Kathmandu: US President Donald Trump has announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in retaliation for India's continued purchase of Russian oil, taking the total tariff rate on Indian goods to 50%—one of the highest the US has imposed on any country, according to a report by the BBC.



The new tariffs, set to take effect on August 27, are expected to hit key Indian export sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, seafood, and auto parts. Electronics and pharmaceutical products have reportedly been exempted for now.



In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the move, calling the tariffs "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," and said India would “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”



Trump defended the measure by accusing India of ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, stating, “India doesn’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.” Speaking to the BBC at a White House event, Trump warned, “This is just the start. You're going to see a lot more, so much secondary sanctions.”



The White House reiterated that the decision was in response to what it called an “ongoing threat to US national security” from Russia’s war in Ukraine. It said that India’s increasing oil imports from Russia were undermining US-led efforts to isolate Moscow economically.



Russia has become India's top oil supplier, accounting for over 35% of its oil imports. Trade data shared with Reuters indicated that India bought around 1.75 million barrels of Russian oil per day during the first half of 2025.



India, which has long defended its energy ties with Russia, maintains that it began sourcing oil from Moscow only after traditional suppliers diverted shipments to Europe due to the war.



The Federation of Indian Export Organisations called the tariff decision “extremely shocking,” warning that it could affect more than half of India's exports to the US. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) estimates a possible 40–50% drop in US-bound exports.



Ajay Srivastava, GTRI's head and a former Indian trade official, urged Delhi to avoid immediate retaliation and pursue calm diplomacy, stating, “Meaningful trade negotiations with the US cannot proceed under threats or mistrust.”



The move signals a deepening rift between Washington and New Delhi, despite past friendly ties between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



-BBC

Trump Slaps 25% Additional Tariff on Indian Imports Over Russian Oil Trade

Kathmandu: Rights activists have urged the government to establish an official channel for women migrating abroad as domestic workers. They raised concerns about women traveling abroad on tourist visas or through unofficial routes to work as domestic help. 



At a programme organized here on 'Safe and Legal Migration' today, the participants called for the withdrawal of the ban on women migrating as domestic workers, especially to Gulf countries. The event was organized by the Women Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC). 



“Such ban has pushed women to seek unofficial routes to find jobs as domestic assistants in these countries, exposing them to constant risks of exploitation and abuse,” they said, citing a study report. During the event, a study report titled 'Invisible in Life and Death: Visibilising the Deaths of Female Nepali Migrant Domestic Workers and the Struggles of Their Families' was unveiled. 



The report highlights women who died while working abroad and the struggles faced by their families. It is based on interviews with families of 17 women, including two missing persons, from Sindhupalchowk, Jhapa, Dang, Surkhet, and Karnali districts. 



The deaths of migrant workers should not be normalized as mere accidents. “These consequences are linked to policy and systemic failures,” it is said. “If Nepal accepts remittances sent by migrant workers, it must also be responsible for their lives, safety, and their families,” said Sulochana Khanal, WOREC program manager. 



The publication of the report was supported by Brunel University, London. Dr Ayushman Bhagat, a lecturer from the university, emphasized the need to ensure non-discrimination when dealing with women migrant workers who go abroad through unofficial channels, as well as when repatriating the bodies of those who die abroad. 



“During our conversations with the elderly parents of deceased women migrant workers, we learned that they are raising future generations without any support. These families deserve long-term mental health services, legal assistance, and public recognition,” he said. 



He also highlighted the need to ensure that those without necessary documents have access to insurance and compensation systems. Rights activists present at the programme stressed that the state must address the challenges, sufferings, disappearances, and deaths faced by women migrant workers.

Activists call for lifting ban on women traveling as domestic workers

Kathmandu: The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) announced that the Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 will be held from August 6 to 10 at the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Grounds in Kathmandu, showcasing more than 50 auto brands and launching 35 new vehicles, including 15 two-wheelers, 15 four-wheelers, and 5 commercial vehicles.



At a press conference held on Monday at Soaltee Hotel’s Sur-Sudha Hall, NAIMA officials shared key details about the upcoming exhibition, which is being positioned as Nepal’s largest and most tech-focused automobile event to date.



Speaking at the event, Auto Expo Committee Head Shirish Kumar Murarka highlighted the improved infrastructure at the venue, including better drainage systems and accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the expo will feature the latest mobility technologies and innovative transport solutions.



NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya said the expo aims to be the most impactful automobile exhibition in the country, with daily panel discussions involving national and international experts. On the opening day, Anil Keshari Shah will lead a session titled "Mobility – Hijo, Aaja, ra Bholi” (Mobility – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow) from 2 PM to 5 PM.



Future sessions will include representatives from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, the National Planning Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and India’s Institute of Road Traffic Education.



Key sponsors of the event include Everest Bank and National Insurance Company, both of whom expressed commitment to promoting sustainable and tech-forward mobility in Nepal. Other partners include Khalti by IME (ticketing), Pathao (ride), Mountain Dew (beverage), Himalayan Java (brewing), HIK Vision (surveillance), WorldLink (connectivity), Soaltee Hotel (hospitality), Frontline Hospital (medical), and Ncell (telecom).



