Today’s developments span cabinet decisions and parliamentary activity alongside public health warnings and legal moves affecting media and political accountability.
Politics & Governance
Nepal’s Cabinet approved 11 decisions, including a Rs 5,000 pay increase for early childhood development facilitators and school staff, acceptance of a Japan grant of about Rs 2.73 billion for air traffic control upgrades, and a Nepali delegation’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly. The Cabinet also promoted Joint Secretary Kamal Prasad Bhattarai to chief secretary of the Bagmati Province Office, while Prime Minister Balendra Shah will not attend the UN General Assembly in person and instead delegated leadership to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. Cabinet takes 11 key decisions Nepal Political and Economic Briefing (August 19)
Nine federal parliamentary committees are scheduled to meet, including sessions tied to proposed amendments to the Nepal Rastra Bank Act and deliberations around the Tourism Bill. The agenda also includes committee engagement with bio-fertilizer producers, discussion of CIAA activities with the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, and Public Accounts Committee focus on auditing foreign assistance. Nine parliamentary committees to meet today Finance Committee review of the Bill to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act
Courts & Accountability
The Patan High Court directed that no action should be taken against journalist Kishor Shrestha, citing concerns about how media personnel are treated. The order adds to the broader accountability environment around protections for journalists and the handling of cases involving members of the press. Patan High Court says do not arrest journalist Kishor Shrestha journalist Kishor Shrestha
Within party governance, a letter of support has escalated internal tensions in the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, leading to a no-confidence motion against party leader Kamal Thapa. Separately, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane urged lawmakers and ministers to observe parliamentary decorum, improve coordination, and use the party’s 'RSP Pulse' app for transparency. letter of support in RPP no confidence motion against party leader Thapa Rabi Lamichhane warns RSP lawmakers, ministers against indiscipline
Economy & Business
A Japan-funded grant for air traffic control improvements at Tribhuvan International Airport was approved by the Cabinet as part of broader infrastructure and service upgrades. The same Cabinet decision set also included changes to remuneration for early childhood development facilitators, reflecting budget-linked adjustments to public service staffing. Cabinet takes 11 key decisions Japan grant for air traffic control improvements at Tribhuvan International Airport
Parliamentary committee meetings scheduled for the day include the Finance Committee’s review of a bill to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, which could influence how monetary and financial oversight is structured. Other committees are set to engage on matters including tourism legislation and foreign assistance auditing through the Public Accounts Committee. Bill to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act Public Accounts Committee focus on auditing foreign assistance
Society & Community
World Mosquito Day is being marked in Nepal under the theme “Small Bite, Big Challenge,” with health authorities reporting 168 confirmed mosquito species and roughly 18,710 people affected by mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue last fiscal year. The Ministry of Health says the risk is increasing, including in high Himalayan areas, and laboratories have been established across all seven provinces to strengthen vector control. Nepal has 168 mosquito species as risk of vector-borne diseases continues to rise 168 species of mosquitoes in Nepal increasing risk of insect-borne diseases
The Dhimal community is pushing for implementation steps after being recognized as a distinct ethnic group, seeking tangible benefits for socio-economic advancement and cultural preservation. Separately, a Bangladeshi envoy proposed an annual Bangladesh-Nepal Cultural and Creative Exchange Program to deepen ties during an international photo exhibition in Kathmandu. Dhimal community seeks to translate 'recognition' into concrete results Bangladeshi envoy calls for annual cultural exchange program with Nepal
Date: August 20, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Bhadau 04, 2083
Top News
1. Bangladeshi envoy calls for annual cultural exchange program with Nepal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Bangladeshi Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman proposed an annual Bangladesh-Nepal Cultural and Creative Exchange Program to enhance bilateral ties during the inauguration of the "Beautiful Bangladesh" International Photo Exhibition 2026 in Kathmandu. He emphasized the role of photography in fostering communication and highlighted the cultural and linguistic affinities between the two nations, noting the growing tourist exchanges. The Ambassador expressed the Bangladesh Embassy's commitment to support such initiatives.
