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 to Invest Rs 1.2 Billion from Employees’ Security Fund in Banks and Financial Institutions:
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced plans to invest Rs 1.20 billion from the Employees’ Security Fund in banks and financial institutions (BFIs). Interested institutions must submit applications by 22 December, specifying the deposit amount and interest rate on fixed deposits. Of the total, Rs 960 million will be allocated to Class A commercial banks, Rs 180 million to Class B development banks, and Rs 60 million to Class C finance companies. Eligible institutions must have at least two years of operation, meet minimum capital adequacy requirements, maintain a credit-to-deposit ratio within eight percent, and keep net non-performing loans below three percent.

NEPSE Slips Marginally Despite Midweek Recovery, Market Capitalisation Rises:
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) declined marginally by 7.66 points (0.29 percent) last week, closing at 2,615.25 points after recovering from a dip below 2,600. The index fluctuated within a 45.58-point range, hitting a high of 2,632.81 and a low of 2,587.23. The market advanced on three trading days but fell on two. Development banks led gains with a 2.15 percent rise, while the ‘others’ group declined the most. Total turnover dropped 7.72 percent to Rs 19.37 billion. Despite lower trading, market capitalisation rose by Rs 13 billion to Rs 4.39 trillion.

Government Reverts Health Checkup Fees for Overseas Workers:
The interim government has revoked hike in health examination fees for Nepali workers seeking foreign employment following widespread criticism. Under the latest decision by the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, the fee remains at NPR 6,400, down from the previously increased NPR 9,500 imposed by the interim government formed after the Gen-Z movement. The Ministry clarified that no agency can charge above the prescribed rate and warned of strict legal action against violators. The move aims to reduce financial burden on workers, ensure transparency, and prevent arbitrary fee collection during overseas employment procedures.

Public-Private Partnership to Develop Industrial Zones in Chitwan, Hetauda, and Rupandehi:
Nepal’s industrial development is set to advance through public-private partnerships, with industrial zones planned for Shaktikhor (Chitwan), Mayurdhap (Hetauda), and Motipur (Rupandehi). On Friday, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Infrastructure Bank Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding to construct and operate these zones. The agreement, signed by FNCCI Director General Dr. Ghanshyam Ojha and Bank Deputy CEO Surya Bahadur Tamang, formalizes collaboration under government PPP guidelines. FNCCI President Birendra Raj Pandey emphasized that this marks the initial step, while Bank CEO Krishna Bahadur Adhikari described it as a launchpad for expanding industrial infrastructure through private sector involvement.

Minister Ghising Pushes for 225 MW Saptagandaki Multipurpose Hydropower Project:
Minister Kulman Ghising, overseeing Energy, Water Resources, Irrigation, Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development, has urged the advancement of the 225 MW Saptagandaki multipurpose hydropower project to manage riverbank erosion and support overall development in Chitwan and Nawalparasi. Speaking at an event in Narayanghat organized by the Chitwan Chamber of Commerce, he emphasized protecting the religiously significant Devghat area while harnessing upstream reservoirs like Budhigandaki and Tanahun for flood control, irrigation, and inland water transport. The project, first studied in 1985 with Japan’s JICA, can also provide irrigation to hundreds of hectares while minimizing submergence at Devghat.

Careless Public Spending Eroding Trust in the State, Minister Sinha Warns:
Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Anil Kumar Sinha has warned that public trust in the state is declining due to irresponsible spending of taxpayers’ money without proper planning or results. Speaking at a SEJON policy dialogue, he said rising dissatisfaction—reflected in recent Gen-G protests—stems from weak economic governance. Sinha acknowledged slow progress in curbing black marketing and monopolies, citing structural challenges. Experts at the event highlighted flawed budgeting, political instability, unproductive spending and weak service delivery. They called for digital reforms, result-oriented expenditure, dissolution of ineffective bodies and innovation-driven investment to achieve meaningful economic transformation.

NC Leader Koirala Urges Entrepreneurs to Drive Nepal’s Economic Recovery:
Shekhar Koirala, central committee member of the Nepali Congress, has called for entrepreneurs and businesspeople to unite in revitalizing Nepal’s struggling economy. Speaking at a domestic exhibition organized by the Terapanth Women’s Council, he emphasized post-COVID economic recovery through collaboration between the state and private sector. Koirala urged the government to focus on ending corruption, ensuring good governance, and promoting policies that boost incomes through religious and adventure tourism, IT, modernized agriculture, and healthcare. Milan Naulak, chair of the Council, highlighted women workers’ contributions to the country’s economic growth, with 32 booths showcasing domestic products at the one-day exhibition.

