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On Monday, the Cabinet meeting decided to submit an ordinance to President Ramchandra Paudel for approval, proposing amendments to nine acts and regulations to facilitate investment. The amendments aim to ensure the success of the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit 2024, scheduled for April 29-30 in Kathmandu. 

The laws to be amended include the Lands Act-1964, National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act-1973, Land Acquisition Act-1977, Electronic Transactions Act-2008, Special Economic Zone Act-2016, Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act-2019, Industrial Enterprise Act-2020, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Regulations-2021 and Forest Regulations-2023.

In addition to other decisions, Monday’s Cabinet meeting transferred Madhu Kumar Marasini to the position of Finance Secretary and reassigned the current Finance Secretary, Krishna Hari Pushkar, to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM).

Officials at the Office of the Investment Board Nepal (OIBN) noted that the change in the ruling alliance has disrupted preparations for the summit. Although Finance Minister Barshaman Pun urged officials to expedite preparations, the process of amending laws had lagged, mainly due to the federal parliament’s focus on political issues. With the session of the lower house prorogued, the government decided to amend necessary laws through ordinance. 

Besides, the Ministry of Finance was occupied with drafting the principles and priorities for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, along with a new five-year plan. This left the ministry with limited time to concentrate on the investment summit.

The government had established several committees to oversee summit preparations, each with specific responsibilities. The finance minister leads the Steering Committee, while the chief secretary heads the Implementation Committee. The industry secretary chairs the Technical Committee, and the CEO of OIBN leads the secretariat.

Initially, the Steering Committee had intended to amend 10 laws and two regulations to signal to investors that Nepal’s investment environment was improving. However, the sudden shift in power dynamics had slowed progress on the summit preparations.

A task force, chaired by the Secretary of the OPMCM, Ek Narayan Aryal, was established to propose amendments to laws and regulations related to foreign investment in Nepal. The task force had recommended changes to several acts and regulations, aiming to enhance the investment climate in the country.

The suggested amendments focused on key legislation, including the Industrial Enterprise Act-2020, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act-2019, Special Economic Zone Act-2016, Forests Act-2019, and National Parks and Wildlife Protection Act-1973. These changes were intended to remove barriers to foreign investment and foster a more welcoming business environment.

Additionally, the task force proposed amendments to the Lands Act-1964, Land Acquisition Act-1977, Environment Protection Act-2019, Electronic Transactions Act-2008, Civil Aviation Act-1959, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Regulations-2021, and Forest Regulations-2023. These recommendations were part of a broader effort to streamline regulations and create a more favorable climate for investment in Nepal.

Rubik Joshi, Shreyas K Shrestha, and Keyush Shrestha co-founded Zapp Services Pvt Ltd, a delivery service, amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The company grew with leaps and bounds, and continues to do so. Zapp has recently expanded its portfolio to include Tootle, a pioneering ridesharing app in Nepal. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talked with Joshi, executive chair of Tootle and managing director of Zapp, to know about Tootle, Zapp and more. Excerpts:

Tootle experienced its share of ups and downs since its inception and has recently undergone a rebranding. How is Tootle faring these days?

We were offered ownership of the Tootle brand, which is a pioneer, home-grown, and beloved brand. We were excited about this opportunity. Upon taking over Tootle, we revamped the app with new technology, features, and services. The relaunch of the app has met some of our expectations. Given its already established reputation, it was relatively easy for us, and both our riders and customers were thrilled to see their favorite ride-sharing app back in the market. Many take pride in Tootle as a homegrown app. Consequently, we witnessed a significant number of downloads, rider and user registrations, and orders from the first day of the relaunch. Presently, we boast over 30,000 registered riders, more than 80,000 user registrations, and fluctuating daily order volumes. However, our numbers continue to grow daily, showing promising signs for the future.

What strategies do you have in place to compete in the ride-sharing app market?

All ride-sharing apps typically offer a straightforward service: getting from one point to another. However, we’ve aimed to infuse our app with vibrancy. Within the Tootle experience, customers encounter a variety of engaging in-app services. For instance, our ‘Around You’ section features a curated selection of locally made Nepalese businesses partnered with us. This not only promotes local brands but also encourages users to discover new experiences. Additionally, Tootle offers both riders and customers the option to select their preferred gender, allowing them to specify whether they prefer a male, female, or both-gendered service. This feature aims to accommodate the comfort levels of both riders and customers.

