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The price of gold has increased by Rs 600 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 170, 200 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 169, 600 per tola on Monday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 945 per tola today.

The 19th edition of the food festival organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN), Sauraha, Chitwan has kicked off in Chitwan today.

The annual event aims to promote the tourism industry in Chitwan, according to REBAN Chitwan Chair Dhruba Giri. It has been organised in the north to the Sauraha-based Tourist Bus Park.

Bagmati Province Minister for Culture and Tourism, Bimal Thakuri, is scheduled to inaugurate the festival this evening. The fund to be collected from entry fee will be spent for the beautification of a touristic route in Sauraha, it is said.

The festival is expected to boost tourist arrivals by 40 percent during the festival period. It will run till February 14, according to festival coordinator Shambhu Prasad Mali. The festival will feature a cultural exhibition, exhibitions of local culinary, and the organisation of the first REBAN women soccer competition, inter-school dance competition and badminton competition as well.

Adopting a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle is kinder to the planet and friendlier on the pocket as well. Contrary to what many people think that eco-friendly living requires a complete overhaul of your current lifestyle, it’s actually quite easy to transition into a sustainable way of life. You just have to be mindful of what you are using and how. If you want to go green but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Rule #1: Use what you have

The main rule to follow while choosing a sustainable life is to use what you have and not buy something on a whim or because you think it’s an eco-friendly alternative to what you are currently using. You don’t need a brand new steel tumbler if you already have a water bottle. Try to see if you can repurpose what you have to fit your needs. Think before you throw things out. Use chipped cups and bowls as planters. Use old tote bags to carry groceries.

Rule #2: Support small and local businesses

When you need something and have to shop, choose brands that are sustainable and make use of local resources instead of relying on imported products and cheap Chinese goods. Brands like Eco-Saathi Nepal and Nepal Knotcraft Center have straw and bamboo products for daily use. Abir Nepal and Ekadeshma have clothes made of linen, cotton, hemp, and other natural fibers. By supporting local business, you will help create a circular economy that is so important for sustainability.

Rule #3: Learn to compost and grow your food

If you have a small garden space or even a tiny balcony, you can grow different herbs and vegetables. This will reduce your grocery bills as well as the use of plastics that many food products, even produce, seem to come wrapped in these days. Composting your food scraps will reduce landfill waste as well as create a nutrient rich soil in your garden. It’s a fulfilling hobby as well that will make you reevaluate your relationship with food and trash.

Rule #4: Be resource efficient

Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Use LED bulbs instead of CFLs or tube lights. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to ensure you aren’t wasting water. If you can, store the water you use to wash your vegetables to reuse in the garden. Try to take two minute showers to conserve water. Maintain your appliances so that they last long and you don’t have to replace them time and again. Keep cords and wires in a storage box even if you don’t need them as chances are they might come in handy as you update your gadgets. Many people are guilty of throwing out cables only to buy new ones six months or a year down the line.

Rule #5: Buy second hand when you can

There are many thrift shops and stores selling second hand wares these days. From clothes and bags to phones and household appliances, you will probably get everything you need at thrift stores. Many of these businesses are online as well so you don’t even have to go anywhere to get what you need. The good thing is that most of the items they sell have been gently used so you won’t even be able to tell the difference between them and new ones. So whenever you have to buy something, see if there is a second hand version available and if that will work for you. 

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has underlined the need for holding dialogue to resolve the dispute over Pathivara cable car.

He had a meeting with the agitating side and stakeholders at his ministry on Monday evening.

During the meeting, the Home Minister said all sides concerned should be further serious to sort out differences and forward development works.

The Minister held the discussion after the discussion between the talk teams- formed by the government and by the agitating side- failed to strike a deal on Sunday.

The meeting with the Home Minister was also attended by CPN-UML leader Yogesh Bhattarai and leaders of indigenous community.

Spokesperson at Home Ministry, Ramchandra Tiwari, shared that the agitating side met with the Home Minister on Monday evening where Minister Lekhak reiterated dialogue and consensus on the pressing issue.

