AGP Executive Report

Mountaineering Tragedy: The last body from Nirmal Purja’s Broad Peak expedition in Pakistan was recovered Friday, three weeks after an avalanche killed 10 climbers, including six Nepalis. Public Safety & Disasters: A two-and-a-half-storey house in Kathmandu’s Bansbari toppled after ground sank; authorities are still assessing damage and cause. Crime & Justice: A Nepalese woman in Fukuoka, Japan, was found dead in the Nakagawa river with head injuries; police have opened a murder investigation. RSP Party Updates: The Rastriya Swatantra Party expanded its Secretariat and nominated Home Minister Sudan Gurung and Bhupdev Shah to its Central Committee, while finalising department heads and a spokesperson. Economy & Policy: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the government has no plan for demonetisation. Nepal-India Trade: India eased rules so exporters can receive payments in Indian rupees and still qualify for trade benefits—aimed at boosting trade and reducing dollar reliance. Health Services: The health ministry directed local levels to ensure free medicine availability at basic health institutions. Energy & Telecom: Nepal Telecom started 4G service in Sinja, Jumla. Local Economy: DDC began exporting ghee to Dubai, with plans to expand to Japan and South Korea. Politics & Society: A protest in Kathmandu demanded justice for a rape-murder case involving a three-year-old in Bara. Sports & Culture: PM Balendra Shah is visiting Pokhara; and Nepal Telecom’s 4G rollout plus a new Himalayan Open golf event highlight growing sports and connectivity momentum.

Aviation & Courts: Nepal’s Supreme Court has nullified Maheshwarbhakta Shrestha’s appointment as Nepal Airlines executive chairman, citing merit-order and age-limit violations, and ordered a fresh appointment process. Provincial Politics: Kiran Thapa Magar has been appointed chief minister of Bagmati Province, with parties agreeing on ministry shares; the RPP has moved to discipline its Bagmati leader Uddhav Thapa for backing the UML candidate. Security & Accountability: Probe panels report police fired shots that killed four people during religious clashes in Sunsari and Siraha, with findings pointing to Nepal Police and APF in Sunsari and Nepal Police in Siraha. Public Health: Dengue cases have spread across Nepal, with 2,844 cases recorded in 74 districts so far this year; authorities warn numbers may rise with monsoon conditions and mark World Mosquito Day. Economy & Policy: Finance Committee agrees to cut Nepal Rastra Bank officials’ terms to three years; separately, Nepal has ended its IMF programme with inflation at 1.7% and improved reserves. Energy Planning: Government has advanced the process to launch Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) via a NEA board-led step and a new sub-committee to set standards. Health Alerts: Japanese Encephalitis has claimed deaths in Saptari and Kailali, prompting renewed mosquito-bite prevention advice.

Parliament Showdown: Nepal Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal ordered PM Balendra Shah to appear before the House of Representatives on Aug 26 to answer lawmakers’ questions, ending a 77-day opposition protest over his repeated absence. Domestic Procurement Push: The PMO urged all government offices and Nepali missions abroad to prioritize Nepali goods and services in procurement, including handicrafts, stationery, construction materials and food. Foreign Aid Under Pressure: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle warned grants and highly concessional loans are drying up, with shrinking grace periods and rising loan costs ahead. Audit and Reimbursement Scrutiny: Auditor General Toyam Raya called for clearer accountability in the audit system, while lawmakers raised concerns that administrative delays are blocking reimbursement of foreign aid. CIAA Leadership Questions: RSP lawmakers questioned CIAA chief Prem Kumar Rai’s moral grounds to stay in office, citing past court and procurement-related references. Public Health Alert: Dengue cases have spread across Nepal, with 2,844 cases reported in 74 districts by Aug 15; authorities say risks may rise with and after monsoon. Transport and Trade: Korala border imports hit 100 electric vehicles in the first month of the fiscal year, generating Rs 290 million in revenue. Bilateral Ties: Saudi Arabia and Nepal discussed strengthening cooperation and protecting Nepali migrant workers, including concerns over wage delays. Sports Sponsorship: Extreme Energy Drink signed as title sponsor for the Nepal Volleyball League and as leading arm sponsor for the men’s national cricket team and ‘A’ team. Crime: Police arrested a Nepali woman’s body case in Japan’s Fukuoka as a suspected murder, and in Nepal seized 660 kg of marijuana in Sarlahi.

