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’s Stock Market Hits Six-Month Low as Investor Confidence Weakens

Nepal’s stock market has declined sharply, with the NEPSE index falling to around 2,600 points, its lowest level in six months. Despite expectations of a market recovery following a new government, budget measures, and monetary policy announcements, investor confidence remains weak. The index has dropped about 350 points from its March peak, as concerns over policy effectiveness, investor uncertainty, and limited market incentives continue. Analysts say recent business-related arrests, cautious institutional investors, and the lack of major stock market support in monetary policy have contributed to the prolonged downturn, leaving investors in a wait-and-watch position.

NRB to Conduct Nationwide Financial Customer Satisfaction Survey

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will launch the Financial Customer Satisfaction Survey 2026 across all 77 districts to assess public experiences with financial access, service quality, transparency, and grievance handling. Using random sampling to select local wards, the central bank plans to collect 10,405 responses to support future policy and regulatory improvements. NRB has urged the public to cooperate with the survey, emphasizing that participation is voluntary. It also assured respondents that all personal information and responses will remain strictly confidential in accordance with the Statistics Act, 2022.

National Project Bank Records 8,310 Projects Ahead of New Budget Preparation

The National Planning Commission has recorded 8,310 projects in the National Project Bank during preparations for the new budget. According to the Commission, 7,773 of the approved entries are study-related projects, 404 are new projects, and 133 are ongoing projects. Among them, 8,199 projects have an estimated cost below Rs 1 billion, while 111 projects exceed that threshold. The NPC stated that screening of additional projects submitted by federal agencies is underway. It is also continuing the classification, entry, and management of projects through the National Project Bank Management Information System in a systematic manner.

Indian Foreign Ministry Official Mahawar Arriving in Nepal for Energy Talks

Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is scheduled to visit Nepal on July 13 to participate in bilateral energy mechanism meetings. Mahawar, who heads the North Division overseeing India’s relations with Nepal, China, and Bhutan, will meet Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal during his visit. He will also take part in high-level discussions of the Joint Steering Committee and Joint Working Group on energy and water resources cooperation between Nepal and India. The bilateral meetings are scheduled for July 14 and 15, focusing on strengthening collaboration in the energy and water sectors.

DoFE Warns 159 Recruitment Agencies Over Unauthorized Foreign Worker Flights

The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has taken action against 159 recruitment agencies for sending Nepali migrant workers abroad through Indian airports without approval. The agencies received first-time warnings for violating the Foreign Employment Act, which requires workers to be deployed through authorized domestic airports. The investigation found that 159 agencies bypassed official routes after reviewing records from 678 out of 1,117 licensed agencies. The DoFE also ordered 439 agencies to submit missing records and fined eight repeat offenders Rs 50,000 each. The department warned of stricter action against future violations and urged agencies to follow legal procedures.

Recruitment Agencies Oppose Foreign Employment Department’s Action Over India Transit Routes

The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association (NAFEA) has raised concerns over the Department of Foreign Employment’s decision to take action against 441 recruitment agencies for sending workers through Indian airports. NAFEA argued that many Nepali migrant workers used Indian airports due to high airfares, limited flight availability, and previous government relaxations during Tribhuvan International Airport upgrades. The association said penalizing agencies for following a worker-friendly transit arrangement violates principles of fairness and good governance. It urged the department to withdraw the action and resolve the issue through dialogue with stakeholders to protect migrant workers’ interests.

Private Schools Urge Government to Review Education Fees and Loan Provisions

Private school associations in Nepal have urged the government to reconsider provisions in the fiscal year 2026/27 budget and the 10th Amendment of the Education Regulation. In a joint statement, they highlighted the sector’s contribution, with 10,471 private schools educating around 3.74 million students and supporting significant economic activity. The associations opposed the 3% Equity Education Service Fee, calling it an unfair burden on parents, and demanded its removal. They also requested collateral-free higher education loans of at least Rs 1 million and expansion of the “Earn While You Learn” program to support students.

Justice March Against Loan Sharking Moves Toward Kathmandu

The pedestrian “Justice March” against predatory lending practices entered its fourth day as participants moved forward from Lalbandi toward Kathmandu. Launched from Janakpur on July 9, the march includes victims and entrepreneurs demanding government action and protection of their rights. Hundreds of participants are carrying placards with messages against fraudulent loan practices and seeking justice without prolonged struggles. Organizers said the movement will continue until it reaches the capital, citing repeated failures to implement previous government agreements. Marchers are covering around 20 to 26 kilometers daily and are expected to arrive in Kathmandu within a week.

ADB Cuts Nepal and South Asia Growth Forecasts Amid Energy Pressures

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered economic growth projections for Nepal and several South Asian countries, citing the impact of rising energy prices and global market disruptions. In its Asian Development Outlook July 2026 report, ADB projected developing Asia-Pacific growth at 4.9 percent in 2026, down from 5.5 percent in 2025. The report said Middle East conflicts have intensified energy market disruptions, affecting fuel prices, fertilizers, commodities, and supply chains. Regional inflation is expected to rise to 4.3 percent in 2026. ADB warned that further conflict escalation could increase economic risks and threaten food security.

Landslide Control Measures Improve Safety on Dumre-Besisahar Road

Travel along the Dumre-Besisahar road has become safer during the rainy season after the completion of landslide control structures at Udipur. Built by the federal government at a cost of Rs 111.9 million, the project includes micropiles along the Marsyangdi River, protective walls, gabion mesh, road blacktopping, and slope stabilization works. Local residents and drivers said the measures have reduced fears of landslides and improved transportation reliability during monsoon. The Dumre-Besisahar road serves as a key route connecting Lamjung and Manang and supports access to the Annapurna Circuit trekking area.

