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Nepal is to organize a high-level event on the sidelines of 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) taking place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from Nov 30 to Dec 12.

On Dec 2, Nepal will organize the event titled “Call of the mountain: Who saves us from the climate crisis?” This event aims to amplify Nepal’s stance on climate change and mountain while advocating for the mountain agenda within the COP negotiation process. According to sources, the event is a panel discussion, to be chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The panelists will have representatives from mountainous countries.

Prime Minister Dahal will lead the Nepali delegation and depart for Dubai on Nov 29. He will participate in the high-level segment of the COP28-World Climate Action Summit, scheduled for Dec 1-2. 

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that the prime minister will deliver a national statement on Dec 2 at COP28. Additionally, he is expected to attend the 52nd Union Day Celebration of the UAE and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony hosted by the UAE.

During the high-level segment, Prime Minister Dahal will also engage in bilateral meetings with heads of state, government leaders and other eminent figures attending the COP, per MoFA.

Prime Minister Dahal’s schedule includes a keynote address at the Nepal-UAE Business Summit, a visit to the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi and interactions with the Nepali community.

PM Dahal to meet Modi

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28. 

According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional issues. Earlier this year, Dahal visited India from May 30 to June 3. Both sides are working to implement agreements reached during Dahal’s visit.

American President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are skipping the conference.

The telecommunication landscape is rapidly evolving, enabling information dissemination to every corner of the world. Under the liberalization framework established by the Telecommunications Act, 1996, Nepal Telecom and Ncell currently offer mobile services, while approximately 120 companies provide internet services.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) regulates these service providers. Despite widespread mobile usage, revenue generation, and contributions to the government, there are looming uncertainties in the telecommunication sector.

Of the six telecom companies licensed by the government, only Nepal Telecom and Ncell remain operational. The current discussion in the sector revolves around the affordability and reliability of the services provided, the incorporation of new technologies, and how consumer interests are prioritized in these services. To address these contemporary issues, AP1 HD  organized a day-long discussion on the current status and future trajectory of telecommunications. Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka inaugurated the program. 

Speaking at the discussion, Captain Rameshwar Thapa, chairman of Annapurna Media, said there is a need to assess the present state of the telecommunication sector and plan for the future.

“I am confident that the collaborative discussions involving all stakeholders would guide the telecommunications sector,” Captain Thapa said. “We need to put focus on communication technology to achieve the government's goal of a digital Nepal, contributing not only to the prosperity of the telecommunication sector but also to the overall development of the country.”

Captain Thapa also said embracing technology to enhance accessibility will empower citizens and facilitate responsible governance for the government. “I urged the concerned entities to eliminate policy ambiguities and actively support the expansion of telecommunication services for the benefit of the public,” he added.

Addressing the program, Deputy Prime Minister Khadka said information and communication technology has become a crucial component of power in today's context. He also highlighted the significance of telecommunication in the challenging and remote terrains of Nepal. “Telecommunication holds greater importance than other infrastructures in Nepal,” he said, adding: “The rapid advancement of modern technology in the telecommunication sector and the dynamic changes in its structure is creating new opportunities. The government will prioritize the development and management of the telecommunication sector and ensure secure and accessible telecommunication services for all.”

Khadka said continuous investments in cutting-edge technology and unwavering efforts in innovation are opening new avenues for economic growth, social development, and overall progress. “The government will facilitate the sector by addressing political ambiguities and resolving legal complications in the telecommunication sector,” he added.

Additionally, Finance Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Pushkar pointed out that the service providers in the telecommunication sector have yet to fully realize their potential, and the experts in the field have not effectively demonstrated their expertise. “The government remains committed to facilitating development, expansion, and business growth of the telecommunication sector. “If you think there are things that the government needs to look into, do inform us in writing. The ministry will promptly address them,” he added. 

Also speaking at the program, former minister and Nepali Congress leader Dr. Minendra Rijal highlighted the transformative impact of telecommunication technology in the Nepali society. “The key challenge in the sector is infrastructure development and expansion. I want to ask the NTA, who will undertake the construction of telecommunication infrastructure, and where will the funding come from? Given global investments in this sector, we need a thorough debate and discussion on this matter,” he added.

The second session of the program comprised four panel discussions. In the first panel discussion, titled “Mobile Telecommunication and Licensing Regime in Nepal,” moderated by telecommunication expert Anand Raj Khanal, Netra Subedi, joint secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said a new telecommunications bill is in the process of being introduced. He expressed confidence that the new bill would address existing challenges within the telecommunications sector. Similarly, Gorkna Prasad Sitaula, a member of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), added that the new bill aims at clarifying the ambiguity surrounding the renewal fees for telecommunications companies.

