Power sector cooperation, media governance changes, and regional political and legislative developments dominated today’s news.
Politics & Governance
Nepali and Indian officials reviewed progress in power sector cooperation at the 13th Joint Steering Committee and Joint Working Group meetings in Pokhara, focusing on hydropower delivery, transmission upgrades, and coordinated grid operations. Discussions also highlighted steps to expedite existing projects and explore new initiatives, including solar energy and green hydrogen.
The government appointed Umesh Shrestha as the chair of the Press Council, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Information and Communications. The appointment followed the earlier removal of Kumar Sharma Acharya after an ordinance.
In parallel, Nepali Congress ministers resigned from the Karnali Provincial Government, a move confirmed by Ghanshyam Bhandari and Suresh Adhikari. Separately, the Congress party also decided to withdraw from the Lumbini provincial government.
Courts & Accountability
The District Court of Kathmandu sentenced nine people, including planner Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, for their roles in a fake refugee scheme. The court applied the unified offence approach under Section 43 of the National Criminal Code, resulting in a total of four years’ imprisonment and a Rs 40,000 fine for Rayamajhi.
The report also noted that defendants may seek relief from the High Court during the appeal period and that some, including Dr. Indrajit Rai, received reduced sentences based on age. Bail arrangements may allow certain accused to remain free while appeals are pending.
Economy & Business
UNFPA and Panasonic donated 198 solar lanterns to health facilities and female community health volunteers in Jajarkot and Rautahat to support maternal and newborn care during power outages. The initiative, linked to a Japan-funded project, is designed to benefit about 47,898 women and newborns annually through safer deliveries and improved emergency referrals.
In local governance aimed at livelihoods and housing, Jaimini Municipality moved to address the landless squatter problem through a plan that targets housing solutions. The measures are intended to support people affected by landlessness, with implementation at the municipal level.
Society & Community
Parliament-linked legislative activity continued as the government moved to amend three laws related to Parliament, aiming to resolve legislative issues and improve parliamentary procedures. At the provincial level, the Bagmati Province Chief authenticated two bills, advancing the bills within the provincial legislative process.
Regional financial planning also progressed as the Madhes Assembly passed the budget for the fiscal year 2026/27. These actions collectively indicate continued movement across provincial governance, budgeting, and legislative formalities.
Date: July 16, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Asar 32, 2083
Top News
1. India, Nepal review progress in power sector cooperation at JSC, JWG meetings (theannapurnaexpress.com)
India and Nepal reviewed their bilateral power sector cooperation during the 13th Joint Steering Committee (JSC) and Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings in Pokhara. Co-chaired by Indian and Nepali officials, the discussions focused on hydropower projects, transmission infrastructure, and the coordinated operation of power grids, with an emphasis on expediting ongoing projects and developing new initiatives, including solar energy and green hydrogen.
2. Government appoints journalist Umesh Shrestha as Press Council chair (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Umesh Shrestha has been appointed as the chairperson of the Press Council by the government, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Information and Communications. He succeeds senior advocate Kumar Sharma Acharya, who was removed from the position after an ordinance was issued. Shrestha, previously the editor of Nepal Fact Check, holds a master's degree in journalism and has expertise in media policy and training journalists.
3. UNFPA, Panasonic partners to boost maternal healthcare in rural Nepal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
UNFPA and Panasonic Holdings Corporation have partnered to donate 198 solar lanterns to health facilities and female community health volunteers in Jajarkot and Rautahat districts, enhancing maternal and newborn healthcare during power outages. This initiative, part of a Japan-funded project, aims to benefit approximately 47,898 women and newborns annually by facilitating safer deliveries and emergency referrals. The collaboration reflects a commitment to strengthening health systems in disaster-prone areas and supporting off-grid communities.
4. 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 resignation comes amid a Cabinet meeting, with all four Congress ministers submitting their resignations together. Minister for Economic Affairs Rajiv Bikram Shah, currently in Bangkok for medical treatment, stated he submitted his resignation prior to his departure.
5. Fake refugee verdict explained how “unified offence” sentencing works (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The District Court of Kathmandu sentenced nine individuals, including main planner Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, to four years in prison for their roles in a fake refugee scheme, applying the "unified offence" principle under Section 43 of the National Criminal Code, 2074. This provision allows for a combined sentence based on the most severe charges, resulting in Rayamajhi receiving a total of four years and a Rs 40,000 fine. Appeals can be made to the High Court, and defendants may remain free on bail during the process, with some, like Dr. Indrajit Rai, receiving reduced sentences due to age.
6. Jaimini Municipality addresses landless squatter problem (risingnepaldaily.com)
Jaimini Municipality has initiated measures to address the issue of landless squatters in the area. The local government is implementing a plan to provide housing solutions and support for those affected by landlessness.
7. संसद्सँग सम्बन्धित तीन वटा ऐन संशोधन गर्दै सरकार (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The government is amending three laws related to the Parliament. These amendments aim to address various legislative issues and improve parliamentary procedures.
8. Bagmati Province Chief authenticates two bills (risingnepaldaily.com)
Bagmati Province Chief has authenticated two bills, although specific details about the bills were not provided. This action marks a significant step in the legislative process within the province.
9. Madhes Assembly passes budget for FY 2026/27 (risingnepaldaily.com)
The Madhes Assembly has approved the budget for the fiscal year 2026/27. This decision marks a significant step in the region's financial planning and governance.
10. लुम्बिनी सरकारबाट बाहिरिँदै कांग्रेस (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Nepali Congress party is withdrawing from the Lumbini provincial government. This decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the region.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 154.32 |
| CAD → NPR | 109.74 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.78 |
| GBP → NPR | 206.59 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.5 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4025.42 | NPR 232,950.81 |
| Silver | $56.85 | NPR 3,289.91 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 285,200.00 |
| Silver | NPR 4,325.00 |
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.
