AGP Executive Report

India-Nepal Border Security: West Bengal STF arrested Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan (“Pushpa”) near the India–Nepal border after Calcutta High Court vacated his interim protection; he was reportedly being tracked over multiple FIRs including extortion and alleged election fraud, and will be produced in court. Diplomacy Reset: Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal returned home after a three-day visit to India, meeting S. Jaishankar, Ajit Doval and BJP foreign affairs chief Vijay Chauthaiwale, with bilateral talks held during the trip. Tourism & Luxury: Marriott International and CG Corp Global signed an agreement to develop and operate three premium hotels in Nepal and India, including The Ritz-Carlton and The Westin in Kathmandu and a JW Marriott in Siliguri. Digital Payments: Nabil Bank launched instant Nepal–India–Nepal person-to-person remittances via its mobile banking app, with daily and monthly transfer limits set for both directions. Party Politics: Rastriya Swatantra Party continued district conventions, electing new leadership in multiple districts (including Gorkha, Khotang, Surkhet, Pyuthan, Kanchanpur, Chitwan and Kailali) as it prepares for its first general convention while Nepali Congress faces deeper internal fractures. Health Access: Civil servants will now access Civil Service Hospital services through provincial hospitals, with Madhesh and Bagmati beneficiaries starting from today.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal returned from New Delhi reiterating Nepal will resolve border disputes through bilateral mechanisms only, not third-party mediation—adding that any UK role is limited to accessing historical archives tied to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Cross-Border Payments: Nepal and India launched direct cash transfers via UPI–NPI links, enabling bank-to-bank remittances with set limits for both directions. Health Policy: Nepal’s Health Ministry says it will amend the health insurance law to make the scheme more effective from the start of the new fiscal year. Elderly Care Study: Research in Upper Mustang highlights loneliness, healthcare gaps and nutrition stress among seniors, urging stronger community-based support. EV Push: A MoID report says Nepal needs at least 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 to hit the 90% private EV target. Tourism & Business: Marriott and CG Hospitality will develop two luxury hotels in Kathmandu (Ritz-Carlton and Westin), targeting openings by 2031. Mountaineering Safety: Climbers’ association urges government action on rising Himalayan insecurity after a missing Sherpa case. Sports: Nepal reached the Asian Games Men’s Qualifier final after beating Oman by 8 wickets. Earthquake Watch: A 5.6 quake hit Bhutan, with tremors felt across parts of Northeast India and the wider region.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told reporters in New Delhi that Nepal wants to settle the boundary row through diplomacy, saying no issue is “insurmountable” if both sides engage with an “open heart,” after wide-ranging talks with EAM S Jaishankar. Digital Connectivity: Nepal and India launched cross-border UPI–NPI peer-to-peer remittance linkage and signed a MoU between BHASHINI and Kathmandu University to build a “voice-first” multilingual language translation platform. LPG Price Debate: India defended its Rs 29 LPG hike, saying domestic cylinder prices remain among the lowest globally while the government absorbs under-recovery of about Rs 700 per cylinder. Health & Food Safety: Health Minister Nisha Mehta pledged stronger action against foodborne diseases, citing implementation of the Food Hygiene and Quality Act and tighter lab testing and market monitoring. Public Transport Push: Infrastructure expert Surya Acharya renewed calls for a high-capacity Metro Rail for Kathmandu Valley, arguing road systems can’t keep up with population growth. RSP Party Process: The Rastriya Swatantra Party continued district conventions across 27 districts and elected Jal Bahadur Pun as chair in Parbat. Sports: Nepal beat Oman by 8 wickets in the Asian Games cricket qualifier semi-final, setting up a semifinal clash with Oman’s opponent. Weather: Partial rain is likely in some regions, with temperatures expected to rise in parts of the Tarai. Road Safety: Kathmandu Valley traffic police collected Rs 491,500 from 2,256 motorists penalized in 24 hours. Community News: Police rescued four people stranded in the Fulchoki jungle near Godawari, Lalitpur.

