AGP Executive Report

Health Access: Nepal’s Health Ministry circular orders local authorities to ensure free availability of listed medicines and supplies for local health institutions. Border Security: Nepal and India agreed to boost surveillance at sensitive border points using modern tech like CCTV, plus tighter coordination against drugs, trafficking, cybercrime and digital fraud. Public Service Reform: The government released an “Action Plan on Immediate Reform of Public Service” to cut unnecessary visits, clarify document rules, reduce service time/cost, and expand technology use. Capital Markets: SEBON’s draft bond rules would require a minimum capital of Rs 1 billion for bond issuers and set limits on debt-to-capital risk. Governance & Tech: OPMCM publicized weekly achievements, including a new Software Development and Operations Committee to make public service delivery IT-based. Waste Management: Federal and local bodies discussed long-term solutions for Kathmandu Valley’s waste crisis, with focus on Bancharedanda. Health System Accountability: NHPC launched the “Hello NHPC” online grievance portal for health professionals and the public. Politics: Deuba’s Nepali Congress faction withdrew its Supreme Court writ seeking to halt the party’s 15th general convention. Economy & Mobility: Nepal recorded 63,280 EV registrations, with EVs making up over 70% of newly imported private four-wheelers. Crime & Justice: Police rescued women trafficked for Kuwait and arrested a suspect; separately, 14 people were arrested in drug raids.

Broad Peak Recovery: The last body from Nirmal Purja’s Broad Peak expedition in Pakistan was recovered Friday, three weeks after an avalanche killed 10 climbers. Public Safety & Housing: A two-and-a-half-storey house toppled in Kathmandu’s Bansbari after ground subsided; the cause and damage are still unclear. Crime & Justice: Police in Fukuoka launched a murder probe after a Nepalese woman was found dead in the Nakagawa river; in Kathmandu, a youth died after a hostel fight and one suspect was arrested. RSP Party Moves: Rastriya Swatantra Party expanded its Secretariat and nominated Home Minister Sudan Gurung and others to the Central Committee, while also finalising department heads and spokesperson roles. Health & Medicines: The health ministry directed local levels to ensure free medicine availability; NHRC appointed Dr Pramod Joshi as member secretary, and Japanese encephalitis deaths rose to six in Jhapa. Energy & Economy: NEA is reviewing electricity tariffs to cut charges during the rainy season; FDI commitments plunged to Rs 3.77 billion in the first month of FY 2026/27. Tech & Telecom: Nepal Telecom started 4G service in Sinja, Jumla, and NTA unveiled a draft integrated telecom policy. Markets: Gold rose Rs 3,300 per tola and silver also increased.

Supreme Court Ruling: Nepal’s Supreme Court nullified Maheshwarbhakta Shrestha’s appointment as Nepal Airlines executive chairman, ordering a fresh appointment process after finding merit-order and age-limit violations. Public Health: Dengue cases have spread across Nepal, with 2,844 infections recorded in 74 districts so far this year; authorities warn numbers may rise with the monsoon and mark World Mosquito Day with prevention drives. Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle says health insurance funding was not cut—this year’s allocation rises to Rs 1.5 billion—and warns foreign aid is shrinking, pushing Nepal to mobilize private capital. Energy Policy: Government has advanced the process to launch new Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), forming a sub-committee to set standards within a week. Governance & Media: Information Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina ordered reforms to make newspaper classification and welfare ad distribution transparent; PSB entities were also told to be more professional and accountable. Politics: RPP moves disciplinary action against Bagmati leader Uddhav Thapa for supporting a UML-backed chief minister; Nepali Congress factions are also moving to challenge the party’s general convention process in court. Environment: Parliament’s Infrastructure Development Committee directed immediate action to stop sewage discharge into the Bagmati River and prepare an integrated revival plan.

