur Thapa.
1998 - Thapa stands down because of party splits. GP Koirala returns as prime minister heading a coalition government.
1999 - Fresh elections give majority to Nepali Congress Party. Krishna Prasad Bhattarai becomes prime minister.
2000 - Prime Minister Bhattarai steps down after revolt in Nepali Congress Party. GP Koirala returns as prime minister, heading the ninth government in 10 years.
2001 April - General strike called by Maoist rebels brings life in much of the country to a virtual standstill; police arrest anti-government demonstrators, including some opposition leaders, in Kathmandu.

Palace killings

2001 1 June - King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and other close relatives killed in shooting spree by drunken Crown Prince Dipendra, who then shoots himself.
2001 4 June - Prince Gyanendra crowned King of Nepal after the late King Birendra's son, Dipendra - who had been declared king on 2 June - died of injuries sustained during the palace shooting.
2001 July - Maoist rebels step up campaign of violence. Sher Bahadur Deuba becomes prime minister, heading the 11th government in 11 years, after Girija Prasad Koirala quits over the violence.
2001 July - Deuba announces peace with rebels, truce begins.
2001 November - Maoists say peace talks have failed, truce is no longer justified. Launch coordinated attacks on army and police posts.

Emergency

2001 November - State of emergency declared after more than 100 people are killed in four days of violence. King Gyanendra orders army to crush the Maoist rebels.
2002 February - Maoists kill 127 in weekend raids on several government targets.
2002 April - Maoist rebels order five-day national strike, days after hundreds are killed in two of bloodiest attacks of six-year rebellion.
2002 May - Intense clashes between military and rebels in the west. Rebels declare one-month ceasefire, rejected by government.
Deuba visits Britain and other states, seeking help in the war against Maoist rebels. US President George W Bush pledges $20 million.
2002 May - Parliament dissolved, fresh elections called amid political confrontation over extending the state of emergency. Deuba expelled by his Nepali Congress party, heads interim government, renews emergency.
2002 October - Deuba asks king to put off elections by a year because of Maoist violence. King Gyanendra dismisses Deuba and indefinitely puts off elections set for November. Lokendra Bahadur Chand appointed to head government.
2003 January - Rebels, government declare ceasefire.
2003 May/June - Lokendra Bahadur Chand resigns as prime minister. King appoints his own nominee Surya Bahadur Thapa as new premier.
End of truce
2003 August - Rebels pull out of peace talks with government and end seven-month truce. Rebels call three-day general strike in September.

Maoist rebels demand an end to constitutional monarchy
late 2003 onwards - Political stalemate; clashes between students/activists and police; resurgence of violence.
2004 April - Nepal joins the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
2004 May - Royalist Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa resigns following weeks of street protests by opposition groups.
2004 June - King Gyanendra reappoints Sher Bahadur Deuba as prime minister.
2004 August - Maoist rebels stage week-long blockade of Kathmandu, stopping supplies from reaching the city.
Twelve Nepalese hostages in Iraq are murdered by their captors, sparking violent protests in Kathmandu.
Direct power
2005 1 February - King Gyanendra dismisses Prime Minister Deuba and his government, declares a state of emergency and assumes direct power, citing the need to defeat Maoist rebels.
2005 30 April - King lifts the state of emergency.
2005 July - Royal anti-graft commission sentences former Prime Minister Deuba to two years in jail for corruption. He is freed in February 2006, after the commission is outlawed.
2005 September - Rebels announce a three-month, unilateral ceasefire, the first truce since peace talks broke down in 2003. The truce is later extended to four months.
2005 November - Maoist rebels and main opposition parties agree on a programme intended to restore democracy.
2006 January - Maoist rebels announce end to four-month ceasefire.

PETROLING AND CHECKING INCREASED: HOME MINISTRY

With the date of valley centered agitation of the seven political parties coming nearer, the Home Ministry has said that patrolling and checking have been increased in a drive initiated to make Kathmandu Valley safe.
The additional measures are in view of the possibility of infiltration by Maoists into the Valley, the Home Ministry said.
There will be thorough checking of passengers and vehicles at the Valley’s various entry points and on highways leading to Kathmandu.
The Ministry also urged people to bear with the inconvenience caused by such checking. In case of any suspicious or untoward activity, the Ministry has requested people to call 4211208 of the Ministry’s control room, 4412780 of the Police Headquarters, 105 of the Valley Divisional Headquarters of the RNA or 100 of the Valley Police Control Room in Kathmandu.
In cases outside the Valley, people should contact the nearest security body.
However, leaders of seven agitating political parties have said that the government’s move is an attempt to foil the valley centered movement of the seven agitating political parties that will kick off on April 6.