Everest Survival Story: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, who was feared dead after going missing near Everest’s “death zone,” says he stayed alive by “chewing ice” and eating chocolates/snacks from his pocket before being rescued and recovering in Kathmandu. Nepal-India Diplomacy: In New Delhi, Nepal’s FM Shisir Khanal told India it’s time to “reset” ties with “no old baggage,” while India’s Jaishankar said the relationship can be shifted “decisively” into new areas; the two sides also virtually handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects and launched UPI–NPI linkage for remittances. Aviation & Safety: CAAN issued a stricter monsoon safety directive for airlines from June 15, tightening checks, weather planning, and helicopter operations. Markets: NEPSE slipped 0.96% to 2,755.41 as the post-budget rally cooled and investors booked profits. Culture & Events: Kalinga Literary Festival opened in Kathmandu with a “Beyond Borders” theme, while Nepal’s embassy in Islamabad marked Sagarmatha Day. Sports: Nepal’s handball and cricket links to regional events continue, and Nepal’s footballer Bimala BK underwent nasal bone surgery after a SAFF semi-final injury.

Everest Survival: Nepali mountaineer Dawa Sherpa, 57, who was feared dead, says he stayed alive for nearly a week by “chewing ice” after his oxygen ran out, and is now recovering in Kathmandu after a rescue that has sparked fresh questions about rescue timing. Diplomacy & Sagarmatha Day: Nepal’s embassy in Islamabad marked the 73rd International Sagarmatha Day, with officials highlighting Everest’s legacy and warning that glacier melt and climate change demand stronger international cooperation. Energy Execution: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha urged NEA to start budget implementation immediately, stressing timely completion of transmission and substation projects. NEA/Policy & Governance: Senior secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar was questioned over an alleged message seeking PM favor for an ambassadorial post, then transferred to a reserve pool. Transport & Tech: Uber officially launched in Nepal with Uber Go/Comfort and Uber Bike, partnering with Taximandu and testing different pricing models. Economy & Daily Life: Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association raised egg support prices again, pushing retail prices to around Rs 25 per egg. Weather Watch: DHM forecasts moderate rain/thunder in parts of Koshi, Lumbini and Karnali, with heatwave risk in some Terai areas. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Nepal’s cricket team is set for a key Asian Games qualifier semifinal after Oman’s loss to Hong Kong. Public Interest: A nationwide “One Child, One Tree” campaign saw about 80,000 children plant saplings across 17 districts for World Environment Day.

World Environment Day: Nepal marks June 5 with a focus on “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” as climate impacts like erratic monsoons, floods and droughts intensify across the Himalaya. Everest Survival: Dawa Sherpa, presumed dead after vanishing on Everest for six days, was found alive crawling back to Base Camp and flown to Kathmandu for treatment; his family is demanding a probe into rescue delays. Aviation & Trade Links: Himalaya Airlines launched direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen–Kathmandu flights, opening a new air corridor to China’s tech hub. Markets: NEPSE plunged 11.37 points to close at 2,755.41 amid broader declines; gold and silver prices also fell in the domestic market. Governance & Economy: The government formed a committee to investigate 779 EVs seized over suspected tax evasion, while UML plans to challenge an NHRC report on the Gen Z movement in court. Digital Push: Uber officially launched in Nepal, joining other ride-hailing apps as digital mobility grows. Sports: Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Oman qualified for the Asian Games men’s cricket event.

