NRB seeks collective efforts to combat money-laundering

Kathmandu, Feb. 11

Governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Prof. Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel has emphasised that a 'shared commitment' across all financial and regulatory sectors is the only way to effectively combat money laundering and financial crime.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day international conference on anti-money laundering in Kathmandu on Wednesday, he underscored the pressing reality of Nepal’s inclusion on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘Grey List’, the NRB informed in a statement.

The conference, titled 'Contemporary Issues Pertaining to Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)', organised by the NRB’s Anti-Money Laundering Supervision Division brought together experts from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia to share insights with Nepali officials from various ministries and government investigative agencies.

Governor Dr. Poudel asserted that the fight against financial crime is no longer the sole responsibility of a single agency. Instead, he said that success requires active participation of the banking sector, insurance companies, capital markets, and cooperatives.

"While being on the 'Grey List' presents a significant challenge, it has also provided us with an important lesson to strengthen our internal mechanisms and integrate them with global standards," Poudel said. He also expressed confidence that the conference would prove fruitful in rectifying existing weaknesses and adopting modern international practices.

According to the NRB, technical sessions on the first day included the current status of Nepal’s AML/CFT regime following the 2023 mutual evaluation, complexities of trade and service-based money laundering and necessity of consolidated supervisory perspectives.

On Thursday, the conference will deliberate on Mongolia's success story on how the nation moved from 'increased monitoring' (the Grey List) to successfully delisting by Nomichulun Batsukh from Mongolia’s Financial Regulatory Unit.

Other sessions will cover the use of data analytics in supervision by the Reserve Bank of India and the judicial perspectives of anti-money laundering efforts.

Organisers expect the conference to be results-oriented, ultimately leading to the sub-national strengthening of legal and policy frameworks. By following the best practices of neighbouring nations, Nepal aims to enhance its institutional capacity and ensure its financial systems are transparent, robust, and beyond reproach, said the NRB.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2026.   

Nepal's social media platform, Global Diary, launched

Kathmandu, Feb. 11

Global Diary, a social media platform designed by Nepali professionals, was launched in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

The developers termed it a complete digital ecosystem designed to connect people, communities, businesses and government institutions in a single, verified environment. "The platform addresses major gaps in Nepal’s digital landscape, including fragmented social media, business listings, news, jobs, and event services," said CEO and Founder of the Global Diary Bhagwan Das Agrahari. 

The platform enables businesses to upgrade their digital presence to a website-level platform, reduce marketing costs, and communicate directly with customers, thereby supporting business growth and promotion.

"As it allows businesses to connect directly with consumers, marketing expenses are expected to drop significantly, and other operational costs may also decrease. As a result, both businesses and consumers are expected to benefit directly, according to the press release distributed at the event," said Agrahari.

According to him, the platform is not merely a social media network, an e-commerce portal or a job platform, but a comprehensive digital ecosystem. He stated that it helps citizens find verified service providers, read reviews, and make informed decisions based on their needs. It has options to create and manage pages for government agencies as well.

Agrahari also claimed that the platform’s advanced AI capabilities assist users in discovering relevant services, job recommendations and verified local businesses, while also preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring data privacy, making it a secure, trustworthy and multifunctional digital platform.

The company informed that around 350,000 users are now part of Global Diary. Members can create digital identities, discover verified services, find jobs and freelance opportunities, promote skills, and connect with local events - all in one platform.

Likewise, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) gain free digital presence, affordable promotion, direct customer reach, hiring support, brand building, and marketplace selling. Global Diary replaces the need for multiple platforms with a single solution, said Agrahari.

He also added that advanced AI ensures users discover relevant services, job recommendations, and authentic local businesses while reducing spam and fake activity. Data privacy is a top priority, user data is never sold.

Speaking at the programme, Dr. Binod Atreya, Managing Director and CEO of Banking Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN), noted that it integrates the features of multiple social media platforms to create opportunities and organise the public through trade and services.

Shekhar Aryal, Chairperson of Global Diary, said that the app has been developed as a national pride platform aimed at expanding Nepal’s international digital outreach. He emphasised that the platform will benefit consumers, business communities, media and government alike, and urged all stakeholders to join. He further stressed the need to make such initiatives successful to drive economic prosperity through digital technology.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2026.   

24th Whitewater Challenge from February 26

Kathmandu, Feb. 11

The Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) is set to organise the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge 2026 and the 50th International Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Festival from February 26.

The 24^th edition of the competition will be held in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) for three days till February 28.

Speaking at a press conference organised in Kathmandu on Wednesday, organisers announced that the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge will feature 30 international athletes and 140 national athletes.

