AGP Executive Report

Court & Accountability: Former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi was jailed for four years and former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand for two years in the Bhutanese refugee scam, alongside multiple other convictions. Foreign Affairs: FM Shisir Khanal met UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis to push a fast, mutually agreeable solution to British Gurkha grievances. Parliament Watch: The HoR approved two bills for clause-wise discussion and lawmakers pressed the government on issues ranging from monsoon-linked disasters to fuel shortages; President Paudel also certified three budget-related bills. Press Freedom & Public Ads: The Supreme Court struck down the “one-door” policy restricting government advertisements to state media, while traffic police released vehicles parked outside media houses after fines. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Eight highways remain blocked by landslides and heavy rain; the government is drafting tougher traffic penalties with possible community service for those unable to pay. Economy & Society: Remittances jumped 38.2% to Rs 2.12 trillion; Bagmati Province began refunding deposits to small savers of troubled cooperatives. Energy & Utilities: NOC will resume standard 14.2kg LPG cylinder distribution from July 15, and the energy minister said stalled hydropower licences will be reviewed. Higher Education: New vice-chancellors pledged to keep universities free from party politics and improve education quality.

Monsoon Disruption: Heavy rain and landslides have affected 21 roads nationwide, with three sections fully blocked and 18 open for one-way traffic, while Kathmandu Valley entry points like Nagdhunga, Sanga and Machhapokhari see congestion as crossings reopen. Tragedy and Public Health: Sarlahi’s Bibek Mandal (25) has died in Kirtipur Burn Hospital after a self-immolation attempt, adding to Nepal’s growing burn-treatment crisis. Parliament Watch: Lawmakers demanded a thorough discussion on e-passport printing at a parliamentary committee, even as some members say the matter is before court. Economy: Nepal received remittances of Rs 2120.80 billion in the first 11 months, up 38.2% year-on-year. Food and Farming: Kalimati set wholesale prices for Asar 30, while farmers face severe chemical fertilizer shortages during the planting season. Insurance Oversight: The Insurance Authority says penetration has crossed 51% and claims settlement should be within six months, as MPs raise concerns over irregularities and regulatory capacity. Local Tech: Tokha Municipality launched an integrated metric address system to help locate homes and emergency services. Transport: US-Bangla Airlines plans to resume Dhaka–Kathmandu flights in September after an eight-year gap. Wildlife Risk: A rogue elephant linked to fatal attacks over 14 years has killed four family members across time, highlighting worsening human-elephant conflict.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: UML and RSP leaders condemned vehicles parked outside Kantipur, Onlinekhabar and Himalaya TV, saying the move obstructed journalists and aimed to intimidate the media; former minister Rameshore Khanal questioned how clearly plated cars were called “suspicious,” while police said vehicles were removed. Political Fallout: A car was also parked outside Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa’s residence, blocking access until police moved to tow it. Burn Care Push: PM Balendra Shah ordered plans for well-equipped burn treatment centres in all seven provinces and upgrades to burn wards in major hospitals. Gen-Z Rehabilitation Package: The government approved a special package for families of those killed and injured during the Gen-Z movement, including education support and health insurance up to Rs 1.5 million, with ministries told to act within a week. Parliament & Finance: A bill was registered to repeal/adjust four finance-related acts and one regulation; lawmakers also demanded probes and tighter monitoring over “national pride projects,” including calls to cap them at 10 and investigate cost overruns like Upper Tamakoshi. Monsoon Disruptions: Traffic was suspended on key highways in Makawanpur due to landslide risk from continuous rain. Remittances Rise: NRB data shows remittance inflows up 38.2% to Rs 2120 billion in FY25/26’s first 11 months.

