News Digest - May 30, 2026

Politics & Governance

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle presented a budget totaling Rs 2.12 trillion for FY 2083/84, including allocations for provincial and local governments through equalization grants. The budget also outlined measures such as steps toward a sovereign wealth fund and support linked to foreign currency reserves (https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/64692) while detailing restructuring work for the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) (https://theannapurnaexpress.com/story/64689). The announcements were accompanied by discussion of additional governance reforms tied to state funding and accountability for political parties (https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2026/05/1942679/governance-reform-how-do-political-parties-get-government-grants).

Courts & Accountability

Guidance being introduced to govern how political parties receive state funding is aimed at improving transparency and accountability (https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2026/05/1942679/governance-reform-how-do-political-parties-get-government-grants). The government plans to base grant discussions on votes from the last general election and to conduct audits through the Office of the Auditor General (https://arthasarokar.com/2026/05/govt-plans-to-give-grants-to-political-parties.html). In parallel, the Directorate of Immigration process is set to continue for individuals arrested for violating immigration laws, after police forwarded the case for further legal action (https://www.ratopati.com/story/566730/chinese-national-arrested-for-selling-jackets-on-tourist-visa).

Economy & Business

The government announced that it will proceed with restructuring the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) as part of broader budget priorities during FY 2083/84. In addition, changes were announced to capital gains tax on share trading and real estate transactions, affecting investor and property returns. For startups, the budget includes a plan for grants alongside concessional loans, with an emphasis on scaling through follow-on support and incentives for co-investment by non-resident Nepalis (https://arthasarokar.com/2026/05/the-government-will-provide-subsidized-loans-to-start-up-entrepreneurs.html).

Society & Community

The government announced free cancer treatment for children at government hospitals, following the budget presentation for FY 2083/84. A separate initiative encourages financially capable citizens to voluntarily forgo parts of social security, with savings intended to support those in genuine need through a more sustainable social security fund (https://arthasarokar.com/2026/05/now-the-government-will-respect-those-who-cannot-take-old-age-allowance.html). Meanwhile, police action in Nawalparasi against jacket selling without permits shows enforcement activity related to immigration and documentation rules (https://www.ratopati.com/story/566730/chinese-national-arrested-for-selling-jackets-on-tourist-visa).

Date: May 30, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Jestha 16, 2083

Top News

1. Government announces free cancer treatment for children at government hospitals (theannapurnaexpress.com)

The government of Nepal has announced free cancer treatment for children at government hospitals, as stated by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle during the budget presentation for the fiscal year 2083/84. The budget totals Rs 2.12 trillion, with plans to promote wellness tourism and establish a sovereign wealth fund utilizing foreign currency reserves.

2. शासकीय सुधार : राजनीतिक दललाई कसरी मिल्छ सरकारी अनुदान ? (www.onlinekhabar.com)

The government is reforming the process for political parties to receive state funding in Nepal. New guidelines are being established to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of these funds.

3. राजनीतिक दलहरूलाई अनुदान दिने सरकारको योजना (arthasarokar.com)

The Nepalese government plans to provide grants to political parties to enhance transparency and accountability within the political system. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Waglé announced that a comprehensive political debate will be held regarding the allocation of grants based on votes received in the last general election, with audits to be conducted by the Office of the Auditor General.

4. स्टार्टअप उद्यमीलाई सरकारले सहुलियत ऋणसँगै अनुदान दिने ! (arthasarokar.com)

The government has announced that it will provide grants along with loans to startups. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle stated this during the budget presentation for the upcoming fiscal year, indicating that initial grants will be followed by concessional loans and capital investment for expansion. Additionally, the budget aims to encourage co-investment from non-resident Nepalis.

5. Government to proceed with restructuring of Nepal Stock Exchange (theannapurnaexpress.com)

The government will proceed with the restructuring of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), as announced by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle during the budget presentation for the fiscal year 2083/84. The budget totals Rs 2.12 trillion, which includes a 21 percent salary increase for civil servants and plans for a sovereign wealth fund utilizing foreign currency reserves.

6. अव वृद्धभत्ता लिन्न भन्न पाइने, नलिनेलाई सरकारले सम्मान गर्ने ! (arthasarokar.com)

The government has announced a voluntary campaign encouraging financially capable citizens to forgo social security allowances, stating "those who can, should give up; those who cannot, should take." Finance Minister Wagle indicated that the savings from this initiative will be redirected to support those in genuine need, aiming for sustainable management of the social security fund. Additionally, the government will provide assistance to those who choose not to receive the elderly allowance and other social security benefits.

7. Government unveils budget of Rs 2.12 trillion  for FY 2083/84 (theannapurnaexpress.com)

The government has announced a budget of Rs 2.12 trillion for the fiscal year 2083/84 (2026/27), with Rs 1.27 trillion allocated for current expenditure and Rs 431.1 billion for capital expenditure. The budget reflects a 25% increase from the previous fiscal year's revised estimate, with a projected deficit of Rs 657.29 billion, to be funded through foreign and internal loans. Additionally, Rs 61.5 billion will be allocated to provincial governments and Rs 90.2 billion to local levels as equalization grants.

8. पर्यटक भिसामा आएर ज्याकेट बेचबिखन गर्ने चिनियाँ नागरिक पक्राउ (www.ratopati.com)

Two Chinese nationals, 58-year-old Qian Jinchuan and 60-year-old Yi Li Hua, were arrested in Nawalparasi for illegally selling jackets without proper permits or invoices while on tourist visas. The police confiscated 43 jackets that lacked official documentation, and the suspects have been referred to the Department of Immigration for further investigation and legal action for violating immigration laws.

9. राजनीतिक हैसियत अनुसार ‘डिपार्चर’ भुलेको बजेट (www.onlinekhabar.com)

The budget has been criticized for favoring political status, with significant allocations appearing to be influenced by political affiliations rather than equitable distribution. This has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the budgeting process.

10. Capital gains tax on share trading and real estate transactions increases (risingnepaldaily.com)

The capital gains tax on share trading and real estate transactions has been increased. This change affects investors and property owners, impacting their financial returns from these activities.

Forex

Metal Prices (International)

Metal Prices (Nepal)

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.