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:

Nepal–Spain Business Forum 2026 Calls for Stronger Trade and Investment Ties

Stakeholders from Nepal and Spain have emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation during the Nepal–Spain Business Forum 2026 held in Madrid. Organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Madrid, the forum brought together government officials, investors, and private sector representatives from both countries to explore new areas of collaboration. Nepali officials highlighted the potential of textiles, garments, and handicrafts, including pashmina, wool, hemp, and silver jewelry, while Spanish representatives expressed interest in expanding business-to-business partnerships in fashion and related industries. Participants agreed on the need for deeper engagement to boost trade ties and investment flows between Nepal and Spain.

Only 1,231 Pass English Test for Israel Caregiver Jobs

Only 1,231 applicants have passed the English language test required for caregiver jobs in Israel, out of 15,626 candidates who sat for the exam. Applicants were required to achieve at least a B1 level in the speaking test to qualify for positions in Israel’s long-term care centers. The exam was conducted by CIIIN International Qualification in Tripureshwor. Israel had sought 2,300 caregivers from Nepal, making the number of successful candidates significantly lower than demand. The Department of Foreign Employment said discussions are underway on the next steps following the low pass rate of just 7.8 percent.

NEPSE Drops 26 Points as Turnover Falls; Hydropower Stock Hits Circuit

NEPSE declined by 26.16 points (0.96%) on Tuesday to close at 2,674.48, with trading turnover also slightly lower than the previous session. The Sensitive Index fell 0.50% to 461.48. Total turnover stood at Rs 4.36 billion from over 10 million shares traded in 72,854 transactions across 353 companies. Only 22 companies gained while 239 declined. Twelve of 13 sectoral indices fell, with only Mutual Fund posting gains. Bungl Hydro hit a 15% negative circuit, while Taksar Pikhuwakhola and Yambaling Hydropower rose 14.99%. Ankhu Khola Jalvidhyut led in turnover and traded volume.

National Census Finds Nearly 38,000 Businesses Shut Across Nepal

Preliminary data from the National Economic Census shows that around 38,000 industrial and commercial establishments across Nepal have closed permanently or temporarily, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). The findings are based on nationwide field surveys conducted to map employment, production, and business activity. Officials attribute the closures to post-pandemic slowdown, rising operational costs, weak domestic demand, and liquidity pressures affecting small and medium enterprises. Despite the decline, NSO said the detailed census data will help guide evidence-based policies, targeted relief measures, and reforms aimed at reviving the country’s business sector and improving economic stability.

26,065 Jewelry Businesses Registered for Gold and Silver Trade in Nepal: IRD

According to Inland Revenue Department (IRD) records, a total of 26,065 businesses involved in gold, silver, and jewelry trading are registered across Nepal. These establishments operate with Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) and are engaged in the commercial trade of precious metals and stones. The IRD said these businesses are legally required to collect applicable taxes on luxury goods from consumers and deposit them within stipulated deadlines. Alongside the taxpayer list, the department has also published an updated list of 20 commercial banks authorized to import precious metals into the country for regulated supply and trade.

Bird Flu in Poultry Farms Disrupts Supply Chain, Triggers Losses

An outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed at two commercial poultry farms in Kavrepalanchok, raising concerns over supply disruption and financial losses in the poultry sector. The virus was detected in Banepa Municipality-13 and Panauti Municipality-7 after laboratory tests confirmed infection following sudden poultry deaths. Authorities have culled 1,650 layer chickens and initiated containment and disinfection measures at both farms. Strict biosecurity controls have been enforced, including monitoring of poultry movement due to Kavre’s role as a key supplier to Kathmandu Valley. Officials say the outbreak is contained, though traders fear possible price rises and supply shortages if restrictions persist.

Gold, Silver Prices Decline in Domestic Market

Prices of both gold and silver fell in the domestic market on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of fine gold dropped by Rs 1,600 per tola, trading at Rs 287,100, down from Rs 288,700 on Monday. Silver also recorded a decline, falling by Rs 140 per tola to Rs 4,590. The precious metal had traded at Rs 4,730 per tola a day earlier. The decline follows recent fluctuations in international bullion markets, which continue to influence domestic prices.