Senior Director of the Nepal NTB, Hikmat Singh Ayer, said that the Board has long been associated with whitewater events and has addressed shortcomings from previous editions. He noted that this year’s event aims to establish river-based adventure sports as a strong component of Nepal’s tourism image.

“Not only Mount Everest and the Himalayas, but also river-based adventure activities such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing must be promoted in the international market. For this, it is equally important to prioritise the conservation of our rivers,” Ayer said.

Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of the NTB, Ram Prasad Sapkota, stated that hydropower projects and riverbed extraction are adversely affecting river-based adventure sports.

NARA President Kamal Bahadur Thakuri emphasised that the competitions are not merely competitions but also a celebration of Nepal’s 50-year history of river expeditions.

The festival will include three competitive disciplines—two in kayaking and one in rafting. On the first day, a race involving more than 100 kayakers will be held, the second day will feature knockout sessions, and the third day will host the rafting competition.

According to the organisers, the event is expected to attract 400–600 participants, including athletes, volunteers, judges and spectators. They also announced that the founders of Himalayan River Exploration, who pioneered commercial rafting in Nepal, will receive special honours.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2026.   

Redmi launches Note 15 in Nepal

Kathmandu, Feb. 11

Xiaomi has launched Redmi Note 15, in Nepal.

It features a 6,000mAh capacity battery that provides power for extended periods and offers a comfortable hand-feel. It includes 33W turbo charging and 18W reverse charging capabilities.

"The smart charging engine manages battery health and efficiency in real-time. Even after 2,000 charge cycles, the battery maintains over 80 per cent capacity, ensuring reliable use for more than 6 years," the company informed in a statement on Wednesday.

On a single charge, the phone can support two days of use, 24 hours of video playback, or 50 hours of calling.

Available in glacier blue, purple, forest green, and black colours, the device measures 164.03 mm by 75.42 mm by 7.94 mm with a weight of 183.7 grams.

The Redmi Note 15 offers up to 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, which can be expanded through a hybrid SIM slot. The phone runs on Xiaomi HyperOS and is powered by the 6nm MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra chipset.

The phone is available in 6GB and 12GB RAM and 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage variants.

The 6GB +128GB variant is priced at Rs. 29,999, while the 8GB+256GB variant costs Rs. 35,999.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2026.   

Experts call for innovative measures at Nepal-India border

Kathmandu, Feb. 10

Security experts from Nepal and India have stressed on implementing innovative approaches in border management.

Speaking at the Nepal-India Think Tank Forum on 'Regional Resilience: Strengthening Nepal-India Security Cooperation' organised by Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), they said that the two neighbours should have smarter border that would promote better cross-border engagement of people.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd.), Director General of the United Service Institution of India, oldest think tank of the Indian military, said that the world over, there are controls and restrictions and people have had to struggle for decades to try and introduce open borders.

"Here, we have inherited them. You only have to use technology in order to safeguard against threats that may emerge of movement from one side to the other. Why do you want to manage open borders? What you have today is something unique across the world," said Singh.

According to him, Nepal and India should look at border governance rather than management. They should enhance security cooperation and security governance.

He also said that anything that may negatively impact the free flow of trade should not be promoted.

Likewise, Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President of India Foundation, said that a joint management of border is a good proposition. But that can only come about if Nepal and India actually have better cooperation.

Dr. Gaurav Saini, co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, said the India–Nepal border is unique for its deep trade, cultural, and people-to-people ties, but its porous nature also creates shared security challenges. He highlighted human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and counterfeit currency as transnational threats affecting both countries, citing a January 2026 seizure of counterfeit Nepali currency by Bihar Police.

Binoj Basnyat, Political and Security Analyst, suggested that there be smarter borders, not harder borders.

To further strengthen the bilateral ties, he suggested to stabilise the Nepal-India relationship, practise the discipline of engaging, not symbolic balancing, and build institutions before ambitions.

While stressing the importance of elections in Nepal, Singh questioned whether they would ensure strategic stability, warning that without generational renewal and institutional reform, elections may only repeat existing cycles. He described the post-election period as a “strategic pause rather than a strategic solution” and called for an inclusive dialogue.

Similarly, Ambassador Pankaj Saran, Former National Security Advisor of India and Convenor at NatStrat, shared that he has been impressed by the interaction with Youths of Nepal and youth of both India and Nepal should engage to share the future of Nepal-India relations.

Anurag Acharya, Director PEI, discussed three major avenues including physical connectivity, trade and digital connectivity that have contributed to improved bilateral ties. He also discussed emerging avenues like tech integration, religious and cultural tourism and sports that could further contribute to business and economy on both sides.

