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:

Pokhara Launches Major Infrastructure Projects Worth Over 33 Billion Rupees:

Currently, major and pride projects worth over Rs 33 billion are underway in Pokhara Metropolitan City. Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya stated that historic development works have been initiated in Pokhara in coordination with various international donor agencies. Among the key projects is a state-of-the-art exhibition center being built with Rs 2.25 billion in assistance from the Korean government. Mayor Acharya mentioned that the building’s design will reflect Pokhara’s identity, shaped like an ‘overturned boat’, and will become a tourist attraction. This will employ nearly 3,000 people, he said, adding that a similar state-of-the-art ‘burn center’ hospital is being constructed with nearly Rs 2 billion in assistance from KOICA. The tender process for a disaster management center, supported by the Asian Development Bank, has already begun at the site of the old Lekhnath building. Mayor Acharya noted that an ADB project to construct a cycle lane connecting all of Pokhara’s lakes is moving forward, and a botanical garden is being built at Shanti Batika.

Mines-related Industries Generate Rs 2.94 Billion in Revenue: 

Revenue amounting to Rs 2.14 billion has been collected from mines-based industries. This revenue amount was collected during the previous fiscal year and in the first eight months of the current fiscal. According to the Department of Mines and Geology, this amount was collected through permits for the extraction of mined materials such as limestone, red soil, metals, and stones, as well as the renewal of such permits. In the last fiscal year, the Department had permitted for the extraction of limestone, tourmaline, talc, quartz, kainite, marble, iron, zinc, quartzite, magnetite, dolomite, and copper.

Chandragiri Investment Group Limited to Issue IPO:

Chandragiri Investment Group Limited is set to issue an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the general public. The company’s first annual general meeting, held today, passed the proposal to issue the ‘IPO’. The company has an authorized capital of Rs 500 million. Chairman Rajan Shrestha informed Nepal News that the annual general meeting also approved the proposal to distribute a cash dividend at the rate of four percent of the paid-up capital and elected six directors unopposed. The elected directors include Rajan Shrestha, Ramraja  Acharya, Prakash Man Shrestha, Dhirendra Shrestha, Shankar Maharjan, and Birendra Shrestha. The meeting also passed the annual report and auditor’s report presented by Chairman Shrestha.

Govt Sets Wheat Support Price at Rs 3,945 and Spring Ppaddy at Rs 2,856.49 Per Quintal:

The government has set the minimum support price for wheat and spring paddy, increasing the prices by Rs 77.62 per quintal and Rs 55.08 per quintal, respectively, for the current year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, at the revised rates, the minimum price of wheat is now fixed at Rs 3,945 per quintal. Similarly, the minimum purchase price of spring paddy has reached Rs 2,856.49 per quintal. The fixed price of spring paddy is applicable for moisture content of up to 18 percent. If it goes beyond this threshold, the price will be fixed by reducing the weight by 1.200 kilograms per quintal. Every year, the government has been fixing the minimum support price to ensure fair prices to farmers and to encourage production of the essentials. Last year, the government maintained the minimum price of wheat at Rs 3,867.38 per quintal and that of the spring paddy at Rs 2,800.69 per quintal.

Nepal Prepares for Second National Economic Census:

Preparations for the second economic census have reached their final stages. The National Statistics Office has announced that enumerators and necessary supervisors have been deployed across the country and have reached their respective areas. The economic census will commence nationwide on April 15. According to the schedule, the field data collection process will be completed within the third week of June 2026. Approximately 5,000 personnel have been mobilized for the census. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has urged all industrial establishments, entrepreneurs, business owners, and stakeholders to participate actively in the second economic census. He has requested contributions to this vital task of collecting data linked to the country’s overall industrial and economic sectors. The census will collect basic details from 18 economic sectors. The objective is to gather information regarding the number, type, investment, employment, production, and service delivery of industries, businesses, service sectors, cooperatives, and private and public institutions. Data will be collected from all small and large business establishments, whether registered or unregistered, including those providing significant employment or self-employment. Furthermore, industries, factories, trade businesses, non-government organizations, government institutions, public or private schools, and hospitals will be included in the census.

