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Academia-industry cooperation is the symbiotic relationship between academic institutions (academia) and the industrial sector (industry) through collaborative efforts and partnerships. The shared knowledge and expertise accessed through such cooperation can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academic settings and the practical applications of industries. Together, academic institutions and industries can co-create solutions to overcome pressing challenges by fostering partnerships and embracing best practices.

Academia-industry collaboration holds immense potential for driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development. Industries continue to resort to private consulting firms that charge hefty amounts for advice or services in specialized areas. The collaboration between academia and industry would facilitate a mutual relationship, wherein industries seek consultation from experts in academia to leverage their knowledge and skills. Consequently, academic institutions and industries can co-create solutions to address the country’s pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges by overcoming challenges, fostering partnerships, and embracing best practices. Simultaneously, it eliminates the necessity for students to seek employment abroad because such collaborations hold the potential to generate employment opportunities domestically.

Different models and approaches to foster collaboration between academia and industry have been adopted across the globe. Distinguished companies like General Electric, Rolls-Royce, Siemens and IBM have collaborated with universities for years. Toyota’s research institute collaborates with Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Lab to advance research in artificial intelligence and automotive safety. Inside the University of Cincinnati Innovation Hub, Procter & Gamble has launched a Digital Accelerator. Beyond simulation, the facility is applied to solve business challenges. Many students have gained full-time employment at P&G following their time working at the Digital Accelerator. Companies like Amazon, Facebook and Google have also ventured into this domain and started collaborating with academic institutions around the world.

Industries drive the economy and industrial development drives economic prosperity. With the industrial sector contributing a mere 14.29 percent to GDP, Nepal’s economy is facing major headwinds. The projected growth rate is only 4.1 percent in 2023, down from 5.8 percent last year, the situation is critical. A high unemployment rate (19 percent) and a staggering student outflow (21.6 percent) paint a grim picture. Capital outflow worth Rs 47.35bn owing to Nepali students going abroad to pursue foreign education has already been recorded in the first five months of the current fiscal (2023-24). This exodus of students seeking education abroad is largely driven by the fear of limited job opportunities back home. Nepal needs a collaborative effort to address these interconnected issues to create a larger labor market. Only through such collaborative efforts can Nepal hope to navigate its current economic challenges.

Despite the potential benefits, academia-industry collaboration in Nepal faces challenges that hinder effective partnership-building and knowledge exchange. Kathmandu University has pioneered this initiative with the motto of taking knowledge and skills “from the campus to the community” by establishing the “Academia Industry Cooperation” at Kathmandu University (AICKU) under the esteemed office of the Vice-chancellor to bridge the gap between university and industry. AICKU identifies potential industry partners and establishes strategies for collaborations through joint research projects, conferences, and meetings. It also facilitates the mechanism for technology transfer, licensing and commercialization of research output.  Recently, AICKU successfully conducted “Academia Industry Meet 2023” where stakeholders from academia, industry and government sectors came under the same roof and discussed current challenges followed by possible solutions. Additionally, Kathmandu University has started a KU Employment Promotion Program to provide job opportunities to 80 top graduates per year and equip them with skills to compete in the global market. AICKU has also signed agreements with different industries to provide internships and job opportunities to students of the university. Recently, it facilitated the different research centers and labs of KU for the following projects.

• “Pilot Scale Green Ammonia Production in Nepal for Contribution to Domestic Economy and Better Utilization of Hydropower Electricity” with the Nepal Electricity Authority.

• “Feasibility Study of Green Urea Plant in Nepal” with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

• “Condition Monitoring of Hydropower Plants in Nepal” with Nepal Electricity Authority.

Looking ahead, AICKU plans to establish mechanisms for technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization of research outputs. Collaboration with the Business Incubation Center for the promotion of entrepreneurial ideas of students, faculties and researchers is well underway. With its long-term goal to foster a seamless transition from academia to the workforce, AICKU is emerging as a beacon of collaboration, laying the foundation for mutually beneficial relationships between academia and industry to shape a prosperous future for Nepal.

Despite these efforts of KU, a joint effort through other universities as well as stakeholders is needed to achieve the aim of enhanced synergy. There are many hurdles in the path such as limited research funding for the university, regulatory and administrative issues due to complex bureaucratic procedures and outdated regulations, differences in priorities, timelines, and expectations between involved stakeholders, limited technical expertise, infrastructures and research facilities, and institutional barriers. A new initiation is essential to combat the difficulties and fulfill the objectives of academia-industry collaborations. At first, policy reforms are essential from the government level to promote academia-industry collaboration, innovation, and technology commercialization. Through collaborative efforts, Nepal can not only harness its full potential to build a prosperous and resilient future for its people, but also solve the problems of youth retention and unemployment.

Views are personal

Dear readers,

Nepal’s coalition politics continued to dominate the headlines this week. With the secret agreement between KP Sharma Oli of CPN-UML and Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali Congress pushing the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government into minority, Dahal is set to face a trust vote in Parliament today. Despite being likely to lose his seat, Dahal has been working hard to put up a fight, engaging fringe parties to secure their votes.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has pledged its support to Dahal, keeping its ministers in place to bolster his plan to face Parliament. The CPN (Unified Socialist) has also decided to support Dahal, who is working to revive the ‘socialist forum’, a network of communist parties opposing big parties like NC and UML. But, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided not to vote for PM Dahal. 