2. Nepal has 168 mosquito species as risk of vector-borne diseases continues to rise (english.onlinekhabar.com)
World Mosquito Day is being observed in Nepal with the theme “Small Bite, Big Challenge” to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases. The Ministry of Health reports 168 confirmed mosquito species in the country, with approximately 18,710 people affected by diseases like malaria and dengue last fiscal year. The risk of these diseases is rising even in high Himalayan regions due to climate change, prompting the establishment of laboratories in all seven provinces for better control efforts.
3. समर्थन पत्रले बढायो राप्रपामा विवाद, दलका नेता थापाविरुद्ध अविश्वास प्रस्ताव (www.onlinekhabar.com)
A letter of support has intensified disputes within the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), leading to a no-confidence motion against party leader Kamal Thapa. The internal conflict highlights growing tensions among party members regarding leadership and direction.
4. Rabi Lamichhane warns RSP lawmakers, ministers against indiscipline, urges coordination (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has warned party lawmakers and ministers to adhere to parliamentary conduct and improve coordination, following concerns over indiscipline and internal disagreements. He emphasized the need for transparency in their activities through the 'RSP Pulse' app and announced the formation of a task force to amend the RSP Federal Parliamentary Party statute, aimed at addressing controversies arising from individual remarks within the party. Lamichhane urged members to focus on results rather than publicity and maintain parliamentary decorum.
5. उच्च अदालत पाटनले भन्यो- पत्रकार किशोर श्रेष्ठमाथि धरपकड नगर्नू (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Patan High Court has ordered that no action should be taken against journalist Kishor Shrestha. This decision comes amid concerns over the treatment of media personnel in the country.
6. Dhimal community seeks to translate 'recognition' into concrete results (risingnepaldaily.com)
The Dhimal community in Nepal is advocating for tangible outcomes following their recent recognition as a distinct ethnic group. They are urging the government to implement policies that will enhance their socio-economic status and preserve their cultural identity.
7. Cabinet takes 11 key decisions: Pay hike, Japan grant and new appointments (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The Cabinet has approved several key decisions, including a Rs 5,000 increase in monthly remuneration for early childhood development facilitators and school staff. A grant of approximately Rs 2.73 billion from Japan for air traffic control improvements at Tribhuvan International Airport was accepted, and a Nepali delegation will attend the 81st UN General Assembly. Additionally, Joint Secretary Kamal Prasad Bhattarai was promoted to chief secretary of the Bagmati Province Office.
8. Nepal Political and Economic Briefing (August 19) (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah will not attend the upcoming 81st United Nations General Assembly, delegating Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal to lead the Nepali delegation instead. Indian Army Chief Dhiraj Seth's recent visit to Nepal aimed to strengthen defense ties, but contentious issues like the 'Agnipath' policy were not addressed, reflecting the Shah administration's strategy to defer such matters. Domestically, Shah has signed performance agreements with ministers, although past inefficacies and cabinet reshuffles may hinder their implementation, while opposition leader Ram Bahadur Thapa criticized the government's reliance on military and foreign influences.
9. नेपालमा १६८ प्रजातिका लामखुट्टे, कीटजन्य रोगको जोखिम बढ्दो (nepalnews.com)
World Mosquito Day is being observed in Nepal with the theme "Small Bite, Big Challenge" to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases. Currently, 168 species of mosquitoes have been identified in Nepal, with approximately 18,710 people affected by diseases such as dengue and chikungunya last year. The Health and Food Safety Ministry reports an increasing risk of these diseases due to climate change, prompting the establishment of laboratories in all seven provinces for vector control efforts.
10. Nine parliamentary committees to meet today (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nine parliamentary committees of the Federal Parliament are scheduled to meet today, with key discussions including the Finance Committee's review of the Bill to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act and the International Relations and Tourism Committee's dialogue on the Tourism Bill. Other meetings will address various issues, such as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee's discussions with bio-fertilizer producers and the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee's engagement with the CIAA regarding its activities. Additionally, the Public Accounts Committee will focus on auditing foreign assistance, while the Legislation Management Committee will discuss parliamentary interrelations.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.51 |
| CAD → NPR | 110.67 |
| AUD → NPR | 108.65 |
| GBP → NPR | 208.11 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.65 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4485.97 | NPR 258,240.19 |
| Silver | $67.01 | NPR 3,857.51 |
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.