Monsoon Watch: DHM and MFD warn of heavy to very heavy rain and flash-flood risk in small rivers across many districts, with Kathmandu and nearby areas flagged for sudden flooding; NDRRMA urges people to follow advisories and safety bulletins. Eviction Backlash in Kathmandu: Youth-led protests are growing over the government’s squatter eviction drive and alleged inhuman holding-centre conditions, after floods hit the Kirtipur holding centre and police crackdown on Gen-Z activists; six ministers visited Kharipati/Bode to promise food support and faster land ownership certificates. Ganesh Nepali Probe: A nine-point agreement with Ganesh Nepali’s family includes an independent investigation committee and steps on possible martyr recognition, after his self-immolation following a dispute with KMC police. Infrastructure & Economy: The Markichowk–Bharatpur 220 kV transmission line has started operation to improve reliability; commercial banks’ net profits rose 19.62% to Rs 64.56bn in FY25/26 first 11 months. Human Stories: A four-month-old died in a Dolakha landslide; lightning compensation in Jumla remains criticized as far too low. Culture & Sports: Sathi Children’s Programme marks 25 years; Bhanu Jayanti wishes issued; FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finalists set: France vs Spain and England vs Argentina.

Ganesh Nepali Death Deal: Kathmandu’s DAO, KMC and Nepali’s family signed a nine-point agreement after 14 hours of talks, with the family agreeing to postmortem and cremation. Probe and Accountability: Government will form an independent investigation committee led by a former judge, with a report due within seven days, and will consider declaring Nepali a martyr based on the findings; DAO will also write to KMC to suspend municipal police deployed at the scene. Youth Crackdown Fallout: In Biratnagar, police detained 26 people during protests over the Kirtipur Holding Center arrests of Gen Z activist Majid Ansari and others; rights groups and women’s human rights defenders condemned alleged beatings and unlawful detentions. Squatter Crisis in Motion: Flooding at Kirtipur Holding Center pushed 31 landless families to Kharipati; ministers visited the shelter, while Gen Z activists protested the relocation and demanded rehabilitation. Monsoon Risks: NDRRMA issued alerts for heavy to extremely heavy rain and possible flash floods and landslides across Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki; Kimrung Khola flooding in Kaski raised risks for riverside settlements. Water Safety Alarm: Kathmandu health tests found faecal contamination in drinking water samples from public taps and households, urging urgent action on infrastructure and source protection. Hydropower Warning: IPPAN says around 900 MW may face a production holiday this rainy season due to transmission delays, risking wasted generation. Banking and Projects: Commercial banks’ net profits rose 19.62% to Rs 64.56 billion in FY 2025/26’s first 11 months, while NPC entered 8,310 projects into the National Project Bank for 2026/27.

World Cup Shockwave: Defending champions Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to reach the semifinals, setting up a clash with England after a tense quarter-final that swung from Mac Allister’s early strike to Ndoye’s equaliser and late goals by Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Monsoon & Flood Risk: NDRRMA and the meteorology division warn of heavy to very heavy rainfall across parts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki, with flash-flood and landslide risks; Kathmandu is under an orange flood alert and 23 districts are told to stay vigilant. Housing & Rights After Floods: UML’s Niraj Acharya and NC leaders condemn forceful handling of flood-displaced squatters, after a holding centre in Kirtipur was inundated and protests erupted at Maitighar. Public Services Under Strain: Nepal Rastra Bank directs banks to cut dormant accounts by mid-January 2027, with stricter customer notification rules. Economy & Costs: Gold rose slightly by NPR 600 per tola in the domestic market, while builders say home construction costs in Kathmandu have climbed sharply. Politics & Governance: PM Delivery Unit is set up to monitor implementation of the government’s national commitments, as critics accuse the administration of authoritarian tendencies.

Sports & National Prep: The National Sports Council handed out sports attire to athletes and coaches in special training under Mission-2026, including karate, boxing, women’s kabaddi, volleyball, taekwondo, wrestling, judo, wushu, golf and athletics, as the Asian Games push gathers pace. Construction & Compliance: Nepal’s Infrastructure Ministry revoked the licenses of 44 construction firms for failing to renew on time, citing automatic cancellation under the Construction Business Act. Markets & Economy: NEPSE fell 1.98% last week, with investors losing about Rs 91 billion in market value; the ADB also lifted Nepal’s 2026/27 growth forecast to 3.9% on stronger hydropower output. Regional Energy: The EU launched a €5 million South Asia energy connectivity project in Kathmandu to boost cross-border power trade across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Flood Fallout in Kirtipur: A squatter holding center at Sundari Ghat in Kirtipur was inundated after Bagmati flooding, forcing rescues and leaving residents furious that they were moved into danger. Self-immolation & Accountability: Ashwin Raut died at Bir Hospital after severe burns; Ganesh Nepali’s death continues to spark protests, with a police probe panel formed and KMC police personnel detained. Disaster Response: The Home Ministry rolled out disaster hotline 1234 across all 77 districts to speed up reporting and rescue coordination. Infrastructure & Roads: Muglin–Pokhara road expansion work is set to resume from FY 2083/84 after budget allocations, while highway obstructions from rain and landslides were reported across multiple provinces. Policy Watch: The government unveiled the National Advertisement Policy-2083, bringing digital and AI-generated advertising under a formal regulatory framework.

