AGP Executive Report

Rabies Crisis: Sukraraj Hospital is running critically low on anti-rabies vaccines as hundreds queue daily, with district supply efforts stalled after failed procurement—raising fears of a public health emergency. Public Transport Overhaul: Kathmandu Valley’s transport system is set for major restructuring under the KUTP, targeting route overlap, weak regulation, and low service quality. Road Safety & Enforcement: Valley traffic police booked 2,223 drivers and collected Rs 1.88 million in 24 hours, including cases for drunk driving, speeding, and signal violations. Parliament & Policy: The HoR unanimously moved forward the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Bill, 2026, while MPs pushed for timely fertilizer and urged full operation of Gautam Buddha and Pokhara airports. Land & Governance: Cabinet cleared the way to implement the Rawal Commission report, enabling reclaim of encroached public land in Kathmandu. Legal Rights: The Supreme Court directed laws to explicitly prohibit child soldiers and issued guidance on respectful terminology and reparations. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will visit China June 14–17 for talks and an investment-focused outreach. Health & Consumer Watch: The commerce department fined 12 firms, including Singha Durbar’s central canteen, over quality issues. Accident: A bus crash in Kavrepalanchok killed eight and injured 16.

Aviation & Tourism: flydubai will launch daily direct flights to Pokhara from Dubai starting September 23, becoming the first carrier to serve the UAE–Pokhara route directly. Banking & Economy: Nepal Rastra Bank data shows BFIs’ deposits rose 9.4% to Rs 7,949.28 billion by mid-May, while private sector credit grew 5.7% to Rs 5,809.71 billion. Health & Regulation: Nepal Medical Council suspended temporary registrations of three Chinese doctors tied to an illegally operating Baluwatar hospital, and moved to coordinate deportation. Public Safety: Kathmandu Valley traffic police penalized 2,223 motorists in 24 hours, collecting Rs 1.881 million. Justice & Finance: a case filed at Patan High Court alleges banking offences worth over Rs 4.21 billion linked to Jagdamba Steels loan misuse; separate money-laundering cases also target Deepak Bhatta and others. Sports & Culture: Nepali film “Elephants in the Fog” was honoured in Kathmandu after Cannes recognition, while World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight with Mexico vs South Africa. Weather: generally cloudy conditions with scattered rainfall and thunder/lightning possible in parts of the hills and Tarai.

Border Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told the National Assembly that PM Balendra Shah’s May 31 border remarks were about “cross border occupation,” stressing Nepal will settle disputes through diplomatic talks based on historical treaties and maps, and that Nepal is not seeking third-party mediation. Parliament Pressure: NA lawmakers demanded clarification and even removal of the remarks from records, warning the comments could affect foreign policy and invite foreign interference. Constitution Talks: A task force drafting the constitution amendment discussion paper held consultations with former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal. Holding Center Update: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung inspected the Balaju holding center, apologized to evicted squatters, and ordered tighter management and record-keeping. Everest Survival Story: Guide Hillary Dawa Sherpa says he was “forced to stay behind” after running out of oxygen near Camp 3. Finance & Markets: NEPSE fell 8.14 points; NRB reported foreign exchange reserves crossing Rs 3.7 trillion and began work on a sovereign wealth fund to use excess forex. Health & Regulation: Nepal Medical Council sealed Maria Hospital for operating without a permit; pregabalin now requires a prescription. Economy & Agriculture: Government issued a Minimum Support Price directive; it says chemical fertilizer supply is on track toward 600,000 metric tons. Digital Payments: India-Nepal UPI-NPI remittance linkage went live for instant cross-border transfers. Energy & Governance: Finance and customs transparency dominated PAC talks on EV import taxes; NEA was urged to recover Rs 50.01 billion in outstanding dues.

