At COP31, Nepal called for stronger disaster warning systems and more international finance for vulnerable countries.
Politics & Governance
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal called for universal early warning systems for mountain communities, including local-language alerts, better high-altitude monitoring and transboundary data sharing. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle urged a special financial package, including grants and debt relief, for vulnerable countries facing reconstruction costs; he said nearly USD 20 million from the UN Loss and Damage Fund was not enough to meet Nepal’s needs. Minister Timilsina sought international assistance to restore disaster-damaged communications infrastructure.
Courts & Accountability
Former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi was released from Dillibazar Jail after turning 65 and receiving a 25% sentence reduction under senior-citizen provisions. The CPN-UML has not decided whether he will return to active politics, according to a report on his release and political prospects.
Economy & Business
Gold rose 17.72% in Nepal over the past year, from Rs 241,500 to Rs 284,300 per tola, but remained below its January record of Rs 339,300 per tola, according to the price report. The report attributed the rise to a customs duty increase from 10% to 20% and a stronger US dollar; it said regulations limit investment in raw gold, making jewellery the main way to hold it.
Date: November 12, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Kartik 27, 2083
Top News
1. COP31: Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal calls for universal early warning systems (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted the necessity of universal early warning systems for mountain communities during COP31, stressing that existing alerts were insufficient during disasters. He proposed enhancing high-altitude observation through advanced technologies, prioritizing local-language alerts, and improving transboundary data sharing, while also calling for predictable climate finance to support these initiatives.
2. Minister Timilsina calls for global support to rebuild disaster-hit communication infrastructure (risingnepaldaily.com)
Minister Timilsina has urged for international assistance to restore communication infrastructure damaged by recent disasters in Nepal. He emphasized the need for collaboration to enhance resilience and ensure effective communication in affected areas.
3. पृथ्वी राजमार्ग एकतर्फी सञ्चालन, पहिरोको जोखिम कायमै रहेकाले सावधानीपूर्वक यात्रा गर्न प्रहरीको आग्रह (newsofnepal.com)
The Prithvi Highway is currently operating one-way after landslides were cleared at Ghoptibhir in Chitwan's Ichhakamana Rural Municipality. The one-way operation began at 1:40 PM on Tuesday due to the significant size of the landslide and the absence of workers during the festival season. Authorities have equipment ready for further landslide clearance, and they urge travelers to exercise caution due to ongoing landslide risks.
4. Gold delivers 17.72 per cent return in Nepal over a year, but remains below record high (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Gold prices in Nepal have increased by 17.72% over the past year, rising from Rs 241,500 to Rs 284,300 per tola, although this remains below its record high of Rs 339,300 per tola in January. The rise is attributed to a customs duty increase from 10% to 20% and the US dollar's appreciation, while silver has seen an even higher return of 25.77%. Investment options in gold are limited due to regulations prohibiting the buying and selling of raw gold, with jewellery being the primary method for holding gold, albeit with additional costs and risks.
5. Speaker Aryal calls for wider use of Nepal Sambat in govt operations and public records (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has urged for the broader implementation of Nepal Sambat in government operations, public records, and education, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of Nepal’s historical civilization and culture. He called for the government to develop a clear policy and action plan to effectively integrate Nepal Sambat, highlighting the contributions of its founder, Shankhadhar Sakhwa, to social justice and public welfare. Aryal stressed the need to honor the movement's pioneers and promote the Nepal Bhasa language and script.
6. बिमस्टेक स्वास्थ्य मन्त्रीस्तरीय बैठकमा क्षेत्रीय स्वास्थ्य सहकार्य सुदृढ पार्ने नेपालको प्रतिबद्धता (www.ratopati.com)
Nepal expressed its commitment to strengthen regional health cooperation at the first BIMSTEC Health Ministers' Meeting in Colombo. Minister Nisha Mehta emphasized the importance of resilient health systems, cross-border disease surveillance, and equitable access to quality health services, while engaging in bilateral discussions with health ministers from BIMSTEC member states to enhance partnerships and address public health challenges.
7. Minister Wagle wants special financial package for vulnerable countries (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle emphasized the need for a special international financial package, including grants and debt relief, for vulnerable countries like Nepal to support post-disaster reconstruction and economic recovery. Speaking at COP31, he highlighted the financial strain climate-induced disasters have placed on Nepal, forcing budget cuts in other development sectors. Wagle acknowledged the support received from various nations and noted that while nearly USD 20 million was granted from the UN Loss and Damage Fund, it falls short of the actual needs.
8. ४२ महिनामा थुनामुक्त भएका रायमाझी एमालेको सक्रिय राजनीतिमा फर्केलान् ? (www.ratopati.com)
Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, former secretary of the CPN-UML, has been released from prison after serving approximately 42 months for his involvement in the fake Bhutanese refugee case. He was granted release under senior citizen provisions upon turning 65, and while his return to active politics is anticipated, the party has not yet made any decisions regarding his role. Rayamajhi was convicted of fraud, organized crime, and offenses against the state, receiving a total of ten years in prison and fines before his release.
9. ६५ वर्ष पुगेपछि पूर्वउपप्रधानमन्त्री रायमाझी जेलमुक्त (newsofnepal.com)
Former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi has been released from Dillibazar Jail after serving time for his involvement in the fake Bhutanese refugee case. He was granted a 25% reduction in his sentence upon turning 65, as per senior citizen privileges, following correspondence from the Kathmandu District Court. Rayamajhi had been sentenced to four years in prison for this case.
10. President receives Bhaitika (risingnepaldaily.com)
President Ram Chandra Poudel received Bhaitika, a traditional festival celebrated in Nepal, marking the bond between brothers and sisters. The ceremony is part of the Tihar festival, which emphasizes familial ties and respect.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 150.21 |
| CAD → NPR | 105.64 |
| AUD → NPR | 103.15 |
| GBP → NPR | 200.16 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.45 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $3974.46 | NPR 223,876.12 |
| Silver | $51.4 | NPR 2,895.29 |
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.
