AGP Executive Report

Judiciary & Press Freedom: Journalist Khem Bhandari was released from jail after serving a month and seven days in the Nirmala Panta murder-linked defamation case, raising fresh questions about how court decisions are enforced against media. Government & State-Owned Firms: PM Balendra Shah says reforms are reviving loss-making state industries, citing gains at Nepal Drug Limited and other corporations, while Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav inspected the Nepal Gas Industry and a Teku depot amid consumer complaints. Diplomacy & Cost-Cutting: Nepal has started the process to close five diplomatic missions abroad (embassies in Brazil, Denmark, South Africa; consulates in San Francisco and Chengdu) with services to be shifted to avoid disruption. Foreign Policy & Connectivity: FM Shishir Khanal framed Nepal as a “vibrant bridge” between India and China, while a separate report highlights India-Nepal efforts to modernize cross-border digital payments and liquidity. Security & Rights: Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya warned ruling leaders against “double standards” on accountability, as CPN-UML leaders pushed back on PM social-media messaging and demanded results. Economy & Markets: Nepse fell 35 points last week, wiping about Rs70 billion in market value, as investors stayed cautious. Society & Public Services: Kathmandu Public Health Office opened a breastfeeding room at Teku for staff and health workers. International & Human Stories: Two Nepali women in Bengaluru were found dead by suicide days after arriving for work, and Nepal’s diplomatic efforts continue around Nepalis held as POWs in Ukraine.

Federal Parliament & Governance: Four bills tabled in the HoR on Aug 7, including amendments on constitutional bodies’ remuneration, passports, human trafficking controls, and mines and minerals, as lawmakers also pressed for answers on long-pending issues like the Dhalkebar trauma centre plan and development delays. Provincial Power & Cabinet Control: In Koshi, CM Hikmat Karki barred the internal affairs minister (and a key figure tied to efforts to unseat him) from announcing Cabinet decisions, underscoring intra-party rivalry and tight control over provincial messaging. Health Sector Bargain: A five-point agreement ended a hunger strike by an intern doctor over stipend uniformity, while separate reports flagged service bottlenecks at Civil Hospital that forced patients to return without treatment. Land & Displacement: The Land Problems Resolution Committee says about 70% of verified displaced families are genuine landless squatters, as it continues checking whether remaining families hold land or property. Economy & Regulation: SEBON released a white paper to modernise Nepal’s primary capital market, and the government discussed a draft Media Council Bill aimed at balancing press freedom with accountability. Energy & Daily Life: The government assured MPs of steps to prevent cooking gas shortages and said cylinder tracking and monitoring are being strengthened. International & Defence: Nepal’s President will confer an honorary general rank on India’s Army chief during a major Kathmandu ceremony, while Foreign Minister Khanal pitched Nepal as a bridge between India and China through economic diplomacy. Public Safety: Railway police in Hyderabad arrested a Nepalese man accused of murdering another man at Huppuguda station after a dispute over a bag. Mountaineering Tragedy: Last rites for Broad Peak victim Pur Bahadur Gurung (“Yukta”) were held at Swayambhu in Kathmandu with senior officials and political leaders attending.

Parliament Watch: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal directed the government to clarify its plan for a national trauma centre in Dhalkebar, Madhesh, after lawmakers protested over delays and possible changes to earlier decisions. Energy & Infrastructure: The HoR Infrastructure Development Committee ordered faster electricity access expansion to remote Karnali and Sudurpaschim, with clear timelines for relocating poles and better coordination with road widening. Budget Execution: Energy Minister Biraj Shrestha told the committee that more contracts have started since Shrawan and said impacts will take time, as project classification and implementation procedures are being finalized. Economic Policy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said “economic diplomacy” is central to Nepal’s foreign policy, pitching Nepal as a bridge for China–South Asia trade, investment and people-to-people ties. Central Banking: Nepal Rastra Bank will issue a 31-day deposit collection instrument worth Rs 60 billion via bidding. Public Services & Governance: Nepal’s Taxpayer Incentive Reward Program announced its first fortnightly bumper draw, with a Rs 1 million winner from Kanchanpur and 15 winners of Rs 100,000 each. Transport & Cost Pressure: Construction firms warned projects may stall as Nepal lacks procedures to adjust procurement prices despite international fuel/bitumen spikes and India’s temporary relief measures. Labour & Rights: Ride-hailing drivers protested demanding lower commissions and fairer fares, saying VAT added to their costs without reducing company charges.