Monsoon Watch: South Asia’s monsoon may be drier than normal, but experts warn the risk is still high—short, intense downpours can trigger floods and landslides, even during dry spells. Parliament & Diplomacy: The House resumed after obstruction, and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal briefed lawmakers on his India visit, including Nepal–India agreements on cross-border digital payments and other cooperation, while also clarifying PM Balendra Shah’s border remarks. Budget Row: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told MPs he welcomes any investigation into alleged budget errors and EV-related claims, arguing technical mistakes shouldn’t be treated as corruption. Traffic Crackdown: Kathmandu Valley traffic police penalised 2,297 drivers in 24 hours, collecting about Rs 2.02 million. Energy Infrastructure: MCA-Nepal has started construction of two substations and a 297-km transmission line under the MCC Nepal Compact. Economy Signals: BFIs’ private-sector lending grew only 5.7% in the first 10 months, below the 12% target. Sports: Nepal were knocked out of ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup qualifying after a 56-run loss to Thailand. Heritage Work: Workers have begun removing thick lime mortar from the dome of Swayambhunath Stupa, using wooden tools to protect the structure. Markets: Gold and silver prices fell in Nepal’s market; Kalimati set wholesale rates for fruits and vegetables.

Budget Row & Parliament: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle denied any budget leak before the May 29 presentation, saying amendments only corrected omissions/errors and calling the claims a coordinated smear campaign. House of Representatives: After opposition obstruction ended, the HoR resumed and MPs are now raising issues in the emergency hour, including human trafficking, violence against women, foreign employment fraud, and religious conversion. Nepal-India Border Clarification: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament Nepal supports a bilateral, diplomatic approach and rejected third-party mediation, while explaining PM Balendra Shah’s remarks as linked to cross-border occupation mapping. Governance & Compliance: The Property Inquiry Commission extended asset-declaration deadlines to mid-July (Asar end), with no further extension. RSP Provincial Convention Halted: Bagmati RSP’s convention was postponed after disputes over the voter list. New Ministry Starts Work: The newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation began operations with Mahabir Pun as minister and an O&M survey underway. Digital Inclusion: Government websites and apps added accessibility tools for users with disabilities and low tech skills. Tourism & Connectivity: Flydubai got permission for daily Pokhara–Dubai flights from Sept 23. Everest Update: Sherpa Dawa Sherpa was moved out of ICU as questions grow over rescue delays.

Cabinet Shake-up: Nepal PM Balen inducted two new ministers—Sudhan Gurung as Home Minister and Mahabir Pun as Science, Technology and Innovation—after a probe cleared Gurung, bringing fresh focus to sensitive cases including the 2001 Narayanhiti royal massacre. Royal Massacre Probe: Gurung says the file will be reopened by reviewing prior investigation reports, alongside promises to push other pending security and justice matters. India-Nepal Ties: Nepal restricted mango imports from India over pesticide residue concerns and weak quarantine capacity, following Japan’s similar move; officials say it’s helping local growers even as supply may not fully meet demand. Public Health & Safety: Bird flu response continues with hundreds of thousands of poultry destroyed as H5N1 spreads to more districts, while Kathmandu Valley remains considered vulnerable. Economy Watch: Inflation hit 5.04% in mid-May, driven by petroleum-linked price hikes; NRB also reports foreign reserves rising sharply and sufficient import cover. Governance & Services: Kathmandu declared itself free of street-dependent homeless people, and a draft ordinance proposes mandatory civil servant retirement at 55 (then 60). Everest Update: Dawa Sherpa, presumed dead after six days missing, is out of ICU as questions grow over rescue delays. Weather: Rain and thunderstorms are likely in several provinces today.

