Today’s news is focused on political shifts, public accountability efforts, and government and infrastructure responses amid heavy weather impacts.
Politics & Governance
Six ministers from the CPN-UML resigned from the Bagmati provincial government and withdrew support, signaling a sharp realignment in provincial politics. They later returned to Hetauda after five days ahead of submitting resignations, according to reporting on party developments.
Bagmati provincial government Hetauda
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is also advancing sector-focused governance, including discussions with handicraft stakeholders and a new directive to support the textile and clothing industry. The initiatives emphasize market support, foreign trade facilitation, and building skilled human resources.
Handicraft Federation talks Textile and Clothing Development Council
Courts & Accountability
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority is investigating alleged timber smuggling in Kailali, where the value is reported to be around one billion Nepalese rupees. The inquiry targets illegal timber transportation and potential regulatory violations tied to corruption risks.
CIAA investigates Kailali timber smuggling Timber worth around Rs 1 billion
Economy & Business
The government introduced a taxpayer incentive gift programme to encourage tax compliance through rewards for timely payments. In parallel, it withdrew a 3% equity tax on private education and health institutions to reduce financial pressure while keeping access goals for disadvantaged groups.
taxpayer incentive gift programme 3% equity tax withdrawal
On industry support, the prime minister’s textile-focused plans include creating a Textile and Clothing Development Council and tasking relevant ministries on Free Trade Agreements and foreign direct investment facilitation. The directive also highlights reviving struggling industries and expanding skilled workforce capacity for the garment sector.
readymade garment industry support Free Trade Agreements and FDI facilitation
Society & Community
Heavy rainfall and landslides have completely obstructed seven highways and partially affected 12 more, according to road clearance updates. Reports also note that vehicular movement has been restricted at night on the BP Highway and the Kantilo Path due to flood risks.
seven highways obstructed BP Highway and Kantilo Path closures
At the local level, Birtamod Municipality renewed its call for demolition of illegally built properties to enforce building regulations. This follows efforts to ensure compliance with legal construction standards within its jurisdiction.
Birtamod Municipality demolition demand illegally built properties enforcement
Date: July 22, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Shrawan 06, 2083
Top News
1. करिब एक अर्ब रुपैयाँको काठ तस्करी हुन लागेको भन्दै कैलालीमा अख्तियारको अनुसन्धान (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is investigating a timber smuggling case in Kailali, involving approximately one billion Nepali Rupees. The investigation focuses on the illegal transportation of timber, highlighting concerns over corruption and regulatory violations in the region.
2. बागमती सरकारबाट एमालेका ६ मन्त्रीले दिए राजीनामा, समर्थन पनि फिर्ता (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Six ministers from the CPN-UML party resigned from the Bagmati provincial government and withdrew their support. This decision reflects a significant shift in the political landscape of the province.
3. PM Shah holding talks with representatives of Handicraft Federation (risingnepaldaily.com)
Prime Minister Shah is engaged in discussions with representatives from the Handicraft Federation to address issues affecting the handicraft sector. The meeting aims to explore strategies for promoting and supporting local artisans and their products.
4. Govt introduces taxpayer incentive gift programme to promote tax compliance (risingnepaldaily.com)
The government has launched a taxpayer incentive gift program aimed at enhancing tax compliance among citizens. This initiative is designed to encourage timely tax payments by offering rewards to compliant taxpayers.
5. Birtamod Municipality renews its call to demolish illegally built properties (risingnepaldaily.com)
Birtamod Municipality has reiterated its demand for the demolition of illegally constructed properties within its jurisdiction. The local government is taking steps to enforce building regulations and ensure compliance with legal standards.
6. PM Shah orders formation of Textile and Clothing Development Council (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has ordered the establishment of the Textile and Clothing Development Council to support the readymade garment industry in Nepal. He directed the Ministry of Industry to revive struggling industries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate Free Trade Agreements and Foreign Direct Investment for the sector. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of skilled human resources to achieve the goals of various initiatives aimed at enhancing the garment industry.
7. Floods, landslides completely obstruct seven highways across the country (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Flooding and landslides have completely obstructed seven highways in Nepal, with 12 others partially operational due to heavy rainfall. The Department of Roads reported that 51 roadways have been cleared, and efforts are ongoing to restore the blocked highways using heavy machinery. Key affected routes include the Kanti Highway, Mechi Highway, and Araniko Highway, while night-time vehicular movement is restricted on the BP Highway due to flooding risks.
8. पहिरोले आठ सडक प्रभावित, बिपी र कान्तिलोकपथमा राति सवारी चलाउन नपाइने (nepalnews.com)
Heavy rainfall has caused landslides and flooding, affecting major highways and roads across Nepal. The BP Highway connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli has suspended all vehicle traffic from 6 PM to 4 AM due to flood risks, while the Kantilo Path in Makwanpur has similar restrictions from 5 PM to 5 AM. Additionally, several roads, including the Mechi Highway in Ilam and the Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchok, have been completely blocked by landslides.
9. एमालेका मन्त्रीहरू ५ दिनपछि हेटौंडा फर्किए, आज राजीनामा बुझाउँदै (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Ministers from the CPN-UML returned to Hetauda after five days and are set to submit their resignations today. This move follows ongoing political developments within the party.
10. Government withdraws 3% equity tax on private education and health institutions (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The government has withdrawn the 3% equity tax on private education and health institutions, as announced by Prime Minister Balendra Shah. He stated that the decision was made after consultations with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on citizens while ensuring access to quality services for underprivileged groups. The government remains committed to making a portion of private hospital beds and university seats available for marginalized citizens.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 154.28 |
| CAD → NPR | 109.76 |
| AUD → NPR | 108.37 |
| GBP → NPR | 207.17 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.48 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4128.92 | NPR 238,878.41 |
| Silver | $59.71 | NPR 3,454.52 |
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.