Despite Dahal’s efforts, he is expected to lose the vote of confidence, bringing the focus to the new government formation process. The NC and UML have decided that the President should initiate this process according to Article 76(2) of the Constitution, which involves forming a coalition government of two or more political parties.

If President Ram Chandra Paudel calls for this, Oli could become prime minister by Monday. However, the Maoists and fringe parties argue that if the current government fails to secure a vote of confidence, Article 76 (3) should apply. This article states that the President shall appoint the parliamentary leader of the party with the highest number of lawmakers, meaning Deuba could be appointed prime minister instead of Oli. How Oli and Deuba navigate this issue remains to be seen. If the President adopts 76(3) to form a new government, he is likely to be dragged into the controversy so he is likely to take a few days to consult with legal experts. 

Political parties and legal experts are divided on the government formation process. The President may consult legal experts and is likely to call on parties to form a government based on Article 76 (2), as there are precedents. However, any decision by the President is likely to be challenged in the Supreme Court, making the coming week crucial.

As the NC and UML prepare to form a new government, there is speculation about potential ministerial appointments. Within the NC, rumors suggest that Deuba’s wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, might become the foreign minister, and Ramesh Lekhak might become the home minister. Formal discussions to select ministers are likely to be limited, with Deuba making final decisions in consultation with senior leaders Shekhar Koirala, Gagan Thapa and Krishna Prasad Sitaula.

On the UML front, although there are standards for selecting ministers, past records show these are rarely implemented. Ultimately, Oli, who maintains strong control over the party, will finalize the list of ministers. The number of fringe parties joining the NC-UML government remains uncertain, but their support might be crucial for constitutional amendments.

The issue of constitutional amendments has stirred political circles. Oli has clarified that while there is a tentative agreement on amendments, no specifics or agreements on forming a commission for this purpose have been reached. NC General Secretary has stated that amending the Constitution requires a broad consensus from all political parties.

Next week will be hectic for politicians as they work to form the government and select ministers. NC and UML leaders have already started informal preparations for the new government’s policies and priorities. Both parties face the challenge of quickly forming the cabinet to avoid public pessimism. Deuba and Oli need to work diligently to maintain party unity, as dissatisfaction with ministerial appointments could lead to government collapse. A democratic and consultative approach is essential for managing internal party differences and ensuring the government’s longevity. Coordination between the government and party is key, and Oli and Dahal must make their collaborative efforts more effective. Although the agreement between NC and UML is promising, the lack of internal consultations and discussions may hinder its success.

Another notable story this week was the expulsion of Mukul Dhakal as the RSP general secretary for alleged disciplinary violations, though he remains an ordinary member. Dhakal responded to the party’s decision by holding a press conference where he accused party chair, Rabi Lamichhane, of passport fraud and misappropriation of cooperative funds. Opinions on Dhakal’s expulsion are divided, with some viewing it as growing  political intolerance within the RSP and others seeing Dhakal’s behavior as anarchic. Dhakal’s expulsion and his allegations come as a huge blow to the emerging party that enjoys considerable public support.

In provincial politics, all provincial governments except Koshi and Madhes are set to undergo another shakeup following the NC-UML alliance. The UML has already withdrawn its support for the provincial governments in Lumbini and Bagmati provinces. Forming new provincial governments may take time as the NC and UML focus on the federal government.

Meanwhile, the monsoon season has brought heavy rains, causing floods and landslides that have blocked highways and disrupted transportation, leading to a spike in vegetable prices in Kathmandu. Kanchanpur experienced severe flooding on July 8, recording the heaviest rainfall in 78 years. A government representative has been sent to investigate the situation, highlighting the impact of climate change on rainfall patterns.

Also this week, a parliamentary committee traveled to Pokhara to investigate alleged corruption in the construction of Pokhara International Airport. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is already conducting its own investigation. It’s crucial that this issue is handled impartially to avoid politicization. The newly constructed airport in Bhaktapur’s Nalinchowk also drew attention this week, as pilots refused to fly there due to security concerns, indicating haphazard infrastructure development without proper study.

That’s all for this week. I’ll be back with more updates next week. 

Have a great weekend!

Nepal faces a critical issue: A significant number of its youth are leaving the country due to the lack of employment opportunities that match their qualifications and interests. Work is essential for human survival, yet the Nepali job market fails to recognize and retain its talented youth. It struggles to offer appropriate remuneration, security and facilities, making it difficult for the country to retain its skilled and capable young workforce. Government rhetoric focuses on presenting data on youth migration and providing false hopes to those abroad, without implementing relevant policies to retain its own talents within the country. 

Global frameworks on labor

Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948 states that everyone has the right to work under just and favorable conditions and to protection against unemployment. Article 6 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) 1976 further emphasizes the right to work, including the opportunity for individuals to gain a livelihood through freely chosen work. Article 7 ensures the right to just and favorable work conditions, including fair wages, safe working environment and reasonable working hours whereas Article 8 confirms the right to form trade unions. Various International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions also cover issues like minimum wages, industrial relations, employment policy, social dialogue and social security.

Nepal ratified the ICESCR in 1991 but has ratified only some of the ILO standards.

