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The Policy Research Institute (PRI) and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work in partnership in policies and research-related areas.

Executive Chairman of PRI Prof Dr Lekhnath Sharma and CNI Director General Ghanashyam Ojha signed the MoU on Thursday to forge collaboration between the two institutions to work policies and industrial matters.

PRI is a government think-tank working to review public policies, programs and strategies through research and analysis and provide policy recommendations to the government.

CNI Director General Ojha said the MoU is aimed at establishing links between industrial fraternity and academia, ensure collaboration on policies and industrial matters, carry out joint research and produce data, and work for capacity building.

The MoU between PRI and CNI is expected to contribute to create a synergy effect in the country's economy through enhanced coordination on drafting of policies.

The tragic loss of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old BTech (third year) Computer Science student at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KITT) in Bhubaneswar, has once again brought to the fore the issue of safety and security of Nepali students studying abroad, India in particular.

Details of what exactly happened on the KITT premises in the evening of February 13 remain quite sketchy, despite widespread media coverage in both India and Nepal as most of the students had gone to attend the institute’s foundation day.  Media reports, quoting friends and batchmates, suggest that the young girl from Butwal was in a toxic relationship with another BTech Mechanical (third year) student identified as Advik Shrivastava (21) from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Tapes of a conversation between the two have surfaced, giving an indication of the extent of abuse that the young girl may have been facing for quite some time, something which some of her friends have also alluded to.

As the case unfolds, there are ample reasons to believe that this tragic loss of life may have gone unnoticed had some of her courageous friends not dared to share it with media outlets despite considerable threats to their well-being via a messaging app.

These reports also suggest that the abusive and unhealthy relationship was no secret for the institute in question as the young, courageous and bright girl had lodged her complaint against the abuser at the International Relations Office. The office intervened to an extent, but there is every reason to believe that it could have done a lot more to protect an international student with hardly any support system in the host country from an abusive relationship.

On the contrary, its staff, including teachers, made a desperate attempt to cover up the entire incident by seeking to silence fellow students demanding justice through unsavory words against Nepal and the use of brute force. As part of that attempt, they forced hundreds of protesting Nepali students to leave the facility, threatening to unleash police against them if they did not oblige.

With no money to foot their travel expenses, hundreds of Nepali students are on their way home amid an appeal (and apologies) from the institute to return for the resumption of their studies even as smoke from their friend’s funeral pyre billows in a faraway Swargadwari (Pyuthan district) just days after her aggrieved father demanded justice and fair treatment for Nepali students in the pilgrimage town of Bhubaneshwar.

Amid a never-ending news cycle, this story may get lost with the government of Nepal already feeling, perhaps, that it has done enough in this case and the institute also thinking that token steps like a scholarship honoring the student and action against some of its loudmouths will restore its reputation.

If our government thinks that a phone conversation or two and a dispatch of officials from the embassy in New Delhi are enough in a case like this, it is mistaken. The traumatized students may hesitate to return to the institution out of safety concerns. Who will be responsible for the impact of this incident on their studies and their future?

Who, if not the government of our country, will make sure that the young girl and her family get justice?

The government should move ahead with extreme sensitivity, keeping in mind that any leniency on its part may expose Nepalis studying abroad to greater risks in the coming days. 

Popular Nepali rock band 1974 AD is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary with a grand musical event, RockYatra-2, in Kathmandu. The event will take place on April 5, Saturday, at the Hyatt Ground, Boudha. More than just a concert, the anniversary event promises to offer an immersive experience catering to audiences of all ages and musical preferences, according to the organizers. 

The event will feature live performances, delectable food stalls, and appearances by renowned celebrities, making it a must-attend occasion for music lovers.

“We aim to create an unforgettable experience for everyone attending this event,” said Anuj Karki, the band’s manager. “We have combined entertainment, culture, and community engagement to make this celebration truly festive for all.”

The 30th-anniversary celebration will showcase performances by top artists, special activities for families, and exclusive festival offers. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun-filled day, the event promises something for everyone, as per the organizer.

Tickets for 1974 AD’s 30th-anniversary event are available on eSewa, with special early bird discounts for a limited time.

The UK Government and the British Embassy in Kathmandu hosted the UK-Nepal Business Forum on Tuesday in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, the British Council, and the Nepal-Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event aimed to strengthen the UK-Nepal economic partnership, enhance trade and investment opportunities, promote inclusive economic development, and expand business-to-business connections.

The program covered topics such as ‘Unpacking Nepal: Market Opportunities for UK Businesses,’ ‘Business Economic Environment for Growth,’ ‘The Benefits of Transnational Education: Opportunities for Nepal,’ and ‘Showcasing the UK’s Export Excellence: Opportunities for Nepal’s Priority Sectors.’

The event featured four panel discussions with Nepali policymakers, private sector leaders, development partners, the diaspora, and thought leaders. Notable attendees included Sushil Gyewali, CEO of the Investment Board of Nepal; Habib Yousuf, Regional Director at British International Investment (UK); Bhawani Rana, Former President of FNCCI; Petra Lenihan, Head of Team South Asia at the Department for Business and Trade (UK); and other experts.

