AGP Executive Report

Nepal–India Politics: Opposition MPs again protested in the House, demanding PM Balen Shah’s border remarks be removed from the parliamentary record and calling for clarification and transparency. Parliament Business: PM Balen Shah and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal met to discuss ending obstruction and making the monsoon session run smoothly. Cricket: Cricket Association of Nepal named Sandeep Lamichhane as ODI captain for the ACC Premier Cup, while also thanking former captain Rohit Paudel for his leadership. Sports (Esports): Nepal’s Horaa Esports booked a spot in the PUBG Mobile World Cup grand final in Paris after finishing fourth in Group B. Sports (Para): Nepal’s para swimmers are training for the Asian Para Games despite major gaps in facilities, coaching support, and funding. Transport & Economy: Transport entrepreneurs urged Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle for customs concessions on EV parts; NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026 opened with new vehicle launches and calls for policy support for the automobile sector. Energy & Daily Life: LPG supply is reportedly normal but an artificial shortage is driven by hoarding fears; egg traders raised support prices after demand picked up. Culture: Ghantakarna (Gathamangal) is being observed across Kathmandu Valley today with traditional rituals to ward off evil. International: NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set for a spacewalk on Aug. 18; US canceled 175,000+ visas under tightened immigration rules.

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 investigation roles beyond specific ministries. Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one envoy meetings with India’s ambassador and China’s ambassador, signaling a more direct approach to Nepal’s India-China balancing act. Treaties & Borders: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the government is unclear whether Nepal holds the original official copies of the 1816 Sugauli and 1950 peace treaties, while lawmakers also demanded a correction to the PM’s border statement made in June. Cricket: Sandeep Lamichhane was named Nepal’s ODI captain for the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia, replacing Rohit Paudel. Health Insurance: BP Koirala Institute introduced a new OPD registration and claim system for health insurance services, tightening ticket registration and scanning rules. Sports Inclusion: A three-day inclusive coaching training for wheelchair basketball and disability sports concluded in Kathmandu with EU support. Public Safety: One person died after an explosion during disposal of expired hydropower explosives in Rasuwa, with several others injured. Sports Administration: Dhaniram Chaudhary and Lalita Nath were nominated to the National Sports Council board.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava since taking office, discussing bilateral ties, development cooperation and shared interests—signalling a shift toward direct engagement. Budget Implementation: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle began talks with 20 multinational companies on budget implementation for FY 2083/84, urging investment, job creation and smoother profit repatriation. National Projects Delays: A study warns Nepal’s “national pride” projects could take at least 10 more years if current pace continues, with average progress only around 55%. Monsoon Disruptions: Heavy rain triggered landslides and blocked major highways across multiple districts, while a bus accident in Chitwan killed a pedestrian. LPG Supply Worries: LPG shortages resurfaced despite steady imports, with officials pointing to distribution and stockpiling issues rather than supply cuts. Mountaineering Tragedy: Five bodies were recovered from Mt Yalung Ri nearly nine months after an avalanche, bringing closure for families of missing climbers. Environment & Safety: King cobras and cobras are increasingly appearing in homes near Chitwan National Park, raising fears for residents in the buffer zone. Local Rights Push: Jhapa local levels pledged to enact and implement a Local Dalit Rights Act through a 10-point declaration. Media Inclusion: Nepal kicked off the 3rd International Mother Language Journalism Conference in Kathmandu, focusing on inclusive communication and indigenous issues.

