AGP Executive Report

Customs Probe: Actor Dulquer Salmaan was interrogated for about 7 hours as Indian authorities investigate a used-luxury vehicle smuggling case involving forged documents; four of his vehicles were seized. Tourism Numbers: Nepal logged 91,363 foreign tourist arrivals in June 2026, up 19.5% year-on-year, with India the biggest source. Trade Update: Nepal resumed tea exports to India after a two-month halt as New Delhi eased import regulations. Energy & Prices: Fuel price revisions in July are causing confusion at pumps, with reports of private stations shutting temporarily after NOC cuts. Gold Watch: Gold rose by Rs 6,200 per tola on Thursday; silver also moved up. Justice: Janakpur High Court convicted former MP Laxmi Mahato Koiri and others in the 2015 killing of Nepal Police ASI Thaman BK. Culture & Heritage: Library of Congress added recordings of nearly two dozen Nepali authors to its permanent digital archives. Sports: Nepal can still qualify for two AFC women’s youth tournaments if FIFA’s ANFA suspension is lifted by set deadlines.

Fuel & Transport: Nepal Oil Corporation cut petrol by Rs 20 and diesel/kerosene by Rs 30, but many pumps in Kathmandu and elsewhere shut after operators feared losses, leaving motorists stranded and prompting NOC monitoring teams. Local Governance: The federal ministry has asked 23 local bodies to explain why they missed the budget deadline for FY 2083/84, warning of legal non-compliance. Aviation: Suntharali Airport in Kalikot can’t run regular flights due to low passenger numbers, the tourism minister said, despite earlier plans with airlines. Health & Safety: Hospitals near Everest are treating more snakebite cases, and some facilities are still waiting for anti-venom supplies. Economy & Markets: NEPSE rebounded, rising 44.59 points to 2652.93 after seven straight declines, with turnover also improving. Education: Shailendra Jha was appointed advisor to the Ministry of Education and Sports. Governance Reform: The government says 2.6 million driving licenses will be printed by July 3, after which pending work will be completed. International: Nepal says it’s ready to resolve the India border dispute through diplomatic dialogue based on historical maps and agreements.

Monsoon Disasters: Landslides in Sankhuwasabha’s Silichong displaced 28 families and put a community health post at risk; police are assessing damage and the local government is seeking federal and provincial relief. Fertilizer Supply: Nepal plans to import about 210,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilizer by mid-August, including urea from India under a G2G deal, with a hotline and QR system to report black marketing. Road Updates: Traffic has resumed on the Mugling–Narayanghat road after debris clearance at Tuin Khola. Health & Regulation: The Nepal Medical Council issued procedures to curb illegal medical practice, including limits on non-physicians using the “Doctor” title. Forensic Science Bill: Parliament committee discussions push for postgraduate qualifications and clearer minimum standards for forensic experts. Public Safety: The Nepali Army rolled out a three-phase monsoon disaster preparedness plan; the Drug Management Department is preparing a minimum stock system to tackle drug shortages. Fuel Prices: Nepal Oil Corporation cut petrol by Rs 20/litre, diesel by Rs 30/litre and LPG by Rs 100/cylinder, citing lower international rates. Digital Forensics: The US Embassy handed over digital forensic equipment to Nepal Police’s lab to strengthen cybercrime investigations. International Policy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal denied any contract for uranium extraction in Mustang, saying only further exploration is being considered.

Susta Rights Push: Susta residents in West Nawalparasi staged a sit-in in Kathmandu demanding Nepali citizenship and land titles, saying border tensions and harassment have worsened their lives. Bird Flu Update: Bird flu culling is delayed in Valley farms due to labour shortages, while the Central Zoo says its outbreak is under control and no new cases were found after June 26. Top Court Watch: The Supreme Court ordered submission of case files in the Deepak Bhatta money-laundering matter and sought Attorney General Narayan Kandel’s Nepal-UK travel records amid eligibility petitions. Fuel & Prices: Nepal Oil Corporation cut petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel and LPG prices, while India revised its fuel export windfall tax—petrol up, diesel and ATF down—without changing domestic excise. Economy Signals: NEPSE fell again, and gold prices dropped Rs 4,500 per tola in the Nepali market. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stressed results-driven economic diplomacy, and Nepal’s envoy to Bangladesh highlighted deepening bilateral ties. Health Concern: Gandaki Province reports rising HIV cases alongside declining condom distribution. Telecom Service: Nepal Telecom launched 4G near Rara Lake and the minister ordered further improvements to customer-friendly, digital service delivery.