NEPAL HEADS FOR TOUGH TOUR

Nepali team headed Namibia with an uphill task of earning an outright win in an International Cricket Council (ICC) Intercontinental Cup playoff match that decides the eighth and the final team for the top competition for the non-test playing countries.
Nepali cricket is on the high winning the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Plate Championship a month ago. But the senior side still has a few things to prove. This is the best and the only opportunity to break into the global cricketing circuit although its an arduous task.
If the seniors, especially the batsmen, can emulate half of the achievements of the U-19 team Nepal could achieve the unlikely.
“This is a very important opportunity for us as we could, although its difficult, enter the global cricketing circuit winning the four-day match,” said coach Roy Dias for whom the Namibia match holds greater significance than the U-19 triumph.
“However it is going to be a real tough task because this is the first time boys will be playing a four-day match,” he added.
The match simply could shape Nepal’s cricketing future as the winner will play at least three ICC Intercontinental Cup matches in the first year and then seven in the next two years. The top eight non-Test playing nations will be divided into two groups of four each and play each other inside the group for the first year. In the second year, all the eight members play against each other.
The win also means a very busy couple of years for the senior side and international exposure beyond the Asian-level. For that an outright win against the African country is a must for Nepal while a draw would be enough for Namibia to qualify.
For coach Dias, it would be a surprise if Nepal can notch up a win. “We are playing in new conditions while for Namibians its home conditions. Moreover, we don’t have much idea about the type of cricket Namibia plays,” said Dias. Nepal has played Namibia once and lost in the ICC Trophy in Canada five years ago.
Dias expected seamer friendly wickets with some bounce in Namibia. In that case Dias is in the mood of fielding four seamers along with a frontline spinner.
“We will decide the eleven after looking at the conditions,” said Dias who only has 13 players to choose from this time. Aamir Akhtar is an able replacement for all-rounder Paras Khadka according to skipper Binod Das. On Dias’s initiative Aamir was summoned for Namibia tour from England where he plays professional cricket.
Basanta Regmi, who was rewarded with a place in the senior side for his splendid performance in the U-19 World Cup, would probably fill in the third spinner’s role in the side behind Raj Kumar Pradhan and Raju Basnet.
Nepali pace attack has variety with two right arm quickies in Dhirendra Chand and the skipper Binod Das. Aamir and Mehboob Alam, the left armers, will have to share the fast bowling duty among them.
Batting still remains the weakest link in the senior side with Kanishka Chaugai, the inform U-19 skipper, Paresh Lohani along with Sharad Vesawkar as the trio.
Vice captain Shakti Gauchan who took a Dhirendra Chand bouncer in his eyes while practicing, could be still conscious and that is one of the concerns for Dias.
Mehboob, Binod, Shakti and Aamir will play the all-rounder role in the team that has a golden opportunity to make a mark in the international arena against the waves created by the juniors.

BIRDS IN MORANG DIDI NOT DIE OF BIRD FLU: OFFICIALS

The central veterinary hospital in Kathmandu has confirmed that the death of about one-and-half dozen birds in eastern district of Morang on Saturday was not due to avian influenza also know as “bird flu.”
Talking to Nepalnews on Monday, programme director at the Directorate of Animal Health, Dr. Dhan Raj Ratala, said, "Our 'quick test' has confirmed that these birds did not die of bird flu." He, however, said scientists were carrying out alternative lab tests for further confirmation of the disease.
According to Dr. Ratala, remains of dead birds arrived Kathmandu only on Friday evening due to transportation blockade in the districts. "However, we carried out the tests overnight as soon as we received it," he said. “The network we have set up to check any outbreak of the disease worked efficiently despite difficulties created due to transportation strike,” he added.
Over one and half dozen birds – including pigeons, chicken and crows – were found dead at the houses of Kiran Shahi and Bijay Shrestha in Nepali tole of Rangeli-1 in Morang district. Villagers suspected the death was due to bird flu. Fear of villagers had heightened after flying birds began plummeting to the ground.
There is only one lab in the country – the central veterinary lab in the capital – that can test bird flu. The government had said it had deployed a number of surveillance teams throughout the kingdom to test fresh outbreak of disease among birds. "The teams are only for early report of any suspecting incidents or arrange for transportation of the remains of the birds to the central lab at the earliest possible. Bird flu tests are not available in the districts," said Dr. Ratala.
Morang District Public Health Office (DPHO) has already launched a public awareness campaign to make common people aware about the bird flue epidemic.
World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked Nepal to remain on high alert after bird flu virus was detected in neighbouring India. However, officials say the dreaded virus hasn’t been reported within the country as yet and that they are taking precautionary measures to stop its outbreak.
Amid fear of the possible outbreak of bird flu, poultry business has already dropped by more than 80 percent in the country, according to entrepreneurs. Associations involved in poultry business are organising chicken festivals around the country to revive the ailing market.
Thousands of people flocked into the chicken festival organised in Kathmandu on Friday and tasted roasted chicken.

