Top2 min readMajor Crackdown in Insurance Sector: Money Laundering Probe Targets Founder Investments in Eight CompaniesMajor Crackdown in Insurance Sector: Money Laundering Probe Targets Founder Investments in Eight Companies Nepal’s insurance sector has been thrust into the spotlight after the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI) launched a sweeping probe into founder investments across eight insurance companies, including Himalayan Reinsurance, which is reportedly linked to controversial businessman Deepak Bhatt. The move has triggered widespread attention in the financial market, with regulators signaling a firm stance against potential irregularities in capital formation.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Apr, 2026
Top3 min readBudget Preparations Intensify Amid War Risks, Inflation Pressure, and Structural Economic ChallengesBudget Preparations Intensify Amid War Risks, Inflation Pressure, and Structural Economic Challenges Nepal’s Ministry of Finance has entered a critical phase of budget preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, with senior leadership including the finance minister and top bureaucrats actively shaping policy priorities. As the constitutional deadline of mid-June (Jestha 15) approaches, the government has stepped up consultations with private sector representatives, economists, and other stakeholders in an effort to craft a responsive and realistic fiscal plan.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Apr, 2026
Top4 min readNEPSE Under Sustained Pressure as Three-Day Decline Signals Weak Sentiment; Key Support Holds Amid Uncertain OutlookNEPSE Under Sustained Pressure as Three-Day Decline Signals Weak Sentiment; Key Support Holds Amid Uncertain Outlook Nepal’s stock market extended its losing streak for the third consecutive trading session, reflecting continued selling pressure and weakening investor confidence. Over the past three trading days, the NEPSE index has dropped by nearly 58 points, indicating that the market has struggled to find upward momentum. The persistent decline suggests that investors remain cautious, with sentiment tilted toward risk aversion rather than fresh accumulation.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Apr, 2026
NEPSE2 min readReform Proposals Put Forward to Restore Trust in Nepal’s Capital MarketReform Proposals Put Forward to Restore Trust in Nepal’s Capital Market A comprehensive set of reform suggestions has been formally submitted to Securities Board of Nepal, calling for structural, regulatory, and technological changes to strengthen Nepal’s capital market. The recommendations come at a time when investor sentiment appears fragile, trading activity has shown inconsistency, and concerns over transparency and governance have intensified.Dipesh Ghimire·30 Apr, 2026
Top3 min readForeign Aid Structure Shifts in Nepal as Grants Decline and Debt Dependence RisesForeign Aid Structure Shifts in Nepal as Grants Decline and Debt Dependence Rises Nepal’s foreign aid landscape is undergoing a significant structural shift, with grants steadily declining and concessional loans taking a dominant role. According to the latest Current Macroeconomic and Financial Situation report published by the Ministry of Finance, the share of foreign aid in the national budget has fallen markedly over the past decade. While foreign assistance accounted for an average of 21.5 percent of the total budget in the last ten years, it has now dropped to just 14.6 percent in the current fiscal year 2082/83, indicating a gradual reduction in external grant support.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Apr, 2026
Top3 min readUneven Growth Pattern Emerges in Nepal’s Economy as Energy Surges and Agriculture SlowsUneven Growth Pattern Emerges in Nepal’s Economy as Energy Surges and Agriculture Slows Nepal’s economy is projected to witness an uneven sectoral growth pattern in the current fiscal year 2082/83, according to preliminary national accounts estimates. While certain sectors—particularly energy and financial services—are showing strong momentum, the sluggish performance of agriculture and public services is expected to constrain overall economic expansion. The data points to a structural imbalance where high-growth sectors are not fully aligned with those that carry the largest share of the economy.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Apr, 2026
Top3 min readUAE’s Exit from OPEC Signals Strategic Shift, Raises Questions Over Future of Global Oil AlliancesUAE’s Exit from OPEC Signals Strategic Shift, Raises Questions Over Future of Global Oil Alliances The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), marking a significant turning point in global energy politics. The move, set to take effect from May 1, reflects a recalibration of the country’s long-term economic and strategic priorities, and is expected to have far-reaching implications for both regional power dynamics and the global oil market.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Apr, 2026
Top3 min readPower Push with Deadlines: Nepal Unveils Time-Bound Transmission Plan to Drive Energy Export and Domestic ConsumptionPower Push with Deadlines: Nepal Unveils Time-Bound Transmission Plan to Drive Energy Export and Domestic Consumption The government has introduced a comprehensive, time-bound roadmap to fast-track the construction of high-capacity transmission lines, aiming to channel Nepal’s growing electricity output efficiently to major load centers and expand cross-border energy trade. The plan, outlined in the “Electricity Consumption Growth and Energy Export Strategy, 2082,” signals a shift toward execution-focused policy, where deadlines and accountability take center stage in a sector historically slowed by delays.Dipesh Ghimire·29 Apr, 2026
NEPSE3 min readMachhapuchchhre Bank Delivers Strong Profit Growth in Q3, But Core Income Momentum Remains ModerateMachhapuchchhre Bank Delivers Strong Profit Growth in Q3, But Core Income Momentum Remains Moderate Kathmandu. Machhapuchchhre Bank Limited (MBL) has posted a notable improvement in its financial performance for the third quarter of the current fiscal year, with profit growth accelerating sharply on the back of lower impairment charges and improved operational efficiency. However, a deeper reading of the bank’s financials suggests that the growth is still largely supported by cost-side adjustments rather than strong expansion in core banking income.Dipesh Ghimire·28 Apr, 2026
Top2 min readIran’s Conditional Hormuz Offer Raises Hopes—But Deepens Strategic StalemateIran’s Conditional Hormuz Offer Raises Hopes—But Deepens Strategic Stalemate Kathmandu — A cautious diplomatic opening has emerged around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, as Iran signaled it is willing to ease its control over the waterway. However, the offer comes with a firm condition: the United States must lift its blockade on Iranian ports. While the move suggests a willingness to reduce tensions, it has simultaneously complicated an already fragile geopolitical situation.Dipesh Ghimire·27 Apr, 2026