India-Nepal Defence: Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth wrapped up a four-day Nepal visit, meeting Nepali Army leadership and President Ram Chandra Paudel, and receiving the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army—boosting defence cooperation. Federal Governance: Nepal’s Cabinet approved performance contracts for ministers and signed one with Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina, aiming for result-based delivery in FY 2083/84. Public Service Discipline: The National Vigilance Center says it acted against 11,000 government employees in four months after registering 1,298 complaints, with most resolved. Provincial Politics: Karnali CM Mangal Bahadur Shahi won a vote of confidence, while Sudurpaschim CM Khaga Raj Bhatta also secured confidence. Education & Social Support: Cabinet decided to raise pay for early childhood facilitators and school staff by Rs 5,000 per month, and Qatar Charity launched an education campaign targeting 123,000 students. Economy & Markets: NEPSE saw a slight dip as trading turnover fell, and life insurers reported a small overall profit decline in Q4 FY 2082/83.

India-Nepal Defence Ties: Indian Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth called the military relationship “historic and glorious,” pledging continued support for ex-servicemen in Nepal and inaugurating a polyclinic in Kohalpur. Rail & Connectivity Boost: India’s Cabinet cleared four railway multitracking projects worth Rs 9,450 crore, adding about 410 km of rail and improving freight and passenger movement toward the Nepal border. Markets: NEPSE slipped slightly, closing down 0.26 points, while a few hydropower stocks saw sharp gains and losses. FATF Pressure: Nepal’s PMO directed ministries to meet FATF reform targets to get the country off the grey list, with regular monitoring and deadlines. Courts & Governance: The Supreme Court clarified limits on constitutional bench review of local executive directives, and issued interim relief in a Madhesh employee study-leave dispute. Public Safety: SSB seized 20 kg of ganja near the India-Nepal border; four were arrested. Health & Rights: Nepal Bar Association urged action on microfinance victims’ demands, while 66 snakebite deaths were reported in four months. Local Life: Kathmandu launched the “KTM Public Transport” app with GPS-based updates for about 1,200 vehicles.

Nepal–India Defence Ties: Indian Army chief Gen Dhiraj Seth met PM Balendra Shah at Singha Durbar, with both sides stressing stronger military cooperation amid border unease; Seth was also conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, reflecting a long-standing tradition. Telecom Regulation: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina told Ncell to compete fairly and improve after past disputes, saying the government wants a clean, transparent and competitive telecom sector. Passport Reform: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the Passport Bill will align passport issuance and management with international standards, including INTERPOL coordination and a new provision for children born abroad via mother’s self-declaration. Parliament & Rights: The House discussed constitutional amendment issues as Nepali Congress reiterated its push for a commission; meanwhile, Lalitpur District Court refused an arrest warrant for Janastha editor Kishore Shrestha. Agriculture Payments: Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary pledged to cut dairy farmers’ milk payment delays from eight months to three months, aiming for 25 days by late Bhadra. Public Finance: Government announced winners of the second round taxpayer incentive lottery (Rs 1 million top prize). Disaster & Safety: A four-story house collapsed in Gorkha after continuous rain; in India’s Himachal, a limestone quarry caved in after landslide, killing three. Health in Camps: Jajarkot landslide survivors in camps face flu and fever as safe drinking water remains a major challenge. Culture & Society: Last rites of senior poet Durgalal Shrestha were held with national honour. Sports: Nepal beat Karnataka by 116 runs in a practice match ahead of the ACC Premier Cup. Talks Begin: Formal government talks started with Durga Prasai-led Citizen Protection Campaign to address its demands.

