AGP Executive Report

CUET Results: CUET UG 2026 scores are now live on cuet.nta.nic.in, with candidates able to download scorecards using application number and birthdate as universities move toward counselling schedules. Anti-Graft Crackdown: Nepal’s Special Court remanded former finance minister Bishnu Paudel (UML vice-chair) in judicial custody for seven days in a money-laundering probe, while the UML calls the arrest illegal and politically motivated. CIAA Passport Case: CIAA filed corruption charges against German firm Veridos over Nepal’s e-passport procurement, saying it moved without recording statements from company representatives. EU Aviation Safety: The EU is running new regional aviation safety initiatives in Kathmandu, including a CAAN module on crew training and operational standards. Immigration Enforcement: Authorities found 42 foreign nationals in illegal accommodation during checks in Sarajevo, including Nepalis, as deportation steps begin. Trade and Markets: Nepal’s imports and exports rose in the first 11 months of FY 2082/83, but the trade deficit also widened; NEPSE meanwhile slipped to a four-month low. Qatar Blast: Qatar’s Amir spoke with PM Modi after a Ras Laffan LNG blast killed 12 Indians, with India coordinating repatriation and support for families. Road Tragedy: A senior ASI died after a car hit a motorbike in Sunsari; the driver has been arrested for investigation.

PoK Protests: Schoolchildren and women joined massive protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with the Awami Action Committee warning of a June 23 deadline and a possible 100,000-strong march to Muzaffarabad. Heat & Weather: Monsoon has entered Nepal, but Tarai heat waves remain a risk, with hot days expected in places like Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi; thunderstorms are possible in the Valley and other regions. Qatar Tragedy: A blast at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility killed 13 people (including 12 Indians) and injured 66; QatarEnergy says it was an operational accident, not sabotage, and exports were unaffected. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Nepal arrested former finance minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel on money laundering charges, as the government pushes wider action against alleged past abuses. FATF Update: Nepal remains on the FATF grey list, with FATF citing weak anti-money laundering reforms and gaps in risk-based supervision. Economy & Trade: Nepal’s exports hit a record Rs 278B in the first 11 months, while petroleum imports reached Rs 296.44B (about 16% of total imports). Rights & Courts: Nepal’s Supreme Court issued a binding directive to ensure marriage equality for sexual and gender minorities. Health System Worry: Nepal faces shortages of anti-rabies and anti-snake venom vaccines, adding pressure to disease prevention efforts. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Large cardamom exports reached an all-time high value of Rs 12.01B in 11 months, driven by strong demand.

RSP Convention Update: The Rastriya Swatantra Party’s closed session at Chitwan’s exhibition center has been postponed, with disputes over the delegate list and Madhesh complaints blamed for the delay; the session is now set to start early Tuesday. Anti-Graft Crackdown: CIAA has filed corruption charges against 16 people, including the Department of Passport DG, in the passport printing case, seeking billions in damages; a German firm also asked the government for security for staff. FATF Watch: Nepal remains on FATF’s “grey list,” with the watchdog saying reforms are still not enough and urging stronger risk-based supervision and enforcement. Energy & Trade: Bangladesh is reviewing a joint 683MW hydropower project with Nepal. Weather: Monsoon winds are affecting Koshi, Madhesh and Bagmati, with possible heavy rain in parts of Koshi and a heat-wave risk in some Terai areas. Health: Bird flu is spreading in Kathmandu Valley, with rapid response teams deployed and the Central Zoo affected. Markets: NEPSE closed slightly down at about 2,700 points. Regional Tragedy: A Qatar LNG-area explosion killed 13 workers (including Indians) and injured 66; Qatar says it was an accident, not sabotage.

