Kathmandu: A two-day Human Capital Development (HCD) workshop on “AI for Tourism and Hospitality Excellence” began in Kathmandu on Sunday, bringing together 60 professionals from Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sector.



The workshop, jointly organized by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), is being held at Hotel Yak and Yeti.



PATA Nepal Chapter Chairperson Khem Lakai opened the program, stressing the need for Nepal’s tourism workforce to strengthen digital and AI-related skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global market.



Delivering the inaugural remarks, NTB Chief Executive Officer Dipak Raj Joshi highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in tourism marketing and sectoral growth strategies. He urged participants to engage actively with the sessions and apply AI-driven insights to their professional work.



The opening session was moderated by PATA Nepal Chapter CEO Suresh Singh Budal, who guided the proceedings and set the framework for interactive discussions.



The workshop is led by Prof. Faye Hao of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management. Over the two days, participants will be trained in AI fundamentals, AI models and agents, ethical considerations, and practical applications of AI in hotels, resorts, airlines, destination management, and MICE operations.



Organizers say the workshop aims to strengthen professional capacity, encourage innovation, and support Nepal’s move toward a more resilient and technology-driven tourism sector.

“AI for Tourism & Hospitality Excellence” Workshop kicks off in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Foodmandu, Nepal’s first food delivery platform, has completed 15 years since its launch on November 11, 2010. Over this period, the company has expanded its operations across major cities and partnered with more than 1,000 restaurants, becoming a leading player in Nepal’s online food delivery sector.



According to the company, Foodmandu has contributed to employment generation by hiring delivery riders, supported restaurants in reaching wider customer bases, and served millions of customers across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, Chitwan, and Butwal.



Founder Manohar Adhikari stated that the company began with the goal of making it easier for people to enjoy restaurant meals at home and has since helped restaurants grow their digital presence. Brand and Marketing Manager Inesha Bhattarai said the company remains focused on enhancing customer experience and expanding service offerings.



To mark the anniversary, Foodmandu is offering discounts on various cuisines at more than 200 partner restaurants in its service areas from November 11 to November 30.



Foodmandu also operates Foodmandu Onemart, a service that provides instant delivery of daily essentials.

Nepal's first online food delivery platform turns 15

Kathmandu: India-Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) has opened applications for Nepali entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, aiming to strengthen collaboration between the startup ecosystems of Nepal and India.



According to the Embassy of India in Nepal, the selected participants will take part in an eight-week fully funded training and innovation program at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, in partnership with IIT Madras Pravartak, one of India’s leading incubation centres. IIT Madras Pravartak has supported 46 startups so far, with 14 successfully commercialising their products and technologies.



The program will provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and internship opportunities to help transform early-stage ideas into scalable ventures. It builds on previous India-Nepal startup collaborations, including the India-Nepal Startup Connect events held in January 2023 and February 2025 in Kathmandu.



Selection will be competitive, with applicants evaluated through applications and interviews. Interested entrepreneurs can apply from November 1 to 15, 2025.

Applications open for India-Nepal startup partnership program

Kathmandu: China has announced plans to ease the chip export ban it imposed after Dutch authorities took control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned semiconductor company based in the Netherlands.



The Netherlands had invoked a Cold War-era law in September to take over Nexperia, citing “serious governance shortcomings” and the need to ensure chip availability during emergencies. In response, China halted re-exports of completed Nexperia chips to Europe, a move that alarmed car manufacturers dependent on those supplies.



Beijing said on Saturday it would “comprehensively consider the actual situation of enterprises and grant exemptions to exports that meet the criteria,” though it did not specify what conditions would apply. It also accused The Hague of “improper interference in the internal affairs of enterprises,” blaming it for “disrupting global production and supply chains.”



Around 70 percent of chips produced in the Netherlands are typically sent to China for processing before being exported to other countries. However, the Dutch-controlled Nexperia recently informed customers it would stop sending chips to China for processing, Reuters reported.



The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) had earlier warned that European chip supplies from Nexperia could run out within weeks unless the Chinese export ban was lifted, potentially halting automotive production across the continent.



Beijing’s decision to ease export restrictions follows a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea earlier this week, where the two leaders reportedly discussed semiconductor trade. The White House is expected to release details of a new trade agreement with China, including the resumption of Nexperia exports.



Nexperia, owned by Chinese parent company Wingtech, has faced multiple national security reviews in recent years. The U.S. government added Wingtech to its “entity list” in December 2024, while in the U.K., Nexperia was forced to sell its Newport chip plant amid security concerns.



-BBC

Beijing eases chip export ban following Dutch takeover of Nexperia

Kathmandu: PUBG MOBILE Super League (PMSL) 2025 Central and South Asia Fall season concluded in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with Nepali teams delivering notable performances in the international esports arena.



According to the organizers, Horaa Esports, 4YONKO ROYAL JUTTI, and NEPEX Esports represented Nepal in the Group Stage of the tournament. Among them, Horaa Esports and 4YONKO ROYAL JUTTI advanced to the Final Stage after six days of intense competition.



