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China has expressed concerns over the Nepal government’s decision to ban popular video app TikToK. On Nov 14, the government took the decision to ban it stating that it is disturbing social harmony and family structures. In a meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal a few days back, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song, expressed the displeasure over the TikTok ban, sources said, he also expressed concerns whether there are geopolitical factors behind such an abrupt decision of Nepal government. In response, Dahal made it clear that the government was forced to shut down TikTok due to the misuse of this app to inflame anti-social contents.

Dahal further added that the government is in favor of regulation of this app instead of complete ban, and working on it. According to sources, the Chinese side is not satisfied with the Dahal’s clarification. TikTok is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd, which appoints its executives. 

TikTok has already expressed its displeasure over the government’s decision. More than dozens petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court. The SC has sought clarification from the government regarding the government's move. 

The Nepali Embassy in Moscow has confirmed the death of three Nepalis associated with the Russian Army. Their deaths reportedly occurred during the war with Ukraine. According to officials, they lost their lives on Nov 15.

Government agencies are collaborating with the Russian army to get more information about this incident. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had, on Aug 1, responded to reports of Nepalis joining the Russian Army after videos started circulating on various social media platforms like Telegram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, showing Nepalis enlisting in the Russian army. In response to these developments, the ministry had issued a warning, underscoring the potential dangers and challenges these individuals might encounter by engaging in such activities.

The ministry had cautioned citizens to be vigilant and mindful of the risks associated with participating in foreign military endeavors, highlighting the complexities that could arise during potential rescue operations in unforeseen circumstances.

Historically, Nepal has permitted citizens to join the national armies of certain friendly countries as “established agreements”, but there is no policy allowing Nepali citizens to enlist in other foreign armies. MoFA said, “The Government of Nepal does not have a policy in place to authorize Nepali citizens to join foreign armies, except in cases where Nepali citizens are recruited into the national armies of some friendly countries based on established agreements.” Moreover, citizens are strongly discouraged from seeking employment in security-related roles in conflict-ridden nations.

On Oct 28, The New York Times reported that Nepalis are associated with both the Russian and Ukrainian sides of the conflict.

Nepal is to organize a high-level event on the sidelines of 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) taking place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from Nov 30 to Dec 12.

On Dec 2, Nepal will organize the event titled “Call of the mountain: Who saves us from the climate crisis?” This event aims to amplify Nepal’s stance on climate change and mountain while advocating for the mountain agenda within the COP negotiation process. According to sources, the event is a panel discussion, to be chaired by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The panelists will have representatives from mountainous countries.

Prime Minister Dahal will lead the Nepali delegation and depart for Dubai on Nov 29. He will participate in the high-level segment of the COP28-World Climate Action Summit, scheduled for Dec 1-2. 

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stated that the prime minister will deliver a national statement on Dec 2 at COP28. Additionally, he is expected to attend the 52nd Union Day Celebration of the UAE and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony hosted by the UAE.

During the high-level segment, Prime Minister Dahal will also engage in bilateral meetings with heads of state, government leaders and other eminent figures attending the COP, per MoFA.

Prime Minister Dahal’s schedule includes a keynote address at the Nepal-UAE Business Summit, a visit to the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi and interactions with the Nepali community.

PM Dahal to meet Modi

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28. 

According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional issues. Earlier this year, Dahal visited India from May 30 to June 3. Both sides are working to implement agreements reached during Dahal’s visit.

American President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are skipping the conference.

India is all set to host the second Voice of Global South Summit on Friday in a virtual formation. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is likely to attend the Summit.  

Earlier, India had hosted the inaugural Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) on 12-13 January 2023, in a virtual format. This unique initiative brought together 125 countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Throughout its G20 Presidency, India has worked to ensure that the concerns of the Global South receive due cognizance and that the priorities of the Global South were duly factored in finding solutions to the most pressing global challenges.

The 2nd VOGSS would focus on sharing with countries of the Global South the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s Presidency, said the press release issued by India.

The challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. Further, the Summit will serve as a platform to discuss ways to sustain the momentum generated towards our common aspiration of a more inclusive, representative, and progressive world order, reads the press release.

Head of State from Global South will attend the inaugural session which will be chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

The theme of the Inaugural Leaders’ Session is "Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust” and that of the Concluding Leaders’ Session is "Global South: Together for One Future”.

In addition, there will be 8 Ministerial Sessions, with the following themes:

· Foreign Ministers’ Session on "India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future”

· Education Ministers’ Session on "Making Human Resources Future Ready”

· Finance Ministers’ Session on "Financing People-Centric Development”

· Environment Ministers’ Session on "Sustainable Solutions for Climate Resilience and Climate Finance”

· Foreign Ministers’ Session on "Global South and One Development”

· Energy Ministers’ Session on "Affordable & Inclusive Energy Transition for Sustainable Development”

· Health Ministers’ Session on "Solutions from the Global South for One Health”

· Commerce / Trade Ministers’ Session on "Global South & Resilient Supply Chains”

 Last year, Nepal’s then Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel attended the Voice of Global South Summit. And, Nepal had attended the meeting of the Finance Tasks force held during the G-20 Summit.