The Minister recalled a peaceful measure to seek a solution, while the agitating side demanded a formation of a high level talks team.

The initiative to construct a cable car to reach the famous pilgrim site, Pathivara in Taplejung, has courted controversy of late.

Stakeholders have stressed the need for resolving a dispute over the construction of a cable car in Taplejung through dialogue. The Pathivaradham is a famous pilgrim site in Taplejung district.

They also viewed the development work should be environment-friendly.

Speakers at a press meet said dialogue was the best option to settle the differing stands surrounding the cable car construction.

The press meet was organized by Phungling municipality on Monday. It was attended by local level people's representatives, representatives from various organizations, business community, and media persons.

Mayor Amir Maden said Taplejung district was waiting for development work for a long time. The cable car can be an effective medium to launch developments here, he said, adding that the dispute, however, needs immediate resolution.

The cable car is not only a ropeway to facilitate those visiting the famous pilgrim site in the district but also a means to create jobs and promote tourism, he argued.  The mayor also urged the 'no cable car group' to join dialogue for clearing hurdles.

General Secretary of Taplejung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kamal Limbu, viewed it is essential to forge unity and be univocal on construction of cable car in Taplejung.

Other speakers representing the political parties also underlined the need for holding dialogue to sort out problems and find amicable solutions.

The Nepal-Japan SEWA Exchange Program was held on Monday, aiming to foster service-driven collaboration and economic empowerment while taking a visionary step toward socio-economic transformation. The program was initiated by Zenkou Research Institute, Kozaike Kohsan Co Ltd, and Progressive Staff Agency Co Ltd (Japan) in partnership with Kathmandu University School of Medical Science, Sun and Company Pvt Ltd, and Saandipani Group of Education (Nepal).

As part of the event, the institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate a structured exchange of knowledge, skills, and opportunities between the two nations. Key highlights of the program included the empowerment of 20,000 Nepali youths, caregiving as a service (SEWA), knowledge and skills transfer, the establishment of caregiving in Nepal, and the promotion of medical and pharmaceutical advancements.

Speaking at the event, representatives from all participating institutions and companies reaffirmed their commitment to making the initiative a success.

Anton Ambrose is the head of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs for inDrive Asia Pacific (APAC) region. With more than two decades of experience in policy advocacy including roles in aviation and mobility solutions across APAC, Middle East and Africa, he has experience in open skies agreements with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ambrose specializes in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and advocates for policies that foster innovation, sustainable growth, and empowerment for all. In this interview, he talks about the prospect of the ride-hailing industry in Nepal, the challenges, and potential solutions. 

How does inDrive plan to navigate Nepal’s regulatory landscape for ride-hailing services?

At inDrive, we strongly believe in open dialogue and collaboration, which is precisely why we are here to engage in meaningful discussions with stakeholders. We recognize that regulatory frameworks are essential for ensuring a well-structured and efficient ride-hailing ecosystem. Given our presence in 48 countries, we have gained extensive experience in adapting to different regulatory environments worldwide.

Our approach is to actively engage with local authorities, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to contribute to the development of a policy framework that aligns with Nepal’s specific transportation needs. We see this as an opportunity not only to share insights from our global operations but also to tailor solutions that best fit the unique characteristics of Nepal’s ride-hailing sector. By exchanging ideas and best practices, we hope to foster a regulatory environment that benefits drivers, passengers, and the broader community.

What challenges do you foresee in Nepal and how will you address them?

One of the most significant challenges we anticipate in Nepal is the lack of a clear regulatory framework governing ride-hailing services. At present, there are no well-defined policies that specifically address the operational aspects of platforms like inDrive. This regulatory uncertainty can create roadblocks for the industry’s growth and hinder innovation.

However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. Our presence here is not just about operating within the existing framework but also about collaborating with the relevant authorities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to establish fair and effective guidelines. By working closely with government bodies, transport regulators, and driver communities, we aim to advocate for policies that are both practical and inclusive—ensuring they benefit all stakeholders, including passengers, drivers, and the broader transport ecosystem.

