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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.

Janakpur-based Muskan Hospital performed gallbladder surgery on a patient, but due to alleged negligence, the patient has remained unconscious for 20 days. In response to this incident, Madhes Province Chief Minister Satish Kumar Singh launched an inspection of private hospitals early Saturday morning. During inspections of 20 private hospitals, authorities found that 19 were operating illegally.

The inspection team, led by Chief Minister Singh, identified several hospitals running without registration. These include Jeevan Jyoti Hospital & Research Center, BN Hospital & Research Center, Janakpur Sita Hospital, Janakpur Grande Hospital Pvt Ltd, Sain Multispeciality Hospital & Trauma Center, Ram Memorial Hospital Pvt Ltd, Samar Hospital, Care Medical Center, Nepal Apollo Hospital, Mithila Care Clinic, Janakpur Modern Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd, and Maa Gayatri Memorial Hospital Pvt Ltd.

Additionally, inspections were conducted at Max Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd, Switika Healthcare Hospital Pvt Ltd, Life Care & Research Center Pvt Ltd, Om Deerghayu Hospital Pvt Ltd, Arman Hospital, Naina Hospital, and Mihila International Hospital. Among them, only Max Hospital & Research Center Pvt Ltd was found to have all required documents in order, according to Chief Minister Singh.

Singh stated that most of these hospitals were operating without registration, and some had not renewed their licenses for up to four years. Accusing them of failing to meet legal standards and compromising public health, he directed that within 24 hours, all patients be transferred elsewhere, and the hospital keys be handed over to the government.

The chief minister vowed to continue strict inspections of private hospitals and warned of legal action against those endangering public health. The inspection team included Madhes Province Chief Secretary Madan Bhujel, Health and Population Ministry Secretary Dr Rajiv Mishra, and Dr Santosh Thakur.

The patient, identified as Pabita Kumari Ray Yadav from Haripurwa Municipality-5, Sarlahi, underwent gallbladder surgery at Muskan Hospital on Jan 16. Since then, she has been in a critical condition, struggling between life and death. According to the patient’s father, Brahmadev Yadav, the surgery was arranged through a middleman, Sushil Kumar Yadav. Dr Gyan Kumar Sah performed the operation, but Pavita lost consciousness immediately afterward.

“After the surgery, she was placed on a ventilator, but her condition did not improve. The hospital sent us outside for a CT scan, and after seeing the results, they told us to take her elsewhere for neurological treatment. On Jan 19, we transferred her to Janaki Healthcare, where she remains unconscious to this day,” said the father.

Pavita’s relative, Birendra Adhikari, accused the doctor of negligence during surgery, which he believes caused her critical condition. The family has filed complaints against the hospital and the doctor at the District Police Office, Dhanusha, and the Nepal Medical Council. “This was sheer medical negligence,” Adhikari said. “Both the doctor responsible and the middleman who convinced us to use Muskan Hospital should be held accountable. We are pleading for justice and urgent medical support to save Pavita’s life.”

Following the revelations, Chief Minister Singh ordered the immediate closure of Muskan Hospital. On Friday night, he personally visited the hospital and instructed its operator, Syed Ali, to shut it down and hand over the keys to the government. Muskan Hospital has now been sealed, and its patients have been transferred to Janaki Healthcare.

Gold price has set a new record in the domestic market today.

According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of precious yellow metal has increased by Rs 1, 400 per tola and is being traded at Rs 169, 600 per tola. It was traded at Rs 168, 200 per tola on Sunday.

Likewise, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 975 per tola.

Nepal has officially banned solo expeditions on all mountains above 8,000 meters, including Sagarmatha, by amending its mountaineering regulations, according to the government publication Nepal Gazette. The sixth amendment to the mountaineering regulations prohibits solo expeditions on all 8,000-meter peaks.

Under the new regulations, every two members of a mountaineering team must be accompanied by at least one altitude worker or mountain guide. This rule applies to all mountains above 8,000 meters, including Sagarmatha. “When climbing a mountain peak with an altitude of more than 8,000 meters, every two members of the mountaineering team must be accompanied by at least one altitude worker or mountain guide. For other mountains, the mountaineering team must take at least one mountain guide with them,” states the newly introduced provision.

With these regulations now in effect, solo climbing on Nepal’s peaks has officially ended. The government is determined not to allow anyone, regardless of experience, to climb alone. This restriction applies to both alpine-style and expedition-style climbers.

