Passport Department completes largest ever data migration

Kathmandu, July 13

The Department of Passports (DoP) has successfully completed the largest data migration in Nepal's history. Along with this, passport services have been launched through a new passport production and management system, the department announced on Monday.

The DoP informed in a statement that the passport-related details of approximately 10 million Nepali citizens have been securely transferred to the new system.

"Following the implementation and 'Go-Live' of such a massive information technology system, there is a possibility of certain technical challenges, system slowdowns, and minor delays in passport distribution during the initial days," said the Department.

To prepare for such potential situations, the it said that its technical team, staff, and experts from the system development company are kept on standby 24 hours a day to continuously monitor, test, and improve the system.

Furthermore, the DoP requested that during the initial phase of the new system, only service seekers who are in urgent need of a passport should apply. It added that this cooperation will help make the new system more stable and effective.

For the preparation of this migratoion, the DoP had suspended the passport services provided through district administration offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad for three days, from 8 to 10 July.

Passport services provided directly by the DoP were suspended for two days, on 9 and 10 July.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 July 2026.         

Bello Blush opens studio in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, July 12

Bello Blush Studio, one of Nepal's emerging premium beauty brands specializing in nail artistry, lash extensions, and beauty education, has opened its premium beauty studio in Kathmandu.

The opening of the Kathmandu studio follows the success of Bello Blush's two premium studios in Pokhara, located at Lakeside and New Road, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

It said that since its establishment, the company has earned the trust of thousands of clients by delivering premium nail artistry, luxury manicure and pedicure services, advanced lash extensions, meticulous nail care, and exceptional customer experiences while maintaining international hygiene and safety standards.

According to it, every service is delivered by highly trained professionals dedicated to providing world-class beauty experiences in a welcoming and relaxing environment.

Beyond its beauty studios, Bello Blush has established itself as a contributor to professional beauty education through Bello Blush Academy in Pokhara.

The academy provides practical, industry-focused training in nail technology, lash artistry, and professional beauty services, preparing aspiring beauty professionals for successful careers in Nepal's rapidly growing beauty industry.

"Building on this success, the company plans to establish Bello Blush Academy in Kathmandu in the near future, making professional beauty education more accessible while supporting employment generation, entrepreneurship, and skills development—particularly among women," read the statement.

What began as a modest entrepreneurial venture in 2021 has grown into one of Nepal's promising premium beauty brands.

Priya Gurung, Founder and Director of Bello Blush Studio and Academy, said, "Opening our first studio in Kathmandu is more than an expansion—it is a belief that Nepal deserves beauty services that meet international standards."

Passport Department completes largest ever data migration

Kathmandu, July 13

The Department of Passports (DoP) has successfully completed the largest data migration in Nepal's history. Along with this, passport services have been launched through a new passport production and management system, the department announced on Monday.

The DoP informed in a statement that the passport-related details of approximately 10 million Nepali citizens have been securely transferred to the new system.

"Following the implementation and 'Go-Live' of such a massive information technology system, there is a possibility of certain technical challenges, system slowdowns, and minor delays in passport distribution during the initial days," said the Department.

To prepare for such potential situations, the it said that its technical team, staff, and experts from the system development company are kept on standby 24 hours a day to continuously monitor, test, and improve the system.

Furthermore, the DoP requested that during the initial phase of the new system, only service seekers who are in urgent need of a passport should apply. It added that this cooperation will help make the new system more stable and effective.

For the preparation of this migratoion, the DoP had suspended the passport services provided through district administration offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad for three days, from 8 to 10 July.

Passport services provided directly by the DoP were suspended for two days, on 9 and 10 July.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 14 July 2026.         

Nabil Bank to integrate AI in its operations

Kathmandu, July 12

Nabil Bank Limited has completed 42 years of operation and announced plans to expand its focus on digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its long-term strategy.

Speaking on the bank's anniversary, Chairman Nirvana Kumar Chaudhary said trust had remained the foundation of the institution since its establishment in 1984 and would continue to guide its future direction.

"Nepal's economy, industries and customer expectations had changed significantly over the past four decades and that the bank had sought to adapt to these changes through innovation and new financial services," he said.

Chaudhary said the bank had introduced a number of firsts in Nepal's banking sector, including digital banking services through nBank and the establishment of an investment banking platform. The bank now offers services spanning commercial banking, investment banking, stock brokerage, merchant banking, capital markets and digital banking.

According to Chaudhary, the bank is entering what he described as the 'era of artificial intelligence', with plans to integrate AI into its banking operations. The bank is planning to use AI to improve decision-making, lending processes, risk management, customer services and financial inclusion.

CEO of the bank Manoj Kumar Gyawali said the bank's growth had been supported by the trust of more than 2.6 million customers and the efforts of its workforce of 2,469 employees.

Nabil Bank currently operates through a network of 264 branches and 315 automated teller machines across the country.

The bank said it had extended credit to several sectors considered important for economic growth. Lending to the agriculture sector stands at Rs. 53.31 billion, followed by Rs. 51.06 billion to the energy sector, Rs. 45.92 billion to micro, small and medium enterprises, and Rs. 11.10 billion to the tourism sector.