e-Visa Rollout: Nepal will fully launch its e-visa system on August 17, 2026, letting travelers apply online and receive visas by email, with processing generally within 24 hours. Power & Utilities: A technical fault at the Piluwa 132/33 KV substation after a wire incident disrupted power supply in parts of the Kathmandu Valley; restoration was gradual and an injured technician is being treated. Public Safety & Crime: Police arrested 16 people in drug-related raids across multiple districts, while three people were nabbed in Kapilvastu with a pistol and police also recovered multiple bharuwa guns in Dhading, Pyuthan and Gulmi. Heritage & Cleanliness: Swayambhu was cleaned ahead of the month-long fair, with efforts to cut plastic and improve lighting and waste management. Indigenous Focus: Kathmandu hosted events for International Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including a rally and speeches calling for inclusive governance and constitutional rights for indigenous and marginalized communities. ICT Policy: PM adviser Rehan Asif Asad outlined Nepal’s ICT/telecom priorities: better connectivity, digital public infrastructure, AI-ready talent, and electronics manufacturing incentives. Gas Market Crackdown: Authorities intensified monitoring to curb black marketing of LPG, and Nepal LP Gas Industry urged people not to hoard, saying imports are rising. Autism Summit: Kathmandu will host Nepal’s first National Autism Summit on September 17, aiming to improve identification and support systems. Sports: Hora Esports qualified for the PUBG Mobile World Championship Grand Finals in Paris after a top-5 group finish.

Indigenous Rights & Unity: President Ramchandra Paudel marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, stressing meaningful participation in policymaking and citing 36.8% local-level representation as Nepal’s commitment to ILO 169 and UNDRIP. Gas Supply Crackdown: Kathmandu police began depot-based LPG distribution amid shortage, with plainclothes deployment to curb black marketing; thousands of cylinders were released in a day. Gold Prices Rise: Gold climbed by Rs 4,800 per tola to around Rs 300,800, while silver also inched up to Rs 4,645. Politics & Governance: Rastriya Swatantra Party announced a “Citizen, Policy and Leadership” program from September, while MP Hari Dhakal renewed calls to rename Singha Durbar and improve its working style. Road Safety Push: Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police chief Suresh Prasad Kafle urged a technology-friendly “faceless” approach plus education and enforcement to cut accidents. Trade Hit by Landslides: Tatopani border trade with China remains halted as road closures stretch to nearly three weeks. Health Probe: Police questioned Dr. Nutan Sharma in the case of a teenager’s ovary removal at B&B Hospital, with the doctor released on bail. New Alliance: Eight Nepalese parties formed the “Progressive Front” focused on inclusion, federal democracy, and proportionate representation.

Aviation Reform Watch: India’s pilots’ federation has urged PM Narendra Modi to replace the DGCA with an autonomous Civil Aviation Authority, arguing the current regulator lacks independence and flexibility as aviation expands fast. Trade Disruption: Nepal’s Tatopani border with China has stayed blocked for over three weeks due to landslides, halting cross-border cargo movement with no clear reopening date. Energy & Daily Life: Industry Minister Gauri Kumari inspected LPG industries and depots after complaints of shortages, directing priority sales for students, daily wage workers and distressed citizens while NOC runs a quick response team. Higher Education Policy: A two-day policy lab backed by the education ministry concluded universities should adopt transparent, inclusive, result-oriented faculty recruitment and promotion systems. Road Infrastructure: The Saljhandi–Sandhikharka–Dhorpatan road project is set to gain momentum, with officials citing slow past progress and listing local demands. Mountaineering Tragedy: Nine months after a Yalung Ri avalanche, five bodies believed to be missing climbers were found, but recovery is delayed by weather. Politics: Nepali Congress says its 15th general convention will be held on schedule (Oct 2–5), while RPP chair Rajendra Lingden vowed to safeguard cadres ahead of the Dec 12–14 convention. Sports: CAN announced NPL Season 3 will run Oct 26 to Nov 21.

