Politics & Governance
Finance Minister Prakash Wagle said the government is committed to removing Nepal from the FATF grey list, citing ongoing work to strengthen anti-money laundering and anti-terror financing compliance. He linked the target to governance improvements and development acceleration discussed with the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering.
Finance Minister Wagle also said the upcoming budget will place special focus on excluded areas, particularly Sudurpaschim and Karnali, while aiming to uplift weaker communities and expand the middle class. He added that the budget process will run in “mission mode” for smoother delivery of development projects.
Courts & Accountability
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorsed Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma for Chief Justice after reviewing his work plan and complaints, paving the way for the President’s constitutional appointment. Even though 16 complaints were filed, the committee’s approval remained necessary for the appointment to proceed.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma was sworn in as the 33rd Chief Justice of Nepal after recommendations through the constitutional process, including endorsement by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee. He took his oath before President Ram Chandra Paudel, and his tenure is set for six years.
Society & Community
The government announced it will provide Rs. 25,000 in relocation aid to each displaced family affected by recent events to support resettlement. Separately, Raswapa MP Prakash Pathak urged addressing the problems of squatters using legal frameworks and procedure-based solutions.
Thailand’s new visa policy also signals a regional shift that affects mobility for certain countries and tourist categories. The Cabinet decided to scrap the 60-day visa-free entry for citizens from 93 countries and regions, with revised visa-exemption categories and effective timing after publication.
Date: May 20, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Jestha 06, 2083
Top News
1. Govt. committed to removing Nepal from FATF's grey list: Minister Wagle (risingnepaldaily.com)
Minister of Finance Prakash Wagle stated that the government is dedicated to removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) grey list. He emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance compliance with international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism.
2. थाइल्याण्डद्वारा नयाँ भिसा नीति सार्वजनिक, ९३ देशका लागि ६० दिने ‘भिसा-मुक्त प्रवेश’ सुविधा खारेज (arthasarokar.com)
Thailand's Cabinet has announced significant changes to its visa policies, abolishing the 60-day visa-free entry for tourists from 93 countries and regions. The new regulations, aimed at enhancing national security and tourism management, will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Additionally, the number of countries eligible for a 30-day visa exemption has been reduced from 57 to 54, and a new 15-day visa exemption plan has been introduced for citizens of three countries.
3. Budget to lay special focus on excluded areas: Finance Minister Wagle (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced that the upcoming budget will prioritize excluded areas, particularly Sudurpaschim and Karnali, while aiming to uplift the weaker classes to expand the middle class. He emphasized the need for a clear roadmap for smooth implementation of development projects and introduced a 'mission mode' for the first time in the budget process. Dr. Sharma has been appointed as the 33rd Chief Justice of Nepal, following endorsement by the Parliamentary Hearing Committee.
4. Minister Khanal acknowledges key role of the Nepali Diaspora in strengthening Nepal-Australia relations (risingnepaldaily.com)
Minister Khanal recognized the significant contribution of the Nepali Diaspora in enhancing relations between Nepal and Australia. He emphasized their role in fostering cultural and economic ties during a recent event.
5. Parliamentary Hearing Committee endorses Sharma's name for Chief Justice (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has unanimously endorsed Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, following a review of his work plan and complaints against him. Sixteen complaints were filed, but the committee's approval is necessary for the President to appoint the Chief Justice as per constitutional provisions.
6. Dr Sharma assumes office as 33rd Chief Justice of Nepal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma was sworn in as the 33rd Chief Justice of Nepal today, following approval from the Parliamentary Hearing Committee and a recommendation from the Constitutional Council. He took his oath before President Ram Chandra Paudel.
7. विधि र प्रक्रियाका आधारमा सुकुमवासीको समस्या समाधान गरौं : रास्वपा सांसद पाठक (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) MP Prakash Pathak emphasized the need to resolve the issues faced by squatters based on legal frameworks and procedures. He called for a systematic approach to address the challenges confronting this community.
8. प्रधानन्यायाधीशको कुर्सीमा डा.शर्माः एकै दिन सुनुवाइ, अनुमोदन, नियुक्ति, शपथ र पदभार ग्रहण (rajdhanidaily.com)
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Nepal, completing his parliamentary hearing, approval, appointment, oath-taking, and assumption of office all in one day. He is the first Chief Justice in Nepal's history to take office on the same day as his parliamentary hearing, and he has committed to maintaining the independence of the judiciary and ensuring access to justice through the use of technology. Sharma will serve a six-year term, during which several current judges are expected to retire.
9. ‘नेपाललाई ग्रे-लिस्टबाट बाहिर निकाल्न सरकार प्रतिबद्ध छ’- अर्थमन्त्री (arthasarokar.com)
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Waglé stated that the Nepalese government is committed to removing the country from the grey list related to asset purification. During discussions with the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering, he emphasized the government's dedication to improving governance and accelerating development, while also noting that relevant agencies are actively working on necessary actions for this goal. David Sannan, Deputy Executive Secretary of the APG, remarked that Nepal still has significant work to do to exit the grey list, which was imposed by the Financial Action Task Force in February 2023.
10. Govt to give Rs. 25,000 as relocation aid to each displaced family (risingnepaldaily.com)
The government will provide Rs. 25,000 as relocation assistance to each family displaced by recent events. This initiative aims to support those affected and facilitate their resettlement.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 154.76 |
| CAD → NPR | 112.57 |
| AUD → NPR | 110.17 |
| GBP → NPR | 207.46 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.73 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4468.81 | NPR 259,347.11 |
| Silver | $73.9 | NPR 4,288.78 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 295,300.00 |
| Silver | NPR 5,085.00 |
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.
