AGP Executive Report

Disaster Recovery: Nepal and the World Bank will assess a catastrophe bond to speed funding after major disasters. The Red Cross plans to build 1,000 temporary shelters and 1,000 permanent homes for flood victims, while 4,108 affected households have received Rs 45,000 each. Regional Cooperation: Home Minister Sudan Gurung has called for a BIMSTEC disaster-response mechanism and stronger cross-border information sharing, alongside cooperation against trafficking and other crimes. Economy: Inflation rose to 6.34 percent in mid-September, more than triple last year’s rate, as remittances climbed 23.9 percent to Rs 436 billion in the first two months of the fiscal year. Energy: Private-sector electricity trading could soon be allowed, with the required policy arrangements nearing completion. Public Safety: One person died and 15 were injured when a bus crashed on the Madan Bhandari Highway; food inspectors also found all 26 eateries checked along sections of the Prithvi Highway fell short of top hygiene ratings.

Disaster Preparedness: Nepal and the World Bank are exploring a catastrophe bond to speed up funding after major disasters, as flood survivors face an uncertain future. Economy: Annual inflation rose to 6.34%, while remittances climbed 23.9% in rupee terms and foreign reserves reached Rs 4.07 trillion, enough for 20.9 months of imports. India Ties: Prime Minister Balen Shah is expected to visit India in November for talks on infrastructure, hydropower and longstanding disputes. Congress: Seven members under 35 were elected to the party’s central committee, a first under its constitution. Meanwhile, RPP Chief Whip Khushbu Oli said political bickering overshadowed lawmaking during Parliament’s monsoon session.

Flood Recovery: Malaysia has contributed $1 million to Nepal’s disaster relief fund, which now holds Rs 17.75 billion. The government says temporary homes for flood-hit families are planned within six months; electricity has returned to most affected areas of Gorkha, but Dharche remains without power. Regional Diplomacy: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung returned from India after BIMSTEC talks, where he proposed a regional disaster-response framework. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has also called for Nepal, India and China to work together on Himalayan climate risks. Diplomatic Appointments: Parliamentary hearings endorsed 10 ambassadorial nominees, rejected picks for Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, and postponed a decision on the Japan nominee. Global Profile: Nepal won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29 with 173 votes, the highest tally in its regional group. Cricket: Nepal beat Oman by 113 runs in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2.

Diplomacy: Nepal won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–2029 with 173 votes. In New Delhi, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung met Indian ministers to discuss security cooperation and trade barriers facing Nepali businesses. Flood Recovery: Around 1,000 tourists and support staff remain stranded in flood-hit northern Gorkha, while many local families have lost homes and livelihoods. In Rasuwa, helicopters are carrying farmers’ vegetables to market after floods severed road links. Dashain: Police have deployed more than 50,000 personnel nationwide for festival security as tens of thousands leave Kathmandu Valley for home. Online Fraud: Nepal is preparing an anti-scam centre to link police, banks, telecom firms and payment providers, amid 200–300 cyber-fraud complaints a day.

Mountain Disasters: A technical report says an avalanche and massive landslide triggered the Budhi Gandaki flood, which swept away homes and bridges; five people remain missing, and more than 100 foreign trekkers were stranded. Law Minister Sobita Gautam says disaster laws and infrastructure policies will be revised to reduce future losses. Dashain Travel: More than 109,000 people have left Kathmandu Valley for the festival, with traffic building at major exit points. Cricket: Nepal beat Oman by 113 runs for a second straight win in the Cricket World Cup League 2, strengthening its bid to retain ODI status. Politics: The Rastriya Swatantra Party has barred lawmaker Khagendra Sunar from official events while it investigates a controversial audio recording he denies is his. Economy: The IMF forecasts Nepal’s growth at 3.6% this fiscal year and warns inflation could rise to 5.8% in 2027. Regional Ties: Nepal and India discussed security cooperation at the first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting, where members adopted a joint plan to tackle terrorism, trafficking and cybercrime.

Cricket: Nepal set Oman a target of 264 in a crucial World Cup League 2 match, with ODI status at stake. Karan KC’s 40 off 16 balls lifted Nepal to 263/8. Politics: Ramhari Khatiwada and Ajay Babu Shivakoti have been elected Nepali Congress joint general secretaries, while counting continues for other party posts. RSP has barred lawmaker Khagendra Sunar from formal events while it investigates allegations he denies. Flood emergency: Flash floods in Gorkha swept away more than 200 homes and five bridges; five people remain missing, 321 have been rescued, and over 100 foreign trekkers are stranded. Festival pressures: LPG queues persist in Kathmandu Valley despite special sales; producers say dealer-based distribution resumes Thursday. More than 109,000 people have left the Valley for Dashain, as flood damage disrupts roads. Travel: Nepal’s travel agents may stop selling Thailand trips, warning that upfront flight and hotel costs leave travellers exposed if visas are delayed or rejected.

