AGP Executive Report

Tunnel Payments Go Cashless: FNTTE and Sanima Bank signed an agreement to let truck and other users pay Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel entry/exit fees via RFID at gates and QR codes for convenience and transparency. Bagmati Development Delays: Bagmati Province says projects have turned “moribund” for years due to weak budget systems, political project selection, and poor monitoring, and plans reforms to make budgeting more result-oriented. Medical Education Protests: The Medical Education Struggle Campaign announced nationwide phased protests, starting with PG and intern doctors’ pen-down after 1pm, accusing private colleges of irregularities and withholding salaries. Cybercrime Crackdown: Nepal Police will set up an Anti-Cyber Scam Centre and integrated command centres as cyber complaints rise sharply. Health Sector Pressure in Parliament: Lawmakers again raised safety for healthcare workers and called for stronger action against assaults, alongside demands to fix the cooking gas shortage. India Support for Local Projects: India will provide Rs 803 million for eight community projects in education, health and agriculture, including hospital and digitalisation work. Sports—Cricket Leadership Change: CAN reinstated Sandeep Lamichhane as Nepal ODI captain and reshuffled the squad for the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. International Youth Day: Nepal marked International Youth Day with events on youth entrepreneurship and employment. Monsoon Watch: DHM forecasts active monsoon conditions with moderate to heavy rain and thunder in several provinces.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Three Nepali climbers killed in Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche—Kili Pemba Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Nima Sherpa—arrived in Kathmandu for final tributes after repatriation from Doha, as candle vigils and grief continue across the region. Diplomacy & Development: India and Nepal signed MoUs for eight high-impact projects worth about NPR 803 million, spanning health, education and agriculture, including digitalisation at BPKIHS and new hospital and agriculture infrastructure. Transport & Economy: NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 kicked off at Bhrikuti Mandap with dozens of new two- and four-wheeler brands, while officials urged road safety and better coordination across the sector. Digital Nepal: The government is pushing a roadmap for nationwide 5G expansion by 2035 and targets 5 lakh digital economy jobs by 2035, even as reporting flags serious failures in digital identity and other national platforms. Governance Watch: Cabinet declared four protest-related deaths in Sunsari and Siraha as martyrs, and decided to publish the Ncell share transaction probe report; Finance Minister Wagle also urged digitising and securely preserving public records. Education Inclusion: The education minister consulted stakeholders on inclusive education, focusing on standards, disability-friendly access and support for teachers with disabilities.

Parliament & Politics: Opposition MPs staged fresh protests in the House demanding PM Balen Shah’s border remarks be corrected and removed from the record, while PM and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal met to find ways to end obstruction and keep the monsoon session running. Cricket: Cricket Association of Nepal named leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane as ODI captain for the ACC Premier Cup in Malaysia, ending Rohit Paudel’s ODI stint; CAN also thanked Paudel for his leadership. Sports (Para & Beyond): Nepal’s para table tennis players are training with borrowed gear ahead of the Asian Para Games, and para swimmers are preparing despite facility and support gaps. Economy & Daily Life: Transport entrepreneurs asked for customs concessions on EV parts; LPG supply is reportedly being disrupted by hoarding fears despite higher imports; egg support prices were raised as demand climbs. Culture & Community: Ghantakarna (Gathamangal) is being observed across the Kathmandu Valley today with traditional rituals to ward off evil. Weather: Monsoon-driven rain is expected in limited places, with thunder and lightning possible in parts of hilly regions. Sports (Local Talent): Shekhar Thapa won bronze at the Asian ITF Taekwondo Championship, and Horaa Esports booked a spot in PUBG Mobile World Cup’s grand final.

