MDMS Irregularities: CIAA Accuses 19 in MDMS Scam
The CIAA has filed corruption charges against 19 individuals, including former NTA chairmen and officials, for irregularities in the purchase of the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS). They are accused of illicitly profiting from the procurement, causing significant financial losses to the NTA. The CIAA demands the recovery of Rs 919.83 million from the accused, along with imprisonment and penalties totaling Rs 232.06 million. The accused are alleged to have submitted flawed bidding documents, stifled competition, and ignored mandatory provisions, constitutional right to privacy and recommendations in the procurement process.
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Department of Drug Administration Cracks Down on Online Pharmacies
The Department of Drug Administration has issued a directive to shut down online pharmacies due to deceptive advertising practices. These pharmacies were found to be selling medicines illegally, offering false discounts and inducements on social media platforms. Department emphasized the legal requirement, as per Section 19 of the Drugs Act, for prior approval from the department before advertising medicines. Consumers are urged to be vigilant and refrain from purchasing medications from online pharmacies to ensure safety, quality, and efficacy. Establishment of National Cyber Security Center by MoCIT
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) is finalizing plans to establish a National Cyber Security Center, following a decision made during a Council of Ministers meeting on 23 January. Anil Kumar Dutta, joint secretary at the Ministry and head of the center, stated that the increasing cyber insecurity globally, including in Nepal, necessitates such an initiative. The center aims to conduct continuous monitoring of critical information infrastructure, assess cyber incidents and risks, and provide emergency assistance in case of cyber threats. It aligns with the Digital Nepal Framework 2076, focusing on digital infrastructure, including cyber security. Licensing regulations will be enforced for entities offering cyber security services, ensuring compliance and accountability within the sector.
Chief Justice Inaugurates Audio-Visual Hearing, Calls for Enhanced Access to Justice
Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha inaugurated audio-visual hearings at the special court, emphasizing the need to improve access to justice by making legal processes faster, more affordable, and widely accessible on 28 March. He highlighted the significance of utilizing audio-visual technology for hearings, especially considering the special court’s location in Kathmandu and its potential to serve justice seekers nationwide. Chairperson Tek Narayan Kunwar affirmed the special court’s commitment to leveraging information technology for easy access to justice.
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On the Path to Digitalization: Local-Level Initiatives
Kankai Municipality Leads with Digital Address System
Kankai Municipality has taken a pioneering step by initiating the installation of address plates based on a digital address system, becoming the first local level in Nepal to do so. Utilizing the ‘Kata Ho’ app, the municipality is able to generate specialized address plates containing detailed information such as the house owner’s name, unique code, local name, and ward number. Additionally, these plates feature Google Plus codes to facilitate postal distribution as per the government’s regulations. This innovative approach promises enhanced accuracy and efficiency in addressing systems within the municipality. Dhulikhel Embraces Digitalization: Providing Smart City Services from Home
Locals of Dhulikhel can now access municipal services from the comfort of their homes, thanks to the municipality’s adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Supported by the EU through the City Development Fund, Dhulikhel aims to integrate technology into every aspect of urban life. Mayor Ashok Byanju emphasizes the effectiveness of this initiative in promoting technology-friendly services, envisioning Dhulikhel’s transformation into a smart city. The digitalization efforts extend to revenue services and the implementation of a QR-code-based digital house numbering system, facilitating efficient navigation and access to relevant information. With plans to expand these services across all wards, Dhulikhel is embracing digital innovation to enhance citizen convenience and urban development.
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Opportunities
APrIGF 2024 Call for Session Proposals
APrIGF 2024 is inviting session proposals from the community for its upcoming event. Individuals or groups interested in contributing should submit their proposals through the online submission system by the specified deadline. Eligibility to submit a proposal is open to any Internet user with an interest in areas such as Internet public policy, technical operations, development, and related fields. Prospective session organizers are encouraged to thoroughly review the provided evaluation criteria and session formats before submitting their proposals.
For more info- APrIGF 2024 Call for Session Proposals – APrIGF.Asia
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Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, compiled and analyzed from the digital rights perspective by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN). DRN is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, including the right to online freedom of expression and association, online privacy, access to information, and related issues such as internet governance, cyber laws/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.
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