AGP Executive Report

Government 100 Days Report: PM Balendra Shah’s administration says it hit an 87.2% overall score in its first 100 days, claiming 70% of tasks fully done, plus progress on administrative reform, public service delivery, digital governance, fiscal discipline and anti-corruption steps. Public Service Push: The government also highlights faster passport and driving licence delivery, including doorstep passport dispatches and expanded digital systems for services. Good Governance & Savings: Officials claim savings of about Rs 20 billion annually after trimming federal ministries to 18, alongside moves to reduce costly structures. Nepali Football Under FIFA Ban: FIFA’s suspension of ANFA over “third-party interference” is leaving Nepal’s football in limbo, with stakeholders worried about a “lost generation” as international activity stalls. Arts & Culture in Focus: A piece on theatre and arts in political times looks at how Nepal’s creative scene navigates construction, demolition, and divisions. South Asian Heritage at F1: Bhangra dancers and drummers kicked off South Asian Heritage Month at Silverstone, with a brief on-grid incident involving a drummer. Wellness Tourism Plan: The government says it will establish five integrated wellness centres by 2035 as part of a wellness tourism strategy. Sports Spotlight: Binu Gharti wins double medals at the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship in Bhutan.

Wellness Tourism Push: Nepal’s government says it will set up five Integrated Wellness Centres by 2035, backed by a National Wellness Tourism Strategy (2026-2035) aiming to lift wellness travellers to 11% of international arrivals by 2030. 100-Day Governance Updates: In its first 100 days, the administration highlights passport and driving licence delivery gains, digital reforms for services like PAN certificates, and a doorstep service push across districts. Cost-Cutting & Policy Reforms: Officials claim savings of Rs 20 billion by trimming federal ministries to 18, alongside administrative restructuring and procurement and integrity-related measures. Digital Crime Capacity: The US handed over a state-of-the-art Digital Forensic Laboratory to Nepal Police to strengthen cyber-enabled crime investigations. Gen-Z Welfare Plan: A support package for Gen-Z movement victims includes allowances for 513 injured protesters and a Gen-Z Welfare Council to coordinate aid. Film & Culture: Parda Faash 3.0 in Mumbai spotlights South Asian stories of identity and resilience, while Nepal’s theatre scene reportedly has no domestic releases right now, with “Gauthali” slated for July 17. Sports Spotlight: Binu Gharti won double medals at the South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship in Bhutan, and Nepal also picked up additional medals on the final day. Education Leadership: Vice-chancellors for seven universities were appointed through an integrated open process, with oaths taken for the new leadership. Heritage Recognition: Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur received a 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit plaque and certificate after restoration work supported by India’s grant. Community Notes & Events: Local listings include art and craft meetups, a Fourth of July fest in Lazimpat, and a free Master’s fine arts graduate show at the Nepal Art Council.

Governance & Education Reform: Nepal’s first 100 days under PM Balendra Shah spotlight open competition for vice-chancellors, faster exam-result timelines, and education reforms approved by the Cabinet, with Minister Sasmit Pokharel urging youth to build opportunities at home. University Updates: Kathmandu University held its 31st convocation with 1,527 graduates, while vice-chancellors for seven universities were appointed through an integrated process. Film & Cinema: Nepali cinema is currently absent from theatres, as producers wait after box-office disappointments; the next release, “Gauthali,” is set for July 17. Music & Culture: Radio Kantipur’s award tradition traces back to paying artists for airplay, evolving into today’s National Music Awards; meanwhile, Nepal’s Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur received a 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit. Art Scene: Nepal Art Council’s “Samaveta: MFA Graduate Show 2026” brings together 20 MFA graduates, with free entry until July 4. Sports & Football: FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 wrapped up, with Argentina beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time and Switzerland defeating Algeria 2-0 to reach the final 16. Gender & Youth Change: The We Men Club is helping boys challenge harmful stereotypes and talk more openly about emotions and gender equality. Heritage Music Story: Musician Sarada Dangol is working to keep dapha alive, after learning the tradition in secret and pushing for wider community awareness. Tourism Boost: Domestic tourism is reported to have injected Rs400 billion into the economy as more young Nepalis travel.

