MoFA launches e-attestation system

Kathmandu, Aug. 6

The Department of Consular Services (DoCS) has launched Nepal e-Attestation System (NEATS) to make consular attestation services technology-enabled.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal launched the new system at a programme organised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. However, the new online system will be operational from August 17 (Bhadra 1).

Through the new system, service users will be able to submit online applications for consular attestation, track the status of their applications, pay government fees and book appointments for document attestation from anywhere in the world.

Speaking on the occasion, FM Khanal said the digital system had been introduced in line with the government's commitment to making services delivered by the Ministry and its subordinate agencies more accessible, simpler, transparent and efficient.

"I am extremely pleased that the very first decision I took after assuming responsibility for the MoFA has now become a reality. I am confident that this initiative will make a significant contribution towards establishing the Ministry as a model for public service delivery," he said.

Under the new system, applicants will be able to submit applications online from anywhere in the world, monitor their application status, and, once approval has been granted, pay the required fees online before selecting a convenient date and time to visit the Department.

As the document processing and fee payment can be done online, applicants now only need to visit the department after their application has been approved. It will eliminate the need to queue for long hours or make repeated visits because of minor errors or missing documents.

Minister Khanal said that 112,593 students obtained No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign study during the fiscal year 2023/24, while around 400,000 Nepalis receive labour approvals each year for foreign employment. "These figures demonstrate the rapidly growing demand for consular services," he said.

According to him, the need and importance of consular attestation have grown even further because authenticated documents are essential for Nepalis living abroad, including for family reunification, emergency evacuation, and compensation or insurance claims for families of injured or deceased Nepali nationals.

He also announced that, in the next phase, the Ministry aims to collaborate with the Department of Postal Services to deliver authenticated documents directly to applicants' homes. He further stated that preparations are under way to establish interoperability with government agencies and local authorities responsible for issuing public documents, with the aim of making the authentication process even simpler, faster and more efficient.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General of the DoCS, Durapada Sapkota, said that until now, applicants travelling from remote districts were often forced to return to their local authorities or other government offices even if minor errors or incomplete documentation were identified.

"The NEATS is being launched as a solution to it. It will significantly reduce the time, cost and inconvenience involved for the applicants. It will reduce the work load of the staff at the DoCS as well," she said.

The DoCS has not only developed the online system but has also prepared standardised formats for the language and presentation of public documents issued by government agencies, which have been circulated to the relevant institutions.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 7 August 2026. 

Xiaomi launches Watch S5 in Nepal

Kathmandu, Aug. 6

Xiaomi has launched the new Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm with intelligent sports features in the Nepali market.

The new smartwatch comes with a 1.48-inch Amoled display, offering 480 by 480 resolution, 323 PPI, and up to 2,500 nits peak brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.

Its stainless steel frame, premium bezel and strap options, and lightweight 46g design make it both stylish and comfortable for everyday wear, the company informed in a statement on Wednesday.

The new gadget is powered by an 815mAh battery, delivering up to 21 days of battery life on a single charge under typical usage. It also features upgraded sensors and algorithms for more accurate monitoring of heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO₂), sleep, and other key health metrics.

“Designed for fitness enthusiasts, the smartwatch supports more than 150 sports modes, features an upgraded dual-band, five-system GNSS for enhanced positioning accuracy, and offers a real-time cycling dashboard when connected to a smartphone,” said the company.

The Watch S5 46mm also features Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5ATM water resistance, and a premium build. It is priced at Rs. 39,999.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 7 August 2026. 

NAS-IT to organise Tech Roadshow in Europe

Kathmandu, Aug. 5

The Nepal Association for Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT) is set to organise the Nepal Tech Roadshow Europe 2026 (in the UK and Switzerland) from September 6 to 21.

The roadshow aims to connect Nepali information technology (IT) companies with European businesses, startups, investors, innovation hubs, and the Diaspora technology community. “We want to create new opportunities for business partnerships, technology exports, and foreign investment,” NAS-IT said in a statement on Wednesday.

