AGP Executive Report

Nepal–India ties: AIDIA and CII hosted a high-level Nepal–India business dialogue in Siliguri on “Strengthening Nepal-India Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” focusing on practical steps to boost trade and investment between eastern Nepal and West Bengal. Provincial budgets: All seven provinces unveiled 2026/27 budgets totaling about Rs 293bn, with Bagmati leading at Rs 67.93bn and priorities ranging from infrastructure and agriculture to health, education, jobs, and digital services. Housing rights clash: Evicted landless families from Kathmandu Valley submitted a memorandum demanding resettlement and land ownership rights, warning of return to demolished sites if rehabilitation isn’t delivered within a week. Health system pressure: The Medical Education Commission ordered universities to stop overworking resident doctors, after complaints of forced day-and-night duties; Bir Hospital also mandated leave after 24-hour duty. Forensics and DNA: MPs and experts discussed strengthening Nepal’s National Forensic Science Laboratory, including DNA testing and a DNA bank for criminal identification. Culture & youth: Karnali International Film Festival extended its Film Story Bank application deadline, while Kathmandu’s Yama Buddha Skate Park hosted the 9th National Skateboard Championship. Tibetan freedom legacy: Tributes continued after Tibetan independence activist and poet Lhasang Tsering’s death and cremation in Dharamsala.

Education & Youth: Nepal’s push for a uniform nationwide two-day weekend is already triggering anxiety in schools and households, with planners scrambling to fit instructional days and parents worrying about supervision and meaningful learning. Forensics & Justice: In HoR committee talks, Science Minister Mahabir Pun backed strengthening the National Forensic Science Laboratory, including lab structures across multiple cities and calls for DNA testing, training, and a DNA database law. Local Rights & Housing: Displaced squatters in Kathmandu’s Kirtipur Holding Center gave the government a one-week ultimatum for dignified rehabilitation—land, compensation, and livelihood—or they’ll return to demolished sites. Public Accountability: Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal faces backlash after a viral remark telling officials to “break the legs” of a contractor over electricity pole relocation delays. Health Education: Vice-chancellor appointments at six health science institutes are delayed, leaving acting leadership and slowing major procurement and policy decisions. Parliament & Budgets: HoR completed appropriation-heading deliberations for nine ministries, while ordinances meant to simplify governance remain stalled. Culture & City Life: Kathmandu Metropolitan City began deliberations on its annual policies across 11 sectors, including heritage, culture, and tourism. Community & Identity: Nepal Pride Month saw hundreds march in Kathmandu, with calls for new laws after ministry renaming. Medicine & Work Hours: Bir Hospital ordered mandatory leave for resident doctors after 24-hour duty, as trainees demand limits aligned with the Labor Act.

Parliament & Budgets: The HoR has started deliberations on the Appropriation Bill for FY 2083/84, with MPs pushing budget cuts for multiple ministries and even proposals to slash allocations to symbolic levels. Public Service & Merit: As Nepal’s PSC marks its 75/76-year milestone, the commission’s chair stressed merit-based recruitment, transparency, and reforms under federalism. Forensic Science & Rights: Experts urged the government to create a separate legal framework for DNA testing and a DNA database, while the science minister clarified the bill is meant for a single national forensic lab. Urban Lifestyle & Health: Kathmandu Metropolitan City unveiled a smart-city style policy push—digital service delivery, heritage conservation, and health upgrades including Ayurveda/alternative medicine, dialysis facilitation, breastfeeding support blocks, and stricter free-care for the poor. Culture & Heritage: A proposal to consider an Intangible Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Bill is tabled in the HoR, alongside calls to protect and inventory intangible traditions. Religion & Pilgrimage: Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims via Humla’s Simkot–Hilsa route have topped 3,700 this season, with rising hotel occupancy and local income. Women & Identity: Pooja Sah won Mrs National, highlighting a platform for married women’s talent and leadership. HIV/TB Stigma: Stakeholders say HIV and TB stigma still blocks equal, respectful services despite better prevention and treatment. Education & Access: Eye health groups report millions of eye checkups and surgeries, but warn blindness risk remains high, especially beyond cities. Tech & Cooperation: Nepal and India discussed AI collaboration and emerging technologies, with a focus on local-language solutions.

