Prime Minister and regulators focused on health access, media freedom, and accountability as tourism and labor enforcement faced new pressures.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah directed the establishment of advanced burn treatment centers across all seven provinces, stressing coordination among federal and provincial governments to improve timely specialist care and hospital operations. The push aims to decentralize burn services and reduce dependence on limited facilities in the capital, while also emphasizing cleanliness and patient-friendly management.Prime Minister Balendra Shah burn treatment centers In parallel, decisions to appoint top communications and media governance leaders were taken through the Council of Ministers on July 8.Council of Ministers appointments
Courts & Accountability
A discussion in the Public Accounts Committee over a passport printing issue was halted after some lawmakers objected, arguing it should not proceed because it is under judicial review. The meeting was suspended by committee chair Bharat Bahadur Khadka without deliberation, following a request to change the agenda away from court-linked matters.Public Accounts Committee passport issue Separately, press freedom concerns were raised after a coordinated blockade restricted access to major media institutions and a political leader’s residence, with authorities investigating the incident.Blockade involving major media institutions
Economy & Business
The Department of Foreign Employment acted against 159 manpower firms over unlawful worker travel through Indian airports without required authorization, citing violations of the Foreign Employment Act. Out of 1,117 licensed agencies reviewed, only 678 submitted flight details, and eight companies were fined for repeated breaches while further non-compliance warnings were issued.Action against 159 manpower firms Tourism developments also remained uneven, with reports of declining tourist-related income contributing to a deficit in the service account.Tourist income decline and service account deficit At the local level, Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City presented fiscal-year policies prioritizing tourism infrastructure alongside education and health.Janakpurdham tourism-focused policies
Society & Community
Floods and landslides in Kaski damaged parts of the Annapurna trekking route, including a suspension bridge and two hotels, prompting safety warnings. The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal urged tourists and guides to avoid high-risk areas and use alternative routes while calling for prompt restoration of infrastructure.Floods and landslides damage Annapurna trekking route Landless squatters also staged a protest in Kathmandu demanding rehabilitation and the release of detainees arrested during earlier demonstrations, highlighting ongoing settlement demolition pressures.Landless squatters protest in Kathmandu In tourism, infrastructure around Rupse waterfall remained incomplete, limiting visitor access.Rupse waterfall tourism infrastructure incomplete
Date: July 14, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Asar 30, 2083
Top News
1. सातै प्रदेशमा सुविधासम्पन्न जलन उपचार केन्द्र स्थापना गर्न प्रधानमन्त्री शाहको निर्देशन ,अस्पतालको सेवा सुधार, सरसफाइ र बिरामीमैत्री व्यवस्थापनमा पनि जोड (newsofnepal.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed the establishment of advanced burn treatment centers in all seven provinces of Nepal to ensure timely specialist care for serious burn patients. He emphasized the need for effective coordination among federal, provincial governments, and health institutions to enhance access to burn services and improve overall hospital operations, including cleanliness and patient management. This initiative aims to decentralize specialized treatment and reduce reliance on limited hospitals in the capital.
2. Floods and landslides damage Annapurna trekking route, tourists urged to stay alert (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Severe floods and landslides in Kaski district's Annapurna Rural Municipality have damaged key infrastructure, including the suspension bridge at Ghurjung and two hotels in Banthanti. The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has urged tourists and guides to avoid high-risk areas and use alternative routes for safety, while calling on the government to restore damaged infrastructure promptly. TAAN emphasized prioritizing safety over tourism operations during this emergency.
3. Department takes action against 159 manpower firms over Indian airport flights (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The Department of Foreign Employment has taken action against 159 manpower companies for unlawfully sending Nepali workers through Indian airports without authorization, violating the Foreign Employment Act. A total of 1,117 licensed agencies were reviewed, with only 678 submitting flight details; among those, 159 were found in breach of regulations. Additionally, eight companies were fined for repeated violations, and the department has warned of stricter measures for non-compliance.
4. Blockage of media houses sparks press freedom concerns in Nepal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
In a coordinated blockade on Monday, luxury vehicles obstructed access to major media institutions in Kathmandu, including Kantipur Publications and Onlinekhabar, as well as the residence of Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa. The incident, linked to a senior member of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, has raised concerns about press freedom and intimidation, prompting the Federation of Nepalese Journalists to condemn the act and call for an impartial investigation. Authorities are investigating the incident, which follows critical media coverage of the self-immolation of a ride-sharing driver, Ganesh Nepali.
5. Ghimire appointed NTA chair while Shrestha to lead Press Council (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Arjun Ghimire has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, while Umesh Shrestha will lead the Press Council of Nepal, following a Council of Ministers decision on July 8. Both received their appointment letters from Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina, who emphasized the need for responsible and effective governance in their respective roles, particularly addressing misinformation in the media sector. Shrestha plans to amend outdated laws related to the Press Council and strengthen self-regulation in journalism, while Ghimire aims to enhance the telecommunications sector's quality and citizen orientation.
6. सांसदले असहमति जनाएपछि लेखा समितिमा रोकियो राहदानी प्रकरणको छलफल (www.ratopati.com)
Discussion on the passport printing issue in the Public Accounts Committee was halted after MPs expressed objections, citing it as a matter currently under judicial review. Members from the National Independent Party requested a change in agenda, emphasizing that discussions on court-related issues should be avoided, leading the committee chair, Bharat Bahadur Khadka, to suspend the meeting without any deliberation.
7. Landless squatters protest in Kathmandu, demand rehabilitation and release of detainees (Photos) (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Protesters gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu, organized by the United National Squatters’ Front, demanding rehabilitation for landless squatters and the release of detainees arrested during previous demonstrations. They criticized the government's inadequate response to their plight and called for proper settlement solutions. The protest highlighted ongoing issues, including the demolition of squatter settlements and the uncertainty surrounding housing for displaced families.
8. Tourism infrastructure plan at Rupse waterfall remains incomplete (risingnepaldaily.com)
The tourism infrastructure project at Rupse waterfall is still unfinished, hindering potential development in the area. Local authorities have yet to finalize the necessary facilities, impacting visitor access and overall tourism growth.
9. Janakpurdham sub-metropolis unveils policies and programs focusing tourism (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City has announced its policies and programs for the fiscal year 2083/84, focusing on tourism infrastructure, education, health, and overall city beautification. Mayor Manoj Kumar Sah highlighted a budget of Rs 2.65 billion, with allocations of Rs 1.42 billion for current expenditure and Rs 1.22 billion for capital expenditure, aimed at fostering economic and social development.
10. पर्यटकबाट हुने आय सामान्य घट्यो, सेवा खाता घाटामा (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Tourism revenue in Nepal has seen a general decline, leading to a deficit in the service account. This downturn highlights the challenges faced by the tourism sector in contributing to the national economy.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.3 |
| CAD → NPR | 108.42 |
| AUD → NPR | 106.41 |
| GBP → NPR | 205.28 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.46 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4024.16 | NPR 231,338.65 |
| Silver | $57.99 | NPR 3,333.70 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 284,000.00 |
| Silver | NPR 4,360.00 |
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.