UPCOMING PROTEST PROGRAMME WILL BE DECISIVE : KOIRALA

President of Nepali Congress Girija Prasad Koirala has said the upcoming protest programmes of the seven-party alliance will be decisive and there will be no opportunity for the king to take his next step unilaterally.
Talking to journalists in his hometown Biratnagar upon his arrival on Monday, Koirala ruled out the possibility of talks with the king until the latter returned the seized power to the people, reports said.
"We want to achieve the goal through the strength of the movement that will be intensified from early next week."
Claiming that the movement will be crucial, he warned it will remove the King if he failed to realise the gravity of the situation in time.
Stating that the movement of the seven political parties will be entirely peaceful, he said, “Government agents might resort to tactics like throwing stones to create havoc during the protest programmes. Past experience has shown that. We need to be watchful.”
Replying to a question whether the Maoists would infiltrate in the guise of supporting the parties, Koirala said, "The Maoists are on their own track, and we are on the track of absolute democracy and peace."
Stating that legal professionals, civic society and professionals will participate in the movement, he also urged entrepreneurs to shut down their factories and business for four days to lend their support to the movement.
Talks with the Maoists were held to end the autocratic regime, restore peaceful democracy, and create a free, sovereign and developed Nepal, he said.
Reiterating that he took the same stand while he held talks with the representatives of China, India, US and Britain, he said: “The King has ignored even the Supreme Court verdict and his autocratic rule has touched the limit.”
The seven agitating political parties that are agitating since February 1 royal takeover of last year have announced valley centered protest programme for the restoration of democracy, which they said will be decisive.

NEPALS MANAG IS SO BEAUTIFUL

The Manang Culture Museum in Manang village on the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail in north central Nepal beckons one and all to savor the traditional lifestyle and culture of the people of the area.On display at the museum situated at a height of 3,535 m are a fine collection of costumes, masks and musical instruments unique to the festivals of the Nyeshang Tibetan Buddhist people. Wander around the courtyard to see farm implements and riding gear used by the hardy local people. Up the log ladder is the living quarters with its traditional furniture and household textiles. In the kitchen, Tibetan tea is served by the fire.There is an information center where you can book a guided walk.