Special arrangements for visitors include 30% ride discounts via Pathao and 24/7 emergency and general medical services provided by Frontline Hospital.



To engage youth and content creators, NAIMA has also launched a social media competition, offering NPR 100,000 to the best video uploaded about the expo by August 6, and NPR 10,000 each to the next top ten entries submitted between August 6–10.



In a new initiative, NAIMA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and CTEVT, will allocate 5% of ticket revenue to scholarships and research fellowships in the mobility sector, aimed at supporting deserving students nationwide.



Tickets for the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 are available via Khalti by IME.

NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 to feature over 50 auto brands, launching 35 new vehicles

Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal spent Rs 361.62 billion on public debt repayment in the Fiscal Year 2024/25, according to data released by the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO).



Of the total amount, Rs 304 billion was used to service domestic debt, while Rs 45.79 billion went toward multilateral foreign loans and Rs 11.65 billion toward bilateral foreign loans.



Despite the significant repayments, Nepal’s total public debt climbed to Rs 2.65 trillion by the end of Asar (mid-July), up from Rs 2.43 trillion in the previous fiscal year. The total debt includes Rs 1.267 trillion in internal debt and Rs 1.382 trillion in external debt.



The government has continued to rely on borrowing to bridge the fiscal gap, with total revenue and foreign grants amounting to Rs 1.197 trillion, compared to total expenditure of Rs 1.523 trillion in the last fiscal year.



For the current fiscal year, the government has set borrowing limits at Rs 362 billion in domestic debt and Rs 233 billion in external debt.

Nepal spent Rs 361.62 billion on public debt repayment in FY 2024/25

Kathmandu: Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Roberto Suarez Santos, has praised the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) for its efforts in fostering improved industrial relations in Nepal.



Santos, who is on a three-day official visit to Nepal from July 24 to 26, made the remarks during a meeting with FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and senior officials on Thursday. He commended the federation’s role in the recently concluded minimum wage agreement, as well as its contributions to social security and the formalisation of labour practices.



The visit follows an invitation extended by President Dhakal during their earlier interaction at the International Labour Conference in Geneva.



During the meeting, Dhakal highlighted the challenges and opportunities Nepal faces as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026. He called for IOE’s support in strengthening the competitive capacity of Nepal’s private sector and in global advocacy efforts.



“As Nepal moves towards LDC graduation, we expect IOE’s continued support in sharing global experiences, promoting Nepal’s trade interests, and fostering international collaboration,” Dhakal said.



He also reiterated FNCCI’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment and strengthening cooperation among the government, employers, and labour organisations.



Secretary-General Santos acknowledged the FNCCI’s efforts as exemplary and pledged IOE’s support in providing international facilitation in the post-LDC transition period.



Senior FNCCI officials including Vice Presidents Hem Raj Dhakal and Jyotsna Shrestha, Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya, and Central Member Babukaji Karki, among others, also shared their perspectives on enhancing employer-worker relations and building an industrially conducive atmosphere in Nepal.



The IOE, founded in 1920 and based in Geneva, is the largest private sector network in the world, representing over 150 employer organisations across 140 countries. FNCCI is a member of the IOE from Nepal.

IOE Chief lauds FNCCI's role in strengthening Nepal’s industrial relations

Kathmandu: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pledged a total investment of US $2.3 billion (approximately Rs 313 billion) in Nepal over the next five years as part of a new strategic partnership with the Government of Nepal.



The announcement was made Tuesday during the launch of ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Nepal 2025–2029, held in Kathmandu. The funds will be disbursed in the form of grants, loans, and technical assistance, with priority areas determined by the Nepali government.



The CPS sets a development roadmap focusing on private sector–driven growth, youth employment, environmental sustainability, and climate and disaster resilience. It also emphasizes cross-cutting goals such as digital transformation, good governance, capacity building for federalism, and the empowerment of women and vulnerable groups.



“This CPS reflects ADB’s continued strong commitment to supporting Nepal’s development goals,” said Arnaud Cauchois, ADB Country Director for Nepal. “It lays out a comprehensive agenda for inclusive, resilient, green, and employment-intensive economic growth.”



Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel described the new strategy as a “new chapter” in Nepal and ADB’s six-decade partnership. “Aligned with Nepal’s 16th Plan, it supports inclusive growth, climate resilience, and quality job creation—especially for our youth,” he said.



Preeti Arora, Operations Manager for the World Bank in Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, also addressed the event. She acknowledged Nepal’s recent progress in poverty reduction but stressed the need for structural transformation. “The country lacks the structural shift needed for high productivity and job creation. This partnership will help reduce project duplication and improve development efficiency,” Arora noted.



The ADB plans to implement the CPS through a combination of investment projects, policy-based lending, and sector development programs aimed at integrating policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and infrastructure development.