We’re actively encouraging female riders to join our platform, and we’re proud to say that they’ve embraced it, with a ratio of approximately 100:5 compared to male riders. This reflects positively on the level of female participation in this market.

In the near future, we plan to integrate our delivery service, which was the foundation of our startup, directly into the Tootle app. This expansion will provide users and riders with a comprehensive, all-in-one service experience.

We’ve also partnered with organizations focused on empowering women, where they provide training for females to obtain driving licenses. Upon completion, we offer them employment and a platform to earn through our service. While we typically don’t provide training for riders, in the case of female riders, we make an exception. We offer training tailored to their needs and also provide self-defense training to ensure their safety and confidence on the road.

What has the business of Zapp been like? What is its market share?

In the delivery service sector, one of the major challenges is establishing trust with partner companies. I’m proud to say that we’ve successfully made Zapp one of the most trusted companies in the industry. Acting on behalf of vendors, we handle cash payments in cash-on-delivery cases, steadily building trust with each transaction. Remarkably, many of our partner companies have been with us since our inception, a testament to the trust we’ve cultivated with them over time. We prioritize prompt settlement of cash payments, ensuring vendors receive their dues within a day. I can confidently assert that we are the leading delivery service provider in the market, a position earned through our relentless dedication and hard work. Starting the company from scratch provided us with invaluable lessons that laid a solid foundation for our growth and success.

We prioritized cash handling, product safety, and customer service by tying insurance to the packages and educating riders on proper parcel handling. In the ride-sharing and on-demand delivery sector, profit margins are notoriously slim. Nevertheless, our emphasis remains on delivering exceptional service, ensuring customer satisfaction, and both retaining and expanding our customer base. We strive to strike a balance between maintaining quality and achieving quantity.

The surge in digital delivery and mobility services have provided employment opportunities for many Nepali youths, thereby slightly mitigating the trend of Nepalis seeking employment abroad. How can these youths be encouraged to remain in the Nepali market? Are they remunerated adequately to sustain a comfortable standard of living?

We’re committed to retaining our riders, especially the younger ones, recognizing that losing this demographic is not just a loss for the country, but for us personally, as we strive to contribute to our nation. Until April 14, we didn’t charge any commissions to Tootle riders. However, to ensure our sustainability, we’ve now implemented a minimal commission fee—12 percent for cabs and 15 percent for bikes. Additionally, we’ve partnered with NIU Electric Scooters to empower our riders. For those who can’t afford two-wheelers but wish to work with us, Tootle will provide Rs 50,000 to assist in purchasing an NIU electric scooter. This initiative is aimed at retaining our youth within the country and fostering their growth domestically. We’ve also introduced rental schemes, allowing riders to rent bikes and kickstart their Tootle journeys. Furthermore, we prioritize rider safety and security by providing insurance coverage.

What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs and youths looking to establish startups in Nepal?

I recommend that newcomers adopt a long-term perspective. Merely entering and exiting the market yields little benefit. Setting a clear direction and committing to it for the long haul is crucial. While many startups face challenges, maintaining a never-give-up attitude is essential, as businesses rarely turn a profit from day one. It takes time to see returns on your investment. If initial plans falter, adjustments can be made, but adherence to your long-term vision and objectives is key.

The government is set to host the International Expert Dialogue on Mountain, People and Climate Change starting May 22. 

The Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoFE) announced that the two-day event will convene experts from relevant sectors in Kathmandu with the aim of fostering consensus among mountain nations, stakeholders, and partners on shared challenges, particularly focusing on mountain-based solutions for addressing climate change concerns.

“This dialogue aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of mountain-climate issues and solutions among governments and stakeholders in mountainous regions and their allies. It seeks to foster the exchange of expertise and experiences, as well as to promote synergies,” said MoFE. 

The areas of collaboration include initiatives such as those outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) mountain work programs and mandates. The dialogue also intends to generate concrete roadmaps and strategies for mountain regions ahead of the 60th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and beyond. The SBSTA meeting is due to take place in June. 

According to Buddi Sagar Poudel, Joint-secretary and chief of Climate Change Management Division at the MoFE, around 10 participants including Harry Vreuls, chair of the SBSTA, have already confirmed their presence in the dialogue. “We have invited delegates from four fronts—ministers from neighboring and regional countries, officials from UNFCCC and mountain partnership focal point which include 63 countries, officials from 15 organizations including Climate Investment Fund and researchers, scientists and university professors,” he said.

