ICSID Verdict in tax controversy of Ncell Axiata is expected in next 120 days
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) has
completed all the case process in case lawsuit filed by Ncell Axiata Limited, a telecom giant, against the Government of Nepal, seeking damages of USD 348 million. The dispute originated from the exit of Teliasonera, a Swedish-Norwegian company, from Nepal in 2016, when it sold its 80 percent stake in Ncell to Axiata, a Malaysian company. The controversy revolves around the tax implications of the deal, with the Office of the Auditor General stating that the deal was taxable in Nepal. After a long legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled that Ncell and Axiata are liable to pay tax, but the amount determined by the tax office was later questioned by the Supreme Court.
In the midst of this ongoing tax dispute, Ncell and Axiata had sought arbitration at ICSID, claiming that Nepal’s conduct is against the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Nepal and the United Kingdom. The tribunal constituted by the ICSID has completed the entire process in the case on March 21. The final decision of the arbitration is expected in the next 120 days, and if it goes in favor of Ncell, the Government of Nepal may have to refund more than Rs 45 billion in outstanding tax.
23 Arrested in Illegal Call Center Bust in Janakpurdham
Police have arrested 23 individuals in Janakpurdham for their involvement in an illegally-operated call center. The District Police Office Dhanusha reported that the arrest included 14 men and 9 women who were found to be operating the call center near Pidari Chowk.
According to the police, the call center was involved in illegal activities such as hacking personal privacy through various information technologies, and hiring workers to negotiate money. The main operator of the call center, however, is currently absconding and remains at large.
TikTok Fined $15.9 Million for Illegally Processing Data
TikTok has been fined $15.9 million (£12.7 million) by Britain’s data watchdog for illegally processing the data of 1.4 million children under the age of 13 who were using the platform without parental consent. The investigation by the British watchdog revealed that TikTok allowed as many as 1.4 million children in the UK to use the app between May 2018 and July 2020, despite the platform’s own rules prohibiting users under the age of 13 from setting up accounts. This incident is the latest in a series of increasing scrutiny faced by TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, from Western governments due to concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity risks posed by the app.
Lumbini Embraces Public Participation Through Mobile App for Lawmaking Process
The Lumbini Province Assembly has taken steps to ensure maximum public participation in the lawmaking process by conducting opinion surveys through mobile applications. People’s representatives at the provincial and local levels can now express their views on the lawmaking process of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly through a mobile app, allowing for representation of the views of all the people in the province.
With the support of the United Nations Development Programme, the mobile app, named e-Poll Lumbini Assembly, has been developed and can be downloaded from the Play Store. This initiative will enable members of the Provincial Assembly and people’s representatives at the local levels to participate online in the draft laws under consideration, except for the concerned thematic committees. The aim is to collect a wide range of opinions, suggestions, and feedback from the public, making it easier to implement laws that are informed by the perspectives of the people. This innovative approach is expected to facilitate greater public engagement in the lawmaking process of Lumbini Province.
NRB Renews Warning Against Virtual Currency Transactions
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has once again issued a warning urging people not to invest or trade in virtual currencies. In a press release issued on Monday, the central bank emphasized that action will be taken against individuals, firms, companies, both within Nepal and abroad, who are involved in cryptocurrency, virtual currency, network marketing, non-fungible tokens, digital assets, and hyper funds. Citing section 12 of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2019, the central bank stated that firms, company organizations, branch offices, and agencies of such companies or institutions located outside Nepal will face consequences if found engaged in any virtual currency-cryptocurrency transaction.
KMC Launches e-Sifaris Service for Online Recommendations
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has introduced an e-Sifaris service, an online recommendation system in Kathmandu. As part of the unified electronic service system, the local government has initially launched the service in 30 wards, which includes recommendation, registration, and dispatch services. The Information Technology Department of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has informed that the e-Sifaris system will gradually expand to cover all wards, with ward numbers 13 and 32 being the first to be connected to the electronic system for online recommendation services. The move is aimed at streamlining and digitizing the recommendation process, making it more convenient and accessible for the residents of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Parliament May Meet Online
The Rules of the House of Representatives in Nepal, amended in 2079 BS, have paved the way for virtual parliament meetings. In a meeting held on Sunday, April 02, 2023, new provisions were made to allow for online sessions of the House of Representatives and commissions.
Along with this development, a regulation has been passed to restrict the use of phones during these meetings. Members of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly will no longer be allowed to talk on the phone or record the proceedings, and it is now mandatory for all phones to be put on silent mode during the meetings.
Use of Nepali Language Allowed on Embossed Number Plates
The government paved the way for the use of embossed number plates in the Nepali language, written in the Devnagari script. The Council of Ministers meeting held on April 3 resolved the long-standing debate and controversy surrounding the language used on smart number plates. Previously, the government had allowed the use of only English language on such plates, and the public criticized the decision. The cabinet made the latest decision in accordance with Schedule-2 of the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049.
Government to Present National ICT Awards
The Government of Nepal is set to honor outstanding contributions to the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by presenting National ICT Awards in five categories. The award ceremony will take place on the National Information and Communication Day, marked on May second each year. Through the National ICT Awards, the government aims to recognize individuals and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to the ICT industry in Nepal. Public institutions, companies, and individuals are invited to apply for the awards and seek recognition for their outstanding achievements in the field of ICT.
To apply: गृहपृष्ठ (mocit.gov.np)
