Energy Sector Reform: Nepal is moving to end “license raj” in hydropower and open transmission, distribution and trading for private players, with Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha warning license holders to start construction or face strict action. Clean Air Push: The Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project (NCAP) is being readied for 2026/27 after World Bank approval, aiming to cut industrial pollution and improve monitoring. Power Sector Industry Update: IPPAN elected a new executive committee under Mohan Kumar Dangi, signaling fresh momentum for policy work with government. Public Transport Overhaul: Kathmandu Valley’s transport system is set for major restructuring under the KUTP plan with ADB support, targeting route duplication, weak regulation and low service quality. Health Access Gap: Despite a constitutional promise of free basic care, thousands of designated free hospital beds remain vacant, leaving low-income patients unable to get treatment. Air/Urban Enforcement: Kathmandu’s air-quality and Humayunpur’s restaurant crackdown in Delhi both highlight how regulation is tightening around public health and land-use compliance. Cross-border Trade & Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s “mango diplomacy” delivered 1,750 kg of GI-certified mangoes to Nepali leaders and business figures, while India-Nepal ties also keep expanding through health and infrastructure support. Climate Risk Watch: ICIMOD warns that even with below-normal monsoon forecasts, HKH faces high disaster risk from intense bursts, landslides and flash floods. Food & Agriculture: CIMMYT and partners are pushing innovation to commercialize Nepal’s maize sector as the country still imports large volumes annually. Governance & Land: The government decided to implement the long-delayed Rawal Commission report and build systematic land records to curb encroachment.