National News - Page 29
53 Ilam Tea Factories Reopen After Three-Point Agreement Resolves Export Deadlock
Following a prolonged shutdown triggered by India's stringent new quality testing rules, 53 orthodox tea factories in Suryodaya Municipality, Ilam, have resumed operations after local authorities agreed to manage safety storage for stockpiled tea.
Nepal Spends Rs. 2.73 Kharba on Petroleum Imports in 11 Months Despite Volume Drop
Driven by global inflation, a surging US Dollar, and war-induced market instability, Nepal's fuel import costs climbed to Rs. 2.73 Kharba in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, even though the country imported less total volume.
Nepal Plans Seasonal Electricity Tariffs to Offset Controversial 5% Budget VAT
Nepal is moving toward a seasonal electricity pricing system, offering cheaper rates during the high-production rainy season. The strategy aims to encourage local consumption of surplus hydropower and ease public anger over a newly proposed 5 percent VAT on domestic electricity bills.
Nagdhunga-Muglin Highway Expansion Faces New Delays and Looming Deadline Extensions
The crucial 95-kilometer Nagdhunga-Muglin road expansion remains incomplete after five years of work. Citing fuel inflation, bitumen shortages, and slow utility pole relocation, officials are preparing yet another round of deadline extensions as public frustration mounts.
Tragedy at Ras Laffan: 13 Dead, Dozens Injured—Including Nepalese Workers—in Qatar Gas Facility Blast
A massive explosion and fire at Qatar's Barzan gas facility has left 13 dead and 66 injured, including workers from Nepal. Officials have confirmed that the incident was a technical accident and wider LNG exports remain unaffected.
Banks Must Function as Chariots for the Public, Says Finance Minister Wagle at Nepal Bank’s Hetauda Event
Inaugurating Nepal Bank Limited's new provincial building in Hetauda, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle urged banking institutions to honor their historical foundations by prioritizing public benefit and driving regional economic growth through modern digital solutions.
Avian Influenza Ravages Kathmandu Valley: Over 600,000 Birds Culled and Meat Sales Plunge by 30%
A highly adaptive outbreak of bird flu has turned the Kathmandu Valley into a high-risk hotspot, decimating the poultry sector and causing a massive reduction in daily chicken meat consumption due to consumer panic.
Sri Lanka’s Exports Defy Middle East Geopolitical Shocks with 6% Growth in Early 2026
Driven by an impressive 10.5% surge in high-value service exports, Sri Lanka registered a 6% year-on-year increase in total export earnings during the first four months of 2026.
Oil Surges and Stocks Retreat as Trump Warns of Military Action and Strait of Hormuz Takeover
Global crude oil prices rallied while Wall Street stock futures slid on Monday following US President Donald Trump’s warnings of potential military strikes against Iran if nuclear negotiations collapse.
Combating Trade Deficit: Government Rolls Out Action Plan for Commerce Policy 2081 with 162 Key Initiatives
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies launches a comprehensive inter-governmental action plan targeting structural trade reforms, localized production branding, and robust e-commerce growth.
Finance Minister Wagle Inaugurates Nepal Bank's Modern Provincial Hub in Hetauda
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle urges banking institutions to prioritize public welfare during the inauguration of Nepal Bank Limited's new Bagmati provincial building, as the historic bank crosses NPR 400 billion in deposits.
High-Stakes Diplomacy: Pakistani PM Sharif and Army Chief Depart for US-Iran Follow-Up Talks in Switzerland
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have left for Bürgenstock, Switzerland, to participate in crucial technical-level follow-up talks regarding the recent US-Iran MoU.