Nepal’s agenda this day spans climate diplomacy, mounting fiscal pressures, and intensifying scrutiny of governance and judicial integrity.
Politics & Governance
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal will raise the mountain agenda, climate finance, and climate justice as priorities at COP-31 through diplomatic advocacy for accessible finance and inclusive decision-making. In separate political developments, CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli urged party cadres to prepare for street mobilization ahead of a planned national gathering on November 18–19. Opposition efforts to mobilize protests against Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government are also escalating, including calls from leaders such as Mahesh Basnet to address federalism and representation in nationwide demonstrations. Shisir Khanal KP Sharma Oli Mahesh Basnet
Courts & Accountability
Nepal’s judiciary remains under scrutiny after police-linked disclosures connected Supreme Court communications and alleged attempts to influence proceedings involving Inam Sapkota. The Supreme Court is scheduled to discuss the Sapkota messages and justices’ contacts at an upcoming full court meeting, while the Nepal Bar Association has called for a comprehensive investigation. Justice Hari Phuyal confirmed a meeting with Sapkota, whereas Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma denied involvement in bribery allegations. Supreme Court Hari Phuyal Manoj Kumar Sharma
Economy & Business
Nepal’s public debt has crossed NPR 3 trillion, with debt servicing costs reported to have reached nearly Rs 100 billion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026/27, increasing pressure on development spending. The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission has recommended restricting domestic borrowing to projects that deliver long-term benefits and jobs, and not to cover recurrent expenditures. Separately, the Nagdhunga tunnel road has begun charging toll fees from November 1 to fund maintenance and operational costs. Nepal’s public debt crossing Rs 3 trillion Nagdhunga tunnel road toll charges Public debt exceeds 30 trillion
Society & Community
The United States is set to provide Nepal with over $150 million in disaster response equipment, including helicopters, drones, and riverboats, to strengthen preparedness and support ongoing recovery from recent floods. Preparations for deliveries beginning next year were discussed following a meeting between US Chargé d’Affaires Megan Bouldin and Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel. The latest pledge builds on prior US assistance, including provision of an aircraft used for disaster response and recovery efforts. Megan Bouldin Ashok Raj Sigdel Disaster response equipment package
Date: October 30, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Kartik 14, 2083
Top News
1. Nepal will raise mountain agenda, climate finance and climate justice as priorities at COP-31: Minister Khanal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal announced that at COP-31, the country will prioritize the mountain agenda, climate finance, and climate justice. He highlighted the severe impact of climate change on the Himalayan region, citing a need for approximately USD 4.7 billion for recovery from recent disasters, and emphasized the importance of integrating mountain-specific vulnerabilities into global climate frameworks. Khanal also noted Nepal's commitment to advocating for accessible climate finance and the inclusion of marginalized communities in decision-making processes.
2. Nepal’s public debt crosses Rs 3 trillion, with repayment costs squeezing development spending (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Nepal's public debt has surpassed Rs 3 trillion, reaching Rs 3.009 trillion in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026/27, with significant borrowing and repayment activities recorded. The government spent nearly Rs 100 billion on debt servicing in the same period, which is substantially higher than the Rs 28.42 billion allocated for capital expenditure, raising concerns about the sustainability of public finances. The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission has recommended that domestic borrowing be restricted to projects that generate long-term benefits and create jobs, prohibiting its use for recurrent expenditures.
3. Supreme Court to discuss Sapkota messages, justices’ contacts at Friday full court meeting (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Messages linked to Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Sharma and communications between Supreme Court Justice Hari Phuyal and Inam Sapkota were revealed during a police investigation, causing turmoil in Nepal's judiciary. Despite the serious nature of these revelations, there was no immediate institutional response from the Supreme Court, although a full court meeting is scheduled for Friday to discuss contemporary issues. The Nepal Bar Association has called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for scrutiny of judicial leadership and potential disciplinary actions.
4. US to provide Nepal with over $150 million in disaster response equipment (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The United States will provide Nepal with over $150 million in disaster response equipment, including helicopters, drones, and riverboats, to enhance the country's disaster preparedness. This assistance follows a meeting between US Chargé d’Affaires Megan Bouldin and Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, where they discussed ongoing US support for Nepal's recovery from recent floods. Deliveries are set to begin next year, building on previous aid that included M28 Skytruck aircraft.
5. Nepal’s judiciary under scrutiny over alleged court-fixing case (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nepal's judiciary faces scrutiny due to leaked WhatsApp conversations allegedly connecting senior Supreme Court justices with Inam Sapkota, accused of attempting to influence judicial proceedings through bribery. Justice Hari Phuyal acknowledged meeting Sapkota, who claimed to represent Prime Minister Balendra Shah, while Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma denied any involvement in bribery allegations. The Nepal Bar Association has called for a full investigation into the matter, raising concerns about political influence on judicial integrity.
6. Rejecting defeat, Oli looks to the streets to change Nepal’s political course (english.onlinekhabar.com)
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has called for party members to prepare for a protest movement, asserting that street mobilization is essential for regaining strength and winning future elections. He criticized the current political climate as lawless and emphasized the need for a decisive movement to restore democracy, reflecting decisions made by the party's central committee. Despite dissent within the party regarding the approach to reject the recent election results, preparations for a national gathering on November 18-19 are underway, aimed at organizing for upcoming local and provincial elections.
7. मन्त्रिपरिषद्ले गर्नुपर्ने नेपाल पारवहनको सीईओ नियुक्ति सञ्चालक समितिले नै गरिदियो (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Cabinet has allowed the board of directors to appoint the CEO of Nepal Transport, bypassing the usual procedure. This decision has raised concerns regarding governance and accountability within the organization.
8. Nagdhunga tunnel road to levy toll charges from Nov. 1 (risingnepaldaily.com)
The Nagdhunga tunnel road will begin charging toll fees starting November 1. This decision aims to generate revenue for maintenance and operational costs of the road.
9. सार्वजनिक ऋण नाघ्यो ३० खर्ब, प्रत्येक नेपालीको भागमा १ लाखमाथि ऋणभार (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Nepal's public debt has surpassed NPR 3 trillion, resulting in a debt burden of over NPR 100,000 for each citizen. This significant increase in national debt raises concerns about fiscal sustainability and economic management.
10. सत्ता घेराबन्दीको रणनीति (nepalnews.com)
Political tensions are rising in Nepal as opposition parties plan protests against Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government following the Chhath festival. Key opposition figures, including UML leader Mahesh Basnet, have announced intentions to mobilize nationwide protests addressing issues of federalism and representation, while former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called for unity among parties involved in the constitution-making process. Despite visible dissatisfaction with the government, the opposition has yet to formalize a unified strategy to effectively challenge the current administration.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 152.72 |
| CAD → NPR | 109.12 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.39 |
| GBP → NPR | 203.32 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.67 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $3999.83 | NPR 229,070.02 |
| Silver | $51.51 | NPR 2,949.97 |
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.