Budhi Gandaki Flood: Rescuers reached flood-hit villages in Gorkha after a landslide blockage may have burst on Sunday. At least five people remain missing; more than 300 people have been rescued, while over 100 trekkers are stranded. Floodwaters swept away homes and bridges, damaged hydropower infrastructure and cut power to villages. Dashain Begins: Ghatasthapana marked the start of Bada Dashain across Nepal, as families sowed jamara and the festive rush continued in Kathmandu. Regional Diplomacy: Home Minister Sudan Gurung travelled to New Delhi for the first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting, his first foreign trip in office, with bilateral talks with India’s home minister also planned. Congress Leadership: Gagan Thapa’s election as Nepali Congress president marks a generational shift as the party continues counting votes for central committee posts. Health: Nepal has begun locally developed CAR T-cell therapy for cancer, treating a 20-year-old patient with relapsed blood cancer at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Budhi Gandaki Flood: Rescuers are searching for five people missing after a landslide-triggered surge swept through Gorkha on Sunday. The flood destroyed 45 homes, damaged 27 more and washed away bridges, hydropower facilities and drinking-water projects. Early warnings helped residents escape; more than 90 people were rescued, but over 100 foreign trekkers remain stranded as damaged trails block their way. Relief and Recovery: The Nepal Red Cross is delivering emergency supplies, while local governments warn that limited budgets and hard-to-access federal funds are hampering disaster response. Nepali Congress: The party has elected Pradip Paudel, Udaya Shumsher Rana and Dila Sangroula as general secretaries, and Chandra Kant Bhandari, Madhu Acharya and Binod Chaudhary as vice-presidents. Counting for open central committee seats is due to begin Tuesday. Dashain Travel: More than 207,000 passengers left Kathmandu’s New Bus Park from October 3 to 11. Valley traffic police have stepped up safety campaigns as festival travel grows and highway disruptions persist. Regional Cooperation: Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has left for India for a BIMSTEC meeting, where Nepal plans to prioritize disaster-risk reduction, early warnings and joint rescue efforts.

Gorkha Flood Emergency: A flash flood on the Budhi Gandaki swept away dozens of homes and bridges, damaged hydropower infrastructure and put Arughat Bazaar at risk. At least five people are missing; villagers have been evacuated and 437 security personnel mobilised. Rescuers have brought dozens to safety, including eight people—five foreigners—from a cliff. Officials suspect a landslide blocked a tributary before the water burst through. Dashain Begins: Ghatasthapana marked the start of Dashain on Sunday, with jamara planted at Hanuman Dhoka and in homes across Nepal. Nepali Congress: Uday Shumsher Rana won a general secretary post, while Chandrakant Bhandari and Madhu Acharya were elected vice-presidents. Cricket: Nepal opened its League 2 tri-series with a 24-run win over Canada, led by Rohit Paudel’s century.

Flood Emergency: A landslide temporarily blocked the Budhi Gandaki River before the blockage gave way, sending a surge of mud and debris through Gorkha early Sunday. Around 35–40 homes and six bridges were swept away, four hydropower projects were affected and at least 10 people are reported missing. Nearly 50 people have been rescued; authorities ordered riverside communities downstream to evacuate as search and damage assessments continue. Nepali Congress: Gagan Thapa won the party presidency with 6,584 votes, nearly 94 percent, while counting for remaining office-bearer and central committee posts is nearing completion. Cricket: Nepal were bowled out for 235 against Canada in the ICC World Cup League 2 match in Oman, with captain Rohit Paudel scoring 101.

Transport: A collapse caused by Trishuli River erosion has completely blocked the Prithvi Highway at Galoudi, Dhading, stranding passengers and cargo. Officials aim to restore two-way traffic by Sunday evening. Congress Leadership: Gagan Thapa won the Nepali Congress presidency with 6,584 votes to Shyam Krishna Khadgi’s 375; counting for other senior posts began late Saturday. Flood Recovery: Australia pledged an additional A$15 million for Nepal’s flood relief, bringing its total aid to A$26 million. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said he pressed for climate finance and stronger Himalayan conservation. Banking Access: The Supreme Court ruled that a National Identity Card cannot be the sole proof required for banking services, directing banks to accept other identity documents with two-step verification. Medical Breakthrough: A 17-year-old at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital has received Nepal-made CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancer; doctors say the early response is encouraging, but a year of monitoring is needed.

