AGP Executive Report

India-Nepal Defence Ties: Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army on Indian Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth in Kathmandu, continuing a tradition dating back to 1950; Seth also received a Guard of Honour and met Nepali Army leadership to discuss stronger military cooperation. Parliament Watch: In the National Assembly, lawmakers pressed the government on monsoon disaster response, road upgrades and faster relief, while the Youth, Labour and Employment minister said policy changes are underway to reduce the compulsion of foreign employment. Disaster & Safety: Monsoon rain and landslides left multiple road sections blocked across Nepal, while a jeep crash in Kavrepalanchok killed two and injured three. Wildlife Protection: Nepal’s Supreme Court in India ordered a nationwide survey of elephant corridors and barred obstacles and fireballs/spikes to chase elephants. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell Monday, and Nepal approved Rs 3.77 billion in foreign investment commitments in the first month of FY 2026/27, led by tourism. Politics in Provinces: Bagmati Province’s government formation process began after CM Indra Bahadur Baniya resigned, with coalition talks expected to shape the next leadership. Sports & Culture: Arjun Kulung Rai and Manju Sunuwar won Backyard Ultra 2026, and Nag Panchami celebrations drew crowds in Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

India-Nepal Defence Ties: Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth arrived in Kathmandu for a four-day visit, with President Ram Chandra Paudel set to confer the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army on Monday—continuing the long-standing 1950 tradition of reciprocal honours. Monsoon Weather Watch: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology says monsoon winds are influencing Nepal, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms expected in several hilly and Terai districts, and possible heavy rainfall in some areas. Landslide Risk in Bajura: Tamsu village in Triveni Municipality faces high landslide risk after cracks and damage forced residents to move into temporary shelters; rescue and monitoring efforts continue. Provincial Politics: Bagmati CM Indra Bahadur Baniya is set to seek a vote of confidence, while Lumbini Assembly will also hold a vote of confidence session after Congress withdrew its ministers from the UML-led alliance. LPG Distribution Row: Nepal Oil Corporation faced backlash after requiring identity documents to buy LPG, though it says the move aimed to prevent hoarding during shortages. Diaspora Investment Push: Non-resident Nepalis at the NRN Asia-Pacific conference in Guangzhou urged Nepal to simplify regulations and improve execution to attract investment. Sports & Culture: Red Panda Marathon 2026 is scheduled for September 5 in Salleri, and Nepal’s HOR Esports secured eighth place at the PUBG Mobile World Championship.

Nepali Congress Politics: Sher Bahadur Deuba’s non-establishment faction has wrapped its national conference, passing five reports and five decisions, including plans for the 15th general convention under Deuba’s leadership. Religious Freedom Row: Deuba reiterated he is Hindu but supports freedom for all religions, while Gagan Thapa warned Congress leaders are misusing BP Koirala’s ideology for convenience. Law & Governance: A government bill would make the law minister chairperson of the Nepal Law Commission, a move critics say could narrow qualifications. India-Nepal Defence: Indian Army chief General Dhiraj Seth arrives in Kathmandu for a four-day visit, including an honorary rank ceremony with Nepal’s president. Disaster Response: Karnali Province sent relief supplies to Jajarkot landslide victims as search and rescue continues. Capital Markets: Nepal’s SEC ordered capital market operators to cut banking and business ties with Iran and North Korea. Public Safety: Police said a viral “rifle firing in Panauti, Kavre” video was actually from Afghanistan and used AI-mimicked Nepali voices. Diaspora & Investment: NRNA youth leader Bhimsen Thapa urged policies that connect the second generation abroad with Nepal through skills and investment. Sports & Culture: INFA Awards named Nir Shah and Bipin Karki best actors; Nepal’s “A” cricket team departs for Australia.

Security Watch: India says it’s on high alert after intelligence claims Pakistan’s ISI is pushing radicalisation and demographic change in Nepal’s border areas, with Terai communal clashes raising fears of spillover. Heritage Quality Debate: After the 2015 Barpak-Gorkha quake, many temples are rebuilt—but experts warn reconstruction often reuses too little original material, risking “same-looking” heritage. Cultural Trade Curbs: The US has imposed import restrictions on certain archaeological and ethnological materials from Nepal, effective Aug 12, under a bilateral framework. Public Service Upgrade: Nepal’s postal revamp is delivering passports, driving licences and other documents door-to-door, but delivery gaps remain. LPG Pressure: Nepal Oil Corporation is distributing cooking gas from multiple Kathmandu locations amid public complaints of shortages and hoarding. Sports & Youth: NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026 topped 150,000 visitors; Nepal also won its first medal at the International AI Olympiad (bronze). Culture & Economy: Gold and silver prices fell in the domestic market; a memoir review and a film piracy crackdown highlight shifting media realities.