BLOCKADES ENTERS THE FIFTH DAY: LIFE REMAINS CRIPPLED

As the three-week-long blockade called by the Maoists entered into the fifth day on Saturday, normal life remains crippled across the country.
Vehicles on their way out of Kathmandu waiting for security escort at Khanikhola of Dhading on Friday. (Photo courtesy : Annapurna Post daily)
Prices of fresh vegetables went up by 80 per cent in the capital valley on Wednesday. Price of tomatoes and radish brought into the valley from outside have gone up by more than 80 percent, according to the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetables Market Development Committee (KFVMDC).
According to KFVMDC, approximately 450 metric tonnes of vegetables used to be brought into the valley from different districts of the country in normal days. However, only 632 tonnes of vegetables were supplied in the valley over the last three days of the blockade.
Vegetables worth Rs 8.5 million were bought and sold every day at the Kalimati market. But due to the blockade, the transaction has gone drastically down, officials said.
Reports from Manthali, headquarters of the central hilly district of Ramechhap, said a week long health camp which was scheduled to start on Saturday has been postponed due to the blockade.
In Dhading district adjoining Kathmandu, rebels had erected barriers to stop the vehicular movement. Rebels have also disrupted vehicular movement along the Pasang Lhamu highway along the Kathmandu- Trishuli route.
People in as many as 10 VDCs of Ramechhap district, including Chisapani, Gelu and Phulasi, have been facing difficulties due to obstructions placed by the Maoists on the roads.
People were terrified as the Maoists placed four bags with danger signs on them along the bridge over the Tamakoshi river in Manthali VDC- 4 on Wednesday. Passengers were stranded at the district headquarters as no vehicles plied.
In Sarlahi district, vehicular movement came to a grinding halt and even bicycles were not seen on the roads, according to reports.
Traffic came to a halt after the Maoists reportedly planted landmine along the Nawalpur-Malangwa road on Friday.
Movement of people has gone down sharply in terai towns of Malangawa, Hariwan, Lalbandi, Ishworpur, and Barathawa. Reports from eastern district of Udaypur say the blockade has created scarcity of essential commodities and market prices have soared.
With the objective of warding off any untoward incident on the way, the banner on a tanker about to head to Kathmandu from Narayangarh on Friday informs all and sundry that it is carrying milk. (Photo coutesy : THT)
Traffic has come to a halt along the Attariya-Dadeldhura sector of the Bhim Dutta Highway in far-western region, a report from Kailali said. Even ambulances refused to take sick persons fearing Maoist reprisal.
Maoists announced three-week long blockade of the capital, Kathmandu, and district headquarters across the country from Tuesday. From April 3, they have called a nationwide general strike calling for complete halt of public and private transportation, and closing down of schools, factories and private businesses indefinitely.
The underground outfit is yet to respond to frantic calls made by the opposition parties, rights groups and professional organizations to immediately withdraw the blockade and call for indefinite strike as it has resulted into severe inconveniences to common people.

NEPAL VS NAMIBIA IN INCOT PLAYOFF

Nepal will travel to Namibia for a play-off match that will decide the eighth country to play in the revamped InterContinental Cup 2006, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said. The date of the match is yet to be confirmed.
The teams to compete in the event were selected according to their combined ranking of one-day and three-day matches. Nepal’s overall ranking was ninth overall while Namibia was seventh with Holland eighth. Since Holland has qualified for the World Cup 2007, they were preferred. Nepal has been given a chance because it ranks seventh in the multi-day format.
There are also a few changes in the format of the event. The 2006 tournament will see four day matches and the teams will be divided into two groups. The group winners will play the final. This setup will again change in 2007 and 2008 with all eight teams playing a round-robin league over a period of two years.
The new format was agreed at the recent meeting of the ICC Development Committee (held in Kathmandu). And as soon as it is deemed affordable, appropriate and feasible, it is planned to add a second division, bringing with it the opportunity for promotion and relegation, according to ICC.
Commenting on the new format, ICC Global Development Manager Mathew Kennedy said: “This new format means we can truly have the best playing the best for the right to be called the top Associate side at first-class level.
“The existing regional system was an excellent starting point towards establishing the ICC Intercontinental Cup as a major international competition but it did have its limitations.
“With only one team from each of the four regions qualifying for the semi-finals it meant it was not always possible to ensure the four strongest sides reached that knock-out stage.
“This format removes that issue and also gives each side the chance to play more first-class matches.
“And although the playing conditions for the 2006 tournament are yet to be finalised, the switch to four-day matches also means we now have the option to dispense with the current complex bonus points system as the extra time gives us a much better chance to get positive results,” he added.
The two groups for the 2006 ICC Intercontinental Cup are as follows:
Group A: Ireland, Scotland, United Arab Emirates, Namibia or Nepal Group B: Kenya, Bermuda, Canada, Netherlands

NEPAL-CHINA SIGH ON TWO AGGREEMENTS

Coinciding with the visit of Chinese state councilor, Tang Jiaxuan, Nepali and Chinese officials have signed on two separate agreements in Kathmandu on Thursday.
According to the first agreement, China has agreed to provide duty free access to goods manufactured in Nepal.
Nepal has produced a list of 1,550 items for export to the Chinese market at zero percent custom tariff. The technical teams from the two countries will finalise the list in near future.
Chinese Assistant Minister for Commerce, Chen Jian and the Commerce Secretary of Nepal Bharat Bahadur Thapa signed the agreement to this effect in the presence of the visiting Chinese State Councilor, Tang Jiaxuan, Vice Chairmen Dr Tulsi Giri and Kirtinidhi Bista and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey.