Financial data released by the bank showed that its net worth had increased from Rs 28 million in the fiscal year 1984/85 to Rs 70.83 billion by the third quarter of the current fiscal year 2025/26. Net profit rose from Rs 1 million to Rs 6.76 billion over the same period.

The bank's total deposits have reached Rs. 588.85 billion, while total lending stands at Rs. 464.10 billion. Total assets amount to Rs. 718.42 billion.

To mark its 42nd anniversary, the bank has announced a 42-day programme featuring promotional offers and community initiatives, including concessional home loans for residents affected by road expansion projects in Hetauda and Birgunj, discounts on selected banking services and fee waivers on certain card products. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 July 2026.         

Quest Pharmaceuticals completes 25 years in medicine manufacturing

 Kathmandu, July 11

The government should reconsider continuing subsidies and protection for state-run industries and instead create an environment where private companies can compete freely, said President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Anjan Shrestha.

Speaking at an event organised to mark the 25th anniversary of Quest Pharmaceuticals, Shrestha said private companies were capable of supplying medicines and other products at lower costs than government-owned companies operating with subsidies.

“Let the private sector compete among itself. The private sector can provide products, including medicines, at a lower cost compared to the cost of government production and subsidies,” he said.

Shrestha argued that protected industries had remained financially weak for decades despite continued government support. “Why waste taxpayers’ money? The government should rethink this approach,” he added.

He also said excessive regulation of private businesses had created difficulties for investors. According to him, a delegation of the private sector recently told Prime Minister Balendra Shah that regulatory hurdles had discouraged investment.

“Prime Minister Shah has assured us that there will be regular interaction with the business community through a permanent mechanism, including with major umbrella organisations,” Shrestha said.

Quest Pharmaceuticals has completed 25 years in medicine manufacturing and is preparing to establish an exclusive innovation centre that will work in developing new products.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration organised on Friday evening in Kathmandu, Executive Director of the company Umesh Lal Shrestha maintained that research and innovation had become the company’s major priorities. The centre is under-construction in Bhaktapur and will contribute to substituting imports of high-end medicines.

He also stressed the need for clear government policies to promote industries, adjust medicine prices and encourage research.

Speaking at the programme, lawmaker Ganesh Parajuli said the fact that Nepali pharmaceutical products had secured around 50 per cent of the domestic market was encouraging.

He said the government should promote and facilitate domestic medicine manufacturers, noting that medicine prices had not increased for the past 11 years despite rising production costs.

“The government will always stand with investors and entrepreneurs. It has given priority to research and innovation,” Parajuli said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 July 2026.         

96 Shiva Shikhar depositors get their money back

Kathmandu, July 11

The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee (PCMC) has returned the savings of small depositors of Shiva Shikhar Multi-Purpose Cooperative Limited.

It informed on Saturday that additional 96 depositors received their deposits back. With this, 1,213 depositors of the troubled cooperative received their savings back.

According to the PCMC, in the first phase, savings of small depositors are being returned while the other depositors will also get their money gradually on the basis of the size of their deposits.

The government said that the returned money is collected from the repayment of the loans mobilised by the cooperative.

"The process of refunding deposits to the savers of the respective troubled cooperative institutions from the amounts recovered through loan repayments and the management of assets is being carried out continuously in accordance with the prevailing legal provisions," read the statement from the PCMC.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 July 2026.         

Nepal promotes tourism, trade in Mexico

Kathmandu, July 11

The Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., which is concurrently accredited to Mexico, has organised a diplomatic and economic promotion mission in Mexico.

The mission, led by Acting Ambassador of Nepal Sharad Raj Aran, was held from 3 to 6 July and brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, tourism professionals, academics and civil society representatives to discuss opportunities for cooperation between Nepal and Mexico.

The programme themed 'Connect Nepal – Via Tourism and Investment' began in Cancún on July 3 with an investment and tourism forum attended by around 40 business leaders, tourism executives, government officials and local representatives.

Addressing the forum, Aran presented investment opportunities in Nepal in sectors including tourism, hospitality, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, information technology and sustainable development. He also called for increased tourism exchanges between the two countries and discussed the potential for cooperation between Cancún and Nepal's tourism sector.

Participants at the event expressed interest in expanding business and tourism links with Nepal, said the Embassy of Nepal in a statement.

Likewise, a second programme was held in Mexico City on July 6, attracting around 150 participants, including business executives, entrepreneurs, representatives of business associations, diplomats and members of Mexico's mountaineering community.

During the event, plans were announced to establish a sister-city agreement between Heroica Zitácuaro in Mexico's Michoacán state and Dhankuta in eastern Nepal.

According to the organisers, the proposed partnership aims to promote cooperation in tourism, culture, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, youth exchange and local economic development. The agreement is also expected to facilitate exchanges between local governments, business delegations and cultural groups.

On the sidelines of the visit, Ambassador Aran held meetings with officials from Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation through trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchanges.

The embassy said the initiative reflects Nepal's efforts to strengthen engagement with Latin America and expand economic and diplomatic relations with Mexico.

Indra Prasad Kattel, Director of International Relations at the Gandhi Mandela Foundation, coordinated with the mission and facilitating cooperation between the embassy and public and private sector stakeholders. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 July 2026.