Horaa Esports emerged as the top-performing Nepali team, securing USD 11,750 in prize money, followed by 4YONKO ROYAL JUTTI with USD 4,750 and NEPEX Esports with USD 1,750.



The tournament saw Virtus.PRO, Alpha Gaming, and Mad Bulls qualify for the PMGC Gauntlet Stage based on their rankings, while Arcred, Inner Circle, and GOAT advanced to the PMGC Group Stage through PMGC rating points.



PUBG MOBILE South Asia Publishing Lead Issac said the Nepali teams demonstrated impressive growth and competitiveness. “We are proud to see such outstanding performances from the Nepali teams at PMSL CSA Fall,” he said, adding that upcoming grassroots events such as Training Grounds, Nepal Series, and Star Challenge will help strengthen Nepal’s esports presence in future global competitions.



While Nepali fans will miss seeing their teams at the PMGC, anticipation remains high for the upcoming Esports World Cup, which promises world-class competition and thrilling gameplay.

Horaa Esports shines as Nepali teams impress at PUBG MOBILE Super League 2025

Kathmandu: Ncell has brought 20 new 4G towers into operation across multiple locations in Nepal within the past 10 days, expanding coverage and improving service quality for its customers.



According to a statement issued by the company on Wednesday, the new towers were installed in several local levels of Madhesh, Koshi, and Bagmati provinces. The installation drive accelerated after the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) resumed facilitation, allowing the telecom operator to activate the new sites even during the festive season.



In Madhesh Province, 13 new towers were installed in Bara, Parsa, Saptari, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, and Rautahat districts. Likewise, six towers were brought into operation in Sunsari and Morang districts of Koshi Province, and one tower was activated in Hetauda, Makawanpur, under Bagmati Province.



“We are expanding and enhancing our 4G network in line with our commitment to improving digital connectivity across Nepal,” said Upanga Dutta, Chief Consumer Business Officer of Ncell. He added that 10 more towers are set to be activated within the next two days.



Even during the period when import of new equipment was restricted, Ncell managed to expand its network by installing and operating over 40 new towers using existing and spare equipment.



Under its ongoing 4G expansion plan, the company aims to install more than 170 additional towers across all provinces within the next two months to enhance network access and improve the quality of service.



Launched in May 2017, Ncell’s 4G service is now available in all 77 districts, covering more than 95 percent of Nepal’s population.

Ncell expands 4G network with 20 new towers across Nepal

Kathmandu: Ncell has appointed Michael Foley as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2025.



Foley will succeed Syed MD Enamul Kabir, who had been serving as Acting CEO. Kabir will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the company said in a statement.



With over two decades of senior leadership experience in the global telecommunications sector, Foley has held key positions at several major telecom companies. Before joining Ncell, he served as Head of French Africa at Airtel, overseeing operations across seven Francophone African markets. He was previously CEO of Telenor Pakistan, Grameenphone (Bangladesh), and Telenor Bulgaria.



Foley’s leadership has been credited with driving strong market growth and profitability, as well as spearheading digital and organizational transformation initiatives. He has also chaired Tameer Micro-Finance (now Easypaisa, Pakistan) and Telenor Health, and currently chairs WATU DRC SA, part of Africa’s leading asset micro-finance company, WATU.



Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Ncell, Foley said, “I am delighted and humbled to take on this responsibility here in Kathmandu. Ncell plays a critical role in Nepal’s digital transformation and economic competitiveness, creating opportunities for the people of Nepal.”



The Ncell Board of Directors expressed confidence in Foley’s leadership, stating that his experience and strategic vision will be vital in driving Ncell’s transformation and strengthening its service to communities.



Foley, a graduate of McGill University with executive certificates in Global Management and Governance from INSEAD, holds dual Canadian-Kenyan citizenship.



Established in 2004, Ncell is Nepal’s first private-sector telecommunications company and continues its mission to connect every Nepali with high-quality modern services.

Ncell appoints Michael Foley as new CEO

Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched the Digital Address System (DAS) in its ward no 26 with an objective to make the ward more technology-friendly. 



Khyamraj Tiwari, Chairperson of Ward No 26 and Coordinator of the Good-Governance Committee of the KMC, today, inaugurated the digital metric house address system. The new system uses the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which makes it easier to access information about the houses within the ward. 



Tiwari said that once the system is installed, the detailed information of all the houses within the ward can be easily known. The Ward Chairperson installed the first digital house number plate labeled '09 Lakshya 6111' at the ward office of Lainchaur. 



The KMC ward no 26 includes places such as Lainchaur, Galkopakha, Thamel, Kapurdhara, Samakhushi, Ranibari and New Bus park among others. Although the KMC has been implementing the metric address system for the past 20 years, it recently implemented the upgraded the system based on the NFC technology. 



