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 Index Rises 16.67 Points, Closes at 2,503.85

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) opened the week on a positive note, with the index rising 16.67 points to close at 2,503.85. A total of 323 companies saw 6,199,929 shares traded over 28,737 transactions, amounting to Rs 2.79 billion in turnover. Among sectoral indices, Development Bank fell 0.21%, Mutual Funds 0.13%, and Non-Life Insurance 0.34%, while all other sectors recorded gains. Notable increases included Banking 0.87%, Finance 0.51%, Hotels & Tourism 0.72%, Hydropower 0.70%, Investment 0.75%, Life Insurance 0.33%, Manufacturing & Processing 0.90%, Microfinance 0.47%, Trading 0.90%, and Others 1.16%.

Capital Expenditure Declines Sharply in First Quarter

Capital expenditure has decreased compared to the same period last fiscal year. From mid-August to mid-October 2025/26, the government spent only Rs 19.18 billion — 4.7% of the annual target — while last year it had reached Rs 29.44 billion (8.36%). According to the Office of the Financial Comptroller General, recurrent expenditure during the first quarter reached Rs 256.8 billion, which is 21.75% of the annual target.

20 Commercial Banks Earn Rs 16.59 Billion Net Profit in First Two Months of FY 2025/26

In the first two months of FY 2025/26, 20 commercial banks collectively earned Rs 16.59 billion in net profit — a 6.2% decline compared to Rs 17.69 billion during the same period last year. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, profits increased in 10 banks and declined in 10 others. Siddhartha Bank, NMB Bank, Nepal Bank, Machhapuchhre Bank, and Laxmi Sunrise Bank recorded the highest profit growth.

Government Cuts Rs 122 Billion from Budget to Manage Priority Expenditures

The government has trimmed over Rs 122 billion from this fiscal year’s budget to manage expenditures for five key purposes. The cuts will fund the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, repair and reconstruction of public property damaged during the Gen Z movement, rehabilitation of those affected by the protests, reconstruction of flood damage from October 4-5, and financing of ongoing priority projects.

Government Begins Process to Terminate 50 More Defunct Road Construction Contracts

The Department of Roads has initiated the process to terminate 50 additional non-performing road construction contracts that have been left incomplete for years. Offices under the department — including the Pushpalal (Mid-Hill) Highway, Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Offices in Kathmandu, Itahari, Pokhara, Surkhet, Janakpur, and Damauli — have begun termination proceedings. The Road Division Office, Janakpur, alone has issued a public notice for terminating 21 such contracts, the highest among all offices.

Irrigation Project Begins Terminating Long-Idle Construction Contracts

The Babai Irrigation Project has started terminating long-idle contracts signed about six years ago with Raman Construction Company, Gulariya–5. A public notice was issued Thursday announcing the termination. The contracts were signed in FY 2020/21 for canal maintenance, command area protection, and building repair. Out of six contracts, four had zero progress, while one achieved 30% and another 55%.

Internet Service Providers Ordered to Publicly Disclose Approved Tariffs Before Charging Customers

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed all internet service providers to publish approved tariffs before offering services to customers. The directive, issued Sunday, mandates that ISPs can only charge rates approved by the authority. The decision follows growing complaints that providers were imposing unauthorized and opaque charges on users.

Government Plans to Upgrade Pokhara–Bhairahawa Siddhartha Highway as ‘Game-Changer Project’

To revive the economy, the interim government plans to develop the Pokhara–Bhairahawa Siddhartha Highway as a “game-changer project.” The fiscal budget includes upgrading the highway to a dedicated double-lane standard. Clause 151 of the budget mentions that work will begin to upgrade the Siddhartha Highway, given its high potential for tourism promotion and economic activity.

Rs 61 Million Collected in Government Reconstruction Fund

The government-established “Physical Infrastructure Reconstruction Fund” has collected Rs 61 million so far to rebuild structures damaged by arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests. According to Finance Ministry, as of this morning, the fund had received Rs 61 million. The government had created the fund to reconstruct damaged infrastructure during the Gen Z demonstrations.

Nepal-India Petroleum Pipeline Completes Six Years of Operation

The Nepal-India cross-border petroleum pipeline, running from Motihari (India) to Amlekhgunj (Nepal), has completed six years of operation. The Madhesh Regional Office of Nepal Oil Corporation reported that 6.35 billion liters of petroleum products have been imported via the pipeline— including 6.14 billion liters of diesel, 201.5 million liters of petrol, and 410,000 liters of kerosene.