Parliament & Law: The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to protect existing provisions of Nepal’s Special Services Act, placing the National Investigation Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office and broadening intelligence-led investigations. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meetings with India’s envoy Naveen Srivastava and China’s ambassador Zhang Maoming, signaling a more direct engagement approach; separate Indian envoy talks also pushed the “Neighbourhood First” agenda with Bangladesh. Sports: Cricket Association of Nepal named Sandeep Lamichhane as Nepal’s ODI captain for the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia, and also announced the Nepal ‘A’ squad for Australia’s Darwin tournament. Public Policy & Society: A national dowry-free campaign begins from Madhesh, while the government and media editors discussed improving timely, transparent information flow. Economy & Governance: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle urged multinational investors to expand and create jobs, and lawmakers renewed calls to fix budget freezing tied to low capital expenditure. Safety & Tragedy: An explosion during disposal of hydropower explosives in Rasuwa killed one and injured others; bodies of Broad Peak avalanche victims are set to reach Kathmandu.

Diplomacy: Nepal PM Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meeting with India’s envoy Naveen Srivastava, stressing deepening “historic ties” and expanding development cooperation, with a separate China meeting also planned. Economy: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle is in talks with 20 multinational companies on budget implementation, facilities, investment expansion, jobs, and profit repatriation, while reiterating strong public-private partnership for economic transformation. Infrastructure & delivery: A study warns national pride projects could take 10 more years if current pace continues, citing delays from budget, land, tree felling and limited working hours. Public services: Guheshwori Wastewater Treatment Plant is processing 32.4 million litres daily, but officials say separate sewage and rainwater pipelines are needed to boost effectiveness. Safety & travel: Monsoon rains are causing landslides and road blockages across multiple highways, with authorities urging alternate routes and caution. Local life: Gold prices in Nepal fell by Rs 200 per tola while silver rose by Rs 25 per tola. Culture & community: The third International Mother Language Journalism Conference opened in Kathmandu, focusing on inclusive communication and indigenous media. Religion: Thousands of devotees are gathering for Bol Bam at Sundarijal and Pashupatinath, with expanded temple access and health/disaster support. Sports/entertainment: Kathmandu’s Gaijatra comedy “Balen Sarkar” was released, satirising major political parties.

E-Visa Rollout: Nepal will fully launch its digital e-Visa system on August 17, 2026, letting travellers apply online and receive visas by email (with processing generally within 24 hours), easing queues at immigration. Indigenous Rights & Politics: Kathmandu marked International Indigenous Peoples’ Day with calls for real inclusion beyond slogans, while Nepali Congress leaders discussed constitutional amendments and preparations for the 15th General Convention amid internal party tensions. Public Safety & Crime: Police arrested 16 people in drug-related raids across multiple districts; in Kapilvastu, three were held with a pistol, and weapons were also recovered in Dhading, Pyuthan and Gulmi. Power & Utilities: A technical fault during work at the Piluwa substation caused a temporary power disruption in the Kathmandu Valley. Health Alerts: Japanese encephalitis deaths and infections are rising, with officials warning unvaccinated people face higher risk. LPG Crackdown: Authorities intensified monitoring to curb black marketing of cooking gas, urging consumers not to hoard. Sports: Hora Esports qualified for the PUBG Mobile World Championship Grand Finals; Nepal’s sports bodies also advanced Asian Games and domestic preparations.

Indigenous Rights & Representation: President Ramchandra Paudel marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, stressing constitutional unity in diversity and calling for meaningful indigenous participation in policy and decision-making, citing 36.8% local-level representation. Politics & Alliances: Eight parties announced a new “Progressive Front” in Nepal, aiming for an inclusive, discrimination-free society and equal representation; meanwhile, Nepali Congress leaders are set for a Central Working Committee meeting amid preparations for the party’s general convention. LPG Crisis Watch: Police began deploying at gas depots in Kathmandu to curb black marketing, while officials say LP gas supply is gradually returning to normal as imports rise. Roads & Monsoon Disruptions: Heavy rain triggered landslides and erosion, blocking key highways and prompting vehicle bans on some sections overnight. Economy & Markets: Gold prices rose by Rs 4,800 per tola and silver by Rs 65 per tola in the domestic market. Public Safety & Governance: Kathmandu Valley traffic police chief urged a technology-friendly “faceless traffic” approach, and an HoR committee chair warned against corrupt behavior among traffic officers. Youth & Culture: Nepalaya published three books featuring 75 writers under 25, and US Embassy launched the 2026 USYC Nepal cohort of 55 young leaders.

