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Two weeks have elapsed since Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli assumed office, backed decisively by the largest party in the House of Representatives, the Nepali Congress (NC). While it is customary to reserve judgment on a new government’s performance for at least 100 days, vigilant oversight remains essential from the outset.

During this period, Prime Minister Oli has focused on assembling his team, securing a vote of confidence from the Parliament, and receiving briefings from various government agencies. He has appointed key aides, including former Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada as his economic advisor, though appointment of press and foreign affairs advisors remain pending. A close examination of Oli’s first fortnight in office reveals a promising trajectory.

Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Oli has opted not to prepare a Common Minimum Program (CMP) or announce populist agendas to capture public attention. This contrasts with his previous tenures, as he now seems intent on allowing his administration's results to speak for themselves. Notably, the Nepal Rastra Bank has introduced a new monetary policy, eliciting mixed reactions but holding potential as a remedy for the nation’s economic challenges. Despite a significant downturn in the stock market following the new government’s formation, there is optimism for progress in the real estate sector. The private sector, a crucial driver of growth, is adopting a cautious “wait and see” stance regarding the policy’s efficacy.

Progress is also evident in addressing the contentious issues surrounding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A tripartite task force comprising the NC, UML, and the CPN (Maoist Center) is nearing a resolution of longstanding issues. If they reach a consensus, it will be a great achievement, given its two-decade history fraught with delays and disagreements. The Maoists, despite their recent ejection from power, are cooperating on TRC matters.

Unlike previous administrations, the Oli-led government has refrained from transferring government secretaries, as well as issuance of extensive, often unimplemented directives. The frequent transfer of secretaries has historically impeded service delivery. Additionally, the government is expediting ambassadorial appointments in key countries following the recall of ambassadors by the previous administration.

However, public scrutiny has emerged in response to some decisions by the UML and NC. The government's transfer of senior police officials has been poorly received, attracting criticism from opposition parties. The NC and UML are amicably resolving disputes over provincial government formations, marking a significant positive development. However, the selection of ministers at the provincial level has faced backlash. 

The administration has also contended with significant tragedies, including the Saurya plane crash and a fatal bus accident in Chitwan, which demanded urgent governmental response. Furthermore, the government had to rescue Nepali students in Bangladesh amid prolonged protests against the quota system in government jobs.

Despite these challenges, the government’s initial performance indicates a positive direction. It has not pursued ambitious yet unfeasible agendas, focusing instead on substantive progress. Criticism from ruling and opposition party leaders has been minimal. Favorable developments in the stock market, monetary policy, real estate sector, and declining inflation have created a conducive environment for the government.

While early indications are promising, numerous challenges remain. The government and political parties must abandon ineffective practices of the past. Prime ministers and ministers, in particular, should prioritize official duties over ceremonial engagements and project inaugurations to ensure continued progress.

The Lekhnath area of the Pokhara Metropolitan City is famed as a city of seven lakes, and all seven lakes there are enlisted in Ramsar sites. Not just of the lakes it has, the small valley that lies to the northeast of the Prithvi Highway in Kaski district is equally popular for the fish recipes.

The businesspersons argue that touristic activities have increased there due to the fish recipes that tempt the visitors. A large number of hotels and eateries on the banks of Begnas Lake, Majhikuna, Piple, and Damside offer a variety of fish recipes to a large number of visitors every day.

Most of the visitors throng the city of seven lakes to enjoy the fish dishes. The local people residing around Begnas, Rupa, and other lakes are engaged in commercial fish farming. Most of the households in the small village of Piple near Begnas Lake have fully relied on fishing in the lake.

Likewise, the number of fisheries has increased in Dipang, Khaste, Neureni, and Maidi lakes too.

According to Tek Bahadur Jalari, the owner of The Fisherman Restaurant, the area is popularly known as a common destination for fish lovers. It is said that each household makes from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 in a month from fishing.

