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 Slides Nearly 1 Percent, Turnover Falls to Rs 10.77 Billion

The Nepal Stock Exchange declined by 26.05 points on Monday, down 0.96 percent, closing at 2,672.39 points, extending Sunday’s losses. The Sensitive Index also slipped 0.87 percent to 455.65 points. A total of 26.76 million shares of 324 companies were traded in 102,281 transactions, generating a turnover of Rs 10.77 billion, lower than Sunday’s Rs 11.65 billion. Of the 13 traded groups, only trading gained 0.22 percent, while others ended lower. Khani Khola Hydropower rose 9.97 percent, while Maya Khola Hydropower fell 5.40 percent. Ridi Power led turnover with Rs 771.9 million.

Commercial Banks Allocate Rs 4 Arba 63 Crore for Staff Bonuses

In the first six months of the current fiscal year, 20 commercial banks in Nepal set aside Rs 4.638 billion for employee bonuses. This marks an 8.99% increase compared to the same period last year. Nabil Bank led the sector by allocating Rs 734.4 million, a significant 42.57% jump. Other major contributors include Global IME Bank at Rs 487.7 million and Kumari Bank at Rs 482.3 million. While 11 banks saw an increase in bonus provisions, nine banks reported a decrease. Banks typically distribute these bonuses annually based on these quarterly provisions.

MCC Projects in Nepal Reach USD 107 Million in Spending

Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) reported that USD 107.75 million has been spent on Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) projects to date. This includes USD 80.09 million from US funds and USD 27.66 million from the Government of Nepal. Major work includes the 18 km Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission line, where 21 of 53 tower foundations are complete. Construction is also underway for substations in Damouli, Ratamate, and New Butwal. Despite a brief spending suspension in early 2025 due to a US executive order, work resumed in July 2025. Total investment is expected to reach USD 747 million to improve the national power grid and strategic road network.

Saudi Arabia Records All-Time High Remittance in 2025

The Saudi Central Bank reported that foreign workers sent a record SAR 165.5 billion abroad in 2025, a 15% increase from 2024. Approximately 400,000 Nepalis are among the 12.7 million expatriates contributing to this surge. The highest monthly spike occurred in February 2025, with a 37% year-on-year growth. Analysts attribute the rising remittance to the large migrant population, which makes up 40% of Saudi Arabia’s total residents. Meanwhile, Saudi citizens also increased their outward transfers to SAR 70.40 billion, though their contributions saw a slight decline toward the end of the year in December.

Government Scraps Postage Stamp Requirement for Insurance

The Nepal Insurance Authority directed all insurance companies and brokers to stop requiring physical postage stamps on service-related documents. This follows a Council of Ministers decision on December 14, 2025, to remove the mandatory use of revenue stamps for making documents official, except where specifically required by law. The move is part of a broader government effort to digitize and simplify public service delivery. By eliminating the need for physical stamps, the authority aims to reduce administrative hurdles and costs for both service providers and policyholders, aligning the insurance sector with modern electronic transaction standards and improving the ease of doing business.

Madhesh Province Orders 20% Cut in Non-Essential Spending

The Ministry of Finance of Madhesh Province directed all ministries and agencies to implement urgent austerity measures due to low internal revenue and a shrinking provincial reserve fund. Secretary Ram Kumar Mahato announced a 20% cut across several budget heads, including fuel, books, stationery, monitoring, and miscellaneous expenses. The directive explicitly bans the purchase of new vehicles, furniture, and expensive equipment, while restricting seminars and hospitality. To further reduce costs, employee training and meetings must now be conducted virtually. Essential services and ongoing development projects remain unaffected, but officials violating these rules will face legal action.

Electricity Access Reaches 96.7% of Nepali Households

The Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2024/25, released by the National Statistics Office on Monday, reveals that 96.7% of Nepali households now have access to electricity. Gandaki Province leads with nearly 100% coverage at 99.5%, while Karnali Province trails at 80.8%. Urban areas show higher connectivity at 98.2% compared to 93.7% in rural regions. The survey, which sampled 12,960 families across 540 clusters, also found that 95.5% of households have telephone access. Bagmati Province recorded the highest phone connectivity at 97.1%, while Sudurpashchim had the lowest at 92.6%.

4 New Companies Seek Helicopter Service Licenses

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul announced that four new companies, which are Heli Air Nepal, Sagarmatha Air, Gaganchumbi Air, and Sumeda Air, are in the process of obtaining Air Operator Certificates. Additionally, Danphe Air is seeking permission to fly 72-seat ATR aircraft for domestic and international routes. Current regulations require new companies to start with at least three aircraft and expand to five within five years. There are currently 12 helicopter companies operating 40 choppers in Nepal, serving needs for emergency rescue, cargo, and mountain tourism. Internationally, 30 airlines from 15 countries now connect Nepal to 28 global destinations under agreements with 42 nations.

