Today’s news focuses on major court outcomes in the fake Bhutanese refugee case alongside government efforts on governance, revenue collection, and public safety.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the Asian Development Bank that good governance, rapid economic growth, and job creation are central priorities, linking them to improved public service delivery Good governance, rapid economic growth, and job creation among government's key priorities: PM Shah. The same engagements included support for energy security and progress on the Dudhkoshi Reservoir Hydropower Project, with the development partner indicating continued cooperation on infrastructure and digital initiatives A D B's support to Nepal expected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2029. Separately, former Governor Chiranjivi Nepal defended the practice of releasing monetary policy before the fiscal year begins, arguing it is intended to support the government’s budget and growth targets गभर्नर पौडेलको नयाँ अभ्यास : बजेटलाई सघाउने मौद्रिक नीतिको पूर्वगभर्नर नेपालद्वारा बचाउ.
Courts & Accountability
The Kathmandu District Court convicted 23 of 30 defendants in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, including former ministers Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Bal Krishna Khand, and acquitted seven, with sentencing set to follow the verdict Kathmandu District Court delivers verdict in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Another report said the court convicted 17 and acquitted seven, describing illegal processing of refugee applications and the financial gains gained through the scheme Court convicts 17, acquits seven in fake Bhutanese refugee scam. A detailed briefing also explained the implications of the decision for legal status and enforcement consequences tied to the fraudulent claims नक्कली शरणार्थी मुद्दामा जिल्ला अदालतले गरेको फैसला के हो ? पढ्नुहोस् १३ बुँदे ब्रिफिङ.
Economy & Business
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Waglé directed customs and internal revenue administrations to focus on achieving the NPR 1.6 trillion revenue target under “Mission 1.6 Trillion,” emphasizing curbing leakage and encouraging voluntary tax filings अर्थमन्त्रीको निर्देशन: ‘मिसन १६ खर्ब’ राजस्व लक्ष्यमा केन्द्रित हुनुस्. The government’s broader development agenda also received support signals through planned ADB scaling, with projections that assistance could reach USD 2.4 billion by 2029 and include water and sanitation financing for over 850,000 people A D B's support to Nepal expected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2029. In the same policy space, debate continues around whether the announced monetary policy timing and targets have sufficient substance to meet growth and credit expansion goals गभर्नर पौडेलको नयाँ अभ्यास : बजेटलाई सघाउने मौद्रिक नीतिको पूर्वगभर्नर नेपालद्वारा बचाउ.
Date: July 08, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Asar 24, 2083
Top News
1. Kathmandu District Court delivers verdict in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Kathmandu District Court has convicted 23 of 30 defendants in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, including former ministers Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Bal Krishna Khand, for their roles in defrauding Nepalis seeking resettlement in the U.S. The court found Rayamajhi guilty of organized fraud and Khand guilty of aiding and abetting fraud, while seven defendants were acquitted. Sentencing for the convicted individuals will occur in the next phase of the judicial process.
2. Court convicts 17, acquits seven in fake Bhutanese refugee scam (risingnepaldaily.com)
A court has convicted 17 individuals and acquitted seven in connection with a fraudulent Bhutanese refugee scam. The case involved the illegal processing of refugee applications, leading to significant financial gains for those involved.
3. नक्कली शरणार्थी मुद्दामा जिल्ला अदालतले गरेको फैसला के हो ? पढ्नुहोस् १३ बुँदे ब्रिफिङ (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The district court has ruled on the case of fake refugees, detailing the implications of the decision. The ruling addresses the legal status and consequences for individuals involved in the fraudulent refugee claims, emphasizing accountability and the enforcement of immigration laws.
4. गभर्नर पौडेलको नयाँ अभ्यास : बजेटलाई सघाउने मौद्रिक नीतिको पूर्वगभर्नर नेपालद्वारा बचाउ (www.ratopati.com)
Governor Bishwo Paudel has introduced a new practice by releasing the monetary policy for the fiscal year 2083/84 before the year begins, breaking from the tradition of announcing it only after the fiscal year starts. Former Governor Chiranjivi Nepal supports this policy, stating it aims to assist the government's financial strategy, with a target of 11% credit expansion to achieve a 7% economic growth, despite criticisms that the current policy lacks substance.
5. Good governance, rapid economic growth, and job creation among government's key priorities: PM Shah (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted good governance, rapid economic growth, job creation, and access to quality public services as key government priorities during a meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda. The discussions included enhancing the Nepal-ADB partnership, focusing on clean energy production, and advancing projects like the Dudhkoshi Reservoir Hydropower Project, which is crucial for energy security. The ADB currently has a portfolio of approximately USD 4.2 billion in Nepal and has committed USD 150 million in support for 2026, emphasizing cooperation in sectors such as urban development and digital infrastructure.
6. Bird flu contained in most districts, risk persists in Kathmandu Valley (risingnepaldaily.com)
Bird flu has been contained in most districts of Nepal, but the risk remains high in the Kathmandu Valley. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further outbreaks.
7. Over 2,000 vehicles fine for violating traffic rules in 24 hours (risingnepaldaily.com)
More than 2,000 vehicles were fined for traffic rule violations within a 24-hour period. This enforcement action highlights ongoing efforts to improve road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
8. अर्थमन्त्रीको निर्देशन: ‘मिसन १६ खर्ब’ राजस्व लक्ष्यमा केन्द्रित हुनुस् (nepalnews.com)
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Waglé has directed customs and internal revenue administrations to effectively mobilize efforts to achieve the government's revenue collection target of NPR 1.6 trillion. During a meeting with newly appointed officials, he emphasized controlling revenue leakage, increasing voluntary tax filings, and creating an encouraging environment for taxpayers. Waglé committed to providing necessary policy and administrative support to ensure the success of the "Mission 1.6 Trillion" initiative.
9. नक्कली भुटानी शरणार्थी प्रकरण : दुई पूर्वमन्त्री दोषी ठहर (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Two former ministers have been found guilty in the fake Bhutanese refugee case in Nepal. The verdict highlights the involvement of high-ranking officials in the fraudulent refugee scheme.
10. ADB's support to Nepal expected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2029 (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to increase its support to Nepal to USD 2.4 billion by 2029, focusing on job creation, private sector development, and sustainable infrastructure. During ADB President Masato Kanda's visit, two loan agreements totaling USD 165 million were signed, including a project to provide water and sanitation services to over 850,000 people. Kanda emphasized ADB's commitment to enhancing Nepal's economic resilience and development during meetings with Prime Minister Balendra Shah and other officials.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 152.26 |
| CAD → NPR | 107.1 |
| AUD → NPR | 105.71 |
| GBP → NPR | 203.64 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.4 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4126.55 | NPR 235,615.44 |
| Silver | $60.54 | NPR 3,456.68 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 287,100.00 |
| Silver | NPR 4,500.00 |
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.