Health Policy Clash: Private hospitals say they can’t implement a new rule reserving 10% of beds for free treatment, calling it unilateral and impractical. New Care Facility: Narayani Hospital in Birgunj has started Nepal’s first Hemophilia Treatment Center, aiming to serve about 40 patients locally. Nutrition Push: Badigad Rural Municipality in Baglung declared all its wards “nutrition-friendly,” positioning itself to be the first nutrition-friendly rural municipality in Nepal. Crime & Justice: Two Indian nationals were arrested in Siraha with 92.3 grams of brown sugar; a journalist in Kanchanpur was also arrested after an alleged assault on a ward chairperson. Economy & Prices: Gold rose by Rs 1,400 per tola to Rs 288,700; silver also increased. Money Laundering Watch: FATF kept Nepal on its Grey List, urging stronger action against hawala and high-risk cooperatives/casinos. Politics: The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party begins its first general convention in Chitwan, with statute amendments and leadership elections ahead. Roads: Nagdhunga–Muglin road expansion faces further delays, with officials citing shortages and relocation issues. Tourism & Wildlife: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve welcomed over 9,000 tourists in FY 2082/83. FATF & Governance: Nepal remains under enhanced monitoring after failing to fully meet anti-money laundering benchmarks.

RSP Convention: Nepal’s ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) kicked off its first national general convention in Chitwan, with PM Balendra Shah and party chair Rabi Lamichhane inaugurating the event by ringing the bell, while leaders urged the party to protect its public mandate through good governance, internal democracy and accountability. Border Row: Shah also reiterated Nepal’s claim over Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh, saying the government has evidence and is not seeking British mediation. Yoga for Healthy Ageing: International Yoga Day was marked across Nepal under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” including events at Dasharath Stadium and other programmes nationwide, with President Ram Chandra Paudel urging yoga as a daily way of life. Bird Flu Alert: Bird flu has spread rapidly, with Kathmandu Valley emerging as a hotspot as infection hits both poultry and wild birds, prompting intensified culling and raising fears for the poultry market. Public Health Crisis: A man in Chandragiri died of rabies after a dog bite and a vaccine shortage left him unable to get treatment. Heritage Work: Siddha Pokhari in Bhaktapur is undergoing upgradation and beautification, with about half the work done and completion expected by Bhadra. Water Sharing: Bangladesh’s water security remains a focus as officials say Nepal is reviewing transboundary river agreements to secure fair shares.

International Day of Yoga: Nepal and the world marked June 21 with “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” as President Ramchandra Paudel urged people to make yoga a daily way of life and thousands gathered in Pokhara for events led by the Indian Embassy and attended by Gandaki CM Surendra Raj Pandey. RSP Convention Watch: Political leaders including Gagan Thapa, Baburam Bhattarai, Pradip Gyawali and others arrived in Bharatpur, Chitwan for the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s first general convention starting Sunday, with expectations that the three-day meet will shape the party’s policy direction. Economy & Finance: Nepal Rastra Bank data highlights stark provincial GDP gaps, with Bagmati at 36.71% versus Karnali at 4.20%; meanwhile, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle urged banks to serve citizens. Energy Push: Govt allocated Rs 2.63 billion for renewable energy and energy efficiency in FY 2026/27, targeting off-grid electrification, clean cooking, solar, waste-to-energy and green hydrogen. Trade Tension: Nepali tea exports to India have stalled after new Indian quality testing rules, shutting factories and leaving farmers with unsold harvests. Markets: Gold rose by Rs 600 per tola to Rs 287,300; silver climbed Rs 50 to Rs 4,690. Tech & Telecom: NTA says it is ready for the 5G spectrum auction as Nepal moves toward digital upgrades. Sports: Iran’s women won karate gold and finished runner-up overall at the Asian championships in Bali, with Nepal reaching the men’s team final.

