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:

Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City Unveils Revised Budget of Rs 2.46 Billion

Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City has allocated a revised annual budget of Rs 2.46 billion for the current fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26). The revised budget amounting to Rs 2,46,89,16,894 was endorsed by the 14th Municipal Assembly (winter session) held on Sunday. Presenting the budget report, Deputy Mayor Kishori Sah stated that the revised budget has been prepared by incorporating funds from the federal and provincial governments, including equalization, conditional, complementary, special grants, revenue sharing, internal revenue, as well as carryover funds from the previous fiscal year. According to the report, the sub-metropolitan city has generated Rs 99.41 million in revenue so far in the current fiscal year, while its total expenditure stands at Rs 41.07 million. The income and expenditure estimates approved earlier by the 13th Municipal Assembly for the current fiscal year remain under implementation.

Cash Transaction Limit Set at Rs 500,000 from January 15

Cash transactions will be capped at Rs 500,000 starting from Magh 1 (January 15), according to a new provision introduced by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). The central bank has incorporated this arrangement in its Unified Directives issued to banks and financial institutions. Under the new rule, any payment exceeding Rs 500,000 must be made compulsorily through an account-payee check or deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account. Likewise, checks issued in the name of any firm, company, institution, or office must also be account-payee. However, the NRB has clarified that the provision will not affect salary and wage payments to employees and workers in priority infrastructure projects such as hydropower, roads, and communications. Similarly, there will be no restriction on cash payments related to the supply of goods and materials for various projects, payment of government revenues, deposit of bail or guarantee amounts, and pension distribution through pension camps.

Sana Kisan Bikas Laghubitta to Distribute 14.25% Bonus Shares

Sana Kisan Bikas Financial Institution Limited has decided to distribute a 14.25 percent bonus share to its shareholders. The decision was endorsed by the company’s 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kathmandu on Friday. According to a press release issued after the AGM, the meeting approved a proposal to provide shareholders with a 14.25 percent bonus share as a return on investment, along with a 0.75 percent cash dividend for tax purposes. The institution reported that in the fiscal year 2081/82, its issued and paid-up capitals reached Rs 4.31 billion, while total assets stood at Rs 41.50 billion. Chief Executive Officer Bashu Adhikari informed that the company’s earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs 20.29, book net worth per share at Rs 239.38, return on total capital at 8.48 percent, price-earnings ratio at 43.40, and total capital adequacy ratio at 16.02 percent.

NIC Bank Announces 30% Discount Scheme on Locker Services

NIC Asia Bank has announced a special 30 percent discount on locker services for its customers. The bank introduced the concession scheme with the objective of ensuring the safe storage of customers’ valuables and important documents. Under the newly announced plan, customers will receive a 30 percent discount on the annual locker fee for the first year. The bank stated that this special offer will be available only until January 20.NIC Asia Bank has also informed that lockers of various sizes, based on customer requirements, are available across its branches nationwide. The bank believes that this scheme will help customers access locker services in a more convenient and affordable manner.

India Eyes New Markets with US Trade Deal in Limbo

India is aggressively seeking trade deals to open markets for exporters and soften the blow of steep US tariffs, as efforts to secure an agreement with Washington remain elusive. Relations between Washington and New Delhi plummeted in August after President Donald Trump raised tariffs to 50 percent, a blow that threatens job losses and hurts India’s ambition of becoming a manufacturing and export powerhouse. That pressure, experts say, has pushed New Delhi into a rapid diversification drive beyond its biggest market. India signed or operationalized four trade agreements last year, including a major pact with Britain, the fastest pace of deal-making it has seen in years and is now eyeing fresh deals. Negotiations are underway with the European Union, the Eurasian Economic Union, Mexico, Chile and the South American Mercosur trade bloc, either for new deals or to expand existing agreements.

Nepal Records Rs 1.53 Trillion Life-cycle Deficit, NTA Study Finds 

Nepal faces a significant imbalance between labour income and consumption, with the country recording a total life-cycle deficit of Rs 1,527,219 million in Fiscal Year 2021/22, according to the country’s first National Transfer Account (NTA) estimates. The National Transfer Accounts estimates for fiscal year 2021/22 focusing on lifetime deficit analysis made public by National Statistics Office (NSO) on Friday clearly demonstrate the economic implications of demographic change. An examination of age-specific consumption and labour income indicates that from birth to age 26, consumption exceeds labour income, resulting in a life-cycle deficit.

Oranges Worth Over Rs 100 Million Sold from a Single Ward

Ward No. 7 of Bhirkot Municipality in Syangja district has achieved a remarkable economic milestone this year through orange production, with sales exceeding Rs 100 million.Oranges produced from orchards across various settlements within the ward generated more than Rs 100 million in revenue in the current fiscal year. As orange farming has been expanded commercially, it has significantly boosted the local economy. Based on data collected from orange farmers in the ward, Ward Chairperson Tara Aryal confirmed that Bhirkot–7 alone recorded orange sales worth over Rs 100 million this year. According to Aryal, commercial orange farming is being practiced in settlements including Jimire, Lolunga, Balmata, Tilahar, Pangsang, Pasindanda, Koldanda, and Dhowadi. Farmers in these areas earned between a minimum of Rs 100,000 and a maximum of Rs 3.5 million from orange sales. This year, farmers sold their oranges directly from the trees, either through contracts or at a rate of Rs 70 per kilogram. “Based on the quantity sold and the price received, it is evident that the ward has generated more than Rs 100 million in income from oranges alone,” Aryal said.

