AGP Executive Report

Karnali–Israel Tech & Jobs: Israeli Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass met Karnali youth rep Ashish Jaisi Devkota in Kathmandu, discussing a pre-Dashain visit and plans for Israeli technical support to modernize agriculture in Mugu, plus “Learn in Israel” education and youth employment pathways. Cross-border Identity Upgrade: Nepal has formally asked India to recognize Nepal’s biometric National Identity (NID) card as an official travel document for journeys, aiming to streamline travel as NID becomes mandatory for more services. Digital Finance Onboarding: Global IME Bank launched app-based direct account opening with Nagarik App via QR and NID-linked details, with verification via branch or video KYC. Education Policy Clash: Nepal’s A-Level equivalency vs medical admission rules are leaving some students ineligible for MBBS/BDS/nursing, highlighting contradictions between equivalency and MEC entrance criteria. Health Crisis Talks: Government teams are preparing formal talks with hunger-striking Prof. Dr. Govinda KC after health deteriorated, with treatment coordination at Seti Provincial Hospital. Agriculture & Imports Pressure: A report flags billions spent on imported timber and aluminum while domestic timber remains underused, with wasted logs along highways. Monsoon Disaster Costs: Analysis of Nepal’s weather disasters (2015–2025) says most lack monetary loss estimates, weakening prevention investment arguments. Digital Crackdown: Nepal’s NTA shut down 223,000+ illegal betting sites/apps, using task force and URL blocking as platforms keep resurfacing. STEM Talent Pipeline: Samsung Nepal completed a coding/programming course and opened applications for a new AI course under Samsung Innovation Campus.

Digital Banking: Global IME Bank teamed up with Nagarik App to let users open accounts by scanning a QR code, with details pulled securely from the app and final verification via branch or video KYC. Education Policy: A-level graduates are being blocked from MBBS/BDS and other health programs despite Grade 12 equivalency, pointing to a mismatch between CDC recognition and Medical Education Commission admission rules. Govt Restructuring: Nepal plans to cut about 10 secretary-level posts as ministries complete O&M surveys under federal restructuring. Cyber & Online Safety: Nepal Telecommunications Authority shut down 223,000+ illegal betting sites and apps, using a threat-intelligence tool and ISP coordination, though platforms keep resurfacing. Women in STEM: WONI’s 8th AGM highlighted women’s leadership in Nepal’s energy sector and recognized top engineering student projects, including electrical engineering and architecture. Agriculture Tech & Trade: Korea and Nepal signed two MoUs worth $11.8m to boost fruit/vegetable value chains and improve public access to legal information services. Health & Nutrition: Exclusive breastfeeding is declining (56% for up to 6 months), with concerns around C-sections and mother-baby separation practices. Infrastructure & Roads: E-tenders were called for Mahakali and East-West Highway upgrades and road-safety works, including rigid pavement sections. Border Security Tech: Home Minister said Nepal is using advanced tech like infrared drone cameras to strengthen border monitoring.

Korea-Nepal Deal: Nepal and South Korea signed two MoUs worth USD 11.8 million—one to boost fruits and vegetables value chains (USD 10m via KOICA, 2025–2031) and another to improve public access to legal information services. Food Safety Crackdown: In Madhesh, cases were filed against 62 entrepreneurs for allegedly producing and selling sub-standard edible items, including expired products and harmful adulteration. Education Reform Push: The government says it’s pursuing long-term education reforms, with a School Education Bill being reshaped to stay relevant for the next 30–50 years, including teacher staffing and student needs. Governance & Tech Appointments: PM Balen Shah has appointed 27 people to his secretariat, including an ICT advisor. Hydrogen Policy Consultations: Nepal is seeking public input to draft the legal and technical framework for hydrogen-based vehicles, covering safety standards, infrastructure, and possible vehicle conversion. Public Health & Consumer Protection: The Food Department halted Seven Up production after contamination concerns, while Rapti Academy of Health Sciences began grievance hearings for better governance and transparency. Border Security: Nepal’s police flagged illegal entries and open-border challenges, including concerns involving Rohingya, Pakistani and Somali nationals. Digital Enforcement: Nepal’s NTA shut down 223,568 betting apps and websites this year. EV Launch: TVS launched the TVS Orbiter electric scooter in Nepal with a claimed 158 km range and connected features. Tech Policy Crossfire (India): India ordered GitHub to remove Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat repositories; rights groups call it unconstitutional.