Saurya Airlines Resumes Operations After 18-Month Suspension

Saurya Airlines received permission to resume flights 18 months after its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was suspended following a fatal crash in Kathmandu in July 2024. The crash resulted in 18 fatalities, with only the captain surviving. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) renewed the license until 2027 after the airline passed safety audits with a 65% score. Marketing Chief Mukesh Khanal stated the airline will initially fly the Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Biratnagar route using three CRJ-200 aircraft. The company also plans to acquire three new ATR-72-600 planes to expand its domestic network.

Nepal Telecom Launches Online KYC Portal for SIM Owners

To mark its 22nd anniversary, Nepal Telecom launched a nationwide online KYC (Know Your Customer) update portal. This system specifically allows GSM prepaid users to correct or update their official registration details without filling out physical paper forms. To verify genuine ownership, the portal requires users to provide an OTP and list five mobile numbers they have frequently called in the last two months. While the data is submitted digitally via the customer portal or mobile app, a one-time visit to a local service center is still mandatory for final physical verification. This initiative aims to curb fraudulent registrations and ensure SIM records match legal identification.

National Assembly Unanimously Passes New Tourism Bill

The National Assembly unanimously passed the Tourism Bill on Monday after it was presented by Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Sinha. Originally introduced in April 2025 by then-Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, the bill underwent rigorous review by the Legislation Management Committee. The legislation aims to modernize tourism laws, enhance traveler safety, and improve coordination between federal, provincial, and local levels. The bill will now move to the new House of Representatives for approval. Once passed there and authenticated by the President, it will replace outdated laws to boost the national economy.

Annapurna Region Sees Record 200K Foreign Tourists

The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) recorded a historic high of 299,831 foreign tourists in 2025. This marks a massive recovery from the 16,105 arrivals seen during the 2021 pandemic. Among the visitors, 177,628 were from South Asian nations and 122,203 from other countries. Major destinations like Annapurna Base Camp, Tilicho Lake, and Upper Mustang drew significant crowds. ACAP Chief Dr. Rabin Kadariya noted that tourism-friendly infrastructure and diverse trekking routes spanning 7,600 square kilometers have made the circuit a global favorite. Over the past 25 years, a total of 2.6 million foreigners have visited the region.

Petroleum and Vehicles Drive Birgunj Customs Revenue

The Birgunj Customs Office collected Rs 116.58 billion in revenue during the first six months of the current fiscal year. Information Officer Udaya Singh Bista stated that the majority of this income depends on imports of petroleum and vehicles. Specifically, petroleum imports contributed Rs 37.85 billion, while vehicles and parts brought in Rs 13.98 billion. Other significant revenue sources included iron products at Rs 6.83 billion, clothing at Rs 5.26 billion, and electrical machinery at Rs 4.91 billion. The economic health of the office remains heavily tied to the energy and transport sectors.

Nepal-India Jamunaha Border Reopens for Third-Country Tourists

After a six-year closure since the pandemic began, the Jamunaha border crossing in Banke between Nepal and India has reopened for international tourists from third countries. Immigration Office Chief Durga Oli confirmed that foreign visitors can now enter and depart through this route, which is expected to revitalize the tourism sector in Banke and Bardiya. Local entrepreneurs, including NATA President Dilliraj Regmi, welcomed the move, noting it will boost occupancy in hotels and increase visits to Banke National Park and Bardiya National Park. The reopening facilitates direct access for travelers coming from India to Nepal’s western wildlife destinations and cultural sites.

Koshi Province Public Service Commission Announces 518 Vacancies

The Koshi Province Public Service Commission issued a notice seeking applications for 518 fourth-level technical and administrative positions. Available roles include Assistant Sub-Engineer, Land Surveyor, Technical Assistant, AHW, non-gazetted second-class, and Assistant Accountant. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, with an extension to 40 for female candidates. The application fee is Rs 500, with an additional Rs 150 per extra group. Eligible Nepali citizens can apply until March 1, or until March 8 by paying a double late fee. This recruitment drive aims to fill critical gaps in local provincial governance.

Nepal, Qatar Discuss Boosting Tourism, Investment, and Air Connectivity

Nepal and Qatar have held talks on strengthening cooperation in economic development, tourism promotion, and aviation connectivity. The discussion took place during a meeting between Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha and Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal, Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, with participation from FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Qatar Chamber Board Member Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidaly, and Qatar Airways representatives. The meeting focused on increasing direct flights, adding new destinations, and exploring cooperation between Nepal Airlines and Qatar Airways. Minister Sinha stressed the role of international airlines in fully operating Pokhara and Gautam Buddha airports. Qatari officials expressed interest in long-term economic and tourism cooperation.

Gold Prices Surge in Nepal on Monday

Gold prices in the Nepali market rose sharply on Monday. The price of gold increased by Rs 4,100 per tola today. On Sunday, gold was traded at Rs 300,500 per tola. With the latest increase, it is now being traded at Rs 304,600 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver also rose by Rs 240 per tola, reaching Rs 5,250 per tola today. On Sunday, silver was traded at Rs 5,010 per tola.