Today’s news centers on governance and accountability issues alongside public safety, economic activity, and major policy implementation decisions.
Politics & Governance
Nepal’s government says the Free Visa Free Ticket policy must be followed, arguing no one has the right to refuse it even when businesses remain dissatisfied, while the Foreign Employment Department continues modernization and reviews of the policy. It also highlights the legal obligation of manpower companies to protect workers abroad as digital systems are strengthened for better case management and service delivery through Free Visa Free Ticket policy implementation . Separately, concerns over government accountability to Parliament have been raised, with critics warning it could be pushed toward authoritarianism rather than remaining responsive and transparent via government accountability to Parliament .
The Nepali Congress has named Dr. Suresh Acharya as Executive Director of its Central Policy, Research, and Training Institute, effective August 1, 2083, in line with party statutes. The appointment was made by the party’s Vice President and Institute Chief Bishwaprakash Sharma, with Dr. Acharya previously serving in publicity leadership and as Chief Information Commissioner through Dr. Suresh Acharya appointment . In parallel, the Balen-led government is set to publicize its 100-day achievements, including an asset investigation commission and cancellations of political appointments, even as critics question certain removals and tax changes through Balen government’s 100-day achievements .
Courts & Accountability
Public accountability concerns are being framed around whether the government is sufficiently answerable to Parliament, with critics citing a lack of responsiveness and transparency. The debate reflects wider fears that executive actions may be edging away from democratic oversight via claims about government accountability . Government efforts to support investigations and governance reforms are also part of the 100-day narrative, including the formation of an asset investigation commission mentioned in 100-day achievements announcement .
Separately, foreign employment policy enforcement is presented as an accountability mechanism for the welfare of Nepalis abroad, where the department stresses compliance and worker protection obligations. The Foreign Employment Department’s stance is that refusal of the Free Visa Free Ticket policy is not legally permitted and includes an ongoing push toward digital case handling in Foreign Employment Department enforcement . Together, these developments add to the day’s focus on how institutions are expected to demonstrate compliance, transparency, and follow-through.
Economy & Business
Tourist arrivals rose in June, with 91,363 foreign visitors recorded, reflecting a 19.5 percent year-on-year increase and a higher level compared to June 2019. The Nepal Tourism Board attributes the gain to improved air connectivity, marketing, and Nepal’s safety reputation via tourist arrivals increase in June . Domestic spending also appears to be supporting demand, as half of households reportedly travel at least once annually, contributing about NPR 1.5 trillion to the economy through households travel and economic contribution .
On the agriculture side, the government released NPR 500 million as compensation for poultry farmers affected by bird flu. The payment is intended to reduce losses linked to the outbreak through bird flu compensation for poultry farmers . Meanwhile, operational disruptions continue to affect daily life, with drinking water supply from Melamchi to Kathmandu suspended, which may indirectly impact business and household routines through Melamchi water supply suspended .
Society & Community
Jhapa is on high alert due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and flood risk, prompting warnings to residents—especially those near riverbanks and low-lying areas—to take precautions and avoid flood-prone routes. Authorities report more than 8,000 households are at high risk, with the Nepal Army and police prepared with relief supplies and a response plan via Jhapa flood alert . Community preparedness efforts are therefore centered on reducing exposure before the June 30 to July 1 risk window.
Cross-border security issues are also drawing public attention following the case of Nurjahan Begum, who disarmed an Indian security personnel. Reports say she visited Maitighar, renewing discussion about cross-border security concerns through Nurjahan Begum visits Maitighar . In addition, service disruptions such as the suspension of Melamchi water supply to Kathmandu are directly affecting access to drinking water for residents via Melamchi water supply suspension .
Date: July 03, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Asar 19, 2083
Top News
1. फ्री भिसा फ्री टिकट नीति ठीक छैन भन्दैमा नमान्ने छुट कसैलाई छैन (www.ratopati.com)
The government is strictly implementing the Free Visa Free Ticket policy, initiated in 2015, despite ongoing dissatisfaction from businesses. The Foreign Employment Department is modernizing its processes and has established a committee to review the policy, while emphasizing the legal obligation of manpower companies to ensure the welfare of workers abroad. Additionally, the department is enhancing digital systems to improve service delivery and case management, addressing the challenges faced in the foreign employment sector.
