Top4 min readNepal Moves to Formally Prosecute Insurance Crimes Under New Legal FrameworkNepal Moves to Formally Prosecute Insurance Crimes Under New Legal Framework The government has begun formal preparations to implement provisions of the Insurance Act 2079 that allow insurance-related crimes to be registered and prosecuted as separate legal offences. With this move, irregularities, fraud, and financial misconduct in the insurance sector will no longer be treated only as general “fraud” cases but will be addressed under a dedicated legal category of “insurance crimes.” The initiative follows proposals submitted by the Nepal Insurance Authority to the Ministry of Finance Nepal, seeking procedural and institutional arrangements to enforce the new law. Officials say the aim is to strengthen regulatory oversight and bring greater accountability to a sector that handles large volumes of public funds. For the first time, Section 140 of the Insurance Act has clearly defined various forms of insurance-related offences. To operationalize these provisions, the Ministry of Finance sought legal consultation from the Judicial Council Nepal. The Council has recommended that insurance crime cases be handled by district courts. Once the government issues a formal decision, the state will file cases as the plaintiff under Section 146 of the Act.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readLife Insurance Sector Sees Profit Decline in Second Quarter of FY 2082/83Life Insurance Sector Sees Profit Decline in Second Quarter of FY 2082/83 Nepal’s life insurance sector recorded a decline in overall profitability in the second quarter of the current fiscal year 2082/83, reflecting the growing impact of falling interest rates and investment returns. According to financial data up to the end of Poush, total net profit of life insurance companies dropped by 4.72 percent compared to the same period last year, raising concerns about earnings sustainability in the sector. During the review period, 14 life insurance companies collectively earned a net profit of Rs 3.32 billion. In contrast, the same companies had reported Rs 3.48 billion in profits in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Although nine companies posted profit growth, declines in several major firms outweighed the gains, resulting in an overall contraction in sector earnings.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readSeparate Bank Accounts Introduced to Enhance Transparency in Election SpendingSeparate Bank Accounts Introduced to Enhance Transparency in Election Spending Political parties and candidates contesting the upcoming election scheduled for Falgun 21 have begun opening separate bank accounts to disclose their campaign finances to the Election Commission of Nepal. The move marks a significant step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in election-related spending, as authorities intensify efforts to regulate campaign financing. According to the Commission, candidates and parties are now required to operate dedicated bank accounts exclusively for election-related income and expenditure. This system is intended to ensure that all financial transactions linked to campaigning are properly recorded and monitored. Officials say the initiative aims to discourage unregulated funding and promote fair competition among candidates. Assistant Spokesperson Yagya Prasad Bhattarai stated that so far, 454 candidates and four political parties have submitted details of their separate bank accounts. A total of 3,406 candidates, including party nominees and independents, are contesting the election. The Commission expects this number to rise in the coming days as more candidates complete the registration process.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Feb, 2026
Top2 min readGulfstream G700 Draws Spotlight at Singapore Airshow as Ultra-Wealth Fuels Luxury Jet DemandGulfstream G700 Draws Spotlight at Singapore Airshow as Ultra-Wealth Fuels Luxury Jet Demand The unveiling of the Gulfstream Aerospace G700 at the recent Singapore Airshow underscored a broader shift in global aviation—one driven not by mass travel demand, but by the rapid rise of the ultra-wealthy. Positioned among commercial and military aircraft, the G700 stood out for its advanced avionics, long-range performance, and meticulously crafted luxury interiors, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about aircraft at the exhibition. Inside, the aircraft resembles a flying luxury residence rather than a conventional jet. Configurations include spacious lounge areas with reclining sofas, high-definition entertainment systems, private sleeping suites, and even shower-equipped bathrooms. Such features reflect a growing expectation among high-net-worth travelers that air travel should offer not only speed but exclusivity, privacy, and comfort comparable to five-star hospitality.