The event is being organised with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Nepal in Business-Growth Advisors (supported by the UK International Development and implemented by DAI Global UK).

The Association had organised similar shows in Australia in 2025 and the United States in 2026.

According to Gaurav Pandey, President of NAS-IT, the roadshow will play a significant role in connecting Nepal's IT industry directly with the European market.

"Nepali IT companies have already demonstrated their capabilities in international markets. Our next priority is to strengthen direct collaboration with European businesses, investors, and the technology community,” he said.

He also said that this roadshow will create opportunities for Nepali companies to access new markets, build strategic partnerships, and establish long-term business relationships. "It will also help position Nepal as a trusted global technology partner," he said.

The first phase of the roadshow will take place in the United Kingdom from September 6-12, with the flagship event scheduled for September 9 in London Heathrow. The programME will feature presentations and discussions on Nepal's growing IT industry, the capabilities of Nepali technology companies, international success stories, and opportunities for business collaboration. More than 17 NAS-IT member companies will showcase their services, innovative solutions, and technical expertise to an international audience.

Likewise, the second phase of the roadshow will take place in Switzerland from September 13–21, with the flagship event scheduled for September 16 in Zurich. During this period, participating companies will engage in business meetings, networking sessions, and discussions with European businesses, startups, innovation hubs, potential partners, and other stakeholders. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 6 August 2026. 

NICCI, EEC host AI for Decision Makers

Kathmandu, Aug. 1

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) and the European Economic Chamber (EEC Nepal), along with Bosch hosted 'AI for Decision Makers – An Executive Workshop for Leaders' on Friday.

“In today’s landscape, access to advanced AI technology is democratised, the differentiator now is strategic execution and leadership," said Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of the Bosch Group in India and Managing Director, Bosch Limited.

According to him, real transformation occurs when organisations look beyond simple automation and combine AI with proprietary domain expertise, human judgment, and deep customer trust. The decisions regional leaders make today in building organizational capabilities will ultimately determine their competitiveness for years to come.

Veronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, and Udo Eugen Volz, Ambassador of Germany to Nepal attended the event supporting the promotion digital innovation, technology partnerships, and capacity building in Nepal's private sector.

On the occasion, a publication titled from 'Hype to Strategy - AI for Decision Makers,' prepared by Bosch, was also officially launched, the NICCI informed in a statement.

“AI is no longer a future concept; it is a business imperative. The goal of this workshop was to help leaders understand how to adopt AI responsibly and turn it into measurable value for their organizations.” said Sandeep Kamat, Country Head for Bosch in Nepal.

Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha, Member of the National Planning Commission, discussed the evolution of AI, its potential contributions to national development, how Nepal should adopt and integrate AI into its development agenda, and the initiatives the government has already undertaken to incorporate AI into its policies and strategic plans.

The sessions covered enterprise AI trends, high-impact AI opportunities, AI investments, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI governance, and actionable adoption roadmaps. Through interactive strategy exercises, senior executives from diverse sectors gained hands-on insights to seamlessly integrate AI into their long-term business planning.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 August 2026. 

E-commerce platform Chynabazar to come into operation

Kathmandu, July 26

A new e-commerce platform, Chynabazar, is set to launch with the aim of providing Nepali consumers with quality products at fair and transparent prices by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries and additional mark-ups between manufacturers and customers.

The online marketplace will go live on Wednesday, July 29 and will operate independently of third-party sellers or import agents. It will operate under the domain name Chynabazar.com.

Imported goods in Nepal have traditionally reached consumers through multiple layers of the supply chain, including importers, wholesalers and distributors. This process has often led to higher prices and uncertainty in supply. Chynabazar has been established to bridge this gap, according to the company's CEO, Stuti Shrestha.

In a statement, the company said it will select products directly from manufacturers in China, purchase them outright, transport them to Nepal through its own logistics network, store them in its own warehouses and deliver them to customers using its own distribution system.

The company claims that managing the entire process, from sourcing and importing to warehousing and distribution, under a single system will help reduce delivery times, control costs and ensure transparent and competitive pricing. It also believes this model will enable it to provide reliable service even during fluctuations in the supply chain.

