AGP Executive Report

Bus Accident: Six people were killed and 10 others injured after a passenger bus overturned in Daunne, Nawalparasi East, with police citing brake failure; the injured were sent to Madhyabindu Provincial Hospital. Parliament Watch: Prime Minister Balendra Shah faced criticism for largely missing the House as Parliament’s session wrapped, with opposition lawmakers questioning his frequent absence. Nepali Congress: The party’s 15th General Convention is gearing up for Central Working Committee elections, with nomination papers to be registered Monday; Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal also pledged heritage-focused legislation for the Newar community. Weather: Monsoon withdrawal has begun, starting with Sudurpaschim, as winds weaken and retreat is expected across more provinces in coming days. Health: Japanese encephalitis confirmed in 131 people this year, with 28 deaths reported; authorities say most cases were unvaccinated and vaccination drives continue. Sports: Janakpur Bolts signed Moeen Ali for the Nepal Premier League; Nepal’s wrestling campaign at the Asian Games ended without medals. Flood Update: One of 55 Malaysians reported missing in Nepal floods has been found safe after 37 days, while 54 remain uncontactable.

Glacial Lake Safety: Nepal plans to drain four high-altitude glacial lakes to cut flood risk after the Aug 26 disaster, with channels to divert water in a controlled way. Flood Fallout (Nepal-India): In Bihar, the Gandak river breached embankments and entered new areas of Saran, prompting expanded rescue and relief teams. Missing Malaysians Update: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah assured Malaysia of cooperation to verify the status of 54 Malaysians still unaccounted for; one of the 55 reported missing has been confirmed safe and returned. Parliament & Governance: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung tabled pending ministry replies in the National Assembly; Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal said Parliament has not become weaker. Nepali Congress Convention: The party will not form panels for its 15th General Convention; delegates will vote independently, while campaign banners and printed materials are banned. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell 11.90 points to 2,587.25 with turnover above Rs 4.29 billion. Tourism: September arrivals rose, with Indians the largest source market; overall international visitors hit 88,248. Sports: Cricket Association of Nepal named a 15-member squad for the CWC League-2 tri-series in Oman.

Himalayan Disaster: Rescuers recovered eight more bodies from the Himlung Himal base camp avalanche in Manang, bringing deaths to 15, with one worker still missing as teams prepare to wind down search. Power & Infrastructure: Flood damage has knocked out at least 640MW from Nepal’s grid, pushing the country to rely more on Indian imports while officials say nationwide load-shedding during Dashain/Tihar is unlikely. Monsoon Update: Meteorologists say the southwest monsoon may retreat by Dashain, though some rain could still hit during the festival. Federal Governance: Nepal registered a Federal Civil Service Bill in Parliament, proposing to raise mandatory retirement from 58 to 60 and setting a one-time retirement rule for current staff. Energy Investment: ADB signed PPP deals with NEA for new transmission and 100–150MWh battery storage projects to mobilize over $200m in private investment. Politics: Election Commission ordered the Deuba faction’s convention letter be kept on record as preparations for the Nepali Congress general convention near completion. Tourism: Nepal saw a 12.1% rise in international arrivals in September, reaching 88,248 visitors.

Himlung Himal Tragedy: Nepal’s autumn climbing season suffered its deadliest blow as an avalanche buried a base camp in Manang; rescuers recovered 15 bodies and one worker remains missing. Flood Fallout & Relief: Lawmakers at the National Assembly urged the government to announce immediate relief and rehabilitation for flood and landslide victims, restore roads, power and telecoms, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Aviation Safety: The Domestic Airlines Liability Bill cleared the National Assembly Legislation Management Committee and is set for Friday passage, proposing up to $100,000 compensation for serious injury, disability or death. Energy & Investment: ADB signed PPP agreements with the Nepal Electricity Authority to back a 400-kV transmission line and utility-scale battery storage, mobilising over $200m in private investment. Water Security Dialogue: UAE and IWMI hosted talks in Kathmandu warning parts of the Himalaya are nearing “water bankruptcy,” linking glacial retreat and erratic monsoons to Nepal’s climate risks. Governance Reform: Minister Pratibha Rawal said the Federal Civil Service Bill aims for a “paradigm shift” in performance and accountability, including digital service delivery. Telecom Oversight: The communications minister asked the Nepal Telecom Authority to address rising complaints about weak telecom quality and improve monitoring. Economy & Trade: India revised anti-dumping duties on jute goods involving Bangladesh and Nepal after a mid-term review. Markets: Gold and silver prices stayed unchanged in Nepal’s market.