Education & Youth: Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel told Kathmandu University’s 31st convocation that the government is committed to quality education in Nepal and urged graduates to build careers at home. University Leadership: PM Balendra Shah appointed vice-chancellors for seven universities, with oath-taking completed and letters issued through an integrated selection process. Arts & Culture: Nepal Art Council opened “Samaveta: MFA Graduate Show 2026,” featuring works by 20 MFA graduates across painting, sculpture, installations and printmaking. Music & Heritage: Sarada Dangol is working to keep dapha alive, battling both past gender barriers and today’s fading community awareness. Sports (Bodybuilding): Nepal won three medals at the 16th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Championship in Bhutan, including a gold by Akash Shrestha. Football Governance: Patan High Court ordered the government to stop restricting ANFA officials’ travel abroad, after passport “watchlist” issues blocked FIFA/AFC participation. International Spotlight: India’s Embassy in Kathmandu handed UNESCO’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit to Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur.

UNESCO Heritage Moment: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu handed over the 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit to Lalitpur’s Jestha Varna Mahavihar, restored with India’s post-earthquake grant support, with UNESCO’s Nepal representative and Lalitpur Mayor present. Football Governance Shake-up: Nepal’s government says it will end political interference and corruption in ANFA, forming a high-level committee to investigate irregularities and reopen dialogue with FIFA/AFC to lift the suspension. Women’s Leadership & Community Work: Helvetas Nepal’s SheLeads project is spotlighted through SOS Children’s Village Nepal’s mothers’ group leader Sabina Chaudhary, showing how training and mentoring are strengthening local women’s roles. Health & Food Security: The Ministry released Rs 500 million to compensate poultry farmers hit by bird flu, covering up to 75% of evaluated losses. Education Reform Push: The Ministry of Education and Sports says exam results are now more time-bound—SEE in one month, Grade 12 in 40 days, and university exams in 65 days—alongside faster NOC processing and more digital services. Tech/TV & Culture: Nepal’s Net TV is reported to have received an official OTT broadcasting licence, while a global film spotlight notes Kathmandu-set supernatural drama “Shakti” winning at international festivals.

National Service Corps Bill: The government has registered the National Service Corps Bill in Parliament, allowing Nepal Army training for citizens aged 13–21 and opening the door to training other individuals if the Council of Ministers deems it necessary, with volunteer deployment left to cabinet authority. Education reforms: In its first 100 days, the Ministry of Education says it has sped up exam result timelines (SEE in one month, Grade 12 in 40 days, university in 65 days) and improved NOC services via integrated databases. Cabinet appointments: Hikmat Bahadur Rawal has been named general manager of Gorkhapatra Corporation, alongside other key posts and transfers. Asian Games push: Nepal’s NSC and NOC showed unity as preparations enter the final phase for Nagoya 2026, with plans for more high-performance training abroad. Music & TV: Radio Kantipur’s Xtreme Energy Drink National Music Awards returns on July 10, while the documentary podcast Freedom Needs a Soundtrack releases Episode 3. Nepali culture: Women in Salyan are increasingly performing Naumati and Panche Baja, with local training programs helping them take up public roles. Film spotlight: NewFilmmakers Los Angeles announced winners, with Nani Sahra Walker taking Best New Filmmaker for Shakti. Sports note: AFC says Nepal can still qualify for two AFC tournaments if FIFA’s ANFA suspension is lifted by set deadlines.