The company will initially offer electronic goods, fashion products, lifestyle items, and health and beauty products. The company said it plans to gradually expand its product range in the coming months.

Customers will be able to make digital payments through eSewa and Khalti. The company added that its own warehousing and distribution network will enable it to maintain adequate inventory levels while providing fast and reliable delivery services.

"Nepal's digital economy continues to expand, while trade relations with China are becoming increasingly stronger. Chynabazar aims to grow alongside both of these trends. We plan to diversify our product offerings and gradually expand our distribution network across the country," said Shrestha.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 July 2026.         

Realme launches new wireless earbuds and smartwatch in Nepal

Kathmandu, July 25

Realme has four new products, including wireless earbuds and a smartwatch, for the Nepali market.

According to the company, the new line-up includes the Realme Buds T100, Realme Buds T200, Realme Buds T500 Pro, and Realme Watch W5.

The company informed in a statement that the Realme Buds T100 feature a 10 mm dynamic bass driver, Bluetooth 5.3, AI noise cancellation for clearer voice calls, water resistance, and USB Type-C charging. The company claims the earbuds offer up to 28 hours of playback with the charging case. They are priced at Rs 2,499.

Similarly, the Realme Buds T200 come with a 12.4 mm dynamic bass driver, Hi-Res Audio support, Bluetooth 5.4, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), touch controls, and water resistance. The earbuds provide up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and are priced at Rs 4,499.

The Realme Buds T500 Pro feature a 12.4 mm titanium-plated dynamic driver, Bluetooth 5.4, Active Noise Cancellation, and up to 13.5 hours of playback, according to the company. They also include AI Live Translator and Face-to-Face Translator features. The earbuds are priced at Rs 7,499.

Likewise, the Realme Watch W5 comes with a 1.97-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, health monitoring features, smart connectivity, and a battery that lasts up to 14 days under normal usage. According to the company, the smartwatch is compatible with devices running iOS 11 and Android 9.0 or later. It is priced at Rs 10,999.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 July 2026.         

NAS-IT Expo to be held in November

Kathmandu, July 22

The Nepal Association for Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT) has announced that NAS-IT Expo 2026 will be held on 21–22 November at Heritage Garden, Sanepa, Lalitpur.

The two-day event will bring together technology companies, businesses, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, students and other stakeholders to discuss innovation, business opportunities and collaboration in Nepal's technology sector.

According to NAS-IT, the expo will provide a platform for technology companies to showcase products and services, connect with businesses and explore partnerships aimed at supporting the country's digital economy.

The 2025 edition of the expo had attracted more than 2,500 visitors and featured over 30 technology companies. Participants included representatives from the government, diplomatic missions, the private sector, investors, start-ups, educational institutions and the technology community. The event also facilitated business networking, product demonstrations and partnership discussions.

"This year's edition would continue to promote the use of locally developed information technology solutions across industries while encouraging collaboration between technology providers and businesses," the NAS-IT said in a statement on Wednesday.

The exhibition will feature displays by established IT companies and start-ups, demonstrations of technology products and business solutions, networking sessions, and discussions on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and innovation.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 23 July 2026.         

Study points to the need to address communication risks during elections

 Kathmandu, July 19

A recent study by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) has concluded that legal and institutional reforms are needed to address the growing risks associated with the use of digital platforms in elections, as political campaigning and voter engagement increasingly move online.

It recommended establishing a digital election monitoring mechanism to oversee online campaigning and regulate the misuse of digital platforms during elections.

The report, 'Use and Impact of Digital Spaces in Nepal's Election 2026', analysed the use of digital technologies during the House of Representatives election held in March 5 this year. It found that while digital platforms expanded access to information and public participation, they also introduced challenges including AI-generated misleading content, concerns over voter data privacy, micro-targeted political advertising, online gender-based violence, limited transparency in digital campaigning and weak accountability by social media platforms.

