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:

NRB Absorbs Rs 40 Billion Liquidity from Banking System

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has absorbed Rs 40 billion from the banking system to manage excess liquidity. Using the deposit collection instrument, the central bank held a bidding session at 3:00 PM today, Friday. Commercial banks, development banks, and finance companies were eligible to participate with a minimum bid of Rs 100 million. This 96-day instrument is scheduled for principal and interest repayment on August 12. The central bank utilized a multi-interest rate bidding system to calibrate the withdrawal of funds, ensuring stability in the interbank market amid high liquid assets in the financial sector.

NEPSE Rises 27.49 Points to Close Week at 2,745.65 Points

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) closed higher on Friday, the final trading day of the week, supported by strong gains across all listed sectors. NEPSE rose by 27.49 points, or 1.01 percent, to settle at 2745.65 points. The sensitive index also increased by 3.24 points to 467.33, while the float and sensitive float indices posted gains of 1.02 percent and 0.79 percent respectively. A total of 7,478,562 shares of 335 companies were traded through 53,014 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 3.286 billion. Trading activity improved compared to earlier sessions in the week, with all 13 sector indices closing in positive territory, led by gains in finance, hydropower, and development bank groups.

Lumbini Province Collects Rs 1.589 Billion in Revenue Over 9 Months

Lumbini Province has collected Rs 1.589 billion in internal revenue during the first nine months (July 17, 2025, to April 13, 2026) of the current fiscal year 2025/26, meeting only 32.75 percent of its annual target. The provincial government had set an ambitious goal of Rs 4.88 billion. Major revenue contributors include vehicle taxes totaling Rs 1.696 billion and land registration fees of Rs 664.7 million shared with local levels. Other sources include Rs 583.4 million from driver’s licenses and Rs 501 million from forest-related income. Federal grants and revenue sharing added Rs 8.756 billion and Rs 7.862 billion respectively.

Federal Parliament Secretariat Dissolves Trade Union

The Federal Parliament Secretariat has officially abolished its employee trade union following a government ordinance to amend certain Nepal acts. The Employee Administration Branch issued a notice confirming that the provision under Section 73 of the Federal Parliament Secretariat Act, 2007, which allowed non-security staff of Gazetted Third Class or below to form a union, has been scrapped. This decision follows a broader legislative move by the government to restructure administrative bodies through an ordinance. Consequently, all formal trade union activities and professional interest groups within the secretariat have been legally dissolved with immediate effect as per the new administrative directives.

Customs Department Launches New Digital TIV Declaration Portal

The Department of Customs has implemented a new TIV Declaration Portal under the Nepal National Single Window system to modernize trade facilitation. Following a decision on April 30, the system transitioned from manual to digital processing for all TIV-related declarations. The new portal allows stakeholders to submit declarations online and offers both manual and e-payment options for associated fees. The department has directed all customs offices and subordinate agencies to utilize the digital module, which is accessible via the official website. This technological upgrade is expected to significantly reduce processing times and improve transparency in cross-border trade documentation.

PMO Directs Local Units to Regulate River and Mine Extraction

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued a strict directive to ministries and local levels to ensure that the extraction of river and mineral materials complies with environmental standards. The instruction aims to stop illegal collection and smuggling of stones, gravel, and sand. Authorities have been told to mobilize regular patrols and restrict extraction hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The PMO emphasized that all transactions must issue authentic invoices based on actual market value to prevent revenue loss. The Ministry of Home Affairs is required to submit a monthly progress report starting the first week of each month to monitor compliance.

Government Approves $1.27 Million Grant for Conservation of Native Fish

The government has accepted a grant of approximately USD 1.27 million from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund to protect endangered native fish in the Middle Trishuli River Basin. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting on May 5, targets the conservation of local Asala, Katle, and Sahar fish species. While the total grant is USD 1.45 million, the remaining USD 1.27 million will be deposited into the Federal Consolidated Fund after technical assistance deductions. The project, titled “Conservation of Endangered Cold Water Fish Species and Sustainable Livelihood of Fishing Communities in the Middle Trishuli River Basin,” will be implemented in Nuwakot from 2026 to 2029.