Hydrogen Mobility Policy: Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development has asked universities, research bodies, industries and partners for input on legal, safety and regulatory frameworks for hydrogen-based vehicles, including refuelling and skills needs. Food Safety Crackdown: The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control halted “Seven Up” production after finding external substances in a specific batch, while Butwal’s pesticide residue lab tested 3,001 vegetable and 99 fruit samples in a year and destroyed nine vegetable lots found unfit. Digital Governance & Security: Nepal’s NTA blocked 223,568 online betting apps and sites this year, and the communications minister ordered faster phone/internet service for Badimalika (Bajura) using helicopter support if needed. Bilateral Tech & Agriculture: Nepal and Korea signed two MoUs worth USD 11.8 million via KOICA—one for fruits/vegetables value chains and another for legal information services. Health System Management: Rapti Academy of Health Sciences began grievance hearings to improve transparency and patient-friendly services, while a report says key health institutions are still running under acting leadership. Consumer Tech: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra are expected to launch soon in Nepal, with estimated starting prices around NPR 280,000 and NPR 279,999 respectively. Mobility Launch: TVS Orbiter electric scooter launched in Nepal with 158 km range and connected features.

Tax Administration Push: Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told Inland Revenue officials to collect taxes by keeping taxpayers satisfied, urging voluntary compliance over intimidation and promising support for staff, infrastructure and digitalization—aimed partly at meeting FATF expectations. Telecom Policy Tangle: Ncell asked the Prime Minister’s office to revisit cabinet and NTA conditions tied to its 25-year ownership/share-transfer dispute, warning unresolved issues could hurt foreign investment and Nepal’s digital economy. Digital Youth Debate: A growing global push is moving from soft guidance to hard bans on social media access for minors, with Nepal’s own debate on whether to restrict underage users gaining attention. Climate Impact: Studies highlight how heat is worsening droughts and cutting working hours—UK heatwave losses and Europe’s more severe droughts are linked to rising temperatures and faster soil moisture loss. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Nepal tightened entry conditions for fresh mangoes from China after risk analysis flagged over 27 potential pests, including banned ones. Culture Under Pressure: Mithila folk dances are dwindling as performers leave and younger interest fades, putting historic traditions at risk. Tech & Learning: Sunweiyans Innovation Fest 2026 is set to showcase AI, robotics, drones and coding workshops in Kathmandu. Health & Research: TU marked its 67th anniversary, while Nepal also saw medical progress including a rare tumor surgery at Norvic.

FATF Grey List Push: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle says Nepal is making “effortful” moves to get off FATF’s Grey List, urging transparent, accountable tax administration, tighter scrutiny of money laundering, voluntary compliance, and faster digitalization of transactions. Investment Mood Check: Foreign direct investment commitments fell for a second straight year, with DoI data showing Rs 58.01bn in FY 2025/26—down from about Rs 64.96bn—raising fresh worries about investor confidence amid political and business uncertainty. Digital Tech for Nepal: NAS IT Expo 2026 is set for Nov 21-22, aiming to spotlight AI, cybersecurity, cloud and digital transformation, while Sunweiyans Innovation Fest 2026 (July 25) will bring robotics, drones and AI-focused workshops to students and tech fans. Space & Health Highlights: Nepali space innovator Jagriti Luitel will speak at IAC 2026 on space architecture for disaster resilience, and Norvic International Hospital reports a successful 7-hour surgery to remove a rare nerve-origin tumor near the brain artery. Public Health & Safety: Bird flu is reported fully under control after no new cases since July 17, and energy minister Shrestha calls for better coordination across federal, provincial and local governments for sustainable energy and water planning.

Solar & Grid Tech in Nepal: Huawei launched FusionSolar 9.0 Smart PV and LUTERRA grid-forming storage in Nepal, aiming to boost solar output management and stabilize the power system with AI-driven control and energy storage. Public Health & Food Safety: Nepal renewed warnings after a woman died from poisonous wild mushrooms, while Butwal lab tests found excessive organophosphate pesticide residues in green chillies, leading to destruction of contaminated produce. Education & University Leadership: Nepal Sanskrit University’s newly appointed VC Bhim Prasad Khatiwada took oath, pledging stronger study and research in art, literature, culture and religion. Road Safety in the Hills: Far-western Nepal’s monsoon roads are blamed for frequent jeep accidents, with narrow, unpaved routes and engineering gaps increasing risk. Ayurveda Policy Push: Health officials discussed expanding Ayurveda services, linking them with health insurance and building Pokhara, Kirtipur and Budhanilkantha as Ayurvedic tourism hubs. Tech & Consumer Life: Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra with an 8-inch display and upgraded AI features, while Nepal’s digital payments continue spreading via QR and mobile banking. Regional Security Cooperation: BIMSTEC security chiefs adopted maritime guidelines and anti-financial-crime capacity building steps, including AML/CFT preparedness.

