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 Bounces Back Amid Lower Turnover

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) rose 19.70 points to 2,851.09 on Tuesday, recovering slightly after two consecutive days of losses. The Sensitive Index climbed 3.26 points to 484.84, with the Float Index up 0.64% and the Sensitive Float Index rising 1.02%. Despite the gains, turnover dropped to Rs 11.112 billion from Monday’s Rs 12.966 billion. Among 339 companies traded, 195 shares increased, 63 declined, and nine remained stable. Most subgroup indices rose, including Commercial Banks (0.76%), Development Banks (0.80%), Finance (1.12%), Hotels and Tourism (1.00%), and Manufacturing (1.94%), while mutual funds (-0.07%) and the “other” group (-0.55%) were the exceptions.

NRB Urges Investors to Collect Unclaimed Savings Bond Payments

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) issued an urgent notice calling on bondholders to collect matured principal and interest amounts from government savings instruments. The Monetary Management Department noted that several investors of Citizen Savings Bonds and Foreign Employment Savings Bonds have yet to claim payments that matured by May 14, 2024. The NRB emphasized that holding matured funds for extended periods is not advisable and requested bondholders or their legal representatives to contact the department with necessary documentation. These bonds are vital tools for the government to mobilize internal resources for national development projects.

Indian Rupee Hits 14-Year Low Against US Dollar Impacting Nepali Currency

The Indian Rupee (INR) plummeted to its weakest level in 14 years on Monday, trading at 95.22 against the US dollar. This devaluation, totaling a 10 percent drop in the current fiscal year, is driven by rising crude oil prices and the exit of foreign investment. Due to the fixed exchange rate peg, the Nepali Rupee (Rs) also weakened, reaching a record low of Rs 152.04 per dollar on Tuesday. This 5.56 percent devaluation since January is expected to increase the cost of imported petroleum and essential goods in Nepal, fueling inflation, although it may slightly increase the local value of incoming remittances.

Nepal Airlines Increases Kathmandu to Delhi Flights to 10 Per Week

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) announced an expansion of its Kathmandu-Delhi-Kathmandu service starting March 31. To meet high passenger demand, the national flag carrier added three extra weekly flights using flight numbers RA 205/206. Previously, the corporation operated only one daily flight (RA 217/218). With this addition, NAC will now operate a total of 10 flights per week on this international route. The corporation expects this move to strengthen its international service and provide more flexible travel options for passengers commuting between the two capital cities.

Govt. Opens Health Checkup Services for Migrant Workers to All Hospitals

The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security decided on Tuesday to allow migrant workers to undergo mandatory health examinations at any government-recognized hospital. A ministerial meeting led by Minister Deepak Kumar Shah approved the opening of new enlistments for health institutions wishing to provide these services. This decision follows the Health Institution Enlistment, Renewal, and Monitoring Procedures, 2015. Currently, only 194 health institutions are authorized to conduct these screenings, and the new move aims to decentralize the process for departing laborers.

Foreign Employment Department Clarifies Orientation Fees Remain Rs 700

The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) issued a notice on Tuesday clarifying that the fee for mandatory orientation training for migrant workers has not been increased. Despite rumors of price hikes, the department confirmed the fee remains capped at Rs 700 as per the Orientation Training Operation Procedure, 2019. The two-day training is a legal requirement for all workers going abroad. The DoFE warned that any training provider charging more than the stipulated amount would face immediate cancellation of their license and urged workers to report any irregularities or overcharging to the authorities.

NPC Issues New Checklist for Result-Oriented Budget

The National Planning Commission (NPC) introduced a “checklist” for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 budget to ensure disciplined and realistic spending. The commission began discussions with various ministries to prioritize projects that are ready for immediate implementation and have clear cost-benefit analyses. Ministries must submit detailed progress reports of current projects and ensure alignment with the 16th Five-Year Plan. The Ministry of Finance extended the deadline for entering project details into the Line Ministry Budget Information System (LMBIS) to incorporate the government’s new 100-point governance reform agenda.

