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The government has made it mandatory for both buyers and sellers to provide bank statements and complete Know Your Customer (KYC) forms before property deeds can be registered. According to the Directive on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities, 2025, issued by the Department of Land Management and Records (DoLMR) under the  Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation, all real estate transactions must include bank statements verifying that funds have been transferred from the buyer’s account to the seller’s account. 

The move is aimed at strengthening anti-money laundering measures and removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list. The FATF Plenary held in February placed Nepal on its ‘gray list’ due to concerns about the country’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) measures, particularly in high-risk sectors like real estate and cooperatives. The finance ministry is implementing plans to remove Nepal from the gray list.

Likewise, all land and property transactions exceeding Rs 30m in a single day must now be reported to the Financial Information Unit (FIU) of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB). Land revenue offices will also have to report suspicious transactions to the FIU. The directive was issued as per Section 7 (2) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008. As per the Act, the DoLMA is the regulating agency for the real estate sector. 

The DoLMA has issued a circular to all land revenue and land reform offices to enforce these measures immediately. As per the directive, any land and housing transactions between Rs 1m to Rs 5m  must be conducted through banking or digital payment systems, while those exceeding Rs 5m must use electronic payments or ‘good for payment’ checks issued directly in the seller’s name.

Additionally, for offices equipped to collect revenue through banks, registration fees and charges for transactions above Rs 1m must be paid from the buyer’s account, while capital gains tax must be deposited from the seller’s account into designated government revenue accounts. The ministry believes these measures will curb money laundering, ensure accurate transaction records, prevent tax evasion, reduce corruption in land revenue offices and promote transparency in Nepal’s economic system. 

In the first nine months of fiscal year 2024/25, Nepal saw a total of 380,175 land and housing transactions. The government mobilized Rs 33.2bn in revenue from these transactions.

With its growing natural beauty, Magar settlements have been adding vibrancy to the region’s culture, historical sites, and adventure travel destinations. Rukum Purba is now emerging on the new tourism map by incorporating all these features.

Its Himalayan and hilly geography, religious and cultural diversity, history of the People’s War, adventure sports, and community-based hospitality have attracted both domestic and international tourists to Rukum Purba in recent years.

Sisne and Putha mountains have become appealing new destinations for trekking enthusiasts—especially those seeking natural scenery, Himalayan lifestyles, and an immersive experience of Magar culture.

Maitya Gharti, a tourism entrepreneur and senior journalist from Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality, said, “While trekking around Sisne, Putha, Uttarganga, and Bhume rural municipalities, one can experience the mountain scenery, rural lifestyle, and traditional culture all at once. This shows great potential for tourism development here.”

Magar settlements such as Taksera, Kankri, Lukum, Dading, and Mahat in Rukum Purba hold immense potential for cultural tourism. Traditional dances like Bhume, Dhange, and Jhankri, as well as local fairs and the daily life of the Magar community, offer tourists a unique and enriching experience.

Renu Yadav, a tourist from Kathmandu who recently visited Rukum Purba, said, “The language, customs, culture, and hospitality of the people here touched me in a way I had never imagined.”

Tourist activity is increasing in various locations, including the living museum in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality; Kol Basti, Pupal, and Maukot Basti; Kamaldaha in Rukumkot of Sisne Rural Municipality; Shivalaya Temple; Bhatte Chaur; Thanthi Danda; Maring; Chauri Lake in Bhume Rural Municipality; the Organic Cooperative Market in Khabang Bagar; the war memorial in Mahat; and Bheri Danda of Chunwang, known for its connection to the People’s War.

Adventure tourism is expanding as well, with potential for exciting rafting trips on the Sani Bheri River. The combination of boating, trekking, and village lifestyle has positioned Rukum Purba as a multi-dimensional travel destination.

Local governments—Sisne, Bhume, and Putha Uttarganga rural municipalities—have initiated plans to expand tourism infrastructure, provide guide training, manage homestays, and promote the region based on their unique strengths.

The chairpersons of these municipalities—Krishna Regmi, Hom Prakash Shrestha, and Puniraj Ghartimagar—say they have recognized the region's tourism potential and are working to enhance infrastructure, promote the area, and build partnerships with the private sector and local communities in a planned and strategic manner.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 500 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 193, 700 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 193, 500 per tola on Wednesday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 075 per tola today.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 6. 87 points to close at 2, 652. 06 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 50 points to close at 452. 41 points.

A total of 13,782,468-unit shares of 313 companies were traded for Rs 5. 16 billion.

Meanwhile, Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals Limited (OMPL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) was the top loser as its price fell by 6. 82 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 40 trillion.