Budget Watch: Nepal’s Parliament Secretariat has finished preparations for Friday’s joint session where Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle will present the FY 2026/27 budget in the multipurpose hall of the under-construction Singha Durbar parliament building, with seating limits keeping constitutional-body officials and diplomats out. Fiscal Pressure: Wagle is set to unveil a large deficit budget above the National Resource Estimation Committee ceiling, with the ceiling revised upward to about Rs 2.15 trillion and the final size likely around Rs 2.1–2.2 trillion. Public Enterprise Reform: Nepal’s state-owned enterprises show mixed health—27 of 43 profitable in FY 2024/25, but several loss-making or closed firms still bleed, while investment in PEs rose to Rs 798.56 billion, heavily linked to the Nepal Electricity Authority. Hydropower Progress: Upper Trishuli-1’s upgraded weir gate installation/testing was completed in Rasuwa, with overall project progress at 82% and completion targeted for mid-2027. Industry & Jobs: Economic Survey data says 10 industrial zones provide direct employment to about 20,000 people, with 638 industries operating and more under construction. Irrigation Expansion: Irrigation facilities reached 1.59 million hectares, with underground irrigation driving much of the growth. Tea Export Push: Nepal’s Industry Minister says talks with India are underway to resume tea exports, noting 80–90% of exports go to India. Construction Sector Stress: Contractors warn Nepal’s construction industry is in a severe crisis amid unpaid bills, material and fuel price shocks, procurement rule changes, and labor shortages. Digital Telecom: Huawei Nepal hosted Mini MWC 2026 in Kathmandu, focusing on AI commercialization and next-gen network capabilities for operators. Health & Welfare: A free gynecology camp in Myagdi benefited 614 people and referred suspected cervical cancer cases for treatment.