- Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Kathmandu, July 7: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has stated that parts of the Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces have received less rainfall than expected, despite the monsoon remaining active across the country.
Senior meteorologist Meen Kumar Aryal shared that the southern plains of Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces have experienced below-normal rainfall compared to earlier forecasts.
Aryal noted, “While the monsoon system is influencing weather nationwide, rainfall has been concentrated mainly over the country’s hilly region.”
He further explained, “The monsoon trough at present lies south of its average position over eastern Nepal and remains close to its normal location in the western region.”
He added that although rainfall has not occurred as widely as forecast, most hilly areas are receiving moderate rainfall.
According to him, moderate rainfall is currently occurring in northern Lumbini Province and parts of Sudurpaschim Province.
With the monsoon system remaining active, rainfall is expected to become more widespread in the coming days.
Hence, the senior meteorologist urged public to remain alert, particularly in hilly areas, since there is a likelihood of thunderstorms, lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly districts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces today.
The weather service has urged caution since most parts of the country are expected to receive rain under the influence of the active monsoon system.
The DHM, releasing a three-day weather bulletin today, also warned of thunderstorms and moderate rainfall in parts of the hills and mountains, while the Tarai regions of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini Provinces and parts of Sudurpaschim Province may also witness moderate rain coupled with thunder and lightning during this period.
The Weather Forecasting Division have urged residents living near rivers, landslide-prone areas and flood-vulnerable urban settlements to remain vigilant due to the risk of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and inundation in the above-mentioned provinces.
The weather service has forecast possibility of gusty winds in parts of Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces during these three days, potentially affecting fragile structures, agricultural crops, electricity supply and communication services.
The DHM has advised the public to stay updated with the latest weather forecast and observe necessary precautions, it informed, as monsoon activity is expected to intensify in the coming days.
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17- Exhibition on Nanjing, China brings to life vivid memory of history
Kathmandu, July 7: An exhibition titled “My Nanjing: A River of Memory Flowing Through Us Toward the Sea of the Future” has kicked off in Kathmandu.
The exhibition was organized by the Nanjing University ‘Rabe Diary and Peace City’ Team and the China Cultural Center in Nepal with support from the Confucius Institutes at Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University. The “Rabe’s Diary and the City of Peace” team from Nanjing University is dedicated to telling historical stories and promoting the values of peace, the organizers said.
Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kathmandu Zhou Pan inaugurated the exhibition which was attended by Prof. Chen Min of Nanjing University in China, Director of China Cultural Center in Kathmandu Liu Zhanping, Directors of Confucius Institutes in Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University, among other dignitaries.
Inaugurating the exhibition, Minister Counselor Zhou Pan said that such exhibitions have helped establish Nanjing as an international peace city as well as learn lessons from the past and further strengthen people’s aspirations lasting peace.
He added that this exhibition has deepened the friendly cultural exchanges between Nepal and China, and has provided positive energy to work together for peace and development.
Likewise, Minister Counselor Zhou expressed readiness to join hands together with the Nepali side to move ahead in the path of peaceful development.
On the occasion, Director of China Cultural Center in Kathmandu Liu Zhanping expressed his pleasure for this opportunity to organize the event and welcome people from diverse communities in Kathmandu.
Recalling the history, Director Liu said “Peace is hope, peace is seed, and peace is action” and urged one and all to collaborate for the lasting peace.
He stated that the exhibition serves as a bridge connecting history, culture and the shared vision of a peaceful future between China and Nepal.
Prof Chen Min of Nanjing University said that her team is making efforts to translate the painful memories of the past into practical works and peaceful mind in today’s world through the means of historic interviews, worldwide research, thematic exhibitions, publications and other ways.
She shared that the exhibition is divided into three parts namely Memories of History; Our Actions for Peace and City of Peace: Promise for the Future.
Through storytelling and carefully documented historical materials, the exhibition inspires the visitors to recall history, cherish peace and work together toward a more peaceful future, she added. The exhibition transforms the memory of historical suffering into contemporary reflection and action, inspiring more young people to become guardians of historical memory, advocates for peace, and messengers of friendship, Prof Chen stated.
Prof Chen Min from Nanjing University has led the “Rabe Diary and Peace City” from Nanjing University in this exhibition, which will end this evening.
Likewise, Prof Dr. Zhang Xingnian, Chinese Director, Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University said that the year 2026 marks the 89th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre and the 81st anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War adding that commemorative activities are being held around the world on this special year.
He added that this exhibition in Kathmandu is an important part of international commemorative events and it is not only a look back at history but also a cry for peace – because peace is never isolated; it requires resonance and protection across national borders.
