Hydropower Policy Shake-up: Nepal’s budget moves to restructure the Electricity Authority, tighten rules around PPAs, and open more room for private participation in transmission and power trading—while hydropower players warn the PPA “take or pay” details still lack clarity. NEA Restructuring, Local Role: NACEUN says any NEA overhaul must empower local governments and communities to cut leakage and improve accountability, and it wants the 5% VAT on higher electricity use withdrawn. Khimti Hydropower Next Steps: NEA reconstituted committees to negotiate Khimti’s share transfer and settle tariff/admin disputes, including a new PPA and royalty/tax arrangements. EV Tax Debate: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle says EV prices under NPR 5 million have fallen after tax changes, but operators fear higher costs—especially for minibuses. Labour Rights in Focus: A study finds wage theft is widespread in Nepal’s informal sector, with most workers lacking written contracts and many receiving only partial or late pay. Agriculture Tech & Seeds: KOPIA Nepal marks its first year supporting agro innovation, while Koshi Province still meets only about 22% of paddy seed demand locally, pushing farmers toward hybrid seeds. Trade Disruption for Tea: Nepali tea exports to India face renewed hurdles as India resumes mandatory sampling and lab testing, disrupting purchases. Diplomacy Watch: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal heads to New Delhi (June 5–7) for talks with Jaishankar on trade, investment, connectivity, energy and people-to-people ties amid recent border-row noise. Environment Day: World Environment Day events in Nepal stress nature-friendly development and climate action as impacts intensify.