Budget & Revenue Reality Check: Nepal’s 2026/27 spending plan of Rs 2,124.34bn hinges on a steep revenue jump to Rs 1,580bn, but current collections lag badly—mid-year figures suggest the target may be hard to hit. Kathmandu Health & Lifestyle: Kathmandu Metropolitan City rolls out Ayurveda and alternative medicine, yoga and meditation, plus bike ambulances, dialysis facilitation, breastfeeding support blocks, and stronger free-treatment rules for the poor. Civil Service & Inclusion: The PSC marks its 76th anniversary with a push for transparent, professional recruitment and wider consultation roles—while civil service inclusion is highlighted as a key governance theme. HIV & TB Stigma: Despite better HIV control and treatment, stigma and discrimination still block respectful services, with journalists trained to report responsibly. Eye Health Focus: Eye specialists warn blindness risk remains significant even as millions get checkups; they urge deeper rural outreach. Cultural Heritage & Intangible Traditions: The culture ministry adds five new intangible heritage elements to the national inventory, from Majhi and Magar pujas to Newar dance traditions. LGBTQ+ Rights & Pride: Kathmandu’s Pride parade celebrates the renamed ministry including “sexual minorities,” while activists press for legal reforms like same-sex marriage and citizenship access. Youth & Employment: KMC announces concessional loans and a “Gen Z, Gen Alpha” program targeting marginalized groups, including gender and sexual minorities. Education & Early Learning: Experts stress language barriers in early grades and call for better tools for multilingual classrooms. Coaching Rivalry Shock: In the Khan Sir vs Roshan Sir feud, Raushan Sir’s brother Prince Yadav is reported dead in Nepal under suspicious circumstances, as investigations continue.

Kathmandu City Planning: Kathmandu Metropolitan City unveiled its FY 2083/84 policy under the “Cultural City, Prosperous Metropolis” slogan, promising digital archiving, mapping, repair and conservation of heritage sites, plus heritage-friendly facades along festival routes. Public Health & Lifestyle: The same plan pushes a healthier lifestyle via Ayurveda, alternative medicine, yoga, pranayama and meditation, alongside expanded services like counseling, dialysis facilitation, maternal/child/reproductive health programs and free treatment for the poor. Youth & Inclusion: Kathmandu will offer concessional loans for youth employment and entrepreneurship, with targeted support for women, Dalits, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, gender and sexual minorities, single women and families of martyrs. LGBTQ+ Rights & Pride: Kathmandu’s Pride parade celebrated the renamed ministry that now includes “sexual minorities,” with community members pushing for legal reforms like same-sex marriage and stronger citizenship access. Culture Inventory: Nepal’s Ministry of Culture added five new intangible heritage elements to the national inventory, including Newar tongue-piercing and dances, plus Majhi and Magar pujas. Health Alert: A Banke ward reported 78 malnourished children under five, alongside nutritional deficiencies among pregnant women—prompting local programs to tackle food, care, sanitation and awareness gaps. Education Access: A focus on language barriers in early grades highlights how mother-tongue mismatch can block learning and belonging for children. Monsoon Safety: Snakebite prevention guidance returns as monsoon risk rises, stressing faster first aid and better access to antivenom. Politics Watch: A new party is being prepared by Dhaval Shamsher Rana and Durga Prasai, with observers watching how this “new alternative” challenges established parties.

Inclusive Sports: Special Olympics Nepal will hold a Province Level Games for athletes with intellectual disabilities on June 14 in Lalitpur, aiming to boost inclusion, confidence, and future talent. Health & Rights: Stakeholders say stigma and discrimination around HIV and TB still block equal, respectful services, even as Nepal improves prevention and treatment. Public Health Infrastructure: Dialysis machines worth crores sit unused in multiple districts due to weak infrastructure and technical capacity, leaving patients without care. Women in Media: A report highlights how patriarchal scrutiny, unsafe conditions, and online abuse keep women journalists from equal career growth. Culture & Language: Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina urged stronger support for art, literature, language, and culture as the base of national identity and prosperity. Libraries Under Pressure: Library stakeholders demand urgent reform of book procurement and distribution so libraries don’t become dumping grounds for low-quality, irrelevant titles. Clean Air Push: Nepal is preparing the Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project with World Bank support to cut industrial pollution and improve monitoring. LGBTQ+ Visibility: Hundreds marched in Kathmandu for Pride Month, pointing to gains like anti-discrimination protections and legal recognition for same-sex marriage. Nepal–China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is set for a four-day Beijing visit, with talks expected to cover strategic and development cooperation. Education & Integrity: The Ministry of Education formed a committee to probe alleged fake study-visa recommendation documents, after suspicious letters tied to Valmiki Vidyapeeth were found phony. Tourism & Wellness: The culture-tourism ministry plans to position Nepal as an international wellness tourism destination under the Wellness Decade. Arts on Stage: Theatre review of “Lahuri Bhainsi” spotlights class power and social hierarchy through a buffalo-centered story. Research Culture: Researchers urged broader, quality-driven research across sectors for sustainable development, including a review of the Chitlang Declaration.