Health Insurance Board Warns Hospitals Against Discriminating Beneficiaries

The Health Insurance Board issued a stern warning to healthcare institutions found harassing or denying services to insured citizens. Following reports that some hospitals require advanced appointments specifically for insurance holders or fail to provide prescribed medicines, the board stated these actions violate the Health Insurance Act, 2017. Executive Director Krishna Prasad Paudel announced that legal action would be taken against facilities found discriminating against policyholders during monitoring. The board emphasized that all service providers must treat insured patients equally and ensure the seamless availability of medical facilities and essential drugs.

Advertising Board Monitors for Illegal Betting Apps and Websites

The Advertising Board directed all stakeholders to immediately stop broadcasting or publishing advertisements for unauthorized websites, betting apps, and social media platforms. This follows a cabinet decision on March 27 to ban all betting-related digital platforms. The board reminded the public that under Section 5 of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2019, promoting gambling or unauthorized lotteries is strictly prohibited. Authorities have requested citizens to report any ongoing illegal advertisements, warning that violators will face prosecution under prevailing laws.

PM Pledges Immediate Progress for Shahid Dashrath Chand University

Prime Minister Balen Shah committed to accelerating the development of the Shahid Dashrath Chand University of Health Sciences during a meeting with lawmakers from Sudurpashchim Province on Tuesday. He assured me that necessary funds would be released immediately to prioritize the university’s operations and the resumption of Gokuleshwar Airport. Lawmakers from Kanchanpur and Kailali briefed the Prime Minister on urgent regional issues, including border management with India, drinking water shortages, and the Dhangadhi-Dipayal fast track. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government will prioritize essential public projects despite the current limitations of the fiscal budget.

Global Conflict Hampers Recovery of Chinese Tourist Arrivals in Nepal

Chinese tourist arrivals in Nepal struggle to recover to pre-pandemic levels despite the “Nepal Visit Year 2025” campaign held in Beijing. While Nepal saw a peak of 169,543 Chinese visitors in 2019, numbers dropped significantly during the pandemic and reached only 95,480 in 2025. The ongoing war in the Middle East and the high cost of travel have further deterred tourists during the current March-April peak season. Over the last 12 years, only 1,013,598 Chinese tourists visited Nepal, averaging roughly 85,000 annually.

Karnali Chief Minister Issues Ultimatum Over Low Capital Expenditure

Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel warned ministers and secretaries in Karnali Province to resign if they cannot improve budget implementation performance. Data from the Provincial Treasury Controller Office shows that only 19.64% of the total Rs 32.996 billion budget was spent by the end of February 14. Capital expenditure is particularly low at 12.97%, with only Rs 2.591 billion utilized out of Rs 19.982 billion. Kandel criticized the “old working style” and the tendency to stall files in offices, noting that expenditure is at its lowest level since the province’s establishment in the fiscal year 2018/19.

Confederation of Nepalese Industries Proposes Goal to Reach $100 Million Economy

A delegation from the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), led by President Birendra Raj Pandey, met with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on Monday to discuss economic reforms. The CNI proposed a roadmap to grow Nepal’s current USD 45 billion economy to USD 100 billion within the next 10 years. President Pandey urged the government to focus on job creation and import substitution through manufacturing incentives. Minister Wagle responded by committing to a second phase of economic reforms, the removal of obsolete laws, and a policy environment that ensures investors do not face administrative hurdles or corruption.

Power Supply Restored in Rasuwa 3 Days After Lightning Damage

Electricity services in several areas of Rasuwa resumed on Tuesday, following a three-day disruption caused by a lightning strike. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) replaced four damaged transformers in Uttargaya, Gosaikunda, and Aama Chhodingmo rural municipalities. Despite being a major hub for hydropower production, the district’s 10,600 consumers frequently face supply irregularities. Technical teams were deployed immediately to restore lines in Dhunche and surrounding villages, where the authority collects approximately Rs 15 million in monthly revenue.

KMC to Launch Land Administration Services in 10 Wards

Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) announced the launch of land administration services across 10 selected wards as a pilot program. Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol stated that wards 3, 4, 6, 10, 14, 15, 16, 23, 26, and 31 will now handle land ownership records, revenue collection, and biometric data verification. To facilitate this, the metropolis is collaborating with land revenue offices in Chabahil, Dillibazar, and Kalanki. Residents in these wards will no longer need to visit central land offices for tasks such as record management, mortgage releases, or ownership transfers, as these services will be integrated into the ward offices.

