AGP Executive Report

Flood Recovery: A preliminary survey puts damage from the Bhotekoshi floods at Rs 79.17 billion. The UN’s loss-and-damage fund is set to provide Nepal $20 million, while 18 repaired suspension bridges have reopened. Nepal and the World Bank are also exploring an earthquake catastrophe bond. Dashain Travel: More than 348,000 people have left Kathmandu Valley for the holiday, as the seasonal rush gathers pace. Cricket: The ICC has officially recognised the Nepal Premier League’s third edition, scheduled for October 26 to November 21. India Ties: New Delhi has named veteran diplomat Sudhakar Dalela as its next ambassador to Nepal, ahead of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s planned first bilateral visit to India in November. Education Access: A student with disabilities in Bara struggles to attend school without ramps or an accessible toilet, highlighting barriers that threaten his health, dignity and education. Governance: President Ramchandra Paudel has issued two ordinances on science, technology and innovation.

Dashain Rush: More than 348,000 people have left Kathmandu Valley since Ghatasthapana, with over 1.5 million expected to travel home for the festival. Damaged roads are complicating journeys. Weather and Flood Recovery: The monsoon has fully withdrawn, 12 days later than usual, but recent flash floods have devastated villages in central Nepal. Nepal and the World Bank will assess a catastrophe bond to help the country secure funds after a major earthquake. Madhesh Politics: The UML has withdrawn from the Madhesh government and resigned from the coalition, leaving the Nepali Congress-led administration in a minority. Party Leadership: Gagan Thapa is set to take the oath as Nepali Congress president on Saturday. Electricity Trade: The government will let private companies prepare to trade power across borders, though approval does not yet permit them to begin trading.

Flood Recovery: More than 1,000 people were rescued by helicopter from Budhi Gandaki flood-hit areas, while over 1,200 farm animals were lost. Nepal and the World Bank have agreed to explore a catastrophe bond for faster disaster funding; the Red Cross is also planning temporary shelters and permanent homes. Economy: Inflation rose to 6.34% in mid-September, driven partly by flood-related supply disruptions. Remittances climbed 23.9% to Rs 436 billion in the first two months of the fiscal year, while foreign reserves reached Rs 4.07 trillion. Politics and Diplomacy: Prime Minister Balendra Shah is preparing for his first bilateral visit to India in November, with reconstruction and energy expected on the agenda. A parliamentary panel rejected ambassador nominees for Saudi Arabia and Malaysia and deferred its decision on Japan. Gagan Thapa’s election as Nepali Congress president also puts party reform in focus. Public Safety and Sport: A bus crash in Udaypur killed one person and injured 15. Nepal beat Oman by 113 runs in a Cricket World Cup League 2 match, keeping its campaign in the spotlight.

Disaster Recovery: Nepal and the World Bank have agreed to explore a catastrophe bond that could release funds quickly after a major disaster. The move follows devastating floods that killed nearly 1,500 people; the latest Budhigandaki flooding also swept away more than 1,200 farm animals and poultry. Economy: Annual inflation climbed to 6.34%, led by rising food and transport costs. At the same time, remittances rose and foreign reserves reached $26.48 billion, enough to cover 20.9 months of merchandise imports. India Visit: Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit India in November for talks on infrastructure, hydropower and longstanding bilateral issues, though dates are not confirmed. Party Politics: The Nepali Congress elected seven central members under 35, its first such youth category. RPP Chief Whip Khushbu Oli, meanwhile, said political point-scoring had left Parliament ineffective at lawmaking.

Flood Recovery: More than 600 people were rescued after Budhi Gandaki floods swept away homes and bridges in Gorkha; electricity has been restored across most affected areas. A new report says a rock-and-ice avalanche triggered the disaster, while reconstruction needs exceed Rs 550 billion. Malaysia has pledged US$1 million, and disaster relief funds hold Rs 17.75 billion. Diplomacy: Nepal won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29 with 173 votes. Parliament approved 10 ambassador nominees, rejected candidates for Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, and postponed its decision on Japan’s nominee. Regional Ties: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung held talks with Indian officials, while Prime Minister Balendra Shah has proposed a Nepal-India-China mechanism for Himalayan climate and disaster cooperation. Dashain and Tourism: Autumn visitors are returning to Solukhumbu, though rain is making treks difficult; authorities have stepped up festival security across the country.