The new regulations also formalize an increase in the royalty fee for foreign climbers attempting to summit Sagarmatha via the standard south route in spring, raising it to $15,000 per person from the previous $11,000. Climbing royalty fees for other seasons have also been revised. The fee for autumn expeditions, which run from September to November, has been increased from $5,500 to $7,500. For winter expeditions from December to February and monsoon expeditions from June to August, the fee has been raised from $2,750 to $3,750.

Additionally, the updated provisions include revised fees for other 8,000-meter peaks. The spring expedition fee has nearly doubled, rising from $1,800 to $3,000. The autumn fee has increased from $900 to $1,500, while the winter and monsoon fees have been raised from $450 to $750.

For Nepali climbers, the royalty fee for normal routes in the spring season has doubled from Rs 75,000 to Rs 150,000. In 2015, Nepal switched from a group-based royalty system to a uniform fee of $11,000 per climber for Everest’s spring season via the normal route.

As part of the new regulatory measures, family members of climbers, guides, and high-altitude base camp workers are now banned from staying at base camps. However, with prior approval from the tourism department, family members may stay at base camp for up to two days.

Another key change is the requirement for high-altitude guides to ‘self-declare’ their clients’ successful summits. To verify a summit, expedition organizers and liaison officers must submit original photos clearly showing the climber’s face. These photos must include mountain ranges in the background, a new eligibility criterion for receiving an Everest summit certificate.

Beyond climbers, the revised provisions also increase wages for liaison officers, high-altitude guides, and base camp workers. The daily allowance for liaison officers has increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,600 per day. Sirdars (lead Sherpas) will now receive Rs 1,500 per day, up from Rs 500. High-altitude guides’ wages have jumped from Rs 350 to Rs 1,200 per day, while base camp workers’ daily wages have increased from Rs 300 to Rs 1,000.

In an effort to curb pollution in the high mountains, climbers are now required to bring all their waste, including human waste, back to base camp for proper disposal. Biodegradable bags must be used for waste collection in the upper reaches.

Since 1953, nearly 8,900 people have summited the world’s highest peak from Nepal’s side. The new provisions will take effect on Sept 1, marking the start of the spring expedition season.

Nepal Samajbadi Party (Naya Shakti) Chair Baburam Bhattarai has alleged that three big political forces—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center)—are taking turns to exploit the country. Speaking at the opening session of the party’s general convention on Sunday, Bhattarai remarked, “We keep saying that old forces have failed, Congress didn’t deliver, and others didn’t either. There are three heads, and they are taking turns to exploit the country.”

He criticized the tendency of political leaders to claim credit for achievements while in power and then complaining about shortcomings once they are out of office. “They create chaos while in power and, once outside, lament that nothing has been done. These three heads have repeatedly troubled the country,” said Bhattarai referring to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of UML, Sher Bahadur Deuba of Congress, and Pushpa Kamal Dagal of Maoist Center.

Bhattarai emphasized the need to identify and address the root causes of Nepal’s problems. “We must have real discussions on solutions. Nepal faces many challenges—underdevelopment, unemployment, dependency, and economic struggles—all caused by political failures,” he said.

Bhattarai also shared insights into the political document that he was to present at the closed session of the convention later in the day.

The document titled “New Era, New Responsibilities: The Rationale and Foundation of Alternative Politics,” according to Bhattarai, was developed with input from both party members and external contributors. “Each new era demands new ideas, and before anything else, ideological restructuring is necessary,” he said. 

For the convention’s inaugural session, the party had exclusively invited leaders from emerging and alternative political forces. Attendees included Janamat Party Chair CK Raut, Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary, Acting Chair of Rastriya Swatantra Party Dol Prasad Aryal, and Bibeksheel Sajha leader Samikshya Banskota.

A hero to a villain is the one to be feared

A story of hate, a story of rage, a story needed to be heard

A hero broken by the world sets out for revenge

The false justice chased by the hero is soon to come out

Once the threat is gone a sharp knife is felt in the spine

The knife not as much pain as the face that lay behind

The starry night he sees that now seem so bleak 

He lays there in a bloodied floor thinking what did he achieve?

Sadness turns to anger, love turns to hate

A pawn in the game has now become aware

A hero once praised by all is now feared 

A villain is never born he is made by another

The darkness that crept within can’t be controlled no longer

In this tale old as time the story has been revealed

The villain now so much despised in this story, was a hero in another

Now that he sits on the throne with all the peasants at his feet

The smile the smirk makes his face anew

He sees a knight, a pawn with might is to be revered

He sees himself, a hero before was broken

Soon to realize the vicious cycle that has been awoken

Arnav Shrestha

A Level

LA College