Electricity Policy Shift: Nepal’s Energy Ministry is preparing legal amendments to let the private sector enter electricity trading, with Secretary Sarita Dawadi saying current law lacks a clear basis for trading permits. LPG Crisis Response: Nepal Oil Corporation has started distributing cooking gas from five Kathmandu locations amid shortage, while also requiring identity documents to curb hoarding and multiple-cylinder pickup. Monsoon Toll: The Home Ministry’s disaster bulletin reports 13 deaths and 5 missing in the last 24 hours, with landslides and floods disrupting roads across multiple districts. Road Accident: A bus crash in Nuwakot killed two and injured three after the bus rammed a parked vehicle and plunged off a cliff; the driver has been arrested. India 80th Independence Day: Nepal’s PM Balen Shah and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal sent greetings to India, highlighting deep historical ties as world leaders also extended messages. Finance & Investment Push: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle urged Nepalis abroad to invest in tourism, IT, green energy and high-value agriculture, citing new laws and tax reforms. Telecom Update: Nepal Telecom reported a sharp rise in Q4 net profit to NPR 8.86 billion. Sports & Culture: A new Cricket Arena opens in Budhanilkantha, and the play “Summer Love” draws strong audiences at Kantipur Theatre.

UNESCO Heritage: More than 30 rare Newa manuscripts (400–800 years old) have been digitised and made openly accessible online through a UNESCO-backed Memory of the World project in Kathmandu, with volunteers digitising collections across the Valley. Agniveer & Gorkhas: As India’s Army chief visits Nepal, former servicemen and leaders are pushing to reopen the Agniveer recruitment deadlock for Nepal-domiciled Gorkhas after nearly six years. Nepali Congress Politics: Ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Kathmandu and urged dialogue to heal the Nepali Congress rift, as factional tensions continue. Sudurpaschim Leadership: Khagaraj Bhatta was appointed Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, with oath scheduled soon. Cricket Update: CAN bid farewell to the national men’s team ahead of the ACC Premier Cup; coach Stuart Law said a “new era” has begun with Sandeep Lamichhane as ODI captain. Markets & Hydropower: NEPSE fell 7.37 points on Friday, while hydropower firms face IPO delays due to stalled Sebon approvals. Disaster & Health: Landslides and floods blocked multiple roads nationwide; in Chitwan, 15 people tested positive for malaria after returning from abroad.

Political Parties: Former RPP leader Dhawal Shumsher Rana is set to register a new “Jaya Nepal Party,” but his split with Durga Prasai is already underway, with Prasai preparing a separate party. Nepali Congress: Sher Bahadur Deuba joined the non-establishment faction’s national gathering in Kathmandu, as Congress unity talks continue amid internal disputes. Provincial Politics: Khagaraj Bhatta was appointed the fifth chief minister of Sudur Paschim after coalition changes. Disaster Response: Rolpa landslides and floods have killed at least four and left others missing; PM Balendra Shah was urged for rescue, compensation, shelter and reconstruction. Telecom & Services: Nepal Telecom launched an online process to transfer ownership of postpaid SIMs, while the communications minister ordered regulators and providers to expand access and improve service quality. Energy & Consumer Relief: The government and gas industry say LPG supply is normal and urge people not to hoard, warning of action against artificial scarcity. Economy & Markets: NEPSE edged down 7.37 points to close at 2,643.83. Security: Delhi Police dismantled an Indo-Nepal charas syndicate, seizing 106.25 kg and arresting four Nepalese nationals. Tourism: Tourism Minister Poudel backed private-sector partnership as NATTA elects a new executive committee.

Landslide Tragedy in Rolpa: Four people buried in a Rolpa landslide at Kotalbara, Thawang Rural Municipality have been identified, while nine others remain missing; search is underway with Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and locals. Market Watch: NEPSE jumped 8.81 points to close at 2,651.21 on Thursday, with Rs 1.54 billion traded across 347 companies. Aid Cuts and Maternal Health: An AP investigation says a village that had zero newborn deaths in 2024 saw infant deaths return after US aid cuts disrupted home visits and reporting for a maternal health programme. Politics and Justice: Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Kathmandu after months abroad for treatment, amid ongoing legal pressure; separately, a court extended journalist Kishor Shrestha’s custody for three days. Sports & Society: A study flags widespread sexual harassment of Nepali female athletes, and the NSC board meeting is set to discuss Asian Games preparations and ANFA suspension.