Tourism Entrepreneurs Urge Government to Avoid Impulsive Policy Changes:

Tourism entrepreneurs have advised the government against making impulsive changes to tourism policies and regulations. During the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Travel and Tour Operators Nepal (SOTTO-Nepal), an umbrella organization of tour and travel businesses, stakeholders urged the government to carefully consider the long-term impacts on the tourism sector before implementing any policy shifts. At the meeting, SOTTO-Nepal President Man Bahadur Shahi emphasized that Nepal’s tourism sector is filled with immense potential. He stated that Nepal’s mountains, hills, Terai, diverse culture, heritage, adventure tourism, religious tourism, and rural tourism provide a unique position in the global market, which must be fully utilized. He noted that close collaboration between the private sector, the government, and local communities is essential to translate these possibilities into reality. He expressed hope in the newly formed stable government and urged it to adopt long-term policies to address issues in the tourism sector. Outgoing President Bhuwan Bahadur Pandey advised the government to consider the long-term consequences when formulating tourism-related policies. Pandey drew the government’s attention to the need to avoid implementing or removing policies based on whims. He also called for the Nepal Tourism Board’s cooperation in tourism promotion.

Global IME Ultima Offer: Massive 20% Discount on Gadgets for Smart Shoppers in Nepal:

The Global IME Ultima Offer is creating strong interest among digital shoppers in Nepal as Global IME Bank Limited introduces an attractive discount campaign in collaboration with Ultima Lifestyle. This limited-time promotion allows customers to enjoy a 20% instant discount when purchasing selected gadgets online. By utilizing Global IME Bank Debit or Credit Cards through the Global Payment Gateway, tech enthusiasts can upgrade their lifestyle accessories at a lower cost. This campaign is strategically designed to encourage digital payments, promote cashless transactions, and offer added value to customers looking for affordable lifestyle tech products. With the growing demand for online shopping and smart gadgets in Nepal, this offer comes at the perfect time for users who want to save money while securing high-quality electronics.

Sudurpashchim Province Accelerates Preparation for Second Five-Year Plan rewrite:

The Sudurpashchim provincial government has intensified preparations for its upcoming second five-year plan (2026/27–2030/31) with the goal of bringing qualitative improvements to the lives of its residents. Suggestions were collected from provincial assembly members during a special program held in Dhangadhi on Saturday regarding the preliminary draft prepared by the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission. This plan is being put forward as a roadmap to make Sudurpashchim self-reliant and prosperous within the next five years. The proposed draft prioritizes increasing production and productivity, poverty alleviation, and massive job creation. The provincial government has set a strategy to achieve sustainable economic growth by developing value chains based on agriculture, tourism, industry, and energy sectors. Additionally, programs for investment promotion and entrepreneurship expansion are at the center of the plan to improve citizens’ income levels. Regarding infrastructure development, the draft pays special attention to geographical balance.

Major Jio Fiber Snag Hits Consumers Nationwide in India:

A massive technical snag hit Jio Fiber services across India on Sunday morning, knocking out broadband internet, WiFi and fixed-line telephone connectivity for hundreds of Thousands of subscribers in what was described as one of the worst outages since the telecom giant’s inception. The disruption, which began in the early hours, left consumers in cities and towns across India completely cut off, with no internet or landline access. Adding to the frustration, the MyJio mobile app — the primary portal for raising complaints and seeking customer support — also stopped responding, leaving affected users with no recourse to even log a grievance. The breakdown triggered an immediate storm on social media. The hashtag #JioDown began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the outage, with irate consumers posting screenshots of dead routers and black screens.

Stakeholders Warn Cross-border Imports Threaten Domestic Agriculture: 

Agricultural stakeholders have stated that cheap and unhealthy cross-border products are posing a significant challenge to domestic agriculture, which faces high production costs. Participants expressed these concerns during a program titled ‘Inter-Provincial Relations and Cooperation in the Agricultural Sector,’ organized by the Federalism and Localization Center (FLC) on Sunday. The event, held in Lalitpur, saw the participation of representatives from provincial ministries of agriculture and land management, federal agricultural ministry officials, and researchers. Chaired by FLC Chairman Dr Khim Lal Devkota, the program featured presentations on the importance of inter-provincial learning and collaboration in agriculture. Participants also discussed achievements, challenges, potential for inter-provincial cooperation, and shared experiences. Bagmati Province Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Madhusudan Paudel, praised the achievements of the provinces but highlighted that low-cost, unhealthy imports are undermining domestic production.