State-Owned Turnaround: PM Balen Shah says long-deficit government industries are improving, citing Nepal Drug Limited’s sales jump and plans to expand free-medicine production. Energy & Gas Access: Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav inspected the Nepal Gas Industry and a Teku depot, directing firms to avoid shortages for students in Kirtipur. Diplomacy & Services: Nepal begins steps to close five diplomatic missions abroad (Brazil, Denmark, South Africa, plus consulates in San Francisco and Chengdu) while promising alternative arrangements. Foreign Policy Bridge: FM Shisir Khanal says Nepal aims to be a “vibrant bridge” between India and China, stressing balanced, respect-based ties. Cross-Border Money Moves: A report highlights India-Nepal progress on digital transfers and currency rules, including a direct digital payment link and easing of cash-carrying rules. Local Disruption: The Ilam–Rajduwali road remains blocked for a month after a landslide, with repairs slowed by ongoing rain. Public Health: Kathmandu Public Health Office inaugurates a breastfeeding room at Teku for staff and health workers. Security & Health Workers: Police detain people accused of assaulting and vandalizing at Palata Hospital; the Nepal Medical Association demands action. Economy Watch: NEPSE fell 35 points last week, wiping about Rs70 billion in market value.

Doctors’ Deal: A five-point agreement between the government and intern doctor Dilli Harijan ends his four-day hunger strike over stipend uniformity. Housing Rights: Verification of displaced families finds nearly 70% are genuine landless squatters, with follow-up checks on remaining cases. Parliament Bills: Four bills tabled in the House of Representatives, including amendments on constitutional bodies’ remuneration, passports, human trafficking controls, and mines and minerals. Media Regulation: The Info Ministry begins stakeholder talks on a draft Media Council Bill, aiming to balance press freedom with accountability amid misinformation and deepfakes. Telecom Push: NTA issues eight directives to telcos to improve mobile service quality, expand 4G/5G, and strengthen cybersecurity and disaster recovery. Power & Economy: NEPSE slips 4.05 points to 2650.09; SEBON unveils a white paper to modernize Nepal’s primary capital market. Humanitarian & Safety: Monsoon-linked flood fears persist in Koshi/Bagmati/Gandak; meanwhile, last rites of Broad Peak climber Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) are held in Kathmandu.

Mountaineering Tragedy: Five bodies were found at Mt Yalung Ri base camp in Rolwaling months after an avalanche on Nov 3, but deteriorating weather prevented recovery; identities will be confirmed once retrieved. Parliament & Governance: RPP lawmaker Khushbu Oli urged the government to deliver results, while lawmakers pressed the Speaker to clarify the Dhalkebar national trauma centre plan and demanded PM participation in question-answer. Infrastructure Bottlenecks: MPs flagged development delays, administrative inefficiencies, and electricity pole relocation as a key road-project obstacle; the Electricity Authority says pole shifting is near completion. Energy & Telecom: The House directed faster electricity access expansion to remote areas, and Nepal Telecom issued an 8-point directive to improve mobile service quality and consumer protection. Economy & Finance: NRB will collect Rs 60 billion via a one-month deposit instrument; analysts warn the government is treating symptoms, not fixing structural economic fragility. Consumer Incentives: A Kanchanpur shopper who spent Rs 250 won Rs 1 million in the taxpayer bill-seeking lottery. Weather & Safety: Monsoon rains are disrupting highways and raising flood alerts, including Bagmati river levels above danger marks in Bihar.