Machhapuchchhre Bank Launches ‘QR Merchant MBL Smart’ Loan Service

Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited has expanded its MBL Smart Loan service to QR merchants, reaffirming its commitment to supporting self-employed individuals and small and medium-sized sole proprietorship businesses. Targeting QR merchants affiliated with various payment networks, the bank has officially launched the QR Merchant MBL Smart Loan service. The initiative has been introduced keeping in mind the financial needs of QR merchants, as part of the bank’s efforts to deliver fast, efficient, and effective financial services through the latest digital banking technologies. Through this service, self-employed individuals and small and medium-sized sole proprietorship businesses can obtain collateral-free loans easily and conveniently via the MBL M Smart mobile application. As loan approval is processed digitally, the bank believes the service will save time while making access to financing more transparent and hassle-free. Committed since its establishment to offering technology-driven services and facilities, Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited has expanded its strong service network across the country, covering the Himalayan, hilly, and Terai regions from east to west.

Poverty Rate above National Average in More than Half of Local Units

Significant disparities continue to exist in degree of poverty across Nepal’s local units and districts, according to the Small Area Estimation of Poverty, 2023 released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Friday. The report shows that out of 753 local levels, 309 have poverty rates lower than the national average of 20.27 per cent, while 444 local levels have poverty levels above the national figure. The NSO estimated poverty at the micro level by analyzing data from the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS) and the national population census using the Small Area Estimation (SAE) method. The latest NLSS, its fourth edition, was conducted in 2022/23 and published in 2023/24. According to the survey, 20.27 per cent of Nepal’s population currently lives below the poverty line, marking a significant improvement compared to previous report made public in 2011.

Humla’s Honey Sales Hit Rs 45 Million

Honey sales in the Himalayan district of Humla have reached Rs 45 million this year, with a total production of 22,500 kg and already largely sold. According to Chudamani Panta, chief of the Agriculture Development Office in the district, farmers across the district produced 22.5 tons of honey in the last fiscal year 2024/25 and earned approximately Rs. 45 million by selling most of it. Honey in Humla is sold at around Rs. 2,000 per kg. The total production came from 2,775 beehives. Panta said honey production has increased compared to the previous year. He added that most farmers were successful in selling their produce, with a large portion of the honey supplied outside the district to markets in Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Milk Availability Increasing in Sudurpaschim Province

Per capita annual availability of milk has reached 120-130 liters in Sudurpaschim Province. Milk availability has increased with the commercialization in milk production. The availability was very less till one and-half-decade. Secretary at the Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative Ministry, Shankar Shah said, “Earlier, milk was produced for only household purpose. But in recent years, the availability of milk has increased due to its commercial production.” Around 60,000-70,000 farmers have engaged in milk production in Sudurpaschim Province and 10,000-12,000 people have directly got employment from this business, he added. According to the Ministry, one million cows and 500,000 buffaloes are being reared in nine districts of the province as well as 355,000 metric tons of milk is being produced annually.

Street Food Festival Held in Budhanilkantha Municipality

The three-day Budhanilkantha Street Food Festival held in collaboration between Budhanilkantha Municipality and the Budhanilkantha Tourism Board to promote cultural identity, prosperity and religious sites along with the publicity of tourism concluded today. The festival drew many visitors as it showcased delicious local flavors, culture, and enhanced community engagement. Mayor of Budhanilkantha Municipality stated the festival facilitated encouraging local entrepreneurship and created opportunities for residents enhancing Budhanilkantha Municipality as an internal and external tourists’ destination. Students of Kapan campus posed for a group photo after they performed dance at the inaugural of the Budhanilkantha street food festival. In this regard, special guests and a popular artist Haribansha Acharya appealed to the mass to close the kitchen for three days and enjoy the street food festival, without forgetting to clean the streets like own home.

Gold Price Up by 2.800 

The price of gold has increased by Rs 2,800 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, the price of hallmark gold has been determined at Rs 270, 600 per tola today, which was traded at Rs 267,800 per tola on Friday. Similarly, the price of silver has increased Rs 210 per tola today. The price of silver is fixed at Rs 4,990 per tola today, which was traded at Rs 4,780 per tola on Friday.