Gold, Silver Prices Rise:

The prices of gold and silver increased moderately in the local market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold reached Rs 297,100  per tola (11.66 grams) on Sunday, marking an increase of Rs 200 in a single day. On Friday, gold was traded at Rs 296,900 per tola. Similarly, silver prices also witnessed a rise. The price of silver increased by Rs 15 per tola to Rs 4,975. It was bought and sold at Rs 4,960 on Friday.

Indain Govt Hikes Windfall Tax On Diesel to Rs 55.5/Liter, ATF to Rs 42/Liter:

The government on Saturday hiked export duty, or windfall tax, on diesel to Rs 55.5 per liter and on aviation fuel ATF to Rs 42 a liter. The duty hikes would be applicable with immediate effect, the finance ministry said in a notification. The government had, on March 26, imposed an export duty of Rs 21.50 a liter on diesel, and Rs 29.5 per liter on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The duties were levied to increase domestic availability of the fuel amid the war in West Asia. They were also aimed at not allowing exporters to take undue advantage due to price differences, as globally crude oil prices had risen since the beginning of the war. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, triggering sweeping retaliation from Tehran.

Banke Farmers Taking to Maize Cultivation:

Farmers in Banke district have recently been shifting their focus toward maize cultivation, driven by higher income potential and reliable market access. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Center in Banke, maize cultivation has become increasingly popular as it allows farmers to grow up to three crops a year while ensuring good returns. Dr Binod Ghimire, Head of the Agriculture Knowledge Center, Banke, said that farmers are becoming more attracted to maize farming as the marketing of maize has been ensured. Currently, maize is cultivated on 4,228 hectares of land in the district, yielding around 19,599 metric tons annually. Market assurance has encouraged even farmers previously engaged in other crops to switch to maize cultivation. In Ward No. 6 of Duduwa Rural Municipality, particularly in Hirminiya Baldipurwa, farmers who traditionally grew vegetables are now increasingly adopting off-season maize farming. The Agriculture Knowledge Center said that maize farming has proven more profitable than vegetable cultivation in the area.

National Life Sanjivani Plan: A Complete Guide to Protection and Savings Benefits in Nepal: 

The National Life Sanjivani Plan is a non-linked with-profits endowment insurance policy offered by National Life Insurance. It is designed to provide a balanced combination of financial protection and long-term savings, making it suitable for individuals who want both life insurance coverage and wealth accumulation in a single plan. In the growing insurance market of Nepal as of April 2026, endowment plans like this are widely preferred because they offer guaranteed benefits along with additional bonuses declared by the insurance company. The Sanjivani plan is structured to support policyholders throughout their financial journey while also ensuring security for their families in case of unforeseen events. The two countries have also signed the Double Contributions Convention (DCC) pact to ensure temporary workers would not have to duplicate social levies in either country. The official said that both pacts are likely to be implemented in parallel.

‘After Hitting Rock Bottom, Indian Stock Market Is On Its Way To Speedy Recovery’: 

The Indian equity market has been through a rollercoaster during the past few weeks, facing structural shocks from the trade disruptions due to the conflict in West Asia, with many stocks falling sharply. A report by Vallum Capital suggests that the recent nosedive is a sign of speedy recovery in the market. According to the report, the market has reached a point of “capitulation”, where fear is overriding fundamentals, and this is often a precursor to a strong recovery. The report says when more than 70% of stocks fall below their 200-day moving average, it’s a sign of extreme stress. “On April 8, this reading hit 71.3%, indicating that the market is in a “Capitulation Zone”. Historically, this has been a rewarding entry point, with median 1-year forward returns of +17.5%, according to the investment firm. The report also highlighted the unprecedented velocity of normalization in energy prices. Crude oil shocks usually take around 30 weeks to stabilize, but this time it took just 9 weeks. “This accelerated stabilization is a massive signal for broader market stability,” said Vallum Capital.