Nepal-made social media Global Diary launched

Kathmandu, Sept. 27

Nepal's first AI-driven social networking platform, Global Diary (globaldiary.com), is officially launched.

Created by a group of young IT professionals using their own investment and expertise, the platform has quickly attracted attention for its innovative design and functionality. It aims to address critical gaps in Nepal’s digital infrastructure while promoting digital transformation, business empowerment, and inclusive technological development, the company said in a statement.

Global Diary integrates various services, including contact management, business development, and access to opportunities, into one unified platform. IT experts view this project as a prime example of local innovation and technological vision, showcasing the potential of Nepali youth in the tech sector.

According to the company, although Global Diary was developed in Nepal, its design and functionality are aligned with international standards, allowing it to cater to both local and global needs.

The platform connects individuals, businesses, and organisations through a single digital framework, making communication, trade, services, and opportunities more accessible.

The platform allows individuals to manage their CV profiles, business pages, and professional details with ease.

“Users can also showcase their skills, achievements, and services, which can lead to expanded networks, more job opportunities, and freelance work. For businesses, Global Diary offers tools for managing profiles, promoting products and services, and recruiting staff efficiently,” read the statement.

Furthermore, as a platform developed within Nepal, Global Diary prioritises national data protection standards, ensuring that the platform is both locally relevant and secure.

The company said that the launch of the app is in direct response to the limitations of traditional digital platforms, which have often failed to meet the specific needs of Nepali users and businesses.

The leadership team behind the project includes Shekhar Aryal as Chairman, Bhagwan Das Agrahari, as Co-Founder and CEO. Sandeep Upreti, and Kiran Kandel are also the co-founders of the app and work as the CMO and COO. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 September 2025.    

NTB urges diplomats to relax their travel advisories

Kathmandu, Sept. 27

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has urged the relaxation of travel advisories issued by various countries for visiting Nepal.

During the ‘Meet and Greet with Diplomatic Corps’ event held in Kathmandu on the occasion of Dashain, NTB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dipak Raj Joshi clarified that Nepal has now returned to normalcy and is completely safe for tourists.

Previously, after the Gen Z protests earlier this month, foreign embassies and diplomatic missions in Nepal had issued travel advisories urging their citizens to be cautious when visiting Nepal.

Referring to the recent instability caused by the Gen Z protests, Joshi mentioned that the crisis faced by the tourism industry due to this disruption has now been resolved. He said, "Nepal is now fully stable in terms of political stability, security, easy transportation access, and healthcare services."

Security forces and tourist police have returned to regular service while roads, airports, and transportation infrastructure are back to full operation, and hospitals and healthcare services have returned to normal as well.

About 25 hotels suffered partial physical damage and over 2,000 employees were affected during the protests.

Joshi cited the tourism industry's resilience, and said, "Nepal's tourism industry has been maturing in international crisis management for decades. During this time, no tourist has been targeted, and I want to assure you that tourism will remain safe in the future."

NTB’s Vice-President Ram Prasad Sapkota also urged the embassy representatives to convey the message that Nepal is fully safe to visit in their respective countries. "With Nepal's culture, heritage, and hospitality, we are ready to welcome tourists. Please pass on the message to your governments and tourists that 'Nepal is open and safe," he said.

The event, held on the eve of World Tourism Day on Friday, was attended by ambassadors and representatives from 15 countries, including the United States, India, Egypt, Norway, Qatar, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Immigration Department, and tourism industry stakeholders were also present.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 September 2025.    

Sharma assumes office at NIA

Kathmandu, Sept. 26

Janak Raj Sharma, the newly appointed Chairman of the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA), assumed office at the Authority on Friday. Earlier, on the same day, he was administered the oath of office by Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal. He was appointed to the post by the government on Thursday through a cabinet decision.

Sharma is currently serving under the Ministry of Finance.

Upon assuming his duties at the NIA, he emphasised the need to enhance the quality and reliability of insurance services in the current challenging situation and to ensure that insurance claims are settled swiftly and effectively.

"In line with the spirit of the recent youth movement and the policies and programmes adopted by the government in response to the changing environment, it is crucial to improve the overall quality of insurance services, thereby increasing public trust in insurance,” Sharma said.

Insurance companies must operate in accordance with the prevailing laws, and the Authority must strengthen its regulatory role, he added.

According to him, insurance companies must simplify the claims process and ensure timely claim settlements. If this is achieved, public trust in insurance will grow, and the scope of insurance will expand. As the scope of insurance increases, costs will also reduce.

Sharma directed the NIA staff to perform their duties with integrity, ensuring high-quality and prompt execution of tasks.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 September 2025.    

MCA Nepal awards all construction contracts

Kathmandu, Sept. 26

Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has completed the awarding of all contracts for the construction of the 315 km long transmission line.

It signed the contract for the construction of the final 117 km segment of the electricity transmission line project of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact on Friday. “This marks a major milestone in the progress of Compact implementation,” MCA Nepal said in a statement.

The contract was signed with Ashish–Bozlar JV for the construction of the transmission line from Lapsiphedi Substation in Kathmandu to Ratmate Substation in Nuwakot district and then onwards to New Hetauda Substation in Makwanpur district.

Khadga Bahadur Bisht, Executive Director of MCA-Nepal, and Nirman Gauli, a representative of Ashish–Bozlar JV, signed the contract in the presence of officials from MCC and MCA-Nepal.

Through an international competitive bidding process, MCA-Nepal awarded the contract valued at approximately USD 76.65 million. The project includes the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of 400 kV transmission lines. The contractor is expected to complete the work within a contract period of 42 months.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Diane L. Francisco, MCC Resident Country Director, said, “The signing of this contract represents a wonderful milestone in the implementation of the Nepal Compact. This accomplishment is the result of the profound commitment and dedication of the MCA to the successful completion of this critical transmission line and its promise for the future development and prosperity of the Nepali people.”