Miss Foreign World 2026: Filipina model-athlete Sherrymae Valenzuela, crowned MFW Philippines 2026, is set to compete at Miss Foreign World International in Kathmandu this September, with the pageant spotlighting cultural exchange, tourism and women empowerment. Nepali Football Update: The AFC says Nepal can still join two AFC youth tournaments if FIFA lifts its suspension in time—U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers by July 13 and U20 by August 1—after Nepal missed the Women’s Champions League window. Folk Culture, Women in Music: In Salyan, local government training is helping women take over Naumati and Panche Baja performances, forming groups to play at weddings and rituals. Music Awards Night: Radio Kantipur’s Xtreme Energy Drink Presents National Music Awards lands July 10 at The Plaza, Pulchowk, featuring Samriddhi Rai, Ujan Shakya, Deepak Bajracharya, Mantra Band and John and The Locals. TU Leadership: PM Balen Shah appointed former secretary Kishore Thapa as chairperson of the Tribhuvan University Service Commission, with Prof Dr Regina Maskey named a member. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly will discuss headings of the Appropriation Bill, including Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Education and Sports, and Information and Communications.

Education Reform: Nepal’s University Grants Commission has brought a revised national academic calendar into force, aiming to make higher-education activities more systematic and aligned with the government’s 100-day agenda on timely exam results. New Appointments: Shailendra Jha has been appointed advisor to the Ministry of Education and Sports, while Kishore Thapa was named chair of Tribhuvan University’s Service Commission, both framed as steps toward better governance and merit-based HR. Arts & Culture: The Atlas Hotel in Boston unveiled its curated art and design program featuring emerging voices, while photographer Armelle Martignoni’s “One World” project supports local NGOs through a global collection. Music Spotlight: Radio Kantipur’s Xtreme Energy Drinks National Music Awards return July 10 with awards across 14 categories plus Lifetime Achievement and a People’s Choice vote via eSewa. Film & Media: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina said the government is ready to develop the Nepali film sector through a film bill shaped with filmmakers’ input. Sports & Community: Nepal’s football and sports ecosystem continues to draw attention amid international developments, while the Indian Embassy’s Kathmandu cricket tournament highlighted people-to-people ties and support for young players.

OTT & Media Licensing: Net TV Pvt. Ltd. has received an official OTT broadcasting licence in Nepal, letting it run 24-hour streaming via its app and website with licensed Nepali, English and Hindi channels plus 1,000+ movies and series. Music Awards: Radio Kantipur’s 8th Xtreme Energy Drinks NMA National Music Awards is set for July 10 at The Plaza Convention Centre, Pulchowk, with awards across 14 categories, a Lifetime Achievement prize and a People’s Choice vote via eSewa. Film Industry Policy: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina says the government is ready to strengthen Nepal’s film sector through a film bill and urges the Film Development Board to plan with filmmakers’ input. Sports Diplomacy: The Indian Ambassador’s Cricket Tournament (June 26–28) in Kathmandu wrapped up with the Embassy of India team winning, highlighting people-to-people ties and support for young Nepali players. Local Industry & Exports: Nepal’s leather footwear sector is growing as firms modernize; PG Shoes’ parent company Paragon Footwear says it’s now eyeing exports. Art & Exhibitions: Russian artist Liudmila Rozvodovskaya opens “Paper House: Creation Part II” at Siddhartha Art Gallery, exploring paper as architecture, memory and light. Tourism Push: A piece on Nepal’s cultural tourism argues the country needs better planning and data so pilgrims and visitors can be turned into longer-stay tourists.

Film & Media: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina says the government is ready to strengthen Nepal’s film sector through law, policy and programmes, and urges the Film Development Board to gather filmmakers’ views for a timely film bill. OTT Milestone: Net TV Pvt. Ltd. has received an official OTT broadcasting licence from Nepal’s Department of Information and Broadcasting, promising 24-hour licensed content via its app and website. Tech & Entertainment Payments: RaveDAO expands $RAVE utility by integrating with Bitget Wallet, adding card/QR and tap-to-pay options tied to live-event culture. Public Health (Gandaki): Gandaki Province reports rising HIV cases alongside declining condom distribution, while testing scope expands. Telecom Services: Dr Timilsina inspects Nepal Telecom’s Sundhara office, pushing for more transparent, digital, service-recipient friendly systems and better customer data handling. Sports (World Cup): Netherlands’ World Cup run ends after a penalty shootout loss to Morocco; Germany also exits on penalties. Cricket & Olympics: LA 2028 cricket qualification pathway is unveiled, with Nepal in the global qualifying mix. Culture & Music: “Freedom Needs a Soundtrack” highlights how music fueled Tibet’s freedom movement, tracing its impact from Nepal study links to prison songs. Nepal Sports/Community: TU orders constituent campuses to remove partisan student union structures within 60 days. Sports Betting Watch: Himalayan Harmony Group lists five CGA-licensed platforms for Nepalese fans to watch and bet on the FIFA Club World Cup.

