Today's headlines focus on accountability in governance, local development and investment issues, and weather and public information needs.
Politics & Governance
Nepali Congress ministers have resigned from the Karnali Provincial Government, confirming a leadership shake-up within the administration led by CPN-UML’s Yamlal Kandel. Minister for Social Development Ghanshyam Bhandari and Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment Suresh Adhikari said the resignations were submitted during a Cabinet meeting. Rajiv Bikram Shah, Minister for Economic Affairs, said he had already submitted his resignation before traveling to Bangkok for medical treatment via Ghanshyam Bhandari and Rajiv Bikram Shah.
Aajapa has criticized the current federal government as failing across sectors and warned the economy is in crisis. The party pointed to weak revenue collection, low capital spending, and public debt around 45% of GDP, warning of a possible debt trap. It also urged political consensus for unemployment and livelihood responses through Aajapa and public debt.
Courts & Accountability
After the Special Court released CPN-UML Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel in a property purification case, Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Yagyamani Nyaupane called for a serious review of the judiciary’s structure and functioning. Nyaupane argued that without judicial reform, good governance and corruption control would remain difficult. His demand follows the court’s decision reported alongside Vishnu Paudel and Yagyamani Nyaupane.
The Special Court also drew attention to alleged shortcomings in how the government intends to handle corruption cases, underscoring concerns over accountability and transparency. The ruling, as reported, suggests the court is scrutinizing the government’s commitment to follow due process in corruption-related actions. The emphasis on the court’s stance is reflected in reporting through Special Court and corruption cases.
Economy & Business
Prime Minister Balendra Shah pledged support for Nepal’s domestic footwear industry while promising to curb illegal imports. The commitment included incentives for local producers, formation of a task force to control smuggling, quality testing for imported shoes, and tax and electricity concessions for export-oriented industries via Balendra Shah and domestic footwear industry.
In transport infrastructure, the NPR 2.16 billion dry port project in Timure, Rasuwagadhi has stalled after last year’s flooding damaged warehouses and related infrastructure. Reporting said around 80% of the work had been completed before the flood, but the Chinese company has not resumed and the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee has not moved to discuss next steps. The stalled works are tied to Timure dry port and flood damage.
Society & Community
Nepal Telecom expanded 4G services to remote parts of Mugu and Bajura, including areas such as Soru-6, Sorukot Rural Municipality, Neta Bichchhya-1 and Kuwadi-5. Local officials said faster connectivity can improve access to information, education, health, and government services. The rollout was reported through Nepal Telecom 4G and Mugu and Bajura districts.
Authorities have also urged the public to stay alert as heavy rain is expected today, with precautions recommended to reduce risks from adverse weather. The advisory emphasizes safety measures ahead of possible impacts on daily movement and local conditions via heavy rain advisory and public safety during rain.
Date: July 18, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Shrawan 02, 2083
Top News
1. विष्णु पौडेल रिहा भएपछि रास्वपा सांसद न्यौपानेको प्रश्नः न्यायालयको निर्मम समीक्षा आवश्यक (nepalnews.com)
Following the special court's release of CPN-UML Vice Chairman Vishnu Paudel in a property purification case, Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Yagyamani Nyaupane called for a serious review of the judiciary's structure and functioning. Nyaupane emphasized that without judicial reform, achieving good governance and controlling corruption would be challenging, urging immediate action on this issue. He asserted that his views stem from thorough analysis rather than impulsive reactions.
2. स्वदेशी जुत्ता उद्योगलाई प्रधानमन्त्रीको ढाडस : सहुलियत दिने र अवैध आयात रोक्ने प्रतिबद्धता (www.ratopati.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has committed to supporting the domestic footwear industry by providing incentives and pledging to curb illegal imports. He announced the formation of a special task force to control smuggling and implement quality testing for imported shoes, while also promising tax and electricity concessions to encourage export-oriented industries. The discussions with industry representatives highlighted the challenges posed by illegal imports and emphasized the need for regulatory measures to protect local production and create job opportunities.