Sunsari Forest Office Distributes 35,000 Free Seedlings Annually

The Ramdhuni Sub-Division Forest Office in Sunsari has been producing and distributing more than 35,000 free seedlings every year to promote greenery and forest conservation. The nursery provides various species, including khayar, jacaranda, lemon, sisau, wood apple, guava, and tejpat, with demand increasing since its establishment four years ago. Seedlings are distributed to individuals, community forests, and organizations, especially during June to August. The office also provides technical support to forest groups, assists with tree management activities, and conducts regular patrols to protect national forest areas. The seedlings have also reached other districts and neighboring India through visitors.

Devchuli Distributes Subsidized Agricultural Tools Worth Rs 9.2 Million

Devchuli Municipality of Nawalpur has distributed modern agricultural equipment worth Rs 9.2 million to farmers at subsidized rates to boost agricultural production. The support was provided under the Agricultural Innovation Promotion Partnership Project, with farmers receiving the tools at a 50 percent discount. More than 13 farmer groups, over 70 entrepreneurs, and commercial farmers benefited from the initiative. The municipality distributed various equipment, including hand tractors, harvesting machines, seeders, threshers, and other farming tools based on farmers’ needs. Special focus was given to hilly areas where operating large tractors is difficult.

Annapurna Conservation Area Revenue Surpasses Rs 927 Million Amid Tourism Growth

The Annapurna Conservation Area has generated Rs 927.59 million in revenue during the current fiscal year, marking an increase of around Rs 164.2 million compared to the previous year. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Program, more than Rs 464.88 million was collected from tourist entry fees managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Officials attributed the revenue growth to rising tourist arrivals, improved trekking trails, and infrastructure upgrades. Despite temporary disruptions from global events, visitor numbers remained steady. The conservation area currently operates 1,413 hotels to accommodate trekkers and tourists.

Bhanu Literary Park Project Advances to Transform Poet’s Birthplace

The construction of Bhanu Sahitya Udyan, a national pride project aimed at developing the birthplace of Nepali poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya into an international literary and academic hub, has made significant progress. The park is being developed across around 338,000 square meters of land at Ramgha Danda in Bhanu Municipality-4, Tanahun. The project will include Bhanu Bhavan, a full-sized statue of the first poet of Nepali literature, Saptadham, Sahitya Gram, Pragya Bhavan, and modern facilities. With Rs 240 million allocated for the upcoming year, infrastructure development will proceed under a multi-year plan. The initiative was promoted through the vision of President Ramchandra Paudel.

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Approves Rs 1.76 Billion Budget for 2026/27

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has approved a budget of Rs 1.76 billion for the fiscal year 2026/27 during its 19th Municipal Assembly. Chaired by Mayor Prashant Bista, the assembly endorsed plans including the beautification of the Bagishwari Temple area, Khadeshwor Junge Mahadev Temple, a 108-foot Hanuman statue, commercial buildings, Jamunaha checkpoint entrance, and a city bus park. The budget prioritizes sustainable urban development, revenue growth, improved public services, lake and park conservation, greenery promotion, and effective project monitoring. The municipality also plans to finalize the DPR of the Nepalgunj Ring Road and begin implementation.

Khajura Builds Alternative Route to Improve Nepalgunj-Gulariya Connectivity

Khajura Rural Municipality in Banke has constructed a new road connecting Adarsha Secondary School, Dhaulagiri village, and B-Gaun as an alternative route for the Nepalgunj-Gulariya section of the Hulaki Highway. The road bypasses the busy Khajura market area, allowing smoother travel even when the main highway faces disruptions. The project was made possible after the completion of a bridge built with Rs 61.09 million from the provincial government. The municipality is also working to connect all eight wards with blacktopped roads, expand paved roads, and improve drainage systems to create dust-free and flood-free communities.

Vegetable Prices Shift at Kalimati Market as Cauliflower and Carrots Rise

Wholesale vegetable prices at Kathmandu’s Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market showed mixed trends on Sunday, with local cauliflower and carrots witnessing significant increases. The price of local cauliflower more than doubled, rising from Rs 37 to Rs 83 per kilogram, while local carrots climbed to Rs 101 per kilogram. Small local tomatoes and several other vegetables also became costlier. Meanwhile, cabbage, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and large Nepali tomatoes saw price declines. Several items, including long eggplant, maize beans, pointed gourd, and pumpkins, remained unchanged compared to Saturday’s rates.

Siddharth Bank Launches Women-Focused Loan Scheme to Support Entrepreneurs

Siddharth Bank Limited has introduced the ‘Siddharth Mahila Samriddhi Karja’ scheme to support women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Nepal. The initiative provides women entrepreneurs with easier access to credit, including collateral-free loans of up to Rs 1.5 million, loans up to Rs 2.5 million with partial collateral, and up to Rs 50 million against full collateral. The bank has also developed a specialized scorecard system with technical support from the International Finance Corporation to assess businesses based on potential, financial health, cash flow, and operational capacity rather than relying solely on collateral.

Gold Price Climbs Rs 600 Per Tola, Silver Declines

The price of gold in Nepal’s domestic market increased by Rs 600 per tola on Sunday, reaching Rs 288,000, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association. Gold had closed at Rs 287,400 per tola on Friday. Meanwhile, silver prices declined by Rs 35 per tola to Rs 4,475, down from Rs 4,510 in the previous trading session. The latest adjustment reflects mixed trends in the domestic precious metals market, with gold extending its gains while silver registered a modest decline.