Energy Tech in Nepal: Huawei launched FusionSolar 9.0 Smart Solar PV and LUTERRA grid-forming storage in Kathmandu, aiming to boost large-scale solar output and stabilize the power system with AI-driven management and electricity storage. Regional Cooperation: A BIMSTEC policy brief highlights the grouping’s shift toward practical, sector-based cooperation across trade, connectivity, security, energy, climate, agriculture, health and people-to-people links. Consumer Protection: A Kathmandu discussion flags weak implementation of Nepal’s consumer rights despite constitutional guarantees and the Consumer Protection Act, citing festival-time price hikes and poor market monitoring. Health & Biosecurity: Nepal’s bird flu situation is reported near control, with no new confirmed cases since mid-July, while labs keep testing suspicious samples. Digital for Trade: The Nepal Gemstone and Jewelry Federation launched an official website and mobile app to help gold and silver traders manage daily transactions and market information. Infrastructure & Industry: A cargo rail service reached Biratnagar customs yard, a milestone for the Morang–Sunsari industrial corridor, though sustainability needs policy fixes. Public Services: Government begins reviewing Nepal’s public holiday policy, saying too many closures disrupt citizen-facing services. Earthquake Update: A 4.2 quake hit western Nepal (Bajhang), with tremors felt in nearby districts and no damage reported.

Federalism Debate: A new analysis argues Nepal’s provincial tier was never just about costs—it was meant to deliver inclusion and decentralise authority, so the real question is whether development improved under federalism. Digital Governance: The government unveiled sweeping reforms to make public services fully digital, transparent, and time-bound via a single national platform, with offices required to simplify processes through time-and-motion studies. Energy & Water Coordination: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha pushed for shared ownership and result-oriented cooperation across federal, provincial, and local governments to speed up energy and water projects. Industry Push: PM Balendra Shah directed steps to establish a Textile and Clothing Development Council and revive garment factories using domestically sourced raw materials. Mining Progress: Dhaubadi Iron Company started mining scheme reports for the Pokhari and Ratekhola blocks, with chemical analysis underway and large iron ore estimates. Road & Urban Works: Kathmandu’s Chakrapath expansion faces delays and worsening road conditions, while Butwal–Gorusinghe road reached 28% progress despite monsoon setbacks. Public Health & Safety: Authorities warned again after wild mushroom poisonings, including a death in Dang. Policy Reversal: Nepal withdrew a 3% equity tax on private education and health after public backlash. Tech & Connectivity: Himalaya Airlines launched direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen flights, linking Nepal with China’s tech hub. Science & Society: A report on hunger strikes explains how the body deteriorates after weeks, using a current case in Delhi. Regional Security: BIMSTEC finalized an action plan against illicit financial flows and discussed capacity building to fight money laundering and terror financing. Earthquake Update: A 4.2 quake jolted Bajhang with no damage reports yet.

Tibetan Exile Governance: A new explainer revisits how the Tibetan National Uprising of 1959 and the Dalai Lama’s flight to India led to the Central Tibetan Administration, now home to over 145,000 Tibetans in exile. Heat & Work in South Asia: Dhaka’s informal workers are hit hardest as extreme heat rises faster than the “feels-like” temperature, cutting health and productivity and costing millions of workdays. Youth Jobs & AI Disruption: A global look at why entry-level hiring is stalling—graduate numbers up, hiring slow, and AI changing roles—fueling protests from Nepal to South Africa. Digital Payments Momentum: India’s UPI keeps expanding, now operating across multiple countries, while Nepal’s own digital payment shift is highlighted as QR and mobile banking become everyday tools. Nepal Health & Pharma: Nepal signs an agreement to expand domestic essential medicine production to 36 types within two years, aiming for self-reliance and faster procurement. Agriculture Tech Transfer: Chinese hybrid rice seedlings are being transplanted in Chitwan as part of a China-aided field trial to boost yields suited to local tastes. Nepal Tech for Social Good: A US Embassy-backed “Code for Impact” hackathon spotlights seven Nepali digital platforms tackling healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, accessibility and finance. Regional Security Cooperation: BIMSTEC security chiefs in New Delhi adopt maritime guidelines for disaster relief and law enforcement practices, with Nepal among the attendees. Energy & Infrastructure: Bangladesh’s Jashore–Benapole double-track rail feasibility study nears completion, promising faster cross-border trade and travel.

