The food import bill rebounded to Rs434 billion last fiscal year amid rising demand, shrinking farm labour and stagnant agricultural productivity.

Proposed amendments to the Integrated Tourism Bill have drawn sharp criticism from hoteliers, who say room rates should be determined by demand and supply. Proposals also seek to tighten rules on star ratings and promote green and heritage tourism.

Proposals include mandatory prior ascents of 7,000- and 8,000-metre peaks, auctioning Everest permits, stricter insurance, zero-waste rules, and tighter regulation of foreign operators and digital tourism platforms.

Average tourist stay hit a record 16.34 days in 2025, but daily spending fell to $33.09, the second-lowest on record. Hoteliers blame weak transport safety, price wars and political disruptions for keeping high-value travellers away despite a boom in luxury hospitality.

Officials will discuss additional cross-border air entry points critical for the viability of Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports.

Draft bills propose separating airport operations from aviation regulation in a major institutional overhaul aimed at improving safety, transparency and compliance with international standards.

Paddy transplantation has reached just 32.4 percent of the country’s 1.37 million hectares, well behind last year’s pace, though officials and experts say the season can still recover by July-end.

First nationwide survey shows more than half of Nepali households travel as tourists, with Gen Alpha and Gen Z making the most trips while shopping, family visits and health remain the biggest travel drivers.

Bench orders government agencies to explain why no investigation has been launched into the controversial procurement of six Chinese aircraft, despite billions in public losses and years of failed operations.

Under the proposed law, domestic airlines would be liable to pay compensation of up to $100,000 if a passenger suffers serious injury, disability or death in an accident during boarding, the flight or disembarkation.

On average, each institution spends around Rs11.04 million annually, charges students a monthly fee of Rs3,305 and pays employees an average monthly salary of Rs15,683.

Export earnings rose despite modest production growth. Traders urge diversification beyond India and stronger direct access to Middle Eastern and South Asian markets.

With the European Union maintaining its flight ban on Nepali airlines in its latest safety list, the new government faces pressure to bifurcate CAAN and deliver aviation reform.

Decision comes as prices fall and procurement strategy is revised, but farmers continue to face pressure during peak paddy planting period.

Fund warns of growing stablecoin and crypto flows, calls for regulatory framework to safeguard financial stability; praises reforms in cooperative sector oversight and governance.