“Nanjing, one of China’s four ancient capitals, has witnessed the rise and fall of Chinese civilization, and has become an important coordinate in the history of world peace due to its suffering in 1937. Kathmandu, Nepal’s millennium-old capital, known as the “City of Temples,” has always embodied the spirit of “non-violence” and “inclusiveness” in its cultural core,” he observed.
On the occasion, student representatives from the “Rabe Diary and Peace City” Team of Nanjing University served as exhibition guides through the exhibition’s three thematic sections by sharing the historical background, the stories that inspired the creation, and the expectation for peace.
Featuring more than 70 historical photographs, archival materials and digital interactive displays, the exhibition presents the history of the Nanjing Massacre, highlights the humanitarian efforts of international personalities including John Rabe and others and showcases the peace research and educational initiatives led by Nanjing University.
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18- UAE govt grants royal pardon to 111 Nepali nationals
Kathmandu, July 7: The government of Nepal has expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting a royal pardon to 111 Nepali inmates on the occasion of Eid al-Adha this year.
Issuing a statement here today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal acknowledged the gesture of pardon as the manifestation of deepening friendship and cordiality between Nepal and the UAE.
According to the Ministry, the UAE government took the decision of the pardon in response to the requests made by the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi as per the Ministry’s instructions.
The Ministry said that the pardoned Nepali nationals will be allowed to return to Nepal after completing the required legal and administrative procedures under the UAE law, provided they have no other pending legal cases and travel restrictions.
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19- Good governance, rapid economic growth, and job creation among government’s key priorities: PM Shah
Kathmandu, July 7: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that promoting good governance, achieving rapid economic growth, creating job opportunities, and ensuring citizens’ access to quality public services are among the top priorities of the government.
He said this during his meeting today with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda.
On occasion, the Prime Minister apprised the ADB President of the government’s plans to increase the effectiveness of public investment, accelerate economic growth in partnership with the private sector, accelerate energy development, modernize infrastructure, and advance digital transformation.
He expressed his view that a stable policy environment and strong institutions are essential pillars for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
According to the Prime Minister’s Press and Research Expert, Dipa Dahal, the meeting focused on further strengthening the Nepal-ADB partnership. Likewise, the two stressed the need to establish a partnership in clean energy production in Nepal under the ADB’s energy strategy, acknowledging Nepal’s vast potential for hydropower development.
The Dudhkoshi Reservoir Hydropower Project, which is being developed with ADB’s assistance, is one of the government’s priority projects, said the Prime Minister, adding that the project is highly significant for long-term energy security. He also stressed the need to initiate a financial management process to this end as soon as possible.
The discussions were also held on further bilateral cooperation under ADB’s ‘Country Partnership Strategy’, particularly in the areas of energy, connectivity, urban development, and digital infrastructure.
Prime Minister Shah, on behalf of the government and people of Nepal, expressed gratitude to the ADB for its continuous contributions to Nepal’s development journey over the decades and expressed hope for continued cooperation in the years ahead.
The ADB, one of Nepal’s key development partners, has an active net portfolio of around US Dollar 4.2 billion in Nepal, with 31 ADB-funded projects in operation.
Under its ‘Policy- Based Lending’, the ADB has allocated US Dollar 150 million in support for Nepal in 2026.
The meeting also focused on cooperation in priority sectors, including drinking water, sanitation, urban infrastructure development, youth employment promotion, disaster risk management, and digital governance.
In response, the ADB President reaffirmed his commitment to continue ADB’s support for Nepal. Expressing satisfaction over the development of Nepal’s digital economy as a new instrument for economic growth and employment, he also pledged continued ADB support for strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and digital public infrastructure.
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20- ADB’s support to Nepal expected to reach 2.4 billion US Dollars by 2029
Kathmandu, July 7: The Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s support to Nepal is expected to touch 2.4 billion US Dollars by 2029.
ADB President Masato Kanda, who is presently on a two-day visit to Nepal, said, “The ADB, as one of Nepal’s key multi-party development partners, continues to expand its support to Nepal. By 2029, our support here is expected to reach 2.4 billion US Dollars.”
The amount will be ensured to Nepal under its Country Partnership Strategy 2025-2029 with special focus on jobs creation, private sector development, sustainable infrastructure development, public service delivery, resilience, empowerment of women, excluded and vulnerable communities, and digital transformation.
According to a press statement issued by the ADB here today, during the President’s visit, ADB signed two loan agreements totaling 165 million USD as part of its annual commitment. Of this, a 115 million USD project will bring reliable, safely managed water and sanitation services to more than 850,000 people, while a 50 million USD policy-based loan will modernize the systems that move goods across Nepal’s borders, helping businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance competitiveness through digitalization and streamlined procedures.
Looking ahead, ADB plans to scale up its support, with annual lending expected to reach up to 660 million USD this year and 2.4 billion USD under ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy for Nepal 2025–2029.