The report recommends that the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) conduct a comprehensive review of the use and misuse of digital platforms during the 2026 parliamentary election and publish guidance on the digital code of conduct required for future polls.

It also calls on the ECN to develop a dedicated Digital Election Integrity Framework and issue clear guidelines on digital campaigning and the use of artificial intelligence in elections.

Likewise, for the government, the report recommends enacting dedicated personal data protection legislation and updating laws governing digital election campaigns, artificial intelligence, political advertising and platform accountability. It also calls for an inter-agency coordination mechanism to manage digital election risks and nationwide programmes on digital, media and electoral literacy.

The government should introduce legal measures against technology-facilitated gender-based violence and ensure that election security and digital monitoring remain under civilian oversight.   

Similarly, the report recommends that digital platforms improve transparency in political advertising, establish local contact points in Nepal, and strengthen their ability to detect coordinated disinformation campaigns and AI-generated or manipulated content in Nepali written in both Devanagari and Roman scripts. According to the report, they should provide qualified researchers and accredited election observers with access to relevant platform data while protecting user privacy.

It also urges political parties and candidates to commit to ethical digital campaigning by avoiding misinformation, hate speech, AI-generated deceptive content, voter manipulation and coordinated online harassment. The report further recommends disclosure of digital campaign expenditure and advertising, along with training on election law and digital conduct for campaign workers.

Civil society organisations and fact-checking groups are suggested to continue independent monitoring of online election campaigns, and expand fact-checking and digital literacy initiatives. Institutionalising monitoring standards and advocating for digital governance that protects freedom of expression and press freedom are also the concerns.

The DRN informed that the study examined laws and policies governing digital election activities, the use of social media and artificial intelligence, voter data management, information integrity and platform accountability. The findings were based on interviews with stakeholders, discussions with experts and focus groups, reviews of laws and policies, and monitoring of digital platforms throughout the election period.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 July 2026.         

Know Your Battery

 

A rapid growth in the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), also known as New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Nepal, made headlines even in international media like the New York Times. That might partly be due to the Western concerns about Nepal being a market for Chinese EVs. But it is a fact that Nepal has recently been a global leader in EV adoption, with above 70 per cent of new passenger cars being electric. It can be a matter of pride for some Nepalis that their country has beaten the markets like the USA, UK and Germany in EV adoption. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, EVs' annual market share was just 8 per cent in 2019.

The cost and fuel efficiency of EVs and the rapidly growing charging network have made the product favourable to Nepalis. Growing production of hydroelectricity and rapidly expanding solar energy projects, the government's policy to promote EVs with lower customs duty, and excise duty against that of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) automobiles are also the reasons.  

However, all is not well with the government's policy to promote EVs. Especially in the passenger vehicle segment, it will do more harm than good in the long run. EVs are particularly favourites of the middleclass people. A typical middle-class professional uses his/her EV just to go to and return from the office, and occasionally, for a family trip to a nearby hill station. They mostly drive alone and a growing number of such car owners have contributed to traffic congestion, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, where the roads are narrow, and the number of vehicles and pedestrians is ever-growing. It has also created parking challenges for both the offices and the government. That typical professional reaches home in the evening and plugs in the car for charging at the peak hour when people need electricity to cook, watch TV or use computers for study and meetings. 

The car owners are forgetting that the battery in their car has a fixed lifespan. The battery is the largest, most important and most expensive part of the EV and comes with an 8-12-year or up to 300,000 km warranty. But the typical EV owner drives less than 1,000 km in a month and about 100,000 km in eight years. If they miss the optimum use of the battery and its life is compromised, they will not be compensated. 

If one is to believe industry insiders like Suhrid Ghimire, President of Continental Trading Enterprise, which sells Kia and Isuzu cars and other vehicles, the EV promotion policy in Nepal is standing its head down and legs up. Contrary to the typical car owner, EV pick-ups, micro-buses and micro-trucks run for more than 12 hours, with many of them running for about 15 hours a day. They reach home late in the evening and plug in for charging when the peak hour of electricity is over. The utility vehicles and micro-buses make the optimum use of battery as well as the electricity that would otherwise go to waste. The government should provide more subsidies and facilities to this segment of EV owners compared to those of passenger cars. 