Climate & Disaster Watch: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah warned at the UN that Himalayan warming is triggering cascading hazards, and days later another monsoon wave brought fresh floods and landslides—27 deaths confirmed in Nepal and heavy damage across India—while communities in Rasuwa still struggle with broken roads, closed schools and lost livelihoods a month after Bhotekoshi. Capital Market: Sebon is sitting on a backlog of 112 companies, with IPOs worth Rs 71.29 billion stuck as no new IPOs have been approved for six months. Energy & Trade: NEA plans to import up to 1,100 MW from India in the dry season after flood damage cut hydropower output; NEA will also sell up to 86 MW surplus to India, while FNCCI urges China to reopen Tatopani to ease supply-chain disruptions. Governance & Rights: The government says legal reforms are underway to curb fraud and misuse of social media; SEBON chair Bhatta says capital-market reforms are in progress. Health & Work: Resident doctors say a legal flaw is driving excessive workloads, with colleges exploiting residents as permanent staff. Sports & Culture: Nepali karate medalist Tenzing Sherpa returned with bronze; Nepathya is set for a Dubai concert on Oct 4; Nepal’s skies are seeing the start of seasonal bird migration.

Flood Recovery in Rasuwa: A month after the Bhotekoshi floods, danger has eased but roads, bridges, and schools remain damaged or closed, leaving families in holding centres and farmers unable to reach fields; residents say rebuilding transport is now the priority. UNGA Push for Funding: PM Balendra Shah told world leaders Nepal’s disaster carries a climate message, urging grant-based recovery support and proposing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism led with India and China. New Rain Toll: Officials report at least 27 killed in Nepal since Sept 24, with four missing and eight injured, as landslides and floods keep striking and infrastructure takes more hits. Capital Market Reforms: The HoR Finance Committee ordered a new securities bill, tighter IPO/promoter-share rules, and cyber-security improvements for NEPSE after market governance concerns. Capital Market Tech Clash: Investor Ajay Shrestha alleges private control over NEPSE’s trading system and calls for open competition and free API access. Nepal–India Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal says both sides are positive about a “result-oriented” PM visit to India, with dates still pending; India’s outgoing envoy met the PM. Trade Disruption with China: Flood damage has shut all three overland routes (Tatopani, Rasuwagadhi, Korala), stranding cargo and raising festival supply worries. Labour Rights Qatar: NRN Qatar submitted a 9-point memorandum to Nepal’s Finance Minister on reforms for Nepali workers, including an embassy labour desk and fee/payment changes. Aviation Restructure Debate: Civil aviation reform is shifting from rebranding to building capable regulator and service institutions.

Newborn Nutrition: Nepal is still falling short on early breastfeeding. Only 55% of babies get mother’s milk within the first hour, and just 70% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, while bottle-feeding is rising in some provinces. Tourism Push: Hotel Association Nepal’s Kavrepalanchowk chapter proposes a “Stay in Dhulikhel, Day Trips to 12 Destinations” plan to link Dhulikhel with nearby heritage, religious and adventure spots. Flood Toll Update: Heavy rains and landslides have again hit Nepal, with the death toll reported at 35 and 15 injured, as survivors struggle to return home and roads remain damaged. Missing Persons: Families continue to press for answers after Nepal flooding, including a Durban mother seeking closure for her missing daughter. Media Accountability: Press Council Nepal condemned alleged threats and mistreatment of its chairperson and staff during a dispute involving public welfare advertisements. Policy & Preparedness: Nepal is also weighing stronger disaster response and cross-border climate resilience as extreme weather intensifies across the Himalayas.

Disaster Response: Nepal reported 27 deaths from rain-triggered floods and landslides since Sept 24, with 4 missing and 8 injured; 1,082 families affected and 227 houses destroyed, while NDRRMA says 980,000 people received flood-warning SMS alerts and about 2,000 were relocated. Avalanche Update: Search at Himlung Himal was suspended after an avalanche killed 16 on Sept 27; four bodies recovered and 12 kitchen workers still missing, with recovery to resume when conditions improve. Power & Energy: Nepal plans to import up to 1,100 MW from India in winter as monsoon damage cut generation by about 640 MW; officials warn load-shedding risks could return if reliance on imports grows. Politics (NC): Nepali Congress postponed its 15th general convention by two days to Oct 4; meanwhile, party delegate elections continue with Bishwo Prakash Sharma winning Jhapa-1 with the highest votes and four Banke-2 provincial lawmakers losing. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell 9.62 points for a second straight day; turnover dropped to Rs 4.65 billion. Nepal–India Ties: PM Balendra Shah thanked India for flood support as the Indian ambassador bid farewell, and Nepal and China discussed easing bottlenecks at the Kodari border checkpoint. Travel & Trade: Himalaya Airlines resumed direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights, and Nepal’s tourism industry urged global messaging that major destinations remain safe.

