AGP Executive Report

Rail Connectivity: Nepal and India reviewed cross-border railway progress in Kathmandu, discussing Jaynagar–Bijalpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar lines, SOPs for Janakpur–Ayodhya passenger services, and the Raxaul–Kathmandu broad-gauge survey. Roads & Tunnels: The government earmarked over Rs 670 million for feasibility studies and construction of a dozen tunnel projects in FY 2026/27, including Rs 500 million for Siddhababa Tunnel and funds for multiple new tunnel proposals. Mango Trade: Nepal says there is no ban on Indian mango imports; officials insist only phytosanitary and biosecurity rules were tightened after rumours spread online. Civil Service Shock: A draft Civil Service Bill could force retirement at 55 or after 30 years, potentially affecting around 10,000 employees and sparking major lobbying inside the bureaucracy. Public Health: Severe acute malnutrition affects 18,309 children nationwide, with treatment via ready-to-use therapeutic food and rehabilitation centers. Courts & Labour: The Supreme Court cleared the way for the government to dissolve trade unions in government agencies. Economy & Markets: NEPSE slid for the week, wiping out about Rs 50 billion in investor wealth; gold also fell by Rs 17,000 per tola. Sports & Inclusion: Special Olympics Nepal will hold an intellectual-disability athletes competition in Lalitpur on June 14. Weather Risk: ICIMOD warns that even with below-normal monsoon rainfall, short intense bursts can still trigger floods and landslides across the HKH region.

Cross-Border Rail Talks: Nepal and India met in Kathmandu to review cross-border railway projects, including Jaynagar–Bijulpura–Bardibas and Jogbani–Biratnagar, plus plans for passenger services on the Janakpur–Ayodhya section. Energy Push: The government says it will open Nepal’s energy sector further for private investment, including stricter action against license holders who delay construction, while IPPAN elected a new executive committee under Mohan Kumar Dangi. Clean Air Plan: Nepal is preparing the Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project (NCAP) with World Bank support to cut industrial pollution and improve air-quality monitoring. Healthcare Access Gap: Despite a rule reserving free beds for poor patients, thousands of designated beds remain vacant, leaving many unable to get treatment. Disaster Risk Warning: ICIMOD warns that even with below-normal monsoon rainfall, HKH regions—including Nepal—face high risks from short bursts of intense rain, landslides and flash floods. Public Services Strain: Dialysis machines worth crores sit unused in some local hospitals due to missing infrastructure and technical capacity. Sports & Culture: Taekwondo’s Yuvraj Rana qualifies for the Asian Games in Japan; Nepal’s Elephants in the Fog wins at Cannes, boosting queer cinema visibility. Weather & Safety: Forecasts point to rain and thunderstorms in parts of the country, while a bus accident in Kavre left 8 dead and 16 injured.

Monsoon & Disaster Risk: ICIMOD warns that even with below-normal monsoon rainfall forecast for parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya, short bursts of heavy rain, landslides and flash floods remain a serious threat as temperatures rise and water stress grows. Public Health: Nepal’s rabies vaccine shortage is worsening, with patients turned away at district facilities and even Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Hospital facing stock-outs despite hundreds seeking shots daily. Law & Rights: The Supreme Court directed the government to enact a law banning the recruitment or use of children under 18 in any military force and to criminalize such acts, while also refusing an interim order in the civil servants’ trade union dissolution case. Culture Policy: The House of Representatives unanimously approved proposals to consider the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Bill, aiming to safeguard heritage and support national identity. Energy Governance: The government says it is at the start of transforming the energy sector, with new bills planned and a push to end “license raj,” alongside recommendations to revoke licenses of 38 hydropower projects with little progress. Nepal-India Ties: Nepal and India continue working on border and water-related disputes, while Susta residents confronted armed Indian personnel entering Nepali territory. Economy & Markets: The rupee strengthened to close at 95.08 per dollar, and NEPSE saw a slight dip amid high turnover. Road Safety: A bus crash in Dhankuta left 12 injured, and another fatal bus accident in Kavrepalanchok killed at least eight.

Nepal-India Digital Money: India and Nepal have formally launched a peer-to-peer cross-border remittance system linking UPI and Nepal’s NPI, enabling instant, real-time transfers via apps and wallets. Border Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal moved to clarify PM Balendra Shah’s remarks on the India border, saying the issue is about cross-border holding in no-man’s land and that Nepal will resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. Health Regulation: Nepal Medical Council suspended temporary registrations of three Chinese doctors tied to an illegally operating Kathmandu hospital, and says it will coordinate with immigration for deportation. Public Finance: Banks and financial institutions’ deposits rose 9.4% to Rs 7,949.28 billion, while private sector credit grew 5.7% to Rs 5,809.71 billion. Tourism & Travel: flydubai announced a new daily service to Pokhara from Sept 23, and Nepal’s tourism growth is also raising concerns over unregulated rhododendron liquor in the Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale region. Governance & Tax: Nepal moves to tax local staff of UN agencies and diplomatic missions, while diplomats gathered in Colombo for a major reception. Crime & Courts: A banking offence case worth over Rs 421.4 million was filed at Patan High Court over alleged loan misuse in Jagdamba Steels.