Over 11,000 Cooperatives Initiate Registration with National Regulatory Authority

Approximately 11,600 cooperatives specializing in savings and credit are currently undergoing the registration process with the National Cooperative Regulatory Authority. Established 1 year ago to enhance transparency, the authority has already issued operating licenses to 3,000 institutions that applied online. Currently, 8,000 cooperatives are awaiting document verification, while 3,646 entities have been flagged for incomplete paperwork. To mitigate financial risks, the authority has partnered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal for rigorous auditing. Under new regulations, all cooperatives across federal, provincial, and local levels must obtain mandatory clearance from the authority to continue financial operations and secure depositor savings.

Birgunj Moves to Scrape Registration of 88 Inactive Cooperatives

Birgunj Metropolitan City has initiated a 35-day legal notice to cancel the registration of 88 inactive cooperatives within its jurisdiction. These entities have failed to submit monthly progress reports, annual audit documents, or minutes of their annual general meetings as required by the Metropolitan Cooperative Act, 2017. Additionally, the cooperatives have not entered data into the Cooperative and Poverty Management Information System and have remained completely out of contact. Under Section 66 of the local act, the metropolis has the authority to dissolve cooperatives that fail to maintain operational transparency. This move is part of a broader effort to clean up the cooperative sector and protect the interests of potential members.

Committee Names 110 Large Debtors From 11 Problematic Cooperatives

The Problematic Cooperative Management Committee has released a list of 110 large-scale debtors from 11 declared problematic cooperatives. The institutions include Gorkha Saving, Kantipur Saving, Lali Gurans Multipurpose, and Shiva Shikhar Multipurpose Cooperative. Debtors have been instructed to settle their outstanding principal, interest, and penalties immediately at the committee’s office. Failure to comply will lead to the auctioning of assets, inclusion in a financial blacklist, and potential imprisonment. Furthermore, the committee warned that persistent defaulters may face the suspension of public services, including electricity and water connections. This move is part of a strategy to recover funds and begin returning savings to victims of cooperative mismanagement.

Traffic Violations Generate Rs 1.87 Million in Revenue Within 24 Hours

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office took action against 1,806 motorists for various traffic violations over the past 24 hours, collecting Rs 1.8 million in fines. The penalties included 77 cases of driving under the influence, 162 unauthorized ride-sharing operations, and 106 signal violations. Additionally, 88 drivers were fined for speeding, while 84 violated lane discipline. Other recorded offenses included 39 instances of prohibited honking, 77 footpath parking violations, and 111 cases of driving the wrong way on one-way streets. A total of 1,062 other general traffic rule infractions were also processed during the enforcement period.

Police Detain 25 Individuals for Illegal Yarsagumba Collection in Mugu

The District Police Office in Mugu has detained 25 individuals, including one minor, for entering the highland pastures to collect Yarsagumba without legal permits. Although the Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality has not yet issued official notices for the collection season, gatherers from various districts and India have begun arriving in the region. SP Rabiraj Thapaliya confirmed that security has been heightened across more than two dozen highland areas to prevent illegal entry and resource depletion. Yarsagumba serves as the primary economic lifeline for remote communities, who rely on the annual harvest to cover their household expenses. Authorities will keep the detainees in custody until legal formalities are completed.

Free Soil Testing Camp Benefits 125 Farmers in Kohalpur

A two-day free soil testing camp organized by the Agriculture Development Branch of Kohalpur Municipality provided diagnostic services to 125 farmers. In coordination with the Soil and Fertilizer Testing Laboratory in Khajura, technicians collected 125 soil samples from all 15 wards of the municipality. The initiative aimed to identify nutrient deficiencies and soil pH levels to help farmers optimize fertilizer use and reduce input costs. Reports from the laboratory are expected within two days, after which farmers will receive personalized advice on crop selection and soil management. Officials noted that the camp was crucial for raising awareness among traditional farmers who often lack access to modern soil diagnostic facilities.