This support will prioritize employment creation, private sector development, sustainable infrastructure, public service delivery, resilience, empowerment of women and disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, and digital transformation, while mobilizing additional resources through co-financing and innovative instruments such as green and local currency bonds.
The ADB President met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu as ADB and Nepal mark 60 years of partnership and deepen support for the country’s economic transformation, job creation, and investment.
“Nepal is at a defining moment, with an opportunity to build a more dynamic and resilient economy,” said Kanda. “ADB is stepping up as Nepal’s largest multilateral development partner, and our support is expected to reach 2.4 billion USD by 2029. Our focus is on results for people: more jobs, stronger businesses, and better livelihoods for communities across Nepal.”
The President also toured ADB-financed projects to see first-hand the impact of ADB’s support. Together with Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Norwegian Ambassador Dagny Mjøs, Kanda virtually inaugurated two substations, which will help strengthen electricity supply in Kathmandu, the ADB said in the press statement.
With Nepal’s Minister of Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, the ADB President then visited a school rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake and now equipped with modern science and technology facilities, part of ADB’s continued investment in disaster risk management and human capital. New initiatives, including pilots on artificial intelligence learning, aim to equip teachers and students with skills for a changing labor market.
In his meeting with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, discussions focused on Nepal’s reform agenda, including reforms of the business climate, investment mobilization, and ADB’s support for the government’s growth and resilience priorities.
Likewise, Kanda met with key private sector leaders to exchange views on opportunities and constraints affecting investment, private sector development, and job creation in Nepal.
It may be noted that the ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
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21- Quality of DDC products improve, profit margin on rise after directives from the PMO
Kathmandu, July 7: Following the directives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the quality of raw milk collected by the state-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has now improved. The DDC has adhered to strict implementation of the required standards for improving the quality of raw milk.
According to DDC General Manager Dr Sharan Kumar Pandey, following the directives from the Prime Minister’s Office, suspicious milk consignments were removed while the standards of provision of ‘fat’ and ‘SNF’ in milk procurement have been revised.
It may be noted that following a directive of the Prime Minister’s Office, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has tested a sample of DDC milk and found that milk carried ‘fat’ and ‘SNF’ lower than those mentioned in the details on the packet.
Taking this into consideration, the Prime Minister’s Office instructed the PMO to take action against the guilty and to adopt immediate corrective steps to prevent such activities from recurring in the future, shared the Prime Minister’s press and research expert Deepa Dahal.
After the shortcomings were found in the test by the DFTQC, the head of the Bharatpur chilling center in Chitwan has been removed from his responsibility. An explanation has been sought from the heads of other chilling centers within three days.
Similarly, Manahari Sharma, an employee working in the DDC laboratory, has also been removed from his position after finding him indulged in irregularities. The DDC has stated that further action will be taken against the employees involved after receiving a clarification from the concerned.
About 3,000 litres substandard, adulterated milk destroyed
The DDC has stated that about 3,000 liters of substandard and adulterated milk have been destroyed following the laboratory testing. Since then, there has been uniformity in the quality of milk received by the DDC from dairy producers.
Meanwhile, there has been significant improvement in payments made to dairy farmers. The payment time to 235 dairy cooperatives across the country has been reduced from eight months to three months. General Manager Pandey said that work is underway with the goal of reducing the payment period to 25 days by the first week of the upcoming month of Bhadra. He informed that about Rs 400 million has been paid to dairy farmers in the last two months alone.
Thanks to the publicity generated since Prime Minister Balendra Shah endorsed DDC products, the corporation has stated that the sale of DDC’s dairy products has increased by more than 50 percent compared to the previous year. The suspended ice cream production has been resumed, while yogurt production and sales have increased by 75 percent. With the appointment of 10 new distributors, it is projected that there will be an additional daily sale of about Rs 5 million. The revenue from daily sales has increased by about Rs 2 million and the target is to reach Rs 13 million daily revenue from the month of Shrawan.
Meanwhile, final preparations are underway for an agreement to export a minimum of 50 metric tons of ghee annually to Gulf countries. This is expected to generate an annual turnover of about Rs 50 million. The process of exporting ghee to China has also been taken forward.
Similarly, the corporation has stated that preparations are underway to double production by establishing a new cheese production plant in Pashupatinagar of Koshi Province and resuming operation of the cheese production center in Nagarkot of Bhaktapur, which has been closed for 10 years. The DDC is also going to launch a web-based digital membership and online procurement system, and to expand dedicated sales counters in Kathmandu valley.
According to General Manager Pandey, studies and research are being conducted by various agencies to identify the problems seen within the DDC. Based on the outcome, a three-month institutional reform action plan is being implemented while additional reforms plans will be enforced after identification of the problems.
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22- 64.68 percent students pass SEE supplementary exam
Bhaktapur, July 7: The National Examinations Board (NEB) has stated that 64.68 percent of students passed the supplementary, or grade improvement, exam of the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) 2082.