Landslide-hit trade: The Tatopani border point has been blocked for over three weeks, halting Nepal–China imports and exports as roads to the gateway remain unusable. LPG shortage response: Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav inspected gas industries and depots in Kathmandu, directing priority sales for students, daily wage workers and distressed citizens while the government pushes a quick response to complaints. Higher education reform: A two-day policy lab backed a transparent, inclusive, result-oriented faculty recruitment and promotion system, urging universities to strengthen research, innovation and coordination. Dalit surname listing: The Ministry of Women, Children, Gender and Social Security published recommended Dalit surnames and opened a two-day public feedback window before a final Council of Ministers decision. Politics and parties: Nepali Congress says its 15th general convention will be held on schedule (Oct 2–5 in Kathmandu), while RPP chair Rajendra Lingden pledged to safeguard active cadres ahead of the party’s Dec 12–14 convention. Mountaineering tragedy: Bad weather has delayed recovery efforts after five bodies were spotted on Yalung Ri, with authorities waiting for visibility to reach the site and confirm identities. Sports calendar: CAN announced NPL Season 3 dates—Oct 26 start and Nov 21 final. Urban rights: Bhaktapur’s demolished squatters staged a protest demanding immediate resettlement, compensation and a time-bound plan.

State-Owned Reform Push: PM Balen Shah says long-deficit state industries are turning around, citing Nepal Aushadhi Limited’s rising sales and plans to expand production of free medicines. Gas Supply Oversight: Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav inspected the Nepal Gas Industry in Balaju and a Teku distribution depot, directing firms to ensure supply for students in Kirtipur amid complaints. Trade Link with Oman: Export Promotion Federation and an Omani non-resident Nepali club signed an MoU to expand “Made in Nepal” exports, including tea, spices, handicrafts and garments. Diplomacy & Security: Korea-Nepal ties were praised by Ambassador Park Taeyoung, while US-Iran-Oman talks point to a possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial oil transport. Public Safety & Health: Nepal Medical Association condemned an assault on doctors and nurses at Palata Hospital; Nepal Police also arrested two absconding defendants in a heroin case. Governance Appointments: PM Shah appointed office-bearers at three national academies. Politics & Rights: Constitutional expert Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya criticized ruling-party “double standards,” and eight parties announced a “Progressive Front” focused on federalism and social justice. Culture & Society: Kathmandu Public Health Office set up a breastfeeding room at Teku for staff and health workers. Mountaineering Vigil: Tributes continued for Broad Peak victims, including a Kathmandu “Tribute Run 5K” ending with a vigil at Boudhanath Stupa.

Doctors’ Deal: A five-point agreement between the government and intern doctor Dilli Harijan, who was on a four-day hunger strike at Bir Hospital, has been reached; Harijan has been moved to ICU for further treatment. Housing & Rights: Nepal’s demolition drive around Kathmandu Valley has displaced an estimated 15,000–20,000 people, with rights concerns raised as verification of landless families begins. Landless Verification: The Land Problems Resolution Committee says about 70% of checked displaced families are genuine landless squatters, with further checks ongoing. Federal Parliament: Four bills were tabled in the HoR, including amendments on constitutional bodies’ remuneration, passports, human trafficking controls, and mines and minerals. Energy & Daily Life: The government says cooking gas supply is being monitored to prevent shortages, with cylinder tracking and efforts to secure more LPG quota from India. Capital Markets: SEBON released a white paper to modernise Nepal’s primary capital market, pushing for a more technology-friendly, internationally competitive system. Koshi Politics: Koshi CM Hikmat Karki barred a minister linked to a bid to oust him from announcing Cabinet decisions. Markets: NEPSE slipped 0.15% to 2650.09. Public Safety: Police say they’ve registered 161 cybercrime complaints in the past year, mostly involving youth aged 19–25. Mountaineering: Last rites of Broad Peak climber Pur Bahadur Gurung were held at Swayambhu in Kathmandu.