Monsoon Disaster Updates: In Rolpa’s Thawang, a landslide at Botalbara has killed at least three so far, with nine still missing and two injured, as rescuers struggle to reach the remote area. More Landslide Deaths: Another landslide in Thawang Rural Municipality-5, Kotalbara, has raised the death toll to five, with eight missing and two injured. Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistan climber Sohail Sakhi’s body was recovered after the July 30 avalanche on Broad Peak, with two other climbers still unaccounted for as search efforts continue. Political Return: Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Kathmandu after months abroad for treatment, receiving a grand welcome while facing legal pressure. Media Freedom: The Press Council Nepal condemned police searches of journalist Kishor Shrestha’s home and Jana Aastha office, calling it a serious concern. Health Alert: Nepal’s health authorities urged people to take precautions against Japanese Encephalitis, warning it spreads via mosquito bites and can be fatal if delayed. Finance & Markets: The Finance Committee directed steps to expand international airport immigration and customs areas, while the Nepal Securities Board set a basis to curb arbitrary IPO premium pricing. Energy Access: Finance Secretary said financial access needs more than bank branches, pushing for easier services beyond loans. Policy Watch: Gandaki Province passed a cannabis cultivation bill for medicinal and industrial use, but key rules are still being drafted.

LPG Crisis: Lawmakers and citizens are again raising alarms over cooking gas shortages and “artificial” supply gaps, with the government saying an online tracking system will be introduced and supply details are being shared via forms, while Surkhet businesses report irregular deliveries and forced closures. Governance & Democracy: President Ramchandra Paudel urged youths to ask “judicious questions” to keep democracy alive, as debate continues over whether PM Balendra Shah’s early reforms are delivering real public relief. Telecom Transparency: The Cabinet has endorsed a study on Ncell Axiata share transactions, saying ownership transfers lacked transparency and recommending the latest deal not be approved as-is. Health Staffing: Jajarkot’s only 50-bed hospital is reportedly running with just one specialist doctor, leaving most specialist posts vacant and pushing patients to seek care outside the district. Energy Build-out: Madhes Province is seeing accelerated transmission line and substation work to improve reliability and meet rising demand. Climate Diplomacy: Nepal is preparing for COP-31 in Antalya with a focus on climate justice, mountain priorities, and better access to climate finance, and PM Shah has received an invitation. Sports Governance: Nepal’s esports community is demanding explanations after Asian Games esports teams were excluded, with NSC and NESA issuing clarifications amid backlash. Digital Safety: Nepal Police Cyber Bureau data shows cybercrime complaints rising sharply, prompting renewed calls for stronger digital literacy and faster investigations. Politics in Provinces: Nepali Congress ministers have resigned from the Koshi provincial government, while Lumbini’s provincial power-sharing continues with an agreement involving CPN (Masal).

LPG Crisis Response: Lawmakers in Nepal’s National Assembly pressed the government to end “artificial” cooking gas shortages and make import, sale and distribution transparent, while the Industry Minister said an online tracking system is coming to curb disruption and hoarding. Health Supply Woes: Hospitals across Nepal report prolonged shortages of essential vaccines, medicines and supplements, including iron-folic acid for pregnant women and anti-snake venom, with Japanese encephalitis vaccination still incomplete. Diplomatic Pivot: PM Balendra Shah has shifted to separate one-on-one meetings with India and China ambassadors, signaling a more pragmatic phase in Nepal’s ties with its two immediate neighbors. Governance Updates: The government issued a guideline to standardize application formats across public offices, aiming for smoother, more citizen-friendly service delivery. Police on Misinformation: IGP Dan Bahadur Karki said Nepal Police are monitoring social media misinformation and hate speech to protect social harmony. Security Watch: Separate reports highlight arrests of Pakistani nationals in West Bengal over alleged ISI-linked spying, with claims they entered India via Nepal and used forged documents. Digital Services: Ncell launched Ncell Business Cloudsuite, bundling domain registration and web hosting with local support. Sports: Nepal’s ODI captaincy changed as Sandeep Lamichhane replaces Rohit Paudel, while Rajshahi Stars in Bangladesh added Nepal defender Bimala BK ahead of the AFC Women’s Champions League.

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. Nepal–China Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah met Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation. Mobility Push: NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 kicked off in Kathmandu with over 50 brands and strong Chinese presence, showcasing new vehicles and mobility tech. Labour Rights: Nepal ratified two ILO instruments on forced labour and labour inspection, with the ILO praising steps to protect workers. India Grants: India pledged over NPR 800 million for eight development projects in health, education and agriculture via MoUs signed in Kathmandu. Politics at Provinces: UML and NCP agreed on a procedure for provincial power-sharing and ministry allocation based on assembly seats and rotational selection. Passport Law Watch: A proposed Passport Act amendment could reduce punishment for Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged passport misuse, pending court outcomes. Hetauda Industry Revival: Trial production is underway to revive the long-stalled Hetauda textile industry, with policy models being drafted.