Farmers in Dhanpaltan Adopt Earthworm Manure to Improve Soil Health

In Dhangadhimai Municipality, Siraha, farmers have shifted from chemical fertilizers to organic vermicompost, commonly known as earthworm manure, to boost productivity. Members of the Maharani Women Farmers Group in Ward 10 have established commercial production units by decomposing cattle waste and organic matter with earthworms. Supported by the Climate-Friendly Village Project under CARE Nepal and the National Federation of Farmers Groups, the initiative covers four local levels in Siraha and two in Saptari. The project operates on a 70:30 cost-sharing model between the organization and farmers. This transition aims to increase soil carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease the physical workload for women in agriculture.

Over 136,000 Livestock Vaccinated Against Infectious Diseases in Baglung

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Office in Baglung has vaccinated 136,781 livestock across six local levels to control the spread of contagious diseases. The campaign covered Dhorpatan, Galkot, Nisikhola, Tamankhola, Badigad, and Tarakhola. Specifically, 17,365 cows, 27,052 buffaloes, and 830 pigs received vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Additionally, 69,484 goats and 13,379 sheep were immunized against PPR, while 7,774 dogs received anti-rabies shots. To protect the pig population, 897 pigs were administered the CSF vaccine. A second phase of the campaign commenced on April 14 in Baglung Municipality, Kathekhoala, Jaimini, and Bareng, with completion expected by the end of May 14.

Delays in Kakarbhitta-Laukahi Road Expansion Cause Local Hardship

The expansion of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi section of the Asian Highway is facing significant delays, with only 42% physical progress reported. Although the government aimed for completion by mid-November this year, construction has been hindered by a shortage of materials and fuel. The CRFGS-Tundi JV reported that regional tensions in the Middle East have stalled the delivery of 5,000 tons of bitumen. Furthermore, the project receives only 4,000 liters of diesel daily despite requiring 10,000 to 12,000 liters. While 13 kilometers have been paved and bridge construction is progressing well, the lack of “site clearance” regarding electric poles and water pipes continues to obstruct the remaining work.

Sudurpaschim to Terminate Contracts for Seven Stalled Cold Chambers

The Directorate of Agriculture Development in Sudurpaschim Province is preparing to terminate contracts for seven cold chambers that remain incomplete five years after the initial agreement. In 2021, a contract worth Rs 59.3 million was awarded to build 13 cold chambers with a total capacity of 645 tons. While 6 units worth Rs 29.7 million were completed and handed over, the remaining seven are either in the foundation stage or missing mechanical installations. Despite a final deadline of June 29, contractors have failed to return to work, prompting the directorate to initiate blacklisting procedures and seek new bidders.

Construction of Rs 53.46 Million Concrete Bridge Completed in Thasang

A new 20-meter-long concrete bridge has been completed over the Kaikukhola along the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road section in Thasang Rural Municipality. The contract for the project was signed on April 23, 2024, for Rs 53.4 million. The project included upgrading access roads and building river-training structures to prevent erosion. To date, 15 concrete bridges have been completed along the 202-kilometer route connecting Parbat to the Korala border. Currently, one bridge remains under construction in Ghamikhola, while six bailey bridges serve other sections of the strategic highway.

Gold and Silver Prices Rise Today

Gold prices increased in the market on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold rose by Rs 1,300 per tola (11.66 grams) and reached Rs 299,900 per tola today. On Thursday, gold was traded at Rs 298,600 per tola. Similarly, silver prices also increased. The association stated that silver rose by Rs 120 per tola, reaching Rs 5,275 per tola today. On Thursday, silver was traded at Rs 5,155 per tola.