Supreme Court Watch: The SC ordered interim support for children displaced from Kathmandu Valley riverbanks, directing education, health, housing and psychosocial care, while also allowing a review of its verdict on the legitimacy of Nepali Congress leadership under Gagan Thapa. Governance & Rights: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung said the government will coordinate treatment for those injured in the Gen Z movement, and the National Vigilance Centre stepped up monitoring of office time and discipline. Media & Law: The government released a concept paper for a new National Communications Bill to unify mass media laws and strengthen accountability. Electricity Reform: The Electricity Regulatory Commission issued a directive to make electricity tariffs fully cost-based and transparent, replacing the earlier tariff directive. Disaster Preparedness: Lawmakers pressed for stronger monsoon response; Home Minister Gurung cited the Monsoon Preparedness and Response Action Plan and command posts. Higher Education: UGC Chair Khadga Bahadur KC and Secretary Roji Shrestha took oath, as UGC also took over foreign degree equivalency services with an online system. Diplomacy & China Sensitivity: Nepal cancelled a high-profile Tibetan studies conference after a directive linked to Chinese concerns. Sports & Society: Nepal’s cricket team will play a practice ODI against New Zealand ‘A’ in September; Deepmala Dhakal was crowned Miss Nepal World 2026. Mountaineering Tragedy: Nepal repatriated Pur Bahadur Gurung’s body from Pakistan after the Broad Peak avalanche.

Tibet & Diplomacy: Nepal cancelled the International Association for Tibetan Studies conference in Kathmandu after senior officials reportedly intervened following Chinese diplomatic pressure, despite security agencies finding no immediate threat. Parliament & Justice: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung told lawmakers the government is actively maintaining peace and security, and pushed MPs to avoid repeatedly raising the Nirmala Pant case while an investigation is ongoing. Public Service Pay: The government approved and published a new salary scale for civil servants, Nepali Army, police, and teachers effective from Shrawan 1, alongside a 10% monthly incentive allowance. Health System: The Ministry of Health said health insurance dues will be cleared by mid-August, while also flagging “red zone” challenges like out-of-pocket spending and staffing gaps. Governance & Economy: Auditor General Toyam Raya warned that inconsistent understanding of economic laws is complicating audits; private sector leaders urged OAG to be more predictable and private-sector-friendly. Transport & Urban Planning: Kathmandu Valley is set to implement a long-term transport master plan aimed at safer, more organized mobility. Broad Peak Tragedy: Pakistan airlifted more bodies from Broad Peak, including British-Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, as two climbers remain missing. Education Administration: Nepal appointed Prof. Dr. Khadga Bahadur KC as UGC chairperson and Prof. Dr. Roji Shrestha as UGC secretary.