National frameworks

The Constitution of Nepal defines a laborer as someone, who performs work for an employer in exchange for remuneration. Article 34 stipulates that every laborer has the right to appropriate work, fair pay, social security and the ability to form and join trade unions. The Labour Act of 2017 establishes minimum labor standards, including an eight-hour workday and 48 hours/week. It aims to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and social security benefits, thereby fostering a more equitable work environment. The Labour Regulation of 2021 provides detailed guidelines for implementing these protections.

Securing labor rights
Despite the guaranteed frameworks, youth who remain in Nepal often face significant challenges in finding and retaining employment. Jobs that match their qualifications and interests are scarce, and unfair selection processes and office politics further hinder their prospects. Even when employed, workers often face exploitation, such as being forced to work extra hours without appropriate compensation or being unable to take leave without interference from employers.

Many employers exclude lunch hours from the official workday, effectively extending work hours to nine per day. Emotional pressure to work extra hours, framed as ‘learning hours’, is common, and those who resist face office politics. Although the Labour Act mandates overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate, and annual increments in remuneration, employers often manipulate these entitlements to the bare minimum.

Qualified youths are often reluctant to take on work that does not interest them. The job market is so misaligned that many employees work in fields unrelated to their academic qualifications. While changes in career interests can occur, it's crucial to consider the efficiency of professionals working outside their fields of expertise.

While laws guarantee the right to choose employment, in practice, there are limited options. Graduates, despite significant investment in their education, are often forced to take any available job to meet basic needs and ultimately leave the country for better opportunities. 

Way forward

The government must recognize that youth have no choice but to leave the country in search of sustainable livelihoods. Rather than expressing empty regrets about youth migration, the government should focus on creating policies that retain qualified, skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers.

Proper legislation is significant to regulate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and informal sectors like gig-economy, freelancing, e-commerce including ride-sharing, and food delivery. 

When such laws are particularly enacted, workers will have more opportunities to choose employment in these emerging fields.

Collaboration among the government, private sector, financial institutions, civil society and international NGOs is crucial to effectively implement labor laws. The Labour Act should be seen as a minimum standard, not a limit. Universally guaranteed human rights and constitutional rights should not be compromised at the employer's convenience.

Effective mobilization of trade unions is necessary to provide a platform for employees to voice concerns and improve work environments without bias. Office politics, which often targets women, especially those with family responsibilities or disabilities, must be dismantled. Ensuring an inclusive and fair workplace is essential to foster women’s leadership and retain talents within the country.

The author is an advocate 

The 16th meeting of Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism began in Kathmandu today.

Spokesperson at the Foreign Ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai, shared that discussions are underway regarding overall areas of Nepal-China bilateral relations and cooperation in the meeting.

Similarly, discussions would be held on exchanging cooperation in different sectors including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism and financial support and connectivity in the meeting.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal on the behalf of Nepal is leading the delegation in the meeting which comprises senior officers of different ministries.

Likewise, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Sun Weidong, is leading the Chinese delegation.

Weidong arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday morning for a three-day official visit to attend the meeting.

During his visit, the Vice Minister is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel.

He paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday. He is scheduled to return home tomorrow.

Nepal suffered a 21-run defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup on Monday.

The match was held at the Ornos Vale stadium of St Vincent, the West Indies.

Sent to bat first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted a total of 106 runs in 19.3 overs losing all the wickets.

Chasing the target, Nepal made 85 runs in 19.2 overs losing all the wickets.

Kushal Malla contributed 27 runs off 40 balls, hitting one four and one six for Nepal.

Similarly, Dipendra Singh Airee scored 25 runs off 31 balls with one six and two fours.

Opener Asif Sheikh made 17 runs off 14 balls hitting four boundaries while other batters failed to score in double digits.

Meanwhile, Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed the highest four wickets for Bangladesh.

Likewise, Mustafizur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed took three, two and one wickets respectively.

Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan scored 17 runs, Mahmudullah and Rishad Hossain made 13 runs each and Jaker Ali and Taskin Ahmed contributed 12 runs each. Other batters failed to score in double figures.

For Nepal, Rohit Kumar Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee claimed two wickets each.

With the win, Bangladesh have advanced to the Super Eight.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Lamichhane has become the first Nepali bowler to complete 100 wickets in T20Is. He completed the 100 wickets in 56 matches.

India and Nepal on Wednesday concluded their first-ever bilateral meeting between their probe agencies tasked to combat money laundering and discussed ways to check the crime taking place through the porous border between the two neighbors. A visiting delegation of Nepal's department of money laundering investigation (DMLI), led by its Director General Pushpa Raj Shahi, attended the two-day meet with the officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

"This was the first head of the agency level meeting between the two anti-money laundering agencies of India and Nepal. The meeting was aimed at developing mutual cooperation and strengthening capacity building in the areas of money laundering and asset recovery between India and Nepal," an official statement issued by the ED said. The Indian side was led by ED Director (in-charge) Rahul Navin and both the sides had officials from their respective embassies in Delhi and Kathmandu apart from the Indian external affairs ministry.

During the meeting, both sides presented an overview of their respective anti-money laundering legislations and exchanged ideas for combating the menace of money laundering, it said. Both the sides also presented case studies and discussed common modus of money laundering schemes, as per the statement.