Supreme Court Watch: The Supreme Court has ordered a review of its verdict on the legitimacy of Nepali Congress leadership, sending the case back for a fresh hearing after the Deuba–Khadka faction challenged the earlier recognition of Gagan Thapa’s committee. Riverbank Rights: The court also directed the government to ensure education, health and housing for children displaced from Kathmandu Valley riverbanks during encroachment removal. Politics & Provinces: Reports say KP Sharma Oli is allegedly “meddling” in Rastriya Prajatantra Party to secure provincial majorities in Bagmati, raising fresh coalition tensions. Energy Policy: The Electricity Regulatory Commission issued a new directive to set electricity tariffs through a cost-based and more transparent process. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell 13.82 points to close at 2,654.15; gold rose Rs 8,000 per tola to Rs 296,000 and silver to Rs 4,570 per tola. Sports: Nepal will send 136 athletes in 22 sports to the 20th Asian Games; the national cricket team will play a practice ODI against New Zealand ‘A’ in September. Mountaineering Tragedy: Pur Bahadur Gurung’s body was repatriated to Kathmandu after the Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan. Public Health: Kathmandu’s Central Zoo bird flu outbreak has renewed concerns about weak disease surveillance beyond the zoo.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistani military helicopters airlifted the bodies of five climbers from Broad Peak, raising recovered deaths to eight, including British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja; two climbers remain missing as families and Nepal held vigils. Road Safety: A passenger bus crash in Lalitpur killed one and injured 19 after it hit a flyover wall; the driver is in custody as investigations continue. Health Watch: Kathmandu hospitals report more fever cases since the rains, with doctors urging people to treat fever as a symptom and not assume it is only seasonal flu. Monsoon Economy: Gold prices jumped by Rs 8,000 per tola to Rs 296,000; silver also rose. Public Service Pay: The government published updated salary scales effective Shrawan 1 for civil servants, army, police, and teachers, alongside a 10% monthly incentive. Health System Reform: The Ministry of Health says it is advancing structural reforms (CDC model, accreditation, FDA) and plans to clear health insurance dues by mid-August. Politics & Governance: Parliament’s schedule omits the PM’s direct question-and-answer session; Home Minister Sudhan Gurung also faced pushback in the Nirmala Pant case. Education & Diplomacy: India laid foundation stones for two school buildings in Kavrepalanchowk, while Nepal’s foreign service officials began Chinese language training with China’s ambassador.

Jobs & Foreign Employment: Nepal’s Employment Minister Ramji Yadav says the government aims to create 100,000 jobs this year, with 12 action plans including a “Green Job Mission,” plus efforts to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad without proper documents and to curb “free visa/ticket” fraud through an amended Foreign Employment Act and an online complaint system. NTV Procurement Probe: A committee report finds irregularities in Nepal Television equipment and service procurement, citing illegal decisions, procedural flaws, and financial liabilities, including issues around the analog-to-digital switchover timeline and misused “archive digitization” funds. Diplomacy Research Push: The Foreign Ministry launched the “MoFA Knowledge Hub,” a monthly forum for research and expert discussion to guide Nepal’s foreign policy. Koshi Province Power Deal: Hikmat Karki will continue as Koshi chief minister for now under an agreement that he will step down if asked by UML chair KP Sharma Oli. Broad Peak Tragedy: Recovery teams brought Nirmal Purja and three others to Broad Peak base camp; officials say seven bodies have been recovered so far, with three still missing. Politics Watch: RPP failed to decide on joining provincial governments; meanwhile Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Durga Prasai plan to launch the “Jaya Nepal Party” on August 13. Economy Signals: Gold rose by Rs 4,200 per tola and NEPSE edged up to close higher on Wednesday.

Tarai-Madhes Security: Nepal’s Cabinet has decided compensation, relief and treatment for people affected in the Sunsari and Siraha incidents, as Home Ministry consultations with Hindu and Muslim leaders continue to prevent a repeat of communal flare-ups. Cannabis Policy: Gandaki province has legalized medical cannabis farming and use, requiring provincial permission and monitoring, even as Nepal’s national ban still criminalizes possession and sales. Mountaineering Tragedy: Nimsdai/Nirmal Purja’s foundation announced a Broad Peak Guides Family Support Fund for other guide families after the avalanche deaths. Weather & Flood Risk: Monsoon conditions are bringing generally cloudy skies, with moderate to heavy rain possible in several provinces; Biratnagar recorded the week’s highest 24-hour rainfall. Drugs Crackdown: Police arrested a man with 207 kg of marijuana in Parsa. Economy & Finance: Nepal Rastra Bank will collect NPR 85 billion in three-month deposits to manage excess liquidity. Tourism: Nepal welcomed 71,775 foreign visitors in July, up 2.3% year-on-year. Energy: NEA commissioned a 33/11 kV substation at Ghyampesal, expected to improve power supply for northern Gorkha.