Jalari said that grilled fish is one of the most famous food items, and the recipe includes marinating fish with a blend of local spices, grilling, and serving with a side of aromatic and fresh vegetables.

According to Jalari, publicity on social networking sites including YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms has further promoted the publicity of fish recipes from Majhikuna, Piple, and other vicinities.

The Rupa Lake Reinstatement and Fishery Cooperative Limited is also proactively working for the conservation and utilization of fish in the Rupa Lake, Chairman Shivaraj Adhikari said. “This has increased economic and touristic activities,” he said, adding that more than 1,030 members are engaged in the cooperative organization now and that it has offered direct jobs to 24 individuals. The cooperative has produced fish worth Rs 20m in a year, Adhikari shared.

In today’s time, the omnipresence of AI is undeniable. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars and advanced medical diagnoses, the potential of AI technology is limitless. It has rapidly pervaded various sectors, including finance, communication, education, and government. As AI technologies become more ingrained in everyday life, the need for comprehensive regulation becomes increasingly apparent. Nepal has been without the necessary laws and regulations to govern the AI sector. Recognizing this gap, the government has developed its first-ever concept paper to lay the groundwork for creating essential policies and legal frameworks.

Key points of concept paper

a. General approach of paper on regulating AI 

The concept paper has proposed to formulate a national policy for Artificial Intelligence that ensures cyber security, data protection and upholds user privacy, aligning with international standards and best practices. The paper has also mentioned developing a centralized national portal to expedite the sharing of AI-related information, facilitating communication and collaboration across different sectors. Such effort will help to ensure that all stakeholders have access to the latest information. Another major highlight of the paper is on human capital development. It mentions identifying and enhancing the skills of existing human resources to ensure that a sufficient number of the skilled professionals are available in both public and private sectors for AI development and advancement. This involves assessing the current workforce’s capabilities and implementing targeted training programs to fill any skill gaps in the AI sector. Investing in human capital development enhances the country’s ability to compete globally in the AI sector. A skilled workforce can attract international investments, collaborations, and partnerships, further boosting the nation’s AI ecosystem. With a well-trained workforce, there is a greater potential for innovation and research in AI technologies. This can lead to the development of new AI applications, solutions, and advancements, keeping the nation at the forefront of technological progress.

Similarly, the concept paper emphasizes the need to integrate AI technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, construction, education, government services, social security, sports, research and development, agriculture, and tourism. The goal of such sectoral application of AI is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these sectors through AI-driven innovations. Different sectors have unique challenges and needs. Tailoring AI applications to each sector allows for solutions that are more relevant and impactful, addressing specific issues effectively. For instance, in healthcare, AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment, while in financial services, it can improve fraud detection and automate routine tasks. This tailored approach ensures that AI applications are highly relevant and effective in solving sector-specific problems. 

b. Special approach of paper regarding research and development on AI 

The Concept Paper for AI regulation in Nepal outlines a strategic approach to advancing research and development (R&D) in AI technologies. Emphasis is placed on enhancing privacy protection, transparency, and accountability through increased research and investment. Similarly, Specialized AI research centers and laboratories are proposed to be established in universities and industrial settings to drive technological progress in AI. Additionally, the concept of collaboration between academia and industry is also highlighted. Financial support mechanisms, including grants, scholarships, and funding programs, are recommended to encourage collaboration between academia and industry. This mechanism is intended to incentivize both academic researchers and private sector experts to engage in AI development by providing essential resources and support. The paper also mentions developing Common Computing Infrastructure in order to boost AI research and development. This will help to distribute the essential capabilities required for progressive AI research across different institutions and sectors. The major focus is on partnerships with global AI research organizations and universities to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research, integrating Nepal into the international AI research community.