Parliament Watch: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal ordered PM Balendra Shah to appear before the House on Aug 26 and answer lawmakers after months of absence, ending a 77-day opposition protest. Governance & Procurement: The PMO directed all government offices to prioritize Nepali goods and services in procurement, including handicrafts for official events and locally made items for supplies and construction. Public Health: Dengue is spreading across Nepal with 2,844 cases reported in 74 of 77 districts since Jan 1 to Aug 15; the country marked World Mosquito Day with 168 confirmed mosquito species. Foreign Aid Scrutiny: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle warned foreign grants and concessional loans are drying up, while lawmakers and the Auditor General pressed for stronger audit and faster reimbursement of aid. Anti-corruption & Finance: CIAA says a Rs 700 million commission allegation in a security printing press deal is under detailed investigation; it also recommends rules to verify sources of funds for large share investments. Economy & Prices: Gold jumped Rs 9,300 per tola to Rs 313,400; egg prices rose again with Bhadra, and egg support prices increased. Crime & Drugs: Police arrested two people with 660 kg of marijuana in Sarlahi, alongside other drug-related arrests. Sports: Extreme Energy Drink signed as title sponsor for the Nepal Volleyball League and leading arm sponsor for the national cricket team and ‘A’ team; PUBG Mobile’s national competition is set for Kathmandu.

India-Nepal Defence Ties: Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth wrapped up a four-day visit, met Nepal’s top leadership and was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, with vehicles and medical equipment handed over for disaster preparedness. Government Performance Push: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina signed a performance contract with PM Balendra Shah, while the Cabinet approved 11 key decisions including salary/allowance increases for education staff and a Japan grant for air traffic control upgrades at TIA. Public Service Crackdown: The National Vigilance Center says it acted against 11,000 government employees in four months after monitoring 924 offices. Child Protection & Labour: Stakeholders urged Nepal to keep the marriage age at 20, and the HoR unanimously approved consideration of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regularization) Bill. Energy & Daily Life: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha assured reliable electricity for Karnali, and Nepal Oil Corporation released data saying LP gas supply is regular amid shortages. Sports: Nepal will send one male and one female squash player to the Asian Games, and a Nepali tennis team departs for Bengaluru training. International: UNHCR reported 860,000 displaced people have returned in West Asia-linked tensions, but renewed risk is rising after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

YouTube Rules: YouTube will change how views are counted from Aug 24, counting views as soon as playback starts (no longer a 30-second threshold for long videos), while monetization rules stay the same. Science & Tech: Nepali scientist Dr. Shiv Prasad Adhikari won the 2026 R&D-100 Award in America for his “Electro-Lith” battery-related technology. Courts & Governance: Nepal’s Supreme Court clarified it cannot review the validity of procedures/directives from local executive bodies, and also issued an interim order in a Madhesh Province employee’s study-leave dispute. Politics: A nine-party progressive front plans to expand across provinces and districts with public awareness campaigns; RSP’s parliamentary meeting delayed the House session, and RSP formed a committee to amend its parliamentary bylaws. Public Services: Kathmandu launched the “KTM Public Transport” app with GPS-based real-time bus info; Nepal Rastra Bank will collect Rs 35 billion via 180-day deposit bidding. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell and the Securities Board drafted margin lending rules; gold and silver prices dropped in Nepal. Health & Safety: 66 snakebite deaths reported in four months; Nepal Medical Council appointed Prof. Dr. Dhundiraj Poudel as chairman. Daily Life: Kalimati set wholesale prices for fruits and vegetables; Gunla Parva began with religious processions and rituals.