Border Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told the National Assembly that PM Balendra Shah’s May 31 border remarks were about “cross border occupation,” and Nepal is not seeking third-party mediation, while border mechanisms are being reactivated and missing border pillars are being repaired; the Joint Working Group on Border Management is set for August. Parliament Row: NA lawmakers demanded clarification and removal of the PM’s border comments from records after the earlier HoR deadlock was cleared with Khanal’s explanations. Constitution Reform: A task force drafting the constitution amendment discussion paper held talks with former PMs Prachanda, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal. Economy Watch: NEPSE fell 8.14 points to 2,728.03; NRB said foreign exchange reserves crossed Rs 3.7 trillion and has begun a study to set up a sovereign wealth fund. Energy & Governance: MCA-Nepal broke ground on substations and a 297-km transmission line; NEA was urged to collect Rs 50.01 billion in arrears. Health & Regulation: Nepal Medical Council sealed Maria Hospital for operating without permit and ordered action against foreign doctors; pregabalin now requires prescription; vaccine wastage worth Rs 41.04 crore was flagged. Crime: Police say a Nepal-linked burglary gang used domestic workers to target luxury villas in Hyderabad, and a loan misuse case was filed over Rs 421.4 million in Jagdamba Steels.

Land Rights Push: Nepal has set a 600-day deadline to provide land to squatters and landless people under amended land regulations, with district committees given timelines based on application volume. Border Security: Temporary police and Armed Police Force outposts are being set up at a disputed border area in Bajura after past hostage and assault incidents. Supreme Court Watch: A writ petition challenging the government’s decision to dissolve a trade union will be heard again on June 12. Parliament & Foreign Policy: House proceedings resumed after obstruction; Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal briefed lawmakers on his India visit and clarified PM Balendra Shah’s border remarks, while preparations for a China visit are underway. Economy & Prices: BFIs’ private lending grew 5.7% in the first 10 months, below the 12% target; gold and silver prices fell in the domestic market. Health & Infrastructure: Lumbini Provincial Hospital’s robotic-ready construction faces a budget crunch despite satisfactory progress. Sports: Nepal’s women’s team was knocked out of ACC T20 Asia Cup qualifiers by Thailand; meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off tonight. Agriculture Trade: Nepal says there’s no ban on Indian mango imports, only phytosanitary controls—after earlier reports of restrictions. Environment Risks: Experts warn South Asia could still face floods and landslides from intense rain bursts even if monsoon totals are lower.

Nepal–India Digital Payments: Nepal and India have officially gone live with a real-time cross-border payment system linking UPI and Nepal’s NPI, aiming to cut remittance costs and speed up person-to-person transfers via mobile numbers, VPAs and UPI IDs. Parliament Watch: With opposition obstruction ended, the House of Representatives resumed and MPs used the emergency hour to press the government on human trafficking, violence against women, foreign employment misdeeds and religious conversion. Border Row Clarified: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament Nepal is not seeking third-party mediation on the India border dispute, saying the issue is being handled bilaterally through diplomacy and technical mapping over cross-border occupation. Energy & Infrastructure: MCA-Nepal broke ground on new substations and a 297km transmission line under the MCC electricity transmission project, while a 220kV switchyard in Myagdi has started operating to connect Rahughat corridor power to the national grid. Trade & Economy: NEPSE inched up 2.57 points to close at 2,736.17 as daily turnover fell; meanwhile, Nepal denied any ban on Indian mangoes, saying restrictions are technical phytosanitary measures and imports continue with required certificates. Sports: Nepal’s women’s team was knocked out by Thailand in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup quarterfinal. Mount Everest Update: A Nepali climber abandoned on Everest for six days has been moved out of ICU and is slowly recovering.