NEB announced the results of the supplementary exams today, with the exam controller Tukraj Adhikari saying that 83,523 out of the total 129,114 students who had sat for the exams or 64.68 percent, passed. A total 146,507 students had applied to take the supplementary exam, which was administered from June 15 to 23.
Adhikari said that students can check the results of class 10 through the National Examination Board and the Office of the Controller of Examinations’ website, SMS, USSD, and IVR services.
There is also an option to download the grade sheet using one’s symbol number and date of birth to check the results.
According to exam controller Adhikari, the examinees who are not satisfied with their results can apply online for re-totaling, answer sheet review, and re-examination from July 9 to 15.
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23- NA meeting: Government’s attention drawn to several contemporary issues
Kathmandu, July 7: Parliamentarians in today’s meeting of the National Assembly (NA) have raised concerns over several pressing national issues, demanding the prompt action and positive intervention on the part of the government.
Members of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament called upon the government to address issues relating to wild elephant menace, maintaining law and order, ensuring security, curbing illegal extraction of soil and aggregates in Chure area and drying up of underwater sources in Tarai-Madhesh area among others.
Lawmaker Geeta Devkota called on the government to take seriously the death of a mother and her son, who were killed while sleeping after being attacked by a wild elephant named Dhrube in ward no. 23 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan district on July 4.
She demanded compensation to the bereaved family.
Likewise, another lawmaker Dharmendra Paswan expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Madhesh region.
Stating that the perpetrators of various crimes and offences were roaming freely, he urged the government to ensure peace and public safety.
Mahantha Thakur highlighted the environmental degradation of the Chure-Bhabar area.
He worried that the excessive extraction of soil and aggregates and other forest produces had caused water sources to dry up across southern plains of the country, leading to shortages of drinking water and dried-up tube wells.
He called for immediate government intervention to this issue.
Similarly, Meena Singh Rakhal drew the government’s attention to the road accident in Dailekh district of Karnali Province some six days ago.
A passenger bus travelling from Surkhet district to Kalikot district veered off the road and plunged into Karnali river. The bus has gone missing along with the passengers on board the ill-fated vehicle.
Rakhal noted that although six days have elapsed, the condition of the vehicle and the exact number of passengers on board remains unknown.
She also prodded the authority to intensify search efforts.
Also, voicing her views, Ram Kumari Jhankri criticized that bureaucracy had fallen into uncertainty in the name of good-governance, compelling many civil servants into a situation where they felt compelled to resign.
Rekha Kumari Jha commented that although the incumbent government pledged to reform the education sector, it was far from realization. She brought to the fore the hardships facing the students and other education stakeholders.
Roshani Meche expressed her concern that although Nepal was declared free from load-shedding, many consumers were still unable to access reliable electricity services.
She drew the attention of the Nepal Electricity Authority so as to address the issue.
Basudev Ghimire urged the government to take cognizance of the demands of the visually impaired people staging protest at Maitighar, Kathmandu and fulfill their demands.
Samjhana Devkota expressed displeasure over the decision of cabinet meeting on July 2 to amend the Education Act, which bars members of political parties from serving as chairpersons or members of school management committees.
She argued that the amendment would infringe constitutional rights.
Airing the views, Somnath Portel urged the government to address the demands of landless squatters currently relocated to various holding centres from their illegally built shelters across the Kathmandu Valley.
It may be noted that a demolition drive against squatter settlements across the Valley was launched for about 15 days beginning April 25 this year.
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24- Upcoming year considered as take-off year for economic growth, job creation: Industry Minister
Kathmandu, July 7: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supply, Gauri Kumari has said the trial production is presently underway at the Hetauda Textiles Industry under the management of a Directorate of the Nepali Army (NA).
Responding to concerns raised during the deliberations on the Appropriation Bill-2083 BS in a meeting of the National Assembly today, the Minister said the evaluation of assets and financial liabilities of seven sick industries is underway.
Reiterating of government’s efforts to revive the Hetauda Textile, the Minister said,” The Ministry is further effortful production, productivity and employment growths, while boosting the private sector’s morale.”
Stating that Investment Protection and Promotion Strategy is in the phase of endorsement from the Council of Ministers, she said once the Strategy is passed and implemented, it will help establish industries and enterprises as a zone of peace by protecting and promoting private properties.
According to her, the Ministry-level initiatives have been launched to further systematize and operate 10 industrial corridors based in various parts of the country.
She said, around Rs 435 million in land rent dues from the Industrial Corridor Management Limited have been recovered. A taskforce formed to find a long-term solution to issues in tea exports to India is preparing its report, while resources have been managed for the construction of warehouse to store of tea and cardamom.