The ward no 26 is the first ward in the KMC to implement this updated system. Each digital number plate will feature the old address and street name apart from QR code and chip, shared Tiwari. He added that the new number plate of the houses will feature the Universal Google Plus code along with the Nepali local code.

KMC launches new Digital Address System

Kathmanu: Nepali Champion Startup Team has left here for Silicon Valley of the United States of America for global competition of Startup World Cup, 2025. 



Founder of DL Surf Arjun Ghimire left for USA on Thursday to participate in the global competition. DL Surf is the winner of the most prestigious international startup competition recently organised by Startup Hub Nepal and World Trade Group in Nepal. 



Startup Hub Nepal Chairperson and South Asia Chief Dr Shambhu Pokharel said Nepal has dreamed of becoming a winner in the competition, which has a prize of Rs 144 million. The competition would encourage Nepali startup to have global mindset. 



The competition would be held from October 17-22 where DL Surf would compete with champion startups of 100 countries of the world. Startup World Cup is a series of global startup conferences and competitions powered by Pegasus Tech Ventures.

Nepali team off to USA to compete in Startup World Cup

Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, has laid emphasis on promotion of electric vehicles to control air pollution and take the country towards green economy. 



Inaugurating the charging stations operated by Change Digital at different places of the country including Samakhusi today, Minister Ghising pointed out the need of converting petroleum vehicles into electric ones. 



He opined that import of petroleum products could be reduced by increasing the consumption of power in all sectors including household purpose and industries for the consumption of power produced from hydropower in the country, adding there would be significant contribution in country's economy making positive impacts on foreign exchange reserve of the country following decrease in import. 



The government through different policies and plans has been giving priority to the use of electric vehicles. A target has been set to make 90 per cent electric vehicles of the total private vehicles and 70 per cent of the public vehicles within 2030. 



The Nepal Electricity Authority has established 62 charging stations at different places of the country to promote the use of electric vehicles while around 800 charging stations are run by private sector.

Energy Minister stresses on use of electric vehicles

Kathmandu: Nepal's first homegrown social media platform ‘Global Diary’, powered by AI technology, has been launched. The platform is a comprehensive one that aims to support digital transformation, promote commercial empowerment, and encourages inclusive technological development.



Designed to empower businesses, individuals, and government agencies, Global Diary brings communication, trade, and opportunities together on a single platform. According to Bhagwan Das Agrahari, CEO of Global Diary, the platform was developed by young Nepali IT mind using investments and expertise. 



It ensures AI-driven integration, reliable global connectivity, affordable digital presence, and sustainable growth. Although developed in Nepal, Global Diary has been built to meet international standards in terms of purpose, functionality, and reach. 



It connects individuals, businesses, and government agencies through a unified digital system, making communication, services, and opportunities more accessible. Agrahari added that the platform was created to address Nepal’s fragmented digital infrastructure and to empower all sectors through a single AI-powered, multipurpose solution. 



The main objective of making Global Diary is to solve Nepal's fragmented digital system, empower individuals and business as well as government bodies through a single Artificial Intelligence-powered digital platform, shared Organisation President Shekhar Aryal. Aryal added that the users could easily manage their profile, business page and professional details in the Global Diary. 



The Global Diary has been made affordable and scalable which would provide opportunity to use modern digital devices to small business and individuals. The Global Diary would empower users as the individuals could showcase their skills, portfolio, achievements and services which expands networks, and increase employment and freelance opportunity, it is said. 



The President argued that as a digital platform developed locally, it gives priority to Nepal-based needs, standards and national-level data security. Traditional digital platforms cannot solve the real problems faced by Nepali users, businesses, and government entities, but Global Diary will connect individuals and businesses across the country on a single digital platform, paving the way for digital inclusion and innovation. 



He claimed that it not only reduces digital spending by approximately 60 per cent, increase local employment opportunities, personalised search, and access to reliable connections, but also assists with central business statistics, promotes digital inclusion, and prevents annual advertising expenses exceeding 150 million US dollars on foreign digital platforms. 



This platform will have the capacity to develop locally and reach the global market. The organisation stated that it will not only provide affordable and inclusive solutions, but also serve as a means to solve real problems and promote community-centred development. 



Just like other social networks, individuals can easily showcase their skills, experiences, achievements, and portfolios, while small businesses to large companies can present their services and products digitally on this platform. 



It provides facilities like instant connection, sharing of QR code for profile and service exchange, listing of their services and products by individuals and businesses and timely accessing new opportunities, news or information.



-RSS

Nepal's first homegrown social platform 'Global Diary' launched

Kathmandu: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) has clarified that there are no official social media accounts in the name of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. 



In a press statement issued on September 25, OPMCM spokesperson Rabilal Sharma confirmed that the Prime Minister does not have any Facebook or X (Twitter) accounts in her name. 



He also urged the public not to believe any content circulated through such unofficial accounts. The OPMCM further warned that handling of fake ID on social sites in other's name is not prohibited by law.

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