Everest Rescue Miracle: Dawa Sherpa, believed dead after going missing on Mount Everest for six days without food or oxygen, was found alive crawling back to base camp and later airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. Cricket Spirit Row: Nepal Cricket Association apologised after a rare “timed-out” dismissal of Bhutan batter Ritshi Choden during the ACC Women’s Premier Cup, saying it followed the laws but not the spirit of cricket. Sports Update: Nepal beat Bhutan by 51 runs in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup, while Nepal also posted big wins over Malaysia in Asian Games qualifiers, with Kushal Bhurtel setting new T20I run-scoring records and scoring consecutive centuries. Hydropower Policy: Government announced reforms to restructure the Electricity Authority and open power purchase and trading to the private sector, drawing concerns from energy producers over clarity on PPAs. Environment Day: World Environment Day 2026 is marked with a push for climate and nature-friendly development, with President Paudel urging a green, clean-energy lifestyle. Road Disruptions & Weather: Several roads in Nepal remain blocked due to flood and landslide risks, as weather forecasts warn of cloudy skies and possible rain with heatwave conditions in parts of the Tarai. Labour Rights: A new study highlights widespread wage theft and weak enforcement of labour rights in Nepal’s informal sector, especially affecting women and vulnerable workers.

Everest Rescue Miracle: Dawa Sherpa, 52, missing for six days on Mount Everest, was found crawling toward base camp near the Khumbu Icefall after his family had begun funeral rites; he’s now in Kathmandu’s HAMS Hospital with frostbite and other complications. Nepal-India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will visit India June 5–7 for talks with S. Jaishankar on trade, investment, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties, amid recent border-row tensions. Electric Mobility Debate: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says EV prices for models under Rs 5 million have fallen under the new price-based tax structure, while critics question whether costs will rise. Smart Driving Licenses: Printing of smart driving licenses is near completion, with 1.57 million already produced and the rest expected in 2–3 weeks. Energy Governance: NEA has reconstituted committees to negotiate Khimti Hydropower Project share transfer and to resolve tariff and administrative disputes. Markets & Gold: NEPSE fell 13.46 points to 2,766.78; gold dropped Rs 200 per tola to Rs 311,100. Sports & Cricket: CAN apologised after Bhutan’s Ritshi Choden was timed out in a match against Nepal, citing a spirit-of-cricket concern.

Everest Rescue Miracle: Missing Sherpa guide Dawa Sherpa was found alive after six days, crawling near Khumbu Icefall above Base Camp, then airlifted to hospital as Everest’s 2026 season hit a record with 1,000+ summit climbers. Parliament Rules & Accountability: The House of Representatives passed new Rules of Procedure, expanding the Speaker’s role in constitutional amendments and tightening timelines for impeachment—while critics warn the rulebook also shields lawmakers from asset scrutiny. Constitutional Council Stalled: Despite an ordinance easing quorum, the Constitutional Council has stayed inactive for months, leaving key posts to acting leadership. Nepal-India Diplomacy Reset: Rabi Lamichhane’s India meetings with Modi and others spotlight “development diplomacy,” while India reiterates no third-party role in the border issue. Infrastructure Push: Japan approved an additional Rs 5.5 billion loan for the Nagdhunga Tunnel, with opening expected in July 2026; government also plans a “Sunset Law” to cut project delays. Roads & Heat: Monsoon-related landslides and floods disrupt major highways; Dhangadhi faces power cuts amid extreme heat. Social Justice: President and Vice President mark the National Day against racial discrimination and untouchability; a 62-year-old woman in Mugu remains without citizenship, blocking access to services. Sports: Nepal’s SAFF Women’s campaign ends after losses to Bangladesh; Nepal’s men face Malaysia in the Asian Games T20 qualifier. Local Life: Bagmati Province resumes public vehicle registration; 750 electric vehicles were seized at the Nepal-China border for document checks.