Rob Fenn, the British Ambassador to Nepal, stated, “This facility from British International Investment reflects the UK’s commitment to sustainable economic development in Nepal, benefiting households and businesses throughout the region.”

The session on ‘The Benefits of Transnational Education (TNE): Opportunities for Nepal’ was moderated by Sandeepa Sahay, with panelists Rejina Maskey, Richard Keogh, Shannon Stowers, and Samir Thapa. This session explored the current landscape of higher education in Nepal, including TNE, highlighted opportunities for growth, and identified key areas for quality assurance to enhance educational outcomes.

During the discussion, the panel addressed how TNE could reduce brain drain and foster innovation in Nepal. 

Thapa, Chairperson and Founder Principal of Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management, emphasized, “There is no compromise on the quality of education, as we strive to maintain the same standards offered by universities abroad. Our directive is clear: until we obtain Quality Assurance Accreditation (QAA) from the respective country where the university is based, we are not authorized to run any programs or grant approvals.”

Keogh, Deputy Vice-chancellor at the University of Roehampton, said, “We are committed to reversing the brain drain, which is often linked to limited job opportunities post-graduation. One of our key initiatives is to provide professional experience alongside a strong academic curriculum and extracurricular activities. We invite industry professionals as guest speakers to engage with students and bridge the gap between education and employment.”

He added, “Additionally, we recognize the growing global trend where high-level skilled jobs no longer always require a master’s degree. There are increasing opportunities in sub-degree qualifications, allowing graduates to enter the workforce with specialized skills sooner.”

Stowers, Head of International Policy and Engagement at QAA (UK), stated, “This program focuses on exploring various TNE provisions across different countries, examining active practices, and identifying areas for enhancement. It offers valuable insights and learnings from a diverse range of universities worldwide, ensuring that the programs delivered remain relevant and impactful.”

The price of gold has increased by Rs 500 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 171, 000 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 170, 500 per tola on Wednesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1, 995 per tola today.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, held a bilateral meeting with Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday morning.

In the meeting, Minister Rana highlighted the priorities of the Government of Nepal in the energy sector and informed that hydropower, solar power, wind power, hybrid of solar and hydro, green hydrogen development are the mainstays of Nepal’s strategies in the energy sector, the Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman said.

She added that collaboration in the energy sector between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman could bring mutual benefits to both nations.

Minister Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi stressed on the necessity to switch from fossil fuels to greener forms of energy for sustainable development and emphasized the need for collaboration with friendly nations like Nepal to achieve the goals set under the Oman Vision 2040.

He further maintained that the proposed MOU between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman in the field of energy cooperation would open up new vistas of opportunities.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with Salim bin Mohammed bin Said Al Mahroqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday afternoon at the latter’s office where matters pertaining to bilateral relations between Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman were discussed, stated a press release issued by the Embassy on February 19.

The Minister elaborated on the potential of tourism in Nepal and emphasized on joint collaboration in the field of adventure tourism apart from other sectors of tourism.

The Heritage and Tourism Minister of the Sultanate of Oman welcomed the Nepali delegation and expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations existing between the two countries.

He added that the MOU in the field of Tourism cooperation will augment opportunities for enhanced cooperation for businesses of both the countries.

Both the Ministers signed a “Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of Tourism Cooperation” on behalf of their respective governments.

Foreign Minister and the Nepali delegation arrived in the Sultanate of Oman on February 14 to attend the 8th Indian Ocean Conference and hold bilateral meetings.

During her stay in Oman, she held thirteen bilateral meetings, concluded two MOUs, held a virtual meeting with Nepali Ambassadors and diplomats in GCC countries, and interacted with the representatives of the Oman-based Nepali Community, the press release noted.

The Karnali Corridor, a key component of the ‘South and North Axis Growth’ initiative, serves as a vital link connecting Nepal, China, and India. Recently, the federal government announced a contract for the highway's upgrade, allocating Rs 4.2bn for the project. This development has been met with enthusiasm by the residents of Karnali. Shankar Prasad Upadhyay, Mayor of Tilagufa Municipality in Kalikot, expressed his excitement, stating, “The federal government has prioritized the upgrade of the Karnali Highway, addressing a long-standing issue in the region. This is a moment of great joy for us.”

The Karnali Corridor stretches from Hilsa in Humla, near the China border, to Jamunah in Banke, bordering India. The corridor was named 23 years ago, with construction beginning in 2000 when the then Deputy Prime Minister (now President) Ram Chandra Poudel laid its foundation stone in Khulalu, Kalikot. Although the track was officially opened in 2018, progress on upgrading the highway has been slow.

The total length of the road from Jamunah to Hilsa is 505 km. The southern section, spanning 269 km, runs from Khulalu in Kalikot to Piluchaur in Bajura and onward to Simkot and Hilsa near the China border. The southern section includes the 123-km Karnali Corridor South Section (Khulalu-Sallisalla) and the 146-km Karnali Corridor North Section (Hilsa-Simkot-Sallisalla), which falls under Humla's jurisdiction. Last year, a contract was managed for the 60-km stretch from Khulalu to Piluchaur, with an allocation of approximately Rs 20m.