Nepali Congress: Gagan Thapa won the party presidency with 6,584 votes, nearly 94% of ballots cast. But the leadership dispute is far from over: a rival faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba plans a separate convention in December. Flood Disaster: The official death toll from August’s Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods has reached 1,457, with 4,720 people still missing and 1,231 displaced people in government shelters. Australia has pledged an additional AUD 15 million for Nepal’s recovery, bringing its total assistance to AUD 26 million. Crime: Police arrested three Chinese nationals and seized 21.75 kilograms of gold from a rented house in Kathmandu’s Budhanilkantha, which they suspect was used to process smuggled gold. Transport: Heavy rain has blocked or disrupted several routes, including the Prithvi Highway and Kaligandaki Corridor; the BP Highway has reopened after crews cleared debris. Education: President Ramchandra Paudel called for changes to the education system to prepare students for a fast-changing world, while giving greater emphasis to social responsibility and practical thinking.

Congress Leadership: Voting for the Nepali Congress central committee ended with 7,039 ballots cast. Rain delayed the transfer of ballot boxes, and counting for party president began after 1 a.m. Saturday. Gold Seizure: Police seized 21.75 kg of gold from a Budhanilkantha house rented by three Chinese nationals and used to process smuggled gold into bars. Police Accountability: APF AIG Banshi Raj Dahal was removed from service over misconduct and exchanges of sensitive information; the Supreme Court also dismissed a habeas petition for Inam Sapkota, who remains in custody. Transport Disruption: A gas-bullet truck leak and road subsidence shut the Prithvi Highway, prompting traffic restrictions on the Tribhuvan Highway as Dashain ticket queues grow. Flood Aftermath: President Paudel issued an ordinance cutting the wait to declare people missing in disasters dead from 12 years to about 45 days, helping families pursue compensation and settle legal matters.

Congress Leadership Vote: Nepali Congress delegates are choosing a new central committee, with 2,644 ballots cast in the first four hours. Voting is due to end at 3pm, with 7,317 representatives eligible. Pokhara Bus Crash: Five people, including four students, died and 14 were injured when a school bus plunged off a road in Pokhara; two injured passengers are in serious condition. Flood Damage: The August floods caused an estimated US$1.66 billion in direct physical damage, the World Bank says. Infrastructure accounted for 83% of losses, while 5,285 people remain missing. Nepal-Russia Talks: Officials discussed Nepalis serving in the Russian Army, including those missing, detained in Ukraine and matters of compensation, during bilateral consultations in Kathmandu. Gold Seizure: Police arrested three Chinese nationals and seized about 21 kilograms of gold and processing equipment at a Budhanilkantha house. Child Marriage: UNICEF says marriage before age 18 fell from 37% in 2014 to 28% in 2024–25, but Nepal remains off track to meet its 2030 target.

Congress Convention: Nepali Congress voting was postponed until Friday morning after rain and technical problems delayed preparations. Gagan Thapa and Shyam Krishna Khadgi are contesting the party presidency. Dashain Travel: About one million people are expected to leave Kathmandu Valley by road for the festival. Airlines have agreed to offer discounted fares after government intervention, while authorities are adding bus services and registering privately hired vehicles to improve oversight. Flood Recovery: Australia has pledged an additional AUD 15 million for relief and early recovery. In Nuwakot, flood survivors chose household supplies themselves, offering a measure of dignity as thousands remain missing after search operations ended. UML Politics: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has returned to active politics as a senior UML leader and attended the party’s Standing Committee meeting for the first time since her appointment. Local Elections: The Election Commission says it is preparing for local polls expected around April, when current local bodies’ terms end.

Congress Leadership: Nepali Congress voting has been postponed until 7am Friday after ballot-printing delays repeatedly pushed back the start. Kishor Singh Rathore withdrew his presidential bid and backed Gagan Thapa, who faces Shyam Krishna Khadgi. Investigation: The money-laundering department raided homes of several associates of former chief justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana; the investigation is ongoing. Flood Aftermath: Nepal has ended its search for victims of the August floods, with 5,285 people still missing and families divided over the decision. The government is moving to shorten the wait to declare missing people dead. Kathmandu Infrastructure: A new 132 kV line between Matatirtha and Chobhar is complete and due to be energized, helping strengthen electricity supply in the Valley. Weather Risks: El Niño may peak in December, raising concerns about disrupted rainfall and possible drought or flooding across the region.