Everest Update: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, who survived six days after being abandoned on Everest, has been moved from ICU to a ward and is slowly recovering, though his family and the climbing community are still furious over the rescue delay. Government Shake-up: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expanded and reshuffled portfolios, with Sudhan Gurung reappointed as Home Minister and Mahabir Pun sworn in as Science, Technology and Innovation Minister; Gurung also announced new task forces and steps to strengthen CIB. Parliament Tensions: National Assembly lawmakers demanded a probe after allegations that tax rates were altered in the budget speech, while the House of Representatives was adjourned amid opposition protests over border remarks. Health Insurance Reset: Health Minister Nisha Mehta says a “fresh start” is coming to the health insurance scheme, with pending payments to be cleared by Ashar to avoid hospitals shutting services. Economy Watch: Nepal’s remittances rose 41.2% to over Rs 1.91 trillion in 10 months, but inflation jumped to 5.04% and the trade deficit widened as imports outpaced exports. Finance & Business: Cabinet endorsed Civil Service (16th Amendment) Regulation 2083; private sector welcomed the budget in principle but warned about weak implementation, while NEPSE edged down and electricity arrears and industrial dues remain a concern.

Street Livelihood Crackdown: Kathmandu Metropolitan City declared its area free of street dwellers, signing an agreement with Nepal Police, the district administration and Manavsewa Ashram to manage people found begging or living on streets. Cabinet & Governance: The government endorsed the Civil Service (16th Amendment) Regulation, 2083, and also approved permissions for four hydropower projects to use national forest land. Anti-Corruption: CIAA filed a corruption case against Birgunj Metropolitan Mayor Rajeshman Singh and others over alleged false birth registration used to obtain citizenship. Everest & Media Ethics: A Nepali Everest guide, presumed dead, was found alive after six days; the BBC is facing backlash for broadcasting an ICU interview without family consent. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held virtual talks with the UK on British Gurkhas’ pension grievances and urged a fair, mutually agreeable solution. Economy & Money: IMF completed its final ECF review for Nepal, approving about $42.9m; meanwhile, NEPSE fell again and LPG cylinder policy costs are hitting consumers. Local Development: The federal government allocated NPR 424.27 billion for intergovernmental fiscal transfers to provinces and local levels for FY 2026/27. Tourism & Culture: WFP launched a climate innovation accelerator for food security, while Nepal’s Asian Games men’s cricket qualifier win and new trekking trail feasibility studies kept the spotlight on travel and sports.

Health Crisis: CT scan services at Bir Hospital have been shut for a month after both machines broke down, pushing patients to the Trauma Center and private hospitals and raising costs. Markets: NEPSE slid again, down 20 points to 2,735.41, as trading turnover fell sharply. Energy & Utilities: The government says electricity arrears tied to dedicated feeders/trunk lines have reached Rs 26.95 billion, and the Energy Ministry has ordered NEA to prioritize recovery; separate reporting puts overall arrears at Rs 50.1 billion. Economy & Policy: The budget earmarks nearly Rs 4 billion for science, technology and innovation, with a new Nepal Enterprise Facility for startups. Trade & Revenue: Rasuwagadhi Customs collected Rs 10.80 billion in about 11 months, with major imports from China including garments, electrical goods, fruits and EVs. Insurance: Nepal Insurance Authority faces a backlog of unresolved claims, with 543 cases under its jurisdiction as of mid-May. Politics & Federalism: Janamat Party protests at Maitighar for full local government autonomy and submits a memorandum demanding implementation of past agreements. Parliament: HoR sessions were disrupted and adjourned over border remarks, with demands for an apology. Infrastructure: Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel is nearing operation, with preparations and staffing underway for August. Sports: Nepal won the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier final against Hong Kong by 19 runs (DLS).