“Through the diplomatic efforts, obstacles in the export of tea from Nepal to India have been addressed, resulting in smoother supplies,” she said.
She added that the minimum support prices for rice and wheat have been fixed, and sales and supply chains have been established through Food Management and Trade Company. Various programmes aimed at promoting employment and self- employment through the entrepreneurship development and skills enhancement have also been included in the government policies and programmers for the upcoming fiscal year.
Programmes have been implemented through the Trade and Export Promotion Centre for packing, marketization and export promotion of Nepali organic products.
Stating that the government has pursued an ‘express policy’ to promote domestic investment and attract foreign investment, the Minister said the process of accepting foreign investment via online system has already been implemented. All sorts of related services are being digitalized through the One Stop Service Centre.
The Minister said that a preliminary study has indicated the presence of 112. 2 cubic meters of natural gas reserves at Jaljale of Dailekh, adding that such resources could be utilised to produce 200 megawatt of electricity, 22 tons of urea fertilizer, and motor fuel. .
The Minister said that the government has presented the budget for the upcoming fiscal year as a take-off year with the objectives of securing seven percent annual economic growth, building a US Dollar 100 billion economy in five years, creating more than 1.2 million jobs, and increasing domestic production and productivity.
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25- Over 3,000 bridges to be built nationwide: Minister Lamsal
Kathmandu, July 7: Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development, Sunil Lamsal, has said the government plans to construct more than 3,000 bridges across the country, along with underpass and overpass on major highways, to thereby improve road connectivity and safety.
Responding to lawmakers’ queries on the budget allocated to his ministry under the Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS during today’s National Assembly meeting, Minister Lamsal said the government has placed high priority on reducing road accidents. He said the bridges would be built over rivers, rivulets, streams and other accident-prone locations to improve road safety.
The government has also prioritized the construction of suspension bridges to replace unsafe tuins (rope crossings) in remote areas.
Addressing concerns raised by National Assembly members over the poor condition of roads in Karnali Province, the Minister assured that one-lane roads in the province would be upgraded to two lanes in phases.
He informed that sufficient budget has been allocated for road improvement programmes in the province.
The Minister further said highways leading to major tourist destinations would be upgraded to ensure safer and more reliable transportation.
He informed the Upper House of the Federal Parliament that a special plan has been prepared to address recurring landslides along the Kaligandaki Corridor, with the aim of completing the remaining sections of the strategic trade route connecting Nepal with India and China.
Lamsal also said the government has terminated contracts of several infrastructure projects that remained stalled due to contractors’ negligence.
He shared that the amendment to Public Procurement Act is in progress.
Minister Lamsal expressed his confidence that once the amendment is enacted, it would curb the practice of contractors winning bids by quoting unrealistically low prices and subsequently abandoning the project midway.
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26- Majority of 100-point agenda of governance reforms achieved: Finance Minister
Kathmandu, July 7: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has said that a significant share or 87.2 percent of the 100-point agenda of governance reforms of the government has been achieved. The agenda of governance reforms was made public soon after the formation of the current government on March 26 targeted to be achieved within 100 days of the inauguration of the government.
He was responding to questions raised during the discussion on the appropriation heading related to the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers and subordinate bodies, the Ministry of Defense and the National Planning Commission under the Appropriation Bill, 2083, in the National Assembly meeting today.
He also assured that the government would further intensify its governance reform programs in the coming days. In response to a question, he said that the civil servants are under stress due to the growing aspirations of the service recipients, negative comments from stakeholders towards civil servants, pressure to adapt to information technology-based working style. Therefore it is necessary to run health-related programs such as yoga and meditation to help the civil servants manage the pressure.
Minister Dr Wagle also informed the parliament that various policy and legal arrangements have been made to promote good governance and integrity among civil servants, and various activities have been conducted by formulating the National Integrity Policy, 2083, and the National Health Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, 2083, and upgrading the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2083.
To questions regarding the role of the Ministry of Defense and the Nepal Army, Finance Minister Dr Wagle said that the main responsibility of the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army is to protect and strengthen the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national unity, and the army is fulfilling its responsibility accordingly.
“In accordance with the constitutional provisions, the army has been mobilized to protect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Nepal and in accordance with federal laws, including for development and disaster management.”
Accordingly, he said, the Nepali Army has been involved in the construction of road infrastructure in remote and rural areas of the country and the construction of strategic road projects such as the Kathmandu-Tarai Madhes Expressway.
On a different note, Finance Minister Dr Wagle said that work is being done to remove Nepal from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The concerned departments and agencies are working according to the National Strategy and Action Plan on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (2081-26) and the Detailed Action Plan for Immediate Corrective Actions for Delisting from the Grey List, 2082.
Informing that sectoral risk assessment reports have been prepared to identify areas of reform that need to be removed from the grey list, he said that the final draft of the National Risk Assessment Report is being prepared and serious steps will be taken to reduce the risk by identifying them.
