Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government faces rising political friction alongside parallel developments in policing, accountability demands, and public services.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said he feels lonely in governance amid non-cooperation from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The remarks followed growing parliamentary scrutiny over shortages of cooking gas and other governance issues, while Shah cited ongoing reforms in state-owned enterprises.
Courts & Accountability
Youth groups including the Gen-Z Movement Alliance and the Red Chapter demanded an independent probe into security-force killings in Sunsari and Siraha and called for strict legal action. They also urged the government to uphold constitutional religious tolerance, and requested compensation and reforms to security agencies.
Economy & Business
The government introduced subsidized electricity tariffs for irrigation and drinking water, while noting consumers still pay a 13% VAT. Separately, reports highlighted promising early results from reforms in struggling national industries, including Nepal Airlines and Nepal Pharmaceuticals Limited. In another development, Chandra Bahadur Thapa was released from an Indian jail after 38 days and returned to Nepal following his arrest over fertilizer-related travel.
Society & Community
DIG Kafle said Nepal Police is committed to citizen-focused policing aimed at improving community trust and addressing public safety concerns. In the same reporting cycle, the Madhes Province government announced it would construct a house for the family of Yadav, as an assistance measure for those in need. Separately, Ravi Bopara will continue with Chitwan Rhinos for a third consecutive season.
Date: August 08, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Shrawan 23, 2083
Top News
1. Nepal PM expresses loneliness amid growing friction with RSP (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed feelings of loneliness in governance due to non-cooperation from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), hinting at internal political struggles in a recent Facebook post. Amid rising concerns in Parliament regarding governance and a shortage of LP gas, Shah emphasized ongoing reforms in state-owned enterprises while acknowledging the disconnect with RSP lawmakers.
2. Nepal Police committed to citizen-focused policing: DIG Kafle (risingnepaldaily.com)
DIG Kafle emphasized Nepal Police's dedication to citizen-focused policing, highlighting efforts to enhance community engagement and trust. The initiative aims to improve public safety and address citizens' concerns effectively.
3. सुनसरी र सिरहा घटना : जेनजीहरूले उठाए राज्यको भूमिकामाथि प्रश्न (www.ratopati.com)
Various youth organizations, including the Gen-Z Movement Alliance and the Red Chapter, expressed condolences for the citizens killed by security forces in Sunsari and Siraha. They demanded an independent investigation into the use of force and called for strict legal action against those responsible, while urging the government to uphold religious tolerance and social harmony as per the Constitution. Additionally, they requested reforms in security agencies and compensation for victims of communal violence.
4. मल किन्न जाँदा भारतको जेल परेका नेपाली किसान ३८ दिनपछि थुनामुक्त (www.onlinekhabar.com)
A Nepali farmer, Chandra Bahadur Thapa, who was imprisoned in India for 38 days while attempting to purchase fertilizer, has been released from jail. Thapa faced legal issues related to his arrest in India, but has now returned to Nepal.
5. Madhes Province government to construct house for Yadav's family (risingnepaldaily.com)
The Madhes Province government has announced plans to construct a house for the family of Yadav. This initiative aims to provide support and assistance to the family in need.
6. सिँचाइ र खानेपानी : विद्युत् महसुलमा सहुलियत दर, तर १३ प्रतिशत भ्याटको भार (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The government has introduced a subsidized rate for electricity tariffs related to irrigation and drinking water, but consumers will still bear the burden of a 13% value-added tax (VAT). This decision aims to alleviate costs for essential services while maintaining tax revenue.
7. रवि बोपाराले लगातार तेस्रो सिजन चितवन राइनोजबाट खेल्ने (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Ravi Bopara will play for Chitwan Rhinos for the third consecutive season. This decision reinforces his ongoing commitment to the team in the upcoming season.
8. Nepal Political Briefing (August 7) (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Lawmakers from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) are increasingly criticizing Prime Minister Balendra Shah's government, highlighting issues such as shortages of cooking gas and fertilizer. RSP lawmaker Manish Jha has called for improved governance, while protests are expected from teachers, manpower agencies, and victims of fraud. Meanwhile, the number of Rohingya refugees entering Nepal has risen to 526, raising concerns about border management, and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba may face arrest related to a money laundering case upon his return to Nepal.
9. रुग्ण राष्ट्रिय उद्योगमा सुधारका आशालाग्दा परिणाम (nepalnews.com)
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reported positive signs of improvement in national industries and institutions that have been struggling for years. The government is prioritizing facilitation, motivation, and coordination to revitalize these sectors, with notable progress seen in Nepal Pharmaceuticals Limited, Hetauda Textile Industry, Nepal Airlines, Dairy Development Corporation, and Singhadurbar Ayurvedic Hospital. Recent achievements include increased sales, improved operational efficiency, and plans for future production, suggesting a potential turnaround for these long-troubled industries.
10. फ्लिन्टफले छाडे इंग्ल्याण्ड लायन्सको मुख्य प्रशिक्षक पद (www.ratopati.com)
Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions after accepting a coaching position with Sydney Thunder in Australia. Following his departure, Mike Yardy has been appointed as interim head coach for the upcoming four-day practice match against Pakistan, starting August 12 in Beckenham. Flintoff expressed gratitude to England cricket's managing director Rob Key for the opportunity to work with young players.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 152.64 |
| CAD → NPR | 108.88 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.46 |
| GBP → NPR | 205.16 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.64 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4341.65 | NPR 248,515.78 |
| Silver | $63.58 | NPR 3,639.32 |
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.