Road Safety Tragedy: A Scorpio jeep crash at Jurikhet, Bhimphedi (Makawanpur) killed Laxmi Badu and injured six others, including Birgunj High Court Chief Judge Gokarna Dangi, with critical patients airlifted to Kathmandu. Parliament Watch: In the HoR, lawmakers pushed for promoting electric cooking stoves as an alternative to LP gas, while also raising road-safety, wild elephant management, and disaster response concerns. Power Sector Focus: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said Nepal should prioritize higher electricity consumption and expand exports, citing near-universal access and plans like seasonal tariffs. Wildlife & Environment: MPs demanded scientific elephant control in Jhapa, and separate reporting highlights Nepal’s tiger recovery alongside worries about uneven gains across parks. Local Governance & Services: The Election Commission urged families to update deceased voters’ records; Dhanusha distributed land ownership certificates to 57 families after nearly a decade. Economy & Regulation: Public Procurement Monitoring Office blacklisted seven construction firms for three years; the Department of Commerce made e-commerce registration mandatory. Tech & Connectivity: Ncell partnered with BYD’s distributor to install IoT SIMs in new BYD vehicles for in-car online services. Sports: Nepal ‘A’ left for Australia’s Top End T20 series; USA booked a third straight Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup spot.

Parliament Accountability: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has ruled PM Balendra Shah must appear in the House to answer lawmakers’ questions, with a direct Q&A set for Aug 26 after opposition pressed him over May remarks about Nepal encroaching on Indian territory. Supreme Court Watch: The Supreme Court ordered the release of Janaastha Weekly editor Kishore Shrestha, directing authorities to return seized devices after finding no reason for continued detention. Human Trafficking Bill: MPs in the HoR urged removing the term “prostitution” from the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Bill, saying the language is disrespectful and laws should be more victim-centric. Disaster & Weather: DHM warned of moderate flash-flood risk in many small rivers today; NDRRMA reported 67 monsoon-related deaths, 8 missing and 121 injured in 1,373 incidents since June 19. Economy & Power: FDI commitments in Nepal plunged to Rs 3.77 billion in the first month of FY 2026-27; Nepal Electricity Authority net profit fell sharply in FY 2082/83 amid higher foreign exchange and financial expenses. Security & Health: Police arrested two NAC employees at Tribhuvan with excess US dollars; JE deaths rose to 16 this year as 63 cases were recorded across 22 districts. India-Nepal Defence Ties: President Ram Chandra Paudel conferred honorary General rank on Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth during his Nepal visit, alongside equipment handover and talks to deepen military cooperation.

Monsoon Disasters: Landslides in western Nepal’s Jajarkot killed 4 and injured 8, with the Nepal Army reporting homes swept away and about 300 people evacuated. Weather Watch: DHM warns of flash-flood risk in small rivers across many districts, while monsoon winds and heavy rain are affecting multiple provinces; Nepal Police also reports nine road sections blocked or restricted due to landslides, erosion and road subsidence. Road Disruptions: Nagdhunga–Muglin briefly reopened after a dry landslide was cleared, but several highways remain intermittently shut. Politics & Governance: Speaker Aryal ordered PM Balen Shah to answer lawmakers in the House; Bagmati and Lumbini chief ministers are set to seek votes of confidence, with RPP instructing members to stay neutral. Energy Push: Energy Minister Biraj Shrestha urged modernization of the Nepal Electricity Authority, while IPAN again demanded PPAs be signed for private projects. Legal/Media: Kathmandu District Court extended journalist Kishor Shrestha’s custody by four days as his habeas corpus case proceeds. Economy & Prices: Sugar supply talks were postponed as retail sugar reportedly hit up to Rs 120/kg; gold rose Rs 1,600 per tola to Rs 306,800. Nepal–India Ties: President Paudel conferred an honorary General rank on Indian Army chief Dhiraj Seth, as he visited Kathmandu and met Nepal Army leadership. Foreign Employment: Government reached an agreement with foreign employment agencies, ending protests and setting a 45-day timeline to address demands.

