KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today:

NEPSE Edges Up by 1.53 Points as Turnover Hits Rs 8.223 Billion

Amid daily fluctuations, the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose 1.53 points (0.05%) to 2,695.73 on Monday, after a 19.85-point drop Sunday. The Sensitive Index fell 0.75 points to 459.16. Trading involved 17.5 million shares of 330 companies through 91,061 transactions, generating Rs 8.223 billion in turnover. Of 13 sector indices, five rose and eight fell: Hotel & Tourism (+1.77%) and Manufacturing & Processing (+1.45%) led gains, while Finance (-0.89%) and Commercial Banks (-0.09%) declined. Share prices of 114 companies increased, 135 decreased, and 13 remained unchanged.

Health Insurance Board Caps OPD Services at Rs 25,000

The Health Insurance Board has introduced a new regulation capping outpatient (OPD) service coverage at Rs 25,000 per year. Information Officer Bikesh Malla of the board announced on Sunday that the rule will take effect on February 13. Previously, there was no specific limit within the total coverage. The decision aims to control a financial deficit, as 71 percent of insurance claims are for OPD services. While the board’s income is approximately Rs 14 billion, annual expenditures exceed Rs 24 billion, leading to payment delays. Currently, a premium of Rs 3,500 covers a family of 5 for up to Rs 100,000 in total treatment costs.

3 Customs Officials of TIA Arrested With Bribes

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested three officials, including Customs Officer Indra Neupane, at the Foreign Postal Customs Branch of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for taking bribes. Alongside Neupane, office assistant Ganesh Prasad Pudasaini and non-gazetted first-class officer Chhabi Prasad Rijal were taken into custody. Investigators recovered Rs 268,288 in cash and 23 mobile phones from the suspects. The arrests followed complaints that staff were harassing and extorting service providers sending parcels abroad. Spokesperson Suresh Neupane confirmed that Rs 146,420 was seized from Pudasaini’s office alone, including Rs 10,000 identified specifically as bribe money.

Financial Inclusion Index Rises to 0.53 in FY 2025/26 as Banking Expands

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reported that the Financial Inclusion Index grew from 0.47 to 0.53 in the current fiscal year. The report, published by the Financial Inclusion and Consumer Protection Division of NRB, attributes this growth to expanded access, increased digital usage, and improved service quality. The access index reached 0.53, while usage and quality indices stood at 0.54 and 0.50, respectively. Central bank officials noted that improved financial literacy and consumer protection mechanisms have encouraged more households to engage in formal banking and digital payments. Future efforts will focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and transparency.

Commercial Banks’ Net Interest Income Reaches Rs 96.51 Billion

The 20 commercial banks in Nepal earned a total net interest income of Rs 96.51 billion by the end of January 15. This marks a 3.72 percent increase from the Rs 92.607 billion recorded last year. Nabil Bank secured the highest income at Rs 8.8 billion, followed closely by Global IME Bank at Rs 8.2 billion. While 14 banks saw growth, six banks, including NIC Asia and Standard Chartered, reported a decline. Rastriya Banijya Bank saw the most significant growth at 38.49 percent.

Insurers Pay Rs 6 Billion for ‘Gen Z Protest’ Damages

Insurance companies have settled Rs 6 billion in claims following physical damage during protests on September 8 and 9, 2025. As of January 19, total claims reached Rs 23.772 billion, making it the highest recorded damage claim, surpassing the 2015 earthquake. The Nepal Insurance Authority noted that 70.54 percent of claims involved motor vehicles, with Rs 1.702 billion paid out for motors so far. Geographically, Bagmati province saw the highest impact with 1,828 claims, representing 54 percent of the national total.

Real Estate Capital Gains Tax Increases by Rs 830 Million

Capital gains tax from real estate transactions rose to Rs 8.28 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year, an increase of Rs 830 million compared to the same period last year. The Department of Land Management and Archive noted that while the number of legal documents passed fell by 7,000 to 702,000, total revenue reached Rs 21.95 billion. Government policy charges a 5 percent tax for properties sold within five years and 2.5 percent for those held longer. Monthly capital gains tax collection averaged Rs 1.38 billion during this period.

Dang Water Supply Office Spends 49 Percent of Budget

The Water Supply and Sanitation Office in Dang spent 48.57 percent of its budget, totaling Rs 8.33 billion, in the first half of the fiscal year. Following government cuts, the total budget was adjusted to Rs 171.6 million. Office Chief Tilak Neupane reported that the Terai-Madhesh Water Improvement Program achieved 100 percent expenditure of its Rs 1.25 billion allocation. However, out of 208 planned provincial projects, only 97 have been implemented. Challenges include drying water sources, lack of coordination between government levels, and delays in receiving smart meters from the Nepal Electricity Authority.

Local Unit Provides Rs 3,000 Incentive for Girl Child

The Beldandi Rural Municipality of Kanchanpur District has introduced a Rs 3,000 incentive for mothers who give birth to a daughter to combat gender discrimination and illegal sex-selective abortions. Under the ‘Vice-Chairperson’s Gift’ program, which started in the fiscal year 2022/23, at least 353 mothers have received this allowance, including 40 in the current fiscal year. Vice-Chairperson Shanti Nath explained that parents must present marriage and birth registrations to claim the fund, which also helps reduce child marriage. Additionally, the municipality provides free ambulance services for pregnant women and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500 for unmarried women over the age of 35.

