Fuel & Inflation: Nepal’s mid-April inflation hit 4.47% as petrol and diesel jumped to Rs217 and Rs225, with food inflation at 4.01% and non-food/services at 4.72%. Capital Market Crackdown: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle alleged a small group is manipulating markets, doing insider trading, and misusing Rs15–16 billion of public funds—pushing for a more “world-class” stock exchange. Budget Discipline: Wagle banned “pocket plans,” saying ministries must route projects through proper systems, not last-minute influence. Governance Push: The Finance Ministry outlined five strategies for economic transformation, led by good governance and a shift away from remittance-only dependence toward production and digital growth. Telecom Turmoil: Smart Cell’s license revocation and arrears case is back in focus after arrests tied to fraud and criminal breach of trust. Border Relief vs Smuggling: Customs rules will ease essentials for Terai-Madhesh buyers, but a special drive targets organized smuggling and revenue leakage. Regional Shock: India confirmed it’s processing Nepal’s request for 80,000 tonnes of fertiliser (60,000 urea, 20,000 DAP) amid West Asia-linked supply stress. Road Safety: Lawmakers urged tech monitoring, public awareness, and stricter enforcement as road deaths remain high. Disaster Watch: Western Nepal flooding damaged roads, canals, and water systems, leaving 300+ families scrambling for clean water.