Hydropower Investors Alarmed by Illegal Demands for Free Shares and Royalties:
Hydropower investors have expressed growing concern over project obstructions driven by demands for free shares and cash in the name of Gen Z groups and local communities. Although developers already allocate 10 per cent shares to locals and pay legally mandated royalties, new demands—outside the law—have begun to disrupt construction. IPPAN President Ganesh Karki said such pressures, including arbitrary royalty claims by some local governments, are discouraging private investment. He criticized the government for inaction despite repeated appeals, warning that failure to ensure security and legal clarity threatens a sector that generates over 80 per cent of Nepal’s electricity.

Belbas Residents Demand Fair Compensation from Tanahu Hydropower Project:
Residents of Belbas in Byas Municipality–13 have demanded fair compensation, citing risks posed by the under-construction 140MW Tanahu Hydropower Project. Locals fear parts of their settlement could be submerged once the project becomes operational. Community representatives said the Asian Development Bank’s detailed study report also identifies Belbas as an inundation-risk area. They alleged that embankments built to protect the project office have diverted the Seti River toward their village, heightening the threat. The concerns were raised during Energy Minister Kulman Ghising’s recent visit to Tanahun. According to the affected committee, around 170 households are likely to be impacted.

UML Leader Urges Halt to Free-Share Demands Disrupting Hydropower Projects:
UML leader Pradeep Gyawali has called for an immediate stop to attempts to take the law into one’s own hands, amid demands for free shares in hydropower projects under the Gen-Z banner. Posting on social media, Gyawali stressed that such actions endanger entrepreneurs’ investments and threaten Nepal’s recovering economy, which has endured armed conflict, transition, earthquakes, blockades, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Investors in projects like the 36 MW Balefi, 22 MW Moonlight, and 46 MW Sita Hydro have faced disruptions, including in Bhote Koshi-1 and Brahmayini, due to groups demanding 10% free shares and extra royalties.

Nepal, Bangladesh Deepen Economic Ties with Focus on Energy, Investment and Tourism:
Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari has said economic cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh is steadily expanding, particularly in energy trade, investment and tourism. Speaking at a Nepal–Bangladesh Economic Cooperation event organized by the Nepali Embassy in Rajshahi, he stressed the vital role of the business community in strengthening bilateral relations and urged deeper engagement with Nepali partners. First Secretary Yojana Bomjan outlined key cooperation areas, including trade, investment, education, networking and people-to-people ties. The event drew representatives from government agencies, business associations, chambers of commerce, tourism entrepreneurs and media.

Northern Gorkha Emerges as Model of Human–Wildlife Coexistence in Manaslu Region:
The Himalayan region of northern Gorkha, including Chumchet, Larke, Samdo and Dharamshala in the Manaslu Conservation Area, has become a living example of coexistence between people and wildlife. Local communities depend on farming, tourism, livestock and medicinal herbs, leading to frequent interaction with animals such as snow leopards, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr and musk deer. Community forest and grazing management, livestock protection and conservation practices have reduced conflict. Cultural respect for wildlife, compensation schemes and alternative livelihoods supported by conservation authorities and local governments are helping transform human–wildlife relations from conflict to cooperation.

Grant Cuts Leave Local Development Projects Stalled in Rukum Paschim:
Local development in Rukum Paschim has been severely disrupted by continuous cuts in federal and provincial grants, leaving dozens of projects incomplete or unimplemented. In Musikot and Chaurjahari municipalities, projects related to roads, drinking water, health, education and social infrastructure approved through municipal assemblies failed to progress due to reduced or delayed funding. Over the past three fiscal years, Musikot Municipality alone has seen grant cuts exceeding Rs. 292 million, while Chaurjahari Municipality lost over Rs. 196 million. Local officials warn that shrinking grants have weakened service delivery, increased liabilities and undermined development quality in one of Nepal’s resource-poor districts.

Construction Industry Leaders Accuse Minister of Harassment Under Gen-Z Government:
Ravi Singh, president of the Nepal Construction Entrepreneurs’ Federation, has accused Minister Kulman Ghising of undermining construction businesses and demoralizing industry professionals. Speaking at the Bagmati Province Construction Entrepreneurs’ Federation assembly, Singh alleged that Ghising, overseeing energy, water resources, irrigation, infrastructure, transport, and urban development, has used abusive language against businesspeople during site visits. Singh claimed that instead of supporting construction projects, the minister’s actions and public statements discourage entrepreneurs and harm the industry. He further accused the Gen-Z government of continuing past patterns of using state mechanisms for political interests, urging serious government attention to protect the sector.

Pokhara’s Ultralight Flights Lose Appeal Amid Rising Fees and Fewer Tourists:
Ultralight flights, locally called “Butterfly Planes,” once drew adventure tourists to Pokhara for panoramic aerial views of Machapuchhre, Annapurna, and the city’s lakes. Today, flights have slowed due to high costs, with fees rising from NPR 8,500 to NPR 17,500 after increased takeoff and landing charges by the Civil Aviation Authority. Adventure tourism pioneer Natasha Shrestha of Avia Club Nepal highlights that while initial flights relied on Russian pilots, young Nepali pilots now operate the service. Despite Pokhara’s ideal geography and potential to promote Nepal internationally, high fees and lack of supportive tourism policies have reduced tourist participation and limited daily flights to just four.

