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 Index Gains 8.78 Points Amid Volatile Trading

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index posted a single-digit gain of 8.78 points on Thursday, the fourth trading day of the week, closing at 2,661.71 points after volatile movements. Market turnover also increased compared to previous sessions, reflecting improved liquidity. The market had earlier faced continuous declines, followed by a sharp rebound of 44.59 points on Wednesday. The Sensitive Index rose 3.89 points to 462.47, while the Float and Sensitive Float Indices declined. Out of 359 traded companies, 108 advanced, 152 declined, and 13 remained unchanged, with total turnover exceeding Rs 4.11 billion. Commercial banks led sectoral gains, while manufacturing and processing recorded the steepest decline.

HoR Passes Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026

The House of Representatives has passed the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026 through a majority vote. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced the endorsement during Thursday’s session following a clause-by-clause discussion on the bill. On behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Sobhita Gautam presented the bill for approval. Lawmakers Ashish Gajurel, Basana Thapa, Ain Bahadur Mahar, and Arabinda Shah took part in the detailed discussion. The legislation replaces a previously issued ordinance and aims to refine the country’s public procurement framework through updated legal provisions.

NA Members Push for Fare Revision and Economic Relief Measures

Members of the National Assembly have drawn the government’s attention to key economic and public welfare issues, including transport fare adjustments, disaster preparedness, road safety, and border-related concerns. Krishna Bahadur Rokaya of the Nepali Congress urged immediate revision of public transport and airfares following a decline in petroleum prices, citing potential relief for consumers. Padam Bahadur Pariyar highlighted the economic and social burden of over 24,000 road accident deaths in the past decade, calling for stronger safety investment. Other lawmakers also raised concerns over displacement, border disputes, and humanitarian issues affecting Nepali citizens abroad, urging policy-level responses.

Govt Allocates Rs 2 Billion to Complete Constituency Strategic Road Projects

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has allocated Rs 2 billion for the fiscal year 2026/27 to complete unfinished road projects under the Constituency Strategic Road Program. According to the Annual Development Program, the budget will support stalled strategic road works across 39 districts, with allocations based on project requirements. Key allocations include Rs 145 million for Kanchanpur, Rs 100 million for Achham, Rs 115 million for Makawanpur, and Rs 135 million for Morang. The ministry said individual project funding ranges from Rs 3 million to Rs 143 million, aimed at accelerating completion of election constituency-based road networks nationwide.

Government Approves National Advertising Policy 2026 to Regulate Digital and AI Ads

The Government of Nepal has approved the National Advertising Policy, 2026, aiming to make the advertising sector transparent, accountable, and technology-friendly. The policy brings social media, digital platforms, influencer marketing, and AI-generated advertisements under formal regulation alongside traditional media. It introduces self-declaration requirements for online ads and strict controls on AI-based deepfake content. The policy also provides consumer protection measures, including compensation for harm caused by misleading advertisements, and ensures separation of news and paid content. It bans discriminatory and harmful ads, promotes inclusivity, and aims to boost the sector’s contribution to GDP through institutional reforms and stronger regulatory mechanisms.

HoR Passes Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026

The House of Representatives has passed the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2026 by a majority vote following clause-wise deliberations and responses from Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle. During the discussion, Minister Dr Wagle stressed the need for stronger and meaningful action against corruption and financial crimes. He noted that 13 agencies currently hold authority to investigate money laundering cases and emphasized coordinated efforts to curb financial wrongdoing. He also warned that misuse of the issue for political purposes could hinder Nepal’s progress in exiting the international grey list. Lawmakers including Guru Prasad Baral, Ganesh Bahadur Bishwokarma, Kamal Subedi, and others participated in the debate.

DoTM Cuts Inter-Provincial Transport Fare by 2% After Fuel Price Drop

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has reduced inter-provincial public transport fares by two percent, citing a recent decline in petroleum prices. According to the department, the adjustment follows a drop in diesel prices from Rs 235.83 per liter to Rs 193.83 per liter. The fare cut applies to passenger vehicles and freight transport operating on both hilly and Terai routes connecting two or more provinces. DoTM said the decision also balances an earlier fare hike of up to five percent made during a period of rising fuel costs. The revised rates have come into effect from July 2.

