Today’s news highlights mounting fiscal pressures, heightened political tensions on the ground, and continuing demands for accountability amid unrest and governance disputes.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the government is working to protect citizens’ lives and maintain social harmony, urging calm and noting that state mechanisms are on high alert ahead of investigations. He met MPs from the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Singha Durbar, while the MPs agreed to visit constituencies to improve dialogue with citizens. PM Shah
Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was seen wearing a black band during a national address, with interpretations framing it as a protest over government inaction. Separately, reporting said the Balen administration is distancing itself from the people’s grievances while claiming steps to respond and improve governance. Black band seen on Balen’s hand Balen government distancing itself from people’s concerns
In Janakpur, political parties are scheduled to organize a goodwill rally aimed at promoting unity and collaboration across factions. Parties to organise goodwill rally in Janakpur today
Courts & Accountability
A grieving father whose teenage son was shot during protests in Siraha has demanded justice and accountability, saying he wants the shooter identified and prosecuted rather than compensation. The death of 15-year-old Ganesh Yadav has intensified local calls for an impartial investigation and legal action. Grieving father of teen killed in Siraha protest demands justice
The Central Investigation Bureau arrested former Nepal Telecommunications Authority chair Bhupendra Bhandari in connection with the Smart Cell scam. The arrest was carried out in Lalitpur after his appointment by former Minister Rekha Sharma. Former NTA Chair Bhandari nabbed in Smart Cell scam case
Economy & Business
The government took on about 4.5 trillion rupees of public debt in one year, with total liabilities reported at nearly 3.5 trillion rupees, raising questions about fiscal sustainability. The figures point to a rapid build-up of obligations within a short period, intensifying scrutiny of economic management. Government took on 4.5 trillion rupees of public debt in one year
Society & Community
Tensions in Dewanganj, Sunsari escalated after a flag dispute, leading local authorities to deploy security personnel and keep a curfew in place. Residents have demanded Home Minister Sudan Gurung’s presence, while an all-party meeting produced a five-point commitment to restore calm including restraint and a ban on gatherings until the situation stabilizes. In Dewanganj’s tense hours, the Home Minister stays away
In Madhes, Madhesi leaders alleged the incident was well planned and accused Prime Minister Balendra Shah of orchestration, citing factors including police absence and power outages. The prime minister denied any conspiracy and said police would receive riot-control training, while explaining his engagement with Madhes after initially avoiding actions that could worsen tensions. Madhesi leaders allege Madhesh incident was well planned; PM denies conspiracy
Actress Rekha Thapa announced her return to directing with the film “Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola,” described as a love triangle set for release on September 12. She said the lead song—showing a young man’s romantic involvement with three women—was unveiled in Kathmandu, with the cast including Madan Krishna Shrestha and figures from the film’s production lineup. Rekha Thapa on triangular love story in “Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola”
Date: August 01, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Shrawan 16, 2083
Top News
1. सरकारले एक वर्षमा लियो साढे ४ खर्ब सार्वजनिक ऋण, कुल दायित्व पौने ३० खर्ब (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The government has accumulated a public debt of 4.5 trillion Nepali Rupees within a year, bringing the total liabilities to nearly 3 trillion Rupees. This significant increase in debt raises concerns about fiscal sustainability and economic management.
2. मधेस घटना सुनियोजित भएको मधेसी नेताहरूको आरोप, प्रधानमन्त्रीद्वारा षड्यन्त्रको खण्डन (www.ratopati.com)
Madhesi leaders have accused Prime Minister Balendra Shah of orchestrating recent events in Madhes, citing police absence, power outages, and the movement of Rohingya refugees as evidence of a conspiracy. In response, Prime Minister Shah denied any plot, asserting that the police would receive riot control training and emphasizing his commitment to federalism. He clarified that the Home Minister initially stayed away from Madhes to avoid escalating tensions but later visited upon his request.
3. ‘माया भनेकै यस्तो होला’मा त्रिकोणात्मक प्रेमकथा पस्किएकी छु - रेखा थापा (www.ratopati.com)
Actress Rekha Thapa announced her return to directing with the film "Maya Bhanekai Yasto Hola," which features a love triangle and is set to release on September 12. The film's lead song, showcasing a young man's romantic involvement with three women, was unveiled at an event in Kathmandu, highlighting the film's engaging narrative. The cast includes notable figures such as Madan Krishna Shrestha and former Miss Nepals, with the film produced under the banner of Diya and Amu Films.
4. राष्ट्रका नाममा सम्बोधन गर्दा बालेनको हातमा देखिएको कालो ब्यान्ड के हो ? (www.onlinekhabar.com)
During a national address, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was seen wearing a black band on his arm. This gesture is interpreted as a sign of protest against the government's failure to address various issues affecting the citizens.
5. Government effortful for safety of citizens' lives and social harmony: PM Shah (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and social harmony during a meeting with MPs from the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Singha Durbar. He urged citizens to remain calm and assured that state mechanisms are on high alert, focusing on reaching affected individuals and conducting fair investigations. MPs agreed to visit their constituencies to foster communication between the government and citizens, while also advocating for ongoing dialogues to maintain peace and unity in the region.
6. Grieving father of teen killed in Siraha protest demands justice (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Fifteen-year-old Ganesh Yadav was shot and killed by police during protests in Golbazar, Siraha, related to a previous incident in Sunsari. His father, Rambriksh Yadav, is demanding justice and accountability for his son's death, stating that he does not seek financial compensation but wants the shooter identified and prosecuted. The local community is mourning Ganesh's death and is calling for an impartial investigation and legal action against those responsible.
7. Former NTA Chair Bhandari nabbed in Smart Cell scam case (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Bhupendra Bhandari, former chairman of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau in connection with the Smart Cell scam. Bhandari was apprehended in Lalitpur, following his appointment by former Minister Rekha Sharma.
8. In Dewanganj’s tense hours, the Home Minister stays away (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Tensions in Dewanganj, Sunsari, have escalated following a flag dispute, prompting local authorities to deploy security personnel. Locals are demanding the presence of Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who has not visited the area despite ongoing unrest, while his chief personal secretary has been sent to engage with the community. An all-party meeting has reached a five-point commitment to restore calm, including calls for restraint and a ban on gatherings, as a curfew remains in effect until Thursday morning.
9. Parties to organise goodwill rally in Janakpur today (risingnepaldaily.com)
Political parties are set to hold a goodwill rally in Janakpur today. The event aims to promote unity and collaboration among various factions.
10. जनताका पीरमर्काबाट टाढिंदै बालेन सरकार (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Balen government is distancing itself from the people's grievances. The administration is taking steps to address public concerns and improve governance.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 152.92 |
| CAD → NPR | 109.11 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.58 |
| GBP → NPR | 205.69 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.56 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4047.26 | NPR 232,089.88 |
| Silver | $57.71 | NPR 3,309.38 |
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.