Sumitra Karki, Director of NIICE, said that they had a strong conviction that the Government of India must continue to encourage Nepal studies in India, and the Government of Nepal must encourage India studies back home, and knowledge exchange and institutional support can only enhance mutual understanding between the two nations.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 February 2026.   

Nepal, Qatar reaffirm measures to enhance bilateral economic ties

Kathmandu, Feb. 10

Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal on Tuesday held talks with a visiting Qatari delegation led by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) Board Member Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, focusing on strengthening bilateral investment, trade, and economic cooperation between Nepal and Qatar.

The delegation also called on Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma.

The meetings, explored opportunities for expanding government-to-government and private sector-to-private sector collaboration, with particular emphasis on promoting Qatari investment in Nepal. The delegation is in Kathmandu at the invitation of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

During the discussions, Finance Minister Khanal stated that Nepal is undertaking legal and structural reforms to create a more investment-friendly environment, the FNCCI informed in a statement on Tuesday.

He underscored the government’s commitment to accelerating economic growth through foreign investment and technology transfer, highlighting Nepal’s readiness to work closely with the private sector.

Minister Khanal pointed to strong investment potential in sectors including energy, minerals, healthcare, education, tourism, agro-processing, and information technology, noting that Nepal offers promising returns for long-term investors.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Sharma reiterated Nepal’s priority to enhance policy reforms and diplomatic facilitation for foreign investors. He highlighted ample opportunities for Qatari investors in energy, tourism, infrastructure, and information technology, emphasising the government’s intention to create a supportive and predictable investment climate.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, and FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nepal–Qatar economic ties.

Expressing a positive outlook on Nepal’s investment environment, Obaidly said the Qatari business community is eager to expand direct cooperation and business exchanges between the private sectors of both countries.

Earlier the same day, the Qatari delegation also held discussions with Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwo Nath Paudel, focusing on Nepal’s legal framework for foreign investment, banking systems, and emerging investment opportunities.

During the meeting, Governor Paudel briefed the delegation on Nepal’s policy provisions for foreign investment, noting that the country is prioritising foreign capital inflows and continuously advancing policy and regulatory reforms to improve investor confidence. He highlighted Nepal’s efforts to strengthen financial stability, improve banking facilitation, and ensure transparency in investment processes.

In response, Obaidly expressed the Qatari private sector’s keen interest in investing in Nepal, stating that there is strong potential for cooperation in areas such as banking, tourism, information technology, and human resource development. He noted that Qatari investors would be more inclined to invest in Nepal if the country establishes a clear investment roadmap, supported by stable policies and a transparent legal framework.

The Qatari delegation further stated that investors from Qatar are prepared to make long-term investments in Nepal, provided the government ensures policy consistency, legal clarity, and banking facilitation, according to the FNCCI statement.

Similarly, Dhakal highlighted FNCCI's active role in facilitating foreign investment and promoting a private sector–led development model in Nepal. He emphasised the concrete prospects for attracting Qatari investment, particularly in energy, hydropower, tourism, hotels, agro-processing, and infrastructure.

Dhakal reaffirmed FNCCI’s commitment to easing investment processes through private sector–private sector cooperation, government–private sector dialogue, and institutional coordination mechanisms, inviting Qatari businesses to establish long-term strategic partnerships in Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 February 2026.  

WB approves $50m for digital public infra in Nepal

Kathmandu, Feb. 10

The World Bank has approved $50 million in financing to boost Nepal’s digital public infrastructure and digitise public services, fundamentally changing how services are delivered to the people.

Approved by the WB’s Board of Executive Directors on Tuesday, the Nepal Digital Transformation Project will invest in digital platforms including an integrated online citizen service portal and an integrated social registry; a secure government-wide data exchange; and a digital locker to manage verifiable credentials and digital wallet.

The WB informed in a statement that the project will also help digitise high-impact services including land administration with other services being added in a phased approach. The project aims to boost private sector investment in the data infrastructure market by improving legal and regulatory frameworks.

According to the WB, to promote trust in the digital economy, the project will invest in electronic signatures, cybersecurity, and data governance.

“By investing in core digital platforms and digitalising services, this project will help deliver enhanced services to people and businesses in an inclusive and transparent manner thereby improving service delivery, public sector efficiency, and good governance,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

 

The project will be financed under a joint co-financing arrangement between the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Full Mutual Reliance Framework.

 

The World Bank is the lead lender while the ADB will serve as the trail lender and contribute $40 million. ADB’s management is expected to present the project to their Board for consideration in March 2026.

 

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Department of National ID and Civil Registration. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 February 2026.