LPG Supply Crunch: Nepal’s LPG imports are reportedly up, but cooking gas shortages persist as the problem is traced to bottlenecks in the cylinder supply chain—management, storage, distribution and transport—after the market shifted from half-filled cylinders during West Asia tensions back to full 14.2kg demand. Parliament Row: Opposition MPs again protested in the House of Representatives, demanding PM Balen Shah’s border remarks be corrected and removed from parliamentary records, while also pressing for action on inflation, artificial shortages and other issues. Nepali Congress Split: Min Bahadur Bishwakarma confirmed the party’s national gathering in Kathmandu from Aug 14–16, while Shashank Koirala urged that all party decisions be kept on hold pending a Supreme Court review; Shekhar Koirala is set to attend. Martyrs Declared: The government declared four people killed in Sunsari and Siraha protests as martyrs and also approved tax/VAT exemptions for certain electric ambulances and hearses. Transport & EV Policy: Transport entrepreneurs and industry leaders used the Naima Nepal Mobility Expo to demand stable EV policy for 10 years, customs concessions on EV parts, and faster rollout of charging infrastructure—alongside concerns over counterfeit auto parts. Road Safety Watch: Nepal Police Chief IGP Dan Bahadur Karki flagged rising road accidents, citing thousands of deaths and injuries in the last fiscal year. Health Alert: Nepal reported 9 deaths from Japanese Encephalitis in 55 days, with 46 infections recorded. Sports: Cricket Association of Nepal named Sandeep Lamichhane as ODI captain for the ACC Premier Cup and announced a 14-member squad.

Mountaineering Tragedy: Five climbers missing since November on Nepal’s Yalung Ri were found dead at about 5,400m in Rolwaling; bodies of three foreigners and two Nepalis were identified and will be handed to families after autopsies in Kathmandu. Cricket: Nepal Cricket Association named Sandeep Lamichhane as ODI captain and announced a 14-member squad for the ACC Premier Cup in Malaysia (Aug 30–Sep 12). Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one meetings with India’s envoy Naveen Srivastava and China’s ambassador Zhang Maoming, signaling a new push in Nepal-India and Nepal-China ties. Treaty Row: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told Parliament Nepal can’t confirm whether it holds original copies of the 1816 Sugauli and 1950 treaties, amid renewed Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura debate. Law & Governance: House of Representatives passed a bill to protect existing provisions of Nepal’s Special Services Act by placing the National Investigation Bureau under the PM’s Office. Public Safety: One person died after an explosion during disposal of expired hydropower explosives in Rasuwa; seven were injured. Health Insurance: BP Koirala Institute introduced a new OPD registration and claim system for health insurance services.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Prime Minister Balendra Shah held his first one-on-one courtesy meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava at Singha Durbar, stressing Nepal’s “historic relationship” and discussing bilateral cooperation and development partnership. Nepal-China Engagement: Shah also met Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming, with both sides focusing on strengthening ties and shared-interest cooperation. Indigenous Media Push: Kathmandu hosted the 3rd International Indigenous Language Journalism Conference, bringing journalists and media groups to discuss expanding indigenous-language reporting, including on digital platforms. Politics Inside Nepali Congress: The non-establishment faction is preparing a Kathmandu national gathering from August 14-16, with Sher Bahadur Deuba set to return to Nepal on August 13. Parliament Watch: MPs raised concerns over delayed projects and questioned the PM’s working style and statements in the House of Representatives. Sports Governance: Gandaki Province formed a committee to investigate a controversy over sports medal distribution. Mountain Tragedy Update: Bodies of five climbers missing after a Yalung Ri avalanche were recovered nine months later. Economy & Budget Talks: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle began discussions with 20 multinational companies on budget implementation, investment expansion, and profit repatriation. Gold Prices: Gold prices in Nepal fell by Rs 200 per tola, while silver rose by Rs 25 per tola.

Mountain Safety: Nepal rescuers found the bodies of five climbers missing since a November 2025 avalanche on Yalung Ri peak, including three foreigners and two Nepalis, after months of snow-covered searches. Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah will hold separate one-on-one meetings with India and China ambassadors on Monday, with a US envoy meeting slated for Tuesday, as Nepal recalibrates ties after a long stretch of joint-only engagements. Immigration & Travel: Nepal’s full e-visa system is set to go live on Aug 17, 2026, allowing online applications and visa delivery by email during a transition alongside visa-on-arrival. Public Health: Japanese encephalitis deaths are rising, with officials warning unvaccinated people are at higher risk as the mosquito-borne season approaches. Gas Market Watch: Authorities and police stepped up monitoring to curb black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders, urging households to avoid stockpiling. Politics & Parties: Nepali Congress central working committee meetings focus on preparations for the 15th general convention and a review of the government’s first 100 days. Indigenous Rights: Nepal marked International Indigenous Peoples’ Day with calls for inclusion beyond slogans, including proportional access to services and decision-making. Sports: Hora Esports qualified for the PUBG Mobile World Championship Grand Finals in Paris after a top-5 group finish.