News Digest - May 18, 2026

Politics & Governance

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s departure during the President’s address and his absence during discussions on the annual policy program have drawn criticism over parliamentary supremacy and democratic accountability. Opposition parties boycotted related proceedings, citing concerns about the government’s commitment to parliamentary oversight and the functioning of the political process. These moves are being discussed alongside the Federal Parliament’s scheduled meeting and expected legislative agenda for the day. Prime Minister Balendra Shah Federal Parliament meeting today

The National Assembly is set to advance the decision process on eight government ordinances this week, a politically consequential step given coalition arithmetic and opposition rejection of proposals. The assembly meeting will consider the ordinances, though agenda changes may be introduced following recommendations from the procedural committee. National Assembly Eight ordinances

Courts & Accountability

A High Court order led to the incarceration of Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB) employee Rishav Karki after he was sentenced for transferring customer funds into his own account, allegedly amounting to more than NPR 16.5 million. The bail amount set by the Tulsipur High Court was NPR 5 million, which Karki reportedly could not pay, following arrest in early April. Rishav Karki Nepal Investment Mega Bank

Economy & Business

The government plans to reduce LPG-based cooking by phasing out LPG subsidies by fiscal year 2092/93 and shifting support toward electric stoves, with the stated aim of better energy use and public health outcomes. The strategy also includes infrastructure steps such as enhancing transmission capacity and establishing electric vehicle charging stations, targeting completion by fiscal year 2085/86. LPG subsidy phase-out Electric stove subsidy

India’s reported ban on sugar exports has raised concerns in Nepal about supply constraints and potential artificial price hikes in the domestic market. The development is being closely watched for its immediate effect on sugar availability and pricing stability. India’s sugar export ban Sugar price risk in Nepal

Date: May 18, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Jestha 04, 2083

Top News

1. लगानीकर्ताको विवरण सुरक्षामा खेलवाड गरेको आरोपमा ८ ब्रोकरमाथि अनुसन्धान सुरु, पुष्टि भए कारवाही गरिने ! (arthasarokar.com)

An investigation has been initiated against eight brokers for allegedly compromising the security of investor information, with potential actions to be taken if the claims are substantiated. This follows concerns regarding the integrity of financial practices in Nepal's investment sector.

2. एलपी ग्यास खरिदमा अर्बौ बाहिरिएपछि विद्युतीय चुह्लोमा अनुदान दिने सरकारको रणनीति (arthasarokar.com)

The government plans to phase out subsidies for cooking LPG gas by the fiscal year 2092/93 and instead provide subsidies for electric stoves as part of the Energy Consumption Increase and Export Strategy, 2083. The Ministry of Energy aims to reduce LPG usage, which has seen imports of NPR 41.65 billion and 4.1 million metric tons in the current fiscal year, while promoting electric stove usage for public health and economic benefits. The strategy includes enhancing transmission capacity and establishing charging stations for electric vehicles, with a target completion date set for the fiscal year 2085/86.

3. कुकर्मको फल: सिष्टममा छिरेर ग्राहकको डेढ करोड बढी रकम चोरी गर्ने एनआईएमबिका पियन कारागार चलान (arthasarokar.com)

An employee of Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB), Rishav Karki, has been sentenced to prison for embezzling over NPR 16.5 million by transferring customer funds into his own account. The High Court in Tulsipur had set a bail amount of NPR 5 million, which Karki could not pay, leading to his incarceration. He was arrested in early April after a lengthy investigation into his fraudulent activities involving mobile banking transactions.

4. रेमिट्यान्स इन्भेस्टमेन्ट म्याचिङ फन्ड : श्रमिकको पसिनाबाट राष्ट्र निर्माणको आधार (www.ratopati.com)

The Nepalese government has announced the establishment of a Remittance Investment Matching Fund in its upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 policy, aimed at transforming remittances from consumption to productive investment to build national capital. This fund is expected to enhance economic self-reliance by investing in sectors like hydropower, infrastructure, and social security, addressing the paradox where remittances support the economy but fail to contribute to long-term national capital formation. The government emphasizes the need for a structured approach to utilize remittances effectively, potentially enabling significant developments in energy and infrastructure while securing the future of migrant workers.

5. भारतले चिनी निर्यात रोक्दा नेपालमा तरङ्ग, कृत्रिम मूल्यवृद्धिको जोखिम (www.onlinekhabar.com)

India's ban on sugar exports has created ripples in Nepal, raising concerns about potential artificial price hikes. The situation may lead to increased sugar prices in the Nepali market due to supply constraints.

6. आर्थिक रूपान्तरण हुने गरी बजेट ल्याउन अर्थमन्त्रीलाई महासंघको सुझाव (www.onlinekhabar.com)

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry has advised Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat to present a budget that facilitates economic transformation. The federation emphasized the need for policies that promote sustainable growth and address current economic challenges.

7. Minister Khanal urges local government to stress long-term plan (theannapurnaexpress.com)

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal emphasized the need for local governments to prioritize long-term planning over short-term political gains during a program in Tokha Municipality. He urged local leaders to focus on sustainable development strategies that will benefit future generations over the next 20 to 25 years.

8. राष्ट्रियसभामा आठ अध्यादेश यसै साता निर्णयार्थ पेस हुने (nepalnews.com)

The National Assembly of Nepal is set to advance the decision-making process on eight ordinances issued by the government this week. Given the lack of a clear majority for the ruling coalition and the opposition's rejection proposals, the move is politically significant. The assembly meeting scheduled for May 7 will discuss these ordinances, although changes to the agenda may occur based on the recommendations of the procedural committee.

9. संसदीय सर्वोच्चतामाथि प्रधानमन्त्रीको अनुदार प्रहार (www.ratopati.com)

Prime Minister Balendra Shah's recent actions have been criticized for undermining parliamentary supremacy and democratic values in Nepal. His decision to leave during the President's address and absence during discussions on the annual policy program has raised concerns about his accountability to the parliament, leading to disruptions and a boycott by opposition parties. This behavior is seen as a threat to the parliamentary system and a reflection of a growing authoritarian tendency, prompting calls for greater scrutiny and accountability from civil society and the media.

10. Federal Parliament meeting today (risingnepaldaily.com)

The Federal Parliament is scheduled to convene today. Key discussions and legislative activities are expected to take place during the session.

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• Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
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• 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.