Moreover, regulatory clarity will not only support inDrive’s sustainable operations in Nepal but will also contribute to the long-term development of the ride-hailing industry. By fostering open dialogue and engaging in constructive discussions with policymakers, we hope to pave the way for a more structured, transparent, and growth-oriented environment. In turn, this will create a more reliable and efficient mobility landscape, ultimately benefiting the people of Nepal.

How do the 70:30 rules especially impact inDrive business operations in Nepal?

The 70:30 foreign direct investment (FDI) policy in Nepal has a direct and significant impact on inDrive’s operations, not only for our current business but also for our future expansion plans. This policy establishes a precedent that may discourage foreign investors from entering the market. When we look at Nepal’s neighboring countries, such as India, we see a more flexible approach toward FDI. India has not imposed a strict 100 percent FDI regulation across sectors, allowing businesses more freedom to operate and grow. A rigid 70:30 rule in Nepal creates additional policy barriers, making the country less attractive to global investors.

Investors are generally inclined to operate in regions where there are minimal regulatory constraints and more economic openness. Policies like this, which limit foreign ownership, could hinder Nepal’s ability to attract global businesses and contradict the country’s stated goal of encouraging foreign investment. For example, during investment summits, Nepal’s leadership emphasizes the need to attract FDI. However, restrictive policies like the 70:30 rule send a contradictory message.

Another concern is the inconsistency across different sectors. The IT industry in Nepal has allowed 100 percent foreign ownership. Given this, we seek clarity on why this specific 70:30 ratio was chosen. Why not 90:10, or a more flexible structure that accommodates different business models? These are critical questions for stakeholders to address.

At inDrive, we believe in fostering dialogue with policymakers and industry leaders to find a balanced approach. We are committed to Nepal, not just as a business but as a long-term partner in economic and community development. Our engagement goes beyond operations—we actively contribute to Nepali society through various initiatives.

Our commitment extends beyond our core business. As a brand, inDrive has always prioritized giving back to the communities where we operate. Globally, we have a dedicated initiative called inVision, which focuses on community impact projects. While it is not strictly a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, it aligns with similar objectives of social good. These initiatives reflect our long-term vision of impacting the lives of 1bn people by 2030. While we operate as a business, we ensure that a portion of our success is reinvested into the communities we serve.

Every nation is striving to attract FDI and open up its economy. Nepal should align its policies with this global trend to foster sustainable economic growth. A restrictive approach like the 70:30 rule risks deterring foreign businesses, reducing investment, and slowing progress.

Are similar regulations implemented in the market where drive upgrades are secondary? If so, how have they affected business dynamics?

Yes, it’s an important question. In most markets, there is a general trend toward economic liberalization, where regulations are designed to encourage competition and innovation. However, Nepal seems to be moving in the opposite direction, adopting policies that may hinder market openness. This is something that policymakers should examine more closely to ensure long-term economic benefits.

As a company, we are committed to supporting and engaging with regulatory bodies to provide insights into global best practices. Our goal is to help educate stakeholders about how similar markets have approached these challenges and what lessons can be applied to Nepal’s context. The adoption of new technologies and business models takes time, and identifying the right partners is a crucial part of that process. While we are open to collaborations, we believe in forming strategic partnerships that align with our vision and contribute to sustainable growth. This is a process that requires careful consideration, but we remain optimistic about working together with all stakeholders to find the best way forward.

How does this rule influence Nepal’s attractiveness for foreign investors, especially in the digital economy sector? 

This rule is likely to significantly reduce Nepal’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investors, particularly in the digital economy. Investors tend to seek stable and predictable regulatory environments where their businesses can operate without unexpected disruptions. When a large global company like inDrive sees potential risks due to such policies, it raises concerns for other investors as well. They may perceive Nepal as an uncertain investment landscape where regulatory decisions could adversely affect their operations at any time.

As a result, companies will exercise far greater caution before committing resources, which could slow down the inflow of foreign capital into Nepal. This hesitancy will not only impact large businesses but will also create ripple effects throughout the economy. A decline in foreign investment could limit job creation, reduce technological advancements, and curb the overall growth of Nepal’s digital sector.