Climate & Disaster Response: Nepal has asked the UN Loss-and-Damage Fund for US$20m after the Bhotekoshi flash floods, with estimates putting total losses far higher—while recovery continues amid fresh monsoon damage and warnings of more hazards. Avalanche Tragedy: The Himlung Himal avalanche death toll has reached four, with more missing as rescue teams battle difficult weather. Electricity & Dry-Season Planning: NEA says it has a dry-season power plan for mid-Dec 2026 to mid-May 2027, relying on imports to cover a domestic generation dip. Cross-Border Trade Disrupted: Heavy snowfall has halted cargo movement at the Mustang-Korala border, while Nepal-India travel is easing as river levels recede. Public Safety & Governance: A debate is growing over who police serve—power or the law—after the arrest of former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana. Drugs & Law Enforcement: A UNODC regional report highlights how synthetic-drug markets are evolving across South Asia, with Nepal facing illicit circulation of controlled pharmaceuticals. Community Resilience: Tharu Indigenous systems in Bardiya are helping shape disaster preparedness through local early-warning and self-governance. Sports: Nepal’s Asian Games men’s cricket run ended in the quarterfinals vs Sri Lanka after rain washed out the match.

Avalanche & Floods: Heavy rain continues to batter Nepal, with a mountain collapse in Mustang and floods/landslides across multiple districts leaving at least 24 dead and 14 missing, while rescuers in Manang keep searching after an avalanche at Himlung Himal base camp killed 4 and left 12 missing. Disaster Response: Nepal’s hydropower and power grid are taking a hit too—NEA says transmission damage and flooding have disrupted around 1,000 MW of generation, and the Raghughat project may take about 10 days to resume. Parliament: Six bills were tabled in the HoR, including amendments on women, health and social security, and MPs also pushed for urgent rescue and rehabilitation in disaster-hit areas. Economy & Markets: Public debt stands at 45.05% of GDP, while NEPSE fell 16.47 points on Monday. Sports & Culture: Asian Games men’s cricket quarterfinals were washed out by rain as India and Pakistan advanced; Nepal’s Manisha Upadhya received cricket equipment, and the Army chief inaugurated the Chief of Army Trophy-2083. Politics: Kishor Singh Rathore announced he will run for Nepali Congress president; the Deuba faction plans its own convention rules.

Avalanche & Climbing Safety: Two bodies were recovered after an avalanche buried the Himlung Himal base camp in Manang; 12–14 people, including Nepali guides and kitchen staff, remain missing as rescue teams struggle with heavy snow and bad weather. Floods, Landslides & Power Disruptions: Fresh monsoon rains have killed at least 21 people and left five missing, while the downpours have damaged transmission lines and disrupted hydropower generation—about 1,000 MW affected in the wider system. Weather Watch: Nepal’s forecast points to cloudy skies with light to moderate rain in parts of the country and possible thunderstorms in some regions, keeping flash-flood risk in focus. International Search for Missing: Malaysia says Nepal is considering legal steps to determine the status of people still unaccounted for after the Aug 26 floods, as families of 55 Malaysians press for clearer processes and documentation. Local Fire Crisis: Taplejung’s Dobhan Bazaar suffered a second major fire in six years, gutting 10 houses and 17 shops, with residents calling for support and low-interest loans. Parliament Today: Federal Parliament sessions are set to convene, with multiple bills on health, women and children, and legal revisions on the agenda.

Avalanche Response: At least 10 climbers and support staff are missing after an avalanche hit Himlung Himal base camp near Manang’s 7,126-metre peak, with rain and snowfall hampering rescue and helicopters unable to reach the site. Monsoon Disaster Toll: Heavy rain has also triggered fresh floods and landslides across Nepal and northern India, killing at least 12 in Nepal since Thursday and 68 across the region, with more people reported missing. Rescue Challenges: The Nepali Army says tunnel-based searches are the hardest, citing rescues from hydropower tunnels and continued recovery work amid difficult access. Border-Linked Uncertainty: Malaysia’s Wisma Putra met families of 55 Malaysians still uncontactable after the Aug 26 Nepal floods, discussing possible legal steps, identification processes, and concerns over ending SAR soon. Public Safety: In Madhes, heavy rains are driving a surge in snakebites, putting pressure on treatment centers as people report bites after snakes move into homes. Security Update: Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana has been given additional security at his residence after a reported threat.