FATF Watch: Nepal remains on the FATF “grey list” after APG’s review retained the country under increased monitoring, despite recent commitments to tighten anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing steps. Monsoon & Weather: Rain has started but the monsoon is still delayed in parts of Nepal; temperatures remain high in the Tarai, with heavy rain possible in hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki. Public Safety: Police arrested 23 people in separate raids across districts for illegal drugs. Finance & Banking: Nepal Rastra Bank moved to rein in soaring CEO pay at banks and financial institutions by setting salary and benefit caps tied to institution size and employee costs. Health: Cancer chemotherapy drug shortages (including Carboplatin and Cisplatin) are expected to ease soon as imports are being facilitated. Politics: Rastriya Swatantra Party gears up for its first national general convention in Chitwan, with over 4,200 delegates and a strict code aimed at keeping leadership contests faction-free. Culture & Tourism: President Paudel and PM Shah observed Bhoto Jatra in Jawalakhel; Mustang also saw over 700,000 visitors in 11 months, showing steady travel demand.

National ID Self-Download: Nepal’s Department of National ID and Civil Registration has started a trial service letting citizens download their National Identity Card online, with a photo and a QR code for verification. Passport Probe Pressure: Reports say Prime Minister’s Office pressure is accelerating the CIAA’s passport investigation, including moves tied to the Department of Passports. Border Diplomacy: Nepal’s FM Shishir Khanal questioned China over the Lipulekh Pass agreement with India, with Beijing saying it’s a bilateral matter to be resolved through dialogue. Markets Watch: NEPSE fell 21.92 points (0.80%) over June 15–19, wiping out about Rs40 billion in investor wealth. Tourism & Aviation: Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Khadak Raj Paudel said Gautam Buddha International Airport will come into operation, while tourism activity is rising as Indian pilgrims fill hotels in Humla’s Simkot and Hilsa. Road Safety: One person died and 30 were injured when a school bus plunged off the road in Udayapur. Tea Crisis: Tea factories in Ilam and beyond shut down again after India’s stricter export rules, while Nepal’s FM says diplomatic talks with India are ongoing to remove obstacles. Health Alert: Nepal is facing a rabies vaccine shortage due to high demand and low supply. Local Governance: The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the “Hello Home Call Center” (1112) for public grievances.

Pre-monsoon shock: Nepal recorded the highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 45 years, with 339.5mm this season—about 145.5% above the long-term average—while Jhapa’s Anarmani Birta saw 208mm in 24 hours. Monsoon timing: The monsoon arrived about a week late, starting from Koshi Province; it’s currently weak but expected to spread nationwide, with DHM warning of floods, landslides and inundation. Justice still pending: Nearly two decades after the conflict, survivors of conflict-era sexual violence say justice and reparations remain out of reach; over 66,000 complaints are still pending at TRC and CIEDP. Finance and reforms: FinMin Swarnim Wagle said tax reforms are underway and a special budget may be added if needed; Cabinet also approved six bills to replace ordinances. Money and markets: Nepal Rastra Bank pushed for stronger crisis powers; SEBON got a new chair, Dr Gopal Bhatta, and NEPSE inched up with Rs 4.53bn turnover. Water and power: ADB approved a $115m loan for water supply and sanitation in 13 municipalities; Nepal has begun larger electricity exports to India and Bangladesh as monsoon arrives.

Public Spaces & Culture: Two street dancer duo—Siddhartha Chhetri and Jibriel Alam—are reclaiming Kathmandu’s public spots like Ratnapark and Sundhara, turning everyday commutes into impromptu performances. Sports: Subash Tamang surged to the top after a bogey-free 7-under 65 in the Surya Nepal Premier Golf Championship, edging past Bhuvan Nagarkoti. Telecom Expansion: The government plans to add 1,500 new telecom sites/mobile towers, with Nepal Telecom investing over Rs 6 billion to improve rural service quality and coverage. Women’s Safety: A sharp reminder of domestic violence’s deadly reality—528 spousal deaths over six years—highlights how “minor disputes” too often end in homicide. Health & Regulation: Nepal is watching wider regional concerns too, from probiotics and gut health to India’s crackdown on cough syrup sales after safety failures. Weather & Cost of Living: Nepal logged its highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 45 years, while vegetable prices in Kathmandu Valley keep squeezing household budgets. Economy & Energy: Private business bodies urge the government not to cut power to industries inside industrial estates amid a rent dispute, while Koshi’s operational hydropower capacity reaches 901 MW. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal says diplomatic efforts are underway to remove barriers blocking Nepali tea exports to India. Labour Rights: A push for local labour help desks aims to protect informal workers and improve access to social security and dispute resolution. Human Rights: Families of the disappeared renew calls for truth and justice two decades after the peace process.