Deepak Kumar Kharal, secretary of MoFE, expressed gratitude for the support extended by various development partners, civil society groups, and Nepali experts in the run up to the dialogue. He also urged all stakeholders, including the media, to contribute significantly to ensure the success of the event.

Mountains are invaluable natural resources, being home to 15 percent of the global population and nearly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide essential ecosystem goods and services, such as freshwater and clean air, to communities worldwide, particularly those downstream. However, mountains face significant pressures from exploitation, degradation, and the impacts of climate change. 

Despite their importance, mountains often lack adequate recognition and representation in global discussions. The government is hosting the international expert dialogue to underscore the urgency of addressing the challenges and issues of mountain nations. 

Nepal has prioritized promoting the mountain agenda on the global stage lately. The COP28, held from 30 Nov to 13 Dec 2023 in Dubai, served as a crucial milestone in recognizing the impacts of climate change on mountainous regions worldwide, laying the groundwork for further action. 

In several platforms of the climate summit, high-level government officials, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that developed countries’ pledges and actions do not correspond with each other and they must raise their ambitions and urgently fulfill their commitments. They also urged the developed countries to scale up climate finance to make up for the $100bn shortfall and double the adaptation finance by 2025, and ensure fair financial arrangements without conditions, constraints, and compliances. 

As the chair of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Nepal also demanded that the loss and damage fund must be predictable, simplified, and adequate for LDCs and mountainous countries. One of the major achievements of the Dubai climate summit was the launch of the loss and damage fund to provide crucial support to vulnerable nations facing the brunt of climate-related challenges. 

The international dialogue to be held in Kathmandu will feature opening and closing plenary sessions, along with thematic discussions centered around three main areas, encompassing two plenary sessions and seven dialogues addressing various aspects of climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The first theme will delve into topics such as evidence of climate change impact, vulnerability, and risks in mountainous regions, as well as emerging threats and the imperative for action within and beyond mountain environments. The second will explore areas such as community-driven adaptation, policy frameworks for sustainability, and the importance of climate justice and local perspectives. And the third theme will focus on the perspective of mountains, emphasizing the potential for economic growth through transitions to cleaner energy sources, the mobilization of climate finance, and the fostering of global cooperation and regional partnerships.

With an expected participation of over 200 representatives from mountainous countries, international organizations, development partners, NGOs, private sectors, and civil society groups, the dialogue aims to facilitate collective insights and conclusions. These outcomes will then be integrated into the SBSTA expert dialogue, including Nepal’s initiative on Sagarmatha Sambad.

Poudel, the chief of Climate Change Management Division at the MoFE, said   that concepts are being developed for the promotion of the event.  “We are also approaching our ambassadors and heads of missions abroad for the promotion, as well as inviting foreign ambassadors to Nepal.”

Poudel said that Nepal is focusing on including the mountain agenda from every front in the SBSTA dialogue to give more visibility for Nepal’s climate agenda. 

“In loss and damage, climate justice, climate finance and climate technology, we will incorporate mountain agenda,” he added.

Climate change expert Madhukar Upadhya said while incorporating the mountain agenda is a good initiative, it would be far better for Nepal to come up with a common regional voice. 

He suggested agriculture as an entry point for a common regional agenda. 

“Every country has faced a crisis in agriculture due to climate change and hence they will be more willing to take ownership of this agenda and make it a strong regional voice.”

The West Indies ‘A’ team is scheduled to visit Nepal for a series of five T20 matches during April and May, aiming to assist both teams in gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup slated for June in the West Indies and the USA. This occasion will mark the first-ever tour of Nepal by a West Indies cricket team.

All five matches are set to take place at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, starting at 1 pm, on April 27, 28, May 1, 2, and 4.

“This A-team tour underscores the significance we attach to A-team cricket and represents a crucial phase in our T20 World Cup preparations,” said Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket for Cricket West Indies (CWI), in an official press release.

The sole prior encounter between West Indies and Nepal on the international stage occurred during an ODI match at the World Cup Qualifiers in Harare in June last year. West Indies emerged victorious in that match by a margin of 101 runs, having posted a total of 339 for 7, aided by centuries from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran.

Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Paras Khadka, expressed, “This signifies a pivotal moment in our cricketing journey as we welcome this remarkable opportunity, which will significantly bolster our preparations for the T20 World Cup and beyond. This landmark tour to Nepal, a burgeoning cricketing nation gradually carving its niche in the cricketing realm, is sure to captivate our ardent fans.”