Parliament & Governance: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal ordered the government to clarify the Dhalkebar national trauma centre plan after lawmakers questioned commitments. Energy & Infrastructure: The Infrastructure Development Committee pushed for faster electricity access to remote settlements and tighter coordination on pole relocation; Nepal Electricity Authority says pole shifting is 80–90% done, while the Roads Department calls pole relocation a major bottleneck for road upgrades. Economy & Finance: Nepal Rastra Bank will collect Rs 60 billion via a one-month deposit instrument through online bidding; MPs also raised concerns over economic slowdown and project delays. Telecom: Nepal Telecom Authority issued an 8-point directive to mobile operators on network quality, complaint handling, and phased 4G/5G expansion. Transport & Safety: Heavy rain and landslides have disrupted highways, while a bus crash on the Gwarko flyover wall left casualties. Local Economy & Prices: Gold rose to Rs 296,900 per tola; ride-hailing drivers protested high commissions and VAT. Trade: Nepal recorded a trade deficit with 128 partners in FY 2025/26 despite record exports. Health & Institutions: New appointments at the Nepal Pharmacy Council and Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center; nurses protests and health-sector pressures continue.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Pur Bahadur Gurung’s body (“Yukta”) has been repatriated to Kathmandu after the avalanche in Pakistan, with families and mountaineers paying tribute ahead of Friday’s rites. Supreme Court Watch: The SC has ordered a review of its decision on the legitimacy of Nepali Congress leadership under Gagan Thapa, and also allowed a review tied to whether the Election Commission followed fair-hearing rules. Displaced Children: An SC interim order demands education, health and housing support for children displaced from Kathmandu Valley riverbanks during encroachment removals. Monsoon Preparedness: National Assembly leaders pressed the government to strengthen disaster readiness, with Home Minister Sudhan Gurung pointing to the monsoon preparedness and response plan and command posts. Electricity Tariffs: The Electricity Regulatory Commission issued a new directive to set consumer tariffs on a fully cost-based and transparent process. Sports: Nepal confirmed 136 athletes in 22 sports for the 20th Asian Games, and the national cricket team will play a practice ODI against New Zealand ‘A’ in September. Governance & Services: MoFA launched fully online consular attestation via NEATS, and UGC took over foreign degree equivalency services. Politics & Diplomacy: Kathmandu cancelled a high-profile Tibetan studies seminar after a directive linked to Chinese concerns, while Home Minister Gurung visited the Gen Z injured office to coordinate treatment.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistani helicopters airlifted five climbers’ bodies from Broad Peak to Skardu, raising recovered bodies to eight; Nirmal Purja was among those flown, while two remain missing and the search continues. Health in Monsoon: Kathmandu hospitals report a rise in fever cases since rains began, with doctors urging people to treat fever as a symptom that can come from many infections, not just seasonal flu. Road Safety: A passenger bus crash in Lalitpur killed one and injured 19; the driver is in police custody as investigations continue. Public Finance & Jobs: The government rolled out an updated salary scale for civil servants and related services effective Shrawan 1, with a 10% monthly incentive allowance. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly meets with ministers to answer oral questions and will table an Infectious Animal Diseases (Control) Bill. Economy & Governance: Auditor General Toyam Raya warned that inconsistent understanding of economic laws is complicating audits, while private-sector leaders urged more trust-building, less retrospective pressure. Kathmandu Mobility: Heavy rain disrupted highways and brought night-time traffic bans on parts of the BP Highway and Kantilokpath. Politics: Former PM Jhalanath Khanal and JSP chair Upendra Yadav held talks on national unity and rights.