According to the Telecommunications Act, 1996, licenses must be renewed every 25 years with a renewal fee of Rs 20bn. This implies that Nepal Telecom and Ncell would need to renew their licenses in 2024/25 and 2028/29, respectively.

Sudhir Parajuli, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Nepal, underlined the need to create an environment favorable not only for mobile phones but also for internet service providers in the new law. Bishal Upadhyay, head of Law and Regulation at Ncell, said that the Act of 1996 is outdated as technology has progressed from 2G to 5G. He said that service providers were increasing their investment with technological advancements.

The second panel discussion, titled ‘Telecommunication and Digital Nepal Framework’, moderated by information technology expert Manohar Bhattarai, featured discussions on the achievements of the Digital Nepal Framework released in 2019. Anil Dutt, joint secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said that 90 percent of the specified targets had been achieved. He also mentioned that an amendment to the Nepal Telecommunications Act was in progress. Meen Prasad Aryal, director of NTA, shared that infrastructure expansion in rural areas was being funded by utilizing two percent of the amount collected from service providers. Rajesh Lal Nyachhyon of Ncell called for collaboration between the government and the private sector in the telecommunication sector. Sudeep Acharya, Director-General of DisHome Fiber Net, called for reduction of high taxes imposed for Internet service providers.\

The third panel discussion, titled ‘Consumers, Makers, and Quality of Service’, moderated by journalist Sama Thapa, addressed concerns about service quality. Speaking at the discussion, Arjun Ghimire, a director of NTA, said the regulator has been giving strict instructions to service providers to address service sector complaints. Kamal Lamichhane, manager of Nepal Telecom, acknowledged existing problems but assured that service quality was improving gradually. 

Likewise, Jyoti Dahal, customer service manager of Ncell, noted that services are becoming cheaper with improved quality over time. Consumer activist Madhav Timilsina highlighted that there are more complaints about services than goods, particularly in mobile services, urging stakeholders to uphold consumer rights.

The final panel discussion, ‘Role of Spectrum and Infrastructure in Telecommunication’, was moderated by telecommunication expert Anand Raj Khanal. Speaking at the discussion, Rabindra Jha, a board member of the NTA, said that the government determines mobile frequency allocations, and the NTA implements them accordingly. Lena Keshari Kansakar, CTO of Ncell, underlined the need for a frequency policy based on a thorough market study. She said that frequency limitations have hindered telecom operators from expanding into new areas. C Mani Choulagai, a telecommunications expert, however, said that frequency limitations are not a pressing issue as the demand is primarily for 900 and 1800 MHz bands.

The first ever elected Constituent Assembly of Nepal officially abolished the 240-old monarchy in 2008, but the pro-royalist forces, no matter how nebulous and insignificant, never disappeared. 

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party, a right-wing, pro-Hindu political force led by Kamal Thapa, continued to advocate for restoration of monarchy and Hindu state. What the RPP was demanding at the time was nothing more than a mere whimper of protest. 

With just a handful of seats in parliament, it had no chance of bringing back monarchy. The three major political parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center)—thought as much. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Same goes for many political pundits, columnists and commentators. 

Today pro-royalist groups are no longer vestiges of the past. Initially subdued, their voices for restoration of monarchy and Hindu state have grown louder in recent years.

While former king Gyanendra Shah has not publicly supported the ongoing movement, he has been known to offer patronage to royalist parties and pro-Hindu groups. He leans towards royalist sentiments, but he hasn’t aligned with any specific party. It seems the royalist forces need Shah more than he needs them.

A close associate of Shah acknowledges the impracticality of restoring monarchy without major party consensus. “He sympathizes with those raising the issue, but he is also aware that they lack the political strength and mass appeal.”

In the latest pro-royalist rally led by medical businessman Durga Prasai, thousands flooded the streets of Kathmandu, advocating for monarchy and a Hindu state. Prasai enticed supporters with promises of loan forgiveness. Yet, his true motives seemed detached from the cause. He had nothing to do with monarchy and Hindu state. 

Prasai used individuals burdened by micro-finances as pawns to join the rally. He made restoration of monarchy and Hindu state part of his key demands to garner strength from some pro-royalist and Hindu groups. But his divisive rhetoric provided a pretext for the authorities to quell the movement. 

No matter the motive behind the rally spearheaded by Prasai, it has unmistakably bolstered and galvanized the groups that wish to bring back monarchy and Hindu statehood.    

