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The gold is being traded at Rs 207, 900 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 480 per tola today.

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has introduced a stricter legal framework requiring banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to channel their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds only into poverty alleviation and other priority sectors.  Issuing a circular to licensed banks and financial institutions last week, the central bank said it has amended the Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility, 2024, to prevent arbitrary spending by banks and financial institutions.

The move follows a directive order from the Supreme Court. The apex court had issued a directive order on 2 Dec 2024, hearing a writ petition filed by Advocate Shashi Basnet and eight others. The full text of the verdict released in the second week of July directed the government to register an umbrella bill in parliament within two years to regulate CSR activities more effectively.

Stating that many institutions were spending CSR money contrary to its intended purpose, including for branding exercises or private projects, the top court had ordered the government to ensure that CSR funds are used primarily for poverty alleviation and to hold institutions accountable if funds are diverted. The Supreme Court has clearly stated that such funds must be spent on housing, education, health, children and women's empowerment, specifically targeting communities living in extreme poverty.

Banks and financial institutions are required to set aside at least one percent of their annual profit for CSR initiatives. Given that class ‘A’ banks alone posted a combined net profit of Rs 71.51bn in fiscal year 2024/25, a substantial fund is collected in their CSR funds. However, spending from such funds had remained arbitrary so far. As per the new guidelines, these funds must now directly benefit the poor, marginalized and targeted communities rather than be used for institutional promotion and large-scale projects.

The central bank has said that CSR spending must align with national priorities and international principles of social responsibility, with the goal of uplifting disadvantaged groups and creating a more inclusive and sustainable society. 

The revised guidelines also make it mandatory for banks and financial institutions to prepare an annual CSR action plan. Likewise, banks and financial institutions are required to submit a list of their bi-annual  activities to the central bank at least 15 days before each half-year period begins. For the current fiscal year, banks have been given until mid-October to submit their first semi-annual plan.

The central bank has clearly stated that CSR funds must be used responsibly to enhance social welfare and not as a tool for corporate publicity. In the revised guidelines, the central bank has also upheld the Supreme Court’s call for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure the funds reach communities in need.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 15. 64 points to close at 2, 726. 33 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 2. 74  points to close at 470. 94 points.

A total of 11,345,994-unit shares of 326 companies were traded for Rs 4. 72 billion.

Meanwhile, Him Star Urja Company Limited (HIMSTAR) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 99 percent. Likewise, Liberty Energy Company Limited (LEC) was the top loser as its price fell by 6. 99 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 1. 54 trillion.

Suspension bridges in the hilly areas of the district are usually completed within two to three years. However, the suspension bridge over the Budhigandaki River between Samagaun and Samdo on the Manaslu trekking route has remained incomplete for the past 10 years, with only a temporary jeep crossing in place.

Former ward chairperson Bir Bahadur Lama said the project agreement was signed in the fiscal year 2015/16, but no significant progress has been made beyond the jeep arrangement. Without the bridge, foreign tourists visiting the Manaslu region via Larke, local residents commuting between Samagaun and Samdo, and travelers heading to Ruila on the Tibetan border are compelled to cross the Budhigandaki under unsafe conditions.

Lama criticized the repeated delays, stating that deadlines have been extended year after year without visible progress. He called for the immediate construction of the bridge, or alternatively, the removal of the jeep crossing and restoration of the land. He also noted that despite the prolonged delay, the suffering of residents in these remote areas has been largely overlooked. Meanwhile, foreign organizations such as Kaduri have managed to build multiple suspension bridges in the region during the same period.

According to the Suspension Bridge Division Office, the Government of Nepal had contracted Hari Hari Sharmila JV Company to build the 220-meter-long, three-meter-wide bridge within 18 months. Sub-engineer Jayaprakash Giri said the delay was caused by negligence on the part of the construction company.

Current ward chairperson Karma Chhewang Lama said the community has repeatedly appealed to the bridge division but has yet to see results. “We have approached the department several times, but they keep avoiding responsibility. We are still hopeful the bridge will finally be built,” he said.