Disaster Recovery: The government has proposed Rs 559.72 billion for 504 reconstruction projects after floods and other monsoon disasters. In Gorkha, 648 people, including 49 foreign tourists, have been rescued from Budhi Gandaki-affected areas; a government report says a high-altitude rock-and-ice avalanche triggered the latest flood. Political Shift: Nepali Congress delegates elected Ramhari Khatiwada and Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti as open-category joint general secretaries, Pratima Gautam in the women’s category and Jeevan Bahadur Shahi from the backward region. Diplomacy: Nepal won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29 with 173 votes. Home Minister Sudan Gurung also met Indian counterpart Amit Shah in Delhi, discussing security cooperation and hurdles facing Nepali businesses seeking access to India’s market. Festival Safety: More than 50,000 police are deployed nationwide for Dashain and other festivals, with drones and trained dogs supporting surveillance. In Kathmandu Valley, 3,506 personnel are assigned to festival security. Flood-hit Communities: Helicopter return trips are carrying vegetables from isolated Rasuwa farms to market, while 21 temporary homes have been handed over to flood-displaced families in Nuwakot.

Flood Emergency: A fresh flash flood in Gorkha swept away homes and bridges, leaving five people missing and more than 100 foreign trekkers stranded. A preliminary government study says an avalanche triggered the disaster; rescue efforts continue. Cricket: Nepal thrashed Oman by 113 runs for a second straight League 2 win, strengthening its bid to finish in the top six and retain ODI status. Dashain Travel: More than 109,000 people have left Kathmandu Valley for the festival, as traffic police step up monitoring at major exit points. Regional Security: Nepal joined BIMSTEC partners in adopting the Delhi Declaration, backing closer cooperation against terrorism, trafficking and cyber threats. Economy: The IMF forecasts Nepal’s growth at 3.6% in 2026/27, with rising oil prices posing risks. Diplomacy: Nepal was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for a 2027–29 term.

Flood Emergency: Fresh flash floods in Gorkha’s Budhi Gandaki area swept away homes and bridges, leaving at least five villagers missing and more than 100 foreign trekkers stranded. Rescue teams are evacuating people as rights groups call for housing and livelihood support for affected families. Cricket: Nepal scored 263/8 against Oman in a crucial World Cup League 2 match, with Karan KC’s 40 off 16 balls lifting the total. Nepal needs strong results to retain ODI status. Party Politics: Nepali Congress vote counting put Ramhari Khatiwada and Ajay Babu Shivakoti in the joint general secretary posts; counting for other convention positions continues. LPG Supply: Long queues persist in Kathmandu despite a month-old ministerial change. Producers say regular dealer sales will resume Thursday after temporary festival outlets close. Travel and Telecom: Travel agents are threatening to stop selling Thailand trips over visa delays and the risk of lost bookings. Nepal’s telecom regulator fined 14 internet providers Rs 50,000 each for overcharging or breaching approved service packages.

Flash Floods: A landslide blockage that gave way on the Budhi Gandaki River swept away homes and bridges in Gorkha, leaving at least five people missing. Rescuers reached cut-off villages with supplies, while more than 100 foreign trekkers remain stranded; early warnings helped many residents escape to higher ground. Political Shift: Gagan Thapa has been elected president of the Nepali Congress, as the party continues counting votes for central committee posts. Regional Security: Home Minister Sudan Gurung is in New Delhi for the first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting, focused on cross-border threats including trafficking and organised crime. Dashain: Navaratri began across Nepal with Ghatasthapana rituals and the sowing of jamara, marking the start of the country’s biggest festival.

Budhi Gandaki Flood: Rescuers are searching for five people missing after a landslide-blocked river surged through Gorkha on Sunday, sweeping away homes and bridges and damaging hydropower and water systems. The Nepal Army says 95 people, including nine foreigners, have been rescued; more than 100 trekkers remain stranded as trails and crossings are cut. Authorities have urged downstream residents to stay clear of danger zones. Nepali Congress: The party has elected Gagan Thapa president, with new vice-presidents and general secretaries chosen; counting for open central committee seats is due to begin Tuesday. Dashain Travel: Kathmandu Valley traffic police have stepped up safety checks at major roads and transport hubs as festival travel picks up. Regional Diplomacy: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has travelled to India for a BIMSTEC meeting focused on security cooperation, disaster preparedness and joint rescue efforts.

Gorkha Flood Emergency: A flash flood surged down the Budhi Gandaki early Sunday, sweeping away around 35–40 homes and several bridges, damaging four hydropower projects and leaving five people missing. The Nepal Army has rescued dozens, while authorities evacuated riverside settlements and warned communities downstream to move to safety. ICIMOD says a landslide-created river blockage may have breached and triggered the surge. The disaster comes weeks after August’s catastrophic floods killed more than 1,400 people, with thousands still missing. Dashain Begins: Families across Nepal marked Ghatasthapana by planting jamara, beginning nine days of worship ahead of Bijaya Dashami. Political Shift: Gagan Thapa won the Nepali Congress presidency with 94 percent of the vote, taking charge as the party faces calls for renewal. Cricket: Nepal opened its World Cup League 2 tri-series with a 24-run win over Canada, led by captain Rohit Paudel’s century.

