AGP Executive Report

Science & Innovation Budget Push: Minister Mahabir Pun urged provinces and local governments to earmark 1% of capital budgets for science and innovation, aiming to make tech adoption a practical driver of development. Public Input on Law Updates: Nepal’s Ministry of Law opened a week-long public feedback window on draft amendments to 20+ acts, including education, health, land, civil service, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. Disaster Risk & Climate Watch: ICIMOD’s HKH Monsoon Outlook 2026 warns that even with below-normal rainfall, short bursts of intense rain, heat stress, flash floods, and landslides remain high-risk—especially for mountain communities. Electricity Grid Upgrade: MCA-Nepal broke ground on the Ratmate substation, New Damauli substation, and a 297-km transmission line under the MCC Nepal Compact to reduce bottlenecks and improve reliability. Telecom Corruption Case Moves: Nepal’s Special Court ordered argument notes to be submitted in a corruption case involving former NTC MD Sunil Poudel and 18 others tied to alleged billing-system irregularities. Health System Accountability: Auditor General-linked reporting says vaccine wastage reached about Rs 41.05 crore due to storage and utilization failures, with high wastage rates flagged for some vaccines. Transport Safety Funding: The FY 2083/84 budget sets aside over Rs 5.62 billion for road safety and landslide control, giving landslide work a dedicated heading for the first time. Nepal–China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will visit China (June 14–17) for talks with Wang Yi, focusing on strengthening Nepal-China cooperation.

Energy Infrastructure: MCA-Nepal has broken ground on the Ratmate Substation, New Damauli Substation and a 297-km transmission line under the MCC Nepal Compact, aiming to strengthen Nepal’s 400-kV grid and cut bottlenecks. Health Systems: A Tribhuvan University study says Kathmandu Valley slum women get antenatal check-ups, but postnatal care drops sharply, linked to unstable income and transport/medicine costs; meanwhile, Auditor General findings warn vaccines worth about Rs 41.05 crore were wasted due to storage and use failures. Digital & Cross-border Tech: Nepal and India moved ahead on cross-border digital payments, with FM Shisir Khanal briefing Parliament on India talks that also covered digital public infrastructure and language AI. Science & Innovation: Bhaktapur Hospital plans to launch robotic surgery, with a tender already called for state-of-the-art equipment in a government hospital. Education/Research Talent: IIT Madras awarded MTech and other postgraduate degrees to 46 international students, including Nepal. Agriculture & Trade: Nepal’s fertilizer supply claim tops 5.58 lakh metric tons, while Nepali tea exports to India face new delays over mandatory lab testing reports. Public Safety: Rabies vaccine shortages in districts are pushing patients to Sukraraj Hospital in Kathmandu, where stock is running low. Robotics & Climate Tech: A climbing robot, Pemba, reached Chimborazo’s summit, pointing to future AI-assisted high-risk mountain monitoring and search-and-rescue.

Rabies Preparedness: District hospitals are running out of anti-rabies vaccine doses, forcing patients to travel to Kathmandu and even buy shots privately, as Sukraraj Hospital warns supplies may not last a week. Digital Rights & Safety: Nepal has started blocking 3 dozen+ websites for pirated FIFA World Cup 2026 streaming, pushing users toward official channels as unauthorized sites raise phishing and malware risks. Nepal–India Payments: Cross-border UPI–NPI digital remittances have gone live, enabling real-time, low-cost transfers via mobile numbers, VPAs, and UPI IDs. Energy Infrastructure: MCA-Nepal has begun construction of 400kV substations and a 297km transmission line under the MCC Nepal Compact, aiming to cut grid bottlenecks. Health Tech in Nepal: Bhaktapur Hospital plans to launch robotic surgery in a government setup, with a tender already called. Climate & Monsoon Risk: ICIMOD warns the Hindu Kush-Himalaya may see below-average monsoon rain but still faces high hazard risks like flash floods and landslides. Science & Innovation: Nepal’s new Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has started operations, beginning from scratch with early policy and management steps. AI & Cancer Care: 4baseCare raised Rs 128 crore to expand genomics labs and scale its AI oncology platform, with labs already in Nepal among other countries. Accessibility Online: Accessibility tools are now built into all government websites to support users with visual and other impairments.