ADB commits $2.3 billion to Nepal under new five-year partnership strategy

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has approved a budget of Rs 25.11 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26.



The decision was made during the second meeting of the 17th municipal assembly session held on Wednesday at the National Assembly Hall.



The budget outlines KMC’s financial and development plans for the next fiscal year, focusing on infrastructure, public services, and urban management.

KMC approves Rs 25.11 billion budget for fiscal year 2025/26

Rajbiraj: Five Nepali workers facing severe hardships in their workplace in Gujarat, India have been rescued and reunited with their families, according to Tirahut rural municipality in Saptari district.



They were employed at a cold store at Johorapur in the Gujarat State where they reportedly endured physical assault and mental torture by their employer, said Bijay Yadav, Chairperson of Tirahut rural municipality.



The workers hailing from Saptari district were also denied the wages they had been promised and were threatened and exploited, said Chairperson Yadav. The rescued workers were Sakaldev Sada, 60, of Tirahut rural municipality and 28-year-old Chandan Khang and Shailendra Sada of Hanumannagar Kankalini municipality and three others, according to Yadav.



He further shared that the rescue operation resulted in a success due to the active initiation of cyber security analyst and media person Abhinav Kumar and in coordination with the Nepal National Mushahar Association.



Association's Saptari chapter Chairperson Shivadev Sada mentioned that the rescued operation was carried out in coordination with the local authorities at Jodhpur in Gujarat as well the Chairperson of the Tirahut rural municipality.

Five Nepali workers rescued from Gujarat in India

Kathmandu: About 59 percent of this season’s paddy plantation has been completed across the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.



As of July 13, rice has been planted on around 816,405 hectares of land. This is about 8 percent less than the same period last year.



Among the provinces, Sudurpaschim is leading with 93 percent of its target already completed, covering around 164,000 hectares of land while in Karnali Province, paddy plantation so far spreads on 64,000 hectares, reaching 83 percent of the target. In Lumbini, it is 73 percent, with 223,000 hectares of land planted with paddy.



Last year, by this time, the country had reported about 67 percent paddy plantation.



Paddy plantation is still ongoing in many areas and is expected to reach around 98 percent by mid-August.



Ministry spokesperson Mahananda Joshi said the Terai region is the most fertile and produces about 70 percent of the country’s total rice, while the hilly regions contribute the remaining 30 percent.



During the previous fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24), the country had witnessed the total rice production of 5.724 million metric tonnes. Unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, excessive rainfall, and droughts create adversities for rice plantation, deferring the plantation schedule in some areas.



In Nepal, paddy is usually grown on about 1.4 million hectares of land. With the use of improved knowledge, skills, modern technologies, and better seed varieties, rice production is expected to increase in the coming years.



According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, a 10 percent change in rice production can lead to about 1 percent change in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



This year, an estimated 6 million metric tonnes of rice will be produced, yielding approximately 3.5 million metric tons of edible rice, it has been said.

Nearly 59 percent rice plantation completed so far across country

Kathmandu: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed for an investigation into alleged involvement of unauthorized people during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Spain.



On Sunday, the Home Minister issued directives to Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi and Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa to determine whether people except those in the official delegation had travelled to Spain during the Prime Minister's visit.



“They have been instructed to investigate whether anyone traveled to Spain on a visit visa apart from the official delegation,” the Home Minister said. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police will be deployed to carry out the investigation. If anyone is found guilty, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.



It may be noted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had travelled to Spain on June 28 in the course of attending the Fourth United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD-4) in Spain that was held from June 30 to July 3.

Home Minister directs for investigating alleged travel of additional to Spain

Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank has increased the foreign exchange facility for Nepali citizens traveling to countries other than India, raising the limit from USD 2,500 to USD 3,000 per trip.



The revised provision was announced in the monetary policy for the fiscal year 2025/26, released on Friday.



The move aims to ease travel-related expenses for Nepalis going abroad, excluding India, where currency exchange facilities follow a separate arrangement.

Dollar exchange limit raised to USD 3,000 for Nepalis traveling abroad

Kathmandu: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has issued the monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26).



Unveiling the monetary policy, the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, stated that a flexible policy has been adopted cautiously.



The monetary policy mentions approving and implementing the second financial sector strategy. The bank rate, which serves as the upper limit of the interest rate corridor, has been set at six per cent, and the policy rate at four and a half per cent. Previously, the bank rate was 6.5 per cent and the policy rate was 5 per cent.



According to the monetary policy, the limit for loans issued for the construction and purchase of private residential houses has been increased from Rs 20 million to Rs 30 million. When constructing or purchasing the first house, a loan-to-value ratio of up to 80 per cent can be maintained, while for others, a maximum of 70 per cent can be established.



The limit for personal share collateral loans has been increased from Rs 150 million to Rs 250 million.The limit for the amount Nepalese traveling abroad can carry has been increased from two thousand five hundred US dollars to three thousand US dollars.



The monetary policy has set a target to increase the private sector loan disbursement by 12 per cent in the upcoming fiscal year.

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