Home Affairs Shake-up: Nepal PM Balen Shah inducted Sudan Gurung as Home Minister again and Mahabir Pun as Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, with Gurung’s return tied to a probe clearing him and a fresh promise to reopen the 2001 Royal Palace massacre file. Border & Diplomacy: Nepal and India are moving ahead on cross-border payments via UPI-NPI linkage, while the boundary dispute remains a live political issue. Economy & Prices: NEPSE fell 1.54 points Tuesday; inflation hit 5.04% in mid-May as petroleum-linked costs rose. Aviation & Tourism: Flydubai got approval for direct Pokhara–Dubai flights from Sept 23, boosting the third international gateway. Agriculture & Trade: Nepal restricted Indian mango imports over pesticide and quarantine concerns, and Kalimati set wholesale prices for key vegetables. Public Safety: Road accidents left 6 dead and 145 injured in 24 hours; Roshi Khola flooding led to BP Highway closures. Environment & Livelihoods: Wildlife attacks killed 11 in Bardiya in under a year, and farmers in Madhesh struggle to access relief for crop damage. UAE & Overseas Nepalese: An Indian doctor pledged Rs 2 crore for Dubai crash victims; Nepalis in Cambodia were told to return by June 12.

Everest Update: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, who survived six days after being abandoned on Everest’s “death zone,” has been moved from ICU to the ward and is slowly recovering, with doctors treating frostbite, severe dehydration and a fractured thigh bone. Remittances & Reserves: Nepal Rastra Bank data shows remittance inflows up 41.2% to Rs 1,916.90 billion in 10 months, while foreign exchange reserves also rose, supporting a stronger external position. Inflation Watch: Consumer inflation hit 5.04% in mid-May, driven by food and transport, with urban areas facing higher pressure. Health Policy: The Health Ministry says a “fresh start” is coming for the health insurance scheme, with pending payments to be cleared within Ashar and a stronger referral system. Domestic Economy: Nepal’s merchandise trade deficit widened 14.9% as imports grew faster than exports, even as some export categories gained. Governance & Security: Reappointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung took charge, announcing steps to strengthen CIB and form teams to curb sensitive information leaks. Sports: The IHF Trophy handball tournament begins in Paltan with Nepal among the participating teams.

Everest Rescue Update: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, who survived six days after being abandoned on Everest, has been moved from ICU to the ward in Kathmandu and is slowly recovering, with doctors treating frostbite, severe dehydration and a fractured thigh bone. City Services: Kathmandu Metropolitan City declared its area free of street dwellers, signing an agreement with Nepal Police, the district administration and Manavsewa Ashram to manage people found in streets through an integrated system. Hydropower Push: Construction has started for the 180-MW Kaligandaki Gorge Hydropower Project in Myagdi, with a 5.6-km tunnel planned and an estimated four-year timeline. Governance: The Cabinet endorsed the Civil Service (16th Amendment) Regulation, 2083, and also approved forest-area use for four hydropower projects. Cross-Border Money: Nepal and India’s linked payment systems now let Nepalis send money to India via mobile banking apps through NPI–UPI P2P remittance. Climate & Food Security: WFP launched an Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator in Nepal, backing local startups with support for climate-resilient food-system solutions.

Markets & Finance: NEPSE slid 20.27 points to close at 2,735.41 as turnover fell to Rs 4.08 billion; only the finance subgroup edged up. Innovation Push: The government earmarked nearly Rs 4 billion for science, technology and innovation, including Rs 500 million for a Nepal Enterprise Facility to back startups. Trade & Revenue: Rasuwagadhi Customs collected Rs 10.80 billion in 11 months; Chinese imports worth Rs 40.1 billion entered since mid-July 2025. Power Sector: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha ordered NEA to prioritize recovery of unpaid dues of dedicated feeders and trunk lines, with arrears cited above Rs 50 billion. Insurance Backlog: Nepal Insurance Authority logged 149 new complaints in 10 months but still has 543 cases pending, with 386 under review. Border & Parliament: Opposition MPs demanded PM Balendra Shah’s border remarks be removed from the record; an all-party meeting also discussed ending the parliamentary deadlock. Sports: Nepal beat Hong Kong by 19 runs (DLS) to win the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Qualifier. Infrastructure: Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnel operations are set for the second week of August, with 99.5% physical progress. Public Safety: Police fined Harka Sampang for reckless riding caught on mobile video.