3. बाढीपछिको रसुवागढी टिमुरे : दुई अर्ब लगानीको बन्दरगाह निर्माण अलपत्र [फोटो फिचर] (nepalnews.com)
The construction of a dry port in Timure, Rasuwagadhi, with an investment of NPR 2.16 billion from China, has stalled due to damage caused by flooding last year. Approximately 80% of the construction was completed before the flood, which affected warehouses and other infrastructure, but the Chinese company has not resumed work, and the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee has not initiated any discussions on how to proceed. The flood caused an estimated total damage of NPR 66.28 billion in the region, impacting various infrastructure, including the customs yard and ongoing construction projects.
4. Tradition Meets Technology: Annapurna's AI-Powered 'Sampurna' Signals a New Era for Nepali Media (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Annapurna Media Network launched 'Sampurna', Nepal's first AI-powered digital super app, on July 17 in Lalitpur. The platform integrates traditional journalism with AI technology, offering news, financial updates, and other services, while emphasizing the need for human oversight in verifying AI-generated content. Key figures, including former Kathmandu University Vice-Chancellor Suresh Raj Sharma and Press Council Nepal Chairperson Umesh Shrestha, highlighted the importance of responsible AI use and the potential of the app to engage younger audiences.
5. नेपाल टेलिभिजनको स्याटेलाइट ब्याण्डविथ खरिदमा २० करोड हिनामिना भएको निष्कर्ष (www.onlinekhabar.com)
An investigation has concluded that there was a financial irregularity of 20 million Nepali Rupees in the purchase of satellite bandwidth by Nepal Television. The findings indicate misconduct in the procurement process.
6. Heavy rain likely today, Public urged to stay alert (risingnepaldaily.com)
Heavy rain is expected today, prompting authorities to urge the public to remain vigilant. Precautions are advised to ensure safety during potential adverse weather conditions.
7. Congress Ministers resign from Karnali Provincial Government (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Ministers from the Nepali Congress in the Karnali Provincial Government have collectively resigned, as confirmed by Minister for Social Development Ghanshyam Bhandari and Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment Suresh Adhikari. The resignations were submitted during a Cabinet meeting, with Minister for Economic Affairs Rajiv Bikram Shah stating he had submitted his resignation prior to traveling to Bangkok for medical treatment. The Karnali Provincial Government is led by CPN-UML leader Yamlal Kandel.
8. वर्तमान सरकार चौतर्फी असफल, अर्थतन्त्र संकटग्रस्त : आजपा (rajdhanidaily.com)
The Janata Party (Aajapa) has criticized the current government for its complete failure across all sectors and described the economic situation as extremely dire. They highlighted issues such as stagnant revenue collection, low capital expenditure, and an alarming rise in public debt, which has reached about 45% of GDP, warning of a potential debt trap. Aajapa called for immediate political consensus to address unemployment, poverty, and livelihood programs, labeling the current fiscal year as the worst in history for financial performance.
9. Nepal Telecom expands 4G services to Mugu and Bajura districts (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G services in remote areas of Mugu and Bajura districts, specifically in Soru-6, Sorukot Rural Municipality, and Neta Bichchhya-1 and Kuwadi-5. Local officials hailed this expansion as a historic achievement, emphasizing its potential to enhance economic and social development by providing high-speed internet and improved communication services. The new 4G infrastructure is expected to facilitate better access to information, education, health, and government services for residents in these regions.
10. विशेष अदालतले उदांगो बनाइदियो सरकारको नियत (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Special Court has criticized the government's intentions regarding the handling of corruption cases. The court's ruling highlights concerns over the government's commitment to accountability and transparency in its actions.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 154.36 |
| CAD → NPR | 110.0 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.59 |
| GBP → NPR | 207.41 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.51 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4016.93 | NPR 232,519.74 |
| Silver | $55.99 | NPR 3,240.98 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 282,100.00 |
| Silver | NPR 4,200.00 |
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.