Finance Minister Dr Wagle also informed that the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, has formulated the annual budget and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27 in line with the policies and programs of the Government of Nepal.
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27- National Assembly passes ‘Appropriation Bill-2083’
Kathmandu, July 7: Today’s meeting of the National Assembly has passed the ‘Appropriation Bill-2083’, which was received with a message from the House of Representatives. The bill was by a majority.
Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle had presented a proposal in the meeting seeking endorsement of the bill.
National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal had presented the proposal for a decision and announced that it had been passed by a majority.
Earlier in the meeting, MPs Samjhana Devkota, Minasingh Rakhal and Somnath Portel had proposed expenditure cuts under various headings under the Appropriation Bill-2083.
The proposal for expenditure cuts was rejected by a majority.
Earlier, the National Assembly meeting approved the proposal seeking consideration on the Bill designed to recover National Debt Bill, 2083, received with a message from the House of Representatives.
The proposal presented by Finance Minister Dr Wagle in today’s meeting of the assembly was unanimously approved.
Presenting the proposal, Minister Dr Wagle clarified that the government has taken only concessional loans.
Earlier, in the discussion on the proposal, lawmakers Ram Kumari Jhankri, Prem Prasad Dangal and Khamma Bahadur Khati expressed their views on the various aspects of the Bill.
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28- ‘Home Ministry will ensure result in security, good governance being impartial’
Kathmandu, July 7: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has said that the Home Ministry will no longer serve just as a traditional security agency but as a foundation for lasting peace, development, good governance and prosperity.
Responding to the queries related to the Home Ministry raised on the Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS in today’s National Assembly meeting, the Home Minister said that it the ministry’s key responsibility to maintain law and order in the country and protect every citizen’s life and freedom.
Likewise, Minister Gurung pledged to ensure effective work execution by accepting the genuine feedback received in the deliberations on the annual budget.
He added that the government has given top priority for the reconstruction of the houses of those affected from earthquakes in Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim districts, and monsoon hazards.
Gurung shared that Rs 5 billion was confirmed from the Finance Ministry for the upcoming fiscal year for the reconstruction of the private households by recruiting technical human resources.
The Home Minister mentioned that the upcoming journey of the Home Ministry will not be limited to the mere commitment and speeches but will be on security, good governance and impartiality, which the grassroots people will realize.
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29- Proposal to send four bills to the Legislation Committee approved
Kathmandu, July 7: The National Assembly has unanimously approved a proposal to send four different bills to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion.
In today’s meeting of the Assembly, the proposal presented by Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam, on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, to send the Public Procurement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083 BS, received with a message from the House of Representatives, to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion was approved.
The meeting also approved the proposal from Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle to send the Prevention of Money Laundering (Third Amendment) Bill, 2083 BS, received with a message from the House of Representatives, to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion.
The meeting approved the proposal by Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal that the Cooperatives (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, received with a message from the House of Representatives, be sent to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion.
The meeting has also approved the proposal by Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta that the Bill to amend some Nepal Acts related to the Health Sciences Institute, 2083, received with a message from the House of Representatives, be sent to the Legislation Management Committee for clause-wise discussion.
The next meeting of the National Assembly will be held at 12:15 pm on July 9.
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30- Discussion paper on constitutional amendment is final stage
Kathmandu, July 7: The task force formed to prepare the constitutional amendment discussion paper is in the final phase of writing its report. The task force was formed under the coordination of the Prime Minister’s political advisor Asim Shah
The task force is also preparing to submit its report to Prime Minister Balendra Shah within the extended deadline.
However, some political parties that participated in the process of preparing the constitutional amendment discussion paper have announced of leaving the task force at the flag end of the procedure, expressing their disagreement. The task force has stated that the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party sent a joint letter on July 6, informing that they would not be able to participate in the next meetings of the task force.
It may be noted that these political were regularly participating in the process since the first meeting of the task force, giving their opinions and suggestions and also participating in discussions with stakeholders.
Task force coordinator Shah said the parties had not raised any objections to the preparation of the discussion paper for 83 days after its formation. The strategy behind the objections at the last moment of preparing the report might be to make the task force fail, he said.
Mohan Lal Acharya, a member of the task force and MP, said that it was irresponsible on part of the political parties to withdraw at a crucial time when the discussion paper has to be prepared for amending the constitution.
According to Pushkar Sapkota, Legal Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, all the political parties represented in the parliament have been continuously participating in the task force that is preparing the discussion paper.
In addition to the parties represented in the parliament, the task force also includes other political parties and the law secretaries of the government.
