Kathmandu: With the government actively preparing the new fiscal year's budget, a surge of electric vehicles (EVs) has entered Nepal. Fears that taxes on EVs might increase in the upcoming budget—set to be announced on Jestha 15 (May 28)—have led importers to bring in large numbers of vehicles in advance. As a result, the parking area of the Chobhar Dry Port is now filled with EVs.



Most electric vehicles in Nepal are imported from China. Along with Chobhar, Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi customs points have also seen a heavy influx of EVs. The customs yard in Tatopani alone currently holds over 900 EVs, while Rasuwagadhi has received around 600.



According to the Department of Customs, by the end of the month of Chaitra, Nepal had imported 7,967 electric vehicles, out of which 5,889 came from China.



Importers fear that these rates may rise further in the upcoming budget, leading to the current rush in vehicle imports.

Massive influx of electric vehicles amid fears of tax hike in upcoming budget

Kathmandu: The Gandaki Province government has legalized the ride-sharing services to operate in the province. From now onwards, the private four-wheeler and two-wheeler vehicles can offer ride-sharing services by fulfilling all required process including insuring the passenger.



Province's Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation Prakash Bahadur KC shared that ride-sharing service was formally recognized after the meeting of the Province Government, Council of Ministers endorsed the law related to the vehicle and transport management.



The Council of Ministers meeting convened on last Tuesday had endorsed the Vehicle and Transportation Management Regulation-2080 BS. The regulation will be enforced very soon, assured Minister KC.



The Supreme Court earlier had ruled that the ride-sharing services could be run within the legal framework in considering of the consumer rights and their labour and employment issues.



The regulation brought forward after extensive discussions with stakeholders and preparation will legalize the service as well as regulate it, said Minister KC.



According to him, the ride-sharing service has been legalized within the Province by putting in place legal framework as, he added, transportation management falls under the jurisdiction of the province government. At present, various ride-sharing services like In-Drive, Sajilo, Taximandu and Pathao are operating in Nepal.

Ride-sharing services legalized in Gandaki Province

Kathmandu: The Indian government has issued executive orders directing social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to block access to more than 8,000 accounts in India, including those belonging to international news organizations and prominent users, according to a statement released by the company.



X stated that failure to comply could lead to significant fines and even imprisonment of its employees based in India. The platform confirmed it has begun the process of withholding access to the specified accounts within Indian territory.



The company, however, voiced strong disagreement with the government's directive, calling the broad account-level blocks "unnecessary" and "censorship," arguing that such actions are contrary to the fundamental right to free speech.



“In most cases, the Indian government has not specified which posts from an account have violated local laws,” X said in its statement. “For a significant number of accounts, we did not receive any evidence or justification to block them.”



Despite the legal pressures, X maintained that keeping the platform operational in India is vital to ensuring public access to information. It also raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the executive orders, noting that it is legally prohibited from publishing the details of the orders publicly.



The company said it is exploring all legal options available under Indian law but noted that its ability to challenge such orders is limited compared to individual users. X encouraged affected users to seek legal recourse through the courts.



The development has sparked renewed debate over free expression and government regulation of online platforms in one of the world’s largest digital markets.

Indian govt orders X to block over 8,000 accounts, including global news outlets

Kathmandu: TikTok has announced the launch of its family pairing feature in Nepal, expressing commitment to support families in fostering responsible and safe online experiences for younger users.



The feature allows parents and guardians to link their TikTok accounts with those of their teenagers, giving them access to a suite of safety and privacy controls.



"This initiative is a part of TikTok’s broader effort to support digital wellbeing and ensure that families can enjoy the platform in a more informed and safer way," a press release said, adding that parents can enable family pairing by accessing the feature through TikTok's “Settings and Privacy” menu.



Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, South Asia at TikTok, Ferdous Mottakin, said, "At TikTok, the safety of our community is our highest priority, especially when it comes to young users. The launch of the family pairing feature in Nepal is part of our continued efforts to provide families with meaningful tools that encourage responsible digital habits."

Tiktok to enhance safety of younger users in Nepal

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the foreign investors to invest in the science and technology sector in Nepal as road, electricity and other infrastructures have been developed in the country.



Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology on the occasion of the National Information and Communication Technology Day 2082 BS today, Prime Minister Oli urged the people to work with the concept of 'one step forward every day' to make Nepal modern and technologically advanced.



He stressed the need of attaining more achievements by expanding the right to use information and communication technology for good governance, development and easy service delivery in the country.



"Our nation is fertile and life-supporting. There is immense possibility for investment here. Let us carry out works with the confidence that we can do something in our own lifetime and our journey will sure proceed towards progressive steps," the Prime Minister said, adding that the use of information and technology is increasing in every sector including the education.



