MoFA intensifies diplomatic efforts for Bipin Joshi’s release

Kathmandu, Jan. 14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali youth held captive by the Hamas group since October last year.

In October 2023, during an attack on Israeli territory, Hamas killed over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis and abducted several others, Bipin Joshi being one.

Following reports that Hamas may release some of its hostages, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has reached out to countries mediating a ceasefire with Hamas, requesting special efforts for Bipin's release, the MoFA informed in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry, FM Dr. Rana held a phone conversation with Qatar's State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Qatar's chief negotiator in peace talks with Hamas, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. During the conversation, mentioning the potential release of some hostages by Hamas, Dr. Rana sought and urged for Qatar's role in securing Bipin's release.

She highlighted Qatar's longstanding friendship with Nepal and commended its ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire with Hamas. She appealed to Qatar to prioritise efforts for Bipin's freedom as part of its peace initiatives, informed the MoFA.

The Ministry said that Minister Dr. Al-Khulaifi said that Qatar has been actively working towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He also said that discussions with Hamas have been progressing positively and that the release of several hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and those in poor health, is anticipated in the first phase.

Dr. Al-Khulaifi expressed his confidence that Bipin's release could be secured, if not in the initial phase, then in subsequent negotiations.

Earlier, FM Dr. Rana had also sought support of Egypt, another country involved in similar ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, in facilitating Bipin's release.

Last week, through the ambassadors of Qatar and Egypt in Nepal, Dr. Rana had formally requested both nations to prioritise efforts for Bipin's freedom. She had also appealed to the Israeli government via its ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, for the same.

According to Ambassador Bass, Israel has received reports that Hamas plans to release 34 hostages, primarily those who are vulnerable due to age, gender or health conditions.

Since then, the Nepal government has been actively pursuing diplomatic channels, including the United Nations, international and regional forums, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings, to advocate for Bipin’s release and seek support from the global community, read the statement.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana also talked to her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar to urge the Israeli government to advocate for Bipin's release through him.

During the conversation, FM Dr. Rana expressed gratitude towards the Israeli government for its stance regarding all captives, while making a special appeal for Bipin’s liberation from Hamas’ captivity.

As the MoFA informed, Minister Sa'ar updated Dr. Rana that the Israeli government is making every effort to ensure Bipin's safe release. He also conveyed his pleasure regarding Dr. Rana's earlier discussion with the Qatari foreign minister, whose role as a chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks with Hamas is considered significant.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 January 2025. 

NCC welcomes ordinance meant to improve economy, business environment

\Kathmandu, Jan. 14

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has hailed the ordinance recently introduced by the government to enhance the economic and business environment and boost investment as 'a positive and far-reaching measure'.

The ordinance which aimed at amending laws to improve public service delivery, foster a business-friendly climate, and attract investments, has been deemed crucial for the country's economic progress, the business body said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The ordinance focuses on public service reforms and the improvement of economic and business conditions while fostering investment. We believe this will bring significant improvements to the nation’s economic environment and attract more investments," read the statement.

According to the NCC, it had consistently called on the government to prioritise legal reforms for creating an investment-friendly atmosphere. President of the NCC, Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, appreciated the government’s commitment to economic recovery, and welcomed the provision in the ordinance allowing foreign investors to repatriate funds within seven days. “This sends a strong message about the country’s conducive investment environment,” he said.

The ordinance includes provisions enabling the information technology (IT) sector to open offices and invest abroad, which the NCC described as a significant milestone for IT industry growth.

Likewise, the ordinance amends 11 laws related to the improvement in economic and business environment, and 13 laws promoting good governance and public service delivery, which the NCC considered vital for sustainable economic development.

The NCC also welcomed the provision allowing loans to be secured with fixed assets or contracts, excluding land, as a measure to revitalise the economy and financial sector. In the context of surplus liquidity in the banking sector, these provisions are expected to ease credit access.

"Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have also been given priority, with amendments to the SEZ Act 2073. The requirement for industries within SEZs to export 75 per cent of their production has been removed, which the NCC regards as a progressive step," read the statement.

Expanding SEZ eligibility to the service sector and offering tax incentives to industries relocated to SEZs are measures expected to facilitate private sector involvement and enhance domestic production and market accessibility, it said.