Madhesh Province Assembly Adjourned Indefinitely Amid Budget Protest

The Madhesh Province Assembly has been adjourned indefinitely after opposition parties continued protests for a second consecutive day, demanding amendments to the provincial budget. As the session began, opposition lawmakers staged disruptions, with Janamat Party leader Sanjay Kumar Yadav calling the budget impractical and insisting on immediate revisions. Tensions escalated when Finance Minister Yubaraj Bhattarai was denied an opportunity to speak amid protests. JSP Nepal lawmaker Upendra Mahato accused ruling parties of undermining federalism and criticized alleged allocation of funds for unlisted projects outside the Red Book. Following the disruption, Speaker Ram Ashish Yadav adjourned the session indefinitely, prompting opposition criticism over procedural impartiality.

ADB Approves USD 50 Million Loan to Modernize Nepal’s Customs System

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 50 million policy-based loan to modernize Nepal’s customs administration, promote trade, and support job creation. The funding falls under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Customs and Logistics Reform Program. The initiative aims to upgrade customs procedures, introduce risk-based inspection systems, simplify processes, and strengthen logistics infrastructure and inter-agency coordination. ADB expects the reforms to reduce trade costs, improve efficiency, and speed up cross-border trade. The program is also expected to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and support Nepal’s broader economic transformation and private sector-led growth.

Nepal Records 91,363 Foreign Tourist Arrivals in June 2026

Nepal received 91,363 foreign tourists in June 2026, a 19.5 percent increase compared to the same month last year, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Arrivals also rose 22.01 percent compared to pre-pandemic June 2019 levels. South Asia accounted for the largest share with 48,254 visitors, including 41,809 from India. Other Asian countries contributed 16,152 tourists, Europe 13,119, the Americas 6,954, Oceania 3,090, Africa 674, and the Middle East 292. NTB said improved air connectivity, promotional campaigns, and Nepal’s growing reputation as a safe destination drove the steady rise in international tourist arrivals.

NRB to Launch Nationwide Financial Customer Satisfaction Survey

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is set to conduct a nationwide survey to assess customer satisfaction in the financial sector. The study aims to gather public feedback on the accessibility, quality, transparency, grievance handling, and protection of financial services. NRB will collect 10,405 samples through random sampling across all 77 districts, covering selected wards from different local government units. The central bank said the findings will help improve policies and regulatory frameworks to strengthen financial consumer protection and service quality. Participation will be voluntary, and NRB assured that all data will remain confidential and used only for statistical purposes.

Stock Brokers Meet SEBON Chairman, Pledge Cooperation for Capital Market Reform

The Stock Broker Association of Nepal held a meeting with newly appointed Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) Chairman Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta in Kathmandu today. Led by President Sagar Dhakal, the delegation discussed ways to strengthen and modernize Nepal’s capital market. Chairman Bhatta expressed commitment to making the market more transparent, competitive, investor-friendly, and technology-driven, in line with government policies and programs. He stressed coordination among regulators, brokers, listed companies, and investors for sustainable growth. The brokers’ association assured continued support for reforms, investor confidence, market expansion, and institutional strengthening of the capital market.

China–Nepal Cultural Salon Highlights Growing Creative Economy Links

The “Lanting Yaji Cultural Salon: Composing the Friendship between China and Nepal” held in Kathmandu highlighted growing cultural and creative economy cooperation between the two countries. The hybrid event, linked with Xi’an, China, brought together over 200 artists, scholars, and art enthusiasts, showcasing digital calligraphy, folk performances, and interactive art sessions. Beyond cultural exchange, the program also reflects expanding opportunities in Nepal’s creative and cultural industries, including arts, tourism, and cultural diplomacy. Such initiatives are seen as strengthening soft-power driven economic engagement, opening avenues for future collaboration in cultural production, events, and creative sector partnerships between China and Nepal.