Nepal–Russia Ties: Nepal marked 70 years of diplomatic relations with Russia through a Kathmandu event featuring a historical photo exhibition and messages from Nepal’s foreign minister, with plans to expand cooperation in investment, trade, tourism, education, culture, and digitalisation. Youth Innovation: The US Embassy and Adhyanta Advisory’s “Code for Impact” hackathon crowned seven Nepali digital teams tackling real-world problems in healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, accessibility, and finance. Smart Education in Schools: ADB and Huawei Nepal launched a smart classroom and science inquiry workshop linking an urban Kathmandu school with schools outside the valley for live learning and real-time knowledge exchange. Everest Safety Tech: DJI highlighted how Airlift Technology used DJI Matrice 4E and DJI Terra to create 3D maps of Khumbu Icefall, helping “icefall doctors” plan safer routes. Health & Tech in Care: Kathmandu Medical College reported Nepal’s first orbital atherectomy case, while Kathmandu Metropolitan City cervical screening found 90 HPV-positive women from 2,975 screened. Climate & Food Security: WFP Nepal’s Riaz Lodhi stressed shifting from disaster response to climate-resilient, nutrition-focused farming and community support. Capital Market Watch: PM Balen Shah pledged action to fix capital market issues, including calls for a more technology-driven stock exchange and clearer tax rules. Policy for Safer Cities: Nepal’s budget proposal would make building insurance mandatory during urban building-map approvals, aiming to reduce disaster risk.

Capital Markets Push: PM Balen Shah pledged to tackle Kathmandu’s capital market and securities problems, promising coordination with stakeholders on investor morale, tax clarity, and a more technology-driven stock exchange. Infrastructure Update: Work on the Ratuwa River landmark bridge in Jhapa is over 50% complete, with CNC fabrication and rust-proof galvanization underway. Housing & Construction Costs: Reconstruction of Bhaisepati ministerial quarters is delayed as protests and price hikes slowed contracted blocks and furnishing works. Health Screening: Kathmandu Metropolitan City cervical cancer screening found 90 women HPV-positive out of 2,975 screened, with HPV-16 and HPV-18 among the detected types. Medical Tech Milestone: Kathmandu Medical College performed Nepal’s first orbital atherectomy for a severely blocked leg vein, aiming to avoid limb loss. Energy & Food Security: Nepal launched a China-supported agriculture-food system strengthening project, while Minister Gita Chaudhary stressed climate-smart agriculture and the need for internationally recognized testing labs. Public Health & Environment: Central Zoo Jawalakhel reopened after a 27-day bird flu closure, reporting Rs 30 million loss. Science & Longevity: A study suggests DNA damage may cap theoretical human lifespan at about 156 years. Regional Tech for Everest: DJI-linked drone mapping helped create high-altitude 3D models of Khumbu Icefall for safer route planning. Policy Watch: Drug Price Monitoring Committee proposed adjusting medicine prices using India’s NPPA as a reference, with annual updates planned.

Education Trade Watch: Nepal’s service trade deficit is widening as foreign study costs surge—education services imports hit Rs138.48bn in FY2024/25, while education exports stayed at just Rs3.89bn. Digital Payments Upgrade: Eastern Bank (EBL) and Visa launched Visa Payment Passkey, shifting online card authentication from OTPs to biometric/device-based verification. Financial Tech Regulation Push: 18 MPs filed 77 amendments to the Nepal Rastra Bank Bill, seeking clearer rules for digital banks, CBDC recognition, crypto licensing, and a regulatory sandbox for fintech testing. Banking via Nagarik App: NMB Bank partnered with DoIT to enable secure, consent-based data autofill through the Nagarik App for faster online banking forms. ICT Innovation Call: Nominations for ICT Award 2026 opened, with categories spanning startups, digital education, and South Asia AI; entries close Aug 31. Energy & Infrastructure: Government plans to boost electricity use by expanding and modernizing transmission/distribution, with Rs80bn earmarked to gradually replace LPG and support EV growth. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5 quake struck Rukum East; no damage reported so far. Road Safety & Mobility: FIA launched road safety projects across Asia-Pacific, including Nepal, via a Safe Mobility programme. Social Tech & Inclusion: Madhes Dalit rights conferences issued a 10-point Bardibas Declaration for climate justice and land/identity rights of Freed Harwa Charwa. Public Services Debate: Kathmandu’s library closures and parking crisis highlight gaps in public investment and urban planning.

