AGP Executive Report

Cannes Breakthrough: Nepali director Abinash Bikram Shah’s debut film Elephants in the Fog has won the Cannes 2026 Un Certain Regard Jury Prize, spotlighting transgender women in Nepal’s Terai and turning “invisible” lives into the festival’s headline. Cricket Momentum: Nepal wrapped its ICC World Cup League-2 home leg in style, crushing the USA by 122 runs and finishing with six wins from eight to jump to fifth place. Everest Safety Alarm: Fresh reports of two Indian climbers dying during descent come as overcrowding fears grow after record summit days and long queues near the “death zone.” Digital Push: The government says 4G expansion, cyber security, and data-centre upgrades are top priorities to narrow the digital divide, while Meta and Google partner Tele Digital Services is promoting WhatsApp Business API for local businesses. Economy & Trade: Imports hit Rs 1.6 trillion in 10 months, led by diesel and crude soybean oil, widening the trade deficit. Politics & Compliance: 56 candidates failed to submit election expense details to the Election Commission. Weather Watch: Heat waves are expected in the Terai and western areas, with some provinces seeing thunderstorms.

Everest Overcrowding Returns: A drone-fueled surge of images and reports says 270+ climbers reached Everest’s summit in a day, with queues forming on the narrow route—while two Indian climbers died during descent and veteran Kami Rita Sherpa renewed calls for permit caps. Digital Divide Push: Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina told lawmakers the government will use Rural Telecommunications Fund money to expand 4G, build digital infrastructure, and strengthen cybersecurity. Women, Policy Reforms: Minister Sita Badi said her ministry is reorganizing social welfare councils and reviewing laws affecting children and persons with disabilities. Culture & Lawmaking: The National Assembly unanimously passed the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Bill. Budget & Economy: NRB plans to mop Rs 100 billion liquidity; NEPSE rose 16.38 points on Rs 4.49b turnover. Cricket—Nepal vs USA: Nepal set 318, then beat the USA by 122 runs in ICC World Cup League 2 at Kirtipur. International Moves: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched an interline deal via Dubai, and Nepal is preparing to hand over its long-stalled zoo project to NTNC.

Everest Update: A Briton, Kenton Cool, improved his own Everest record with his 20th ascent, as two Indian climbers died during descent—one at Camp II and another near the Hillary Step—pushing this season’s death toll to five. Overcrowding Alarm: Earlier this week, 274 climbers reached the summit from Nepal in a single day, setting a new record and reigniting safety fears as queues form in the “death zone.” Parliament Clash: The House passed the Alternative Development Finance Mobilisation Bill, 2082, but opposition parties kept disrupting proceedings, demanding PM Balendra Shah’s resignation over accountability. Fertiliser Pressure: West Asia conflict has delayed delivery of about 185,000 tonnes of contracted fertiliser, though the agriculture ministry says supplies should hold through mid-July. Economy & Policy: The NRB set Friday’s exchange rates, while lawmakers pushed for tax-administration restructuring and better VAT implementation. Culture Spotlight: Nepal’s Cannes hit “Elephants in the Fog” drew an eight-minute standing ovation at the festival.

Everest Boom: Clear weather helped a record 274 climbers summit Mount Everest from Nepal’s side in a single day, with officials saying the final tally may rise as some climbers haven’t yet reported back; the season has also seen Kami Rita Sherpa hit his 32nd ascent. Diplomatic & Cultural Ties: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah gifted 40 kg of sandalwood for Pashupatinath’s Shree Yantra worship, handed over to the temple priest in coordination with HoR member Sandeep Rana. Energy Push: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha urged timely completion of Karnali’s Jagadulla Hydropower projects, promising support if technical or administrative issues emerge. Local Governance: Tarakeshwar Municipality used bulldozers to demolish structures encroaching on public land in Teenpiple. Parliament Pressure: HoR lawmakers again demanded action on the Humla–Bajura border dispute and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal said “urgent/emergency hour” rules will be made more systematic. Policy & Economy: NEPSE fell 12.36 points to close at 2,742.11; government also invited applications for key media regulator posts. Social Inclusion: Nepal appointed a minister explicitly covering gender and sexual minorities, marking a first in the ministry’s name and mandate.

