Top4 min readGovernment Grants Major Tax Exemption to Dolma Impact Fund Before Terminating Mauritius Treaty; Revenue Loss Risks Raise AlarmGovernment Grants Major Tax Exemption to Dolma Impact Fund Before Terminating Mauritius Treaty; Revenue Loss Risks Raise Alarm In a decision that has ignited sharp debate among tax experts and former revenue officials, the Government of Nepal has moved to end the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Mauritius—but only after granting Dolma Impact Fund nearly NPR 880 million in capital gains tax (CGT) exemption, a move critics say could cost the state far more in the months ahead. The Cabinet meeting held on Monday approved the proposal presented by Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal to terminate the long-standing tax treaty. The decision, however, comes under intense scrutiny because the treaty, even after termination, remains valid for an additional six months—providing a window during which Dolma could seek additional tax waivers amounting to up to NPR 5 billion, according to a former Director General of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).Dipesh Ghimire·10 Dec, 2025
Top4 min readCIB Tightens Grip on Financial Sector as NRB’s Supervisory Weakness ExposedCIB Tightens Grip on Financial Sector as NRB’s Supervisory Weakness Exposed In recent months, Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has widened its investigative net over the country’s banking and financial institutions, signaling a new era of aggressive enforcement against financial misconduct. As economic irregularities continue to surface, the CIB has increasingly stepped into a space traditionally dominated by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), raising questions about the effectiveness of the nation’s financial regulator.Dipesh Ghimire·9 Dec, 2025
Top3 min readFrom Architect of Nepal’s Open Economy to Alzheimer’s Struggle: The Rise, Influence and Controversy of Dr. Ram Sharan MahatFrom Architect of Nepal’s Open Economy to Alzheimer’s Struggle: The Rise, Influence and Controversy of Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat When Nepal entered a new democratic era after the 1990 People’s Movement (2046 BS), Girija Prasad Koirala—then a towering political personality—was preparing to lead the first democratic government. Although highly influential politically, Koirala was not known for economic expertise. In search of a capable economist who could design Nepal’s new economic framework, he initially approached Sukdev Shah, an economist based in the United States. According to political accounts, Koirala offered him the position of Finance Minister. But when Shah asked, “How much salary does a finance minister earn?”, Koirala reportedly became upset and hung up the phone—a revealing anecdote that has become part of Nepal’s political folklore.Dipesh Ghimire·8 Dec, 2025
Foreign Investment 3 min readForeign Investment Commitments Rise Sharply, but GenZ Movement Casts New Doubts Over Nepal’s Investment ClimateForeign Investment Commitments Rise Sharply, but GenZ Movement Casts New Doubts Over Nepal’s Investment Climate Nepal has seen noticeable improvement in foreign investment commitments in recent years, with the past three months alone attracting more than Rs 35 billion in pledged inflows. However, the momentum has been clouded by the recent GenZ movement, which has shaken investor confidence and reignited concerns about safety, political stability and the overall business environment. While headline numbers appear encouraging, the underlying sentiment among investors has become increasingly cautious.Dipesh Ghimire·8 Dec, 2025
Top3 min readGovernment Fails to Meet Revenue Targets Again, Raising Fears of Inability to Cover Daily ExpendituresGovernment Fails to Meet Revenue Targets Again, Raising Fears of Inability to Cover Daily Expenditures Nepal’s revenue crisis has deepened further, with the government once again failing to collect revenue as targeted. Officials and economists warn that this shortfall may soon make it difficult for the state to even sustain its daily administrative expenses. The latest revenue performance indicates that the government’s fiscal machinery is weakening at a time when public expectations and expenditure commitments are at historic highs.Dipesh Ghimire·8 Dec, 2025
Top3 min readGovernment Funds Hold Over Rs 40 Billion as Mismanagement Risks Emerge: Study Calls for Urgent ReformGovernment Funds Hold Over Rs 40 Billion as Mismanagement Risks Emerge: Study Calls for Urgent Reform A government study has uncovered that more than Rs 40 billion remains parked across ten different employee-related funds managed by public institutions—raising concerns about financial discipline, transparency, and future liabilities. These funds, originally created to cover retirement, medical benefits, gratuity, and risk protection for employees, have grown into massive reserves, but the absence of centralized oversight has now become a matter of national financial debate. A government study has uncovered that more than Rs 40 billion remains parked across ten different employee-related funds managed by public institutions—raising concerns about financial discipline, transparency, and future liabilities. These funds, originally created to cover retirement, medical benefits, gratuity, and risk protection for employees, have grown into massive reserves, but the absence of centralized oversight has now become a matter of national financial debate.Dipesh Ghimire·8 Dec, 2025
Top2 min readNepal’s Economy Faces Growing Risks After GenZ Protests; Private Sector Seeks Stability and State AssuranceNepal’s Economy Faces Growing Risks After GenZ Protests; Private Sector Seeks Stability and State Assurance Nepal’s already fragile economy has begun to show deeper fault lines in the aftermath of the GenZ movement, with private-sector leaders warning that the environment for investment has turned increasingly uncertain. Foreign investors, who had been gradually exploring opportunities in Nepal, now appear hesitant, signalling that it may take significant time before confidence is restored. At the domestic level, businesses say the government must step forward with clear support, protection and a credible roadmap to safeguard economic stability.Dipesh Ghimire·8 Dec, 2025
Top4 min readWhy Wealthy People Think Differently: Five Mindset Shifts That Transform How Money WorksWhy Wealthy People Think Differently: Five Mindset Shifts That Transform How Money Works Across the world, people often blame a lack of money for holding them back from their dreams. But financial mentors argue that the truth lies elsewhere: money generally follows vision, not the other way around. Those who accumulate wealth tend to build it by aligning their purpose, skills and value with the needs of the marketplace. A deeper look at their habits reveals five fundamental principles that the wealthy embrace—principles that most people never consider. These ideas, experts say, explain why some individuals rise financially while others remain stuck in the same cycle for years.Dipesh Ghimire·6 Dec, 2025
Top3 min readNeo Banks Poised to Transform Nepal’s Digital Economy, but Regulatory and Security Challenges RemainNeo Banks Poised to Transform Nepal’s Digital Economy, but Regulatory and Security Challenges Remain As Nepal accelerates toward a cashless future, a new generation of financial institutions—known as Neo Banks—is emerging as a potential game changer. Built entirely on digital platforms and operated through mobile applications, these virtual banks aim to deliver low-cost, user-friendly services that traditional brick-and-mortar banks have struggled to provide. Experts say Neo Banks could play a pivotal role in expanding financial inclusion and reshaping Nepal’s banking landscape, provided that regulation, cybersecurity, and public trust evolve at the same pace.Dipesh Ghimire·6 Dec, 2025
Top3 min readCitizen Investment Trust Expands Clarity on Citizen Pension Scheme as Public Interest RisesCitizen Investment Trust Expands Clarity on Citizen Pension Scheme as Public Interest Rises As the number of Nepalis seeking long-term financial security continues to grow, the Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) has issued a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify key aspects of the Citizen Pension Scheme, 2076—a contributory retirement program designed to ensure a stable income for citizens in old age. Officials say the scheme has witnessed rising participation, particularly among workers outside formal pension systems. According to CIT, any Nepali citizen can join the scheme by filling out the KYC form provided by the Trust and obtaining a pension account number. The process has also been digitized, allowing applicants to open their accounts online through the official website. This move, officials say, is expected to ease enrollment for Nepalis living both inside and outside the country.Dipesh Ghimire·6 Dec, 2025