Jobs & Foreign Employment: Employment Minister Ramji Yadav says the government plans to create 100,000 jobs this year, with 12 action plans including a “Green Job Mission,” plus steps to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad and curb “free visa/free ticket” fraud through an amended Foreign Employment Act and an online complaint system. Media Accountability: A probe into Nepal Television procurement found irregularities in digital transmitter and broadcasting-related purchases, citing illegal decisions, procedural flaws, and financial liabilities, including misuse of “Archive Digitization” funds. Diplomacy & Research: The Foreign Ministry launched the “MoFA Knowledge Hub,” a monthly forum meant to strengthen research-led foreign policy. Koshi Power Deal: Hikmat Karki will continue as Koshi chief minister for now under an understanding he will step down if KP Sharma Oli asks. Broad Peak Tragedy: Recovery teams brought Nirmal Purja and three climbers to Broad Peak base camp; the Nimsdai Foundation also launched a global fund for guides’ families. Law & Rights: The HoR Law Committee directed the government to seek clarification from Amnesty International, ICJ and Human Rights Watch over statements on judicial independence. Road Disruptions: Floods and landslides blocked or partially disrupted multiple highways, with some sections reopened after repairs.

Tarai-Madhes Security: The government says it will arrange compensation, relief and treatment for the deceased and injured from the Sunsari and Siraha violence, while Home Ministry consultations with Hindu and Muslim leaders push preventive steps to protect communal harmony. Drugs & Crime: Police arrested a man with 207 kg of marijuana in Parsa and also nabbed five people with heroin-like substances and Tramadol in Sindhuli. Landslides & Travel Disruption: Rain-triggered landslides blocked and then cleared parts of the Muglin–Narayangadh road; Nepal Police reports multiple highway obstructions and night travel restrictions in some stretches. Health Sector: Hunger-striking nurse Jyoti Ranabhat ended her fast after a 19-point deal with the government, including plans for a task force on pay and service conditions for health workers. Economy & Prices: Nepal Rastra Bank will collect NPR 85 billion in three-month deposits; gold prices jumped by Rs 4,200 per tola. Energy & Daily Life: The Industry Ministry says LP gas supply should normalize within days and warns against hoarding and black marketing. Environment & Policy: Gandaki province legalized medical cannabis farming and use despite a national ban; the Agriculture Ministry issued National Agriculture Policy 2083. Sports/Culture: Nepal’s tiger count hit a record 429; and Lost in Mandala is set to reach global audiences via Apple Entertainment.

Monsoon Disruptions: Floods and landslides have completely shut down five key highways, including sections of the Kanti, Araniko, and Mid-Hill routes, with dozers and excavators deployed and commuters urged to use alternatives. Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistan search teams are now working on foot as poor weather keeps helicopters grounded, after an avalanche killed 10 climbers including Nepal’s Nirmal Purja; candlelight vigils in Kathmandu mourn the “lost generation” and families press for bodies to be brought home. Land for Landless: The government says distribution of land ownership certificates to landless squatters has started from June 2, while lawmakers demand faster, coordinated action across all three tiers. Gas and Health Pressure: Nepal Oil Corporation insists there is no LPG shortage, while MPs push for better supply management; meanwhile, a hunger-striking nurse Jyoti Ranabhat has been moved to ICU, renewing demands for nursing reforms and anti-snake venom availability. Security and Justice: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has begun talks with the family of Rabindra Mehta after his death from Sunsari clashes, and MPs again demand a judicial probe into Sunsari and Tarai-Madhes incidents. Economy and Cities: Finance Minister Wagle met bank CEOs on credit and monetary reforms; KMC and AEPC signed to revive Teku waste-to-energy operations.