Smart Postal Service Delivers 180,000 Passports, 570,000 Licenses

The Department of Postal Services’ “Smart Postal” initiative is rapidly expanding under the Government Courier Service, aimed at improving document delivery efficiency across Nepal. So far, 181,843 passports have been sent to District Administration Offices nationwide, with 4,642 already delivered directly to applicants’ homes. Similarly, 578,053 driving licenses from the Department of Transport Management have been distributed to districts, with 1,081 delivered to recipients in areas including Kaski, Morang, Banke, Parsa, Sunsari, Kalikot, and Bajhang. Officials said the system is being strengthened under the government’s governance reform agenda. The department is also preparing to extend home delivery services to academic certificates, with 266 already delivered so far.

Philim–Larke Pass Trek Route Closed for Nine Days for Upgrading Works

The Chumanwobri Rural Municipality has announced a nine-day closure of the Philim–Larkya Pass trekking route to carry out infrastructure upgrades on key mule tracks in the waterfalls and Dam areas. The route will remain closed from June 24 to July 2 to allow construction work including hume pipe installation, safety railings, and trail widening. Officials said the works aim to improve safety and reduce landslide risks during the monsoon season. The Philim–Larke Pass section is a vital part of the Manaslu Circuit trek and a key supply route for remote settlements. Authorities have urged trekkers, locals, and transport operators to adjust their plans accordingly.

Sidingwa Rural Municipality Offers 50% Power Tariff Discount

Sidingwa Rural Municipality has announced a 50 percent discount on electricity tariffs for households consuming up to 50 units of power per month. The scheme, unveiled during the municipality’s 19th council meeting, aims to provide relief to low- and middle-income families. According to the municipality, around 2,500 households use electricity in the area, and only those consuming up to 50 units monthly will qualify for the subsidy. The municipality also unveiled a budget of Rs 530.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year, prioritizing agriculture, local production, rural roads, and livestock farming.

Traffic Police Collect Rs 2.29 Million in Fines in 24 Hours

Traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley fined 2,641 motorists for violating traffic rules over the past 24 hours, generating Rs 2.29 million in revenue. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 79 drivers were penalized for driving under the influence, while 147 faced action for operating unauthorized ride-sharing services. Authorities also fined 154 motorists for traffic signal violations, 122 for speeding, 119 for lane discipline violations, 113 for unnecessary horn use, 119 for parking on sidewalks, and 100 for driving the wrong way on one-way roads. The remaining 1,688 were penalized for various other traffic offences.

Integrated Check post Resumes Operations at Kakarbhitta Border

The Integrated Check post Unit at the Kakarbhitta border has resumed operations after nearly 10 months, introducing a joint inspection system for passengers and goods. Officials from customs, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force have begun conducting coordinated checks from a single location to improve border security, customs surveillance, and passenger services. The facility had remained closed since sustaining damage during protests last August, forcing separate inspections that caused inconvenience to travelers. Authorities say the restored one-window system will help curb smuggling, tax evasion, and illegal trafficking, while reducing administrative hassles at one of Nepal’s busiest border crossings.

Madhesh Province Produces 77% of Nepal’s Mango Output, Eyes Export Push

Madhesh Province produces about 77 percent of Nepal’s total mango output, reinforcing its identity as the country’s “Mango Capital,” according to provincial agriculture data. With 29,099 hectares under cultivation, the province yields around 395,794 metric tons annually out of Nepal’s total 513,055 metric tons. Major producing districts include Siraha, Saptari, and Rautahat. Despite high production, farmers face low farmgate prices due to middlemen and weak storage facilities. Stakeholders have called for cold storage, processing industries, and agro-tourism initiatives under a “Mango Tourism” concept to boost value addition and exports. The provincial government says it is preparing plans for processing zones and modernized production systems.

