Gold price increases by Rs 1, 300 per tola on Tuesday

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1,300 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market today as compared to Monday. However, the price of silver has declined by Rs 10 per tola.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, gold is being traded at Rs 314,800 per tola today against Rs 313,500 per tola on Monday.

Similarly, the Federation has fixed the price of silver at Rs 5,885 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 5,595 per tola on Monday. 

As per the international media, gold is being traded at USD 5,078 per ounce and silver at USD 90 per ounce in the international market today.

Govt declares wild boar as agriculturally harmful animals

The government of Nepal has once again declared wild boars as agriculturally harmful animals.

Issuing a notice on Monday, the Ministry of Forest and Environment stated that if wild boars are seen harming and damaging the field, anyone can chase and kill it without permission of the authorities with some conditions.

It doesn’t include small breed boars. However, it is prohibited to kill, catch or chase such animals by entering parks or reserves and forest areas. 

If the boar is caught, it will be handed over to the relevant authority–relevant national park, hunting reserve, wildlife reserve or forest office. And if the boar dies, it will be buried in the presence of ward representatives and some locals with some amount to be deposited in the revenue account according to its weight and will be used within a ward (except for commercial purposes), reads the notice. 

NC provides Rs 500,000 to Samba

The Nepali Congress (NC) has contributed Rs 500,000 to support the medical treatment of Sabitra Bhandari, captain of Nepal’s national women’s football team, aka Samba. 

The amount has deposited into the account of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), reads a statement issued by the party on Tuesday. 

Taking to Facebook on Monday, Bhandari, all-time leading goal scorer of Nepal, wrote an emotional post asking for financial support for her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery. 

Acting Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal confirmed that the NC has already deposited the amount in the designated bank account for the surgery. 

​​​​​​​She has suffered a serious injury to the MCL and graft of her right knee in the second half of Wellington Phoenix's Round 11 match against Brisbane Roar on January 3. 

US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge concludes

The US–Nepal Startup Weekend Challenge concluded on February 21 after a three-day accelerator-style program, selecting nine startups as finalists

The nine finalist teams presented their ventures before a panel of judges.

Following evaluation, GarudX was declared the winner and awarded Rs 350,000 in seed funding.

Fully Charged Nepal Enterprise secured the first runner-up position with Rs 200,000, while Kanoon Portal was named second runner-up, receiving Rs 100,000.

A total of 283 applications were received from across Nepal, out of which 25 teams—representing nearly 100 early-stage founders and entrepreneurs were shortlisted to participate.

During the program held from February 19–21, participants attended workshops on business fundamentals and received one-on-one mentorship from Nepali and US-based experts to refine their business ideas and pitches.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Scott Urbom, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy Nepal, said the program reflects the strength of the US–Nepal partnership by connecting Nepali entrepreneurs with American expertise and globally tested innovation models.

Supported by the US Embassy Nepal, the initiative was implemented by One to Watch in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal, Confederation of Nepalese Industries Young Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF), Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal (FWEAN), Market Edge, Nepal Association of Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT) and Nepalese Young Entrepreneurs Forum (NYEF).