The ED, it said, explained in detail about various tools of investigation, analytical software and forensic tools/equipment used during the money laundering investigations. "Emphasis was placed upon on the fact that money laundering is a global problem that not only threatens security, but also compromises the stability, transparency and efficiency of financial systems, thus undermining economic prosperity.

"Therefore, both the sides expressed their concern towards money laundering risks through the porous border between India and Nepal," the statement said. The two agencies also "agreed" to continue strengthening cooperation in anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts, through increased information sharing and coordination, including expeditious sharing of evidence and information for money laundering and terrorism financing investigations, as and when necessary, it said.

The importance of fighting financial crimes and on the effective implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards to protect abuse of financial systems was agreed upon, as per the ED. The Nepalese delegation "requested assistance" to set up forensic labs like the one ED has, and to arrange capacity building and training for DMLI officers.

ED expressed its "willingness" on this request and to strengthen agency-to-agency cooperation through informal channels in the areas of money laundering and asset recovery. "As a step closer, a draft MoU between ED and DMLI for enhancing mutual cooperation in the investigation of money laundering offenses was discussed and the same would be signed in due course after obtaining the necessary approvals from their respective competent authorities," the statement said.

Nepal has appealed to the international community to provide concessional assistance.

Addressing the 57th annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Finance Secretary Madhukumar Marasini asked for the provision of concessional assistance as large capital must be mobilized to address the economy and development aspirations that have weakened due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He urged all development partners, including the Asian Development Bank, to increase financial and technical support, saying that Nepal has moved forward with the concept of green, resilient and inclusive development (GRID).

Secretary Marasini pointed out the need for collective efforts to make South Asia an area of emerging economic development and said that emphasis should be given for the same.  Pointing out the need for efforts, he said that emphasis should be placed on interdependence, innovation and digitization for the enhancement of interregional trade.

He said that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nepali economy has been affected by global economic challenges and in recent days, due to the contraction in economic activities due to revenue deficit and increasing debt obligations, Nepal, like many others, is facing slow economic growth and economic stagnation. Cooperation with the private sector has become inevitable.

Secretary Marasini shared that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the third investment conference was organized in Kathmandu to create an investment-friendly environment in Nepali economy. He mentioned that he believes that ADB can play an important role in creating an environment for investment in areas of comparative advantage such as tourism, hydropower and information technology.

Recalling that the ADB has been continuously supporting Nepal, Secretary Marasini expressed his gratitude for being a reliable partner in the development journey. He said that in the last decade, Nepal has advanced social inclusion and economic development together.

Japan and Nepal have many things in common. One of them is that 70 to 80% of its land area is covered with mountains and hills. Considering Japan's history of constantly facing natural threats due to its steep terrain, I can fully understand, as a Japanese national, how difficult a challenge it is to undertake nation-building in a mountainous country like Nepal, Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said.

The first thing that comes to the minds of the Japanese people when we hear the word "Nepal" is the divinely majestic Himalayan Mountains represented by Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). Having been born and raised in Shizuoka Prefecture located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, I feel a deep sense of affinity with Nepal, and I am very pleased to be able to visit Nepal for the first time today, she said.

Another thing Japan and Nepal have in common is that both countries are democratic, and Japan has provided various assistance to Nepal's democratization efforts, the Japan’s foreign minister further said.

After the abolition of the monarchy and the transition to a federal democracy was declared in 2008, Japan dispatched election observers to the parliamentary elections.

In addition, Japan has also provided support for the development of the legal system and various other assistance that contribute to the promotion of democracy in Nepal. When I served as Justice Minister, the Ministry of Justice provided training on civil code and the development of civil code commentaries in support of the preparation for a new civil code of Nepal in cooperation with JICA, Minister Kamikawa said.

Both countries also have the same unfortunate history of suffering damages due to earthquakes. That is why, whenever the other side was affected by a major earthquake, our two countries have reached out to each other like family, with special compassion and solidarity. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Nepal donated 5,000 blankets and our Nepali friends in Japan assisted in the setting up of Nepali soup kitchens as well as provision of Nepali coffee. After the Gorkha Earthquake in 2015, Japan dispatched the Japan Disaster Relief Teams (Urban Search and Rescue Team, Medical Team, and Japan Self-Defense Force Units) and provided an Emergency Grant Aid of approximately 1.68 billion yen as well as Emergency Relief Goods including tents and blankets, she said.

In addition to this emergency humanitarian assistance, Japan provided a total of over 32 billion yen for "Build Back Better" after earthquakes in areas such as reconstruction of schools, residences, and public facilities.

Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January this year, we received heartfelt messages of sympathy from Nepal. Furthermore, the Nepali people living in Japan rushed to the affected areas many times to offer their support, and with the words "Friends should help each other in tough times" they cooked spicy curry to warm and encourage the hearts and bodies of the residents there amid heavy snow and severe cold weather. As Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Nepali people for their warm support and sympathy for Japan, the Japanese foreign minister said.

Japan and Nepal have also faced a scarcity of natural resources. Thus, both countries need an international community that ensures connectivity is free from force or coercion and values freedom as well as the rule of law regardless of the size of the country. To realize such an international community, it is a prerequisite that each country overcomes its vulnerabilities and builds a resilient society. With this in mind, Japan attaches great importance to Nepal will get on track for sustainable growth and stability.

Based on this idea, Japan has been supporting Nepal's development since 1969 in a wide range of fields, including infrastructure construction such as electricity, roads, airports, and water supply, as well as agriculture, education, and healthcare, with Nepal's geographical and historical background in mind.