Local Unit Collects Rs 8.2 Million in Heli-Tourism Fees

Annapurna Rural Municipality of Kaski District has collected Rs 8.2 million in revenue from helicopter flights to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) over the last 10 months. Chairman Bishnu Bahadur KC stated that listed service providers pay Rs 10,000 per flight, while unlisted ones pay Rs 20,000. Air Dynasty Heli Services paid the highest amount of Rs 3.7 million, followed by Simrik Air at Rs 2.5 million. The municipality, which has established desks at Pokhara Airport and ABC, aims to use these funds for infrastructure, including helipads, while also moving forward with 6 hydropower projects, including Landruk Hydropower.

Nepal’s First ‘Rhino Cruise’ Starts in Narayani River

The Rhino Water Entertainment and Hotel River Crown have launched Nepal’s first ‘Rhino Cruise’ in the Narayani River with an investment of Rs 500 million. Inaugurated on February 1 by Gaidakot Municipality, Nawalparasi (Bardhghat Susta Purba) Mayor Madan Bhakta Adhikari, the 95-foot-long, two-and-a-half-story vessel can accommodate 150 guests. Ticket prices range from Rs 500 for a basic trip to Rs 3,000 for a dinner package. Managing Director Deepak Dhungel stated that each passenger is insured for Rs 1 million. The municipality has committed to deepening the riverbed to extend the route from Devghat to Triveni Dham.

NEA Chief Inspects 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Progress

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya conducted a field inspection of the 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project yesterday. Shakya directed management to complete construction within the set timeline, noting the project’s strategic importance for national energy security. Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari reported that Package 1 (dam construction) has reached 47 percent progress, with concrete work starting on the 140-meter-high dam. Package 2 (powerhouse) is 72.5 percent complete, and Package 3 (transmission line) is at 74.5 percent. The USD 505 million project is funded by the Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the European Investment Bank.

Karnali Province Activates First 132 KV Transmission Line

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has operationalized the first 132 KV transmission line in Karnali Province. The 52-kilometer section connecting Kohalpur and Surkhet is expected to resolve chronic low-voltage issues and frequent power outages previously caused by the 33 KV system. NEA Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya stated that this infrastructure will boost economic growth and support large-scale industries in the region. Project Chief Ravi Kumar Chaudhary confirmed that work on the second phase, extending from Surkhet to Dailekh, will now be fast-tracked to further stabilize the provincial electricity supply and encourage industrial investment.

3 Firms Fined for Market Violations in Monitoring Drive

The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection fined three firms during a regular market inspection for failing to comply with the Consumer Protection Act 2018. Pokhrel Traders was fined Rs 15,000, Sulabh Kirana and Food Suppliers Rs 10,000, and Shital Food Store in Lalitpur Rs 5,000. Additionally, Chiya Katero Private Limited has been ordered to appear at the department within three days with valid business documentation. The department, supported by local administration and consumer rights activists, issued corrective instructions to 10 other firms to ensure fair market practices and legal compliance.

International Dairy Expo to Feature 100 Stalls in Bharatpur

The Chitwan District Milk Producers Cooperative Association and Chitwan Association of Industry will host the International Dairy Expo from February 8 to 12. Located at the Chitwan Exhibition Center in Bharatpur, the event aims to promote technology in the dairy industry. Association President Kishore Bagale stated that over 100 stalls from Nepal and India will showcase machinery, veterinary medicines, and dairy products. The organizers expect 50,000 visitors, providing farmers with opportunities to observe modern equipment. The expo is designed to encourage self-sufficiency and industrialize milk production through financial and technological integration.

Small Construction Businesses in Banke Face 10 Percent Attrition

Banke Construction Entrepreneurs Association President Liluraj Upadhyay reported that 10 percent of small contractors in the district leave the profession annually due to payment delays. Out of 653 registered members, many are struggling to pay bank interest and risk being blacklisted. Currently, development projects worth Rs 8 billion to Rs 10 billion are underway in Banke, but the lack of timely fund release from government agencies has left the sector in crisis. Entrepreneurs often use their own capital and bank loans for projects, and the ongoing failure to receive payments is severely impacting the local and national economy.

NRB Fixes Exchange Rate for Today

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) maintained the US Dollar (USD) exchange rate on Monday, with the buying rate at Rs 146.88 and the selling rate at Rs 147.48. The Euro (EUR) is priced at Rs 174.05 (buy) and Rs 174.76 (sell), while the UK Pound Sterling (GBP) stands at Rs 201.07 (buy) and Rs 201.89 (sell). Other rates include the Australian Dollar (AUD) at Rs 102.25 and the Indian Rupee at Rs 160 for 100 units. The central bank noted that commercial banks may set slightly different rates, and these figures are subject to adjustment based on market conditions.

8 Development Banks Declare Dividends Up to 18.20 Percent

Eight development banks listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) have announced dividends from last year’s profits. Muktinath Bikas Bank led the group with an 18.20 percent dividend, including 13.53 percent bonus shares and 4.67 percent cash. Kamana Sewa followed with 15.78 percent, while Shine Resunga and Garima declared 13 percent and 10.53 percent, respectively. Green Development Bank offered the lowest at 8.46 percent. While 7 national-level banks have completed their Annual General Meetings (AGM), six others, including Jyoti and Excel Development Bank, are yet to announce their meetings despite the legal six-month deadline requirement.

Gold and Silver Prices Drop Today

Gold and silver prices have declined in the market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has fallen by Rs 13,400 per tola (11.66 grams) and is currently being traded at Rs 286,600 per tola. On Sunday, gold was priced at Rs 300,000 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver has also decreased today. Silver has dropped by Rs 300 per tola and is now being traded at Rs 5,200 per tola. On Sunday, silver was traded at Rs 5,500 per tola.