Supreme Court Challenge: Nepali Congress has filed a writ at the Supreme Court seeking annulment of key provisions in the newly endorsed House of Representatives Regulations, asking for a stay on disputed rules ahead of a July 16 hearing. Monsoon Watch: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology says light to moderate rain is likely in many areas, with thunder and lightning possible and heavy downpours in some hilly districts. Construction Crackdown: The Infrastructure Ministry has automatically canceled the licenses of 44 construction firms for failing to renew on time. Advertising Overhaul: The government unveiled the National Advertisement Policy-2083, bringing digital ads, influencer marketing and AI-generated content under a formal regulatory framework. Election Commission Update: Dr. Janaki Kumari Tuladhar has taken charge as Acting Chief Election Commissioner, while a parliamentary panel invites complaints against EC nominees. Public Finance: Revenue collection is up to about 79.49% of target by June 26, but budgetary performance is flagged as imbalanced with sluggish capital spending. Central Bank Move: Nepal Rastra Bank directed banks to reduce dormant accounts by mid-2026 and to notify customers regularly. Energy & Economy: PM Balen Shah reiterated energy as the basis for economic transformation, jobs and exports, while discussing hydropower and grid issues with IPPAN. Diplomatic Tension: Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday event has sparked a Nepal-China strain and diplomatic row after Western diplomats attended. Local Safety & Crime: Police are investigating a man’s critical self-immolation in Kathmandu after a domestic dispute. Sports: Nepal and India ‘A’ will play a three-match T20 series in December 2026.

Energy & Economy: PM Balendra Shah told IPPAN that energy is the “basis” of Nepal’s economic transformation, promising smoother coordination on power purchase deals, land/forest hurdles, transmission and grid access. Diplomacy & Investment: UAE’s foreign trade minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met President Ramchandra Paudel, while business leaders urged deeper UAE investment beyond labour ties. Regional Power Link: The EU launched a €5 million, four-year South Asia energy connectivity project in Kathmandu to boost cross-border electricity trade across Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Public Safety Shock: A pedestrian died after an oxygen cylinder exploded in Gokarneshwor. Ganesh Nepali Death Fallout: After ride-sharing driver Ganesh Nepali died from burn injuries following self-immolation outside the Department of Passports, lawmakers demanded an impartial probe and compensation; police questioned municipal officers, and security was tightened at Bir Hospital amid protests and scuffles. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink’s Bangladesh approval could open a route into Nepal, but Nepal’s own regulatory hurdles remain. Sports: Nepal will host India ‘A’ for a three-match T20 series in December at TU Kirtipur. Markets: NEPSE edged down slightly while turnover hit a two-and-a-half-month high.

Monsoon Health Watch: Fever and severe diarrhea cases are rising as heavy rains and poor drainage boost waterborne risks; doctors warn dengue could climb with more mosquitoes. Burn Patient Update: The government will cover all medical costs for Ganesh Nepali’s burns and move him to AIIMS, but doctors say transfer should wait until his condition stabilizes. Road Safety in Rain: Authorities say the BP Highway Kavrepalanchok–Sindhuli section can reopen within 30 minutes if blocked by floods or landslides. Youth Jobs Push: Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary orders result-focused youth employment, paid training and volunteer schemes across her ministry’s agencies. Public Finance Deadline: Government disbursed nearly Rs 33 billion on the FY 2082/83 payment deadline. Energy Grid Breakthrough: Cabinet approval clears the way for the stalled Hetauda–Dhalkebar 400 kV line to resume, targeting completion within two months. Policy and Markets: NRB’s monetary policy is called “positive and balanced” by FNCCI; NRB also plans to collect Rs 60 billion in liquidity. Procurement Crackdown: Public Procurement Monitoring Office blacklists 10 construction firms, including Pappu Construction, for up to three years. Bills Certified: President Paudel certified four bills, including public procurement and money laundering amendments. Digital Governance: Nagarik App adds facial verification for instant pension checks from home. Sports: Nepal qualifies for esports at the Asian Games; France reaches the World Cup semis and Mbappé ties Messi for Golden Boot goals.