Likewise, Bisht said that MCA-Nepal has achieved a significant milestone in the implementation of the MCC Nepal Compact by signing this contract with Ashish–Bozlar JV today. “It is a major achievement that all contracts for transmission line construction under the Electricity Transmission Project have now been awarded,” he said.

Previously, MCA-Nepal had awarded contracts for the construction of a 198 km transmission line, covering the sections from Ratmate Substation in Nuwakot district to New Damauli Substation in Tanahun district, and then onwards to New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghart Susta West) district, with a final interconnection to the Nepal–India border with an 18 km segment.

In addition, contracts have also been awarded for the construction of the Ratmate, New Damauli, and New Butwal substations.

The MCC Nepal Compact represents a landmark investment of $697 million in Nepal’s long-term economic development, laying the foundation for increased private sector investment.

Through its Electricity Transmission and Road Maintenance Projects, the Compact aims to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth by strengthening critical infrastructure, facilitating cross-border energy trade, and improving Nepal’s transportation network.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 September 2025.   

NRB announces relief for businesses affected by Gen Z protests, disasters

Kathmandu, Sept. 26

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced various relief measures, including a discount on interest on business loans, restructuring and rescheduling of such loans, and a subsidy on them.

Amending its Unified Directives 2081, the central bank issued a circular allowing the banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to restructure or reschedule loans of businesses, industries and other borrowers affected in course of the Gen Z movement and other unusual circumstances, by mid-January 2026.

However, the borrowers should request the respective BFIs for the rescheduling or restructuring of loans that fall into the criteria defined by the NRB. Loans that have been reclassified or restructured as per the newly set criteria shall be classified in the same category as they were as of mid-July 2025, and the same loan loss provisions must apply, read the directives.

As per the new directives, in the case of industries/businesses directly affected by the Gen Z movement, when providing loans for their rehabilitation and operation, BFIs must set the interest rate by adding a maximum of 0.5 percentage points to the base rate, until the business is operational.

For such loans, if the capital adequacy ratio exceeds 80:20, the loan must be classified under the ‘micro-monitoring’ category, but an exemption of one year is granted.

Same interest rate provisions will be applied to the loan, requested by the Gen Z movement-affected business establishment, to pay wages through the banking system. However, such loans can be disbursed for up to one year or until the business begins operation, whichever is shorter.

The interest rate on such loans will receive a 2 per cent interest subsidy from the government for up to six months. The BFIs should pass the subsidy onto the borrower. Applications for loans for the ‘payroll protection scheme’ should be submitted to the BFIs by mid-January next year.

Likewise, industries that employ at least 100 women, provide a minimum of 25 per cent value addition, and export at least 25 per cent of their total production may have their loan interest rate set by the authorised institution at the base rate plus a maximum of 1 percentage point.

The central bank has made significant revisions in vehicle loan provisions. For industries and businesses directly affected by the movement, loans for replacing commercial vehicles and transport vehicles damaged in the course of operations may have their loan-to-vehicle value ratio increased up to 80 per cent from the existing 60 per cent.

Meanwhile, facilities are also extended to the traders and businesses that experienced loss and damage due ty the natural disasters at the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani customs points – major cross-border trade points with China. As the floods in July swept away the bridge connecting Nepal and China at Rasuwagadhi, cross-border trade has since been affected. Likewise, transportation has long been affected due to multiple landslides along the Arniko Highway connecting Tatopani.

Affected businesses can request the reclassification and restructuring of their loans, said the NRB. This loan will have the same provisions applied to the movement-affected business.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 September 2025.   

Russian envoy pays farewell call to VP Yadav

Kathmandu, Sept. 26

Russian Ambassador to Nepal Aleksei Novikov said that the Embassy of Russia in Kathmandu had sent a note to the Russian government regarding the reopening of the sugar mill in Birgunj, Madhesh Province.

During a courtesy farewell meeting with the Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav on Friday afternoon, he assured that further efforts would be made after his return to Russia to pursue the matter.

VP Yadav hosted a courtesy farewell meeting for Novikov at his office in Lainchaur on Friday.

Novikov said on the occasion that discussions on financial transactions between the two countries have progressed, and preparations are underway for direct air connectivity between Nepal and Russia.

He also shared that positive steps are being taken to increase scholarship opportunities for Nepali students in Russia, the Vice-President’s Office informed in a statement.

Likewise, VP Yadav congratulated Ambassador Novikov on the successful completion of his tenure and expressed appreciation for his efforts in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

"I extend my heartfelt thanks to you for your contribution in further solidifying Nepal-Russia relations during your tenure," Vice President Yadav said.

Vice President Yadav also acknowledged Nepal's deep appreciation for Russia's long-term support in infrastructure and human resource development. He added that high-level exchanges of visits had also played a crucial role in fostering the bilateral friendship.

Nepal and Russia had established diplomatic relations in 1956. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 September 2025.   

US Ambassador calls on Minister Kharel

Kathmandu, Sept. 25

Ambassador of the United States of America to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson paid a courtesy call on Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, at his office at the Singha Durbar on Thursday.

The meeting involved a discussion on matters of mutual interest between Nepal and the USA, the Communication Ministry informed in a statement.

Minister Kharel said that, as per the mandate of the Gen Z movement, holding elections on 21 Falgun 2081 (5 March 2026), as well as the control of corruption and good governance, are the government's major priorities.

Ambassador Thompson congratulated Minister Kharel and informed that the USA is always in favour of Nepal's peace and progress.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 September 2025.