Stating that in order to end the situation of 52 per cent students failing in SEE, classes on important subjects were also conducted through online medium from last year on an individual initiative, he stressed such initiatives carried out with the good intention the students' future should not be pushed towards darkness should be encouraged.



PM Oli stressed the need for maintaining a 'data' system with our own security, stating that the development of information technology itself was the answer to those who are saying the situation (meaning people's standard of living) did not change even after the change in the political system.



"We have come a long way from the need to have a government minister's recommendation to get a telephone line connected. Efforts have also been initiated to send our own 'satellite' to space. A new generation of capable people has been prepared in this field," he said.



The Prime Minister further said: "Let us move ahead with confidence. We will lay emphasis on the production and training more skilled human resources in the information technology sector. Now for the prosperity of the country, information and communication technology should be expanded and used for development and good governance among the people in every nook and corner. One should be aware of the tendency of misusing information and technology to harass individuals.”



On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli inaugurated the work of linking the Bagmati province government's driving license (license) and Blue Book (certificate of vehicle ownership) with the Nagarik App. Prof Dr Shashidhar Ram Joshi and other individuals and organisations were honoured with the National Information Technology Award on the occasion.

PM Oli calls for more investment in ICT sector

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated a diplomatic initiative to investigate into the death of Prissa Sah of Birgunj who was studying at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Trekking (KIIT) in Odisha, India.



Student Sah was found dead in her room on Thursday evening.



Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba took to her social media, facebook, to express grief over the incident in which Nepali student Prissa Sah, a student of IIT in India, was found dead at her hostel room.



"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated diplomatic initiatives to investigate the truth behind the incident through the Government of India, senior officials of the Odisha Government and the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday itself", Minister Rana wrote.

Nepal govt takes diplomatic initiative for investigation into death of a Nepali girl in KIIT

Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced that the development of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has reached its final phase, alongside major efforts to strengthen the country’s digital payment infrastructure.



Acting Governor Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina, presenting a report on the occasion of NRB’s 70th anniversary, revealed that preparations for the pilot operation of the Wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (wCBDC) are almost complete. The platform's base system, wCBDC Version 0.1.0, has been developed, and the full operational version wCBDC Version 1.0.0 is in the final stages of preparation.



Under the Payment and Settlement Act, 2075, the Payment and Settlement Bylaw, 2077, and the Licensing Policy, 2079, the central bank has authorized nine Payment System Operators (PSOs) and 25 Payment Service Providers (PSPs) currently operating in Nepal.



In cross-border transactions, arrangements have been made to enable payments through platforms like UPI, Alipay+, and WeChat Pay. Additionally, NRB has prioritized cross-border payments, institutional governance, security, and risk management through the issuance of an Integrated Payment Systems Directive, 2081.



Following its Fourth Strategic Plan (2022–2026), NRB has also prepared a study report assessing the relevance and necessary regulatory framework for implementing USSD-based payment systems in Nepal.



To further promote innovation in electronic banking and payments, the central bank is collaborating with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to establish a Regulatory Sandbox and formulate a Fintech Strategy.



Moreover, to encourage and expand innovation in financial technology, NRB has established a Digital Finance Innovation Hub under its Payment Systems Department.



With these developments, Nepal Rastra Bank is pushing forward with the modernization of its payment infrastructure, aiming to enhance financial access, ensure secure digital transactions, and prepare Nepal’s banking sector for a digital future.

NRB nears completion of digital currency development, strengthens payment systems

Kathmandu: Chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, stressed the need for promoting registration of intellectual property (IP). The State' role is important in it, he added.



During a programme organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply; Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Copyrights Registrar's Office in the federal capital, Chairman Dhakal said dearth of knowledge on IP was posing challenges on IP rights and need of its protection.



At the event organized on the World IP Day today, Chairman Dhakal made aware the government that the issues relating to trademarks are sometime controversial, so the thorny issues need to be sorted out in time.



Quick hearing of the complaints on trademarks and patent helps intensify business, according to him.



The business leader, however, said, "The intellectual property rights is ensured by law in Nepal, thereby protecting patent, copy rights and trademarks. Such sorts of programme help promote public awareness on intellectual property."



Moreover, Dhakal viewed even the singers and song writers need to be aware to protect their property rights at a time when the music has also been developed as an industry.



The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) had announced the World IP Day in 2001. This year the Day is being observed under the theme of: “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP”.



Source: Rashtriya Samachar Samiti

Promote registration of intellectual property: Chair Dhakal

KATHMANDU – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal has appointed renowned climbers Nima Rinji Sherpa and Purnima Shrestha as its first official climate influencers, aiming to raise awareness on climate justice and the urgent need for action in Nepal’s fragile Himalayan region.



