Media Freedom: Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) condemned unidentified vehicles parked outside media offices and demanded an immediate, impartial probe. Textiles & Trade: India’s Bharat Tex 2026 opens July 14-17 in New Delhi with 1,600+ exhibitors, 7,000+ buyers and global participation including Nepal, aiming to turn deals into long-term partnerships. Hydropower Disruption: Flooding damaged Nepal’s under-construction 42MW Upper Modi ‘A’ Hydropower Project in Kaski, hitting batching/crusher plants, materials and access roads, with connectivity also affected. Energy Diplomacy: Nepal and India will hold energy cooperation meetings in Kathmandu on July 14-15, reviewing cross-border power and hydropower issues. National Pride Projects: MPs and the National Planning Commission face mounting criticism over delays, cost overruns and weak monitoring; the commission suggests capping “national pride” projects at 10 and pushing clearer legal and implementation rules. Digital Services: Nepal’s Department of Passports started a new passport production and management system after migrating data of about 10 million citizens, warning of initial delays while the system stabilizes. Agriculture Pace: Paddy plantation reached about 46% of total area nationwide, up from 25% earlier in Asar, though it still lags last year. Payments & Remittances: EFICYENT launched a Nepal payment corridor with IME for real-time bank and digital wallet payouts. Tech & Skills: NCIT’s inter-college cyber security contest “Kavach: Capture The Flag” drew 53 students from 30 teams.