Manahari Rural Municipality Continues ‘Zero Home Delivery’, Focuses on Digital Governance

Manahari Rural Municipality has unveiled its policy and programs for fiscal year 2026/27, continuing its “Zero Home Delivery” campaign in the health sector. Chairperson Ranjan Kalakheti presented the plan at the 19th Village Assembly, prioritizing digital governance, quality education, expanded health services, agricultural modernization, and infrastructure development. The municipality will introduce digital health records, Management Information Systems in schools and offices, and launch a mobile application for data-driven planning. Education reforms, ICT expansion, mental health services, water and sanitation improvements, and rural infrastructure development are also planned. The policy also emphasizes inclusive program for marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Absence of Plant Quarantine Undermines Maheshpur Customs Efficiency

The effectiveness of the Maheshpur Customs Office in Nawalparasi has been questioned due to the absence of a plant quarantine facility, despite its upgrade to a main customs station. Traders say the lack of testing services for agricultural goods has slowed clearance and forced them to travel about 45 kilometers to Bhairahawa for sample checks. Customs officials say this has reduced efficiency and hindered revenue collection. Business leaders warn that delays increase costs, cause spoilage of perishable goods, and may encourage smuggling. They also stress that untested imports pose biosecurity risks to local agriculture. Stakeholders have urged the government to establish an on-site quarantine lab and ensure integrated border services.

Kiwi Farmer Named Outstanding Entrepreneur in Baglung

Commercial kiwi farmer Jiwa Bahadur Khatri has been named Outstanding Entrepreneur by Badigad Rural Municipality under a program promoting entrepreneurship and employment. Khatri, who returned to farming after working in Dubai, received a cash prize of Rs 150,000 after emerging as the top candidate among 91 applicants. Starting with an investment of Rs 100,000, he has expanded his kiwi and Akabare chili farm to 20,349.6 square meters and now earns a net annual income of around Rs 1.5 million. Nine other entrepreneurs were also awarded Rs 100,000 each under the initiative.

Sikta Project Builds Four Recharge Ponds in Banke

The Sikta Irrigation Project has constructed four groundwater recharge ponds in the Gabhar area of Baijanath Rural Municipality to improve water availability for wildlife and local communities. Built at a cost of Rs 40 million under the project’s corporate social responsibility program, the ponds were developed at the request of Banke National Park. According to project officials, the ponds will help store rainwater, recharge groundwater, support irrigation, provide drinking water for wildlife during dry periods, and aid flood control. The project plans to build additional recharge ponds next fiscal year.

Crops Wither in Humla as Prolonged Drought Alarms Farmers

Farmers in Humla are increasingly worried as a prolonged dry spell during the peak planting season of Ashar causes crops to wither across the district. The lack of monsoon rainfall has severely affected staple crops such as finger millet, proso millet, foxtail millet, black soybeans, and seasonal vegetables, which are drying up in the fields. Local farmers say the absence of rain throughout June has led to visible crop damage and could significantly reduce overall production, raising fears of a possible food shortage in the high-altitude district. Even key grain-producing areas report worsening conditions as farmers appeal for timely rainfall to prevent further losses.

Fire Destroys Property Worth Rs 1.5 Million in Sankhuwasabha

A fire destroyed property worth around Rs 1.5 million after breaking out at the house of Lhakpa Sherpa in Madi Municipality-3, Thamekhark, last night. Police said the three-story house was completely engulfed while the family was asleep. According to the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, the blaze destroyed Rs 50,000 in cash, two tolas of gold, household utensils, clothing, and large quantities of food grains, including potatoes, paddy, and maize. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. A police team led by the Mangalabare Police Post has been deployed for investigation and further assessment of the damage.

Tikapur Municipality Surpasses Internal Revenue Target Ahead of Deadline

Tikapur Municipality in Kailali has achieved its internal revenue target for the current fiscal year one month before the deadline. The municipality collected Rs 86.9 million against a target of Rs 85 million within 11 months, with projections suggesting it may exceed Rs 90 million by year-end. Property tax contributed the largest share at Rs 41.2 million, while tourism fees from Tikapur Park added Rs 13.2 million, boosted by over 200,000 visitors and revised entry fees. However, rental income sharply declined, with around Rs 30 million in arrears due to disputes with vendors over lease agreements and rates. Officials said efforts are needed to expand the tax base and improve revenue management.