Category: Articles & Updates

  • Avasar Equity Diversified Fund Invests in Two Hydropower Projects in Nepal’s Dolakha District

    Avasar Equity Diversified Fund Invests in Two Hydropower Projects in Nepal’s Dolakha District


    Avasar Equity Diversified Fund, Nepal’s first domestic Private Equity Fund registered with the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), has recently entered into an investment agreement with Him Parbat Hydropower Limited. Under this agreement, the Fund will invest NPR 39.06 crore in the development of two Run-of-river hydropower projects in Dolakha District of Bagmati Province.

    The investment will be directed towards the Sagu Khola – 1 Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 5.5 MW, and the Sagu Khola Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 20 MW. Both projects have already concluded Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) on a take-or-pay basis. It is anticipated that the combined energy generation from these projects will amount to approximately 149 GWh per year.

    To connect the power generated by the projects to the national grid, a connection will be established through the Singati Substation. The projects have a target Commercial Operation Date set for Chaitra 29, 2081 (April 12, 2025).

    By providing financial support for these projects, the investment from Avasar Equity Diversified Fund aims to ensure their timely completion and contribute to Nepal’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy sources.

  • Gold Prices Drop by Rs. 1700 per Tola, Silver Also Declines by Rs. 20 per Tola

    Gold Prices Drop by Rs. 1700 per Tola, Silver Also Declines by Rs. 20 per Tola


    Gold prices experienced a decline today, losing Rs. 1700 per tola. According to the official website of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the current trading price for fine gold stands at Rs. 111,600 per tola, whereas it was maintained at Rs. 113,300 per tola the previous day. Similarly, Tejabi gold is being traded at Rs. 112,750 today, compared to the rate of Rs. 110,450 per tola on the previous day.

    In addition to the drop in gold prices, the price of silver also decreased by Rs. 20 per tola. The current trading rate for silver in the local market is Rs. 1,415 per tola, whereas it closed at Rs. 1,435 per tola the previous day.

    As for the international market, the current price of gold is recorded at USD $1,947.50 per ounce, while silver is being traded at $23.59 per ounce.

    These fluctuations in the prices of gold and silver reflect the dynamic nature of the precious metals market. Factors such as global market trends, economic conditions, and investor sentiment contribute to the rise and fall of prices. Investors and traders closely monitor these changes to make informed decisions regarding their investments in gold and silver.

  • Gold Sets New All-Time High, Surging by Rs. 800 from Previous Day’s Price

    Gold Sets New All-Time High, Surging by Rs. 800 from Previous Day’s Price


    Gold has once again broken its all-time high record by increasing Rs. 800 from yesterday’s price. As reported by the official website of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the current trading rate for fine gold stands at Rs. 113,300 per tola, compared to yesterday’s rate of Rs. 112,500 per tola. Similarly, Tejabi gold is being traded at Rs. 112,750 today, while yesterday’s rate was maintained at Rs. 111,950 per tola.

    Yesterday, the price of gold reached an unprecedented high, with tejabi gold priced at Rs. 111,950 per tola and fine gold at Rs. 112,500 per tola. Alongside this, silver has also witnessed an increase of Rs. 25 per tola. Currently, silver is being traded in the local market at Rs. 1,435 per tola, compared to yesterday’s closing rate of Rs. 1,410 per tola.

  • Department of Tourism Generates Revenue of NRs. 76.57 Crore through Expedition Permits for Nepal’s Majestic Peaks

    Department of Tourism Generates Revenue of NRs. 76.57 Crore through Expedition Permits for Nepal’s Majestic Peaks


    The Department of Tourism (DoT) in Nepal has achieved a significant milestone by generating royalty of NRs. 66.64 crores through the issuance of expedition permits for Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. As of May 14, 2023, during the ongoing Spring expedition season, a total of 478 expedition permits have been issued for Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). This translates to 47 teams, consisting of 376 male climbers and 102 female climbers, who have obtained permits to ascend the majestic peak, towering at an elevation of 8,848.86 meters.

