Top3 min readRevenue Collection Shows Modest Growth but Falls Short of Target as Government Spending Remains WeakRevenue Collection Shows Modest Growth but Falls Short of Target as Government Spending Remains Weak Kathmandu — Nepal’s revenue collection has shown a modest increase during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, but the government is still struggling to meet its ambitious targets. According to the Ministry of Finance, the government collected Rs 747.28 billion in revenue by the end of Falgun, representing about 82 percent of the target set for the period. Official data released by the ministry shows that revenue collection during the review period of fiscal year 2025/26 (2082/83) reached Rs 747.28 billion, slightly higher than the Rs 720.24 billion collected during the same period last fiscal year. The increase represents a 3.75 percent year-on-year growth, indicating gradual improvement in revenue performance despite persistent economic challenges.Dipesh Ghimire·16 Mar, 2026
Top4 min readStudy Finds Nepal’s Gen-Z Protests Rooted in Structural Issues of Governance, Employment and InequalityStudy Finds Nepal’s Gen-Z Protests Rooted in Structural Issues of Governance, Employment and Inequality Kathmandu — A recent study prepared by the Ministry of Finance has concluded that the Gen-Z movement that took place in Nepal last Bhadra was not merely a temporary outburst of frustration but a deeper structural response to long-standing issues such as corruption, weak governance, limited employment opportunities, inequality and social injustice. The report, titled “Understanding the Gen-Z Movement: Root Causes, Realities and a Roadmap for a Stronger Nepal,” highlights a complex mix of social, economic and administrative factors that contributed to the youth-led protests.Dipesh Ghimire·16 Mar, 2026
Top3 min readRising Gulf Tensions Threaten Global Energy Supply as Trump Urges Naval Escorts for Oil TankersRising Gulf Tensions Threaten Global Energy Supply as Trump Urges Naval Escorts for Oil Tankers Global concerns over energy security have intensified after escalating military tensions in the Persian Gulf disrupted one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on major global powers to assist in safeguarding oil tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The appeal comes as Iran warned additional countries against joining what it described as a growing U.S.–Israel military campaign.Dipesh Ghimire·16 Mar, 2026
Top2 min readElectricity Regulatory Commission Rejects Industrial Claims in Dedicated and Trunk Line Tariff DisputeElectricity Regulatory Commission Rejects Industrial Claims in Dedicated and Trunk Line Tariff Dispute Kathmandu — The Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has rejected the claims made by industrial firms in relation to the long-standing dispute over dedicated feeder and trunk line electricity tariffs. In a hearing held on Sunday, the commission ruled that the claims submitted by Panchakanya Plastic and Panchakanya Steel did not meet the required legal and regulatory grounds.Dipesh Ghimire·16 Mar, 2026
Top5 min readGovernment Spending Falls Behind Schedule as Development Expenditure Stays Below 20 PercentGovernment Spending Falls Behind Schedule as Development Expenditure Stays Below 20 Percent Nepal’s public spending performance during the first eight months of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (FY 2082/83) has raised serious concerns about fiscal management and development implementation. Despite the passage of two-thirds of the fiscal year, the government has spent less than half of the allocated budget, while development expenditure remains particularly weak. At the same time, the country’s budget deficit has crossed Rs 161 billion, reflecting an imbalance between government income and expenditure.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Mar, 2026
Top3 min readCommercial Banks Lower Deposit Interest Rates as Liquidity ImprovesCommercial Banks Lower Deposit Interest Rates as Liquidity Improves Commercial banks in Nepal have reduced the interest rates on fixed deposits for the month of Chaitra, reflecting improved liquidity conditions in the banking system and declining competition for deposits. According to the latest interest rate notices published by banks, the maximum interest rate offered on individual fixed deposits has generally fallen below 5 percent, indicating a continued downward trend in deposit rates across the sector.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Mar, 2026
Top3 min readSix Months of an Economist as Finance Minister: Progress, Limits, and the Reality of ReformSix Months of an Economist as Finance Minister: Progress, Limits, and the Reality of Reform Nepal witnessed a rare moment when an economist led the Ministry of Finance for about six months, a period that provided insight into what can realistically be achieved in a short tenure. Former finance minister Rameshwor Khanal reflected on his time in office, explaining that while fundamental reforms in the economy require years of sustained policy work, a limited term can still lay the groundwork for long-term change. According to Khanal, a six-month period is not sufficient to complete structural reforms or implement large-scale economic transformations. However, such a timeframe can be used effectively to initiate policy discussions, identify areas requiring reform, and begin administrative improvements. He emphasized that building consensus on major economic policies—especially those involving legal amendments and stakeholder consultations—takes significant time and coordination. Similarly, matters involving international partnerships and foreign investment negotiations cannot be concluded quickly.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Mar, 2026
Top3 min readRace Begins for Deputy Governor Posts at Nepal Rastra Bank After Term ExpiryRace Begins for Deputy Governor Posts at Nepal Rastra Bank After Term Expiry A new round of competition has begun within Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) as the terms of its two Deputy Governors have officially expired, prompting preparations for fresh appointments. The positions became vacant after the tenure of Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina and Bam Bahadur Mishra, who were appointed in March 2021, ended on March 8, 2026. With these influential roles now open, the upcoming appointments have drawn significant attention from the banking sector and policymakers alike.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Mar, 2026
Top2 min readNepal Rastra Bank Reviewing Blacklisting Rules, Governor Paudel Signals Balanced Approach to Business RegulationNepal Rastra Bank Reviewing Blacklisting Rules, Governor Paudel Signals Balanced Approach to Business Regulation Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwanath Paudel has said the central bank is reviewing existing provisions related to blacklisting individuals involved in financial transactions, particularly cases involving bounced cheques and loan defaults. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu, Paudel stated that the central bank is carefully studying the current system to determine whether the process of placing individuals on a financial blacklist needs reform.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Mar, 2026
Top3 min readChina Tightens Refined Oil Exports as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Energy MarketsChina Tightens Refined Oil Exports as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Energy Markets As tensions escalate in the Middle East and global energy markets face growing uncertainty, China has begun tightening controls on the export of refined petroleum products in an effort to safeguard its domestic energy security. Reports from international media indicate that Chinese authorities have started restricting overseas shipments of refined fuels such as petrol, diesel, and jet fuel, signaling Beijing’s cautious approach amid rising geopolitical risks.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Mar, 2026