If the country had to reduce the petroleum imports, which have been almost on par with the total exports of Nepal, or substitute with electricity, NEVs should get a favourable policy, but priority should be accorded to the utility and passenger vehicles and financial incentives should be offered in their purchase and operation. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 July 2026.         

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.         

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.         

Kratikal's IPO oversubscribed

Kathmandu, July 10

Kratikal Tech Limited, the India-based AI-powered cybersecurity company co-founded by Nepali entrepreneur Dip Jung Thapa, has achieved a landmark milestone with an impressive 205.08 times on the stock market.  

"Its Initial Public Offering (IPO) was oversubscribed by an impressive 205.08 times on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), marking what is believed to be the first listing of a venture founded by a Nepali entrepreneur on the Indian stock market," the company informed in a statement.

The IPO opened for subscription on June 30, 2026, and closed on July 2, 2026, receiving overwhelming investor confidence.

According to the company, founded in 2013 in Noida by three college friends — Dip Jung Thapa, Pavan Kumar, and Paratosh Kumar — Kratikal Tech Limited has grown into a trusted provider of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

Thapa, a native of Khotang, Nepal, serves as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer. A B.Tech graduate from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), he previously worked as a Product Manager at Paytm.

“Seeing our vision validated by such massive investor enthusiasm is deeply humbling. This IPO is not the destination, but the launchpad. With fresh capital, we are now geared to accelerate our global expansion, strengthen our innovative platforms, and create even greater impact in cybersecurity across borders,” Thapa said.

The spark for Kratikal Tech Limited came in 2013 when one of the co-founders had his email hacked. That personal incident highlighted a widespread need and inspired the trio to build practical, enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions.

Today, the company offers an AI-driven, SaaS-based security platform along with expert consulting and regulatory compliance services. Its solutions serve clients across key sectors including BFSI, fintech, telecom, IT/ITES, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and manufacturing in India and international markets.

Having raised funding from four angel investors since 2017, Kratikal Tech Limited is currently valued at approximately Rs. 3.23 billion. "Proceeds from the IPO will fuel aggressive global expansion plans, including entry into the United States and the Middle East," read the statement. The company has also partnered with GAP Technologies in Nepal to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities in its founders’ homeland.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 11 July 2026.        

Tele Talk launches two Poco phones in Nepal

 Kathmandu, June 5

TeleTalk has launched two new Poco smartphones, the M8s 5G and the M8 Pro 5G, in the Nepali market.

The Poco M8s 5G is equipped with a 7,000mAh battery, supporting 33W fast charging and 18W reverse charging. It features a 6.9-inch FHD+ display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. The device includes a 50MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera and is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor with an octa-core CPU and Adreno GPU. It also carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance.

Likewise, the Poco M8 Pro 5G comes with a 6.83-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display offering 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3,200 nits.

The handset is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor built on a 4nm process, with octa-core speeds of up to 2.7GHz. It features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 32MP front camera. The device houses a 6,500mAh battery with support for 100W HyperCharge and 22.5W reverse charging. It has an IP69K rating for dust and water resistance.

The Poco M8s 5G is available in black and white. The 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant is priced at Rs. 37,999, while the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage model costs Rs. 44,999.

The Poco M8 Pro 5G, available in black, green and silver with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, is priced at Rs. 56,999. Both models are sold with a one-year brand warranty and an EMI facility of up to nine months through TeleTalk showrooms, retail outlets and Daraz, the company informed in a statement. 

Published on 6 July 2026.       

InDrive launches safe driving course

Kathmandu, July 1

Mobility and delivery platform inDrive has launched an online safe driving course in Nepal to provide driver partners with training on road safety, passenger interaction and emergency response.

The company informed in a statement that the mobile-friendly course, which takes around 20 minutes to complete, is already available on the platform. While many drivers have completed the training, the company plans to extend the programme to more than 100,000 inDrive drivers across Nepal.