2. Tourist arrivals jump 19.5 percent in June with 91,363 visitors (english.onlinekhabar.com)
In June 2026, Nepal welcomed 91,363 foreign tourists, marking a 19.5 percent increase from the previous year and a 22.01 percent rise compared to June 2019. The majority of arrivals came from South Asian countries, with India contributing 41,809 tourists. The Nepal Tourism Board attributes the growth to improved air connectivity, marketing efforts, and Nepal's reputation as a safe destination.
3. भारतीय सुरक्षाकर्मीको बन्दुक निस्तेज पारेकी नुरजहाँ बेगमको माइतीघर यात्रा (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Nurjahan Begum, who disarmed an Indian security personnel, visited Maitighar in Nepal. Her actions have drawn attention and sparked discussions regarding cross-border security issues.
4. Jhapa on high alert following forecast of heavy rainfall and flood risk (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Jhapa district is on high alert due to forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding on June 30 and July 1. The District Administration Office has warned residents, particularly those near riverbanks and low-lying areas, to take precautions and avoid traveling through flood-prone regions. Over 8,000 households are at high risk, and local authorities, including the Nepal Army and police, are prepared with relief supplies and a disaster response plan in place.
5. आधा घरपरिवार गर्छन् वर्षको कम्तीमा एकपटक घुमफिर, अर्थतन्त्रमा डेढ खर्ब योगदान (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Half of the households in Nepal travel at least once a year, contributing approximately NPR 1.5 trillion to the economy. This trend highlights the significance of domestic tourism in bolstering economic growth.
6. कांग्रेस नीति प्रतिष्ठानको कार्यकारी निर्देशकमा आचार्य नियुक्त (www.ratopati.com)
Dr. Suresh Acharya has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Central Policy, Research, and Training Institute of the Nepali Congress. The appointment, effective from August 1, 2083, was made by the party's Vice President and Institute Chief Bishwaprakash Sharma, in accordance with the party's statutes. Dr. Acharya, a resident of Bhaktapur, has extensive experience, having previously served as the Deputy Chief of the Nepali Congress Publicity Department and as the Chief Information Commissioner of the National Information Commission.
7. ‘सरकार संसद्प्रति उत्तरदायी देखिएन, निरंकुशतातिर धकेलिने संशय छ’ (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Concerns have been raised about the government's accountability to Parliament, with fears that it may be moving towards authoritarianism. Critics argue that the government's actions indicate a lack of responsiveness and transparency in its dealings with legislative bodies.
8. 500 million released for compensation to poultry farmers affected by bird flu (risingnepaldaily.com)
The government has released 500 million Nepalese Rupees to compensate poultry farmers impacted by the recent bird flu outbreak. This financial support aims to mitigate the losses incurred by farmers due to the disease.
9. Drinking water supply from Melamchi to Kathmandu suspended (risingnepaldaily.com)
Drinking water supply from Melamchi to Kathmandu has been suspended. The disruption affects the city's access to water, which has been a critical source for residents.
10. बालेन सरकारका १०० दिने उपलब्धि सार्वजनिक शनिबार (www.ratopati.com)
The government led by Balen Shah is set to announce its 100-day achievements on Saturday, coinciding with the completion of its term since its formation on June 20. Key accomplishments include the establishment of an asset investigation commission, the cancellation of 1,594 political appointments, and various reforms aimed at improving governance and transparency. However, the government faces criticism for issues such as the removal of squatters and increased taxes on education, alongside a lack of concrete plans for the working class.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 152.94 |
| CAD → NPR | 107.73 |
| AUD → NPR | 105.57 |
| GBP → NPR | 204.06 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.49 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4179.58 | NPR 239,709.11 |
| Silver | $62.48 | NPR 3,583.38 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 290,700.00 |
| Silver | NPR 4,615.00 |
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.