Nepal-India Diplomacy: Rastriya Swatantra Party chief Rabi Lamichhane met Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, with Modi calling Nepal a priority partner under the “Neighbourhood First” policy and pledging closer cooperation. Border Row in Focus: National Assembly lawmakers urged resolving Nepal-India border issues through diplomatic channels and historical facts, as the NA meeting was postponed after protests over PM Balendra Shah’s remarks. IT Governance: Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina said all levels of government should review performance in the IT sector, with a thematic committee set to amend old laws and improve coordination across federal, provincial and local bodies. Health & Safety: The Medical Education Commission decided to re-issue directives after legal changes, while the health ministry put Nepal on high alert for Ebola prevention at entry points. Economy & Private Sector: FNCSI said the new budget boosts private-sector confidence, but scrutiny is growing after the Finance Bill was revised multiple times in days. Everest Update: Nepal says more than 1,000 climbers reached Everest’s summit this season, with permits at a record 494 for foreigners. Sports: Nepal’s women’s football team fell to Bangladesh 2-1 in the SAFF semi-final, while Nepal women beat Qatar by 8 wickets in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup. Public Services: Dhulikhel Hospital inaugurated a healthcare waste treatment site with autoclaves supported by Germany.

Dalit Media Leadership: Gopal Baraili was elected Chair of the National Association of Dalit Community Journalists Nepal, with a new 35-member executive committee formed in Kathmandu. Budget Watch: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle tabled the FY 2083/84 budget, pitching reforms and a 7% growth target while critics flag risks around budget size and inflation. Population Policy Rollout: Karnali hosted an orientation on National Population Policy 2082, outlining legal, financial and action-plan arrangements for implementation. India-Nepal Border Row: India’s MEA reiterated the dispute is strictly bilateral, saying 98% of demarcation is done and rejecting any third-party role after PM remarks. Tourism Momentum: Nepal welcomed 102,626 foreign visitors in May, up 19% year-on-year, with India remaining the top source market. Air Connectivity: Himalaya Airlines will start direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen flights from June 4. Heat Preparedness: Heat Action Day 2026 focused on “Indoor Heat,” urging water, shade and rest to prevent heat-related harm. Mountaineering Heritage: Myagdi marked the 76th anniversary of the first Annapurna I ascent.

India-Nepal Border Row: India’s MEA says nearly 98% of the boundary is demarcated and unresolved parts—linked to Gandak River shifts and cross-border occupation—are being mapped jointly, adding there is “no role for any third party” in the bilateral dispute after PM Balendra Shah’s remarks. Parliament Disruption: Nepal’s National Assembly meeting was adjourned without its agenda after lawmakers objected to the PM’s border comments; the House of Representatives was also postponed to Monday amid continued opposition obstruction, with the Nepali Congress demanding an apology and boycotting committee meetings. Rabi Lamichhane India Visit: RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane met India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Home Minister Amit Shah, with talks focused on development partnership and people-to-people ties. Land Reform Push: The government formed a new “Land Problem Resolution Committee” after dissolving the previous land commission, appointing Balbhadra Bastola as chair to address landless and squatters’ issues. Sports—Cricket & Football: Nepal qualified for the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition 2026; in SAFF Women’s Championship, Bangladesh face Nepal in the first semifinal in Goa, while India take on Bhutan in the second. Markets: NEPSE rose 22.21 points to close at 2,777.58.

Parliament & Parties: Nepali Congress leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe denied the party has formed a “shadow government,” saying it has only appointed thematic committee coordinators under its parliamentary statute. PM in Focus: Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in his first House address, reiterated commitments on good governance, corruption control, squatters’ settlement and the border dispute, after budget deliberations. Border Row Fallout: The Lipulekh “encroachment” controversy continues to spark protests and demands for clarification/apology, with the Foreign Ministry saying the remarks relate to “cross-border occupation.” Budget & Taxes: The government’s FY 2026/27 includes a new “green tax” on smartphones and smartwatches, likely pushing prices higher, while VAT on electricity and other fiscal measures are drawing debate. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink seeks entry to Nepal but faces legal/policy hurdles around ownership rules. Health & Economy: NephroPlus expects 15–20% revenue growth (CAGR) and outlines expansion plans; meanwhile, insurance suspension is hitting government hospitals. Environment & Culture: Conservationists question Nepal’s plan to relocate blackbucks to Chitwan; KIMFF 2026 wrapped with awards for top Nepali and international films. Weather: Hotter days are expected in Nepal’s Tarai, with generally cloudy conditions elsewhere.