“Leaving the process of preparing a discussion paper to amend a dynamic and vibrant document like the constitution will send a negative message to the public and may arouse discontent towards political parties,” said Leeladhar Subedi, member-secretary of the task force and joint secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Even though the parties ultimately left the task force, preparations are underway to prepare a discussion paper and submit it to the Council of Ministers within the stipulated time, said Coordinator Shah.
The task force has so far collected suggestions from people from various fields, including constitutional experts, lawyers, politicians, professionals, civil society, women’s rights activists, former attorneys general and former administrators, through online means. It has also collected suggestions from 44,700 citizens in the country and abroad.
The task force has also studied the reports of various committees of the then Constituent Assembly.
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31- Monetary policy annual review: Broad money supply growth high than target
Kathmandu, July 7: The broad money supply growth rate reached 15.2 per cent till mid-April of the current fiscal year.
The annual review report of the monetary policy of the current fiscal year 2025/26 released by the Nepal Rastra Bank today mentioned that loan inflow towards the private sector was limited to 6.5 per cent.
The central bank has projected that the broad money supply would grow 13 per cent and loan towards the private sector by 12 per cent in the fiscal year. The average inflation of the first 10 months of the current fiscal year remained 2.66 per cent as well as a target was set to maintain average consumer inflation within five per cent for the current fiscal year.
According to the NRB, year-to year consumer inflation stood at 5.04 per cent point from in May 2026.
Though the monetary policy for the current fiscal year 2025/26 had set a target to maintain foreign exchange reserves sufficient to cover at least seven months of imports of goods and services, the reserves is sufficient to cover two months of imports of goods and services, reads the report.
The current fiscal year’s monetary policy maintained the weighted average interbank rate as the operational target of monetary policy and provided for the continuation of automated and rule-based open market operations.
The central bank stated that during the review period, open market operations and interest rate corridor instruments were mobilized as per the need, keeping an average interbank rate as an operating target.
A target was set to facilitate the existing provision of blacklisting due to check bounce through monetary policy, the study on the matter was underway, according to NRB.
Similarly, necessary amendment was made to the Guideline related to Electronic Lending (Digital Lending), 2078 BS for the implementation of the provision of loan flow by banks and financial institutions based on costumer credit score and issued on June 8, 2026.
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32- RTI on government’s top priority: Minister Dr Timilsina
Kathmandu, July 7: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has asserted that the right to information was on the top priority list of the government.
During a meeting with office-bearers and members of the National Federation for Right to Information on Tuesday, Minister Dr Timilsina shared that the ministry has been working for the protection and promotion of RTI.
He expressed commitment to work in this sector by efficiently mobilizing the mechanism managed by the RTI Act, 2064, Regulations 2065 and other related laws.
The Communications Minister underlined that an arrangement would be made to use RTI in corruption reduction, as the government has been working on the main agenda of good governance.
A process for the appointment of office-bearers at the National Information Commission (NIC) would be initiated, he opined.
On the occasion, Federation’s President Umid Bagchand briefed the Communications Minister about ongoing activities of the organization across the nation and urged for the timely appointment of the NIC office-bearers.
Senior Vice-President Tara Bahadur Bhandari, Vice-President Durga Tiwari, general-secretary Purna Prasad Mishra, among others were present on the occasion.
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33- 7 per cent economic growth achievable, says NRB
Kathmandu, July 7: The outlook for Nepal’s economy in 2026/27 seems to be favorable, supported by increased economic activity to be driven by proposed government policy reforms, improved private-sector confidence, and rising consumption and investment demand.
The Rastra Bank, in its Marco-economic Report released on Tuesday, states that the government’s projection of 7 per cent economic growth is achievable, assuming stabilized global economic conditions and restored investor confidence.
The outlook for inflation also appears relatively benign despite recent price accelerations and expansionary fiscal policy. Under these premises, inflation is projected to average around 5.5 per cent in 2026/27, with upside risks stemming from renewed geopolitical tensions.
In this backdrop, the Nepal Rastra Bank persists continuation of its cautiously accommodative monetary policy stance.
Reviewing the past year, the central banks states that domestic economic growth estimated to moderate modestly to 3.85 percent in 2025/26, with the service sector providing a major impetus. Private consumption stayed dominant, and investment demand gained momentum.
After easing inflationary conditions until November 2025, prices rose again, reaching 5.04 percent in May 2026, driven by higher energy and food prices. Nepal’s oil prices quickly aligned with global crude oil rates, with secondary effects on transportation and other sectors.
The monetary sector is continued to have by ample liquidity in the banking sector, leading to low market interest rates. Liquidity has continued to rise due to sustained remittance inflows but its lower absorption. However, Nepal Rastra Bank’s monetary operations have helped maintain short-term interest rates within the Interest Rate Corridor, adds the report.
