AGP Executive Report

Parliament & Policy: Nepal’s National Assembly tabled six bills, including Finance Bill 2083, money laundering amendments, and a bill to amend acts related to the Academy of Health Sciences. Digital Governance: The MoIC says it expanded home-delivery public services via courier networks, including passports and driving licences, while the education ministry pushes faster exam results and a streamlined NOC process using data links. Telecom & Connectivity: Nepal Telecom started 4G in the Tikauli jungle area of Bharatpur, aiming to improve highway coverage and reach blanket coverage by 2083. Cyber & Enforcement: The government shut down 26 mobile apps and nearly 250,000 illegal betting websites through NTA-led blocks. Disaster Readiness: Nepal’s monsoon response is ramping up with 54 temporary response bases, standby rescue assets, and an APF Community Alert System mobile app. Standards & Consumer Safety: NBSM proposed revised standards for rotational moulded polyethylene water tanks, adding migration tests to reduce microplastic risks. Energy & Infrastructure: Main tunnel construction began for the 106 MW Jagdulla hydropower project in Dolpa. Environment & Tourism: A proposal for evening jeep safaris in Barandabhar corridor faces conservation pushback over wildlife movement disruption. Finance & Fraud Protection: Global IME Bank introduced instant account blocking via hotline or its app to curb phishing and scam losses.

Digital Governance Push: Nepal’s MoIC says it delivered major gains in its first 100 days, including expanding the Government Courier Service for home delivery of passports (75 districts) and driving licences (808,000+ transported). Education Reform: The Ministry of Education reports faster exam results—SEE in 1 month, Grade 12 in 40 days, and university exams in 65 days—plus tighter NOC processing and reduced university political interference. Health Sector Law: The HoR passed the Bill to amend Acts related to the Academy of Health Sciences, replacing an ordinance, while lawmakers flagged unresolved issues around Karnali and BP Koirala health academies. Regulating Digital Ads: Cabinet approved the National Advertisement Policy, 2083, bringing social media, influencer marketing and AI-generated (including deepfake) ads under regulation, with action against misleading content. Standards for Safer Water: NBSM revised standards for rotational moulded polyethylene water tanks, adding a migration test to check micro/nanoplastic leaching. Tech in Public Services: CTEVT Academic Council adds four experts (IT/digital policy, STEM, industry, nursing/public health) to shape technical and vocational education direction. Nepal-China Business: Nepal’s embassy in Beijing hosted a Nepal-China investment and business event for matchmaking and sector opportunities. Energy Logistics Tech: Nepal Oil Corporation trialed digitally locked aviation fuel tankers to prevent leakage, theft and tampering during transit.

Science & Innovation Policy: Nepal’s new government marks its 100 days by creating a dedicated Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, led by Mahabir Pun, aiming to boost research funding, innovation culture, and coordination across federal, provincial and local levels. Energy & Infrastructure: The Green Climate Fund approved an $8.5 million climate-resilience project for Karnali, targeting forest-dependent communities with nature-based solutions, early warning systems, and livelihood support. Digital Governance in Health: Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene begins organizational restructuring and plans a new Information Technology Department to connect the health sector and build a digital health data system. Aviation Fuel Security: Nepal Oil Corporation introduced a digital locking system for aviation fuel tankers, enabling authentication at the destination and logging tampering attempts during transit. Transport Enforcement Tech: Nepal Police and traffic authorities are cracking down on illegal tinted vehicle windows, issuing tickets and escalating enforcement to prevent crime and improve camera visibility. Education & Research: Tribhuvan University is moving toward stricter selection for PhD supervisors and has shortlisted TU vice-chancellor candidates, while Nepal University is launching new postgraduate programs with a student-centric focus. Public Health Alerts: Dengue cases have reached 1,042 with two deaths reported, and health guidance urges paracetamol and fluids for mild cases while pushing severe cases to hospitals. Trade & Industry: Nepali tea exports to India resumed after a two-month halt, with trucks moving via Kakadvitta; meanwhile, a Nepali tile maker says quality certification under a new standard helps it challenge imports. Tech in Daily Life: TVS launched the Apache RTR 160 4V in Nepal with a 5-inch TFT cluster and dual-channel ABS.