The T20 World Cup features a total of 20 teams divided into four groups—A, B, C, and D. Nepal has been placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

Group A comprises the USA, India, Pakistan, Ireland, and Canada, while Group B includes England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman. Group C consists of New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Eight stage. Nepal is set to participate in the World Cup for the second time, having previously competed in 2014.

Meanwhile, West Indies fast bowler Roddy Estwick has been appointed as the bowling consultant for Nepal. He previously served as an assistant coach for both the West Indies senior men’s team and the U-19 side.

New jersey unveiled

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The Nepali national cricket team’s new jersey for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup Cricket tournament has been unveiled. Minister for Youth and Sports, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Tankalal Ghising, Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council, jointly presented the new jersey at an event organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

The jersey features a blend of red, white, and blue colors, with the national flag of Nepal adorning both shoulders. Additionally, the lower portion of the jersey showcases an image of Sagarmatha, the highest mountain in the world. One side of the bust features CAN’s logo, while the other displays the sponsor’s logo.

The advanced course on national security, organized by the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army, concluded on Friday. The 16-day training, which started on March 13, had 29 participants from various ministries, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, and media.

During the closing event at the Shivapuri-based Command and Staff College of the Nepal Army, Minister for Defense Hari Prasad Upreti emphasized the importance of security to a country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He stressed that ensuring a fear-free environment for citizens is crucial for the country’s existence.

“Protecting and promoting national security and welfare is the major responsibility of every Nepali citizen,” said Upreti, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue, coordination, and collaboration among state bodies to formulate a unified concept for a robust national security.

Expressing his belief that effective implementation of the national security policy would strengthen both internal and external security, the Defense Minister noted Nepal’s unique challenges and geopolitical significance in terms of national security.

He emphasized the importance of addressing existing national security challenges by leveraging economy, diplomacy, communication, information, and military capabilities in the country’s favor. 

Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhuram Sharma stressed the need for cooperation, collaboration, and integrated approaches among state agencies to foster a safe and prosperous Nepal.

“The scope of national security has broadened with globalization and the development of information technology. Further study and analysis of the positive and negative aspects of artificial intelligence should be conducted,” he said.

Throughout the two-week training, discussions focused on diplomacy, economy, national security policy, geopolitics, foreign policy, climate change and its security implications, strategy and plan formulation, humanitarian assistance, disaster management, and civil-military relations.

As part of the training, a one-day seminar on the impact of climate change on national security was also held on March 22, with the participation of 100 individuals, including experts and media personnel. Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of The Annapurna Express also shared his views on the US Indo-Pacific Strategy and its implications for South Asia and Nepal. 

The ninth edition of this high-level national security training commenced in 2016 and has trained 222 people to date.

Italy’s Artigiano in Fiera is an annual trade fair dedicated to global craftsmanship. Since its inception in 1995, the event has been organized by Ge.Fi. Nepali exhibitors have been participating in the fair annually. Recently, Lorenzo Cigognini, International Sales Manager at Artigiano in Fiera, visited Nepal. He has held this position since 2018. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx caught up with him to discuss the fair and Nepali participation.

What are the objectives of Artigiano in Fiera?

The primary objective of Artigiano in Fiera is to promote and support artisanal craftsmen. We assist small companies from various parts of the world dedicated to producing handicrafts, helping them gain exposure and access to markets. The fair places producers at the forefront of our endeavors. The name ‘Artigiano in Fiera’ itself emphasizes the importance of producers at the fair. Our focus is on providing opportunities for micro and small enterprises to showcase their work, highlight their value, and introduce their activities to the Italian market while reaching out to the audience in Milan.

What has been your experience in consistently organizing such an event annually?

It is a tremendous honor for both me and our company to engage with numerous countries. Each encounter presents an opportunity to learn about new cultures, systems, and people. Last year, we welcomed participants from 86 countries, and we anticipate reaching 100 countries this time. What sets Artigiano Fair apart is not only the sheer number of participants but also their collective experience at the event. We take immense pride in our role as a market platform for small enterprises.

A large number of exhibitors participate in the fair from Nepal each year. What are your observations regarding Nepali participation in the fair?

Italian visitors and audiences hold a deep appreciation for the segments presented by Nepal at our exhibition. They eagerly seek to explore and experience the beauty and quality of Nepali products showcased within the Nepali pavilion. Nepali handicrafts are particularly well-known and admired among Italian visitors. The Nepali presence adds significant value to our exhibition, contributing to the enriching atmosphere that attendees enjoy.