RSP Party Politics: The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) keeps pushing district conventions, electing new district leadership in Gorkha, Khotang and Surkhet, and also naming presidents in Pyuthan, Kanchanpur, Chitwan and Kailali. Parliament Deadlock: RSP has called an all-party meeting at Singha Durbar to break the House stalemate, with Nepali Congress and other parties sending representatives while some top leaders stay away; the HoR is set to resume after adjournment. Health Access for Civil Servants: A new arrangement lets civil servants get Civil Service Hospital services through provincial hospitals—Narayani Hospital for Madhesh and Bharatpur Hospital for Bagmati—starting today. Kathmandu Incident: A fire broke out near the Passport Department in Tripureshwor, with police and fire brigades responding. Nepal–India Business & Tech: Nabil Bank launched instant Nepal–India cross-border remittances via mobile banking, and India–Nepal startup and digital cooperation continues to expand. Tourism & Luxury Hotels: Marriott and CG Corp Global signed to develop three new premium hotels in Nepal and India. Everest Survival Story: Dawa Sherpa, reportedly stranded for six days, says he survived by chewing ice and eating chocolates from his pocket. Weather: Rain and thunderstorms are forecast in parts of the hills and mountains, with heat expected in the Terai.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal says Nepal will resolve border disputes with India bilaterally, not via third-party mediation, clarifying the UK mention was only for access to historical archives. Cross-Border Payments: Nepal and India launched direct peer-to-peer cash transfers through UPI–NPI links, letting people send money between bank accounts with set limits. EV Push: A MoID study urges Nepal to build at least 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 to hit the 90% private EV target. Health Policy: The health ministry says it will amend the health insurance law to make the scheme more effective from the new fiscal year. Elderly Care in Mustang: A study in Upper Mustang highlights loneliness, healthcare gaps, and calls for stronger community-based elderly support. Himalayan Safety & Climate: Experts warn climate change is making Everest and other routes more dangerous; the Sagarmatha Ascenders’ Association also demands action on Himalayan security concerns. Everest Miracle: A missing Everest guide, Dawa Sherpa, was found alive after six days, surviving by chewing ice and eating chocolates. Sports: Nepal reached the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier final after an 8-wicket win over Oman in Singapore. Tourism & Business: Marriott and CG Hospitality signed deals for two ultra-luxury hotels in Kathmandu, targeting openings by 2031. Governance/Justice: CIAA has started investigating KP Sharma Oli’s private secretary Rajesh Bajracharya over alleged illicit assets.

Traffic Enforcement: Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police penalized 2,256 motorists in 24 hours, collecting Rs 491,500, with action for drunk driving, illegal ride-sharing, red-light violations and speeding. Weather Watch: A western low-pressure trough and local winds may bring cloud and light rain with thunder and lightning in parts of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim; temperatures could rise in the Tarai. India-Nepal Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told media in New Delhi that boundary issues can be resolved with an “open heart,” as Nepal seeks a reset focused on economic transformation. Cross-Border Payments & AI: India and Nepal launched UPI-NPI peer-to-peer linkage for remittances and signed a MoU between BHASHINI and Kathmandu University to build a “voice-first” multilingual language translation platform. Food Safety Push: Health Minister Nisha Mehta said World Food Safety Day will drive stronger food hygiene enforcement, lab testing and risk-based market monitoring. RSP Party Process: Rastriya Swatantra Party continues district conventions in 27 districts and has set provincial convention procedures; Raja Shakya was elected Kathmandu district president. Public Safety: Police rescued four people stranded in the Fulchoki jungle after a search. Local Development: The flood-blocked Diktel–Chakhewa Bhanjyang road has reopened, restoring travel between Bhojpur and Kathmandu via Diktel. Tech & Media: OpenAI announced a major ChatGPT upgrade to improve long-term memory for Plus/Pro users. Scam Alert: Police warned against online betting scams ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Sports: Nepal faces Oman in the Asian Games men’s cricket qualifiers semi-final today.

Everest Survival: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, who vanished on May 30, says he stayed alive by “chewing ice” after his oxygen ran out and he had almost no food or water, surviving on chocolates and snacks found in his pocket before being rescued and flown to Kathmandu for treatment. Nepal-India Reset: In New Delhi, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal carries “no old baggage” and is ready for a transformative relationship, while India’s Jaishankar virtually handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects and launched UPI–NPI linkage for cross-border remittances. Diplomacy in Focus: Khanal also met India’s BJP foreign department chief Vijay Chauthaiwale as part of a three-day visit, with talks covering trade, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties. Culture & Literature: The 4th Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival opened with the theme “Beyond Borders,” bringing South Asian voices together. Health Supply: Nepal’s health minister ordered tighter oversight to ensure smooth availability of essential medicines, including cancer drugs amid shortages. Economy Watch: Gold prices jumped by Rs 18,400 per tola; NEPSE fell 0.96% last week, with investors losing about Rs 45 billion in book value.