    Similarly, for Mt. Lhotse, the fourth-highest mountain globally with an elevation of 8,516 meters, the DoT has issued 156 individual expedition permits. Among them, 17 teams comprising of 116 male climbers and 40 female climbers have been granted the permits to scale this challenging peak. Through the issuance of scaling permits for Mt. Lhotse, the Department has collected a revenue of NRs. 3.53 crores.

    Additionally, eight teams consisting of 79 individuals, including 62 males and 17 females, will endeavor to conquer Ama Dablam, a mountain standing at 6,814 meters. The DoT has collected a royalty of NRs. 41.39 lakhs through the issuance of expedition permits for Ama Dablam.

    For Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain globally, standing tall at 8,901 meters, a total of five teams have obtained permits to attempt the summit. These teams comprise 38 male climbers and 16 female climbers. As of May 14, 2023, the revenue accumulated from the permits for Annapurna I amounts to NRs. 1.04 crores.

    As of the same date, May 14, 2023, the Department of Tourism has issued a total of 1,176 expedition permits for 28 different peaks in Nepal. This diverse range of permits has contributed to a significant revenue of NRs. 76.57 crore for the Department.

  • Gold Surges to New All-Time High in Nepalese Market, Gaining Rs. 500 per Tola

    Gold Surges to New All-Time High in Nepalese Market, Gaining Rs. 500 per Tola


    The price of gold in the local market has reached a new all-time high, increasing by Rs. 500 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association’s official website, fine gold is currently being traded at Rs. 112,500 per tola, while Tejabi gold is being traded at Rs. 111,950 per tola. Yesterday, the rates were maintained at Rs. 112,000 and Rs. 111,450 per tola, respectively.

    Just the day before, gold prices had already reached an all-time high in Nepal, with fine gold priced at Rs. 112,000 per tola and Tejabi gold priced at Rs. 111,450 per tola. The continuous rise in gold prices has prompted discussions on the reasons behind the significant increase of Rs. 3,900 per tola in just two days in Nepal.

    In addition to gold, the price of silver has also experienced an increase of Rs. 15 per tola. Currently, silver is being traded at Rs. 1,410 per tola in the local market, compared to the previous day’s closing rate of Rs. 1,395 per tola.

  • Life Insurance Companies in Nepal Compete to Increase Premium Collections

    Life Insurance Companies in Nepal Compete to Increase Premium Collections


    Insurance companies in Nepal are competing to increase their premium collections, the amount of money they receive from policyholders. During the first ten months of the fiscal year 2079/80, life insurance companies collected a total of Rs. 1.14 Kharba in premiums from their 1.38 crore active insurance policies.

    A report from the Nepal Insurance Authority revealed that Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited collected the highest premium amount of Rs. 29.65 Arba. They had 1,035,214 active insurance policies as of Baisakh 2080.

    On the other hand, Himalayan Life Insurance Limited collected the lowest premium amount of Rs. 15.11 Crores due to having only 595 active insurance policies. Himalayan Life Insurance was formed after merging Prime Life Insurance, Gurans Life Insurance, and Union Life Insurance, which is the largest merger in Nepal’s insurance sector.

    In another development, Sanima Life Insurance Company Limited and Reliance Life Insurance Company Limited completed their merger process with a swap ratio of 1:1. They have now combined to form ‘Sanima Reliance Life Insurance Company Limited’ since Chaitra 09.

    Among the insurance companies, Reliable Nepal Life Insurance Co. Ltd. has the highest number of active insurance policies, with 34,77,018 clients as of Baisakh 79/80. However, their premium collection amounted to only Rs. 3 Arba.

  • Gold Prices Reach All-Time High with Rs. 1500 Single-Day Gain

    Gold Prices Reach All-Time High with Rs. 1500 Single-Day Gain


    Gold prices have once again grabbed attention as they reached a record high today. The surge in value amounts to a significant single-day gain of Rs. 1500 compared to yesterday’s price.