Bird Flu Watch: Nepal has culled over 596,000 poultry and destroyed about a million eggs as H5N1 spreads across 11 districts, with the Kathmandu Valley worst hit; the capital’s only zoo has been shut indefinitely after infected birds were found. Monsoon Alerts: Jhapa is on high alert for heavy rain, floods and flash inundation, while Gulmi urges residents to stay vigilant for landslides and waterborne risks as monsoon activity ramps up. Road Disruptions: A landslide has blocked the Darchula–Gokuleshwor stretch of the Mahakali Highway, leaving vehicles stranded as debris-clearing efforts continue. Heritage Funding Gap: Jajarkot local governments are being criticised for not allocating budgets for heritage conservation, leaving cultural sites at risk. Hydropower & Roads: Dolpa’s Jagdulla Hydropower Project (230.35 MW combined) is also improving connectivity with bridges and road tracks. Economy & Policy: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says VAT on electricity consumption will be withdrawn to protect consumers. Agriculture: National Paddy Day is marked nationwide, but planting is lagging at around 11–13% amid heat and El Niño fears. Child Rights in Politics: Concerns are growing after reports that RSP listed 35,257 members under 18, reigniting debate over minors in partisan roles. Crime & Justice: Nepal-linked mule bank accounts were used in a major cyber fraud case in India, with arrests tracing transactions to Kathmandu. Tourism & Culture: Bhutan has begun construction of a temple complex in Lumbini, boosting ties and the pilgrimage site’s development.

National Paddy Day & Agriculture: Nepal marked Asar 15 with dahi chiura and renewed calls for rice self-reliance, but plantation is lagging at about 11.3% sown nationwide, with farmers citing weak rainfall and limited irrigation. Market Watch: NEPSE slid for a sixth straight day, down 16.54 points, as investors reacted to a draft Companies Act proposal on a 1% royalty for certain share transfers (later withdrawn). Governance & Oversight: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal urged the Auditor General to modernize audits using IT, data tools and AI, warning that repeating arrears is a governance and financial discipline concern. Education & Community: The National Conference of the SMC Federation kicked off in Kathmandu, focusing on improving community school quality and parents’ role. Sports & Culture: A new Nepali film performance buzzed in Kathmandu, while Nepal’s Lumbo Peak was identified with the first certified ascent in Gorkha. Public Services: NetTV received an OTT license, giving the country’s first IPTV platform a clearer legal footing to expand digital content. Anti-Corruption: A Special Court ordered bail release of five in the passport printing corruption case.

Budget Execution Watch: With the fiscal year nearing its end, Nepal has spent only about 34.87% of its capital (development) budget—Rs 142.23 billion out of Rs 407.88 billion—as of June 27, highlighting persistent delays in capital project implementation. Capital Markets: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle administered the oath to newly appointed SEBON chair Gopal Prasad Bhatta, urging investor protection, market reforms, and action plans with clear timelines. Monsoon & Safety: The weather office warns heavy rain with thunder and lightning on June 30–July 1, and NDRRMA estimates around 226,000 people could be affected by monsoon disasters this year, with floods and landslides among key risks. Agriculture & Culture: National Paddy Day (Asar 15) is being marked nationwide, with events like drone-assisted fertiliser spraying and machine-aided transplanting at Khumaltar, while farmers also celebrate dahi-chiura amid El Niño drought fears. Governance & Society: Teenage girls in Dailekh are campaigning against chhaupadi, child marriage and gender-based violence, reporting they helped prevent 16 child marriages. Economy & Trade: Nepal’s petroleum imports have outpaced exports—fuel imports worth NPR 297.80 billion versus exports of NPR 277.96 billion in the first 11 months—widening the trade deficit.

Fuel Price Politics: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says petrol and diesel rates are set to fall, but not immediately, as Nepal’s imports via India Oil reflect older costs and procedural delays. Left Unity Push: KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and others renewed calls for communist cooperation and internal reform after the March election setback, while UML debates reorganization versus reunion. RSP Under Fire: The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party faces backlash after reports it granted party membership to 35,257 minors, violating Nepal’s Political Parties and Children’s laws. Parliament Moves: The HoR tabled four replacement bills for earlier ordinances, including public procurement and money laundering amendments, and discussed issues from Grade 12 results to road safety. Health & Safety: Kathmandu Metropolis supplied 1,800 vials of anti-rabies vaccine to Sukraraj Hospital amid shortage; lawmakers also raised concerns over accidents and reckless driving. Monsoon Watch: Weather authorities warn monsoon is becoming active with heavy rain risk and possible flooding and landslides. Economy & Banking: Average base interest rates for commercial banks dipped below 5%, hinting at easing lending rates. Disaster & Crime: Two minors drowned in the Bagmati; a franchise fraud suspect was arrested near the Nepal border over a Rs 2.93 crore scam.

