BIMSTEC Security: NSA Ajit Doval chaired the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi, pushing stronger regional cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber and maritime security, and disaster response, with new maritime HADR and law-enforcement coordination guidelines adopted. Nepal-India Power Trade: Nepal and India agreed to expand cross-border electricity capacity, including higher import-export limits and approved DPRs for new transmission lines, with targets stretching to 2028. Industrial Policy & Monitoring: Parliamentarians from RSP and Nepali Congress criticized industrial area management as overly formal, demanded surprise inspections, better worker health and safety, and tighter control of non-industrial activities in industrial zones. Finance & Markets: NEPSE ended FY 2025/26 with a 7.50-point rise on the last day, while NRB set an 80% loan-to-value ratio for large passenger EVs. Trade & Jobs: Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav urged the US to extend trade preferences and activate TIFA talks; the Labour Ministry also consulted private firms on workplace training and stronger apprenticeship for domestic job creation. Hydrogen & Procurement: Government started preparations for hydrogen vehicle operations and amended public procurement rules to allow deadline extensions for stalled contracts with 50% physical progress. Money Laundering: FINTRAC filed a Rs 209 million money laundering case against former finance minister Bishnu Paudel linked to a discounted stake sale in Shree Ram Tobacco Industries. Labor Migration: Israel selected 836 Nepali caregivers via lottery for the first phase, with more opportunities expected and final medical/criminal checks underway. Environment & Health Costs: Study found microplastics in Tilicho Lake; a 3% health equity fee will raise costs for private healthcare services from July 1. Regional Politics: Sudurpaschim’s coalition crisis deepened as CM Shah dismissed UML ministers after budget disputes.