    According to the official website of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is currently being traded at Rs. 112,000 per tola, whereas it was maintained at Rs. 110,500 per tola yesterday. Similarly, Tejabi gold is being traded at Rs. 111,450 today, whereas the rate was held at Rs. 109,950 per tola on the previous day.

    Within a span of two days, the price of gold has risen by Rs. 3900 per tola. The fluctuation in gold and silver prices is partly attributed to the absence of a clear response regarding customs rates related to these precious metals in the budget for 2080/081.

    Just recently, on May 4th, 2023, the price of gold hit an all-time high in the Nepalese market. Fine gold was traded at Rs. 111,800 per tola, while Tejabi gold reached Rs. 111,250 per tola on that day.

    In addition, silver has also experienced a gain of Rs. 20 per tola. The shiny white metal is currently being traded at Rs. 1,395 per tola in the local market, compared to the previous day’s closing rate of Rs. 1,375 per tola.

  • Kumari Bank Limited Initiates Auction of Promoter Shares to General Public

    Kumari Bank Limited Initiates Auction of Promoter Shares to General Public


    The promoters of Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) have decided to sell 7,57,699 units of their shares through an auction. This auction is open to individual investors, companies, and institutions, and will take place from 16th Jestha to 22nd Jestha, 2080.

    Interested bidders can participate in the auction with a minimum bid rate of Rs. 121 per share. The minimum bid quantity for the promoter shares is set at 1000 units. Bidders can place bids for the entire share issue, but they must adhere to the Nepal Rastra Bank’s guidelines regarding the maximum quantity of shares that can be held by a single entity.

    NIBL Ace Capital Limited has been appointed as the auction manager for this process. Bids will be opened at the auction manager’s premises on 23rd Jestha, 2080.

    At present, the Last Traded Price (LTP) of KBL shares stands at Rs. 168.

  • Gold Price Surges Near All-Time High Record with Significant Gains

    Gold Price Surges Near All-Time High Record with Significant Gains


    The price of gold is reaching an all-time high record, and today it experienced significant gains. Fine gold rose by Rs. 2400 in a single day, while tejabi gold increased by Rs. 2350 compared to yesterday’s price.

    According to the official website of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is currently being traded at Rs. 110,500 per tola, up from Rs. 108,100 per tola yesterday. Tejabi gold, on the other hand, is being traded at Rs. 109,950 today, compared to Rs. 107,600 per tola yesterday.

    Just recently, on April 5, 2023, the price of gold reached an all-time high in the Nepalese market. Fine gold was traded at Rs. 111,000 per tola, while tejabi gold reached Rs. 110,450 per tola on that day.

    In addition, silver has also seen a gain of Rs. 15 per tola. The shiny white metal is now being traded at Rs. 1,375 per tola in the local market, up from yesterday’s closing rate of Rs. 1,360 per tola.

    In the international market, the current price of gold stands at USD $1,948.10 per ounce, while silver is being traded at $23.18 per ounce.

  • Nepal’s Budget 2023-24 (2080/81) : Key Highlights and Allocations

    Nepal’s Budget 2023-24 (2080/81) : Key Highlights and Allocations


    Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat has unveiled the budget estimates for Nepal’s fiscal year 2023-24, outlining significant allocations and priorities across sectors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the budget, highlighting key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. Read on to discover the key highlights of Nepal’s budget for the upcoming year.

    Agriculture and Livestock Development:

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has received a budget allocation of Rs58.98 billion, reflecting a notable increase of Rs3.01 billion compared to the previous fiscal year. Emphasizing the importance of local production, the government has allocated Rs30 billion for subsidizing chemical fertilizers to farmers.

    Information Technology and Foreign Investment:

    In a bid to attract foreign investment, the government has eliminated the limit on foreign investment in the information technology industry. Minister Mahat announced plans to create a favorable environment for foreign investment in this sector, fostering growth and innovation.