Parliament & Diplomacy: Speaker DP Aryal met Indian envoy Naveen Srivastava, pushing deeper Nepal-India parliamentary ties and connectivity, and invited Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to visit Nepal. 100-Day Governance: The government briefed the House on PM Balendra Shah’s first 100 days, while contractors urged faster action on delayed payments and procurement issues. Constitution Amendment Row: Opposition lawmakers again obstructed HoR over the PM’s controversial Nepal-India border remarks; NC’s Gagan Thapa criticized the constitutional amendment push as “immature,” while the NCP called for national consensus. Election Oversight: The parliamentary hearing panel cleared the way for confirmation hearings of election commission nominees, with a public notice for objections. Education Crackdown: Cabinet-approved rules tighten oversight of foreign-affiliated colleges, limiting eligibility to top-ranked world universities and raising quality checks. Anti-Corruption: CIAA filed a case against eight civil hospital staff over alleged Rs 29.1m drug procurement irregularities. Public Safety: A man set himself on fire outside the Department of Passports after his motorcycle was wheel-locked; he suffered 70% burns. Water & Power: KUKL moved to secure alternative water from Shivapuri as Melamchi supply remains disrupted; energy officials highlighted grid expansion and cross-border power connectivity. Bills in National Assembly: NA unanimously passed multiple ordinance-substitution bills, including finance, public procurement, health institutes, and cooperatives amendments. Weather: Meteorology warns of rain with thunder and lightning, with heavy downpours possible in parts of hills and Tarai.

Parliament & Governance: A House committee probing the May 17 lower-house scuffle has recommended that Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal use special powers—backed by stricter rule enforcement, removal of unparliamentary remarks from records, and even expulsion when needed. Election Commission Process: The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has begun hearings for the Election Commission nominees, with MPs pushing for a less rushed, more procedural approach and even ideas like same-day complainant vs nominee discussion. Public Service & Rule of Law: Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police say 261,000 drivers haven’t paid fines; services like vehicle purchase, ownership transfer, and license renewal will be blocked until payment. Economy & Business: PM Balendra Shah has started formal consultations with the private sector after his first 100 days, while a report says micro, cottage and small enterprise registrations have fallen about 75% in five years. Energy & Infrastructure: Government cleared obstacles for the long-stalled 400kV Dhalkebar–Hetaunda transmission line by allowing forest land use and tree felling. Disaster & Safety: Bagmati Province reports disaster losses of over Rs 283M since mid-July 2025/26, with fire the biggest incident type. International Ties: UAE’s foreign trade minister met Nepal’s FM to discuss trade, investment, AI/digital transformation, and easing processes for Nepalis’ police report re-certification.

Parliament & Governance: The Federal Parliament Secretariat has been told to implement a committee report on the May 31 HoR scuffle, while the HoR unanimously agreed to send the Tourism Bill and the Nepal Rastra Bank Third Amendment Bill for clause-by-clause talks. HoR Tensions: UML MP Rajendra Rai’s “Can you hear or not?” remark sparked a confrontation; the Speaker ordered the comments expunged from the record. Central Bank & Economy: NRB unveiled a condensed monetary policy for FY 2081/82 and called bond bids worth Rs 20 billion; MPs also registered 18 amendments to the NRB bill, including digital and regional bank concepts. Energy Push: At Power Nepal Conclave 2026, the energy minister set a target to lift per-capita electricity use to 1,500 kWh by 2030, citing weak transmission and distribution reliability; former Indian official Anil Swarup also criticized Nepal Airlines delays. Digital Services: “Hello Sarkar” logged 131,875 complaints with 70% resolved, and passport services will close for two days for system migration. Courts & Accountability: Courts convicted former ministers in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, and the Special Court extended custody of UML vice-chair Bishnu Paudel in a money laundering case. Markets & Transport: NEPSE fell 30.09 points with turnover at Rs 4.82 billion; Kathmandu Valley stepped up CCTV-based traffic enforcement.