Telecom Regulation: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina told Ncell to compete fairly and work professionally, saying the government will investigate past disputes transparently while treating all telecom firms equally under the law. India-Nepal Defence: India’s Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth met PM Balendra Shah at Singha Durbar, with both sides stressing stronger defence cooperation amid ongoing border and Gorkha recruitment sensitivities; Nepal also conferred him the honorary rank of General. Courts & Media: Lalitpur District Court refused an arrest warrant for Janastha editor Kishore Shrestha, after a complaint by Deputy Speaker Ruby Thakur; Shrestha had already been released by Supreme Court order. House of Reps Watch: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the Passport Bill will align passport issuance and management with international standards, including INTERPOL coordination for lost/cancelled passports. Agriculture Payments: Agro Minister Geeta Chaudhary said dairy-farmer milk payments will be cut from eight months to three months, aiming for 25 days by late Bhadra. Sports: Nepal’s boxing team is training in India for the Asian Games, while Nepal’s cricket side thrashed Karnataka in a practice match ahead of the ACC Premier Cup. Politics: Nepali Congress called for a constitutional amendment recommendation commission led by a retired chief justice, and suspended a party statute provision to clear the way for its 15th general convention. Everyday Life: The government announced winners of the second round of the taxpayer incentive lottery, including Rs 1 million bumper prize winner Tul Pudasaini of Bara.

Court Crash Update: A Scorpio jeep accident at Jurikhet, Bhimphedi (Makwanpur) killed Laxmi Badu (49), wife of Birgunj High Court Registrar Tara Dutta Badu, after she was airlifted to Chhauni Hospital; six others including High Court Chief Judge Gokarna Dangi were injured, with some in critical condition. Parliament & Energy: Lawmakers urged the House to promote electric cooking as an alternative to LP gas, while MPs also pushed for better road-safety and disaster response amid monsoon disruptions. Wildlife & Public Safety: RSP and other MPs demanded scientific management to curb wild elephant attacks in Jhapa, saying residents are living in fear and crops and homes are being damaged. Accountability in HoR: Rastriya Swatantra Party introduced a Google Form system to track MPs’ attendance and reasons for absence or leaving meetings. Public Services Under Pressure: Election Commission urged updating deceased voters’ records; it also highlighted ongoing voter-roll maintenance. Transport & Access: Floods and landslides blocked roads in 11 locations, disrupting connectivity. Business & Regulation: Department of Commerce made e-commerce registration mandatory. Sports: Nepal ‘A’ left for Australia for the Top End T20 series.

Parliament & Rights: MPs urged the government to remove the term “prostitution” from the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Bill, saying the law must use respectful, victim-centric language and include better rescue, treatment, compensation and rehabilitation. Courts & Press Freedom: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the release of Janaastha editor Kishore Shrestha, directing return of seized devices and saying detention over a published report is not appropriate; the case also sparked a fresh complaint by Deputy Speaker Ruby Thakur against Shrestha. Security & Economy: Police arrested two Nepal Airlines employees at Tribhuvan with $4,300 each, sending them to the Money Laundering Investigation Department. Disaster Watch: DHM warned of moderate flash-flood risk as river water levels rise across many districts, urging people in low-lying areas to stay alert. Energy & Finance: Nepal Electricity Authority reported a sharp profit drop in FY 2082/83, while budget spending in the first month of FY 2026/27 lagged targets. Defense Ties: President Paudel conferred honorary General rank on Indian Army chief Dhiraj Seth during his visit, reinforcing Nepal-India military cooperation. Politics: Speaker Aryal fixed Aug 26 for PM Balendra Shah’s direct Q&A and directed the government to respond to MPs’ demands within three days. Foreign Investment: FDI commitments plunged in the first month of FY 2026/27, with tourism taking the biggest share.

Monsoon Disaster Update: Landslides triggered by heavy rains in Jajarkot killed 4 and injured 8, with the Nepal Army reporting two houses swept away and about 300 people evacuated. Flood Risk Watch: DHM warns of moderate flash-flood risk in small rivers across many districts, including Kathmandu Valley, urging residents near riverbanks to stay alert. Road Disruptions: Nepal Police report nine road sections blocked or restricted due to landslides, erosion and subsidence; Nagdhunga–Muglin briefly reopened after a dry landslide was cleared. Electricity Policy Push: Energy Minister Biraj Shrestha urged Nepal Electricity Authority to modernize into a financially strong institution, while IPAN pressed for faster PPAs and private power trading. Sugar Prices & Supply: A parliamentary committee meeting on sugar supply was postponed; retail sugar has reportedly jumped to as high as Rs 120/kg. Foreign Employment Deal: Government and foreign employment agencies reached an agreement, ending protests and resuming operations after talks. Press Freedom: Journalist Kishor Shrestha’s detention was extended by four days for investigation. Kathmandu Traffic: 765 people were penalized for traffic violations in the Valley in the past 24 hours. India–Nepal Defence Ties: Indian Army chief Dhiraj Seth is in Kathmandu for a three-day visit, receiving a guard of honour and set to get the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army.