Former Justice Arrest: Nepal Police arrested former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana from his Maharajgunj residence, with charges still awaited. Flood Recovery & Climate Justice: A month after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, Nepal remains in recovery mode with thousands displaced and thousands missing; authorities say rebuilding will cost billions, while PM Balendra Shah used the UNGA to press for climate justice and easier access to climate finance. Rivers in Alarm: Fluctuating Saptakoshi water levels are sparking fear among riverside residents as heavy-rain forecasts prompt police loudspeaker alerts. Tourism Under Strain: Nepal’s tourism industry is still absorbing shocks from disasters and unrest, with officials and operators focused on rebuilding traveller confidence. Finance & Infrastructure: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle left for Doha to attend the AIIB annual meeting, aiming to discuss investment and multilateral support for Nepal’s priorities including post-disaster reconstruction and climate adaptation. Festive Prices: Sugar prices in Kathmandu are rising ahead of Dashain and Tihar, with retail rates reported up to Rs 150/kg. Sports (Asian Games): Nepal topped Group A after rain forced a Japan match to be abandoned, booking a quarterfinal vs Sri Lanka.

Flood Recovery Update: A month after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi flash floods, Nepal’s death toll stands at 1,453 and 5,285 people are still unaccounted for, with DNA profiling underway to identify badly damaged remains. River Safety: The Narayani River in Nawalparasi is nearing danger level as all Gandak Barrage gates are opened; residents in riverbank zones are being relocated. Weather & Farming Alerts: The Hydrology and Meteorology Department warns farmers not to harvest paddy yet and urges communities near rivers to stay alert amid continued rain and landslide risks. UN Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah returned from the UNGA after pushing “climate justice” and proposing a Himalayan resilience push with India and China. Development Cooperation: FM Shisir Khanal says the Global Development Initiative should shift into faster SDG implementation by 2030. Sports (Asian Games): Men’s cricket quarter-finals are set—Nepal will face Sri Lanka on Sept 29, but rain could disrupt matches. Health Rights: In FY 2082/83, 105,628 women accessed safe abortion services, with most using medication. Culture: Indra Jatra continues in Kathmandu with Kumari rituals.

Climate & UN Diplomacy: Nepal PM Balendra Shah used the UN General Assembly to call Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods a “warning to the world,” urging faster climate action and proposing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China for shared satellite data, glacial monitoring and cross-border early warnings. Flood Aftermath: One month on from the Aug. 26 disaster, Nepal reports 1,453 deaths and 5,550 missing, with damage estimated at over Rs 408.28 billion and reconstruction needs put at Rs 723.3152 billion. Weather Watch: The Nepal Meteorological Department warns rain will intensify in the west over the next two days due to a Bay of Bengal low-pressure system, raising flood and landslide risk. Disaster Response & Safety: Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited riverside areas in Kathmandu Valley as river levels rose, while security teams kept watch. Governance & Corruption: Nepal’s online bidding system remains shut after a CIB probe found alleged collusion between contractors and a hacker to manipulate PPMO e-bidding. Sports (Asian Games): Nepal face Japan in men’s cricket after beating Afghanistan, with rain affecting the toss. Travel & Economy: flydubai launched daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, boosting direct connectivity to western Nepal.

UN Climate Push: Prime Minister Balendra Shah told the UN General Assembly that Nepal’s Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster is a “Himalayan Tsunami” and a warning to the world, urging climate justice and a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China. Flood Recovery Watch: Indra Jatra kicked off Nepal’s festival season in Kathmandu even as more heavy rain is forecast; landslides have disrupted major highways and Kathmandu public transport was halted. Roads & Borders: Nepal’s infrastructure minister asked China to help reopen flood-hit routes and resume operations at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung and other border crossings. Safety & Disasters: Incessant rain is worsening conditions for flood survivors in Nuwakot, with tents leaking and relief materials soaked; one electrocution death and four injuries were reported in Kolhavi, Bara. Crime Probe: Nepal Police arrested a man over alleged hundi transactions worth over Rs 1 billion. Aviation & Tourism: flydubai launched daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, creating the first direct link to Western Nepal. Sports—Cricket & Kabaddi: Nepal beat Afghanistan by five wickets in Asian Games men’s cricket and climbed to 14th in ICC T20 rankings; India beat Nepal 48-24 in women’s kabaddi semis, sending India to the final.