Moreover, the benefits extend to Nepali producers as well. Nearly 90 percent of Nepali companies return to the fair, underscoring the tangible advantages they derive from participating. It brings me immense satisfaction to witness the mutual appreciation: Italian consumers warmly welcome Nepali products, while Nepali producers reap genuine benefits from their participation in the exhibition.

What suggestions do you have for Nepali exhibitors who are planning to participate in the fair to maximize their benefits?

To enhance their products, Nepali producers should prioritize innovation in design and color schemes each year. Seeking inspiration from other countries’ pavilions within the fair can spark new ideas. Emphasizing research on new patterns and concepts is crucial to continually captivate visitors' interest. Equally important is the presentation of products—ensuring they are displayed attractively and appealingly. Effective promotion goes beyond the products themselves; the demeanor and communication skills of the seller also play a vital role.

Furthermore, embracing modernity is key. As organizers, we provide a digital platform with 1.8m registered users, offering producers access to the Artigiano in Fiera fanbase. This platform serves as a valuable resource for promoting their items. Through digital channels, producers can inform visitors about their offerings at the fair and their location within the exhibition grounds, significantly enhancing promotion efforts.

Additionally, transitioning to cashless transactions is imperative. With around 60 percent of Milan customers opting for credit card payments, the trend toward cashless transactions is evident. Nepali exhibitors must adapt to this changing landscape to remain competitive in the future. Now is the time for them to embrace and transition from cash to cashless transactions to ensure continued success in their business endeavors.

In its first edition, Artigiano in Fiera featured five Nepali exhibitors. By 2023, this number had grown to 90. With annual increases in participation, what suggestions do you have for the Nepal government to promote Nepali handicrafts in the international market?

We are keen on engaging with local governments in Nepal to provide support to Nepali producers, particularly in production and promotion. Local governments play a crucial role in creating infrastructures that facilitate smooth international business transactions, including exporting goods and transferring funds abroad. It’s essential for them to view sending money abroad as an investment in Nepal’s economic growth. By investing capital, we can anticipate generating revenue. This investment-driven model is fundamental for establishing reliable international businesses, especially within Europe.

It’s important to recognize that hindrances in logistics and cash flow not only impede the growth of individual companies but also stifle the overall development of the country. Therefore, fostering an environment conducive to international trade is paramount for Nepal’s economic advancement. Collaboration between stakeholders, including businesses and government entities, is vital in overcoming these challenges and fostering sustainable growth in the Nepali economy.

Nepali exhibitors encounter various challenges, such as sending money to book stalls and managing banking transactions for their earnings. How can these processes be simplified to assist Nepali exhibitors?

Challenges always present opportunities, and those who can identify them amidst difficulties are the ones who succeed. As organizers, we offer comprehensive services to ensure smooth business operations. We are open to discussions with the government of Nepal to foster a conducive relationship with producers.

Ultimately, the initiative and support from the Nepali side are crucial in assisting producers. Success hinges on their proactive approach and assistance.

In addition to handicrafts, Nepal is renowned for its tourism and organic products such as tea and coffee. Have you considered promoting them in Italy?

Indeed, I have learned about the potential of Nepali tourism and organic products. Italians possess a natural curiosity about Nepali items, recognizing Nepal’s abundance across various product categories. It would be highly intriguing to showcase Nepali food and agricultural items at our event. Additionally, Nepal’s tourism offerings, including trekking and mountain culture, present significant opportunities, albeit these may not be fully known to Italians. Expanding awareness about these aspects could further enrich our exhibition and foster greater appreciation for Nepal’s diverse offerings.

The Market Promotion Center (MPC) has represented Nepal at Artigiano in Fiera for 22 years, and they have now transferred all their responsibilities directly to the organizers. What has been your experience with the MPC over these two decades?

The Market Promotion Center and its Managing Director, Sagar Thapa, are much more than commercial partners for us; they are like family. Over the past two decades, they have consistently delivered outstanding results, and the recent transition of responsibilities has been handled with exceptional professionalism and goodwill. They are now not associated with us. We deeply value this partnership and are grateful for their dedication and contributions. We wish for MPC’s good future.

Are you looking for any new agent in Nepal for the fair?

Currently, we are engaging directly from Italy with businesses and exhibitors, but we remain open to exploring additional opportunities.