The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks the launch of UNDP Nepal's social media campaign #GenClima (shortened as #GENC), which seeks to spotlight young leaders driving gender-responsive climate initiatives. The campaign also aims to highlight the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations—particularly women and indigenous communities.



The campaign draws from a 2020 study by UNDP and ICIMOD, which identified 2,323 glacial lakes in Nepal, 47 of which are classified as highly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods. These findings underscore the urgency of protecting the Himalayan region, a key component of the global glacial system.



UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Kyoko Yokosuka described climate change as not just an environmental issue but a matter of social justice.



As part of their roles, the influencers will participate in immersive storytelling, community outreach, and global advocacy to drive home the urgency of climate action in forums like the Sagarmatha Sambad—Nepal’s international dialogue platform for mountain issues.



This partnership, according to UNDP Nepal, signifies a strategic push toward inclusive climate policymaking, resilience building, and intergenerational dialogue to preserve Nepal’s mountains for future generations.

UNDP Nepal appoints Nima Rinji Sherpa and Purnima Shrestha as first climate influencers

Kathmandu: The government has warned major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) to register in Nepal by mid-April or face a nationwide ban.



Speaking at the 8th National Convention of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FONIJ) on Friday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said that despite being formally notified two months ago, platforms like Meta have failed to respond.



“If these social platforms fail to register by the end of Chaitra, we’ll shut them down,” Gurung said. He emphasized that the move is necessary to curb scams and unregulated content online. “These companies are registered and pay taxes in countries like India. Why should Nepal be an exception?” he added.



The government had earlier issued a 30-day notice to social media platforms, asking them to comply with regulatory requirements, which include appointing a local point of contact, a grievance officer, and a compliance monitoring officer.



While platforms such as Viber, TikTok, and WeChat have already completed the registration process, Meta, YouTube, and X are yet to comply.



Addressing growing concerns about a possible crackdown on online news portals, Gurung clarified that there are no plans to restrict digital media. “Freedom of the press, as enshrined in our constitution, will be honored,” he said.



The minister also revealed that several new bills are in the pipeline, including a Press Council bill to resolve leadership disputes, a cybersecurity bill aimed at addressing online threats, and a mass communication bill that seeks to better regulate media organizations and ensure fair compensation for journalists.

Government threatens to ban Facebook, YouTube, X over registration non-compliance

Kathmandu: Stakeholders at the NADA Auto Dialogue have urged the government to establish clear standards for electric vehicles (EVs) imported into Nepal, warning that unchecked imports could turn the country into a dumping ground for substandard vehicles.



Speaking at the event, Nepal Bankers’ Association President Santosh Koirala expressed concern over the rapid rise in EV investments without sufficient regulatory oversight. He highlighted the risk of inexperienced businesses entering the EV import market, potentially putting pressure on the financial sector.



“Loans worth Rs 129 billion have been issued for vehicles in the current fiscal year alone,” Koirala said. “Most loans are for 7–8 years, but if EV batteries need to be replaced within 2–3 years, borrowers could struggle to repay.”



Koirala also warned that without proper standards, the financial system could face risks, particularly as battery replacement becomes necessary around the fifth or sixth year of ownership. He stressed that green financing alone is not enough and called for more clarity on EV technologies.



Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari, echoed the call for policy stability. “The government must avoid erratic changes in tax and loan policies related to EVs,” he said. “Frequent shifts can create uncertainty for investors.”



Dr Bim Prasad Shrestha from Kathmandu University raised the alarm over Nepal becoming a potential dumping site for EVs from around the world. He emphasized the need to train technicians and modernize educational curricula to keep pace with evolving automotive technologies.



While stakeholders acknowledged the growing popularity of EVs in both public and private sectors, they stressed that proper standards, skilled manpower, and policy consistency are essential to ensure sustainable growth and avoid long-term risks.

Stakeholders urge govt to set EV standards amid dumping concerns

Kathmandu: The government has scrapped the Nagarik App (Operation and Management) Directive, 2078, according to a Cabinet decision made on Sunday.



Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, announced the decision at a press briefing held at Singha Durbar on Monday.



The Cabinet has also formed a delegation led by the Director General of the Department of Customs to participate in the upcoming Nepal–India Director General-level customs talks. The talks are scheduled to take place in Kathmandu on April 10 and 11.



In another decision, the Cabinet approved the resignation of Joint Secretary Rajendra Prasad Sharma from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.



Additionally, the meeting granted approval to table a bill in the Federal Parliament regarding the management of alternative financing mechanisms.

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