TAAN Signs MoU with South Korean Firm to Boost Trekking Safety

The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea’s IBL Company Limited to introduce an AI-based “Aztrek” digital safety system aimed at making trekking and mountaineering safer and more predictable. The agreement was signed by TAAN General Secretary Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa and IBL CEO Su Do Kim. The system will enable real-time tracking, risk forecasting, and improved rescue operations. A pilot project will be implemented on a selected trekking route in coordination with government bodies and stakeholders, with plans for nationwide expansion after evaluation and approval.

Blue Bus Service for Women Set to Launch in Kathmandu Valley from July 17

Preparations are underway to operate eight ‘Blue Bus’ services in the Kathmandu Valley from July 17 in the first phase, aimed at ensuring safer travel for women. The free service is part of the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda and will later expand across all seven provinces. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, a total of 25 buses will be operational within the first 100 days. Sajha Yatayat has already sought approval from the Ministry of Finance to begin operations. In the initial phase, routes will include Lagankhel–Budhanilkantha, Thankot–Nagdhunga–Airport, and Ring Road circuits in both directions.

Lalitpur Metropolis Passes Rs 7.49 Billion Budget for FY 2026/27

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has passed a Rs 7.49 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026/27 following discussions in its municipal assembly on July 1. Presented earlier on June 24 by Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya, the budget prioritizes green promotion, environmental conservation, heritage preservation, education, and health. Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan announced a new doctor-staffed ambulance service that will reach patients’ doorsteps from July 16. Of the total budget, 56.6 percent is allocated for capital expenditure and 43.4 percent for current expenditure, with emphasis on governance, transparency, and improved service delivery.

Karnali Budget Row Deepens Over Delay in ‘Red Book’ Publication

Half a month after Karnali Province presented its annual budget, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning has yet to release the ‘Red Book’ detailing ministry-wise allocations and project breakdowns, raising concerns over transparency. Opposition parties accuse the government of attempting to pass the budget without making itemized spending plans public. The budget was presented on June 15, but lawmakers say verification of allocations remains impossible without the official document. Officials cite printing delays in Kathmandu for the hold-up. Opposition parties, including CPN (UML) and RPP, have obstructed assembly proceedings, demanding immediate publication and structural corrections to the budget process.

Raskot Delivers Social Security Allowances at Beneficiaries’ Doorsteps

Raskot Municipality in Kalikot has begun distributing social security allowances directly to beneficiaries at their doorsteps, mainly benefiting senior citizens and differently abled persons. According to Social Development Section Chief Hukum Shahi, 122 recipients received the allowance, including 45 from Ward 6, 25 from Ward 7, 18 from Ward 8, and 34 from Ward 9. The municipality, in partnership with a commercial bank, introduced the doorstep service to make the distribution process more convenient and accessible for beneficiaries who may face difficulties traveling to collect their payments.

Teacher-Turned Farmer Reaps Success from Commercial Chili Farming

At a time when many Nepali youths seek jobs abroad, Nabin Kumar Shrestha of Khairahani–10, Chitwan, has built a thriving business through commercial chili farming. A former teacher, he quit his job after six years to pursue agriculture full-time and now earns a net annual profit of around Rs 1.2 million. Farming chilies on 8,465.75 square meters of land, he sold produce worth Rs 2.3 million last year while creating jobs for 12 local youths. Shrestha also runs an agro center and rice and mustard mill, inspiring others by proving that hard work at home can be more rewarding than working abroad.

Gold Prices Jump Rs 6,200 per Tola in a Day

Gold prices soared in Nepal’s domestic market on Thursday, rising by Rs 6,200 per tola (11.66 grams) from the previous trading day. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold is now trading at Rs 283,500 per tola, up from Rs 277,300 on Wednesday. Silver prices also increased by Rs 180 per tola to reach Rs 4,450. The sharp rise reflects continued volatility in the precious metals market, with both gold and silver recording significant gains in a single trading session.