Parliament Clash: Nepal’s Shram Sanskriti Party escalated its protest over PM Balendra Shah’s repeated absence, with Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal warning lawmakers for “indecent” placard displays and citing House rules as the standoff over accountability and decorum deepens. Digital Governance Push: Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina told lawmakers the government is prioritising media reform, digital work hubs and community IT centres, alongside upgrades to government websites and systems to improve service delivery. Lawmaking Gets a Portal: A new digital platform launched on Law Day lets citizens send feedback directly on drafts of bills and acts, aiming to fix weak public participation. Land Use Fallout: After squatter evictions, concerns are growing over missing land-use planning for reclaimed riverbank areas—raising fears that demolition without follow-through will just leave debris and uncertainty. Economy Watch: NEPSE rebounded, jumping about 30 points on higher turnover, while a new report highlights widening provincial economic gaps, with Bagmati leading. Health & Weather: Health officials say hantavirus risk is low, and forecasts point to cloudy skies with possible light rain in some provinces.

Gold & Silver Slide: Gold fell Rs 3,300 to Rs 2,92,000 per tola, while silver dropped Rs 125 to Rs 4,960 per tola. Education: Grade 11 classes will resume from Asad 1 (June 15) after SEE results. Parliament & Transitional Justice: In the HoR, the main opposition leader demanded prompt appointments to TJ bodies, warning delays keep conflict victims waiting. Budget Politics & Governance: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle told lawmakers good governance and expanding the middle class are central to the Appropriation Bill priorities. Displacement Support: The Cabinet approved Rs 25,000 one-off resettlement aid for families displaced from high-risk riverbank settlements, plus short-term housing support and holding-centre care for vulnerable people. Press Freedom & Jobs: The government reiterated full commitment to press freedom, while the labour minister vowed action to curb cheating in foreign employment. Water Crisis Data: A new survey says 61% of people drink water contaminated with E. coli. Markets: NEPSE share trading volume fell 18.9% over 10 months amid weakening investor confidence.

Supreme Court: The SC ordered former minister Raj Kumar Gupta’s release on bail in a corruption case, overturning an earlier custody order, while it also scheduled a May 25 discussion on Deuba’s arrest-warrant petition. Parliament Today: The HoR meets at 11am as lawmakers continue debating the budget’s principles and priorities (excluding tax), with Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle responding. Policing Overhaul: Nepal Police unveiled a new three-year strategic plan (2026-28) focused on innovation, integrity, and citizen-friendly, tech-enabled complaint handling. Grey List Push: Finance Minister Wagle told an APG delegation the government is committed to removing Nepal from FATF’s grey list, though APG says more work remains. Public Health Shock: A new survey says 61% of Nepalis drink water contaminated with E. coli. Economy & Data: NSO and NCC signed an MoU for National Economic Census 2082, while fuel use fell sharply after Sunday measures. Sports & Culture: Nepal beat Scotland in ICC League 2; KIMFF 2026 will screen 50+ films from 29 countries starting May 27.

Judiciary Shake-up: President Ramchandra Paudel has administered the oath to newly appointed Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma after the Parliamentary Hearing Committee unanimously endorsed his nomination—his reform pitch includes resolving cases within 18 months and expanding IT-based access to justice. Housing & Risk Relief: The government will pay Rs. 15,000 monthly for three months as shelter cost to squatter families removed from risky riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley, plus Rs. 25,000 rehabilitation lump-sum after verification. Justice & Policing: Nepal Police released its three-year strategic plan, launching an online complaint system via the Nepal Police Mobile App. Crime & Investigations: One person was arrested for allegedly embezzling Rs. 4.7 million by promising foreign jobs in Qatar; separate probes continue into money-laundering-linked suspects as companies delay required submissions. Parliament Watch: MPs pressed for action on caste-based discrimination, landlessness, inflation and suicides, while Shram Sanskriti Party kept up placard protests in the HoR. Public Safety: Fires hit 11 places in 24 hours, killing one and injuring two, with property damage estimated at Rs. 7.79 million. Diaspora & Culture: A study says the Nepali-born population in Australia has surged to 213,580; Kathmandu also hosts the Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women from May 26–29.