Just days after Prasai held a mass rally in the streets of Kathmandu, former king Shah made a public appearance in Jhapa to unveil the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who is credited for unifying various principalities to create modern Nepal. The former king was greeted by thousands of enthusiastic supporters, a scene reminiscent of when he visited Bhaktapur in September. 

The events concerning Prasai’s rally in Kathmandu and Shah’s visit to Jhapa should not be taken lightly. Observers say they underscore the growing public frustration with major political parties and the current government's perceived failures. If major political parties and the government fail to mend their ways, individuals like Prasai could exploit the disenchanted masses to further discredit the current political system. 

Upbeat by the size of the crowd at Prasai’s rally, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden said: “The foundation of the republic has been shaken. It will soon topple.”

Former king Shah, who had met Prasai a few months back, has remained silent on the recent rally in Kathmandu, fueling speculation about his involvement. Major parties suspect he may have played a role in backing the rally. 

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has urged Shah to enter politics openly instead of operating behind the scenes.

“You are free to register a political party, contest the election and secure the two-thirds majority needed to overturn the current system,” Thapa challenged Shah at a recent event.

As the number of protesters increases, questions arise: Is the discontent aimed at the political system or a frustration with corrupt and ineffective leaders? Lawmaker Amresh Singh argues it's the latter, emphasizing the need for better governance.

“The weaknesses of the current crop of leaders from major political parties are the reason why regressive forces are targeting the republican system,” he says. “But one must make the distinction that this is the manifestation of frustration against the political parties, not against the current political system.”

Now royalist parties too are planning to hold mass rallies demanding the reinstatement of monarchy and Hindu state. Some observers suggest that external forces, such as India's Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, may be supporting the movement, urging major parties to remain vigilant while also making sincere efforts to correct their ways.  

Congress, UML and Maoist Center already face challenges from newly formed political forces, particularly the Rastriya Swatantra Party which pulled off a major victory at their electoral bastions in the 2022 general elections. 

Before that the three parties were stunned during the local election in which independent candidates, such as Balendra Shah and Harka Sampang, won the mayoral seats in Kathmandu and Dharan. Pro-royalist forces like the RPP, under the leadership of Lingden, are also enjoying a moment of resurgence right now.  

All these developments do not bode well for the three major parties who have been dominating the national politics and governance since 2008, with little to show for. 

Ever since the country adopted a federal republic set-up, the Congress, UML and Maoist have all led the government, but they have little to show for it. Unemployment, corruption, poor governance and political instability have thrived under their rule.     

The delayed response from major political parties and the government to address genuine issues, such as financial exploitation by micro-finances and rampant corruption, exacerbates people's frustrations. It's crucial for parties to address these root causes seriously.

Youth leaders within major parties acknowledge internal problems but lack the capacity to bring change. 

“If the current leadership continues to carry on with its current attitude and working style, we are sure to face a difficult time in the next election,” says Nainsingh Mahar, a Nepali Congress Central Working Committee member.  

The government has decided to conduct an investment summit on 22-23 April 2024, the third of its kind in nine years.

Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat gave this information during a meeting in the Capital on Sunday, which decided to step up preparations for the summit by formulating an immediate plan.

Mahat said the summit aims to float proposals to competent investors soliciting foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments and making sure that the commitments come to fruition. 

Mahat pledged a safe and secure environment for the investors. 

At the meeting, Tourism Minister Sudan Kirati stressed the need to improve the working style and come up with more investment-friendly laws for attracting FDI. Minister Kirati expressed confidence that geopolitical interests will also bring in FDI.

Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari suggested that all seven provinces organize pre-summits (for selection of projects) without further delay, giving local communities a platform to float their investment ideas and projects. 

“Based on experiences, I must say that time for organizing the investment summit (in April) is very short. Most of the projects under consideration for investment are from the energy sector. Studies covering other areas are few and far between,” Adhikari said. Organizing the (investment) summit will be costly, but there’s no question of backtracking from it, he said. 

Ram Kumar Phuyal, a member of the National Planning Commission, stressed the need for a thorough review of earlier summits, pointing that the commission had studied them.

Some of the speakers noted that past investment summits were not that successful, stressing the need to prioritize Nepal’s requirements, protect the interest of investors and provide them facilities as stipulated in relevant laws. 

The first investment summit was held in 2015 after the Gorkha earthquake, followed by the second one in 2019. Despite these summits, FDI flow to Nepal remains dismal even after changes in legal and institutional frameworks to make them more FDI-friendly.