Gold Rush: Gold jumped Rs 4,700 per tola and silver rose Rs 145 in Nepal’s domestic market on Saturday. Fuel Watch: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said petroleum prices are trending down internationally, but the domestic drop will take time due to import processes. Parliament & Policy: In the House of Representatives, opposition lawmakers pressed for clarification on the PM’s border remarks while deliberations continued on the Finance Bill, with amendments proposed by multiple parties. Monsoon Update: The monsoon has spread across Koshi, Madhesh and Bagmati, with more rain expected nationwide in the next few days, including possible heavy downpours in spots. Sports & Society: FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout action begins Monday midnight; meanwhile, police say Nepalis have been targeted by online scams selling “free” World Cup viewing. Culture & Heritage: A 13th-century Buddha idol recovered from the US has returned to Kathmandu. Public Safety: Kathmandu Traffic Police prosecuted 1,922 motorists in 24 hours, including cases for drunk driving and speeding.

Ring Road Delay: Kathmandu’s Kalamati–Basundhara ring road expansion still hasn’t started physically, despite a grant agreement signed with China in April and monsoon-linked scheduling. Water Crisis: Severe heat and drought have dried up or reduced drinking water sources in Chure foothill settlements of Kanchanpur, with worries for livestock and sanitation. Monsoon Watch: Nepal’s monsoon has been weak so far, with rainfall between June 1–25 at about 70% of normal, raising concerns for paddy, water supply and drinking water. Waste Trafficking Fight: France and regional partners held a seminar in Kathmandu to strengthen cross-border cooperation against waste trafficking, bringing together Nepal’s customs, police and environment agencies plus international bodies. Health & Aid: Cancer patients receiving government subsidies nearly doubled in five years, while Birat Medical College launched irradiated blood supply for transplant and immune-related cases. Economy & Markets: Government revenue collection is short of target with only 19 days left, and NEPSE saw a weekly drop wiping out about Rs 83 billion in investor value. Security & Crime: Two people were arrested in Dhanusha with a pistol and bullets; elsewhere, a death threat probe is underway in India. Infrastructure & Transport: Araniko Highway will close at night for 15 days from July 6 for road upgrading.

Refugee Rights: World Refugee Day focus turns to Sri Lankan Tamils in India, highlighting how South Asia still lacks a binding refugee framework despite hosting millions. Kailash Yatra Update: About 52 Indian pilgrims are stranded in Kathmandu and seeking urgent help for onward travel as the 2026 yatra continues. Health Alert: Bird flu is spreading in Nepal; infections are confirmed at 82 sites across 11 districts, with authorities culling nearly 570,000 birds and ramping up surveillance. Markets: NEPSE fell sharply this week, wiping out around Rs 80 billion in investor wealth as broad-based selling hit most sectors. Sports & Governance: Former ANFA president Karma Tsering Sherpa was arrested over alleged embezzlement of Rs 87.8 million. Crime & Policy: Nepal shifts drug control toward treatment and rehabilitation for addicts, while promising tougher action against traffickers. Regional Cooperation: France-backed seminars in Kathmandu push stronger cross-border coordination to curb waste trafficking. Culture & Heritage: A stolen 13th-century Buddha idol has been restored to Kathmandu after return efforts.

Tourism & Border Flow: India’s visitor surge is increasingly visible across Nepal, with Indian air arrivals around 35% and road pilgrim traffic rising fast—raising questions about whether Nepal is ready for the strain in hotspots like Pokhara, Jomsom, Muktinath, and Janakpur. Public Services: Nepalgunj has introduced a Rs 2,000 fee for ward recommendations to get a new drinking-water connection, pushing total upfront costs to about Rs 10,000 and hitting low-income families hardest. Health & Nutrition: The Health Ministry says nutrition funding is slipping and has urged aid agencies to boost investment; a recent assessment flags acute malnutrition affecting over 200,000 children under five. Rights & Law: Nepal’s Supreme Court has issued a binding ruling recognizing same-sex marriage as a constitutional right, making the country the first in South Asia to legally recognize same-sex unions. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell for a fifth straight session, dropping to 2,649.51 points, while the rupee’s USD selling rate was set at Rs 151.34. Sports Governance: FIFA suspended ANFA over government interference, threatening Nepal’s access to FIFA funding and international competitions.