Pankaj Singh Dhami, an engineer with the Karnali Corridor Road Project in Kolti Bajura, stated that a contract worth Rs 4bn has been called for the construction of 50 km of road, covering the Piluchaur-Kuwadi (Bajura section) and Kuwadi-Tumchaur (Humla section). He added that graveling, road widening, and drain construction have been ongoing since Khulalu. “We have already called for two multi-year contracts to complete the Piluchaur-Tumchaur section, and work will commence shortly,” he said.

The project includes blacktopping 23.7 km of the Piluchaur-Kuwadi road and 26.3 km of the Kuwadi-Tumchaur road in Bajura. The multi-year contract targets completion within three years of signing. The road will be widened to 5.5 meters on difficult slopes, 7.75 meters in other areas, and 9 meters in market areas. Additionally, Rs 340m has been allocated this year for the Karnali Corridor North Section (Hilsa-Simkot-Sallisalla) Planning Office, with road upgrading work already underway in the Simkot-Hilsa section since last year.

Another significant highway in the region, the Ratna Highway, which connects Kohalpur-Surkhet-Bangesimal, is also slated for upgrades. This 90.75-km road links Banke, Bardiya, and Surkhet. The Road Department has submitted an environmental impact assessment report to the Ministry of Forest and Environment, indicating that no additional land acquisition will be required as the project will utilize existing land within the road's jurisdiction. The estimated cost for this upgrade is Rs 6.5bn, with a target completion time of four years.

Manav Bam, General Secretary of the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs in Karnali Province, highlighted the importance of the upgrades, stating, “The current highway entering Karnali Province is narrow and prone to frequent blockages. The federal government’s commitment to ensuring the budget for a two-lane highway is a significant step forward. This will serve as a gateway to Karnali, facilitating the transportation of development and construction materials.”

The project also includes the upgrade of 38 dilapidated bridges along the route. The Ratna Highway connects Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, with Nepalgunj, the commercial hub of Lumbini Province, and other major cities. Starting from Kohalpur Chowk on the East-West Highway, it ends at Bangesimal in Birendranagar, Surkhet. The environmental impact assessment report notes that 4,348 trees in community forests and 6,053 trees in national parks will need to be cut, totaling 10,886 trees.

These infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly enhance connectivity and economic development in the Karnali region, fostering greater integration with neighboring countries and improving the quality of life for local residents.

The second Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Plenary under the two-year Mexican presidency began in Paris on Wednesday. Delegates from 200 members of the Global Network and observer organizations, including the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank, INTERPOL and the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units are participating in the three-day plenary. According to FATF, the plenary will discuss important developments in combating illicit finance that fuels global crime.

It will also discuss strengthening financial inclusion through risk-based implementation of FATF Standards. Delegates will also review progress made by jurisdictions identified as presenting risks to the financial system.

Finance Ministry sources say the plenary is expected to decide whether to place Nepal on the gray list—an informal designation for countries with strategic deficiencies in combating money-laundering and terrorist financing.

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said last month that Nepal has laid a strong foundation to exit the gray list if listed. “Nepal is currently in the listing phase after completing its mutual evaluation period. Even if we are listed, we have laid a strong foundation to exit the gray list,” Adhikari said during Anti-money Laundering Day celebrations in Kathmandu on Jan 27.

Officials say the FATF, an intergovernmental body that sets global standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT), has expressed concerns over Nepal’s slow progress in key areas. While Nepal has made legislative reforms, international observers have criticized delays in investigations, prosecutions and enforcement of AML/CFT measures.

Nepal’s mutual evaluation process, which began in June 2022, identified several gaps in the country’s AML/CFT framework. A team from the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), comprising experts from Australia, Bangladesh, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, made 11 immediate recommendations for improvement. Officials acknowledge that progress in implementing these reforms has been unsatisfactory.

Nepal was previously on the gray list from 2008 to 2014 but was removed after establishing legal and institutional frameworks. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel also said Nepal’s efforts to address money-laundering risks were insufficient. “Efforts have been made to avoid being pushed into a high-risk or monitored category, but we have not been as effective as required,” he said during anti-money laundering day celebrations.

The government had made preparations to amend over a dozen laws through an ordinance in Oct 2022, targeting key legislation including the Money-laundering Prevention Act, Cooperative Act, Tourism Act, Nepal Penal Code and Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act. However, the President refused to issue the ordinance.

Parliament passed the anti-money laundering bill only in Feb 2023, amending several laws to align with international standards. Despite these efforts, experts say challenges remain in addressing issues such as proxy ownership of assets, underreporting of property values and large cash transactions. Home Ministry spokesperson Ram Chandra Tiwari said in a press meet on Monday that the ministry has failed to complete two critical tasks: developing software for targeted financial sanctions to reduce terrorist financing risks and regulating non-profit organizations. The FATF will announce the outcomes of the Plenary meeting on Friday.