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 Falls 45 Points Amid Mixed Trading
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell sharply on Wednesday, with the NEPSE index dropping 45.36 points to 2,559.59. Despite a 5-point pre-open gain, the market declined during regular trading. Among 251 listed companies, 232 saw falling prices, 18 rose, and one remained unchanged. Finance and hotel sectors led the fall at 3% each. Total turnover reached Rs 576 million, higher than the previous day. Prabhu Insurance, Manjushree Finance, and First Microfinance posted the steepest losses.

NRB Offers Concessional Loans for Exporting and Women-Led Firms
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced low-interest loans for export-oriented industries employing 100 or more women. Firms exporting 25 percent of output can borrow at just 1 percent above the base rate. Businesses hit by Gen Z protests are eligible for salary and replacement loans at only a 0.5 percent premium, partly subsidized by the government.

Floods Inflict Rs 500 million Damage on Morang-Sunsari Industries
Continuous rains and flash floods have devastated industries across the Morang-Sunsari Corridor, causing losses exceeding Rs 500 million. Arihant Multi-Fibers Limited alone reported Rs 300 million in damages, halting production and affecting over 4,200 workers. Factories like Quality Biscuit, Baba Maida Mill, and Hulas Wire remain submerged. Industrialists blamed poor drainage and lack of flood control and disaster management infrastructure for the recurring inundations.

Governance and Investment Gaps Curb Nepal’s Growth
The World Bank attributed Nepal’s economic slowdown to corruption, lack of opportunity, and a weak business environment. It warned that global sluggishness, trade uncertainty, social unrest, and the labor market impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) pose major risks for South Asia’s economies.

Nepal Moves to Stabilize Power After Monsoon Floods
Following recent monsoon floods that caused widespread power disruptions, the government is taking steps to restore electricity and strengthen the grid. Energy Minister Kulman Ghising emphasized urgent repair of flood-damaged infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted supply. Key transmission lines, including Marsyangdi Corridor 220 kV and Hetauda–Dhalkebar 400 kV, are being reinforced, and winter preparedness measures are underway.

Over Rs 20 Million Worth of Goats Sold from Banke During Dashain
Over Rs 20 million worth of goats were sold from Banke district during the Dashain festival through 14 women-led cooperative enterprises. A total of 1,351 goats weighing 43,593 kilograms were exported to cities nationwide, generating Rs 23.81 million in sales. The highest trade came from Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality–9, and they sold goats worth Rs 3.18 million alone. Goat farming (herders), especially in Rapti Sonari, where the forest is dense, is gaining popularity, helping local women farmers achieve economic self-reliance.

Insurance Claims from Gen Z Protests Hit Rs 22.25 Billion
Claims worth Rs 22.25 billion have been filed with insurance companies after the September 8-9 protests. Property damage accounts for Rs 18.61 billion, motor losses Rs 2.95 billion, and other claims Rs 670.3 million. Oriental Insurance reported the highest claims at Rs 5.22 billion. Most claims are from Bagmati Province, with surveyors required to submit reports within 60 days before compensation begins.

Government’s ‘Fair Price Shops’ Offer Minimal Relief in Nepalgunj
Ahead of the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals, the government operated festive ‘Fair Price Shops.’ Discounts were limited to Rs 2–5 per kg on select rice types: Steam Jeera rice sold at Rs 83/kg (previously Rs 88), Aruwa Medium at Rs 59/kg (previously Rs 64), and Aruwa Coarse at Rs 57/kg (previously Rs 62). Despite a target of 200 quintals by October 27, daily sales remain just 1–1.5 quintals. Limited items and proximity to cheaper cross-border markets hinder consumer turnout.

SBAN Urges Immediate Implementation of Capital Market Reforms
The Stock Broker’s Association of Nepal (SBAN) welcomed the capital market reform report submitted by the Ministry of Finance task force. The report, chaired by Rupesh KC, proposes removing lending limits, easing bank restrictions, introducing new instruments, and restructuring NEPSE. The SBAN urged regulators and relevant agencies to implement recommendations immediately, noting that past proposals often stalled without execution. Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal’s proactive approach is seen as a potential turning point for Nepal’s capital market growth.

Govt Plans Rs 12.38 Billion for Flood-Damaged Roads
The government will spend Rs 12.38 billion to repair roads hit by this year’s monsoon floods. Major highways, alternative routes, Bailey bridges, and 17 concrete/steel bridges will account for most costs, with Mechi Highway alone needing Rs 1.5 billion. At least Rs 1.7 billion remains from last year’s damages. Minister Kulman Ghising said road restoration is a top priority, with teams deployed for clearance and repair.