Reproductive Health & Climate: Nepal-linked reporting highlights experts warning that climate change and environmental imbalance are increasingly tied to infertility and reproductive problems, citing stress, pollution, heat, and chemical exposure as key drivers. Health Systems & Waste: In Nawalparasi, dialysis machines worth crores sit unused due to weak infrastructure and technical capacity, leaving patients unable to access care. Culture Policy: Information and Communication Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina urged stronger support for art, literature, language, and culture as the backbone of national identity and prosperity. Library Reform: Stakeholders demand urgent reform of Nepal’s book procurement and distribution, warning libraries risk becoming dumping sites for low-quality, irrelevant titles without proper needs assessment. Research Culture: Nepal’s philosophical research community calls for comprehensive, quality research across sectors for development, revisiting the Chitlang Declaration. Land Governance: The government decided to implement the long-ignored Rawal Commission report and improve land registers to curb encroachment. Visa Fraud Probe: Education authorities formed a committee to investigate alleged fake study-visa recommendation documents, including cases linked to Valmiki Vidyapeeth. Cultural Heritage Law: The HoR unanimously approved proposals for consideration of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Bill, aiming to safeguard heritage and enable benefits. Queer Cinema Spotlight: Cannes-winning Nepali film Elephants in the Fog is discussed for how it’s reshaping queer cinema in South Asia. International Tensions: US scholar Min Zin’s arrest in China on espionage charges raises consular and diplomatic concerns, with links to a possible Kathmandu talk. Women’s Inclusion in Finance: Global IME Bank appointed Bindrra Hada Bhattarai as an independent women director. Child Rights & Justice: Nepal’s Supreme Court issued directives to strengthen laws protecting children under 18 from recruitment into military and to ensure dignified language for former child soldiers.

Education & Integrity: Nepal’s Ministry of Education formed a 3-member committee to investigate alleged employee involvement in forged documents tied to study visa recommendations, after “Valmiki Vidyapeeth” letters and receipts were flagged as fake; the probe is set to report in seven days. Culture Policy: The HoR unanimously approved proposals for consideration of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Bill (2083 and 2026 versions), aiming to safeguard living heritage and create financial opportunities, with MPs debating preservation and identity. Child Rights & Justice: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered laws to treat recruitment of children under 18 into the military as a punishable war crime and banned derogatory terms for former child soldiers, also directing reparations. Inclusion & Representation: Global IME Bank appointed Bindrra Hada Bhattarai as an independent women director. Social Impact: KOICA Nepal Office staff raised NPR 50,000 via a charity auction for children’s welfare. Land & Governance: Cabinet decided to extend the constitution amendment discussion paper task force until July 16 and to implement the Rawal Commission report on government and public land. Caste Discrimination: A Dalit student’s long protest and court fight highlights ongoing housing discrimination in Kathmandu. Regional Tensions: Susta residents confronted and turned back armed Indian security personnel entering Nepali territory. Tech & Lifestyle: HUAWEI launched WATCH FIT 5 in Nepal with a morning fitness club event in Thamel.

Medical Regulation & Foreign Doctors: Nepal Medical Council suspended three Chinese doctors’ temporary registrations after linking them to an illegally operating Baluwatar hospital that allegedly lured patients via social media and charged excessively, with deportation steps discussed. Public Health Controls: Pregabalin (and other listed medicines) can now be sold only with a prescription, as Nepal moves to curb misuse and require tighter record-keeping across importers, wholesalers, and retailers. Women’s Safety & Daily Life: A fresh call to stop harassment of women commuters highlights how public transport remains a flashpoint, echoing long-running stories from Kathmandu’s bus routes. Gendered Harm & Care: A feature on burn survivors spotlights social exclusion and barriers to rehabilitation, urging dignified support for people living with visible injuries. Culture & Film: Nepali cinema’s international moment continues as Cannes award-winner “Elephants in the Fog” is honoured in Kathmandu, while Asar is reported to be quieter for releases. Food & Lifestyle: Bhaktapur’s Tusa shares its “sprouts” concept and the push to reimagine Nepali food through a new dining experience. Governance & Housing: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung inspected Balaju’s holding centre for displaced squatters, apologised for past mismanagement, and promised faster resolution—families raised concerns about children’s education. Justice: Nepal’s Supreme Court sentenced Govinda Bahadur Batala to 10 years in the Ramhari Shrestha murder case, overturning earlier outcomes. Economy & Poverty Debate: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told parliament the focus is on raising incomes and expanding social protection, not just cash distribution. Child Labour Awareness: World Day Against Child Labour is marked nationwide with a “Red card” theme pushing fair play for children and decent work for adults. International Culture Diplomacy: Nepal’s embassy in Cairo hosted a tea promotion event, pitching “Flavours of the Himalayas” to deepen Nepal–Egypt cultural and trade ties.