Emphasising the ordinance’s importance in addressing economic stagnation, the NCC has urged the government to finalise it during the winter session of parliament.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 January 2025. 

Yoga Day marked at Skywalk

 Kathmandu, Jan. 14

The 10^th National Yoga Day was celebrated with various events at the Skywalk Tower, located in Kamaladi, Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The event, jointly organised by Skywalk, Ashtanga Yoga, Yogbhumi and the World Peace Meditation Center, included a yoga session at the tower's 256-foot-high Skywalk, along with discussions about yoga, as informed by Bishnu Hari Pandey, Managing Director of Skywalk.

According to Pandey, the event was organised to promote adventurous yoga practices, and various activities were conducted at the tower to mark the occasion of Yoga Day.

Around 150 participants from Ashtanga Yoga, Kirtipur Yoga Society, Tarkeshwar Yoga Center, Anamnagar Women’s Yoga Society and Yogbhumi took part in the event.

“We practiced yoga at Skyewalk on the 10^th National Yoga Day. We also plan to continue yoga sessions every week at Skywalk,” said Rohit Gyawali, CEO of Skywalk.

Yoga Guru Swami Kalyan of the World Peace Meditation Center expressed confidence that such events help in balancing the different dimensions of yoga, developing it as a way of life. He also noted that yoga practices should be understood as the ultimate tool for self-realisation.

During the yoga session on Tuesday, one hundred rounds of Sun Salutations were performed. The event, which ran from 6 AM to 9 AM, saw the participation of both men and women.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 January 2025. 

NICCI calls for swift implementation of Nepal-India IGC meeting agreements

Kathmandu, Jan. 14

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has urged for speedy implementation the agreements made by the India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade that was held in Kathmandu on January 10-11.

A meeting of the Inter-Governmental Sub-Committee (IGSC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade at the level of Joint Secretary had been held from 12-13 January 2024 in Kathmandu.

Nepali delegation was led by Commerce Secretary of Nepal Gobinda Bahadur Karkee while Indian team was led by Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal.

The IGC is a bilateral mechanism aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties, that did a comprehensive review of the whole gamut of bilateral trade and economic relationship, including mutual market access issues, IPR and duty related issues.

Welcoming the decision of the meeting, NICCI expressed hopes for renewed enthusiasm in trade and transit between the two countries. "As the IGC also discussed review of the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade, proposed amendments to existing agreements, the harmonization of standards and the synchronized development of trade infrastructure including the electrification of the Raxaul-Birgunj rail line, it is likely to ease and facilitate the trade," read a statement issued by the NICCI.

NICCI also welcomed Indian decision to supply 200,000 MT wheat as requested by Nepal.

"The Indian side agreed that as per prevailing regulations of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, maximum axle weight of 18.5 tonnes for two-axle vehicles and 28 tonnes for three-axle vehicles may also be applicable to Nepali vehicles with respect to the cargo-in-transit on Kakarbhitta (Nepal)-Banglabandha (Bangladesh) via Phulbari (India) route, which is a welcome step," read the statement of NICCI.

Likewise, in response to Nepali side’s requests, the Indian side informed that Sal Seeds and Chayote have been included in the Plant Quarantine Order of India. The request for Jatamasi - Root extract; Sugandhakokila berry extracts; Sugandhawal Rhizome extract and Timur berry extracts into the list of Processed Items (Plant Products) has also been accepted, which is also welcomed by India.

During the meeting, the Indian side expressed its concerns about the problems faced in milk exports to Nepal. The Nepali side agreed to consider the request of Indian side positively for milk products not adequately produced in Nepal such as whey and cheese.

"NICCI finds it positive that the meeting welcomed bilateral initiatives aimed at reinforcing the seamless cross-border connectivity between India and Nepal including through construction of new Integrated Check Posts and railway links. Both sides expressed a commitment to taking forward bilateral connectivity, reflecting the shared vision of prosperous bilateral trade," read the statement. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 January 2025. 

Glocal distributes Skill Hero Awards

 Kathmandu, Jan. 14

Glocal After School has awarded singer Sushant KC, entrepreneurs Ayushi KC and Samir Thapa, and innovator Sanu Kaji Shrestha with Skill Hero Awards.

It felictated the four veterans from different sectors at a programme organised to mark the conclusion Sill Week 2025, organised from 6-13 January, in Kathmandu on Monday evening.