Banking & Credit Policy: Nepal Rastra Bank is preparing the 2026/27 monetary policy as experts warn that liquidity is high but private credit demand is weak, urging a focus on banking stability, credit classification, and non-banking asset management rather than just interest-rate tweaks. Power Infrastructure Demand: India’s load growth is driving higher demand for high-voltage, high-capacity conductors (including HTLS types), with local firms gearing up via technology tie-ups. Digital Identity & Forensics Law: Nepal’s parliament committee is clause-by-clause reviewing the National Forensic Science Laboratory Bill, pushing for stronger lab capacity, digital crime testing, and clearer qualifications for forensic experts; separately, Nepal’s passport rollout faces delays amid disputes involving Veridos and Mühlbauer and ongoing record migration. Digital Trust Tech: Fime launched an independent certification program for mobile driving licence (mDL) wallets/readers, while Singapore is rolling out passkeys for Singpass to curb phishing. Cyber & Privacy: The US ATF canceled an AdTech-based cellphone location surveillance tool after inquiries into warrantless searches. Transport & Public Services: Nepal is printing 2.6 million driving licences by July 3 as validity rules shift, and transport entrepreneurs want automatic fare cuts when fuel prices drop. Environment & Health: A study flags a hidden Asian pangolin species in Nepal and northern India, and Nepal’s drug regulator says there’s no official rabies vaccine shortage despite procurement delays. Tourism & Wellness: Nepal Tourism Board plans a secretariat/contact office to promote wellness tourism, including documenting traditional cuisine and practices.

EV Policy Shift: Nepal’s new government is weighing higher taxes on electric vehicle imports and electricity use, risking slower EV adoption and a slower switch from gas cooking to electric—critics say accelerating electrification and cutting gas subsidies would save more. Forensic Science Bill: Parliament committee discussions push for mandatory postgraduate qualifications and training for forensic experts, with a focus on properly defining digital evidence to reduce courtroom errors. Digital Forensics Upgrade: The US Embassy handed Nepal Police Digital Forensic Laboratory new digital forensic software and hardware to strengthen cybercrime investigations. Public Health Tech & Staffing: Geta Hospital in Kailali suspends video X-ray and mammography services due to a radiologist shortage, forcing patients to seek care elsewhere. Bird Flu in Kathmandu Valley: Bird flu is spreading across Kathmandu and surrounding areas, with poultry losses and rising health concerns as authorities respond. Postal Modernization: Nepal revived postal services as a technology-enabled “government courier” to deliver documents like passports and driving licences to homes, with “smart post offices” planned. Electricity Infrastructure: ADB-backed SASEC work is improving power supply reliability in Kathmandu Valley and beyond, while a private-sector 220 kV transmission line in the Marsyangdi corridor marks a major build milestone. Telecom Cooperation: PTA hosted a South Asia telecom regulators meeting to boost regional policy coordination. Education Tech for AI: MAXHUB showcased AI-enabled education tools to South Asian university leaders, pushing responsible AI integration in higher education.

Avian Flu Watch: Nepal’s H5N1 bird flu outbreak is accelerating in the Kathmandu Valley and Kavrepalanchok, with authorities culling hundreds of thousands of birds and shutting the central zoo as scientists warn about possible mutation risks. Energy Infrastructure: Nepal’s first private-sector 220 kV transmission line segment under the Marsyangdi Corridor has finally moved ahead after years of delays, showing a new public-private push to speed up grid buildout. Telecom Expansion: Nepal Telecom has started 4G in Murma Top, Mugu—boosting data and HD voice for locals and tourists and extending better connectivity for remote Karnali and Far-Western areas. Digital Payments: UPI is now live in Greece via Eurobank, marking another global expansion of India’s instant, low-cost cross-border payments model. Public Service Tech: The government says it has revived postal services as a tech-friendly “government courier” to deliver services to citizens’ homes. Health & Research: A clinical lab scientist, Binata Shrestha, is advancing LC-MS/MS diagnostics and presenting new toxicology and hormone-measurement work at ADLM. Governance for Research: New criteria aim to fix dysfunction at NARC by limiting political posting influence and pushing staff to remote research needs. Food Safety: Kalimati market produce tests found excessive pesticide residues in mustard greens, gourd, cauliflower and potatoes, with some declared unfit for consumption.

