Nepal, July 3 -- Policy instability has long been a deterrent to investment, and Nepal is no exception. In recent times, policy decisions driven by vested interests have undermined investor confidence. Without stable, long-term policy commitments, existing investments come under threat, and potential future investments are discouraged. A fresh controversy has erupted in the hydropower sector after the government replaced the term "take or pay" with "take and pay" in the national budget for FY 2025/26. The private sector, which plays a leading role in electricity production, views this shift as a regressive move that jeopardizes its survival. Investors argue that the new provision not only risks reintroducing load-shedding but also sends a...