Nepal–India Digital Payments: Nepal’s cross-border UPI–NPI remittance link is now live, enabling real-time person-to-person transfers using mobile numbers, VPAs and UPI IDs, with transaction limits and fees set for both directions. Science & Innovation Setup: Nepal’s newly formed Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has started from scratch after leadership took charge, including an O&M survey and plans to stand up its website and staffing. Energy Grid Boost: MCA-Nepal broke ground on the Ratmate and New Damauli substations plus a 297km transmission line under the MCC Nepal Compact, aiming to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability. Power Project Milestone: A 220kV switchyard at Rahughat’s corridor in Myagdi has begun operation, connecting 127.8MW to the national grid. Digital Inclusion: Government websites and apps are being updated with accessibility tools for low vision, color blindness, hearing difficulty and seniors, aligned with WCAG-style guidance. Education Consultancy Crackdown: Nepal is moving to enforce registration and renewal rules for education consultancies, with raids and legal action against non-renewed operators. Border Diplomacy Line: Nepal’s FM Shishir Khanal told parliament the government is not seeking third-party mediation for the India border dispute, reaffirming a bilateral, treaty-based approach. Himalayan Rim Film Exhibition: A Chinese film exhibition opened in Kathmandu, screening martial arts Wuxia titles with cross-cultural events at universities. Tech Sector Growth Angle: A report highlights Nepal’s fast-growing IT and AI services exports, pointing to early “hockey stick” momentum for the sector.

Digital Payments: Nepal–India cross-border UPI transfers are now live via NCHL–UPI linkage, enabling 24/7 remittances using VPAs; Nepal-to-India caps are INR 15,000 per transaction (INR 100,000 monthly) and India-to-Nepal allows up to INR 200,000 per transaction. Energy & Water Planning: The government allocated NPR 114 billion to the Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry for FY 2083/84, targeting 1,040 MW added to the grid and expanded transmission lines. Govt Tech & Innovation: PM Balen inducted Sudan Gurung as Home Minister and Mahabir Pun as Science, Technology and Innovation Minister; the Communications Ministry says most governance reforms under its 100-point agenda are moving into implementation. Data Infrastructure: Ncell’s Nakkhu Integrated Data Center received ANSI/TIA-942-C Tier III “design & constructed” certification, supporting secure, high-availability digital services. Climate & Disaster Risk: ICIMOD warns that even with a below-normal monsoon forecast, short intense rainfall plus heat and reduced snow buffer could raise flash-flood and landslide risks across the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Wildlife & Livelihoods: Farmers in Madhesh struggle to access relief for wildlife crop damage due to complex procedures and delays. Science Diplomacy: Nepal is pushing “economic diplomacy” and deeper India ties, including language AI and digital public infrastructure cooperation. Everest Safety: A Nepali guide survived after six days missing in the death zone, highlighting both the risks and the growing role of drones in rescue.

Science & Tech Ministry Reset: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah expanded the cabinet, reappointing Sudan Gurung as Home Minister and inducting Mahabir Pun as the new Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, with both taking the oath at the President’s office. Governance Reforms: The Communications Ministry says most of its 100-point governance reform programmes are done and moving into implementation, urging agencies to meet deadlines and fix bottlenecks fast. Digital Land Security (Region): Bhutan launched a digital consent mechanism tied to its national digital ID to verify land ownership and reduce fraud, with a pilot before wider rollout. Clean Energy Pilot: Butwal Power Company inaugurated a 50 kW green hydrogen pilot in Pyuthan using renewable hydropower for electrolysis, with World Bank technical support and UK funding. AI & Work Skills: Nepal’s Labour Minister told the ILO that the next decade will be the “Decade for Promoting Domestic Employment,” stressing AI, digital economy jobs, and protections for gig work. Smart Border Tech (India): India’s Land Port Management System “Vinimay” was launched to digitise cargo and passenger processing and improve border security. Startup/AI Talent Link: Global Teams AI expanded its reseller network to let professional services firms deliver AI-ready talent solutions, including partners tied to Nepal’s tech ecosystem.