While broad money has continued to grow mostly in line with Nepal Rastra Bank’s projections, credit growth remains constrained. The overall financial sector remains broadly stable, although some concerns remain due to declining asset quality, strain on capital requirements, and reduced profitability. The external sector continued to maintain a stronger position, marked by a higher current account surplus, a larger balance of payments surplus, and historically high foreign exchange reserves.
While higher oil prices stemming from tensions in West Asia increased Nepal’s import bill, strong remittance inflows helped offset the impact, supporting reserve accumulation. However, the Nepalese Rupee depreciated significantly against the US dollar during the review year, largely reflecting spillover effects from the depreciation of the Indian Rupee, to which it is pegged.
Meanwhile, government finances have continued to contract, with revenue mobilization exceeding recurrent expenditure, resulting in a revenue surplus. The primary balance is positive, indicating that revenue mobilization adequately funds both recurrent and capital expenditure.
Conversely, the fiscal balance is negative, indicating that a large part of borrowing is utilized to service interest and existing debt. “With capital expenditure well below the budget target and the debt servicing cost exceeding capital spending, raising investment to finance for growth rather than consumption remains a challenge,” adds the report.
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34- NRB unveils ‘flexible’ monetary policy to back 7% growth rate target
Kathmandu, July 7: The central bank on Tuesday announced a flexible monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year to support the government’s target to achieve 7 per cent economic growth rate.
The outlook for Nepal’s economy in 2026/27 seems to be favorable, supported by increased economic activity to be driven by proposed government policy reforms, improved private-sector confidence, and rising consumption and investment demand, the central bank stated.
Assuming stabilized global economic conditions and restored investor confidence, the government’s projection of 7 percent economic growth is achievable. The inflation is projected to average around 5.5 percent in 2026/27, with upside risks stemming from renewed geopolitical tensions and higher than expected inflation in India. Therefore, the Nepal Rastra Bank persists continuation of its cautiously accommodative monetary policy stance.
Announcing the new monetary policy, Governor of the Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr Bishownath Poudel, said the monetary policy was unveiled to support the target of the economic growth rate planned by the government in the fiscal year 2083/84 BS.
Saying that the bank and financial institutions have invested almost Rs 6000 billion in loan, Governor Poudel announced that Rs 652 billion in loan would be expanded in the upcoming fiscal year to meet the government’s target set for economic growth.
Likewise, at a press meet here on Tuesday, Spokesperson of NRB, Guru Prasad Poudel, said the monetary policy is brought as to support the government’s target of 7 per cent economic growth rate. “The monetary policy will be supportive to meet the government target,” he added.
The monetary policy has taken the policy to promote troubled industries if they wished to run with new planning and vision. The central bank has taken the measures for the management of non-recovering credit portfolios for the troubled industries.
The monetary policy also includes fiscal costs of the banks and financial institutions through digitalization to enhance the returns to the customers.
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35- Bhutanese Refugee Scam: Ex-DPM Rayamajhi and Ex-Home Minister Khand termed guilty
Kathmandu, July 7: Former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand and former Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey have been found guilty along with 20 others in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.
The Kathmandu District Court has convicted a total of 23 people with varied degrees of offenses in sending non-Bhutanese people to US and other countries for third country settlement by verifying them as Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal. A bench of Judge Tej Bahadur Khadka on Tuesday termed them guilty and decided to present them for sentencing, shared the District Court’s Information Officer Shiva Khatiwada.
The government prosecutor had filed a case against 30 people on charges of fraud, forgery, crimes against the state, and organized crime. According to the full text of the judgment, of them seven defendants have been acquitted, including Sanjeev Rayamaji, the son of Rayamajhi and Prateek Thapa, the son of former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘ Badal’. Ram Sharan KC, Tanka Kumar Gurung, Laxmi Maharjan, Keshav Tuladhar, and Ashish Budhathoki have also been acquitted in the case.
Similarly, Bhutanese refugee leader Teknath Rijal has been found guilty of forging government documents, serving as an accomplice in the crimes of fraud and organized crime and an accomplice in crimes against the state.
The district court has also found Sanu Bhandari and Keshav Dulal, who are said to be the main planners in this case, guilty of forging government documents, fraud and organized crime and crimes against the state.
The punishment will be announced by the Court on coming July 13.
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36- PM Shah visits Nawadurga Dhochhe Mandir
Bhaktapur, July 7: Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Tuesday paid homage at Nawadurga Dhochhe temple at Kamalbinayak in Bhaktapur district.
The Prime Minister reached the temple today on the occasion of Bhalbhal Ashtami.
According to Narayan Banmala, the former chairman of Nabadurga Jatra Management Committee, the mask of the Nabadurga Devgana is immersed on the day of Bhalbhal Ashtami as per the tradition.
As per the same tradition, the final dance performance of this year and the worship from the locals took place until this evening.
Following the same tradition, Prime Minister Shah visited the temple today.
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