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.

Cabinet scraps directive on Nagarik App management

Kathmandu: Nepal has formally requested the United Nations (UN) to support the development of technology and sustainable tourism in the country. This request was made by a delegation from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) during a meeting with UN tourism officials in Madrid as part of their ongoing Europe trip.



The delegation, led by Binod Prakash Singh, Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, acknowledged the support the UN has provided to Nepal thus far. Singh emphasized the need for further collaboration, particularly in advancing technology, such as artificial intelligence and digital innovation, to promote sustainable tourism development.



In a historic first visit to the UN Tourism Headquarters, the delegation met with Harry Hwang, Director of the Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Hwang reaffirmed the UN's commitment to continue cooperating with Nepal and encouraged the country to actively participate in UN tourism initiatives. He also urged Nepal to submit formal proposals outlining its priorities for additional UN support.



Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director General of Nepal's Department of Tourism, reiterated the nation's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the UN tourism body, focusing on promoting bilateral tourism relations.



The NTB representatives highlighted Nepal’s vast potential for adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and rural tourism. They stressed the importance of UN-led projects to elevate the country's tourism industry and ensure that tourism benefits are distributed equitably across the country.



In addition to the meeting with UN officials, the NTB also organized a promotional event in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in Spain. The event aimed to enhance tourism relations between Nepal and Spain, and was attended by tourism entrepreneurs and media personnel. During the event, Nepal's Ambassador to Spain, Sanil Nepal, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries.



Khadga Bikram Shah, Senior Manager at NTB, gave a presentation showcasing Nepal's natural beauty, adventurous tourism opportunities, cultural heritage, and hospitality services. He suggested that Nepal could become a major tourist destination for Spaniards, further strengthening tourism ties between the two nations.

Nepal seeks UN support for sustainable tourism and technology development

Kathmandu: Ncell, a private telecom operator in Nepal, has announced plans to shut down its 3G services by 2025 as part of its transition to newer technologies.



Speaking at an event organized by the Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) in Kathmandu, Ncell CEO Jabbor Kayumov said that with many South Asian countries already discontinuing 2G and 3G services, Nepal must also phase out outdated technology to make way for advanced network systems.



Kayumov highlighted that around 3.3 million mobile devices in Nepal still run only on 2G technology, which he said is a barrier to adopting modern telecom services.

Ncell to shut down 3G services in Nepal by 2025

Kathmandu: India’s largest telecom firms, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have signed separate agreements with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink’s satellite internet service to the country, the BBC reported.



The deals come despite past tensions between Musk and the companies and are conditional on government approval. SpaceX has faced regulatory hurdles since 2021.



Jio and Airtel plan to use Starlink’s network to expand broadband services, particularly in rural areas. Analysts say the move follows a policy shift favoring Musk, after India decided to allocate satellite spectrum instead of auctioning it—a stance opposed by Jio and Airtel.



If approved, the tie-ups could give Starlink access to 70% of India’s mobile users, with analysts predicting a potential price drop for satellite internet in the country. Source: BBC

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