Digital Payments Expansion: India’s UPI has gone live in Greece via Eurobank and NPCI International Payments Ltd, letting eligible users make instant, secure, low-cost transfers; UPI is now available in 10 countries including Nepal. Public Health & Biosecurity: Nepal’s H5N1 bird flu outbreak has spread across Kathmandu Valley, prompting culling of 600,000 birds and shutting the central zoo, with scientists warning about possible mutation risks. Climate & Agriculture: Nepal marked 23rd National Paddy Day as planting lags at about 11–13% nationwide amid delayed monsoon and heat; events highlighted climate-adaptive farming, mechanised transplanting, and drone-based fertiliser application. Hydropower & Infrastructure: Dolpa’s Jagdulla Hydropower Project (230.35 MW combined) is boosting Karnali’s road connectivity through bridges and access tracks under the People’s Hydropower Programme. Tech for Safety: Lumbini Province police urged modern tools for crime investigation as cybercrime and financial crimes rise, calling for digital forensics and fingerprint systems. Local Tech Governance: Nepal’s Ministry of Industry launched a public Dashboard for company/industry registration updates, with province-level details planned next fiscal year. Conservation Through Farming: In Phu Valley, jimbu cultivation is being piloted as a potential income source and a way to reduce snow leopard conflicts by deterring prey raiding.

Disaster Readiness: Bhutan’s full-scale earthquake simulation in Thimphu flagged delays in activating response protocols, weak command and reporting lines, and gaps in medical preparedness, traffic management, and emergency logistics—calling for better training, equipment, and public awareness. Space Tech: NASA astronauts are set to do a spacewalk to fix a broken wrist joint on the ISS robotic arm Canadarm2, a key step before upcoming crew and cargo operations. Govt Digital Services: Nepal’s Ministry of Industry launched a real-time Dashboard for company, industry, and firm registration updates, with plans to add province-level data; Speaker Aryal also pushed for modern, tech-aided auditing. Education & Tech Policy: Tribhuvan University ordered removal of party-affiliated student group structures within 60 days and a Student Council/Voice of Student within 90 days; MAXHUB showcased smart classroom tech and AI integration plans for higher education. Agriculture & Climate Tech: National Paddy Day saw drone fertilizer broadcasting and machine planting, but plantation progress is still only 11.3% nationwide amid El Niño-linked drought fears and urban pressure on farmland. Health Innovation: Nepal’s first human milk bank at Paropkar is seeing rising demand, with new distribution models proposed. Media & OTT: NetTV received an OTT license, enabling legal expansion of its IPTV and app-based content.

Smart Education in Nepal: MAXHUB showcased smart classroom tech at Tribhuvan University and joined a South Asia policy dialogue on responsible AI integration in higher education, with UNESCO and ADB partners. Climate-Friendly Rice Push: Nepal marked 23rd National Paddy Day with drones spreading fertilizer and machines transplanting rice, while Agriculture Minister Geeta Chaudhary urged climate-friendly tech, irrigation, improved varieties, and conservation of local and wild rice. Policy for Modern Agriculture: President Ramchandra Paudel backed ending land idleness and modernizing farming to cut rice imports and keep youth in agriculture. Tech-Driven Public Services: Kathmandu traffic police launched technology-based enforcement at Thapathali, using CCTV and rooftop monitoring to fine violators. Disaster Readiness Lesson: Bhutan’s earthquake simulation found gaps in coordination, communication, manpower and equipment despite progress. Digital Learning Link: Vice President Ramsahay Yadav called for linking education to research, innovation and digital technology from school to university. Fraud Crackdown: A man was arrested near the Nepal border for a Rs 2.93 crore franchise and employment scam.

Climate-smart agriculture: Nepal’s 23rd National Paddy Day and Transplanting Festival-2083 opens nationwide with the theme “Climate-friendly technologies, self-reliance in rice, and prosperity,” pushing climate-adaptive research, improved seeds, hybrid varieties, timely fertiliser supply and minimum support prices. Food security pressure: Farmers report planting delays as monsoon weakness brings drought risk, while chemical fertiliser shortages hit the main season. Public health & safety: With heat waves rising, officials warn heat stroke is a preventable emergency, urging early recognition and faster medical response. Parliament & governance: The House of Representatives is set to move ahead with budget-related bills and replacement legislation for earlier ordinances, including procurement, money laundering, cooperatives, and health sciences academy reforms. Health sector reform: The Health Sciences Academy Bill aims to fix anomalies and make vice-chancellor appointments more transparent. Agriculture quality control: Vegetables in Kathmandu’s Kalimati market were ordered destroyed after rapid tests found excessive pesticide residues above safe limits. Wildlife monitoring: A GPS-tagged white-rumped vulture from Shuklaphanta flew about 520 km to India’s Himachal Pradesh, showing cross-border foraging range. Energy reliability: Nepal Electricity Authority has started live-line maintenance using new equipment in Butwal as a model for urban areas. Tech & innovation policy: Vice President Yadav urged linking education with research, innovation and digital technology from school to university. Intellectual property modernization: Nepal is drafting a new Industrial Property Act to modernize IP administration and protect geographical indications.

