Construction Sector Regulation: Nepal’s Infrastructure Ministry annulled the licenses of 44 construction firms that failed to renew within the 2082/83 fiscal year, automatically revoking permits under the Construction Business Act. Advertising & Consumer Protection: The government unveiled National Advertising Policy-2083 to modernize the advertising industry, strengthen consumer protection, and bring social media, influencer marketing, and AI-generated ads under formal regulation. Energy & Industry Push: PM Balendra Shah met IPPAN leaders, calling energy the base for economic transformation, jobs, industrialization and green growth, and promising coordination on PPAs, stalled hydropower, transmission and grid access, forest/land processes, and license renewals. Agriculture & Youth Jobs: Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary directed ministry bodies to be result-oriented by expanding youth employment, paid training and volunteer opportunities, with action plans due this month. Human-Wildlife Conflict Funding: The ministry said Rs 411 million is allocated for 2083/84 to reduce conflicts via ponds, solar fences, grasslands, wildlife-handling equipment, and mesh wire fencing plus community training. Regional Power Connectivity: An EU-backed €5m South Asia energy interconnectivity program was launched in Nepal to expand cross-border power trade across Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Fuel Policy Watch: India’s E20 rollout sparked questions on pricing; the government says ethanol procurement economics can make E20 costlier than pure petrol even with lower fossil content. Biodiversity Alert: Tarai’s yellow-breasted bunting is disappearing, with researchers warning insect-pest pressure could rise as the bird declines. Local Economy & Skills: Sarwanam Theatre announced a nationwide children’s acting contest “Ma Pani Actor” for ages 5–15, with cash prizes and free training for top performers. Cannabis Industry (Gandaki): Gandaki Province became the first to legalize cannabis cultivation for medical and industrial use, with licensing, designated zones, and strict monitoring requirements.