Digital Payments & Security: India’s UPI keeps scaling fast, but fraud like QR phishing and PIN scams is rising, with recent estimates putting losses in the billions of rupees—raising the bar for safer cross-border and domestic payment use. Startup & Innovation Funding: Nepal’s budget 2026/27 sets aside nearly Rs 4 billion for science, technology and innovation, including Rs 500 million for a new Nepal Enterprise Facility to back startups and SMEs. Climate Tech for Farmers: WFP and Nepal launched the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator, selecting Nepal startups for pilots like solar irrigation, clean energy, digital farm advisory, satellite insurance and climate data tools. AML Compliance Push: ZIGRAM partnered with AMNIL Technologies to deploy AML and financial crime compliance systems across Nepal’s banking and payments sector as Nepal works to exit the FATF grey list. Himalayan Tech in the Field: Drones are now helping Everest logistics—reducing dangerous supply trips through the Khumbu Icefall. Wildlife Conservation: A rare Chinese pangolin was documented in Sunsari, adding another district to Nepal’s growing pangolin map. Education & AI Talent: Nepali students won prizes at Codeavour 7.0, building AI/coding/robotics projects on issues like unsafe water, air pollution and smart agriculture. Tech for Everyday Life: Nepal Telecom launched a FIFA World Cup 2026 IPTV package for Rs 999 for NT TV users.

Innovation Funding: Nepal’s budget 2026/27 sets aside Rs 4 billion for science, technology and innovation, with Rs 500 million earmarked for a new Nepal Enterprise Facility to back startups and SMEs. Climate Tech & Food Security: WFP and Nepal’s agriculture ministry kick off the AFCIA Innovation Accelerator, backing Nepal startups with support for solar irrigation, clean energy, digital farm advisory, satellite-based insurance and climate data tools. Regional Environment Cooperation: Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary calls for stronger South Asia cooperation to tackle plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss, warning that microplastics are even showing up in human blood. AI, Energy & Water Debate: Former finance minister Surendra Pandey warns AI growth could intensify global energy and water stress, urging Nepal to balance tech benefits with environmental safeguards. Digital Connectivity for Sports: Nepal Telecom launches a FIFA World Cup 2026 package for NT TV users at Rs 999, with activation via the Himalaya Sports channel and OTP. STEM Recognition: Nepali students win at “Codeavour 7.0” AI/coding/robotics competition, earning international prizes for projects on water safety, air pollution, smart agriculture and medicine management. Nepal–India Tech Links: India and Nepal move ahead on cross-border digital payments and language AI/digital public infrastructure collaboration under BHASHINI and Kathmandu University. Himalayan Wildlife Tech: BBC’s “Tiger Island” debuts with drone footage and camera-based tiger monitoring in Bardiya, drawing mixed viewer reactions.

Nepal–India Digital & Health Ties: India’s Jaishankar handed over 72 health facilities and 12 heritage projects to Nepal and both sides launched UPI–NPI linkage for cross-border remittances, alongside a BHASHINI–Kathmandu University MoU for a “voice-first” language translation platform. Border Diplomacy: Nepal’s FM Shishir Khanal reiterated that no third-party mediation is sought and urged resolving the boundary row through existing bilateral mechanisms with an “open heart” and a development-first agenda. Climate Tech for Food Security: WFP and Nepal’s agriculture ministry launched the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator, backing Nepal startups with solar irrigation, digital farm advisory, satellite-based insurance and climate data tools. EV Push: Nepal’s MoID report says the country needs 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 (up from about 1,000 today). Himalayan Disaster Risk: Studies highlight rising avalanche and glacial lake outburst threats in Namkha (Humla) and changing glacier-flood patterns across the Himalayas. Wildlife Conservation: Researchers confirmed a rare Chinese pangolin in a sacred community forest in Sunsari using camera traps. Academic Exchange: Kathmandu University will host an Australia–Nepal academic exchange (8–13 June) focused on advanced writing and research skills. Health System Relief: Health insurance arrears are easing as the government clears payments to hospitals and beneficiaries. Tiger Island Buzz: BBC’s Nepal-shot “Tiger Island” sparks strong viewer reactions, with praise for footage and complaints about presenters.