The Nagdhunga tunnel, the breakthrough of which has recently been achieved, is Nepal's first mountain road tunnel. Once the construction of the tunnel is completed, it will contribute to the promotion of social and economic development in the region and strongly support Nepal's further development, facilitating the transportation network by meeting the rapidly increasing traffic demand, reducing travel time, and improving transportation safety. Through such assistance in infrastructure, Japan will continue its efforts to ensure that the people of Nepal can experience the safety and convenience of infrastructure in their daily lives, according to Minister Kamikawa.

In recent years, the presence of Nepal across Japan has been on the rise day by day. Over 120 years have passed since the arrival of the first eight Nepali students dispatched by the Government of Nepal in 1902. Today, our two countries are connected by direct flights that take about 7 hours. The total number of Nepalis living in Japan exceeds 170,000, the sixth largest number of foreign nationals living in Japan. I am very pleased to see that our bilateral relationship is steadily deepening thanks to the active participation of our Nepali friends in Japanese society.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to touch on cooperation with Nepal on "Women, Peace and Security" (WPS), which the Japanese government has strongly promoted in recent years and is also my life's work. WPS is based on the idea that society can be much closer to a more sustainable peace through the participation of women themselves in leadership positions in prevention as well as humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, while at the same time working to protect vulnerable groups such as women in times of crisis.

The Japanese government is strongly promoting WPS, and I have been involved in various initiatives since I became Foreign Minister. Nepal is the world's largest contributor of personnel for UN peacekeeping operations (PKO) and has the largest number of female PKO personnel in the world. As such, I believe that there is great potential for cooperation with Nepal in the field of WPS. During this visit to Nepal, I would like to explore with Nepal what kind of cooperation is possible in the future.

The year 2026 is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal, and also the year of Nepal's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. As the Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to further strengthen our relationship with Nepal towards this commemorative year and strongly support Nepal's further development after graduation from the LDC category, she said.

West Indies 'A' won the title of T20 series before playing one remaining match. West Indies 'A' defeated Nepal by 28 runs in today's fourth match leading 3-1 in the five-match series.

Elected to bat first after winning the toss at Kirtipur-based TU Cricket Ground, West Indies 'A' scored 209 runs in 20 overs losing three wickets.

Chasing the target posted by West Indies 'A', Nepal gathered 181 runs in 20 overs losing all wickets. Andre Fletcher of West Indies 'A', made the highest 84 runs off 54 balls. Similarly, Johnson Charles scored 58 runs and Fabian Allen 33 runs (not out).

Towards bowling, Kushal Bhurtel took two wickets while Pratish GC one wicket for Nepal.  Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel scored highest 82 runs off 47 balls for Nepal. 

Hayden Walsh and Matthew Forde of West Indies 'A' took three wickets each while Fabian Allen and Gudakesh Motie two wickets each.

The final match between Nepal and West Indies 'A' of the ongoing series will be played on Saturday.

Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has asserted that Nepal is an attractive destination for international investment.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit today, he highlighted the key objectives of the Summit.

According to the Finance Minister, the key objectives of the Summit are: To project Nepal as an emerging destination for private sector investment; to highlight recent reforms in enhancing the investment climate and ensuring regulatory frameworks that support foreign as well as domestic investment, to showcase a wide range of projects across different sectors, including investment-ready projects; to facilitate productive negotiations and come up with a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between investors and stakeholders, advancing project development and management objectives; and to provide a platform for networking opportunities among the policymakers, investors, experts and other stakeholders to share ideas and views as well as encourage joint ventures in areas such as industry and infrastructure development.

The finance minister said there are multitudes of investment opportunities ahead, which will be further enhanced through this summit.

"Nepal has been able to achieve significant progress in recent years. Our macroeconomic indicators remain sound and stable. Nepal's economic landscape is evolving, complemented by a federal system of governance providing ample opportunities to foster growth and innovation," he said, adding that over the years, Nepal has witnessed significant achievements in the areas of clean energy, tourism, IT, agriculture, and agro-based industries as the drivers of its economic progress and prosperity.

Noting that as Nepal embarks on the journey of economic transformation, it is imperative to acknowledge that our existing technology and domestic markets alone are insufficient to sustain the high growth trajectory we hope to achieve, Finance Minister Pun observed that foreign investors in Nepal have made commendable achievements.

"Therefore, Nepal warmly welcomes foreign investment as a catalyst for industrial development, infrastructure development, job creation, export promotion, and knowledge, skill and technology transfer. The government is committed to collaborating with the private sector through private direct investment and various other models of public-private partnership. We are grateful to the development partners for their continuous support in creating an enabling environment for investment," he reiterated.

Stating that various policy reforms have been initiated with a view to improving the business environment and boosting investors' confidence, the finance minister said that these reforms include improving regulatory processes, reducing the time and cost of business, and ensuring transparency and accountability in public sector governance.

"Reform is an ongoing process; it will be continued in the days to come. Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident that this summit will serve as an important milestone for unleashing Nepal's tremendous investment potential and charting a path towards sustainable economic growth. Let us grab the opportunity to forge new partnerships, drive innovation, and create a brighter future for all," he added.

The Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity Bill, published on 10 March 2024 for public feedback, is currently under review by MOCIT (Ministry of Communication and Information Technology). Aimed at addressing digital signatures, cloud computing, cybercrime and major digitalization of public services, including the creation of websites for all government agencies, establishment of a national cybersecurity center, and forensic center, it represents Nepal’s stride toward implementing robust IT and cybersecurity regulations.

Nepal aims to implement these regulations to tackle the rising tide of crime due to fast digitization in the country. However, certain aspects of the bill, particularly concerning cloud computing and data centers, raise concerns. The requirement for companies to obtain licensing approval and undergo yearly renewal, while perhaps well-intentioned, may not foster innovation and economic growth effectively. Considering the substantial investment required for data centers and cloud computing infrastructure, businesses should ideally focus on their core operations without undue bureaucratic hurdles.

If we see international practice, especially the EU and the USA do not mandate specific licensing requirements for data centers or cloud service providers at the national level. Instead, companies are regulated by industry standards and market competition, while compliance with relevant regulations ensures legal operation and maintains customer trust. If we examine India's approach to supporting businesses through its policies, we find that it employs various strategies that aid in fostering businesses from their inception. These strategies include ensuring that all approvals required for commencing business are granted within 15 working days, offering 100 percent exemption from property tax for 10 years, and providing subsidies such as Capital Investment Subsidy, Lease Rental Subsidy and Interest Subsidy.

Several other provisions within the bill could have significant impacts on businesses. For example, the requirement for companies operating critical infrastructure to submit design and configuration documents to government bodies raises concerns regarding potential violations of intellectual property rights. Here, the bill fails to address the issue of compensating businesses for damages resulting from intellectual property theft. In cases of intellectual property theft, only minimal punishment and fines need to be paid to the government, with no compensation provided to the intellectual property owner. This omission could leave affected companies vulnerable to substantial financial losses without any possibility of recovery.

Also, instead of imposing permits for importing and distribution of IT equipment from government bodies, the government could have mentioned the establishment of minimum standards, allowing the import of equipment meeting or exceeding these standards without approval. 

The requirement for data storage within Nepal's borders for financial and health organizations may pose feasibility challenges, especially during the period when the government is aggressively promoting cross-border financial practices. In the case of data collected by private organizations, it may be more practical to allow them to store their data in public clouds, with the condition that they are responsible for ensuring the security of their information. The level of security required should be determined based on the sensitivity of the data being stored, with varying levels of security measures such as encryption being implemented accordingly.

Several provisions within the bill raise concerns for individuals as well. For example, the provision allowing the storage and use of sexual material for educational or medical purposes could potentially be misused. Stringent cybersecurity measures must be applied to the machines storing such material. If the material is leaked or hacked due to inadequate security measures, the entity responsible for storing it should be held accountable, and appropriate punishment should be enforced. 

The definition of criminal activity outlined in the bill is quite vague in many places, raising significant privacy concerns. Under this definition, the government could demand the submission of personal private keys. Additionally, provisions allowing investigating officers, such as police inspectors, to collect electronic devices and traffic data without proper oversight could be prone to misuse. It is recommended that higher-ranking officials, like SSPs or DIGs, oversee such activities to ensure accountability and prevent potential misuse.

The meeting of the National Cybersecurity Committee that is mentioned in this bill itself does not validate the live video link or any other electronic means of communication or online meetings for any meeting of the committee, where physical presence is mandatory. The government is trying to address emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, with few definitions for proper use but these technologies will require further study and regulations going forward.

While the IT and Cybersecurity Bill represents a significant step toward bolstering Nepal's digital infrastructure, careful consideration and amendments are necessary to address concerns and ensure the bill aligns with business-friendly practices and privacy rights. As technology is rapidly changing, it becomes imperative that the laws are modified at the same pace, something which was lacking in the past.

The author is a cybersecurity professional and student of information management. Views are personal

Living in the land of four seasons, I miss ‘basant ritu’, one of the six seasons in Nepal and a time of new growth and renewal, transitioning from the cold winter to warmer temperatures and longer days. During basant ritu, Nepal’s natural beauty is on full display, with lush greenery and colorful blossoms from the lowland of Tarai to the highland mountains. The English word ‘spring’ simply does not capture all the essence of basant ritu.

The lush greenery and colorful blossoms provide us with many vegetables, and one of them is ‘koiralo ko phool’ (Mountain Ebony—Bauhinia variegata). While having the tangy and spicy ‘achaar’ (pickle), I used to feel that nature has blessed us with this bountiful and tasty flower. After exploring the culinary world as a chef, I realized that we have actually underutilized koiralo.

According to researchers, the origin of koiralo had first been reported in the East Indies area. It grows at 1300 m altitude but is also found in deciduous forests and occurs up to 900 m altitude in dry mixed forests. Koiralo trees are mostly found in tropical and subtropical countries. It’s native to many countries including Nepal, India, China, Pakistan, Burma, North Thailand, North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. It’s quite common in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu to as high as Jammu and Kashmir.

It’s called ‘raktakanchan’ or ‘phalgu; in the Sanskrit language. In many languages, the name of koiralo is derived from Sanskrit’s raktakanchan, including ‘devakanchanamu’ (Telugu), ‘kanchanal’ (Punjabi), ‘kachan’ (Odia), and ‘kachnar’ (Hindi). In Pahadi Hindi, it’s ‘koliar’ or ‘koiral’. In English, it has different names, including Mountain Ebony, Orchid tree, Camel’s foot, Napoleon’s hat, Paper mulberry, and Poor man’s orchid.