Suspension Bridge in Gulmi Completed 5 Months Ahead of Schedule

A 146 meters long suspension bridge connecting Chhaldi Tari and Palukha in Isma Rural Municipality-2, Gulmi, has been completed five months before its deadline. Built by Astha Samjhana JV Arghakhanchi with a budget of Rs 17.1 million, the project was originally slated for completion by mid-September this year. The new infrastructure significantly improves safety for students and elderly residents who previously risked crossing the flooded river during the monsoon. The bridge reduces a 30-minute trek to a five-minute walk, boosting local trade and access to health services.

Pokhara Allocates Rs 5.5 Million for Ward-Level Agriculture

Pokhara Metropolitan City launched a 50 % cost-sharing grant program targeting all 33 wards to boost local agricultural production. The city allocated Rs 5.5 million in total, providing Rs 100,000 each to 11 urban wards and Rs 200,000 each to 22 rural wards. Agricultural Development Branch Chief Manhar Kadariya explained that the funds are distributed through ward-level agricultural networks based on local needs. This initiative aims to support farmers by subsidizing essential equipment and inputs, fostering sustainable farming practices in both the market-centric and rural sectors of the metropolis.

Spring Rice Production Expected to Increase in Saptari District

Rice production in Saptari is projected to rise this year due to an expansion in cultivated land and improved irrigation. According to the Agriculture Knowledge Center, the farming area increased from 2,800 hectares last year to 3,100 hectares this season. Consequently, production is estimated to reach 14,787 metric tons, up from 13,356 metric tons in the previous fiscal year. Increased access to agricultural electrification, including boring and shallow tube wells, has encouraged farmers in municipalities like Chhinnamasta and Hanumannagar Kankalini to prioritize spring crops.

FCAN Begins Election for New Leadership

The 26th General Assembly and 13th Convention of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN) commenced in Kathmandu on Tuesday. The election features a competitive race between two primary panels led by Senior Vice President Ang Dorjee (AD) Lama and Nicholas Pandey. Lama’s group is campaigning on the agenda of amending the Public Procurement Act, while Pandey’s panel aims to resolve structural bottlenecks in the construction sector. Independent candidate Pramod Lamichhane has also announced his bid for the post of Deputy General Secretary (Policy). Nominations will be filed on Wednesday, with voting scheduled for April 2.

Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Bharatpur as 18K Chickens Culled

Authorities confirmed an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus at a commercial layer farm and a local poultry farm in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-4, Chitwan. In response, the Livestock Service Office oversaw the culling of approximately 18,000 layer chickens and 900 local birds to prevent further transmission. This marks the first confirmed case in the district since 2022. Officials have urged farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures and restrict the movement of poultry-related vehicles, noting that the district currently houses over 10.8 million chickens.

Apollo Hydropower Limited to Issue Initial Public Offering on April 9

Apollo Hydropower Limited is set to open its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for the general public starting April 9. Following the first phase of issuance for local residents and migrant workers, the company will now offer 780,200 shares at a par value of Rs 100 per share. The company previously received approval to issue 30% of its Rs 570 million issued capital. Investors can apply for a minimum of 10 shares and a maximum of 94,000 shares until April 13. Care Ratings Nepal assigned the company a ‘CARE-NP BB-‘ rating, indicating moderate risk.

Gold and Silver Prices Climb in Local Market

Gold and silver prices rose again in the local market on Tuesday. Gold increased by Rs 6,700 per tola (11.66 grams) to Rs 290,200, while silver rose by Rs 145 per tola to Rs 4,845, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. On Monday, gold and silver were traded at Rs 283,500 and Rs 4,700 per tola, respectively, while Sunday prices stood at Rs 286,000 and Rs 4,720. In the international market, an ounce of gold is trading at USD 4,560 and silver at USD 80, reflecting a global uptick in precious metal prices.

G7 Group Prepared to Stabilize Global Energy Markets Amid Middle East Conflict

The Group of Seven (G-7) announced its readiness to implement measures to stabilize global energy markets as the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States escalates. Following a virtual meeting of finance and energy ministers, the group pledged to coordinate with international partners to prevent supply disruptions and unfair export restrictions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces has significantly driven up crude oil prices, threatening global economic stability. Japan’s industry minister confirmed that the International Energy Agency (IEA) is preparing additional supplies from strategic oil reserves to mitigate the impact of the ongoing war.