Tourism Surge: Nepal welcomed 91,363 foreign tourists in June 2026, up 19.5% year-on-year, with India the biggest source market (41,809). Fuel & Transport Impact: Nepal Oil Corporation cut petrol/diesel and other prices, but private petrol pumps stayed shut in Kathmandu for hours, stranding consumers; transport entrepreneurs also urged automatic fare cuts to reflect lower fuel costs. Policy Push in 100 Days: The government marked its first 100 days with an economic reform drive, including a new Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and steps to repeal outdated laws to boost private-sector confidence. Trade & Payments: NPCI partnered with HSBC India and JP Morgan Payments to enable real-time FX settlement for cross-border UPI transactions—another sign of faster regional digital finance. Customs Modernisation: ADB approved a $50m policy-based loan to modernize Nepal’s customs and logistics through digital procedures and risk-based inspections. Energy Governance: A proposed Water Resources Bill would redraw federal powers, tighten dam oversight, and introduce water accounting. Business Recognition: Nabil Bank won ICAN’s Gold Award for best private sector bank annual reporting and also picked up corporate governance and sustainability merits. Agriculture Income Stories: Commercial chili farming in Chitwan is creating local jobs and “lakhs” in returns for farmers.