Judiciary Under Scrutiny: Parliament’s Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee has ordered Amnesty International, ICJ and Human Rights Watch to explain claims that the Rastriya Swatantra Party pressured three senior Supreme Court justices to resign, and to submit concrete support for the allegation. Jobs & Foreign Employment: The Employment Minister says the government plans to create 100,000 jobs this year, while also moving to rescue Nepalis stranded abroad without proper documents and tightening rules against “free visa/ticket” fraud. NTV Procurement Probe: A government investigation finds irregularities in Nepal Television equipment and service procurement, citing illegal decisions, procedural flaws and financial liabilities, including misuse of “archive digitization” funds. Foreign Policy Platform: The Foreign Ministry launched the “MoFA Knowledge Hub” to bring researchers and experts into monthly, evidence-based diplomacy discussions. Koshi Power Deal: CPN-UML leaders agreed Hikmat Karki will continue as Koshi chief minister for now, with a promise to step down if KP Oli asks. Broad Peak Tragedy: Recovery teams in Pakistan recovered seven bodies, including Nirmal Purja and three other climbers, while three remain missing. Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh and Pakistan embassies in Kathmandu marked July Mass Uprising Day and held Kashmir-focused seminars, respectively. New Party Push: Dhawal Shumsher Rana and Durga Prasai plan to launch the Jai Nepal Party on August 13. Economy & Prices: Gold prices jumped by Rs 4,200 per tola to Rs 288,000.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Search teams recovered Nirmal Purja and three other climbers’ bodies from Pakistan’s Broad Peak, bringing recovered deaths to seven, as Nepal held vigils and families awaited further transport to Skardu. Tarai-Madhes Security & Justice: The Cabinet decided compensation, relief and treatment for the deceased and injured from Sunsari and Siraha incidents, while Home Ministry consultations with Hindu and Muslim leaders aim to prevent renewed communal flare-ups. Telecom Governance: Government moved to settle long-standing ISP dues over telecom service charges, license fees and RTDF contributions, with the minister stressing legally due payments must go to the state treasury while disputes can be reviewed. Investment & Banking Reforms: Yanki Ukyab was appointed CEO of Investment Board Nepal; Finance Minister Dr. Wagle pledged banking reforms and stronger coordination with Nepal Rastra Bank to boost productive lending. Agriculture Policy: The Ministry issued National Agriculture Policy 2083 to modernize, commercialize and reduce import dependence, including digital agriculture and climate-smart priorities. Energy & Prices: Gold prices rose by Rs 4,200 per tola; authorities also pushed back on claims of cooking gas shortage amid market pressure. Health & Regulation: Dr. Kadir Alam appointed chairperson of the Nepal Pharmacy Council. Cannabis Law Clash: Gandaki province legalized medical cannabis farming and use despite the national ban, setting up a permission and monitoring system.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal mourns 10 climbers killed in Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche, including Nirmal Purja; candlelight vigils held in Kathmandu as Pakistan teams search for remaining bodies amid poor weather. Health Sector Crisis: Nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s hunger strike has landed her in ICU at Bir Hospital after six days without food, renewing pressure on the government to meet nursing and midwifery demands. Parliament & Security: MPs in the HoR demand a judicial committee probe into Sunsari and Tarai-Madhes incidents, while Law Minister Sobita Gautam backs placing the National Investigation Department under the PM’s Office. Central Banking Reform: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says the Nepal Rastra Bank Act needs amendment to make the central bank more proactive and accountable, as committees debate board structure changes. Land & Governance: Government has begun distributing landownership certificates to landless squatters; officials cite uneven local support but say Rs 211 billion has been spent across commissions. Monsoon Disruptions: Floods and landslides have completely disrupted five major highways, with night closures and alternate-route advisories issued. Energy & Economy: NOC insists there is no cooking gas shortage and urges against stockpiling; Finance Minister Wagle pushes economic transformation via budget implementation and tighter coordination with banks.

Monsoon Disruption in Far-West: Landslides and swollen rivers are again isolating Khalla Musetti in Kanchanpur, with an alternative track through the Chure hills failing as culverts wash out and access collapses. Central Bank Governance Fight: In the House Finance Committee, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle backed keeping Nepal Rastra Bank’s board at seven members, warned against frequent structural changes, and defended keeping the Finance Secretary on the board for fiscal–monetary coordination; clause-wise talks also agreed on seven directors and at least one woman among independent members. Oil Corporation Scrutiny: A parliamentary committee questioned Nepal Oil Corporation employee allowances totaling about Rs 41 crore and ordered “cylinder mapping” plus separate cylinders for commercial use. Health Sector Protests: Hunger strikes and sit-ins in Kathmandu are escalating over nurses’ and intern doctors’ pay, working hours, and labour respect. Flood Watch: Hydrology and Meteorology flagged a moderate flash-flood risk in small rivers across 30 districts, including parts of Kathmandu Valley. Infrastructure & Trade: Nepal opened its first modern road tunnel (Nagdhunga–Sisne Khola), cutting travel time into the valley and strengthening the India–Nepal goods corridor. Cross-Border Identity Move: Nepal formally asked India to recognize its National Identity Card for travel, aiming to ease movement and improve identity checks. Local Development Capacity: A 21-member Koshi Province local-government delegation has left for India for governance training. Sports Calendar: Nepal Volleyball Association released a 2026/27 calendar with 19 events and several international fixtures.