Banking Crackdown: Nepal Rastra Bank’s loan portfolio review has flagged malpractices at major commercial banks—evergreening loans, overvalued collateral and under-provisioning—despite reported capital buffers, with average NPLs at 7.6% across 10 large banks. Budget Push: Private sector leaders urged Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to lock in stable, non-retroactive tax rules in the 2026/27 budget to revive investor confidence. Judiciary vs Parliament: The Supreme Court is set to hear challenges to the CJ nomination process after Acting CJ Sapana Pradhan Malla ordered writ petitions to be registered; the Parliamentary Hearing Committee also begins reviewing 16 complaints against proposed CJ Manoj Sharma. Co-op Relief: The government has started refunding small depositors of troubled cooperatives, returning deposits to 378 people on day one, with about Rs 46 billion needed for roughly 76,000 depositors. Energy & Roads: Officials say the budget will prioritize finishing incomplete infrastructure projects and support a 30,000MW electricity target by 2035. Markets & Sports: NEPSE edged down slightly; Nepal beat Scotland in World Cup League 2, while Sandeep Lamichhane hit the fastest 150 ODI wickets mark.

Parliament-Judiciary Clash: Nepal’s judiciary and legislature hit a fresh flashpoint as Acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla ordered the Supreme Court to register a writ petition over the Constitutional Council’s pick for the next Chief Justice—sparking objections in the House and widening concerns about judicial independence. HoR Protests & Tempers: Shram Sanskriti Party lawmakers staged a placard protest inside the HoR, while RSP MP Ashika Tamang demanded expunging a “monkeys should be killed” remark from records; lawmakers also pushed for timely action on human trafficking networks. Budget Pressure Points: MPs began debating the Appropriation Bill’s principles and priorities, repeatedly urging better capital spending and faster delivery—especially for roads, paddy inputs, and seed/fertilizer supply. NEPSE & Money: NEPSE slipped modestly to 2,730.91 points; daily turnover fell to Rs 2.45 billion. Everest in the Headlines: Kami Rita Sherpa set a new world record with his 32nd Everest summit, while Nepal beat Scotland by six wickets in World Cup League 2. Governance Watch: Auditor General-linked reporting flags Rs 85.23 billion in customs exemptions in a year, raising transparency questions.

Everest Spotlight: Kami Rita Sherpa has broken his own record with his 32nd Everest summit, reaching the 8,848.86-metre peak at 10:12am on Sunday; Lhakpa Sherpa also set a new mark with her 11th ascent. Sports: Nepal faces Scotland today in ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, after a recent nine-wicket win over the USA—this match is crucial for ODI status and qualification hopes. Monsoon Readiness: The government is preparing to keep traffic moving on parts of the BP Highway during monsoon, using river diversions near the Roshi River after last Monday’s flooding stranded 89 passengers. Weather Watch: Moderate rainfall and snowfall are possible in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, with light rain and thunderstorms in some areas. Health Policy: The government and RSP have started reforms to strengthen health insurance, aiming to fix coordination gaps and restore public trust. Economy & Trade: Nepalgunj Marathon wins the AIMS Social Award, while sugar supply concerns linger after India’s export ban.

Everest Glory: Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita Sherpa has summited Mount Everest for a record 32nd time, reaching the top at 10:12am, while Lhakpa Sherpa also set a women’s record with her 11th ascent—prompting PM Balendra Shah to hail the feat as a boost for Nepal’s mountain tourism. Tourism & Trails: Manaslu Circuit Trek is being pitched as the next big, quieter alternative for international trekkers, and deaf trekking guides are gaining visibility through sign-language-led tours. Economy Watch: Nepal’s real estate transactions rose in Baishakh (169,000 vs 144,000 last year), but banks are under pressure as NPLs hit 5.60%. Energy & Cost: Government plans to phase out LPG grants by 2092/93 and push electric stoves amid rising import costs. Food & Trade: India’s sugar export ban has sparked fresh worries in Nepal despite claims of sufficient stock. Governance & Oversight: The Auditor General questions slow progress on “transformational” projects, while the Federation demands fixes to MRP implementation. Politics: UML marked Madan-Ashrit Memorial Day, with speculation swirling around reconciliation signals.