Talking to journalists after signing the accord, commerce secretary Thapa said, Nepal has exportable items of three different categories — those to be exported to Tibet, to mainland China and to Hong Kong.
“This agreement will certainly bridge that gap, and boost the trade volume between the two countries,” Thapa added.
Nepal currently exports agricultural and dairy products to China.
As per the second agreement, China has agreed to provide assistance worth 20 million Yuan (Rs 180 million) to invest in "mutually agreed" projects in Nepal.
The Chinese Assistant Minister for Commerce and the acting Foreign Secretary, Hira Bahadur Thapa, signed the agreement to this effect.
Both the agreements were signed after the meeting between visiting Chinese officials with vice chairman in the council of ministers, Kiritnidhi Bista.
Earlier, talking to reporters in Lumbini—the birth place of Lord Buddha—this afternoon, Chinese leader Tang said China wanted to see peace and development in Nepal. He said he wanted Lumbini to develop as the world center of peace.
Tang arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday on a three-day visit to Nepal. His Majesty King Gyanendra is scheduled to grant audience to Tang on Friday.
Tang is also holding meetings with Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and CPN-UML leaders Bharat Mohan Adhikari and Amrit Kumar Bohara.
Tang is the highest-ranking foreign government official to visit Nepal after the February 1 royal takeover of last year

HM GIVE AWAY AWARDS AT RONAST FUNCTION

His Majesty King Gyanendra gave away awards to scientists and an organisation for their significant contribution in the field of science and technology and conservations amidst a function organized by the Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST) at Birendra International Convention Centre on Thursday.
He Majesty Queen Komal was also present on the occasion.
Their Majesties the King and Queen, who were in Pokhara for an informal visit of western development region returned to Kathmandu on Thursday.
Bagmara Community Forest Management Committee of Bagmara Chitwan received the first Shree Panch Gyanendra Conservation Award. The award carries a purse of one hundred thousand rupees.
Dr Man Bahadur KC, consultant cardiologist of Martyr Gangalal National Heart Centre, meteorologist Archana Shrestha of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, computer engineer Dr Subarna Shakya, pharmacist Dr Saffar Mansur and soil scientist Dr Junukamal Tuladhar received the Crown Prince Youth Science and Technology Prize. The prize carries a purse of thirty thousand rupees.
While Bhattedanda Conservation Ropeway and senior journalist Bhairam Risal received the Royal Academy Science and Technology Promotion Award, physicist Dr Binil Aryal, mathematician Dr Mahendra Prasad Panthee, Chemist Dr Akkal Deo Mishra and bird ecologist Dr Hem Sagar Baral received the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World award.
Speaking at the function, vice-chairman of the council of ministers Dr Tulsi Giri, called on the RONAST to address the necessity of the people, strengthen infrastructure and make full use of them.
Vice-chancellor of RONAST Prof Dr Dayananda Bajracharya said that Nepal has lagged behind in the sector of science and technology due to lack of policies, sufficient investment, foresightedness and priority.
He informed that the number of high-level human resources in the sector in the nation had reached 28,000 but using their expertise for the economic and social development of the nation is an uphill task.

KATHMANDU FACES MAOISTS BLOCKADE

The blockade, to begin on Tuesday, will affect towns across Nepal, Maoists say. They aim to stop supplies reaching the city mainly through fear of reprisals.
Authorities say rebel tactics will fail and have urged people not to panic.
More than 13,000 people have died in Nepal since the rebels began fighting for a communist republic 10 years ago.
In February 2005, King Gyanendra sacked the multi-party government and seized direct control of the government.
Intimidation
The authorities say sufficient arrangements have been made to ensure security and a normal supply of goods.
Home Minister Kamal Thapa urged people to defy the rebels.

King Gyanendra seized direct powers in February 2004
A similar blockade two years ago did not seriously disrupt normal life in Kathmandu, with security escorts for supply vehicles.
Although there was no major shortage of essential items, market prices shot up.
The rebels normally block the supply of goods to and from cities and towns through intimidation and fear of reprisal.
They are not physically present on roads to enforce the blockade, but are known to place road barriers in some places.
Mainstream political parties, who last year reached an understanding with the rebels to intensify pressure on the king, have urged the rebels to withdraw the planned blockade.
Human rights groups and civil society leaders have also made a similar appeal. They said the blockade would affect ordinary people more than the government.
The rebels have not responded yet.