Road Infrastructure: The Kanchanpur–Kamala road upgrade on the Western Mahendra Highway is stuck far behind schedule, with only about 7.2% completed despite years of extensions and a target that has long passed. Public Health & Food Safety: Canada is watching for cyclospora-linked “explosive diarrhea” risks tied to imported fresh produce, with agencies pointing to specific high-risk items and seasonal spikes. Disaster Update: A magnitude 5 quake struck Rukum East (Lumbini), with tremors felt in nearby districts; officials report no damage so far. Digital Finance: NMB Bank and Nepal’s DoIT will integrate Nagarik App for secure, consent-based data autofill in online banking forms, aiming to cut paperwork and speed up services. Electricity Transition: The government is prioritizing power infrastructure upgrades to raise domestic electricity use, including plans to gradually replace LPG for cooking and support electric vehicles, with Rs 80 billion earmarked. ICT Ecosystem: Nominations for ICT Award 2026 have opened online, covering startups, digital education, government/digital initiatives, and South Asia AI innovation, with applications due by Aug 31. Urban Tech & Services: Kathmandu’s e-ticketing for Shivapuri–Nagarjun National Park entry has been tested and will roll out from next week, with QR and related equipment to improve transparency and revenue handling. Policy & Regulation: 18 MPs have filed 77 amendments to the Nepal Rastra Bank bill, pushing for clearer rules around digital banking, CBDC, crypto regulation, and a regulatory sandbox for fintech testing. Energy & Mobility Safety: FIA launched road safety projects across Asia-Pacific, including Nepal, after a regional training program for building safer mobility systems.

Consumer Protection: Nepal’s Consumer Court says it settled more than half its cases in its first year, including a Rs26.19 million award against Qatar Airways over hot coffee spill and Rs11 million for a death linked to electrocution at a hotel pool. Urban Transport: Kathmandu’s parking squeeze is back in the spotlight after a fatal self-immolation allegedly tied to a dispute with KMC security, raising fresh calls for better short-stop and parking alternatives. Waste Management: The Supreme Court issued a mandamus for Kathmandu Valley solid-waste reforms, pushing segregation at source, scheduled collection, and stronger coordination across all government levels. Green Tech for Tourism: Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park tested e-ticketing and plans to run it from next week at key entry gates, aiming to digitize access across parks within six months. Energy Policy: The government says it will expand and modernize electricity infrastructure to boost consumption, including plans to gradually shift cooking from LPG to electricity and support electric vehicles. FDI & Industry: Nepal approved Rs58 billion in foreign investment commitments for FY 2082/83, with the biggest share in tourism and large activity in IT. Infrastructure Payments: The Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola tunnel will use RFID prepaid tags for automated toll collection, with banks already cleared to issue the cards. Education & Research: The government has started efforts to resolve a 15-year land dispute between Rampur Campus and AFU in Chitwan, citing impacts on labs and long-term plans. AI in Media: Annapurna Media Network launched “Sampurna,” an AI-powered Nepali digital super app with an AI virtual presenter.

Electricity VAT Shift: Nepal’s Inland Revenue Department issued a directive starting July 17: households using over 50 units/month will pay 5% VAT only on the excess, while businesses and other non-domestic users face 13% VAT on their full electricity bill. FDI Push: The Department of Industry approved FDI commitments of Rs 58 billion for FY 2082/83 across 1,116 projects, with big shares in agriculture, tourism, and IT. Land Market Surge: With higher capital gains tax kicking in from July 17, Nepal saw a record 10,968 land transactions on July 16, bringing Rs 1.737 billion in revenue. Ayurveda Meets Surgery Tech: AIIA concluded Saushrutam 2026, a three-day international seminar promoting collaboration between Ayurveda and modern surgical sciences. AI in Nepali Media: Annapurna Media Network launched “Sampurna,” an AI-powered super app offering news plus daily services like FX, fuel, weather, and horoscopes. Public Health & Tech: Nepal aims to produce 36 essential medicines within two years via Nepal Drug Limited, starting from 11 currently produced. Cybersecurity: Police arrested a suspect linked to alleged hacking of Nepal’s NBR customs systems to support smuggling attempts. Education Tech Leadership: Dr. Khemraj Joshi was appointed CEO of Engineering College, Bhaktapur, with plans to upgrade labs including digital twin tech.