Telecom Operators Phase Out 3G Services
Nepal’s 3G services are being phased out as operators prioritize 4G. Only 869,000 users remain, just 2% of broadband subscribers. Ncell plans to discontinue 3G in 2025, while Nepal Telecom continues it based on customer demand. Over the past year, 7.3 million users migrated from 3G to 4G, aided by widespread 4G-enabled devices. Despite 5G’s potential, operators and government have shown limited investment interest, delaying next-generation mobile services.

Nalagad HP Stalled Despite DPR Completion
Nepal’s national pride, the 417 MW Nalagad Hydropower Project in Jajarkot, remains stalled seven years after initiation. Although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and environmental assessment were completed, the government has not advanced construction. While external infrastructure and compensation works are done, controversies over 555 houses have blocked funding release. Completion is estimated at Rs 123 billion, and foreign investment is needed as domestic resources are insufficient. Local stakeholders urge government prioritization to harness regional economic and employment benefits.

Butwal-Bhairahawa Industrial Corridor Industry Challenges NEA Bills
Industries in the Butwal–Bhairahawa corridor have petitioned PM Karki over disputed “Dedicated” and “Trunk Line” electricity charges. Led by the Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce, they argued they did not consume the claimed electricity and cannot pay inflated bills. The government’s cancellation of the arrears review committee sparked allegations of injustice, potentially risking industry closures, 20,000–25,000 job losses, and financial sector instability. Industry representatives demand reopening legal avenues or immediate resolution to ensure fair treatment.

Rajakot Heritage Trek Campaign to Boost Economy
Local youths of Dangisharan Rural Municipality–2 are launching a trekking campaign from November 18 to promote Rajakot, an ancient hilltop site of historical and natural importance. Located 20 km south of Tulsipur at 1,556 meters above sea level, Rajakot was once the summer residence of a Tharu king, Dangisharan, linked to medieval Bhuretakure rulers. The site offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, Swargadwari, and Banke plains. Once a main trade route to Nepalgunj, it has seen reduced movement in recent years. The campaign aims to revive Rajakot as a living heritage, tourism destination, and economy.

Parbat’s Iron Mine Reopening Moves Ahead with Trail Construction
A new trail to the Mahashila Iron Mine has been completed, enabling geological surveys and potential reopening. The mine, inactive since the 1950s, spans about two kilometers and once supported 400 households. Experts confirmed rich deposits through resistivity studies, and the Department of Mines and Geology is preparing exploration under government directives.

Tourism Picks Up in Sauraha After Quiet Dashain
Sauraha’s hospitality sector sees renewed activity as foreign and domestic tourists gradually return, boosting hotel bookings, restaurant demand, and safari services. Hotel operators report visitor numbers rising to around 30% of pre-pandemic levels, providing relief after a slow Dashain season caused by political uncertainty and prior travel disruptions. Improved roads and open jungle safaris are expected to further stimulate local tourism revenue ahead of Tihar.

Tanahun Hydropower Transmission Line Construction Resumes
Construction of the transmission line for the 140 MW Tanahun Hydropower Project has restarted after earlier delays due to forest clearance. The 36 km line from Damuli to Bharatpur is now 74% complete. Built by India’s KEC International, the project was delayed by COVID-19 and approvals, but work is now moving forward toward completion.

67% of Syangja Residents Covered by Health Insurance
About 67 percent of Syangja’s population is now under the national health insurance scheme of the government, with 80 percent of households enrolled. Kaligandaki Rural Municipality alone paid Rs 17.2 million for total coverage. The plan offers up to Rs 100,000 per family annually for a Rs 3,500 premium, with higher limits for larger families and free coverage for the poor and elderly.

Jumla Small Farmers Miss Out on Rs 16 Million Grants Last Fiscal Year
In Jumla, small farmers were largely excluded from the National Agriculture Modernization Program’s 50% cost-sharing grants last fiscal year. Only 119 farmers received over Rs 16.06 million across 10 programs, mainly those with political connections or official access. Genuine smallholders, unable to meet the 50% co-investment, missed out on initiatives like apple and potato area expansion, nursery development, and pulse crop programs. Officials call for policy reform, better outreach, and inclusion of real small farmers.

Gold Hits Rs 238,000 per Tola as Silver Slides
Gold prices rose to Rs 238,000 per tola on Wednesday, gaining Rs 2,600 from Tuesday’s Rs 235,400, reflecting continued demand in the local market. In contrast, silver dipped slightly to Rs 2,955 per tola from Rs 2,960, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Traders noted steady gold buying amid festive and investment-driven demand.