Border Row in Parliament: Nepal PM Balendra Shah’s “encroaching” remarks on the India-Nepal border have triggered uproar in both houses, with opposition demanding an apology and evidence; Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later said the comments referred to cross-border occupation/no-man’s-land disputes, not formal territorial takeover, while lawmakers continued to obstruct sessions and adjournments. US-Nepal Diplomacy: US Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers wrapped up a visit stressing stronger Nepal-US ties on digital infrastructure, investment, trade, culture and tourism, including meetings with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and ICT Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina. Electricity VAT Debate: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle defended VAT on electricity consumption above 50 units, saying it’s meant to fund grid and infrastructure upgrades, while consumers raised concerns about fairness and tariff impacts. Energy Buildout: The budget targets an extra 1,040 MW next FY and completion of multiple transmission lines and substations. Aviation Connectivity: Himalaya Airlines announced direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen flights, aiming to boost tourism and business links. Markets Watch: NEPSE fell 26.72 points after the budget announcement, with turnover dropping to Rs 5.61 billion. Sports—SAFF Women’s: Bangladesh regrouped after a heavy loss to India ahead of their SAFF Women’s Championship semi-final against Nepal.

Border Row in Parliament: Nepal PM Balendra Shah made his first appearance in the House and sparked a fresh controversy by saying both India and Nepal have “encroached” each other’s territories, prompting immediate backlash and a Foreign Ministry clarification that his remarks referred to cross-border occupation and the no-man’s-land in areas like Dasgaja, alongside mapping gaps in Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani. Budget & Power VAT: Shah also said VAT revenue on electricity use above 50 units will fund upgrades to transformers, transmission lines and substations, as criticism continues over the policy’s impact on households. RSP India Visit: Rabi Lamichhane’s five-day trip to India (June 1-5) was officially announced, with meetings in New Delhi and a planned visit to Ayodhya. Digital Payments Boom: India’s UPI hit record May figures—23.2 billion transactions worth about Rs 29.9 lakh crore—fuelled by seasonal spending and travel. Sports Spotlight: Kushal Bhurtel smashed six sixes in an over against China in the Asian Games qualifier, as Nepal posted 313/2 and won by 221 runs. Weather Watch: Light to moderate rain with thunder is expected in parts of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpashchim, with some Tarai areas also likely to see rainfall.

Budget 2026/27: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah’s first budget was unveiled with a NPR 2.1 trillion plan (about $13.8bn), promising faster spending, higher salaries, and reforms to revive growth after political turmoil. Border Row: Shah also sparked a fresh diplomatic storm in Parliament by saying Nepal has “encroached” on India’s land too; Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later clarified this refers to “no-man’s land” occupation and cross-border farming, and said talks should proceed via table discussions with India, China and even the UK. RSP–NC Merger: The Rastriya Sadbhawana Party merged into Nepali Congress, with a task force set to integrate cadres. SAFF Women’s Football: India beat Bangladesh 3-0 to reach the semis, where Nepal will face Bangladesh and India will play Bhutan. Cricket (Asian Games qualifier): Thailand, Malaysia and China booked Asian Games women’s cricket spots after the Kuala Lumpur qualifiers; Nepal’s campaign ended after a rain-hit loss to China. Health & Society: Health Minister Nisha Mehta urged tobacco users to quit ahead of World No Tobacco Day, while lawmakers flagged a worsening drinking-water crisis in the Tarai. Economy Watch: Gold prices jumped by Rs 20,500 per tola after the budget doubled customs duty to 20%. Sports Finance: Opposition and critics noted the budget lacked clear Asian Games preparation funding.