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Kathmandu is set to host UbuCon Asia 2025, one of the largest open-source conferences in the region, this August. The event will bring together international technology professionals, with over 20 IT mentors from various global tech hubs, including Silicon Valley, Europe, and Asia, scheduled to lead sessions. This marks Nepal's first time hosting a conference of this scale.

The organizing committee has announced an extension until April 15 for Nepali professionals and students to submit speaker proposals through the Call for Papers (CFP) portal. The extension aims to encourage local participation. According to conference chair Aaditya Singh, over 50 submissions from more than 10 countries have already been received, but efforts are being made to incorporate more Nepali contributions. This announcement was made during a meeting with the international organizing team on March 30 at St. Xavier's College, the event's host venue.

The conference will feature various session formats, including 30-minute technical presentations, 90-minute workshops, and short lightning talks. Six thematic tracks will cover topics such as artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Early bird registrations for attendees will open in May through the official UbuCon Asia Portal and local ticketing partners.

"UbuCon Asia is an opportunity to strengthen Nepal's role in the tech industry," said a representative from GNOME Nepal, adding that efforts are being made to allocate at least 25 percent of workshop slots to Nepali speakers.

With preparations underway, the international open-source community is closely watching Kathmandu. The April 15 deadline remains for those interested in submitting proposals, while attendees can prepare for registration in May, which will provide access to mentorship roundtables and additional conference activities.

World Vision International (WVI) Nepal launched the Annual Progress Report for Fiscal Year 2024 on Tuesday at Kathmandu. The event showcased the key findings and the practices done by WVI Nepal in core areas of work, health, education, child protection, livelihood, advocacy, gender equality, and disaster risk reduction—implemented in close collaboration with government bodies, civil society, and local partners. The progress report also shared the achievements of two studies–‘Keeping Children Safe Online–A Study on Online Safety among Children in Nepal’ and ‘Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Substance Use among Adolescents in Nepal’.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Kirtipur Municipality, Krishna Man Dangol said, “We aim to declare Kirtipur Municipality a child-friendly municipality by 2026, and we look forward to the collaboration of WVI Nepal in achieving this goal.” He also emphasized that there is no child labour in the municipality. Similarly, National Director of WVI Nepal Roslyn H. Gabriel said, “Keeping children safe is crucial to helping them reach their full potential. As risks to children continue to grow, World Vision remains committed to delivering impactful programs that protect and support the children and communities we serve.”

Sociologist Meena Poudel has released her latest book, ‘Sahas’, which delves into the experiences of women who have returned after being trafficked. The book, based on research involving 28 women from 18 districts, has been published by Kitab Publishers. Speaking at the book launch event in Kathmandu on Friday, Poudel described ‘Sahas’ not just as a book but as a voice of resistance against human trafficking. She credited editor Paras Prakash Nepal for his support in shaping the final manuscript.  

Commenting on the book, gender analyst Bindu Pokharel remarked that Nepal’s women’s movement has yet to become strategically effective, which has hindered the elimination of structural discrimination in society. She noted that the book highlights the challenges faced by survivors in reintegrating into society. Anthropologist Suresh Dhakal pointed out that the book vividly portrays the marginalization and discrimination that trafficked women endure upon their return. Similarly, writer JB Bishwokarma stated that ‘Sahas’ reflects the oppression faced by vulnerable communities in Nepal. He suggested that incorporating socialist feminism perspectives would have further enriched the book.  

Before its release in Nepali, ‘Sahas’ had already been published in six languages, including English, Spanish, and German. The book challenges traditional perceptions of human trafficking in Nepal, offering a contemporary understanding of its dimensions. It also examines the strategies of resistance employed by trafficked women against the social, economic, political, and legal exclusion they face. During the event, women’s rights activists Durga Ghimire and Bhagwati Nepal were also honored for their contributions to gender equality and social justice.

OPPO has launched the A5 Pro in Nepal, bringing flagship-level durability and performance to its A Series lineup. The smartphone boasts IP69 water and dust resistance, Military-Grade Shock Resistance, and a sleek yet rugged design available in Mocha Brown and Olive Green.

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 processor, the A5 Pro offers smooth performance with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It features a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, AI-enhanced gaming with GameBoost, and a 5,800mAh battery supporting 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge for extended use. The 1,000-nit Ultra Bright Display and dual stereo speakers further enhance the entertainment experience. The OPPO A5 Pro (8GB+256GB) is priced at Rs 32,999 in Nepal. Pre-orders are open until March 24, with a Rs 1,000 cashback offer for the first 500 customers.