Preferential Trade Agreement Push: Bangladesh’s ambassador urged Nepal to expedite the PTA to unlock stronger trade and investment ties. Macroeconomic Split: NRB says foreign reserves and remittances look better, but internal growth is weak, with GDP growth projected at 3.85%. Banking Transparency: NRB tightened rules on promoter share transactions in BFIs, demanding detailed beneficial-ownership disclosures for large deals. Education Budget Focus: The government set education and sports as a top priority, allocating Rs 218.30 billion for 2026/27. Nutrition Alarm: A new assessment finds wasting at 9% and stunting at 26% among children under five, showing worsening conditions. Health Budgets by Province: Provinces are prioritising hospitals, specialist services, maternal-child health, and free medicines. Aviation Reform Stalled: Nepal’s long-delayed CAAN split still keeps airlines on the EU safety list. Tea Crisis with India: Tea factories and gardens shut down as Indian testing rules and barriers keep exports stuck, despite diplomatic claims. Capital Market Watch: NEPSE edged down to 2,700.47 with turnover at Rs 3.41 billion. Monsoon Outlook: Monsoon onset may be delayed due to El Niño affecting wind patterns. Governance & Oversight: CIAA summoned former FM Arzu Rana Deuba and German firms in the e-passport probe; opposition MPs protested in HoR over unresolved demands. Telecom Expansion: Plans are underway for about 1,600 new telecom sites to improve rural connectivity.

Public Finance: Nepal’s public debt jumped to Rs 2.961 trillion, about 44.87% of GDP, with foreign debt at 53.49% and domestic at 46.51%, while debt servicing needs are rising fast. Budget & Development: The government’s 2026/27 budget trims capital spending to 20.3%, raising concerns that infrastructure delivery and spending capacity remain weak. Economy Watch: NRB set Thursday’s forex rates with USD selling at Rs 151.55 and euro at Rs 174.95; gold and silver prices also eased slightly. Trade & Jobs: FNCCI urged diplomatic action to fix disruptions to Nepal’s tea exports to India after new Tea Board standards slowed testing and shipments—now threatening factories and workers. Human-Wildlife Crisis: Jhapa residents fear for safety as elephant attacks continue; the government is moving to deploy a special task force after a death in Mechinagar. Tourism Security: Nepal is rolling out a system to track foreign visitors’ stay and movement to boost safety and tourism confidence. Governance & Services: TU told professors and staff who didn’t return after study leave to report within 15 days, warning of action. Regional Ties: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal returned from China after talks reaffirming the one-China policy and deeper bilateral cooperation.

Women & Social Security: Minister Sita Badi says the upcoming budget prioritizes women’s economic empowerment and a violence-free society, including skill testing, startup support and entrepreneurship for survivors, plus livelihood programs for marginalized groups. Labour Migration: Nepal makes skill tests mandatory for workers going to Saudi Arabia; those who fail won’t get permits, though entrepreneurs warn of added costs and protests led to postponement of the Saudi program. Media & Accountability: MoIC forms a probe committee to review Nepal Television procurement of equipment and digital systems, amid transparency concerns. Health Sector: Health Minister Nisha Mehta says health gets higher priority, with steps to avoid rabies vaccine shortages and reforms aimed at accountability and transparency. Parliament Watch: Lawmakers demand humane food and housing for landless people in holding centres and question PM remarks on the Nepal–India border; Speaker DP Aryal objects to a lawmaker’s neutrality-related comments. Transport Infrastructure: Nagdhunga tunnel is set for operation from mid-July, with rescue drills and landslide-prevention work outside the tunnel still pending. Economy & Markets: NEPSE closes slightly up at 2,705.53; turnover falls to Rs 3.63 billion. Trade Shock: Tea farmers in Ilam threaten indefinite shutdown after India tightens import quality checks. Sports & Fans: A lawmaker calls the Rs 999 World Cup pay-per-view “a rip-off,” urging free viewing across TV platforms.