We, Nepalis, mostly use buds and flowers, whereas in India leaves and seeds are used. The leaves of the koiralo plant are used in the preparation of curry, in the form of vegetables, consumed as a side dish along with rice, and used as flavorings in meat and fish. Apart from making pickles, the flower is used in the preparation of curry, raita, flour; cooked as a vegetable; flavoring of meat and fish; and filler in pakoras.

The seeds are rich in several amino acids and are used as pulses in several regions of northeastern and central India. The buds are used for making pickles, curry, flour; flavoring agents in many products; used for making vegetables; and young buds of the flower are used for making various tasty broths. It’s said that the roots, stems, leaves, blossoms, and seeds of the kanchanara are all filled with beneficial nutrients and medicinal substances that offer incredible benefits for general health.

In Nepal, two koiralo items are popular. One is a flavorful vegetable—boiled koiralo ko phool possesses a unique taste and texture, often described as slightly bitter with a subtle sweetness. It can be stir-fried, sautéed, or incorporated into curries for a delightful twist.

A tangy pickle is another popular way to enjoy koiralo ko phool in Nepal. Pickling preserves the flowers and adds a burst of flavor to meals. Here, I will run you through how to make it. The recipe is from my late mom. You can tweak the recipe to your liking to create your own version of the pickle.

Ingredients

400 gm koiralo ko phool

4 medium-sized potatoes

1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

2 spring garlic chopped

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

2 gm turmeric powder

2 gm ground cumin

2 gm red chili powder

17 gm white sesame seeds, roasted and ground

1 gm Sichuan pepper Timur, ground

3 gm fenugreek seeds for tempering

2-3 dried red chilies, broken into pieces

2-3 green chilies, chopped

30 ml raw mustard oil

30 ml vegetable oil

1 lime or lemon, juiced

10 gm salt

Instructions

First, boil the koiralo ko phool. In a pot of boiling water, blanch until slightly softened but retaining some texture. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Next, boil the potatoes: In a separate pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Peel and cube them, adding them to the bowl with the koiralo ko phool.

Pour all the powdered spices on top of the potato and koiralo mix.

Put vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the fenugreek seeds and let them sputter for a few seconds. Add dry chili, fry until black, and pour on top of the spice mix. Cover for a minute.

Add chopped onion, green chilies, and dried red chilies to the mixture with the rest of the raw mustard oil.

Mix with the rest of the raw mustard oil.

The author is a UK based R&D chef

People create laws and constitutions for themselves, then execute, implement and follow these laws as part of their civic duty. This process is common across the globe. The only times when individuals are exempt from following the law are at birth and at death. Otherwise, throughout their lives, people must abide by the law to maintain order and be seen as living a disciplined life.

As social creatures, humans naturally form communities and live among others. This need for social connection underscores the importance of fostering brotherhood and maintaining cordial relationships with one another. It’s through these positive interactions that harmony is created and sustained in society.

In today’s society, however, it’s apparent that many people, politicians and political parties often do not follow the rules and laws they are supposed to uphold. This lack of adherence to the rule of law has led to a breakdown in social harmony and an environment where breaches of legal and ethical standards are common. The authorities frequently enjoy absolute impunity for violating both political and economic rights, undermining the principle of justice that should be central to governance.

This disregard for the rule of law has contributed to growing social and religious conflicts. When those in power are not held accountable, it creates an atmosphere of mistrust and division among the people. Without a consistent enforcement of the law, the development and stability of society and the country are at risk. To move forward, it’s crucial that laws are respected and applied evenly, without favoritism or corruption, ensuring that everyone is subject to the same legal standards. This is the only way to rebuild trust, promote social harmony and foster sustainable development.

To address these issues, laws are needed to combat false accusations, rumors and hate speech. While Nepal has laws and regulations in place for these matters, they are not sufficiently strict, allowing people and political leaders to engage in character assassination with impunity.

Lawmakers in parliament must set an example through their conduct and language, presenting their opinions with discipline and respect. Since they represent the people of an entire nation, they should model behavior that is appropriate and considerate. It’s crucial to define the acceptable boundaries and types of language used when criticizing others. Even when someone is guilty of wrongdoing, there are other ways to hold them accountable without resorting to hate speech or personal attacks. The same applies for the bureaucrats.

Stronger enforcement of existing laws and the establishment of clear guidelines on acceptable discourse in public forums can help prevent the spread of harmful rhetoric and promote a more respectful and constructive political environment. Hate speech should never be tolerated, and strict measures must be taken to discourage and penalize those who engage in it.

The behavior and speech patterns of a country’s people reflect the nation’s culture and level of civilization. If we neglect to address these aspects, how can we cultivate a healthy culture and civilization? This disregard for cultural development will prevent the country from progressing in a positive direction.

Currently, the nation is engulfed in confusion because we struggle to discern who is telling the truth and who isn’t. Even those we consider our protectors and leaders often fail to be truthful, creating further uncertainty.

To address this issue, we need laws that promote honesty and respect for others. Anyone who spreads falsehoods or incites hate should face consequences, regardless of their position. This should apply universally, whether the individual is an ordinary citizen, a politician, a bureaucrat, or even a judge. If someone engages in spreading misinformation or hatred, they must be held accountable and face appropriate punishment.