LPG Supply Crunch: Nepal Oil Corporation faced sharp backlash after announcing it will require buyers to show citizenship certificates or National IDs to purchase LPG in Kathmandu Valley, with critics calling it bureaucratic for an essential good. Gas Distribution Update: In the meantime, NOC and district offices distributed 16,300+ LPG cylinders over the weekend across multiple Kathmandu and Bhaktapur locations, with full-cylinder supply resuming through retailers from Monday. Defence Diplomacy: Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth arrived in Kathmandu for a four-day visit, with Nepal Army saying he will receive the honorary rank of General from President Ram Chandra Paudel on Monday and hold key meetings. Disaster Response: Nepal Army rescued 300+ people from a landslide in Jajarkot and reported deaths and injuries from monsoon-triggered landslides in western districts. Monsoon Risk: Authorities also moved to commission a geological study in landslide-hit western areas to guide future response and relief. Politics & Party Tensions: Nepali Congress leaders continued factional moves and messaging, while Rastriya Swatantra Party launched a “Citizens, Policy and Leadership” program to bring ministers closer to public grievances. Sports & Culture: HOR Esports secured eighth place at the PUBG Mobile World Championship, while Nepal ‘A’ cricket team was bid farewell for Australia.

Monsoon Watch: Heavy rain is active nationwide, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected in parts of Gandaki and flash-flood risk rising across Kathmandu and many districts; authorities warn of landslides, floods and travel disruption. Road Disruptions: Multiple highways are blocked or restricted, including the Mechi Highway (mud), Araniko Highway (landslides), and parts of the BP Highway with night-time movement curtailed. Landslide Toll: Jajarkot’s Risang landslide killed three and left two missing, with several injured and houses damaged. LPG Shortage Response: Nepal Oil Corporation will sell cooking gas at seven Kathmandu Valley locations today (11am-5pm) to ease shortages. Energy Market Push: Private sector groups say Nepal should expand electricity trading with more licences under existing law, arguing a single entity can’t handle large-scale trade. Banking Rates: Commercial banks cut deposit rates for Bhadra as excess liquidity persists, with average deposit rates edging down. Gold Moves: Gold rose by NPR 3,600 per tola and silver by NPR 50. Sports & Culture: Taekwondo instructor course held in Kathmandu; Nepal’s Bablu Shiwakoti named an Asian Games technical official; “Road to Everest” documentary trailer released; Indra Jatra coverage and Teej song release also draw attention.

India-Nepal Diplomacy: India’s 80th Independence Day was marked in Kathmandu with flag hoisting, cultural programmes, and tributes to Nepali Gorkha soldiers; the Embassy also announced education book grants and honoured competition winners. LPG Shortage Response: Nepal Oil Corporation will sell cooking gas from seven Kathmandu Valley locations on Sunday (11am-5pm) with ID checks, after Saturday distribution left some consumers empty-handed. Health Insurance Online: The Health Insurance Board launched fully online enrolment and renewal, including KYC updates, letting families register or renew digitally without queueing. Nepali Congress Split Talks: An establishment-fringe faction has shifted its “national gathering” into a constitution-compliant “conference,” while dissident leaders push for statute changes and internal unity. Sports & Youth: Nepal won its first medal at the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (bronze) and the Everest Women’s Volleyball League (Oct 2-10) was announced; karate players received tracksuits for the Asian Games. Weather & Safety: Moderate to heavy rain hit parts of Tanahun and Lamjung, raising flash-flood risks; a bus accident in Nuwakot killed two pilgrims.