The training programme consists of three modules covering on-platform safety and professional boundaries, road safety for ride-hailing services, and emergency response procedures.

The first module focuses on maintaining professional and respectful interactions with passengers and setting appropriate boundaries during rides. The second provides practical guidance on defensive driving, situational awareness and safe driving practices in traffic and unfamiliar environments. The third explains how drivers should respond during emergencies, including the use of the in-app SOS feature and incident reporting procedures.

According to the company, each module includes a five-minute instructional video followed by five multiple-choice questions. Drivers are required to score at least 80 per cent across all modules to receive a course completion certificate. Those who do not achieve the required score can retake the quizzes without any limit.

“The training programme is intended to improve drivers' understanding of road safety, strengthen risk management skills and help them respond more effectively to challenging situations while providing ride-hailing services,” read the statement.

Sunita Jeemi Rai, Senior Driver Operations Specialist at inDrive Nepal, said the course was designed to help drivers become better prepared for situations they may encounter on the road and to provide practical guidance that could improve safety for both drivers and passengers.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 2 July 2026.     

AI training for educators

Kathmandu, June 19

The Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) and the Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools Association Nepal (HISAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement digital transformation initiatives in the education sector.

The two organisations will jointly conduct a nationwide ‘AI for Educators’ workshop series across all seven provinces, the CAN Federation informed in a statement on Friday.

The programme aims to bridge gaps between educational governance and local technology development, focusing on strengthening teachers’ capacity in artificial intelligence (AI), digital safety, and emerging technologies.

According to the agreement, the initiative prioritises three areas - nationwide teacher capacity building through hands-on AI training, strengthening ICT infrastructure including secure communication systems, data automation frameworks and cloud ecosystem assessment in HISAN member institutions, and curriculum standardisation incorporating prompt engineering, AI-based content development, digital safety and academic integrity.

CAN Federation will mobilise its provincial and district chapters for implementation, while HISAN will coordinate among member colleges and manage training centres, including physical infrastructure, computer labs and internet facilities, read the statement.

The concept and architecture of the ‘AI for Educators’ framework have been developed by Chiranjibi Adhikari, Acting President of CAN Federation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Adhikari said digital transformation begins in classrooms through teacher training in modern skills such as AI, data science and digital security.

Yuvaraj Sharma, HISAN president, said the partnership would help build a digital ecosystem to enable students and teachers to compete in global markets.

The MoU was signed by Adhikari and Sharma in the presence of officials, including CAN Federation General Secretary Chandra Bilas Bhurtel and HISAN representatives.

Both organisations stated that implementation will begin in the upcoming phase with provincial coordination and gradual expansion of training activities across member institutions nationwide in Nepal under an agreed framework of collaboration as per the joint agreement plan.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 June 2026.   

Xiaomi launches 9.7" pad in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 27

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Pad-2 9.7-inch in the Nepali market.

The tablet comes with an octa-core processor and a 9.7-inch 2K display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is available in graphite gray and silver colour options and features a metal body design.

The device is equipped with a 7,600mAh battery with 18W charging support. It has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. It also includes stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The Redmi Pad 2 9.7-inch runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and supports integration with other Xiaomi devices. It weighs 406 grams.

The tablet includes face unlock for device access. The 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant is priced at Rs. 25,999 in Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 28 May 2026.  

DoCS launches 'MoFA Mitra'

Kathmandu, May 26

The Department of Consular Services (DoCS), an agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officially launched MoFA Mitra mobile application to facilitate registering consular-related concerns and grievances.

The application enables Nepali citizens abroad and their families to register their consular related concerns and grievances online, and receive timely updates on their requests.

It will also help them to track the status of their requests and communicate directly with the Nepali missions concerned for the effective resolution of their issues, the MoFA informed in a statement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal launched the app at a programme organised at the DoCS on Tuesday. The app is available on Android and iOS platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, FM Khanal said that consular assistance has become more important than ever, as millions of Nepalis are living outside the country and the trend of going abroad continues to rise.