Moreover, such regulatory uncertainty places unnecessary pressure on the broader economy. Foreign investments often contribute significantly to local communities by creating employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and supporting ancillary businesses. If investors decide to pull back or redirect their capital elsewhere, the people who will suffer the most are those who rely on the economic benefits generated by these investments—local entrepreneurs, service providers, and everyday citizens who depend on a thriving digital economy.

Ultimately, policies that create uncertainty can be detrimental to Nepal’s efforts to position itself as an attractive hub for digital businesses and startups. Instead of fostering innovation and investment, such rules could deter companies from expanding or even entering the Nepalese market in the first place. For sustainable economic growth, it is crucial to ensure that regulations support, rather than hinder, investment in emerging sectors like the digital economy.

Could the 70:30 rule hinder driver availability? Are we to introduce innovative service or technology in Nepal? What do you think? 

The 70:30 rule could potentially complicate the availability of drivers for inDrive, as it introduces significant challenges in terms of resource allocation and future investment planning. This policy not only impacts the local business but also has wider implications for other verticals and regions where we operate. In essence, with the 70:30 rule, we are bound to face restrictions on how we distribute resources, making it more difficult to scale our operations and remain agile.

One of the main issues lies in the unpredictability of such policies. For instance, if the policy were to shift from a 70:30 split to something like 50:50 tomorrow, the resulting changes could create additional strain on our ability to make long-term decisions and investments. Investors, therefore, are likely to feel uncertain about the stability and consistency of the business environment.

In light of this, the key to navigating these challenges lies in policy consistency. Investors and companies need a predictable regulatory framework in order to make sound, long-term investments. Furthermore, it’s important to engage all stakeholders who are likely to be affected by such policies, as this dialogue is crucial to ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of the economy. In today’s global environment, where nations are in constant competition to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), such collaborative efforts can be crucial for fostering a sustainable and innovative business climate.

As for the introduction of innovative services or technologies in Nepal, the answer largely depends on how the local policy environment evolves. If it remains stable and conducive to business growth, we will certainly be in a position to introduce new services and technologies. However, without such consistency, it becomes much harder to justify the risks associated with new ventures.

What alternative regulatory approaches would you suggest to promote both drivers and welfare of the industry growth in Nepal?

To foster the growth of both the driver community and the overall industry in Nepal, I would suggest adopting a more collaborative regulatory approach. It’s essential to create a platform for engagement between both the government and private sector stakeholders. Open communication and cooperation between the two sides would help align objectives, ensuring that both drivers’ welfare and the industry’s growth are prioritized.

By bringing the industry together, we can find solutions that benefit all parties involved—drivers, the local community, and the industry as a whole. We can also explore opportunities for technology transfer and capacity building, as we are already committed to investing in people and resources. This kind of collaboration can pave the way for more sustainable and effective growth within the sector.

Moreover, it’s important to recognize that government investment in certain areas is not universal across the globe. However, enhancing engagement and collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially through public-private partnerships, could create significant opportunities for the industry’s development. This level of partnership has proven successful in various countries and could lead to a more conducive environment for growth in Nepal’s transport sector. 

Lawmakers have drawn the attention of the government towards contemporary issues during a meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday.

Santosh Pariyar demanded the government to come up with a substantive law against caste-based discriminations against Dalits.

Abdul Khan apprised the House that last year, the country recorded 2,507 cases of rape, adding that each day three-two four cases of rape against women take place in the country. 

He demanded action against those responsible for the rape of an adolescent girl in Bardagoriya, Kailali, on February 8. Khan also accused the government of failing to address the illegal registration of public land at Badaiya Lake in Bardiya, which he claimed was being misused for personal purposes.

Amaresh Kumar Singh urged the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office not to repeat the incident of using a bulldozer to assault scrap material collectors.

Mohan Bahadur Basnet pressed the government to respond to a fire at Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk, which occurred on January 31 and was extinguished by February 3. Basnet blamed the fire on a nearby hydropower project and demanded the government hold the project accountable for the disaster.

Sumana Shrestha requested the government to provide justification for the registration of the Additional Inspector General of Police.