Today’s developments center on shifting political alignments, governance decisions, and preparations ahead of major public events and economic measures.
Politics & Governance
The Madhes provincial coalition is under renewed strain after the CPN-UML withdrew support, prompting efforts to build a new alignment among the remaining parties. The Madhes provincial government crisis comes as Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav faces uncertainty and potential requirements around securing confidence. Reports also note that UML ministers have tendered resignations as part of the political breakdown in the province, including Sharada Devi Thapa.
Courts & Accountability
President Ramchandra Paudel issued two ordinances and also authenticated a parliamentary bill establishing a national forensic science laboratory. The Establishment and Operation of the National Forensic Science Laboratory was passed by the Federal Parliament and certified under Article 113(2). Alongside this legal move, the President also framed Dashain as a period to strengthen social unity and brotherhood across communities, while urging rehabilitation efforts after recent flooding. Dashain message by President Paudel
Economy & Business
The government set the minimum support price for wheat at Rs 4,107 per quintal for fiscal year 2026/27 BS as a Cabinet decision based on a ministry proposal. Minimum support price for wheat signals a targeted support measure for producers ahead of seasonal demand. Separately, the electricity authority said it is preparing to avoid power-distribution disruptions during Dashain, including through continuity plans for the holiday period, according to electricity authority preparedness.
Date: October 17, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Kartik 01, 2083
Top News
1. मधेश सरकार फेरि अस्थिर, एमालेले छाडेपछि नयाँ गठबन्धनको कसरत (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Madhesh government is facing instability again as the CPN-UML has withdrawn its support. This has prompted efforts to form a new coalition among the remaining parties.
2. एमालेले साथ छाड्दा मधेस सरकार संकटमा, नयाँ गठबन्धनको कसरत (www.ratopati.com)
The Madhes provincial government led by the Nepali Congress is facing a crisis after its coalition partner, CPN-UML, withdrew support, citing the failure to implement a 15-point agreement. Following this decision, Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav must now seek a vote of confidence in the provincial assembly, raising uncertainties about the government's future. The political dynamics in Madhes will be influenced by the strategies of the Congress, CPN, and other parties like JSP and Janamat in the wake of UML's departure.
3. दसैंमा विद्युत् आपूर्ति अवरुद्ध हुन नदिन तयारी अवस्थामा विद्युत् प्राधिकरण (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Nepal Electricity Authority is preparing to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the Dashain festival. Measures are being implemented to prevent any disruptions in power distribution throughout the holiday period.
4. President Paudel issues two ordinances, authenticates forensic laboratory bill (english.onlinekhabar.com)
President Ramchandra Paudel has issued two ordinances: the Nepal Academy of Science, Technology and Innovation Ordinance, 2026, and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ordinance, 2026, following government recommendations. He also authenticated the Bill on the Establishment and Operation of the National Forensic Science Laboratory, which was passed by the Federal Parliament and certified under Article 113(2) of the Constitution of Nepal.
5. बडादसैँले सामाजिक एकता, सद्भाव र भाइचारालाई मजबुत बनाउँछ: राष्ट्रपति पौडेल (nepalnews.com)
President Ramchandra Paudel extended wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to all Nepalis on the occasion of Dashain 2083. He emphasized the festival's role in strengthening social unity, harmony, and brotherhood among Nepal's diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Paudel also expressed condolences for the losses caused by recent floods and urged collective efforts for the rehabilitation of affected individuals.
6. पञ्चाङ्ग निर्णायक समितिले भन्यो– शुक्र अस्तले दशैंका कर्म रोकिँदैन (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Panchang Determination Committee has stated that the setting of Venus will not halt the Dashain rituals. This clarification comes amidst concerns regarding the timing of the festival activities.
7. Government sets minimum support price for wheat at Rs 4,107 per quintal (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The government has established the minimum support price for wheat at Rs 4,107 per quintal for the fiscal year 2026/27 BS. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting based on a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment.
8. Border row to feature prominently on Nepal PM’s India visit agenda (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah plans to address the border dispute with India during his upcoming official visit, expected at the end of November, following an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The agenda will also cover energy cooperation, connectivity, and trade, with several agreements anticipated for signing. However, Shah is not expected to discuss the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) during this visit.
9. Gagan Thapa to take oath as NC President on Saturday (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Gagan Kumar Thapa will take the oath of office as the President of the Nepali Congress on Saturday at 2 pm at the party's central office in Sanepa. Raju Katuwal, Member Secretary of the Election Committee, confirmed that Thapa will be the only one to take the oath at this time, with other office bearers scheduled to do so after Dashain.
10. UML ministers of Madhes Province govt tender resignation (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Four ministers from the CPN-UML in the Madhes Province government resigned, including Sharada Devi Thapa (Labour and Transport), Lakhan Das Tatma (Sports and Social Welfare), Mohammad Samir (Physical Infrastructure Development), and Manoj Kumar Singh (Education and Culture). UML's parliamentary party leader Saroj Kumar Yadav announced the withdrawal of support to the coalition government led by Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav, citing the administration's failure to adhere to prior agreements.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 152.24 |
| CAD → NPR | 107.55 |
| AUD → NPR | 105.97 |
| GBP → NPR | 202.99 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.64 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4164.8 | NPR 237,768.18 |
| Silver | $56.99 | NPR 3,253.56 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