Housing & Rights: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung inspected the Balaju “holding center” for squatters, apologized for past mismanagement, and ordered police support plus better record-keeping after families complained about education hurdles. Public Health & Regulation: Nepal Medical Council sealed Maria Hospital in Baluwatar for operating without a permit and using foreign doctors; it also suspended temporary registration of three Chinese doctors and moved to close the facility. Medicines Control: Pregabalin (and other listed drugs) now require prescriptions, with tighter import and sales records to curb misuse. Maternal Care Gap: A Tribhuvan University study found urban slum women in Kathmandu Valley get antenatal check-ups (92.2%) but fewer complete postnatal care (71.7%) due to money, transport, and lost wages. Governance Debate: Parliament’s FY 2083/84 budget discussion is underway, with criticism that lawmakers are stuck in party talking points rather than budget merits. Culture & Heritage: Workers began removing thick lime layers from Swayambhunath’s dome to protect the UNESCO site, using careful tools and collecting removed lime. Lifestyle & Society: A report highlights rising violence in marital relationships, with recent cases of spouses allegedly killing partners amid divorce and conflict.

FIFA World Cup 2026: The tournament kicks off tonight with a record 48 teams and opening ceremonies across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Swayambhunath Restoration: Workers have started removing thick lime mortar from the Mahachaitya dome at Swayambhunath, using wooden tools to protect the UNESCO site. Women’s Safety: Police report a worrying rise in marital-relationship violence, including recent killings in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Displacement & Shelter: After riverbank squatter evictions, displaced families are still stuck in temporary shelters, with long-delayed rehabilitation. Education & Regulation: MPs raised concerns over human trafficking, violence against women, and religious conversion, while education consultancies face enforcement after operating without proper renewal. New Science Ministry: Nepal’s newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation begins from scratch under Minister Mahabir Pun. Culture & Identity: A new suspension bridge in Susta, Nawalparasi, is easing risky river crossings and strengthening local Nepali identity. Health & Learning: A summit highlights mental health pressures on schoolchildren, including fear of teachers and harassment. Sports Leadership: Footballer Vishal Shrestha appointed Vice-Chairman of the National Sports Council. Blood Donation: Chitwan plans a second historic blood donation festival on Jestha 30.

Parliament & Rights: MPs in Nepal’s House of Representatives pushed urgent action on human trafficking, violence against women, foreign employment misdeeds, and religious conversion, after 453 Nepalis were rescued from India. New Tech Ministry: Nepal’s newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has started from scratch under Mahabir Pun, with an organizational survey and website template work underway. Identity & Law: India’s new transgender law is reshaping who gets authority over identity, raising fresh debate on authenticity and rights. Cross-border Labour: India and Nepal discussed labour mobility, skills development, and digital employment services at an ILO-linked Geneva meeting. Tourism Culture: Nepal’s federal and provincial governments agreed on measures to manage land-route tourist movement, including designated rest areas to reduce friction with local communities. Governance & Justice: Reappointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung said the 2001 Royal Palace massacre file will be reopened, alongside steps on CIB strengthening and Gen-Z case withdrawals. Economy & Daily Life: Nepal’s inflation climbed to 5.04% (mid-May) as petrol and diesel costs rose after US-Iran tensions. Lifestyle & Health: Nepal also saw fresh public guidance on screen-time eye strain and on how hot coffee can feel cooling in summer—depending on humidity. Culture & Film: Nepali film releases in Jestha were active, but Asar is expected to slow down. Tourism & Hospitality: Marriott signed to bring JW Marriott to Kathmandu Valley, targeting an early-2031 opening.