Nepal–India Digital Push: India’s Jaishankar handed over 72 health facilities and 12 heritage projects to Nepal and both sides launched UPI–NPI linkage for cross-border remittances, while Digital India Bhashini and Kathmandu University signed an MoU to build a “Voice First” language translation platform. Border Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged “open heart” talks to resolve the Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura dispute through bilateral mechanisms, rejecting third-party mediation. EV Readiness: Nepal’s MoID study says the country needs at least 10,000 EV charging stations by 2030 (from about 1,000 today) to hit the 90% private EV target. Health & Licensing: Nepal Health Professionals Council clarified it will proceed with Medical Microbiology licensing once its board is fully constituted, after delays. Elder Care in Mustang: A study in Upper Mustang found loneliness, healthcare gaps, and weak community elderly care support among seniors. Tech & Education: Huawei ICT Competition drew 220,000+ students globally, and Nepal’s Inter-Legislative Forum backed a “Digital Parliament” push using IT for better coordination. Science & Nature: A 5.6 quake hit Bhutan with tremors felt across the Himalayas; BBC’s Tiger Island drew strong viewer praise.

Nepal–India Digital Push: Nepal and India signed an MoU to co-develop a voice-first multilingual language AI platform and multilingual Digital Public Infrastructure, with BHASHINI and Kathmandu University leading the work. Cross-Border Payments: The two sides also launched UPI–NPI peer-to-peer linkage to speed up personal remittances between the countries. Diplomacy on Borders: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal repeated that Nepal wants to resolve the boundary dispute through dialogue, saying “no problem is too large” if both sides approach with an “open heart” and a clear focus on Nepal’s economic transformation. Regional Connectivity Agenda: PM Balendra Shah urged BIMSTEC members to tackle climate and disasters together while boosting transport, trade, and digital networks. Food Safety Focus: Health Minister Nisha Mehta said foodborne diseases remain a major public health challenge and pledged stronger food hygiene enforcement, lab testing, and risk-based market monitoring. AI Update: OpenAI announced a major ChatGPT upgrade that improves how the system remembers user preferences and ongoing context over time. Urban Transport Debate: Metro rail in Kathmandu Valley is back in the spotlight as an infrastructure expert argues road limits demand high-capacity public transport.

Nepal-India Digital & Health Push: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met EAM S Jaishankar in New Delhi, reviewing cooperation across development, connectivity, trade, energy and people-to-people ties, and both sides launched a UPI–NPI cross-border payments linkage while welcoming progress on a mutual legal assistance treaty for criminal matters. Reconstruction Deliveries: Jaishankar also virtually handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects to Nepal under the post-2015 earthquake reconstruction programme, alongside a Digital India Bhashini–Kathmandu University MoU for a “voice first” language translation platform. Reset in Diplomacy: Khanal said Nepal’s new government carries “no old baggage” and wants a result-driven, transformative relationship with India, with energy and hydropower framed as a priority for moving beyond project-by-project cooperation. Uber Goes Live in Nepal: App-based ride-hailing giant Uber debuted in Nepal with Uber Go/Comfort and Uber Bike, citing early driver sign-ups and a focus on motorbike demand. KOICA Volunteer Programme Review: KOICA held a consultative workshop in Lalitpur to strengthen its volunteer programme in Nepal, sharing best practices with partner organizations and government stakeholders. Energy & Green Hydrogen Policy Work: AEPC chaired a workshop reviewing green hydrogen initiatives, with updates on advancing the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill and strengthening legal frameworks. Road Safety Law Stalled: Nepal’s long-awaited road safety act has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo for eight years, leaving enforcement to general transport rules despite rising accident concerns. Everest Survival Tech Angle: A stranded Everest guide survived nearly a week by “chewing ice,” highlighting how modern rescue approaches are increasingly shaping outcomes on the mountain.

Child Health Warning: A BMJ-linked global analysis says progress in reducing newborn, child, and adolescent deaths has slowed sharply since 2015, with 4.9 million under-5 deaths in 2024 and nearly half among newborns. World Environment Day: Nepal’s Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary urged “nature-friendly development” and climate-resilient infrastructure, pushing a green economy powered by climate finance, forests, energy, and biodiversity. Road Safety Stalled: Nepal’s long-awaited Road Safety Act has been stuck for eight years, leaving enforcement reliant on general transport rules as accidents keep rising. Mobility Tech Boost: Uber officially launched in Nepal with Uber Go, Uber Comfort, and Uber Bike, already onboarding 2,000+ drivers and testing multiple business models. EV Enforcement: The government formed a probe committee to investigate 779 seized electric vehicles over suspected revenue evasion, with document checks underway. Aviation Connectivity: Himalaya Airlines began direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen flights, opening a new Nepal–China air corridor tied to Shenzhen’s tech and manufacturing hub status. Green Hydrogen Push: Nepal’s energy minister highlighted green hydrogen as a path to energy security and industrial growth, citing a policy and a planned pilot project. Public Safety Tech (Global): Canada’s Smart Beach Light project uses real-time offshore data to show hazard levels for swimmers. Research & Innovation: Nepalgunj hosts a National Conference on Technology for Transformation, focusing on turning research into practical solutions for development.