Education-Tech Push: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav urged Nepal to link education with research, innovation and digital technology, saying AI and modern tools should enter schooling from early grades to universities. National Research Recognition: Ramesh Ruchhen Rai received the Madan Bhandari National Award 2082 for his research work “Shwetashardul,” after about a decade of preparation. Parliament Watch: The House of Representatives is deliberating the Finance Bill, 2026, with lawmakers debating tax changes affecting students studying abroad, education/health tax clarity, and spending priorities. Food Safety: Vegetables at Kalimati market were ordered destroyed after Central Agricultural Laboratory tests found excessive organophosphate pesticide residues in bottle gourd, cauliflower and potatoes. Live Power Maintenance: Nepal Electricity Authority began live-line maintenance using state-of-the-art equipment in Butwal, aiming for more reliable urban power supply. Wildlife Tracking: A GPS-tagged white-rumped vulture from Shuklaphanta flew about 520 km to India’s Himachal Pradesh, with monitoring teams coordinating for follow-ups. Telecom Competition Debate: Nepal’s long-running push for a third telecom operator is back on the agenda as CG, WorldLink and UTL eye market entry. Public Health Alert: Heat stroke is flagged as a growing, preventable threat as temperatures rise, especially affecting children and people with chronic conditions. Agriculture & Climate: Nature-based watershed restoration in Chitwan helped farmers revive paddy production after decades of land loss. Biodiversity & Conservation: A study from Lapchi Valley reports surprising coexistence among snow leopards, common leopards and Himalayan wolves, driven by different diets. Bird Flu Update: Bird flu (H5N1) has been confirmed across 82 sites in 11 districts, with large-scale culling and feed destruction underway.

Cancer Care & Costs: Nepal’s cancer burden is rising fast, with the number of patients receiving government treatment subsidies nearly doubling from 15,187 (FY 2077/78) to 28,678 (FY 2081/82), pushing demand for awareness and faster diagnosis. Health Services Upgrade: Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital says it can now deliver IHC testing reports within about 3 days locally, aiming to cut delays and reduce the need to send samples abroad. Avian Influenza Alert: Bird flu (H5N1) has spread to 82 sites across 11 districts, including multiple areas of Kathmandu Valley; authorities report large-scale culling and are running intensified surveillance and control teams. Digital & Entrepreneurship: Global IME Bank opened applications for its “Udyamshala” incubation and acceleration program to support SMEs and new entrepreneurs. Higher Education Rules: Tribhuvan University issued stricter PhD supervisor eligibility criteria, including minimum research publication requirements and limits on how many PhD students one supervisor can guide. Transport & Industry: Nepal’s EV policy shifts to price-based taxation for imports, with potential market impacts but also concerns about long-term monitoring. Infrastructure Delay: The Kalamati–Basundhara ring road expansion is still not physically underway despite an April grant agreement, with work expected only after monsoon. STEM/Research Culture: Nepal’s writers’ audio excerpts have been added to the Library of Congress digital archive under the South Asian Literary Recovery Project, expanding global access to Nepali and Maithili voices. Defense Education Draft: A draft bill to establish and manage Nepal’s National Defence University is prepared and moving toward legal revision after consultations. Tech in the Market: TVS Motor launched the Apache RTR 160 4V in Nepal, highlighting safety and ride-mode features for riders.

MSME Push: Global IME Bank launched “Global IME Udyamshala” on World MSME Day, opening applications for incubation and acceleration to help Nepal’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs build skills and sustainable businesses. EV Tax Shift: Nepal’s EV import tax rules moved from “peak power” to a price-at-customs model, simplifying administration but raising questions about long-term monitoring as vehicle specs can change post-import. Bird Flu Alert: Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at 82 sites across 11 districts, with the Kathmandu Valley among the highest-risk areas; authorities report large-scale culling and ongoing surveillance, warning of possible human transmission. Cancer Testing at Home: Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital says it now runs IHC testing in its own lab, aiming to cut delays that can slow treatment after biopsy. TU Enrollment Drop: Tribhuvan University departments report declining student intake, blaming semester rules and mandatory attendance for reducing postgraduate participation. Border Security Tech-leaning: APF plans intelligence-led Border Interaction Teams using plain-clothes personnel at major border points to curb smuggling and trafficking. Cybersecurity Watch: A new SharkLoader malware campaign has been linked to deploying Cobalt Strike in StrikeShark cyberattacks, with targets including government and software firms across multiple countries, including Nepal. Tech & Mobility: TVS launched the Apache RTR 160 4V in Nepal with segment-first features like a projector headlamp and TFT cluster, positioning it for young riders.