    Education and Infrastructure:

    The budget for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has been increased to Rs197 billion, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector. Additionally, the government plans to construct one model residential community school in Dhankuta, Bardibas, Tansen, Surkhet, and Dadeldhura, adopting the successful operational modality of renowned schools in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

    Infrastructure Development and Sports:

    The Local Infrastructure Development Partnership Programme, also known as the Constituency Development Fund, has been allocated a budget of Rs8.25 billion. Moreover, the government has announced plans to develop the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground into an international-level cricket facility. Furthermore, four additional stadiums will be constructed in different regions of the country.

    Social Welfare and Health:

    The government intends to continue the midday meal program in public schools, ensuring nutritious meals for students while eliminating junk food options. The budget includes Rs8.45 billion for midday meals, benefiting approximately 3.2 million students. Additionally, Rs1.42 billion has been allocated for providing free sanitary pads to girl students.

    The Ministry of Health and Population has received a significant budget increase of Rs14 billion, with a total allocation of Rs83.99 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24. This increased funding aims to improve healthcare services and meet the growing demands of the population.

    Nepal’s budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 emphasizes key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and social welfare. The government’s focus on promoting local production, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing educational opportunities showcases its commitment to overall development. With increased allocations in vital sectors, Nepal aims to address societal needs, drive economic growth, and uplift the quality of life for its citizens.

  • Kumari Bank Limited Promoters to Auction 14,83,378 Units of Shares to General Public

    Kumari Bank Limited Promoters to Auction 14,83,378 Units of Shares to General Public


    Kumari Bank Limited (KBL) has announced that its existing promoters will be selling 14,83,378 units of their shares through an auction open to the general public. The auction period will be from 12th Jestha to 19th Jestha, 2080. This presents an opportunity for individual investors, companies, and institutions to participate in the auction and potentially acquire shares of KBL.

    To participate in the auction, interested bidders need to place their bids with a minimum bid rate of Rs. 110. It’s important to note that the minimum bid quantity for the promoters’ shares is set at 1000 units. While bidders have the option to bid for the entire issue, they must comply with the regulations of the Nepal Rastra Bank, which specify the maximum quantity of shares that can be allocated to a single entity.

    The auction process will be managed by Sunrise Capital Limited, a renowned institution in the field. At the time of writing, the Last Traded Price (LTP) of KBL stands at Rs. 169.20. This information provides potential investors with a reference point to consider while placing their bids.

    Participating in this auction allows interested investors to potentially become shareholders of Kumari Bank Limited and be part of its future growth and profitability. It is advisable for prospective bidders to carefully assess their investment strategy and make informed decisions based on their own financial goals and risk appetite.

  • Ajod Insurance Limited Converts Promoter Shares to Public Shares, Achieving 51:49 Ownership Ratio

    Ajod Insurance Limited Converts Promoter Shares to Public Shares, Achieving 51:49 Ownership Ratio


    Ajod Insurance Limited (AIL) has recently converted 19,00,000 units of promoter shares into public shares, resulting in a change in the company’s shareholding structure. Previously, the company had 70% of its shares held by promoters and 30% held by the public. However, with this conversion, the promoter-to-public shares ratio has shifted to 51:49.

    AIL, which currently has 1 crore unit shares listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), has made this strategic move to increase the public’s ownership in the company. By converting a portion of the promoter shares, AIL aims to promote wider shareholder participation and enhance the overall transparency and governance of the company.

    As of the last trading day, AIL’s Last Traded Price (LTP) stood at Rs. 468. This price reflects the market value of AIL’s shares at that particular time. With the conversion of promoter shares into public shares, the market dynamics and investor sentiment surrounding AIL may be influenced. The shift to a 51% promoter and 49% public shareholding structure could potentially have an impact on the trading behavior and valuation of the company’s shares.

    This conversion signifies AIL’s commitment to a more balanced and inclusive ownership structure, where the public shareholders have a significant stake in the company’s future growth and profitability. It also highlights the company’s efforts to align with regulatory requirements and promote fair market practices in the insurance industry.