Aviation & Connectivity: Himalaya Airlines launched the first direct scheduled Kathmandu–Shenzhen–Kathmandu flights, opening a new Nepal–China air corridor to Shenzhen, a major tech and manufacturing hub. Mobility Tech: Uber officially debuted in Nepal, rolling out Uber Go, Uber Comfort and Uber Bike with early driver sign-ups reported in the thousands. Digital Governance & Cybersecurity: Communication and IT Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina met UN agencies to push digital transformation, cybercrime control, safer media ecosystems, and AI capacity for civil servants. Policy & Governance Reform: The Election Commission proposed major constitutional changes, including shrinking the federal parliament and reshaping the National Assembly and governance structures. Energy & Industry Policy: A new mining bill draft proposes tighter state control over radioactive minerals like uranium, while Nepal’s mining sector faces a shift away from private excavation. Climate & Resilience: World Environment Day coverage highlights Nepal’s climate vulnerability and the push for nature-friendly, preparedness-led development. Health & Workforce: Nepal Medical Council results show mixed outcomes for foreign-trained doctors, while the Nepal Medical Association demands overtime pay and clearer duty rules. Economy & Tech Ambition: CNI leaders reiterated a push toward a $100 billion economy by 2033, tying growth to energy, ICT and industrial transformation. Governance Watch: Government formed a probe committee into the seizure of 779 EVs over customs and revenue evasion concerns.

Aviation & Trade Links: Himalaya Airlines launched direct Kathmandu–Shenzhen scheduled flights, opening a new Nepal–China air corridor to one of China’s tech hubs. Climate & Nature Policy: On World Environment Day, Nepal’s leaders pushed nature-friendly, climate-resilient development, while commentary highlighted how glacier melt and waste are worsening across the Himalayas. Election Governance: Nepal’s Election Commission suggested constitutional changes to restructure itself, including adding IT expertise among commissioners. Energy Reform Debate: Community electricity users urged stronger local government roles in the NEA overhaul and demanded withdrawal of a 5% VAT on higher electricity consumption. Lab & Justice Modernization: The government is preparing a bill to make Nepal’s national forensic lab internationally credible, with modernization and expert consultations. Higher Education Accountability: TU study-leave misuse crackdown saw Rs 104.6 million recovered from professors, with more cases still being pursued. Labour Rights: A new study reports widespread wage theft in Nepal’s informal sector, especially hitting women and vulnerable workers. Agritech Cooperation: KOPIA Nepal marked its first year, focusing on agricultural technology transfer, joint research, and field demonstrations with Korea. Health & Education Tech Culture: Minister Timilsina said literature still matters even in an AI-driven world, as Nepal’s media and education ecosystem debates tech’s role in society.

Higher Education Accountability: Nepal’s Education Minister Sashmit Pokhrel says the ministry is cracking down on university teachers who didn’t return after study/sabbatical leave, recovering Rs 104.6 million from TU staff and continuing further recovery; he notes TU losses of over Rs 2 billion tied to misuse of study leave. Medical Training Results: Nepal Medical Council license exam results show a 66.95% pass rate (1,515 passed out of 2,263), with MBBS pass at 76.79% for Nepali-college students. Education Consultancy Crackdown: MoEST urges students to use only renewed overseas-study consultancies after police raids on Kathmandu Valley firms over alleged fraud and document falsification. Digital Governance & IT Push: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina says all government layers must review performance on the IT sector as Nepal moves toward digital reforms. Infrastructure Financing: Japan signs an additional JPY 5.7 billion loan for the Nagdhunga Tunnel, with the 2.68 km tunnel nearing completion and expected to open to the public in July 2026. Tech in Healthcare: SS Innovations reports the world’s longest-distance robotic telesurgery—heart surgery performed across ~12,500 miles between Guyana and India. Everest Tech & Safety: Reports highlight drones helping Everest logistics and a guide found alive after crawling back to Base Camp following a week missing.