Foreign Campuses & Inequity: India approved new campuses for Bristol, York and UNSW under NEP 2020, but critics say foreign universities cluster in already rich hubs like Mumbai and Bengaluru, leaving states like Bihar, Rajasthan and the Northeast behind. Academic Precarity: A global spotlight on “intellectually homeless” academics highlights how universities increasingly rely on contract and part-time labour, pushing even PhD holders into housing and food insecurity. Nepal-India Digital Finance: India and Nepal operationalised person-to-person cross-border digital payments via mobile numbers/UPI IDs, boosting financial integration while raising questions on how robust the connectivity will be. Nepal Governance Reforms: Nepal’s PM office issued 40 guidelines and tools for faster, more transparent service delivery, including digital governance and corruption prevention. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky flagged SharkLoader malware delivering Cobalt Strike in StrikeShark cyberattacks, targeting government and software firms across multiple countries including Nepal. Public Health (Bird Flu): Nepal’s livestock authorities mobilised technical teams in Kathmandu Valley, testing labs and destroying infected poultry as the virus spreads across 11 districts. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Kathmandu plans grade-separated road structures at Satdobato and Ekantakuna to ease long-term traffic, while Kathmandu’s Supreme Court moves toward regular live-streaming of hearings. Sports Governance: FIFA suspended ANFA over government interference, threatening Nepal’s FIFA funding and international participation. Environment & Health: Kathmandu will deploy 1,650 personnel for dengue “search and destroy larvae” as monsoon begins. Local Conservation: Bagmati Province budget designates pangolin as the province’s “pride animal,” pairing conservation with greener construction and water management.

APF Border & Disaster Readiness: APF chief Narayan Dutta Poudel says the force is strengthening border security, disaster response planning, and revenue leakage control, with a zero-tolerance stance on financial irregularities. Road Infrastructure: The Department of Roads is set to start grade-separated underpass/overpass works at Satdobato (underpass) and Ekantakuna (overpass) from the next fiscal year to ease Kathmandu Valley traffic. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky reports a new multi-country government and software-targeting campaign, StrikeShark, using a SharkLoader dropper disguised as Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers. Tech & Consumer Impact: Apple raises prices of key products citing memory and storage chip shortages linked to AI data-center demand. Public Health: Kathmandu Metropolitan City plans to deploy 1,650 trained personnel for a monsoon “search and destroy larvae” dengue drive across all wards. Nepal Telecom & ITU: Nepal Telecom and ITU discuss spectrum, licensing reform, AI-enabled telecom services, and R&D collaboration. Tea Crisis Update: Nepal’s tea factories in Ilam are set to reopen after government assurances amid India’s tighter lab-testing rules. Heritage Repatriation: Two centuries-old Nepalese statues repatriated from New York are returning for conservation and reinstatement. Sports Governance Shock: FIFA suspends ANFA indefinitely over election obstruction, threatening Nepal’s football rights.

Nepal Telecom Digital Push: Nepal Telecom says it’s building in-house software to digitize internal workflows, including a Procurement Management System for transparent bidding, plus Duty Chart and Meeting Management tools, with more plans for a paperless Workflow Management System. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky reports a new StrikeShark malware campaign using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to drop SharkLoader and Cobalt Strike Beacon, with Nepal listed among affected countries. Disaster Readiness: Nepal’s Armed Police Force says it has thousands of trained personnel on monsoon standby, with temporary response bases and divers deployed for floods and landslides. Earthquake Watch: A mild 4.1 quake hit Jumla (felt in nearby districts) and a separate 3.8 quake was also reported, with no major damage so far. Tea Sector Update: Ilam and Jhapa tea factories are set to reopen after government assurances and a high-level task force to tackle India-linked export testing and delays. Wildlife & Health: Nepal’s Central Zoo faces scrutiny over its bird flu response after dozens of animal deaths; meanwhile, a study finds snow leopards, leopards, and Himalayan wolves avoid direct conflict mainly through diet. Sports Governance Shock: FIFA suspended ANFA indefinitely over election obstruction, stripping Nepal’s football body of FIFA rights until further notice.