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readKarnali Corridor Road Paving Project Brings New Hope to Bajura and Himalayan CommunitiesKarnali Corridor Road Paving Project Brings New Hope to Bajura and Himalayan Communities The long-awaited blacktopping of the road section from Pilichaur in Jagannath Rural Municipality to Kawadi in Himali Rural Municipality under the Karnali Corridor has raised new hopes among residents of Bajura and surrounding areas. Considered a key infrastructure project for improving living standards in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces, the initiative is expected to transform mobility, trade, and access to basic services in one of Nepal’s most remote regions. For decades, local residents have endured difficult travel conditions marked by dust in the dry season, mud during monsoon, and frequent risks of accidents. The absence of a reliable road network had isolated communities from markets, hospitals, and educational institutions. With the announcement of blacktopping, people now anticipate safer and faster transportation, reduced travel costs, and improved connectivity with regional and national centers.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readRevenue Shortfall Forces Cut in Fiscal Equalization Grants to Provinces and Local LevelsRevenue Shortfall Forces Cut in Fiscal Equalization Grants to Provinces and Local Levels The federal government has reduced the fiscal equalization grants allocated to provincial and local governments after revenue collection fell significantly short of the annual target in the first half of the current fiscal year 2082/83. The decision follows a mid-year review that revealed slower-than-expected income generation, putting pressure on the federal treasury and compelling adjustments in intergovernmental fiscal transfers. In a circular issued on Magh 27, the Office of the Financial Comptroller General instructed all Treasury and Accounts Controller Offices to limit the disbursement of the third installment of fiscal equalization grants. According to the directive, revenue collection until the end of Poush stood at only 81.75 percent of the targeted amount for the review period. Based on this proportion, the Ministry of Finance directed that transfers to provinces and local bodies be adjusted accordingly.Dipesh Ghimire·15 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readInsurance Companies’ Investment in Nepal Stock Market Sees Significant Growth in FY 2082/83Insurance Companies’ Investment in Nepal Stock Market Sees Significant Growth in FY 2082/83 Nepal’s life and non-life insurance companies have collectively made a remarkable investment in the stock market during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2082/83, with a total investment amounting to NPR 47.7 billion. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, when the total investment stood at NPR 30.2 billion. The growth of approximately NPR 17.5 billion in insurance sector investments reflects a strong institutional presence and increasing confidence in the country’s capital markets.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readExperts Argue Against the Necessity of Dual ISINs for Securities in NepalExperts Argue Against the Necessity of Dual ISINs for Securities in Nepal Experts in the financial sector have expressed strong views against the need for dual International Securities Identification Numbers (ISINs) for shares and other securities, asserting that a single ISIN is sufficient for proper identification and trading. Their reasoning stems from a variety of technical, regulatory, and operational considerations that indicate no real need for the duplication of these identification numbers. One ISIN is Sufficient for IdentificationDipesh Ghimire·13 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readNo Local Government Achieves Full Score in Performance Evaluation, Finds National Natural Resources and Fiscal CommissionNo Local Government Achieves Full Score in Performance Evaluation, Finds National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission Despite several attempts, no local government in Nepal has been able to achieve full marks on all indicators set for performance evaluation by the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission. The Commission’s latest report, released Thursday, highlights the persistent gap in local governance, noting that none of the local bodies, even after two election terms since the first local elections in 2074, have been able to fully comply with the established benchmarks.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Feb, 2026
Top3 min readMinistry of Communications and Information Technology Urges Increased Capital Expenditure for Public BenefitMinistry of Communications and Information Technology Urges Increased Capital Expenditure for Public Benefit The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has directed its agencies to increase capital expenditure and ensure that their performance directly benefits the public. During the second-quarter review meeting of the fiscal year 2082/83, held under the Ministry-level Development Problem Resolution Committee, Secretary Lakshmi Kumari Basnet emphasized the need for identifying and addressing issues to ensure outcome-based performance. Secretary Basnet underscored the importance of enhancing inter-agency coordination to make service delivery more efficient and effective. She also stressed the priority of resolving outstanding financial discrepancies (referred to as "beruju") and mentioned that the Ministry would create a work plan to ensure regular monitoring of these issues.Dipesh Ghimire·13 Feb, 2026