Everest Rescue Miracle: Nepali guide Dawa Sherpa, 57, was found near base camp after nearly a week missing on Everest, surviving by “chewing ice” and eating a few chocolates; he’s now stable but being treated for frostbite. School Football Push: ANFA launched FIFA’s “Football for Schools” in Humla, selecting four schools in Simkot and Adanchuli and distributing footballs and materials to boost regular practice. Farmers’ Input Crisis: Paddy farmers in Mahottari say fertiliser and quality seeds are in short supply, irrigation is unreliable, and many are forced to use costlier diesel pumps as fields dry up. Nepal-Australia Academic Link: Kathmandu University will host a June 8–13 academic exchange with Australian scholars, focusing on advanced writing, intercultural communication, and higher-degree research. Nepal-India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal returned after three days in India, meeting Jaishankar and others, as Nepal reiterates resolving border issues bilaterally and through existing mechanisms. Luxury Tourism Deal: Marriott and CG Corp Global signed an agreement for three premium hotels in Nepal and India, with Kathmandu and Siliguri set for new brands. Health System Strain: Reports highlight Nepal’s doctor shortage and underfunding, leaving rural areas especially vulnerable. Youth & Politics Watch: Nepal’s political scene sees fresh internal churn as Nepali Congress faces factional splits while RSP prepares its first general convention.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged an “open heart” approach to the border row, saying disputes should be settled through existing bilateral mechanisms and that Nepal is not seeking third-party mediation—only access to UK historical archives. Cross-Border Payments: Nepal and India launched direct cash transfers by linking India’s UPI with Nepal’s National Payments Interface, enabling remittances through bank-to-bank transfers. Digital & Language Tech: India’s Jaishankar and Khanal also backed a BHASHINI–Kathmandu University MoU to build a “voice-first” multilingual translation platform for Nepal. EV Push: Nepal’s MoID report says the country needs at least 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 to hit its 90% private EV target. Health & Heritage Aid: India handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects to Nepal under the 2015 reconstruction programme. Sports: Nepal reached the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier final after beating Oman by 8 wickets. Earthquake Watch: A 5.6 quake hit Bhutan, with tremors felt across parts of Nepal and Northeast India.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal wrapped up talks in New Delhi, urging border disputes to be handled through diplomatic channels and “open-heart” dialogue, while both sides reviewed cooperation across trade, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties. Cross-Border Payments & AI: Nepal and India launched UPI-NPI peer-to-peer linkage for easier remittances and signed a MoU between BHASHINI and Kathmandu University to build a “voice-first” multilingual language platform. Border Row Messaging: Khanal reiterated that Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are Nepali territory and said no issue is “insurmountable” if mechanisms are activated. Sports—Asian Games Qualifiers: Nepal sealed the Asian Games Qualifiers final with an eight-wicket win over Oman after bowling them out for 94; Nepal chase set up a final against the Malaysia-Hong Kong winner. Sports—Yogasana: Nepal won 10 medals at the World Yogasana Championship, including one gold, as India topped the tally. Environment & Youth Action: Youth in Shuklaphanta pledged climate action on World Environment Day, calling for faster tree planting and less plastic. Public Safety: Police warned Nepalis against online betting scams ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Food Safety & Health: Health Minister Nisha Mehta said Nepal is strengthening food hygiene and quality enforcement to curb foodborne diseases. Local Governance: RSP Parbat elected Jal Bahadur Pun as new chair.

Everest Survival: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, who vanished on May 30, says he stayed alive by “chewing ice” after oxygen ran out, surviving on a few chocolates and snacks before a dramatic rescue and hospital recovery in Kathmandu. India–Nepal Reset: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met EAM S Jaishankar in New Delhi, with both sides calling for a “transformative” relationship and “no old baggage,” while India virtually handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects and launched UPI–NPI linkage for cross-border remittances. Aviation Safety: CAAN issued a stricter Monsoon Circular 2026 from June 15, tightening pre-flight checks, weather planning, and helicopter operations during the monsoon. Education Updates: UGC-NET June 2026 schedule is out for CBT exams from June 22–30 (two daily shifts), with subject-wise dates posted on ugcnet.nta.nic.in. Sports (Regional): Nepal’s handball team is set to face Oman in the Asian Games qualifier semifinal after Oman booked a last-four clash with Nepal. Markets: NEPSE slipped 0.96% to 2,755.41 as the post-budget rally cooled and investors booked profits.

Everest Survival: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, says he stayed alive by “chewing ice” after oxygen ran out and he was left stranded near Everest’s “death zone,” recovering in Kathmandu after a dramatic rescue. Weather Watch: A western low-pressure trough and local winds are bringing light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in parts of Koshi, Lumbini and Karnali, while heatwave conditions may intensify in the southern plains. Environment & Resilience: Agriculture, Forests and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary urged climate-resilient, nature-friendly development on World Environment Day. Education Shift: Government school enrolment keeps falling as private schools gain ground, with 2025/26 showing 62.2% in public vs 37.8% in private. Power Disruption: NEA warns of up to four hours of electricity cuts in nearly 100 Kathmandu Valley locations on Saturday. Public Safety & Crime: A man was arrested in Balaju for allegedly killing his wife during a domestic dispute. Health: TB deaths remain high—53 per 100,000—while a “TB-free Nepal” push will expand AI X-ray screening to more local levels. Nepal-India Ties: India handed over 7,000 helmets to Nepal Police in Birgunj; Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal met BJP leaders in New Delhi. Road Safety Law: A long-stalled road safety act has been stuck for eight years despite rising accident deaths. Culture & Literature: Kathmandu Kalinga Literature Festival begins, while Everest Day was marked at Nepal’s Islamabad embassy.