Everest Pride: Kami Rita Sherpa has just made history again, summiting Everest for the 32nd time and now descending toward base camp after reaching the top at 10:12 AM. Monetary Policy Watch: Nepal Rastra Bank says it will revisit the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) under the third monetary policy review, aiming to make the interest-rate corridor work better as bank deposit rates keep sliding. Border Rights at Customs: The Supreme Court ordered officials at Nepal-India border customs points to treat people respectfully, tying enforcement to the constitutional right to dignity. Weather Alert: Westerly and local winds are bringing light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in parts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, with possible hail in some Terai areas. Health & Law: A health care law conference pushed for clearer rules to protect both patients and doctors, arguing social justice needs stronger legal footing. Sports: Nepal beat the USA by nine wickets in World Cup League 2, with Kushal Bhurtel smashing a century. Road & Safety: Kathmandu Valley traffic police penalized 2,029 motorists in 24 hours, collecting over Rs 4 lakh in fines.

Cricket Shock: Kushal Bhurtel smashed an unbeaten 120 as Nepal crushed the USA by nine wickets in the ICC World Cup League 2, chasing 196 with 199/1 in 36.4 overs after the Americans were bowled out for 195. Sugar Push: The government says it will boost domestic sugar by promoting improved sugarcane varieties and expanding industry capacity, after India moved to ban sugar exports until late September. Gender Policy: Nepal has formed a new ministry explicitly covering “Gender and Sexual Minorities,” a historic step for LGBTIQ rights amid federal restructuring. Roads Update: East-West Highway works are nearing completion on the Narayan-Ghat-Butwal stretch (91% progress), while the Road Department cancelled a Mahakali River bridge contract over poor performance. Markets & Prices: NEPSE fell 0.50% last week as investors lost about Rs 234 billion in value; gold slipped Rs 1,400 per tola. Governance Watch: The Auditor General reports arrears have climbed to Rs 755 billion, and the PMO says action has been taken against a person threatening a ward secretary.

Auditor General Shock: Nepal’s arrears and irregular spending keep piling up. The Office of the Auditor General says cumulative unsettled arrears have hit Rs 755 billion, with Rs 88.09 billion added in the last fiscal year, while audits of 179 offices couldn’t be completed due to disruptions around Sept 8–9, leaving Rs 147.90 billion unverified. Public Finance Pressure: Capital spending is still sluggish—only 27.91% of the annual capital budget spent by May 14—raising fresh questions about delivery. Accountability Moves: The Property Investigation Commission has ordered thousands of current and former officials to submit property details, warning of legal action for delays or false filings. Sports Politics: NSC has lifted ANFA’s three-month suspension unconditionally, ending the football deadlock. Education Glitch: SEE results are drawing complaints after some students were wrongly marked “absent,” even as the NEB says results were released fast. International Links: Air India is cutting international flights further amid fuel costs, while Nepal marks the International Day of Families under a theme focused on inequality and child wellbeing.

Press Freedom Watch: Communication Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina says the government won’t take steps that threaten constitutional press freedom, but urged media to be more responsible. Auditor General’s Warning: The 63rd Auditor General report, presented to President Paudel, flags worsening financial irregularities and arrears—new arrears add up to about NPR 88.9 billion, with local-level irregularities rising and the Ministry of Finance leading federal irregularities. National Pride Projects Under Scrutiny: OAG says national pride projects have missed expectations—Rs 504.55 billion invested, but only three projects completed, while costs now total Rs 2,415.69 billion. Liquidity Move: Nepal Rastra Bank will withdraw Rs 45 billion from the banking system for 42 days to manage excess liquidity. Infrastructure Update: The halted 400kV Hetauda–Dhalkebar–Duhabi transmission line construction has resumed after local compensation disputes were resolved. Local Governance & Daily Life: Kathmandu Valley traffic police logged 2,144 violations in 24 hours and collected Rs 1.95 million in revenue. Education: Prof Dr Rishikesh Wagle appointed Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University. Youth Politics: Gen Z council formation is at the final stage, with a taskforce calling for dialogue as past pacts move toward implementation.