Royal Justice & Accountability: Nepal’s reappointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has ordered further investigation into the 2001 Narayanhiti Royal Palace massacre, saying the process will review earlier reports, while also pledging to strengthen the CIB and push pending cases forward. Tourism Etiquette at Borders: Federal and provincial authorities agreed on measures to better manage foreign tourists entering by land routes, including designated rest areas to reduce friction with local communities. Cost of Living: Nepal Rastra Bank data shows inflation jumped to 5.04% in mid-May 2026, driven by petroleum-linked price hikes and rising food and non-food services costs. Work & Youth: Labour Minister Ramjee Yadav announced Nepal’s next 10 years as the “Decade for Promoting Domestic Employment” at the ILO, focusing on skills, inclusion, and AI/digital economy jobs. Cabinet Shake-up: A ministerial reshuffle confirmed Sudhan Gurung as Home Affairs and Mahabir Pun as Science, Technology and Innovation, alongside broader portfolio divisions. Education & Teachers: English, math, and science grant teachers staged a sit-in in Kathmandu demanding permanent status, continuity of jobs, and full implementation of past agreements. Culture & Film: Nepali cinema saw a busy Jestha release month with six new films, but Asar is expected to slow down. Lifestyle & Health: Experts say hot coffee can feel cooling in summer if humidity is low enough for sweat to evaporate, while screen overuse may cause digital eye strain even though it’s not proven to directly cause cataracts. Global Nepal Links: Nepal’s talks with the UK on equal pensions for former British Gurkhas reportedly moved in a positive direction.

Cabinet Shake-Up: Nepal reshuffled its Council of Ministers, with Sudhan Gurung sworn in as Home Affairs and Mahabir Pun as Science, Technology and Innovation, while portfolios were reassigned across key ministries. Domestic Work Push: Labour Minister Ramjee Yadav told the ILO that Nepal’s next 10 years will be the “Decade for Promoting Domestic Employment,” aiming to expand youth jobs at home amid AI and gig-economy shifts. Inflation Watch: Nepal’s inflation hit 5.04% in mid-May, driven by food (fruits, ghee/oil) and non-food services (transport, miscellaneous goods). Education & Work Rights: English, math and science grant teachers protested in Kathmandu, demanding job continuity, permanent status, and full implementation of past agreements. Everest Survival Story: A fundraiser has been launched for Hillary Dawa Sherpa, rescued after six days alone on Everest, as he recovers in Kathmandu. Integrity in Tourism: CIB opened a money-laundering probe into 33 people in the “fake rescue” mountaineering insurance scam. Culture & Travel: Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for 40 countries (including Nepal) via free 30-day ETA, boosting short-stay travel. Policy & Governance: Government endorsed Civil Service (16th amendment) Regulation 2083 and formed an ad hoc committee tied to Nepal Red Cross leadership.

Civil Service Reform: Nepal’s Cabinet endorsed the Civil Service (16th Amendment) Regulation, 2083, and also formed a 9-member ad hoc committee to manage leadership and managerial affairs at the Nepal Red Cross Society. Hydropower & Forest Access: Four hydropower projects—Lower Arun, Lower Nyadi, Ghunsa Khola, and Tadi Khola—were given permission to use national forest areas. Governance & Accountability: The Cabinet decided to receive an investigation report into former Home Minister and HoR member Sudhan Gurung. Health & Access: Bir Hospital’s CT scan services were shut for a month due to machine breakdowns, pushing patients to other facilities and raising costs. Culture & Literature: Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival (4th edition) wrapped up in Lalitpur under a “Beyond Borders” theme, spotlighting South Asian voices. Inclusion & Rights: A piece on inclusive education calls out how “inclusivity” often fails in real classrooms—stairs, ridicule, and social isolation. Wildlife Conservation: A critically endangered Chinese pangolin was spotted for the first time in Sunsari’s Panchakanya forest, expanding confirmed districts to 28. Nepal–India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal met Jaishankar in Delhi, with updates including cross-border digital payments and handovers of health and cultural heritage projects. Education Protests (Regional Watch): India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” announced a Pune protest on June 11 demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over exam leak allegations.

Health & Access: Bir Hospital’s CT scan services are shut for a month after both machines broke; patients are being pushed to the Trauma Center and private hospitals, where costs are higher, while the Trauma Center reports a surge in demand and Bir Hospital says a newer 128-slice CT is in the final procurement stage. Public Safety & Mobility: Nepal Police fined Shram Sanskriti Party chair Harka Sampang for traffic-rule violations after he was seen riding recklessly while recording on his phone. Border Governance: Nepal’s National Assembly committee directed the Home Ministry to find a long-term solution to the Humla–Bajura border dispute, urging intensive talks with locals and stakeholders while security preparations continue. Culture & Literature: Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival (4th edition) wrapped up in Lalitpur under a “Beyond Borders” theme, bringing South Asian writers and performers together. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is set to visit China later this month for talks with senior leaders, following a recent India trip. Tech & Youth: Nepali students were honored in Kathmandu after winning prizes at “Codeavour 7.0,” an international AI, coding and robotics competition. Sports: Nepal beat Hong Kong in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket qualifier final to secure a Japan berth, finishing unbeaten. Hospitality & Tourism: Marriott and CG Hospitality Global signed a multi-property deal for three new luxury/premium hotels across Nepal and India, targeting openings by 2031.