Nepal to Study Commercial Operation of Ncell Ahead of Government Takeover The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) will
conduct a study on the commercial operation of Ncell, which will come under government ownership after its 25-year license expires in 3 years and 10 months. Under the Telecommunications Act, telecom companies with over 50% foreign ownership, like Ncell (80% foreign-owned), shall transfer land, buildings, equipment, and other assets to the government at the end of their license period. The study will define the technical, financial, and managerial framework for government operation and prepare for a due diligence audit.
Earlier decisions by the Council of Ministers ensured that Ncell’s services could continue if its operational capabilities were confirmed, while safeguarding government ownership post-license. Despite Axiata Group selling its 80% share to Starlight UK in 2080 BS, the government has not recognized the transaction, and Ncell remains registered under the original licensee in official records.
Once the study’s recommendations are finalized, the government will proceed with ownership transfer and may allow the former licensee to resume operations by paying a government-determined price under the Telecommunications Act.
Press Council Nepal Receives 117 Complaints in First three and half Months of FY 2025/26
In the first three and half months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, the Press Council Nepal registered 117 complaints related to media content. According to the Council, of the 63 self-monitored materials, 20 were found to have violated the Journalists’ Code of Conduct. The Council stated that 55 responses were shared with complainants after corresponding with the concerned media outlets. Among these, 12 outlets issued apologies or corrections, three materials were withdrawn, four were asked for clarification, 12 received instructions or warnings, and 31 cases are still under process.
During the Gen Z demonstration on September 8 and 9, the Council’s self-monitoring found 14 misleading or rumor-based contents disseminated through media and social platforms. Additionally, three unregistered social media posts were identified as breaching the Journalists’ Code of Conduct.
14 Nepali Citizens Rescued from Illegal Online Scam Center in Myanmar
The Nepali Embassy in Thailand successfully rescued 14 Nepali citizens who had been lured to Myanmar and forced to work in an illegal online scamming center. The operation was carried out in coordination with authorities in Myanmar and Thailand. The rescued individuals were brought from Myawaddy, Myanmar, to Bangkok via Mae Sot and returned to Nepal on 5 November 2025 via Nepal Airlines. The embassy is coordinating to repatriate another 11 Nepalis from Myanmar and a total of 38 Nepalis rescued since 19 October from scamming centers.
The embassy urged all Nepalis to obtain government labor approval before going abroad and cautioned against falling for quick-money schemes, particularly in countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Free WiFi Access Expanded Across 19 Public Areas in Kathmandu
The government has begun providing free WiFi in 19 public areas across Kathmandu under the leadership of Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel, who had pledged to launch the service within two months of taking office. Implemented in coordination with the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the project offers free connectivity in hospitals, airports, and transport offices, with installations already completed in eight locations including the New Buspark, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur hospitals, Tribhuvan International Airport, and transport offices in Thulo Bharyang, Ekantakuna, and Radheradhe. The initiative, supported by Nepal Telecom, WorldLink, and Vianet, also includes bandwidth upgrades from 10 Mbps to 150 Mbps in major hospitals and public areas. The ministry plans to expand free WiFi to ten more cities nationwide, promoting digital access while urging users to use public networks safely.
China Requires Influencers to Hold Degrees in Their Fields
China has enforced a new law requiring influencers to have formal qualifications before discussing professional topics such as finance, health, medicine, law, or education. Effective from October 25, the rule, introduced by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), aims to curb misinformation and promote accountability.
Influencers on platforms like Douyin, Weibo, and Bilibili must now present relevant degrees or certifications, while platforms are required to verify these credentials and ensure proper citations and disclaimers. The CAC has also banned advertisements for medical products and supplements and requires creators to disclose AI-generated content. While the law seeks to ensure reliable information online, critics argue it could limit creativity and restrict freedom of expression.
Millions Use ChatGPT for Mental Health Support: OpenAI Report
OpenAI’s latest report reveals that millions of users worldwide are turning to ChatGPT for mental and emotional support. About 0.07% of its 800 million weekly users face mental health emergencies, with some showing signs of suicidal thoughts or emotional attachment to the chatbot. In response, OpenAI has introduced a Distress Detection System to identify and redirect users in crisis to professional help, working with over 170 psychiatrists to improve safety. The company says GPT-5 provides 52% fewer incorrect responses and 42% less emotional dependency than previous models. Experts, however, warn that AI chatbots cannot replace professional mental health care.