The Nepali Army has launched an advanced course on national security at its Shivapuri-based Command and Staff College. The training that began on Wednesday (March 13) includes 30 participants from various ministries, constitutional bodies, universities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, media outlets as well as representatives from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department. This ninth iteration of the training, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army, is scheduled to continue until March 29.

During the inauguration of the training event, Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma expressed confidence that the training would aid in formulating and implementing crucial policies to safeguard national interests. He emphasized the importance of studying and analyzing both external and internal security environments.

Furthermore, CoAS Sharma highlighted the escalating conflicts and wars on the international stage, which are exacerbating polarization among powerful nations, raising concerns over an impending new cold war. He underscored the additional challenge facing small nations in maintaining their existence. “In the context of Nepal,” he noted, “Sensitive geopolitics, open borders and competing interests of various powerful nations pose significant national security challenges.” CoAS Sharma also addressed the growing internal religious and communal disputes, along with the activities of dormant separatist groups, which he identified as other threats to national security.

“Labor migration, youth migration and the involvement of Nepalis in the armies of various conflicting nations, coupled with the escalating impacts of climate change such as excessive rainfall, droughts, and depletion of water resources, as well as the repercussions on the Tarai region due to deforestation and its adverse effects on our food security highlight crucial issues from the perspective of human security,” stated CoAS Sharma. He emphasized that the development of technology, particularly in the realms of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI), poses new challenges to the security sector, necessitating a redefinition of military strategy and theory. 

He requested the participants to identify and analyze the traditional and non-traditional security challenges along with the importance of such factors in national security in a subtle and in-depth manner.

Addressing the attendees, Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma underscored the critical importance and necessity of high-level national security training. He emphasized its utility in fostering a shared perception and comprehension of national security among high-ranking officials, acquainting them with key issues and dimensions of the external security environment that could impact the nation. Sharma said, “It is only through an integrated and coordinated approach to confronting various internal and external challenges that threaten our nation’s security that we can effectively enhance our overall defense capacity, border management, disaster control, national unity, and regional and international relations and diplomacy.”

Since its inception in 2016, the course has provided training to 193 individuals.

Nepal is set to face Namibia on Wednesday under the triangular series of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The game will start from 9:30 am at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. 

Earlier on Feb 15, Nepal lost the inaugural match of the League 2 to Namibia by four wickets. Chasing a target of 133 runs posted by Nepal, Namibia had met it in 33.1 overs at the loss of six wickets. 

The home side bounced back and trounced Netherlands in the second match of the series on Feb 17. Nepal won the game by nine wickets. Netherlands managed to score 137 runs in 39 overs, losing all their wickets in the process. Nepal chased 138-run target in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket. 

In the third match on Monday, Netherlands defeated Namibia by seven wickets. Netherlands met the target of 124 runs posted by Namibia in 27.2 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Wednesday’s match between Nepal and Namibia will be the fourth one in the tri-series. Currently, all three teams have played two matches each, with each team having one loss and one win. All three teams hold two points each, but Nepal is leading the points table with the highest net run rate (0.92).

Friendship Cup T20

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the Friendship Cup T20 Tri-Series scheduled to start on March 31. The tournament will feature Nepal competing against teams from Indian states—Gujarat and Baroda in Vapi, Gujarat.

Nepal is set to kick off the series by facing Gujarat on the opening day. Nepal’s second match with Gujarat is scheduled for April 3. Also, Nepal will encounter Baroda on April 2 and 5. Gujarat and Baroda will face each other on April 1 and 4. The final match is scheduled for April 7.

Nepal A clinches first victory

In the second one-day innings, Nepal A secured a historic victory by defeating Canada XI by two wickets in a match held at Mulpani Cricket Ground on Tuesday. This marks the team’s first-ever win. The home side successfully chased a target of 241 runs, losing eight wickets in the process, concluding at 49.1 overs.

With this triumph, Nepal has leveled the 3-match series at 1-1. The decisive match of the series is scheduled for Feb 22. Nepal suffered a four-wicket defeat in the initial match on Feb 18.

Captain Sundeep Jora and Bashir Ahamad played pivotal roles in Nepal’s victory, both contributing half-centuries. In the earlier innings, after losing the toss and opting to bat first, Canada was bowled out for 240 runs with just one ball remaining. Shreyas Movva emerged as the top scorer for Canada, accumulating 68 runs.

Shahab Alam claimed three wickets, while Sher Mall and Rashid Khan each secured two wickets during Nepal’s bowling effort.