National Identity & Border Travel: Nepal has formally asked India to recognise Nepal’s National Identity Card (NID) for cross-border travel, aiming to ease movement while improving identity checks as NIDMIS/biometric systems expand. Health Crisis: Anti-snake venom shortages are hitting hospitals nationwide during peak season, with medics warning hundreds of victims may be left without the antidote. Transport Policy Overhaul: The government has issued the National Transport Policy, 2083, replacing rules unchanged for nearly 25 years, with a focus on road-rail-water-air integration, safety, green tech and digital systems. Insurance Reform: Finance Ministry formed a 3-member committee to propose reforms for Nepal’s insurance sector within 90 days. Parliament & Oversight: Nepali Congress held a parliamentary party meeting and renewed calls for a judicial probe into Sunsari and other incidents; meanwhile, a Federal Parliament finance committee passed key amendments to the Nepal Rastra Bank bill. Private Sector Coordination: FNCCI completed three more thematic committees (banking/finance/insurance, fair, tourism & air transport). Disaster Preparedness: NC formed a 40-member Strategic Response Team to strengthen disaster response and relief coordination. Sports/Football: Former captain Hari Khadka urged PM action to protect Nepal’s football participation amid FIFA suspension risks. Regional/Global: Broad Peak avalanche updates continue as Nepal mourns climber Nirmal Purja and others.

Tax Policy: Nepal’s Finance Bill 2026 proposes steep surcharges for late inclusion in the Active Taxpayer List—raising the cost for individuals from Rs1,000 to Rs25,000, and up to Rs100,000 for companies—sparking concern that first-time late filers may be hit like habitual non-filers. Digital Rights & Safety: Home Ministry and Women Minister Sita Wadi flagged gaps in cybercrime control and pushed for faster legal reforms to curb digital violence, including deepfakes, blackmail and cyberstalking. Justice & Detention: A Supreme Court public interest litigation seeks structural reforms in prisons and detention centres, including specialist health checks and suicide-prevention protocols. Provincial Politics: Coalition formation delays continue to stall provincial governments, with Madhesh and other provinces facing uncertainty amid internal party disputes. Water Crisis in Madhesh: Parliament’s committee report warns groundwater levels are dropping fast, drying up over 60% of hand pumps in many areas, blaming Chure damage, climate change and over-extraction. Communal Tensions: Curfews in parts of Madhesh and Koshi were eased after Sunsari-linked clashes, while lawmakers renewed demands for stronger border security and accountability. Civil Service Pay: Bi-monthly salary payments for civil servants were stalled due to delays in finance-side salary scale processing.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal-born British climber Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja’s body was recovered at about 5,700m on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, along with three other climbers; all 10 in the expedition are now confirmed dead as rescue teams continue for the remaining missing. Communal Tensions in Madhes: Curfews and prohibitory orders are being eased in parts of Siraha and Sunsari after violence linked to religious clashes, while authorities push dialogue and all-party commitments to restore harmony. Hindu-State Debate Deal: The government has signed an 18-point agreement with Hindu groups, including a commitment to facilitate public debate on restoring Nepal as a Hindu state—prompting renewed constitutional and political backlash. Fuel Prices & Public Impact: Nepal Oil Corporation raised petrol, diesel and aviation fuel prices again, while claiming LPG supply remains stable amid reports of shortages and consumer complaints. Telecom Push: Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina outlined FY 2083/84 plans to launch 5G and improve 4G coverage and customer experience. Teachers’ Protest: Nepal Teachers’ Federation announced protests from August over unmet demands, including incentives and transfer-related issues. Digital Economy Politics: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa urged closer government-private sector cooperation to grow Nepal’s digital economy.