33rd Annual General Meeting of National Cooperative Federation Concludes

The 33rd Annual General Meeting of the National Cooperative Federation was successfully held. During the inauguration, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Forest and Environment, Madhav Prasad Chaulagai, emphasized that the cooperative movement is a strong pillar of the country’s economy. He stated that addressing challenges in this sector and making the movement more effective is a shared responsibility of not only the government but all stakeholders. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the cooperative sector’s role in economic prosperity by making it transparent, accountable, and trustworthy. At the meeting, Registrar of the Cooperative Department, Sushil Dhakal, expressed commitment to collaborate with the cooperative sector to resolve existing challenges. He pointed out that regulation of cooperatives has become one of the biggest challenges and stressed the need for uniformity and clarity in the regulatory framework. He added that effective monitoring and policy reforms are essential to maintain public trust in cooperatives.

Dongfeng Nepal Celebrates 100+ Nammi on Chitwan Roads with Exclusive Nammi Celebration Drive

MAW Vriddhi, the authorized distributor of Dongfeng electric vehicles in Nepal, celebrated the milestone of 100+ Nammi electric vehicles on Chitwan Road by organizing an exclusive Nammi Celebration Drive. The event honored customer trust, strengthened community engagement, and highlighted the growing presence of smart electric mobility in the region. The celebration drive featured 80 plus Nammi Box and Nammi Vigo, bringing together owners and enthusiasts for a memorable journey starting from Chitwan Business Complex, Bharatpur, and passing through key landmarks including Bypass Road, Tinkhola Gumba Chowk, Rameshwor Mandir, Lila Chowk, Pulchowk, Chaubiskoti Chowk, Paras Bus Park, Sauraha Chowk, and Chitrasari Bridge, before concluding at Hotel Seven Star, Sauraha. The drive was flagged off by senior leadership of MAW Vriddhi and representatives of Euro Automotives Pvt. Ltd., the authorized dealer for Nammi Box and Nammi Vigo in the Chitwan region, symbolizing a shared commitment to accelerating EV adoption and celebrating customer
trust. Curated as more than just a journey, the Celebration Drive brought together participants and their families for a lifestyle-led experience featuring food, music, games, and interactiveactivities. The initiative highlights Dongfeng Nepal’s focus on building strong customer communities while making electric mobility more accessible and rewarding. With smart design, advanced technology, and customer-centric ownership benefits, Nammi Box and Nammi Vigo continue to gain strong traction across the Chitwan region.

Siddhartha Bank Appoints Rameshwar Prasad Basyal as Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Siddhartha Bank Limited has appointed Rameshwar Prasad Basyal as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). According to the bank, the appointment has been effective from Poush 25. Basyal brings nearly 36 years of experience in the banking sector. From 1989 to 2005, he worked at Nabil Bank in various responsible positions, gaining extensive professional experience. He has been associated with Siddhartha Bank since 2005 and has served the institution in several leadership roles, including Manager, Senior Manager, Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his 36-year banking career, Basyal has acquired comprehensive experience in overall bank operations by serving in diverse roles. His major contributions have primarily been in the areas of market management, credit investment, and risk management. With a strong belief in conducting banking operations centered on institutional good governance, the bank has expressed confidence that under Basyal’s leadership it will further strengthen sustainable growth, excellence in customer service, and overall institutional consolidation.

Ncell Launches ‘Yuva SIM’ Starter Pack Targeting Gen Z Communication Needs

Ncell has launched an attractive starter pack called ‘Yuva SIM’, targeting the communication needs of the Gen Z generation. According to a press release issued by Ncell, the pack has been introduced in line with the company’s commitment to ensure easy access to telecommunication services for students at affordable rates, with the objective of keeping young people constantly connected through mobile connectivity. Nepali citizens born after 1997 can obtain this SIM/pack by completing the prescribed process and enjoy its benefits. The pack came into operation starting today, Saturday (Poush 26), and has been priced at just Rs. 299 including taxes. The pack includes unlimited on-net (Ncell-to-Ncell) calls, 5 GB data, zero data charges while using digital wallets eSewa and Khalti, and free access to the online education platform ‘Mero School’. All these services and benefits are valid for 28 days. In addition, customers receive a special discount on off-net calls (from Ncell to other local networks), allowing them to make calls at just Rs. 1 per minute. Similarly, even after the allocated 5 GB data is fully consumed within the 28-day period, customers can continue using pay-as-you-go data at a rate of 50 paisa per MB.

Nabil Bank Introduces ‘Nabil Smart Nari Home Loan’ Targeting Women

Nabil Bank, the first private commercial bank in Nepal, has been providing various attractive services and facilities by prioritizing customer needs and convenience. Through commercial loans, home loans, and savings accounts designed for different age groups, Nabil Bank has continued to establish itself as the first choice among customers. On the occasion of its annual anniversaries and special events, the bank regularly introduces innovative schemes. In this context, Nabil Bank has launched a women-focused home loan scheme titled ‘Nabil Smart Nari Home Loan.’ If a woman is planning to build or purchase a house in her own name and is concerned about managing the required budget, she can now be assured. The bank has introduced this scheme with the objective of increasing women’s access to property ownership and empowering them to become financially independent. Under this scheme, female applicants can easily obtain loans for home purchase, construction, or renovation. The bank believes that the ‘Nabil Smart Nari Home Loan’ will help women turn their dream of owning a home into reality.