Nepal’s daily developments centered on governance and tax policy shifts, accountability actions, trade and export efforts, and weather- and safety-related impacts.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the government will drop a 3 percent tax on education and health after public protests, with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle previously proposing the levy in the fiscal year 2026/27 budget. The decision followed concerns about higher costs for citizens and drew attention to the administration’s focus on governance and affordability in essential services. Prime Minister Shah drops 3 percent tax on education and health and Government effort to remove Nepal from FATF 'Grey List' explained by Finance Minister Wagle.
The government also moved to regulate illegal gambling by shutting down two hundred thousand online betting apps. The crackdown forms part of broader efforts to control and curb illegal gambling activities. Two hundred thousand 'online' betting apps closed.
Courts & Accountability
Businessman Shankar Lal Agarwal was ordered to be remanded in custody amid ongoing investigations into his activities. The remand order reflects continued state scrutiny in a separate accountability case. Order to send businessman Shankar Lal Agarwal to detention
In external accountability and diplomatic pressure, the Nepali Congress drew attention to a Nepali farmer detained in an Indian jail for alleged fertilizer smuggling while going to collect fertilizer. The party urged the government to take action to secure the farmer’s release. Congress draws attention to release of Nepali farmers detained in Indian jails.
Meanwhile, political actors traded accusations over recent protests and their implications for democracy, with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli describing the September 8-9 events as the most destructive in Nepal’s history. The ongoing political context continues to shape governance debates and party reconciliation efforts. Nepal Political Briefing | July 23
Economy & Business
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the government is working to remove Nepal from FATF’s 'Grey List', linking progress to transparent and accountable tax administration and measures to tackle money laundering. He also highlighted efforts to improve tax administration efficiency, encourage voluntary tax compliance, and strengthen the economy through a four-year budget plan. Government effortful to remove Nepal from FATF 'Grey List': FinMin Wagle
Trade performance also featured prominently, with Nepal’s foreign trade exceeding NPR 2.4 trillion and exports surpassing NPR 300 billion. Separate reporting noted significant growth in electricity export revenue to India and Bangladesh during the last fiscal year. Nepal’s foreign trade exceeds NPR 2.4 trillion, exports exceed NPR 300 billion and Nepal Political Briefing | July 23
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to discuss export promotion with representatives from major export industries, including plywood, carpet, and pashmina businesses, focusing on policy reforms and export promotion solutions. Prime Minister Shah discusses export promotion with businessmen
Society & Community
Heavy rains and landslides affected multiple routes, with authorities reporting that nine highways were completely blocked and damage assessments were underway. Conditions remained hazardous as teams worked to restore access. Rains and landslides affect a dozen roads, nine highways completely blocked
A separate landslide in Ramche in Hupsekot put 42 households at high risk, prompting local authorities to assess the situation and plan potential safety measures. Ramche landslide puts 42 households in Hupsekot at high risk
Date: July 24, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Shrawan 08, 2083
Top News
1. Government is effortful to remove Nepal from FATF's 'Grey List': FinMin Wagle (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced efforts to remove Nepal from the FATF 'Grey List', emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable tax administration to combat money laundering. He encouraged voluntary tax compliance and urged tax officers to identify any resource shortages affecting efficiency. Additionally, he outlined plans for a four-year budget aimed at strengthening the economy and enhancing taxpayer awareness and digitalization of transactions.
2. मल लिन जाँदा भारतीय जेलमा थुनिएका नेपाली किसानलाई रिहा गर्न कांग्रेसको ध्यानाकर्षण (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Nepali Congress has drawn attention to the case of a Nepali farmer imprisoned in an Indian jail for allegedly smuggling fertilizer. They are urging the government to take action for his release.
3. Rains and landslides affect a dozen roads, nine highways completely blocked (risingnepaldaily.com)
Heavy rains and landslides have impacted a dozen roads in Nepal, with nine highways completely blocked. Authorities are working to assess the damage and restore access as conditions remain hazardous.
4. Under pressure, government drops 3 percent tax on education and health (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the decision to drop the 3 percent tax on education and health sectors, following public protests and concerns about increased costs for citizens. The tax, initially proposed in the fiscal year 2026/27 budget by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, aimed to generate revenue for improving public services but faced significant backlash from private sector operators. The government will now focus on ensuring good governance and maintaining affordable access to essential services.
5. नेपालको वैदेशिक व्यापार २४ खर्ब नाघ्यो, निर्यात ३ खर्बमाथि (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Nepal's foreign trade has surpassed NPR 2.4 trillion, with exports exceeding NPR 300 billion. This marks a significant milestone in the country's trade performance.
6. प्रधानमन्त्री शाह निर्यात प्रवर्द्धनबारे व्यवसायीसँग छलफल गर्दै (nepalnews.com)
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will hold discussions with representatives from major export industries today at 11:30 AM at the Prime Minister's Office. Participants include leaders from the plywood, carpet, and pashmina sectors, who will address challenges in export promotion, policy reforms, and potential solutions.
7. Ramche landslide puts 42 households in Hupsekot at high risk (risingnepaldaily.com)
A landslide in Ramche has put 42 households in Hupsekot at significant risk. Local authorities are assessing the situation and potential measures to ensure the safety of residents.
8. Two hundred thousand 'online' betting 'apps' closed (risingnepaldaily.com)
Two hundred thousand online betting apps have been shut down. This action is part of a broader effort to regulate and control illegal gambling activities.
9. व्यवसायी शंकरलाल अग्रवाललाई थुनामा पठाउन आदेश (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Businessman Shankar Lal Agarwal has been ordered to be remanded in custody. The decision comes amid ongoing investigations into his activities.
10. Nepal Political Briefing | July 23 (theannapurnaexpress.com)
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli criticized the September 8-9 protests as the most destructive event in Nepal's history, claiming they targeted his legitimate government through illegal activities and highlighted a crisis in democracy. Meanwhile, talks for unification among left parties are ongoing, but the Nepali Congress faces internal strife, with factions led by Gagan Kumar Thapa and Purna Bahadur Khadka complicating reconciliation efforts. In economic news, Nepal generated NPR 29 billion from electricity exports to India and Bangladesh in the last fiscal year, marking a 67.96% increase from the previous year.
Forex
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Metal Prices (International)
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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.