Gorkha Flood: A sudden surge on the Budhi Gandaki swept away dozens of homes and bridges, damaged four hydropower projects and left several people missing. Nearly 50 people have been rescued, while authorities have urged riverside communities downstream to evacuate. Officials suspect a landslide temporarily blocked the river; the cause remains under investigation. Congress Leadership: Gagan Thapa won the Nepali Congress presidency with 6,584 votes, or 93.88 percent. Counting for other senior posts was halted after candidates demanded that tallies be entered digitally before it resumes. Cricket: Rohit Paudel scored 101 as Nepal were bowled out for 235 against Canada in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match in Oman.

Party Politics: Gagan Thapa won the Nepali Congress presidency with 6,584 votes, nearly 94% of ballots cast. Counting for vice-president and general secretary posts began late Saturday. Flood Aftermath: Nepal has cut the wait to declare people missing in disasters dead from 12 years to 45 days, allowing families of those missing in the Bhotekoshi floods to register deaths; more than 5,000 people remain unaccounted for after search operations ended. Climate Diplomacy: Australia pledged an additional A$15 million for Nepal’s flood recovery, bringing its total aid to A$26 million, as Foreign Minister Khanal pressed for climate finance and resilience measures. Public Services: The Supreme Court ruled that a National ID card cannot be the sole proof required to access banking, directing banks to accept other identification with two-step verification. Transport Disruption: Rain and road collapse have blocked the Prithvi Highway and disrupted traffic on several other routes.

Party Politics: Gagan Thapa won the Nepali Congress presidency with 6,584 votes, nearly 94% of ballots cast. The victory does not end the leadership dispute: Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction plans a rival convention in December. Flood Recovery: Nepal has issued an ordinance to cut the wait to declare disaster-missing people dead from 12 years to about 45 days, potentially allowing families to claim compensation and inherit property. More than 5,000 remain missing after the August floods, which killed at least 1,457. Pokhara Tragedy: A five-member panel will investigate a school bus crash that killed five people, including four students, and injured 15. Crime: Police arrested three Chinese nationals and seized 21.75 kilograms of gold from a suspected smelting operation in Budhanilkantha; the source of the gold remains unknown. Climate and Aid: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal returned from Australia, where the government pledged an additional AUD 15 million for flood recovery, bringing its announced aid to AUD 26 million. Travel and Harvest: Heavy rain has damaged crops across western Nepal and blocked several roads; the BP Highway has reopened after debris clearance. Consumer Alert: The telecom regulator says internet tariffs have not been approved to rise and warned providers against overcharging.

Nepali Congress: Voting to choose the party’s new leadership has ended, but rain delayed the ballot transfer and counting began early Saturday. A deeper split remains: Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction rejects Gagan Thapa’s convention process and plans a separate one. Gold Smuggling: Police say three Chinese nationals turned a rented Budhanilkantha home into a processing site, seizing 21.75 kilograms of gold worth about Rs 546 million. Flood Aftermath: A new ordinance cuts the wait to declare disaster victims dead from 12 years to about 45 days, offering families a path to death certificates and compensation. More than 5,000 people remain missing after the floods. Public Health: Measles vaccinations for over 35,000 children in flood-hit districts are stalled because displaced families cannot be located. Festival Travel: Dashain bus ticket bookings have opened, drawing crowds to Kathmandu’s New Bus Park as authorities step up security. Security: The government has dismissed APF AIG Banshi Raj Dahal after an inquiry into sensitive conversations with Inam Sapkota.

Pokhara Crash: Five people, including four students and a parent, were killed and 19 injured when a school bus plunged down a steep slope in Pokhara. Nepali Congress: Voting began after repeated delays in the party’s leadership election, with 7,317 delegates eligible; Gagan Thapa and Shyam Krishna Khadgi are contesting the presidency. Flood Recovery: August’s floods caused an estimated US$1.66 billion in direct physical damage, the World Bank says, with infrastructure accounting for 83% of losses. The disaster left 1,455 confirmed dead and 5,285 missing. Nepal-Russia Talks: Officials discussed Nepalis serving in the Russian Army, including those missing, detained in Ukraine or owed compensation, during bilateral consultations in Kathmandu. Girls’ Rights: Child marriage has declined, with the share of women aged 20–24 married before 18 falling from 37% in 2014 to 28% in 2024–25, but Nepal remains off track to meet its 2030 goal.