Sushant KC who received the award from art and culture sector is is a Nepali singer and songwriter known for his soulful music and meaningful lyrics was awarded, according to the organiser. His songs often reflect personal experiences, love, heartbreak, and emotional connections. His ability to tell stories through music has endeared him to fans worldwide.

Likewise, Aayushi KC received the award for her contribution in social entrepreneurship. She is founder and CEO of Khaalisisi Management Pvt. Ltd. that connects waste sellers with a network of over 13,000 waste entrepreneurs, known as 'Khaalisisi Friends', facilitating efficient recycling and waste management in Nepal.

Samir Thapa, Founder and principal of Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management (SMSH) was awarded for his contributions in tourism and hospitality sector. He is regarded as a pioneer in bringing world-class hospitality services and education to Nepal. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by several firsts, including launching Nepal's first private hotel management school and introducing the country’s first international fast-food franchise, Wimpy.

Similarly, Sanu Kaji Shrestha was awarded for his achievements in science and technology sector. From a young age, he demonstrated a creative spirit, crafting practical inventions such as a flexible fan from bamboo strips to combat hot weather, said the organiser in a statement.  

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 January 2025. 

NRNA to organise Youth Conference in Bangkok

 Kathmandu, Jan. 12

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)'s International Coordination Council is organising the second International Youth Conference in Bangkok of Thailand on 15-16 March this year.

The conference is being organised to empower Nepali expatriate youth and link them to Nepal’s progress and development.

"The conference aims to establish strong partnerships between Nepali expatriate youth, PNOs, and local youth in Nepal. It will serve as a platform for sharing success stories, struggles, and learning experiences, inspiring a culture of innovation and empowerment among the youth," said the NRNA in a statement issued after a press meet it organised to inform about the event.

Roshan Thapa, Vice President for Youth Affairs, and Ram Sharan Simkhada, People of Nepali Origin (PNOs) Division In-Charge and Vice President are leading the preparations of the event.

"As hundreds of thousands of Nepali youths continue to migrate abroad annually, the country faces a dwindling active population. In this context, it has become imperative to connect expatriate youth and the second generation of NRNs with their homeland, fostering a sense of belonging," said Simkhada.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of World War II, millions of Nepali-origin individuals residing in countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, and Mauritius have sought to reconnect with Nepal’s prosperity and identity over generations. These individuals, proud of their Nepali heritage, identify as PNOs and are advocating for recognition and inclusion, according to the NRNA.

It informed that the conference will build robust ties between Nepali expatriate and local youth, and facilitate the creation of cooperative projects focusing on education, employment, and community development

It is also expected that it will support the establishment of a global network of empowered youths.

Meanwhile, following the youth conference, the 10^th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, titled 'Sangam', will be held on 18–19 March in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The conference is said to address critical issues such as the role of NRNs in nation-building, full implementation of non-resident citizenship, PNOs' demands, investment, tourism, and the contribution of Nepali experts abroad to Nepal’s progress.

Key topics of the conference include women’s empowerment, gender equality, dignified foreign employment, and social security. The event will also focus on strengthening collaboration between National Coordination Councils (NCCs) within the Asia-Pacific region through shared learning and experiences.

NRNA said that both events are expected to host over 300 delegates, including representatives from the Government of Nepal, officials from host nations, NRNA founders, former presidents, prominent activists, and delegates from NCCs across Asia-Pacific, Europe, America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 January 2025. 

Nabil Bank receives ISO certificate for data safety

Kathmandu, Jan. 12

Nabil Bank Limited has received the ISO 27001:2022 certification by Intercert, a globally recognized certification body.

This certification underscores Nabil Bank's dedication to safeguarding customer data and ensuring robust information security practices, the bank said in a statement on Sunday.
Intercert handed over the certificate to the bank officials at a programme organised at Nabil Bank's head office in Kathmandu on Sunday.

According to the bank, Intercert conducted a thorough audit of Nabil Bank’s information security management practices, systems, and controls before granting the certification.

"With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, Nabil Bank’s adherence to ISO 27001:2022 demonstrates its proactive approach to managing information security risks and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data," read the statement.

Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Gyanendra Prasad Dhungana, said, "Achieving the ISO certification reflects our dedication to implement robust security measures and continuously improving our information security management system."

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 January 2025.