Everest Survival: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, who was missing for nearly a week, told BBC Nepali he stayed alive by “chewing ice” and eating chocolates after his oxygen ran out, as he recovers in Kathmandu following a rescue that has sparked fresh questions about how the search was handled. Ride-hailing Boom: Uber officially launched in Nepal, partnering with Taximandu and rolling out Uber Go/Comfort and Uber Bike, with plans to expand beyond rides. Energy Execution: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha urged NEA to start budget implementation immediately and complete transmission and substation work on time. Food Prices: Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association raised egg support prices again, pushing retail prices to around Rs 25 per piece. Politics & Diplomacy: RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane said he invited Indian PM Modi and BJP president Nitin Nabin to visit Nepal and reiterated border issues should be handled through diplomatic channels. Weather Watch: DHM forecasts scattered rain/thunder in parts of Koshi, Lumbini and Karnali, with heatwave conditions possible in the Terai. Markets: NEPSE fell 11.37 points to 2,755.41 despite higher turnover.

Everest Rescue Probe Demands: Dawa Sherpa, presumed dead after going missing on Mount Everest for six days, was found alive and is recovering in Kathmandu after frostbite, dehydration and a fractured thigh bone; his family is now calling for an investigation into rescue delays. New Air Link to China: Himalaya Airlines launched direct scheduled flights on the Kathmandu–Shenzhen–Kathmandu route, creating a new business and tourism corridor with Shenzhen’s tech and finance hub status. Nepal-India Border Row: India’s foreign ministry rejected UK mediation, reiterating border issues are bilateral, after Nepal PM Balendra Shah’s remarks sparked renewed controversy and a fresh clarification from Nepal’s foreign affairs ministry. Government Oversight Push: The National Vigilance Centre stepped up surprise inspections across government offices, flagging thousands for late attendance and improper uniform. Human Trafficking Prevention: Kathmandu Metropolitan City held ward-level orientation sessions on curbing human trafficking, with police and ministry officials outlining laws and victim protection. Tech and Mobility: Uber officially launched in Nepal after trials, while the government also met UN partners on digital transformation and cyber security priorities. Health Sector Tensions: The Nepal Medical Association demanded overtime pay and better benefits for doctors, while the health ministry postponed some appointment processes. Fintech and Culture: Setopati’s Nepal Fintech Conclave opened in Kathmandu, and Chinese film screenings under the Tiantan Award Panorama concluded.

Everest Survival: Nepali guide Dawa Sherpa, missing for nearly a week on Mount Everest, was found alive near Base Camp after crawling toward rescuers; he was airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment after being spotted by the Everest cleanup team. Border Row in Parliament: Nepal’s National Assembly was adjourned as opposition lawmakers protested PM Balendra Shah’s remarks on the India border, demanding an apology and removal from records; the dispute is tied to claims of “encroachment” and India’s insistence on bilateral settlement. Hydropower Policy Shake-up: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced reforms to restructure the Electricity Authority, tighten rules around PPAs, and open more room for private participation in transmission and electricity trading—while producers warn about unclear “take or pay” details. Labour Rights Watch: A new study says wage theft is widespread in Nepal’s informal sector, with most workers lacking written contracts and many receiving partial or late pay. World Environment Day: Nepal marked World Environment Day with calls for nature-friendly development and conservation, with President Paudel urging clean energy and tree planting. Road Disruptions & Weather: Multiple roads, including the BP Highway, faced closures or one-way traffic due to flood and landslide risks as weather forecasts warned of cloudy skies, rain, and heat in parts of the Tarai. Cricket Apology: The Cricket Association of Nepal apologized after a “timed-out” dismissal of a Bhutan batter during a women’s match, saying it violated the spirit of cricket despite being within the laws. Nepal Sports Rise: Kushal Bhurtel set new T20I run-scoring milestones and Nepal posted a big win over Malaysia in the Asian Games qualifier.