Politics & Governance
Thakur Gaire warned that the Prime Minister’s conduct could trigger a crisis that risks destabilizing the two-thirds majority government. Hark Sampang also called for Prime Minister Balendra Shah to resign, arguing he is not accountable to Parliament. In the House of Representatives, Speaker Devraj Ghimire continued the session amid opposition protests over the Prime Minister’s presence.
Courts & Accountability
The government attorney office is reviewing a recommendation from the Asset Recovery Department to file a case against 29 individuals, including Deepak Bhatt. The report alleges asset laundering involving transfers of about NPR 3.73 billion from five companies to buy shares in a competitor, with claimed losses around NPR 20 billion. The case recommendation explicitly includes Subhal Agarwal, according to the brief.
Economy & Business
The arrest of the CEO of Nepal’s largest bank during an attempt to protect depositors’ funds has raised questions about accountability and oversight in the financial sector. The incident has focused attention on the adequacy of safeguards meant to ensure bank leadership is answerable when depositor money is at stake. Reporting on the matter highlighted the governance concerns surrounding the CEO’s detention during that process, as covered in this report.
Society & Community
Nepal advanced tourism outreach in Guangzhou through a cultural and business engagement organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in Guangzhou. The program included B2B meetings and networking, with Bharat Khanal emphasizing cultural ties and Bimal Sharma Kandel discussing adventure tourism and sustainable travel. Separately, Nisha Mehta met the WHO Director General at the World Health Assembly to discuss cooperation and support for Nepal.
Date: May 22, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Jestha 08, 2083
Top News
1. व्यवसायी दीपक भट्टसहित २९ जनाविरुद्ध मुद्दा चलाउन सिफारिस, गोल्छा पनि मुछिए, २० अर्ब बिगो दाबी गर्न माग (arthasarokar.com)
The Asset Recovery Department has recommended filing cases against 29 individuals, including controversial businessman Deepak Bhatt and Subhal Agarwal, for asset laundering. The report, submitted to the government's attorney office, claims that they illegally transferred approximately NPR 3.73 billion from five companies, including Himalayan Re-Insurance, to purchase shares in a competitor, with a total loss claimed at around NPR 20 billion. The attorney office is currently reviewing the submitted report.
2. बचतकर्ताको पैसा जोगाउन खोज्दा देशकै ठूलो बैंकको सीईओ पक्राउ पर्ने कस्तो व्यवस्था ? (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The CEO of Nepal's largest bank has been arrested while attempting to safeguard depositors' funds. This incident raises questions about the regulatory framework and accountability mechanisms in place for banking institutions in the country.
3. प्रधानमन्त्रीको हठका कारण दुई तिहाइको सरकार ढल्ने परिस्थिति नआओस् : ठाकुर गैरे (www.ratopati.com)
Thakur Gaire, a leader of the CPN-UML, warned that the Prime Minister's stubbornness and behavior could lead to a government crisis, potentially causing the ruling coalition partner, the National Independent Party, to split and jeopardizing the two-thirds majority government. He criticized the Prime Minister for being unaccountable to Parliament and the public, refusing to attend parliamentary sessions, and avoiding direct communication with citizens, suggesting that such actions could lead to significant political instability.
4. Nepal Promotes Tourism in Guangzhou Through Cultural and Business Event (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Consulate General of Nepal in Guangzhou hosted a Tourism Promotion Program to enhance tourism ties with China, featuring cultural performances and presentations on Nepal's tourism potential. Bharat Khanal emphasized the cultural relations between the two countries, while Bimal Sharma Kandel highlighted adventure tourism and sustainable travel initiatives. The event included B2B meetings and concluded with a networking dinner to foster cooperation in tourism.
5. प्रधानमन्त्रीको खोजीमा खर्च भइरहेको छ संसद्को ऊर्जा (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The search for the Prime Minister is consuming significant energy in Parliament, with discussions and debates ongoing. This situation reflects the political dynamics and challenges currently faced by the government.
6. “WHO is ready to cooperate with Nepal and extend support” (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta met with WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where they discussed cooperation and support for Nepal. Mehta also held separate meetings with health ministers from China and India as part of her three-member delegation. The assembly is taking place from May 18-13, 2026.
7. हर्क साम्पाङले मागे प्रधानमन्त्रीको राजीनामा (arthasarokar.com)
Hark Sampang, the chairman of the Labor Culture Party, has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, stating that the Prime Minister is not accountable to Parliament. During a session of the House of Representatives, Sampang criticized Shah for failing to respond to questions regarding defense, home affairs, and border security, arguing that his resignation would be appropriate if he cannot fulfill his duties.
8. संसदमा विपक्षीको चर्को नाराबाजी, पेलेरै अघि बढे सभामुख (तस्विरहरू) (arthasarokar.com)
Opposition parties protested in the House of Representatives, demanding the presence of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Despite the uproar, Speaker Devraj Ghimire continued with the session.
9. संविधान संशोधनबारे कुन दलका नेताले कस्तो सुझाव दिए ? (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Leaders from various political parties in Nepal have provided suggestions regarding constitutional amendments. Specific proposals and viewpoints from these leaders reflect differing priorities and approaches to the amendment process.
10. Cabinet reshuffled in Madhes Province (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The Council of Ministers in Madhes Province was reshuffled, with Province Chief Surendra Labh Karn acting on the recommendation of Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav. Yadav will oversee multiple ministries, including Finance and Education, while other ministers were appointed to various portfolios, including Jangi Lal Yadav as Minister for Health and Jawaharlal Kushwaha as Minister for Energy. The new ministers took their oaths of office on Thursday.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 154.23 |
| CAD → NPR | 112.05 |
| AUD → NPR | 110.05 |
| GBP → NPR | 207.25 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.7 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4525.11 | NPR 261,715.11 |
| Silver | $76.55 | NPR 4,427.36 |
Metal Prices (Nepal)
| Metal | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|
| Fine Gold (9999) | NPR 293,700.00 |
| Silver | NPR 5,115.00 |
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.