India-Nepal Ties: PM Balendra Shah and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal sent greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day, stressing deep historical links and people-to-people cooperation. Private Sector & Economy: The Confederation of Nepalese Industries urged the government to implement budget provisions effectively, warning that liquidity is not translating into stronger market demand. Energy Policy: The government plans to amend the Electricity Act to allow private firms into electricity trading, with IPPAN pushing for faster permissions. LPG Distribution: Nepal Oil Corporation will require citizenship/ID cards for LPG cylinder collection, drawing public criticism even as officials say supply is sufficient and hoarding is the issue. Tourism Leadership: NATTA elected Bharat Jung Pandey as president for 2026-2028, with new office-bearers named. Sports: Nepal’s men’s cricket team leaves for a 10-day training camp in India ahead of the ACC Premier Cup, with Sandeep Lamichhane leading. Politics & Justice: Patan High Court Bar Association voting is underway for its new leadership. Social Support: Finance Ministry introduced concessional loans up to Rs 5 million for families of Gen-Z martyrs and injured to start self-employment. Weather & Travel: Monsoon rains are disrupting roads nationwide, with multiple highway blocks and night-time movement bans in affected sections. Education Reform: The Education Ministry begins “Shiksha Samvad” consultations across all seven provinces before drafting the new Education Act. US Immigration: The US ends Temporary Protected Status for Nepali citizens, raising uncertainty for those without other valid status.

Private Sector Push: Chief Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki says the government will prioritize private-sector promotion alongside law reform, service delivery upgrades, and tighter corruption control. Gen Z Agreement: Law Minister Sobita Gautam urged broad endorsement of the December 11 political agreement with Gen Z, calling it a “people’s movement” and warning that ignoring such deals could destabilize peace. NHRC Follow-Through: A National Assembly committee pressed the government to implement NHRC recommendations, citing rising rights complaints and delays in handling cases. Supreme Court on Media/Policing: The Supreme Court issued a show-cause order over a petition demanding CCTV in police offices and holding cells, while separate proceedings continue involving journalist Kishor Shrestha and a contempt case against journalist Khem Bhandari. Gas Supply Relief: Nepal Oil Corporation will distribute cooking gas from five Kathmandu locations as officials insist supply is normal and hoarding is driving shortages. Dairy Deal: A tri-party agreement links dairy cooperatives and DDC to supply 15,000 litres of milk daily starting Aug 17, with dues to be paid to farmers. Education Leadership: Prof. Dr. Vivek Baral appointed Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University. Politics Watch: Sher Bahadur Deuba calls for dialogue to heal the Nepali Congress rift as factional tensions continue.

Nepali Congress Power Struggle: Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba has returned to Nepal and is now pushing a fresh path to settle the party’s leadership fight, with Deuba-aligned leaders proposing accepting him as party president and holding the 15th general convention under his leadership after the Supreme Court agreed to review its earlier verdict. Courts & Press Freedom: The Supreme Court ordered journalist Kishor Shrestha (Jana Aastha) to be presented in court on Monday, while also directing authorities to submit written responses and bring seized devices. Monsoon Disruptions: Continuous rain has blocked or disrupted major highways across Nepal, including the Mechi, BP, Araniko and Araniko corridors, with police urging travelers to check road conditions. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Khadga Raj Paudel and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal urged closer public-private coordination for tourism, while FMTC began running fair price outlets year-round through 193 locations in 44 districts. Cross-Border Tensions: Nepal told Parliament it cannot confirm the whereabouts of the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty documents amid renewed Lipulekh border concerns. Cybercrime & Safety: Police report 20,526 cybercrime complaints registered over the past year, with scams increasingly tied to social media misuse. Regional News: A landslide in Rolpa has killed seven and left five missing, and floods/landslides elsewhere have raised travel risks.