Central Banking Reform: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told the House Finance Committee that the Nepal Rastra Bank Act needs amendments to make the central bank more proactive and accountable, stressing tighter coordination between fiscal policy and monetary policy. Economic Push: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the government is moving toward economic prosperity by better using international aid and trade and by focusing resources instead of spreading them thin. Justice/Intelligence Oversight: Law Minister Sobita Gautam backed placing the National Investigation Department under the Prime Minister’s Office and Council of Ministers, arguing it needs specialized, higher-level handling. Monsoon Disruptions: Monsoon disasters have fully shut down five major highways and blocked several other road sections, with authorities urging detours and extra travel caution. LPG Update: Nepal Oil Corporation says there is no cooking gas shortage, asking consumers not to stockpile and directing complaints to its Teku office and hotline. Land for Landless: Land Management Minister Pratibha Rawal said land ownership certificates have started being distributed since June 2, while lawmakers pressed for stronger support from local levels. Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal held candlelight vigils for the 10 climbers killed in Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche, including Nirmal Purja, as recovery efforts continue. Markets: NEPSE plunged 21.15 points Tuesday, closing at 2,663.18. Energy/Waste: KMC and AEPC signed an MoU to revive the long-idle Teku waste-to-energy project.

NRB Act Reform: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle told the House Finance Committee Nepal needs to amend the Nepal Rastra Bank Act to make the central bank more proactive and accountable, stressing tighter coordination between monetary and fiscal policy under the country’s fixed exchange-rate reality. Health & Education Protests: Hunger strikes and sit-ins spread across Kathmandu as nurses, intern doctors and contract staff demand fair pay, better working conditions and respect, with talks beginning after worsening pressure. Sunsari Violence Update: In Kaptangunj, injured Rabindra Mehata died in Kathmandu’s TU Teaching Hospital, bringing the incident death toll to three as locals demand a fair probe and compensation. Monsoon Flood Risk: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warned of rising water levels and a moderate flash-flood risk in small rivers across 30 districts, including Kathmandu Valley and parts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki. Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistan said helicopters can’t fly due to weather, so teams are searching on foot for remains of climbers killed on Broad Peak, including Nepal’s Nirmal Purja, while Pakistan’s foreign minister reiterated support for rescue efforts. Waste-to-Energy Push: KMC and AEPC signed an MoU to restart Teku’s long-idled waste-to-energy plant within two months. Identity & Travel: Nepal formally requested India to recognize Nepal’s National Identity Card for cross-border travel and identity checks.

National Transport Policy 2083: Nepal has replaced a nearly 25-year-old framework with a new National Transport Policy aimed at a sustainable, safe, green and technology-friendly transport system, coordinating road, rail, waterways and aviation. Insurance Reform Push: The Finance Ministry formed a three-member committee to propose reforms for Nepal’s insurance sector, with a 90-day deadline for recommendations. Digital Services Disrupted: Nepal’s national ID system (NIDMIS) has been malfunctioning, disrupting authentication for passports, banking and other government services, with officials expecting full restoration soon. Koshi Political Deadlock: Koshi Chief Minister Hikmat Karki says his government will proceed “in its own manner” under the constitution and will only resign if the UML party committee decides. Nepali Congress Activity: The Nepali Congress parliamentary party meeting has started to discuss political issues and the government’s performance. Sports—Women’s Asia Cup: Nepal is among the eight teams likely to play the Women’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE from Aug 28 to Sept 13, though the ACC has not formally announced the schedule. Sports—Football Uncertainty: Former captain Hari Khadka urged the PM to act to save Nepal’s football amid FIFA’s suspension affecting international participation. Public Health: A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed hundreds of children and is pushing families into severe financial hardship. Weather & Safety: Heavy rain and monsoon-related disruptions continue, with reports of road blocks and flash-flood risk in parts of Nepal. Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal mourns mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja after the deadly Broad Peak avalanche in Pakistan, as rescuers recover more bodies and search continues.