Monsoon Watch: Nepal’s monsoon is still largely inactive despite reaching parts of Gandaki and Lumbini, leaving a dry spell and high temperatures—especially in western Tarai. Gold & Silver: Gold rose Rs 800 to Rs 279,100 per tola, while silver slipped Rs 55 to Rs 4,180. Economy & Finance: The Nepal Chamber of Commerce urged Nepal Rastra Bank to make monetary policy more investment- and private-sector friendly, including credit growth targets and lower interest-rate spread. Trade & Industry: Nepal’s tea factories reopened after government assurances over India’s tighter import testing, but exporters warn delays may continue. Digital Nepal: Nepal Telecom added 4G towers in 73 sites in May and is pushing toward full 4G coverage by end of 2083. Public Safety: APF put 21,000+ personnel on monsoon disaster readiness, while police arrested 1,036 drug trafficking suspects in a month. Justice & Rights: A Nepalese man in Tokyo was wrongfully detained over an updated residence card; Nepal also froze businessman Ajeya Raj Sumargi’s passport in a money-laundering probe. Health: A major survey says child malnutrition is at “alarming” levels, with wasting and underweight high in parts of Madhes. Sports: FIFA suspended Nepal’s football body over third-party interference, and Nepal Volleyball League teams were announced.

FIFA Ban on Nepal Football: FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) indefinitely, citing “undue interference by a third party” over governance disputes with Nepal’s National Sports Council, effectively barring Nepal from international competitions. Monetary Policy Watch: Nepal Rastra Bank says the 2083/84 monetary policy will prioritize financial stability, with guidance on interest rates and coordination to revive sluggish domestic activity. Tea Export Fix: A government taskforce has been formed to resolve problems affecting Nepali tea exports to India after factory shutdowns in Ilam and Jhapa linked to testing delays and storage issues. Markets: NEPSE fell for a fourth straight day, dropping 8.50 points to close at 2,651.52, with turnover down to Rs 1.52 billion. Central Zoo Bird Flu: Nepal’s Central Zoo is under scrutiny after a bird flu outbreak, with reports of dozens of animal deaths and questions over response timing. Earthquake Update: A mild 4.1 quake hit Jumla (felt in Kalikot and Mugu) with no immediate damage reported. Corruption Push in Mugu: Youth in Mugu launched a “Root Out Corruption Campaign,” citing irregularities and delayed local projects.

FIFA Sanction: FIFA has suspended Nepal’s football body ANFA with immediate effect, citing “undue interference by a third party” and “flagrant violations” of FIFA statutes, meaning national teams and clubs are barred from FIFA/AFC competitions and ANFA loses access to development funding until the issue is resolved. Security Incident: A grenade explosion during Nepal Army training in Kailali killed Sergeant Himal Bikram Bista and injured Captain Himraj Joshi, who was airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. Politics: Rastriya Swatantra Party’s first general convention has sparked backlash over logistics, heat-related hardships for delegates, and rushed endorsement of key ideological documents; the party also reignited debate with proposals for a directly elected executive and fully proportional representation. Infrastructure & Transport: The government allocated Rs 250 million for upgrading Tarigaun Airport in Dang, aiming to extend the runway to 2,500 metres to enable larger aircraft and more regular flights. Weather & Safety: A heat wave is expected to persist across western Tarai, with possible light rain and thunderstorms in parts of the hills and some areas of the Valley; authorities urged hydration and limiting afternoon outings. Economy Watch: Gold fell by Rs 5,200 per tola to Rs 278,300; silver also dropped to Rs 4,235 per tola. Monsoon Readiness: APF has put 8,180 personnel on 24-hour standby for monsoon disaster response.

Cultural Heritage Returns: Nepal’s Consulate in New York received two stolen antiquities from the US DA’s office— a 13th-century bronze Padmapani and a 16th-century wooden Nrityadevi—returned with formal ownership transfer. Tourism & Conservation: About 60% of foreign visitors go to Nepal’s national parks, conservation and reserve areas, with Shivapuri Nagarjun, Annapurna Conservation Area and Chitwan leading entry-fee numbers. Governance & Service Delivery: The government has set up a personal secretariat and advisory structure for ministers, limiting the number of advisors per ministry to boost speed and quality without adding financial burden. Public Health: A study highlights that nearly three out of four maternal deaths in Nepal happen in health facilities or during transit, pointing to referral and service gaps. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell again, dropping 14.45 points to a four-month low, while NRB plans to absorb Rs 70 billion from banks for liquidity management. Weather & Safety: Terai temperatures are rising; authorities warn of heatwave conditions and urge precautions. Transport Tech: Kathmandu Valley is expanding GPS and dash-cam monitoring in public shuttles to improve passenger safety and accountability.