Social Harmony in Kailali: An all-party meeting in Dhangadhi pledged religious and communal harmony, with authorities saying vigilance is being stepped up against anti-religious activities and suspicious movements near risk areas. Provincial Politics in Gandaki: A new UML-CPN power-sharing equation is colliding with seat arithmetic and RPP’s unclear stance, leaving uncertainty over whether Chief Minister Surendraraj Pandey can be replaced. Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry mourned the deaths of Nirmal Purja “Nimsdai” and fellow climbers in Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche; rescue teams are recovering bodies at about 5,700m and Pakistan is facilitating repatriation. Nepal Rastra Bank Action: The central bank warned/penalised three “A” class commercial banks over account-freezing and directive violations. Finance Bill Amendments: Six lawmakers filed 15 amendments to the Finance Bill, including proposals for an internal integrity unit and clearer procedures/timeframes. Nursing Crisis: Nurse Jyoti Ranabhat’s hunger strike entered its fourth day as her health deteriorates amid demands for minimum wage and labor reforms. Transport & Services: Nepal Airlines says performance improved under new leadership; passport services are extended to handle EPS-related rush, while NOC denies LPG shortages and urges against hoarding.

Broad Peak Tragedy: Nepal’s world-famous climber Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja, 43, and all nine companions were confirmed dead after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak; Elite Expeditions said bodies were located but recovery is difficult, while Nepal PM Balendra Shah and international figures including Prince William offered condolences. US Visa Policy: The US State Department is making its visa “security bond” program permanent, with bonds up to $20,000 for B-1/B-2 applicants from 50 selected countries, aiming to curb overstays. Middle East Tensions: UN chief Antonio Guterres called for an immediate end to the Middle East war, warning it is driving global instability and food insecurity. Domestic Politics: Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Sindhupalchok district convention faces internal controversy over a district chairman candidacy and alleged constitutional violations. Tax Incentives: Nepal’s Inland Revenue Department urged cash buyers to register original PAN/VAT bills on prize.ird.gov.np for the taxpayer incentive gift program. Communal Unrest: Curfews and tensions in Nepal’s India-border Madhes/Sunsari region continue to draw political criticism as leaders push for harmony.

Broad Peak Avalanche: Search and rescue resumed in Pakistan after an avalanche hit Nirmal Purja’s 10-member expedition; three bodies were recovered earlier (including Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung and US climber Sarah Mallory Geis), while Purja and others remain missing as teams face harsh weather. Border Security: Nepal’s communal unrest has triggered tighter security along India’s Nepal border in Bihar’s Madhubani, with surveillance and checks stepped up to prevent spillover. Madhes Unrest Controls: In Dhanusha and Siraha, curfews were lifted but prohibitory orders remain to restrict gatherings and processions, as authorities push for calm and social harmony. LPG Supply: Nepal Oil Corporation says there is no LPG shortage, but has set up Teku office sales and a hotline for consumers reporting difficulties. Market Watch: NEPSE fell 1.79% to 2,685.54 amid cautious trading, with investors shifting toward debentures for steadier returns. Youth & Politics: RSP plans nationwide International Youth Day events under “Voice of Youth to the Parliament,” while NC leaders stress compassion and empathy in disaster response.

Broad Peak Avalanche: Nepal’s mountaineer Nirmal Purja (“Nims Dai”) is among 10 climbers missing after a deadly avalanche hit Pakistan’s Broad Peak; rescuers recovered four bodies so far, with identities including Nepalese Pur Bahadur Gurung and Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy, while search continues amid bad weather and limited helicopter flights. Terai-Madhes Communal Violence: Communal clashes that began in Sunsari have widened, with Hindu mobs attacking mosques and Muslim-owned shops; curfews and prohibitory orders now cover more districts, and President Paudel has consulted former leaders over the unrest as PM Balendra Shah urges restraint and dialogue. Microfinance Victims Deal: Nepal’s government and the Microfinance and Financial Exploitation Struggle Committee signed a 5-point agreement to end protests and hunger strikes, with an action plan to be submitted within 15 days. Provincial Rights Priority: PM Shah told Tarai-Madhes leaders that empowering provinces is a top priority, linking it to full and effective constitutional implementation. Governance & Security: Security agencies say the Dewanganj incident is gradually normalizing after coordination and a seven-point agreement with victims’ families; meanwhile, RSP lawmakers pledged support to prevent further escalation.