Nepali Film & Culture: “Lalibazar” marks 51 days in theatres and has started an international release, with the team thanking audiences across multiple QFX and cinema halls and hinting at wider overseas screenings. OTT & Media: NetTV, Nepal’s first IPTV service, has received an OTT license from the Department of Information and Broadcasting, paving the way for more legal, subscription-based entertainment. Arts & Design: Russian artist Liudmila Rozvodovskaya opens “Paper House: Creation Part II” at Siddhartha Art Gallery, using paper as architecture, memory and light. Sports (Nepal in focus): Tribhuvan University directs constituent campuses to remove party-affiliated student union structures within 60 days, with a “Student Council/Voice of Student” mechanism planned within 90 days. Tourism & Travel: Indian tourists keep flowing into Nepal even in Asar, with monsoon-season travel staying active as pilgrims and families seek cooler destinations. Sports (Regional): Sunmaya Budha breaks the course record to win the La Sportiva Laverado 120k ultra trail title, while Nepal’s football faces FIFA suspension over third-party interference.

OTT & Media: NetTV has secured an OTT license from Nepal’s Department of Information and Broadcasting, giving the country’s first IPTV service a clearer legal footing as it promises better quality and more diverse entertainment. Music & Live Performance: Bidhhan Shrestha returned to Paleti at Nepalaya’s R-sala with a near-15-song set spanning sentimental, romantic and folk numbers, including works by Vijay Shrestha. Film & Cinema: Shatkon Arts’ Lalibazar marked 51 days in theatres and has started an international release, with screenings already underway in Europe and plans for Japan, Australia and the US. Sports Spotlight: Nepal’s Sunmaya Budha broke the course record at Italy’s La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K, winning in 13:33:18. Culture & Tradition: Asar 15 is being celebrated as National Paddy Day with the classic dahi chiura tradition. Education Policy: TU has ordered constituent campuses to remove party-affiliated student union structures within 60 days, with a student council/voice-of-students mechanism to follow in 90 days.

SEBON Leadership: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle administered the oath to newly appointed SEBON chair Gopal Prasad Bhatta, urging him to protect investors, curb market rumours, and submit capital-market reform plans with clear timelines. Parliament Watch: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal told lawmakers to be more responsible and accountable, while MPs also raised issues ranging from Grade 12 result errors to road safety and FIFA’s suspension of ANFA. World Cup Buzz in Nepal: Nepal’s Cyber Bureau says scammers are defrauding people via fake “live broadcast” apps; 115 complaints have been logged since Jestha. Film Milestone: Nepali hit “Lalibazar” marked 51 days in theatres and has started an international release, with more countries lined up. Music Controversy: Singer Sujan Chapagain denied sending obscene messages, saying accounts may have been misused by managers/fake profiles, and vowed legal action after returning from Australia. Sports & Speed: Canada made World Cup history by reaching the Round of 16; locally, Karnali Cricket Cup 2026 kicks off in Surkhet. Tech & Lifestyle: TVS launched the upgraded Apache RTR 160 4V in Nepal with a 5-inch TFT, projector headlamp, and dual-channel ABS.