He also highlighted the importance of leveraging digital technology to make consular services more accessible and effective.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 May 2026.  

Adhikari steps up as acting president of CAN Federation

Kathmandu, May 24

Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) Chiranjibi Adhikari has officially stepped up as the acting president to serve out the remainder of the executive term.

Following the resignation of Sunaina Ghimire Pandey, who made history as the first female president of the federation, from her post citing personal reasons, Adhikari has assumed the leadership of the umbrella body of Nepal’s information and communication technology sector.

Adhikari is a cybersecurity expert and is in the field for more than two decades. He was elected unanimously as the Senior VP of the CAN Federation. He has made contributions in corporate leadership, domestic policy advocacy, grassroots public education, and higher academia.

He is a founder president of npCert, an information security response team in Nepal, founder president of Centre for Cybersecurity Research and Innovation, CEO of Once Cover Pvt. Ltd., associate director of TechPaaila Innovation, and Cybersecurity Advisor for the IT Committee of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

Likewise, Adhikari has personally conducted more than 500 cybersecurity awareness programmes across Nepal. These strategic campaigns have educated community schools, rural government agencies, and corporate businesses on digital hygiene and secure network practices.

He said that during his leadership, the CAN Federation will push for national policy prioritization to secure locally produced software through 'Nepal made software campaign', and advocate for dedicated tax incentives, land allocations and building premises within technology hubs like the IT park for local tech startups.

Similarly, he aims to drive the implementation of updated software procurement guidelines and fostering new avenues for software product financing.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 25 May 2026.  

CG Net launches Wi-Fi 6

Kathmandu, May 19

Internet service provider CG Net has officially introduced its next-generation Wi-Fi 6 internet service in Nepal, offering speeds of up to 400 Mbps.

The newly launched service is designed to meet the growing demand for faster and more reliable internet as online gaming, remote work, virtual learning, streaming services and smart home technologies, the company said in a statement.

According to it, the Wi-Fi 6 technology comes with several major improvements over previous-generation internet systems. The service is expected to provide download speeds of up to six gigabits per second, significantly lower latency and better performance when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.

The company said the technology can support more than 128 connected devices at once and deliver improved efficiency for 4K streaming, online gaming and cloud-based applications. This technology can lower the power consumption by up to 30 per cent for connected devices.

It further added that the new system has been designed particularly for large families, homes using several smart devices and small businesses requiring stable internet access. The upgraded technology also includes advanced security protocols and more efficient data transmission through OFDMA and 1024-QAM technology.

The company has also introduced new annual internet packages under the Wi-Fi 6 platform, including a 400 Mbps plan. The prices range from Rs. 14,499 for internet only to Rs. 18,907 for internet, IPTV and mesh router for outside the Kathmandu Valley. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 May 2026.

Khalti launches saving facility

Kathmandu, May 12

IME Khalti Limited (Khalti) has launched its ‘Super Wallet’ facility to provide direct interest on wallet balances for all users. Operated in partnership with Global IME Bank Limited, this is Nepal’s first digital wallet service, claimed the company.

"With this launch, Khalti has become Nepal’s first digital payment platform to introduce the era of ‘neo banking’," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

Previously, this interest feature was available only to a limited number of users who had migrated from the former IME Pay platform. Khalti has now removed this restriction and extended the ‘Super Wallet’ service to all KYC-verified individual users.

At present, the service offers interest at an annual rate of 2.75 per cent. As the rate is based on the standard interest rate determined by the partner bank, it may change on a monthly basis. Once the Super Wallet is activated, interest on the wallet balance will be calculated daily and automatically credited to the wallet each month.

To access the facility, users must have a KYC-verified account and must either have completed at least 10 successful transactions after verification or maintained an overnight wallet balance of at least Rs. 1,000.

According to the company, the feature is available only for personal accounts, POS and merchant accounts are not eligible.

CEO of IME Khalti Limited Praveen Regmi said that through the new feature, the company is reading to the section of Nepal’s population that still remains beyond the reach of the formal banking system.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 13 May 2026.