Fuel Sales to Remain Open During Tihar Holidays

Nepal Oil Corporation announced that fuel depots and offices across all seven provinces will remain open during public holidays for Tihar to ensure consumer convenience. The corporation stated that fuel demand typically surges during festivals, and depots will operate on scheduled hours to avoid shortages.

Despite Disasters, Tourist Numbers Surge in Mustang

Contrary to predictions that the Gen Z movement and monsoon disasters would reduce tourism, Mustang has witnessed a tourist boom. Over 334,726 people visited the region in the first six months of this year, according to the Mustang District Police Office. The district remains one of Nepal’s top destinations for its religious and natural beauty, accessible via the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road, Pokhara–Jomsom air route, and the world-famous Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna trail.

Over 7,400 Tourists Visit Manang in First 1.5 Months of Autumn Season

With the end of the monsoon, weather conditions in Manang have cleared, signaling the start of the tourist season. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) reported that more than 7,461 foreign tourists arrived in the first one and a half months of the autumn season. According to ACAP’s Bhupendra Gurung, the clear skies mark the beginning of peak tourism in the Himalayan district.

Marigold Garlands from Dhangadhi Exported to UK for Tihar

For the first time, marigold garlands produced in Bangara, Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City–9, Kailali, have been exported to the United Kingdom. Floriculturist Roshan Saud said 300 garlands were sent for Tihar celebrations at the request of Nepalis living in the UK. He added that several orders have been received this year, marking a major milestone for his flower business.

Highline Practice Conducted Over Kali Gandaki Gorge

A highline practice event was held over the Kali Gandaki Gorge between Kusma (Parbat) and Balewa (Baglung). The event was organized by Shankar Koirala from Hile, Dhankuta — currently residing in Germany — as part of his “Dream Project.” Koirala, who has practiced highlining across Europe for 15 years, performed this activity for the first time at “The Cliff,” Nepal’s adventure hub known for bungee jumping.

Summit Hotel Apartment Project Cost Rises to Nearly Rs 12 Billion

The cost of the apartment and hotel project being built by Summit Hotel Pvt. Ltd. in Kupandol, Lalitpur, has surged from Rs 7 billion to nearly Rs 12 billion. Initially estimated at Rs 6.94 billion, the cost has increased by 68%, with total expenses now projected at Rs 11.68 billion for completion.

Summit Air’s Revenue Declines by 13 Percent in 2025

Summit Air’s income decreased by 13% in 2025 compared to 2024. The airline’s annual revenue dropped from Rs 1.03 billion in 2024 to Rs 899 million in 2025. It had earned Rs 1.11 billion in 2023 and Rs 793 million in 2022, showing a declining trend in business performance.

Golyan Group Signs Scholarship MoU with Families of Gen Z Martyrs

The Golyan Group and families of those martyred during the Gen Z protests signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an “Educational Scholarship Program” on Friday. The group had announced education and health support programs on October 10. In the first phase, scholarships will cover education up to Grade 12 for 11 children, along with talent promotion expenses.

Yango Ride Doubles Bonus Rates for Partner Drivers During Tihar Festivities

In the festive spirit of Tihar, Yango Ride has announced double bonus rates for its partner drivers. Under a special one-week campaign, car drivers can earn up to Rs 6,200 and bike drivers up to Rs 4,100 in daily bonuses. Drivers will only need to meet their usual daily targets, with no additional goals set during the campaign period.

Global IME Bank Wins ‘Best Bank Award 2025’

Global IME Bank has been honored with the Best Bank Award 2025 by Global Finance Magazine. During a ceremony held in the United States on Saturday, representatives from Global Finance presented the award to Bank Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal and CEO Surendra Raj Regmi.
The bank was recognized as Nepal’s best bank for 2025 based on parameters such as credibility, resource mobilization, access expansion, strategic relationships, development of business and customer-friendly services, and credit ratings.

Gold Price Drops by Rs 4,800 in Nepali Market

The price of gold fell by Rs 4,800 per tola in the Nepali market on Sunday.  According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Traders’ Association, gold, which had reached an all-time high on Friday, dropped on the first trading day of the week to Rs 253,200 per tola. Earlier on Friday, the price of hallmark gold had reached Rs 258,000 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver, which was Rs 3,350 per tola on Friday, fell to Rs 3,275 per tola on Sunday, the association reported.