LPG Supply & ID Rules: Nepal Oil Corporation has sparked backlash after announcing LPG sales in Kathmandu Valley require buyers to show citizenship certificates or National IDs, with critics calling it unnecessary bureaucracy during shortages. Non-Resident Investment Push: At the NRNA Asia-Pacific conference in Guangzhou, non-resident Nepalis urged Nepal to simplify laws, reduce red tape, and improve execution to attract investment, while also pressing for full implementation of citizenship rights. Nepali Congress Fault Line: Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba’s “Hindu/Sanatan” remarks and the faction’s five-point declaration are widening ideological and leadership disputes inside the Nepali Congress. India-Nepal Defence Ties: Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth arrived for a four-day visit, including an honorary general rank ceremony planned by Nepal’s President. Monsoon Disasters: Landslides and flooding continue to hit western Nepal, including a major Bajura incident putting 58 households at high risk and rescues in Jajarkot. Sports & Culture: Nepal ‘A’ cricket team was bid farewell for Australia’s Top End T-20 series; NSJF named nominees for the Pulsar Sports Award People’s Choice category. Crime & Courts: A chargesheet was filed in a Kowkoor dacoity case involving a Nepal-linked gang, while Deuba’s factional politics also faces ongoing legal scrutiny.

Monsoon & Roads: Nepal Police report continuous rainfall disrupting travel across multiple districts, with several highway sections blocked or restricted due to flooding and landslides, including parts of the BP Highway, Arniko Highway, and Bheri Corridor. Landslide Toll: In Jajarkot’s Risang (Bheri Municipality-2), a landslide killed three and left two missing, while earlier reports also mention additional deaths and injuries as search teams mobilize and families are shifted to safer shelters. Energy Market Push: Energy officials and private producers say Nepal’s focus has shifted from generating power to managing surplus, selling electricity, and expanding trading—urging private-sector participation and licences under existing law. Banking Rates: Commercial banks cut deposit rates for Bhadra amid excess liquidity, with the average maximum individual deposit rate falling to 4.136%. Diaspora Finance: Government moves to let NRNs invest in Nepal-based companies via foreign-currency IPOs, aiming to mobilize diaspora capital for job-creating sectors. Nepal-India Ties (Military): Indian Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth arrives in Kathmandu for talks and an honorary rank ceremony. Sports & Culture: Taekwondo instructor course held in Kathmandu; Indra Jatra and Nag Panchami observances continue to draw attention.

India-Nepal Diplomacy: India marked its 80th Independence Day with flag-hoisting and cultural events at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, including tributes to widows and next of kin of 11 deceased Gorkha soldiers and book grants for Nepali institutions. Electricity Trade Policy: Nepal’s Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said regulatory and policy reforms for electricity exports will move in parallel to avoid delays, urging private sector solutions. Nepal-India Border Work: Nepal and India agreed to survey border land occupied by each other’s citizens. Lumbini Development Concerns: Reports say Lumbini Development Trust disputes and administrative hurdles are slowing development despite major international investment. Disaster Update: A landslide in Jajarkot left two missing and four injured, with rescue teams unable to reach the site due to continued debris. Sports & Youth: Nepal won its first medal at the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad; Siddhant Chaturvedi took bronze. Nepal in the News: Nepal Golf Association signed a cooperation deal with China’s Guangzhou ADAY GOLF to train players and build a golf academy.

Nepal–India 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. Diplomacy & Messaging: India’s EAM S. Jaishankar hoisted the flag and highlighted “Atmavishwas, Atmagaurav, Atmanirbharta,” while global partners including Nepal, Bhutan, Australia and others also extended wishes. Energy Policy: Nepal is set to amend electricity laws to let the private sector enter electricity trading, with IPPAN pushing for faster permits. Gas Distribution: Nepal Oil Corporation faced public backlash after making citizenship/ID cards mandatory for LPG collection, saying it’s to curb hoarding and ensure fair access. Finance Support for Gen-Z: The government introduced concessional loans up to Rs 5 million for families of Gen-Z martyrs and injured to start self-employment ventures. Transport Disruption: Flooding washed away a suspension bridge on the Jajarkot–Dolpa road, blocking connectivity and forcing relocations. Sports: Nepal’s cricket team departed for a training camp in India ahead of the ACC Premier Cup, with Sandeep Lamichhane reappointed captain. Legal/Bar Polls: Voting is underway for the Patan High Court Bar Association leadership using electronic machines.