Nepal–China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held “comprehensive talks” with China’s Wang Yi in Beijing, covering connectivity, border management, trade and technology transfer, with both sides reaffirming support for Nepal’s sovereignty and the one-China policy. Water & Power for Daily Life: NEA has brought grid electricity to the Annapurna trail stretch from Jhinu Danda to Upper Sinuwa, while work has started on a major 1,800mm Melamchi pipeline in Sundarijal to expand valley-wide distribution. Governance & Courts: TU ordered professors and staff who missed study-leave return deadlines to report within 15 days, and the Special Court granted CIAA four days’ custody of Passport Department DG Tirtha Raj Aryal and IT Director Sunil KC over passport procurement irregularities. Local Elections Debate: Constitutional amendment discussions are heating up after Election Commission suggestions that local elections be non-party, sparking fresh arguments over party vs independent governance. Economy & Jobs: Nepal issued 61,072 foreign employment permits in mid-May to mid-June, and FDI pledges fell to Rs 47.61 billion in 11 months. Agriculture Under Pressure: Nepali tea factories suspended operations after India tightened quality-testing rules, threatening exports and livelihoods. Climate & Health: A heatwave hit Banke and Nepalgunj, with schools closed temporarily, while forecasts warn extreme heat in the Terai and rain/thunderstorms in parts of the hills and east.

Medical Education: Nepal’s Medical Education Commission has approved and will implement the Scholarship Grant Procedures, 2083 BS/2026, clearing long-standing legal gaps so public medical schools can access funds for free scholarships. EVs at Border: BYD electric vehicles held at the Korala/Jomsom checkpoints over suspected import irregularities have been released after customs and a Finance-led probe found no wrongdoing. Markets: NEPSE slipped 6.31 points to close at 2,705.45 as 177 companies fell and turnover eased to about Rs 4.04 billion. Tea Crisis: Tea farmers in Ilam face panic after entrepreneurs announced a shutdown threat over unresolved export and trade issues, risking spoilage and income loss during peak plucking. Anti-Corruption: CIAA arrested the Passport Department DG Tirtha Raj Aryal over e-passport printing irregularities and related financial concerns, while a former CAAN chief was sent to prison in a Pokhara airport corruption case. Infrastructure & Governance: MPs hit out at a minister’s absence during a critical transport debate and urged stronger procurement reforms to speed infrastructure delivery. Provincial Budgets: All seven provinces are prioritizing energy and agricultural transformation in FY 2083/84 budgets. Diplomacy: Nepal reaffirmed its “One China” stance during talks in Beijing, with China praising the commitment.

Nepal–China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing, with China pledging faster delivery of ongoing projects and support for Nepal’s governance and growth priorities. Border Tensions: In Susta, locals and lawmakers pushed for diplomatic resolution after alleged SSB personnel entered Nepali territory, with talks underway on stopping such incursions. Money Laundering Watch: NRB says trade-based money laundering risks are rising, with FIU citing mechanisms like mispricing in imports/exports. Tea Crisis: India’s new testing rules have forced 65 Ilam tea factories to shut and left large stockpiles unsold, threatening farmers’ incomes. Agriculture Support: The agriculture ministry urged strict implementation of the spring paddy minimum support price at Rs 2,866.41 per quintal. Monsoon Delay: Monsoon arrival may slip further, with El Nino blamed for weakening onset. Culture & Film: Nepal’s “Elephants in the Fog” won at Cannes, celebrated by the French Embassy in Kathmandu. Public Service Integrity: NEA asked customers to use official channels and report overcharging or irregularities.