ADB and jobs push: ADB President Masato Kanda met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu, saying ADB support is set to reach $2.4 billion by 2029. Two new deals worth $165 million were signed: $115m for water and sanitation for 850,000 people and $50m to modernize border trade systems with digital procedures. Monetary policy: Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwo Paudel unveiled the FY 2083/84 monetary policy and later a flexible stance for 2026/27, aiming to back private investment and credit growth toward the government’s 7% growth target. Water and power reliability: A parliamentary committee ordered the government to give a clear action plan within 15 days for clean drinking water across all 77 districts. The Energy Ministry launched a monsoon campaign to curb frequent power tripping, with NEA hotline numbers 1150/1151. Court verdict: Kathmandu District Court convicted 23 in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, including former DPM Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand; sentencing is set for July 13. Health and safety: Zonta Club Kathmandu held a mental health and self-care session for 50 police officers. Bird flu is under control in most districts, but risk remains in the Kathmandu Valley and is worsening in Kavrepalanchok. Local updates: Kathmandu Valley traffic police fined 2,076 vehicles in 24 hours, and NEB published SEE grade improvement results with 83,523 passing. Weather: DHM said rainfall is below normal in parts of Madhesh and Lumbini, with thunderstorms possible in hilly areas.

Fake Bhutanese Refugee Scam Verdict: Kathmandu District Court has convicted former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand and former Home Secretary Tek Narayan Pandey, along with 20 others, in the scheme that allegedly sent non-Bhutanese people abroad by falsely verifying them as Bhutanese refugees; seven were acquitted and sentencing is set for a later hearing. Monetary Policy & Banking: Nepal Rastra Bank unveiled a “flexible” monetary policy for 2026/27, projecting 7% growth support, keeping inflation around 5.5%, expanding credit, allowing commercial banks to invest in foreign government bonds, while warning bad loans have risen to 5.41% and real-estate-linked lending remains risky. Governance & Home Ministry: In the National Assembly, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung said the Home Ministry will focus on lasting peace, good governance and impartiality, with Rs 5 billion earmarked for earthquake and monsoon reconstruction. ADB Push: PM Balendra Shah met ADB President Masato Kanda as ADB support is expected to reach $2.4 billion by 2029, including $165 million signed this visit for water/sanitation and border trade modernization. Public Services & Economy: RTI is being prioritized, NRB issued Rs 25 billion debt bonds, and Kathmandu plans a financial partnership with local bodies to extend Banchare Danda landfill life. Disaster & Health: Bird flu is controlled in seven districts but active in four; monsoon rains are affecting roads and raising flood risk, while Nepal faces a shortage of entomologists for vector-borne disease control.

Teramocs/Telecom Corruption: Nepal’s Special Court acquitted former communications minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet and most defendants in the Teramax procurement case, while convicting three former NTA officials including Digambar Jha, with fines and jail terms. Central Banking: Nepal Rastra Bank is finalising the monetary policy for FY 2083/84 and, in its review of FY 2082/83, says inflation mostly stayed within targets, while it narrowed the interest-rate corridor and raised limits for share mortgage and personal overdraft loans; it also eased collateral and repayment rules for SMEs and agriculture. Housing/Landlessness: The government’s squatter eviction drive in Kathmandu Valley is drawing fresh backlash over delays in humane rehabilitation, with families reportedly pressured to leave holding centres. Money Laundering Probe: DoMLI has issued a seven-day notice for Jayabir Deuba to appear in a money laundering investigation. Economy/Markets: Real estate transactions jumped in Q3 FY 2082/83, and NRB is set to auction Rs 25 billion in bonds. Monsoon Disruptions: Floods, landslides and maintenance have blocked multiple road sections across provinces, affecting travel. Agriculture: Paddy plantation is lagging at 32.38% nationwide, down sharply from last year, blamed on delayed monsoon onset. Parliament Watch: National Assembly is set to meet and ministers will respond to questions under the Appropriation Bill.