Twelve Insurance Companies Announce Dividends for FY 2081/82:
As of now, 12 insurance companies in Nepal—seven life and five non-life—have declared dividends for FY 2081/82. Life insurers include National Life, Sanima Reliance Life, Prabhu Mahalaxmi Life, Sun Nepal Life, IME Life, Nepal Life, and Citizen Life, while non-life insurers include Nepal Insurance, Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance, Shikhar Insurance, Siddhartha Premier Insurance, and IGI Prudential. Dividend rates range from 5 percent to 25 percent, including cash and bonus shares. Some companies, such as IME Life and Nepal Life, have set book closure dates in early Poush. The dividends are distributed from profits earned in the previous fiscal year.

24-Hour Lakeside Operations in Pokhara Pose Challenges for Entrepreneurs:
Following a November 2023 High Court interim order, Pokhara’s Lakeside tourist area has been promoted as a 24-hour destination. While intended to boost tourism, the policy has created challenges for entrepreneurs. Many businesses struggle with staffing, security, and meeting tourists’ midnight service expectations. The 42-point code of conduct for orderly operations has not been fully enforced, leading to noise, mismanagement, and increased security risks. Hotel and restaurant association leaders argue that only a few businesses can operate effectively at night, and the initiative has failed to transform tourism. They recommend reconsidering full 24-hour operations until proper infrastructure and monitoring are in place.

Former Migrant Worker Builds Prosperity at Home Through Vegetable Farming in Nawalpur:
Mitra Bahadur Gaha Magar of Kawasoti-4, Nawalpur, has become a successful vegetable farmer after returning from foreign employment in Malaysia. Farming seasonal vegetables on 31 kathhas of leased land, he earns around Rs. 700,000 annually after costs, with cucumbers as his main crop. Supported by his family, Magar says working hard in Nepal is more rewarding than going abroad. His income improved significantly after the area was included in the Vegetable Super Zone under the National Agriculture Modernisation Programme, which provides subsidies, irrigation, technical support and market promotion. The programme now benefits hundreds of farmers across 800 hectares in Nawalpur.

From Mushrooms to Global Dreams: Banke Farmer Educates Children Abroad:
Padmika Bam, a 48-year-old farmer from Kohalpur Municipality in Banke, has transformed mushroom farming into a successful enterprise that funded her children’s education at home and abroad. After nearly two decades marked by early losses and persistent struggle, her business has become profitable, earning Rs. 600,000–700,000 monthly. Through her earnings, Bam educated three children, with one working as a nurse in Jumla and two studying in the UK and Japan. Owner of Namuna Mushroom Farm, she also trains others in farming and small enterprises, emerging as a leading local entrepreneur and role model.

Government Releases National Guidelines for Bamboo-Based Construction:
Minister Kul Man Ghising has released national guidelines for designing structures using bamboo, aiming to promote sustainable and locally sourced construction in Nepal. Unveiled at a joint event organised by the Ministry of Urban Development and Habitat for Humanity Nepal, the guidelines encourage wider use of bamboo as a native building material. Ghising said bamboo construction could create jobs, strengthen rural economies, reduce dependence on imported materials and help lower the trade deficit. He also highlighted its potential as an alternative to zinc roofing and in hydropower camps. The guidelines set standards for harvesting, treatment and design of earthquake-resistant, eco-friendly structures.

QFX Revolutionizes Nepal’s Cinema Industry, Boosts Economy and Cultural Identity:
Over the past two decades, Nepal’s film industry has evolved significantly, thanks in large part to QFX Multiplex, which modernized cinema exhibition with digital projection, advanced sound systems, and comfortable seating. Starting with the renovation of Jai Nepal Hall in 2001, QFX now operates 16 theaters with 38 screens nationwide, providing audiences freedom of choice and a premium viewing experience. Beyond entertainment, the industry drives employment, investment, cultural promotion, and tourism, generating over NPR 150 million annually. Despite COVID-19 challenges, QFX has revitalized cinema-going, encouraged high-quality Nepali productions, and established multiplexes as hubs for economic, technological, and cultural growth.

Share Trader Dipendra Agrawal Re-Arrested for Market Manipulation:
Dipendra Agrawal, a share trader, was re-arrested by Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, for allegedly manipulating share prices through false transactions. Earlier, he had been arrested in Shrawan but released. According to the Securities Board of Nepal’s preliminary investigation, Agrawal purchased shares of Joshi Hydropower Development Company and disseminated misleading information under the Securities Act, 2063, generating an illegal profit of NPR 4.919 million. He also conducted artificial trades using other TMAS users and affiliated entities, inflating Corporate Development Bank’s share prices. Agrawal, 42, from Biratnagar, is now under further investigation for violating sections 94 and 95 of the Securities Act.