Private Sector Push: Chief Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki says Nepal’s next push is promoting the private sector alongside legal and service-delivery reform, corruption control, and better digital governance. Floods & Road Disruptions: Continuous rain has triggered landslides and floods, blocking highways and forcing night-time traffic stoppages on key routes including the BP Highway, Araniko Highway, and Trishuli–Mailung–Syaphrubesi road. Gen Z Agreement Endorsement: Law Minister Sobita Gautam urged broad acceptance of the government–Gen Z political agreement, calling it a “people’s movement” and warning that ignoring such deals could revive conflict. Human Rights Oversight: A National Assembly committee stressed implementing NHRC recommendations, citing rising complaints on rights violations, delays, and lack of investigation. Capital Market Watch: NEPSE fell 7.37 points on Friday, while hydropower firms say IPO and rights-issue approvals are stuck at Sebon, squeezing projects. Supreme Court on Ncell: The Supreme Court issued an interim order stopping the government from publicizing the Ncell share-sale investigation report. Deuba Returns: Ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Kathmandu and called for dialogue to heal the Nepali Congress rift. LPG Supply Concern: Authorities urged people not to hoard LPG amid reports of shortages and queueing in parts of Kathmandu.

Nepali Congress Power Struggle: Leaders close to former president Sher Bahadur Deuba have floated accepting him as party president and holding the 15th general convention under his leadership, after the Supreme Court allowed a review of its earlier decision on Gagan Thapa’s leadership. Border & Treaties: Nepal’s foreign minister says the government cannot confirm it still has the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty papers, amid renewed Lipulekh/Kalapani/Limpiyadhura tensions with India. Court & Press Freedom: The Supreme Court ordered journalist Kishor Shrestha (Jana Aastha) to be presented in court on Monday, with seized devices and investigation files to be brought as part of a habeas corpus case. Monsoon Disruptions: Landslides and floods have blocked or partially halted roads across multiple highways, with traffic restrictions reported on sections of the BP Highway and Araniko Highway. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Khadga Raj Paudel and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal urged closer public-private work for tourism, while NATTA elections are underway and officials say Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports should resume full operations soon. Public Safety: A bus crash in Jharkhand killed at least three Nepali “kanwariyas” (including a 10-year-old) and injured 10 others. Security & Crime: Police reported thousands of cybercrime complaints over the past year, while Delhi Police said they busted an Indo-Nepal charas syndicate, arresting four Nepalese nationals. Politics in Provinces: Sudurpaschim Province appointed Khagaraj Bhatta as chief minister after a reshuffle following support withdrawal.

Landslide Tragedy in Rolpa: Heavy rain triggered a landslide in Thawang Rural Municipality, Rolpa, killing at least seven and leaving five missing, with search teams mobilised despite difficult access. Deuba’s Return and Party Tensions: Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba came back to Kathmandu after nearly five months abroad for “medical treatment,” greeted by supporters and given a separate room at the Chundevi contact office amid renewed Nepali Congress infighting and legal questions. Journalist Kishor Shrestha Detained: Kathmandu District Court allowed police to keep journalist Kishor Shrestha in custody for three days over alleged privacy-related offenses, drawing protests from media groups. Smart Cell Asset Case Filed: Kathmandu District Court received a case against NIMB CEO Jyoti Prakash Pandey and 21 others over alleged illegal auctioning of Smart Cell assets after telecom license revocation. Sports Governance Watch: The National Sports Council board meets today to discuss Nepal’s Asian Games preparations, the long-delayed 10th National Games, and ANFA’s suspension. Women Athletes’ Harassment Study: A new study reports serious sexual harassment and oppression faced by Nepali female athletes, including during selection and competitions. Maternity Hospital Rush: Nepal’s maternity hospitals see a seasonal surge, with Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital reporting more than double usual daily deliveries.