Budget & Energy Infrastructure: PM Balendra Shah says VAT revenue from electricity use above 50 units will fund upgrades to transformers, transmission lines and substations, after the new tax drew criticism from lawmakers and energy advocates. EV Policy Shock: Revised taxes replace excise duty with a Clean Infrastructure Investment Fee, with customs duty, road fee and VAT still applying—dealers warn EV prices could jump from Rs200,000 to over Rs10 million. Hydropower as Growth Engine: A budget push puts hydropower at the center of Nepal’s economic transformation, targeting +1,040 MW next year and shifting focus from generation to transmission, storage, trade and institutional reform. Mobile Industry Alliance: CAN Federation and the Nepal Mobile Distributors Association form a strategic alliance to tackle grey-market imports and policy ambiguity, aiming to protect legitimate businesses and improve regulation. Gold & Consumer Taxes: Gold prices jump Rs. 20,500 per tola after customs duty on gold imports rises to 20%, while VAT bills are also set to feed a lottery-style scheme to boost invoice demand. Trade & Connectivity: The Jogbani–Kimathanka road link is opening a potential eastern corridor, bringing tractors and supplies to remote Sankhuwasabha. Tourism Pressure Regionally: Iran-war fuel spikes are already hitting Asia’s tourism recovery, with airlines cutting routes and ticket prices rising. Governance & Media: Press Council Nepal records 176 complaints of false news by May 6 as budget debates intensify.