TWO MAOISTS LEADERS LAUNCH REBELLIAN AGAINST TWO SENOIRMOST CPN(M) LEADRES

Within months of the patch-up between two seniormost leaders of the CPN (Maoist), two central committee members of the underground outfit have publicly criticized party supremo Prachanda, and no. 2 in the party, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, alleging that they acts showcase what they called “non-proletarian tendencies.”
In a joint statement issued on Monday, central committee members of the CPN (Maoist) Rabindra Shrestha and Comrade Anukul have leveled personal and ideological allegations against party chairman Prachanda alias Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Dr. Bhattarai.
In their statement issued on behalf of the little known “New Cultural Revolutionary Group,” Shrestha and Anukul (believed to be central committee member Mani Thapa) narrated how ideological, political, organizational, military and cultural deflections had taken place among two top leaders of the party.
Referring to the public war of words between Prachanda and Bhattarai, the two central committee members said both of them had nearly pushed the party on the verge of vertical split. They also criticized party supreme, Prachanda’s statement in an exclusive interview with Kantipur daily. In his interview, Prachanda had said that his party would accept the outcome of the constituent assembly elections even if the majority of the people delivered their verdict in favour of monarchy or active monarchy.
Dr. Baburam Bhattarai (File Photo)
They have also alleged both Prachanda and Bhattarai of living in he safety of “foreign land” for eight out of ten years of the Maoist ‘people’s war.”
The unusual public criticism of the two top leaders from within the Maoist party has come just within weeks of the completion of ten years of the Maoist “people’s war.”
Shrestha and Thapa have also alleged Prachanda and Dr. Bhattarai of not sending their children in the frontline of the rebellion. They have also called upon what they called “new generation” within the party to carry out “revolution within revolution” in a new way.
There has been no official reaction to the latest statement by the two dissident leaders from the CPN (Maoist) leadership as yet.

GOVERNMENT HAS MADE ARRANGEMENT TO THWART BLOCKADES AND STRIKES

Maoists has called long blockades nad strikes from chhaitra 1st . Home Minister Kamal Thapa has said the government has made strong and adequate security provisions to thwart programs such as blockades and strikes.
Speaking at a program in the western town of Bhairahawa Sunday, the Home Minister called upon transport entrepreneurs and businessmen to help foil such blockades and strikes imposed upon the people.
At the same time, he also warned of strong action those defying the appeal.
He also informed that mechanism was already in place to ensure smooth and uninterrupted supply of commodities, according to reports.
The Home Ministers' comment came ahead of the rumours of indefinite blockade called by the Maoists starting from Tuesday.
Speaking at the same programme, entrepreneurs also urged all concerned parties not to organise such programmes saying it will have serious adverse impact in the national economy.

SEVEN PARTIES HOLDING TALKS WITH MAOISTS LEADERS

Leaders of seven agitating political parties have said that they were holding talks with the Maoists to fine-tune the 12-point understanding and encourage them to call off blockades and the general strike they have called and declare an unilateral truce.
“We are engaged in talks with the Maoists to encourage them to call off the blockade and nationwide strike and effectively implement the 12-point understanding reached with the alliance. The talks are being held at various stages,” reports quoted CPN-UML standing committee member Bharat Mohan Adhikari as saying.
Adhikari, who met visiting US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Donald Camp, thanked the US for extending solidarity with the alliance’s peaceful movement which would gain momentum in the second week of April.
Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC, who also met Camp, said he told the US official that Nepal would not return to democracy and peace would not be restored without bringing the Maoists into peaceful politics.
“I told Camp that the alliance will be able to bring the Maoists into peaceful politics through the 12-point understanding and that it is not possible for the rebels to impose a communist dictatorship given the country’s geo-political situation,” KC said.
KC also urged the Maoists to stop all the programmes that affect the people.
Leader of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), Dr Narayan Khadka, said Camp came here to convey US president George Bush’s message to the King, but the monarch is learnt to have told Camp that he would announce a date for general elections.
Leader of Nepal Sadbhavana Party (Anandi), Sarita Giri, said the alliance must be able to convince the US and other countries that the 12-point pact was good. “If we walk out of the pact, more bloodshed cannot be ruled out,” she said.
The US has expressed dissatisfaction over the 12-point pact between Maoists and political parties reached in November and said consensus between the King and political parties is a must to resolve the problems dogging the country and to tackle Maoist insurgency

