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 Removes Rs 500 Million Foreign Investment Ceiling

The government has simplified foreign investment by removing the previous Rs 500 million ceiling for the automated online approval route. Following a recent Cabinet meeting, investments of any amount in 102 business areas across 7 industrial sectors, including energy, tourism, and Information Technology (IT), can now be approved automatically. Investors receive certificates via email within seven working days of applying online. During the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, total foreign investment commitments reached Rs 40.28 billion.

Budget Ceiling Report for FY 2026/27 Submitted

The Budget Ceiling Determination Committee submitted the fiscal year 2026/27 budget limit report to the Ministry of Finance on February 18. For the current fiscal year, the budget was Rs 1.964 trillion, though it was later revised downward by 14%. The new ceiling considers revenue trends, foreign grants, and public debt capacity. While the specific figure was not disclosed, officials emphasized that the ceiling provides ‘space’ for the next government to align the budget with its specific policies and programs.

IPPAN Warns Of Rs 200 Billion Investment Risk

The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), warned that Rs 200 billion invested in electricity licenses is at risk. While licenses for 36,000 megawatts have been issued, Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) only cover 12,500 megawatts. This gap threatens over 100 developers and their lending financial institutions. The association urged the government to resolve policy hurdles regarding ‘open access’ and ‘wheeling charges.’ If the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) cannot purchase the total output, IPPAN demands that the private sector be allowed to sell electricity directly to domestic and international markets.

PPMO Seeks Clarification From 15 Construction Firms

The Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PPMO) issued a notice on February 19, demanding written explanations from 15 construction companies and suppliers. These firms have seven days to provide reasons why they should not be blacklisted following various petitions from public entities. Although a 30-day notice was previously sent to their official addresses, the firms failed to respond. Under current regulations, any company placed on the blacklist is strictly prohibited from participating in any public procurement processes or bidding activities for the duration of their penalty period.

Rs 100K Fine For Unauthorized Calendar Publication

The Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti has announced that publishing calendars without official approval will result in fines up to Rs 100,000. According to the Formation Order in the fiscal year 2020/21, all institutions must seek permission. Fees are set at Rs 2,000 for educational institutions, Rs 5,000 for free distribution, and Rs 10,000 for commercial calendars. Unauthorized publication carries penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 100,000. The District Administration Office is responsible for monitoring compliance to ensure chronological accuracy.

Gandaki Selects 55 Entrepreneurs for Rs 20 Million Grant

Under the ‘Entrepreneurial Gandaki’ campaign, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism selected 55 rural entrepreneurs for support. This Rs 30 million project includes Rs 20 million from the provincial government and Rs 1 billion from five participating local units. Selected farmers will receive a Rs 100,000 subsidy for technology purchases after investing at least Rs 1,067,000 of their own funds. The initiative aims to modernize agriculture, tourism, and service industries, creating sustainable employment across the Tanahu, Gorkha, Parbat, and Baglung districts.

19 Disaster Incidents Cause Rs 3.4 Million Property Losses

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) recorded 19 disaster incidents between 10:00 AM on February 17 and the morning of February 18. Among these, 15 were fire outbreaks caused by negligence during the dry winter season. These events resulted in six injuries and property damage totaling Rs 3.4 million. Affected districts include Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha, Morang, Siraha, Sarlahi, and Syangja. The authority urged the public to exercise extreme caution, as dry conditions significantly increase the risk of both structural and forest fires nationwide.

Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan Collects Rs 224.5 Million

The Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City collected Rs 224.5 million in revenue during the first seven months of the current fiscal year. This is a slight increase from the Rs 224.3 million collected during the same period last year. Major revenue sources included property tax at Rs 55.4 million, house rent tax at Rs 34.4 million, and business tax at Rs 17.1 million. Other significant contributions came from map pass fees and infrastructure service usage charges.

Surkhet Police Collects Over Rs 900K Revenue

The Surkhet District Police Office collected Rs 939,000 in revenue from traffic violators during the month of mid-January/mid-February. Official data reveals that 1,022 drivers faced disciplinary action during this period. Tragically, road accidents within the same timeframe resulted in the deaths of two men and three women. Furthermore, 23 individuals sustained serious injuries, while 61 others suffered minor injuries. The office continues to monitor compliance to mitigate further casualties and enhance public safety on the roads of Surkhet.

Annapurna Farmers Earn Rs 38.8 Million From Oranges

Farmers in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski, earned Rs 38.8 million from orange sales this season. The Agriculture Development Branch reported that over 200 farmers sold produce valued between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 million. Despite a 40% drop in production compared to last year, income increased as prices doubled, reaching Rs 200 per kilogram. Harvesting continued until February 14. The local government has been supporting orchard expansion, as oranges remain the second-largest cash crop in the region after potatoes.

Passport Department Stay Open During Public Holidays

The Department of Passports announced it will remain operational during the public holidays on Wednesday and Thursday. Despite the government declaring holidays for Gyalpo Lhosar and Democracy Day, the department will provide services from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Passport distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, while application form collection will take place on Thursday. As an essential service provider, the department aims to ensure that citizens experience no delays in their urgent travel documentation needs.

Technical Issue Forces Turkish Airlines Diversion to Dhaka

A Turkish Airlines flight, TK726, performing an Airbus A330 wide-body service, diverted to Dhaka, Bangladesh, today. While attempting to land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) at 11:10 AM, the crew encountered a technical fault and initiated an “overshoot.” Airport officials clarified the issue was with the aircraft, not the runway. The plane landed safely in Dhaka shortly after. This follows a previous incident on February 4, where another flight diverted to Kolkata, India, due to an engine fire shortly after takeoff.

CIT Receives ‘A Plus’ Rating From ICRA Nepal

ICRA Nepal Limited has assigned an “A Plus” (A+) rating to the Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) (literal translation: Nagarik Lagani Kosh). This rating signifies a high degree of safety regarding the timely servicing of financial obligations. Established in the fiscal year 1990/91 and operational since January 15, the trust manages various programs, including the Employee Savings Growth Retirement Fund and the Citizens Pension Scheme. Currently, the CIT serves over 700,000 participants, providing various insurance and retirement schemes for civil servants and the general public across Nepal.

Gold Prices Drop by Rs 1,500 Per Tola in Market Today

There has been a slight decline in the prices of gold and silver in the market today. Compared to Tuesday, the price of gold has decreased by Rs 1,500 per tola (11.66 grams) on Wednesday, while silver has decreased by Rs 5. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of one tola of gold has been fixed at Rs 300,400, and the price of one tola of silver at Rs 4,880 today. Yesterday, Tuesday, the price of one tola of fine gold was fixed at Rs 301,900, and the price of one tola of silver at Rs 4,885. Last Monday, the price of one tola of gold was fixed at Rs 302,800, and the price of one tola of silver was fixed at Rs 4,860. On Sunday, the first day of the week, when the market opened, fine gold was bought and sold at Rs 305,800 per tola, and the same amount of silver was traded at Rs 4,985.