In addition, it’s crucial to scrutinize the integrity of lawyers as they present their cases in court. Legal professionals should be held accountable for the accuracy of the facts they submit during trials. This ensures that justice is based on truth and prevents manipulation or distortion of evidence.

Furthermore, court verdicts should also undergo rigorous examination to ensure that decisions are fair, unbiased and founded on accurate information. Every part of the judicial process must be rooted in honesty to maintain public trust in the legal system.

Ultimately, the commitment to truth should extend across all areas of society. No matter who you are or what role you play, practicing honesty and promoting integrity are essential for building a just and ethical community.

The media plays a pivotal role in disseminating information, which means it must be held to high standards of accuracy and responsibility. Given that misinformation and disinformation are significant threats on a global scale, media organizations must be checked to ensure they are not contributing to these problems.

Nepal should strive to become a land where truth is valued and upheld in all aspects of society.

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

Since the end of Cold War I and emergence of a liberal international order, the extent of globalization has profoundly impacted culture and universalized the education system. Nepal is one of the few countries that has been unable to foster its culture or internationalize its education system due to a massive influence of international culture and education. 

While Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s oldest varsity, has adopted a new procedure for choosing officials, it should next build a reliable transnational network and internationalize Nepali education to advance national interests and project soft power for executing public diplomacy, fostering good neighborliness and advancing national interests. A strong education system and a justifiable cultural exchange program help countries understand each other better. Essentially, a high-quality national education system not only boosts productivity but also broadens the spectrum of soft power in foreign policy, leaving a much stronger impression of the country in international platforms.

A new book titled ‘Kathmandu Chronicle: Reclaiming India-Nepal Relations’ will cover in depth significant aspects of Nepal’s democratic movements, its transition from an absolute monarchy to a federal democratic republic and from a Hindu state to a secular one, the Maoist insurgency, framing of a new constitution, its foreign policy choices, China expanding footprint—and most importantly India-Nepal relations.

Written  by K.V. Rajan, Former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and  Former Ambassador to Nepal, and Atul K. Thakur, a renowned policy professional, columnist and writer, the book combines first-hand experience with deep research to throw new light on key events including the hijacking of IC 814,  the Palace Massacre that wiped out King Birendra and his entire family,  the coup by King Gyanendra against democracy, and explains why the much-vaunted India–Nepal ‘special relationship’ has repeatedly experienced setbacks, some of them with long-term implications.

Based on in depth analysis and new resource materials, ‘Kathmandu Chronicle: Reclaiming India–Nepal Relations’ is important not only in explaining the how's and why's of the past but because of its relevance to the geopolitical uncertainties of the post-COVID world, as India asserts its aspirations on the global stage and China and other major countries raise their own profiles in the region.

Both at the level of government as well as civil society, Nepal and India urgently need to come to terms with the past, understand comprehensively and objectively the unique challenges and opportunities offered by the present, and to ‘repurpose’ their relationship if it is to achieve its exceptional potential in the coming years.

K.V. Rajan, to date India's longest serving Ambassadors to Nepal and author of the book, said that “India and Nepal must learn from the past but not live in it. They can build a model cooperative relationship for the needs and expectations of tomorrow's generations, building on their unique common civilizational ties combined with new mindsets and innovative approaches.”

Atul K. Thakur, a long-time Nepal scholar, public intellectual and co-author, said, “Many books on Nepal and its relations with India have been written by scholars and foreign policy practitioners, Nepalese as well as Indian. Yet too many unanswered questions remain, about the how's and why's of the past, the depth and challenges of present trends, and prospects for the future, in an increasingly uncertain post-COVID world.

Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher, Vintage & Head, Backlist, Penguin Random House India, said, “Historically and culturally, India and Nepal have shared special relationship. Nevertheless, this association has experienced ups and downs.  What are the reasons for these issues?  Why is there so much mutual distrust between two nations?  Kathmandu Chronicle by KV Rajan, India’s longest serving Ambassador to Nepal to date (1995 to 2000) and Atul K Thakur, brings to light many stories of India-Nepal relationship that mostly remained untold and therefore unknown till date. We’re glad to publish the book from Penguin.”  

Nepal’s dream of playing in the Asia Cup has been shattered for the second time.

In the semi-finals of the ACC Premier Cup today, the UAE defeated Nepal by six wickets.

Nepal’s leading batsmen could not perform well in front of the defending champion.

The UAE achieved the target of 120 runs set by Nepal in 17. 2 over losing four wickets.

Alishan Sarafu scored unbeaten 55 runs for the UAE. Similarly, Bishnu Sukumuran made 28, Syed Hyder 14 and Mohammad Wasim and Asif Khan contributed 10 runs each.

Gulsan Jha claimed two wickets while Sompal Kami and Lalit Rajbansi took one wicket each for Nepal.

Earlier, Nepal, who were invited to bat first after losing the toss, scored 119 runs losing all the wickets.

Sandeep Jora scored highest 50 runs for Nepal. Likewise, Gulsan Jha and Karan KC made 20 and 17 runs respectively. The other batters failed to score in double digit.

Nepal were undefeated in the group stage match. Nepal thrashed Malaysia, Qatar, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.