LITTLE BUDDHA REPORTED MISSING

Ram Bomjan—a 16-year-old boy described as “little Buddha” who was meditating in a forest at Ratanpuri in the southern district of Bara for the last ten months—has been reported as missing since Saturday morning.
Latest reports say Bomjan may have shifted to another location deep inside the forest away from hustle and bustle at the place where he was meditating since early last year.
Ram Lama, member secretary of the committee that manages hundreds of devotees who visit the Ratnapuri to have “darshan” of the young boy, said he did not have any idea where Bomjan may have left. He, however, dismissed reports saying that Bomjan may have been abducted.
“He has left along with one of his colleagues. He must have gone in search of a quieter place,” radio reports quoted Lama as saying.
Meanwhile, police in Bara district said they had launched a search to locate Mr. Bomjan.

NASA'S CASSINI DISCOVERS POTENTIAL LIQUID WATER ON ENCELADUS

NASA's Cassini spacecraft may have found evidence of liquid water reservoirs that erupt in Yellowstone-like geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus. The rare occurrence of liquid water so near the surface raises many new questions about the mysterious moon. "We realize that this is a radical conclusion -- that we may have evidence for liquid water within a body so small and so cold," said Dr. Carolyn Porco, Cassini imaging team leader at Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colo. "However, if we are right, we have significantly broadened the diversity of solar system environments where we might possibly have conditions suitable for living organisms."High-resolution Cassini images show icy jets and towering plumes ejecting large quantities of particles at high speed. Scientists examined several models to explain the process. They ruled out the idea that the particles are produced by or blown off the moon's surface by vapor created when warm water ice converts to a gas. Instead, scientists have found evidence for a much more exciting possibility -- the jets might be erupting from near-surface pockets of liquid water above 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), like cold versions of the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone.

Spray Above Enceladus III
Mission scientists report these and other Enceladus findings in this week's issue of Science."We previously knew of at most three places where active volcanism exists: Jupiter's moon Io, Earth, and possibly Neptune's moon Triton. Cassini changed all that, making Enceladus the latest member of this very exclusive club, and one of the most exciting places in the solar system," said Dr. John Spencer, Cassini scientist, Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, Colo."Other moons in the solar system have liquid-water oceans covered by kilometers of icy crust," said Dr. Andrew Ingersoll, imaging team member and atmospheric scientist at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif. "What's different here is that pockets of liquid water may be no more than tens of meters below the surface." Other unexplained oddities now make sense. "As Cassini approached Saturn, we discovered that the Saturnian system is filled with oxygen atoms. At the time we had no idea where the oxygen was coming from," said Dr. Candy Hansen, Cassini scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. "Now we know that Enceladus is spewing out water molecules, which break down into oxygen and hydrogen."

Enceladus "Cold Geyser" Model
Scientists are also seeing variability at Enceladus. "Even when Cassini is not flying close to Enceladus, we can detect that the plume's activity has been changing through its varying effects on the soup of electrically-charged particles that flow past the moon," said Dr. Geraint H. Jones, Cassini scientist, magnetospheric imaging instrument, Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany. Scientists still have many questions. Why is Enceladus currently so active? Are other sites on Enceladus active? Might this activity have been continuous enough over the moon's history for life to have had a chance to take hold in the moon's interior? "Our search for liquid water has taken a new turn. The type of evidence for liquid water on Enceladus is very different from what we've seen at Jupiter's moon Europa. On Europa the evidence from surface geological features points to an internal ocean. On Enceladus the evidence is direct observation of water vapor venting from sources close to the surface," said Dr. Peter Thomas, Cassini imaging scientist, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.In the spring of 2008, scientists will get another chance to look at Enceladus when Cassini flies within 350 kilometers (approximately 220 miles), but much work remains after Cassini¿s four-year prime mission is over.

Searching for Warmth
"There's no question that, along with the moon Titan, Enceladus should be a very high priority for us. Saturn has given us two exciting worlds to explore," said Dr. Jonathan Lunine, Cassini interdisciplinary scientist, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. JPL, a division of the Caltech, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. The Cassini orbiter was designed, developed and assembled at JPL.