Expectations onwards

In the Government AI Readiness Index, 2023, Nepal has been ranked 150th out of 193 countries with the total score-30.77. In the Index, the total score is calculated from three bases- government pillar, technology sector pillar, and data and infrastructure pillar. With a total score, 30.77, Nepal has achieved 31.04 in government pillar, 24.21 in technology sector pillar, and 37.06 in data and infrastructure pillar. The three pillars were analyzed by setting different dimensions. Under the government pillar, there were four dimensions- vision, governance and ethic, digital capacity, and adaptability. Similarly, the technology sector pillar comprised three dimensions- maturity, innovation capacity, and human capital. The third pillar, data and infrastructure, has also included three dimensions, infrastructure, data availability and data representativeness. The ranking and scores achieved by Nepal underscores the urgency for the country to establish the vigorous regulatory framework for AI. And the expectation from such regulatory policies and laws is that Nepal will be achieving a higher ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index in coming years. 

Similarly, the laws are expected to be formulated in a manner that align with core democratic principles of the nation and firmly safeguards the fundamental rights such as right to privacy, right to information, right against discrimination, right to freedom of expression etc. that are provided by the Constitution of Nepal. AI technology relies heavily on the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data, often personal and sensitive in nature. The law shall address the issues of these data being misused or improperly accessed leading to the violations of individuals privacy rights. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on, and if this data is biased or flawed, the algorithms can perpetuate and even amplify existing prejudices and inequalities. In a country as diverse as Nepal, where ethnicity, language, and religion play significant roles in the social fabric, the risk of biased AI algorithms is especially concerning. Additionally, the right to freedom of expression shall also be the priority of the AI regulatory framework as the AI technologies have the potential to influence and even censor the flow of information. There shall be transparency regarding how these technologies are being used and the data they are collecting. The lack of transparency can undermine people’s right to access information about how their data is being used and processed. Moreover, the introduction of Nepal’s concept paper on AI regulation itself marks a significant step towards the creation of a legal framework and policies regulating AI. It is crucial that these laws are thoughtfully crafted and enforced to ensure that AI technologies positively contribute to the development of the nation by inviting growth and progress in the AI sector while also mitigating the potential risk and harm.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu concluded its two-day Creator’s Mela on Saturday. This conference was designed to sharpen and develop the skills of Nepali digital creators and influencers, helping them launch and grow their online presence or businesses. The event was themed ‘Build, Brand, and Boost’.

Every session in the program provided information to inspire and transform young people in the context of our rapidly changing digital society. Influential speakers such as Priyanka Karki, Elise Hu, Oshin Sitaula, Shrinkhala Khatiwada, Shanta Nepali, Lemi, and Parakram Rana, among others, were invited to share their insights.

Journalist Hu emphasized the importance of prioritizing the audience over the content itself while Sitaula discussed the Instagram algorithm, the significance of watch time, and her own experiences blogging about food.

Addressing critical remarks, Karki stated, “I try to turn every negative controversial topic into positive points so that it won’t affect my health. But, after all, we are all human beings, and it does affect me at some point.”

Former Miss Nepal Khatiwada expressed her unease about the future of social media. “If you are involved in any type of social platform, you need to be true to yourself, be honest, and have the right intentions. Despite that, if someone judges you badly, that’s beyond your control, so you can voice it and move on,” she commented.

Sizzu, setting an example for young women, stated that everyone must exercise caution and never misuse their newfound freedom. She noted the changes and advances she has witnessed in the places she has traveled, which greatly motivate her. As a solo female traveler, she received the Solo Travel Award 2024.

More than 1,000 content creators attended the event over two days. This year, there were 31 sessions and acts, including 12 main stage sessions and 19 interactive sessions on topics such as podcasting, brand-building, monetization, and mental health. Performances, including fashion shows and music concerts, were also held on the main stage.

Sessions covered various topics, including podcasting, growing social media presence across different platforms, leveraging AI for social media success, visual storytelling, addressing social media regulations, attracting sponsors, Q&A sessions, food vlogging, Instagram stories and reel workshops, comedy writing workshops, travel vlogging, building personal brands, boosting presentation skills, and protecting online businesses.