Parliament Watch: Nepal’s House of Representatives pressed the government on Grade 12 result errors, road safety, and sports governance, while opposition also questioned RSP actions and contemporary public concerns. Motor News: TVS Motor launched the upgraded TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in Nepal with a projector headlamp, USD front suspension, and a 5-inch TFT cluster, targeting better visibility and control. Entertainment Buzz: Singer Sujan Chapagain denied allegations of sending obscene messages, saying private chats may have been misused via managers and fake accounts, and vowed legal action after his Australia tour. Film Milestone: Nepali movie ‘Lalibazar’ hit a 51-day theatrical run and is nearing the Rs 100 million mark, with plans for wider international release. Sports & Society: Nepal’s Cyber Bureau is investigating online FIFA World Cup broadcast scams, while Sunmaya Budha made headlines by winning Italy’s La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K and breaking a 13-year-old record. Culture & Faith: Buddhist communities in Japan are using festivals and student performances to revive shrinking neighborhoods, and Bhutan has laid the foundation for a monastery in Lumbini to deepen ties with Nepal. Public Health: A reminder on heat stroke prevention as temperatures rise across Nepal.

FIFA World Cup Buzz & Scams: Nepal Police’s Cyber Bureau says it’s investigating a fraud gang targeting Nepalis with fake “free live FIFA” apps, after a Kathmandu man lost Rs 23,000 when he entered a password after downloading “Gigi TV.” Ultra Trail Glory: Nepali runner Sunmaya Budha won Italy’s La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K, clocking 13:33:01 and breaking a 13-year course record. Parliament Push: House of Representatives members raised concerns over Grade 12 result errors, reckless driving, and Nepal’s image after FIFA suspended ANFA. Public Health Alert: A new heat-stroke warning urges faster action and awareness as temperatures rise across Nepal. Power Sector Update: Nepal Electricity Authority began live-line maintenance using new equipment in Butwal as a model for future urban work. Music With UN Impact: Guitarist-composer Samprit Rai says his original music helped power UN volunteer initiatives in Nepal. Cinema Milestone: ‘Lalibazar’ hit 51 days in theatres and is nearing Rs 100 million gross, with plans for wider international release. Sports Final: APF Club and Koshi Province set for the Niko Cup Women’s T20 final in Birgunj. Entertainment Controversy: Singer Sujan Chapagain denies obscene-message allegations, blaming misuse of his social media accounts and fake profiles, and says he’ll pursue legal action after returning from Australia. Motor Launch: TVS unveiled the Apache RTR 160 4V in Kathmandu with new safety and visibility features. Cultural Heritage: A 13th-century Shakyamuni Buddha idol was restored to Kathmandu after being recovered from the US.

Motor & Youth Culture: TVS Motor Company launched the all-new TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in Nepal at Satungal, Kathmandu, pitching it as the most powerful model in its class with projector headlamp, USD suspension, 5-inch TFT cluster, three ride modes (Sport/Urban/Rain) and dual-channel ABS. Sports & Security: Bollywood director Rohit Shetty reportedly received a fresh death threat from an unidentified caller demanding Rs 20 crore ransom; Mumbai Police have launched an investigation and are checking possible links to earlier extortion and the Bishnoi gang. Music & Social Media: Nepali singer Sujan Chapagain addressed a viral chat controversy, saying some messages may have been misused by social media managers or fake accounts, and he plans legal action after his Australia tour. Arts & Film Community: Something Like a Film Festival (SLFF) kicked off in Kathmandu with 40 short films (mostly under 30 minutes) by young and debutant filmmakers, running until June 29 at Airavat Picture House. Heritage & Faith: Bhutan’s monastery foundation stone was laid in Lumbini, strengthening Bhutan-Nepal cultural ties; meanwhile, Kathmandu’s stolen 13th-century Shakyamuni Buddha idol was restored after return efforts. Public Awareness: Namobuddha Municipality staged the street play “Sahichhap” to tackle issues like child marriage, drug abuse, and cybercrime in local schools. Regional Cooperation: France and regional stakeholders held a seminar in Nepal on combating waste trafficking across South and Southeast Asia, bringing together customs and police agencies plus INTERPOL and UNODC. Sports (Cricket): CAN named Nepal’s 15-member squad for the ICC CWC League 2 tri-series in the Netherlands, with Rohit Paudel as captain and Dipendra Singh Airee as vice-captain. Sports (Football): FIFA World Cup 2026 group results set the Round of 32 picture, with Spain and Cape Verde advancing from Group H.