AGP Executive Report

Flood Recovery & Missing People: A month after the Aug 26 Nepal-Tibet floods, families in Kathmandu are still waiting for answers about missing Australians, including Umesh and Krishna Sharma, while relatives search for thousands of others through photo walls and official tallies. Climate Justice at UNGA: Prime Minister Balendra Shah used his UN General Assembly speech to frame the Himalayan disasters as a “warning to the world,” pushing for grants and a regional climate-resilience mechanism rather than sympathy alone. Monsoon Disruption in Kathmandu: Heavy rain and landslides have blocked major highways into the Kathmandu Valley, with public transport suspended and vehicles stranded; the Bagmati River is overflowing in low-lying areas. Weather Alerts: Authorities and the US Embassy warn of heavy to very heavy rainfall from Sept 25–27, urging people to avoid rivers, steep slopes, and unnecessary travel. Infrastructure & Borders: Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal urged China to help rebuild flood-damaged routes in Rasuwa and reopen the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border crossing. Culture & Festivities: Indra Jatra kicked off with the new Royal Kumari Aryatara Shakya beginning her first Kathmandu tour, even as rain continues. Air Connectivity: Flydubai launched daily non-stop Dubai–Pokhara flights, adding a new direct link to western Nepal. Markets: NEPSE rose 11.77 points to 2,629.81, though turnover fell to Rs 5.44 billion.

Climate Diplomacy & UNGA: Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s UN address on the Bhote Koshi disaster and climate justice is set to become the Federal Parliament’s “guiding principle,” with a special committee working to turn it into an implementable national action plan. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged support for LDCs to move from commitments to action, calling Nepal a “Himalayan tsunami” case for unequal climate risk. Politics in UML & Madhesh: Bidya Devi Bhandari has been designated a UML senior leader, reopening internal party dynamics, while Ram Kumar Sharma and youth groups launched the “Hunkar Madhesh” push for youth-led alternative politics. Monsoon Disruption: Heavy rain continues; landslides have obstructed the Prithvi Highway and Kathmandu-bound routes, with public transport suspended in parts of the valley. Flood & Hydropower Safety: Koshi Barrage gates were opened as water rose, and Gandaki hydropower projects were put on high alert amid heavy-rain forecasts. Disaster Aid: WFP says it has completed a first food-assistance round for 15,500 flood-affected people, while Singapore Red Cross pledged another $2m for winter support. Sports: Nepal avenged its 2014 Asian Games cricket heartbreak by beating Afghanistan by five wickets; Nepal also climbed to 14th in ICC T20 rankings. Other: Nepal Rastra Bank cut banks’ listed-share holding period to 45 days, and the Nepal Pharmacy Council flagged gaps between pharmacists and operating pharmacies.

Climate & Disaster Preparedness: PM Balendra Shah says ministries and district offices are on high alert as heavy rain and storms are forecast for Sept 25-27, urging people to avoid night travel and follow “stop, wait, and see” checks. Flood Watch: The Flood Forecasting Division warns water levels may rise across major rivers for the next five days, with flash-flood risk in some watersheds. Health Response: Health Minister Nisha Mehta reports emergency treatment, mobile medical teams, special care for vulnerable groups, and psychosocial support for Bhotekoshi flood-affected people. Policy for Recovery: The government is proposing amendments to disaster laws to improve search, mortuary handling, relief for missing families, and judicial death declarations when needed. Capital Markets: SEBON proposes 15-day advance notice for major shareholders selling 5%+ and is also moving toward intraday trading in phases. Energy & Economy: Petroleum import value jumped 73% in FY 2026/27’s first two months; Rahughat Hydropower nears commercial operation after successful test generation. Governance & Rights: HoR unanimously approved the Free Legal Assistance Bill, 2083, including mobile legal aid camps and sign-language support. Politics: Nepali Congress completed organizational elections in 630 local units and unveiled the slogan/logo for its Oct 2-5 general convention. Sports: Nepal’s women’s kabaddi team reached the Asian Games semifinals; Santoshi Shrestha finished 11th in the women’s 10,000m.

Aviation & Tourism: Himalaya Airlines will resume direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights from Sept 28, initially twice weekly, reopening a key Nepal–China air link for the autumn travel season. Climate & Disaster Response: Nepal’s health ministry has ordered high alert as heavy rain and flood/landslide risks loom, while the flood forecasting branch warns of rising river levels over the next five days; authorities also restricted night driving on Prithvi Highway and closed the Narayanghat–Muglin road overnight. Foreign Policy: FM Shisir Khanal urged a shift from climate commitments to implementation at the UN, citing the “Himalayan tsunami” impact of Bhotekoshi floods, and met Iceland’s foreign minister to discuss recovery and solidarity. Governance & Courts: The Supreme Court ordered the release of political analyst Bharat Dahal, and lawmakers raised concerns over corruption, appointments, and relief delays. Economy & Relief Funds: Government relief deposits topped Rs 15.50 billion, while banking leaders say the sector is recoverable. Culture & Public Services: Indra Jatra info is now accessible via a mobile app, and the festival’s activities continue across the valley.

Climate & UN diplomacy: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres used the UNGA in New York to spotlight Nepal’s disaster as proof of the growing climate crisis, warning that glacier melt is accelerating and impacts are arriving “sooner, hitting harder.” Flood recovery & aid: The US announced an extra $31 million for Nepal’s flood response, including permanent bridges, WASH, shelter support and US-made drones; Germany and other partners also pushed long-term reconstruction and climate resilience. Heavy rain alerts: Nepal’s disaster response is on high alert for heavy rainfall from Sept 24–27, with travel advisories urging people to avoid non-essential movement and stay away from flood- and landslide-prone areas; the Tourism Department issued similar warnings for trekkers and mountaineers. Local governance & safety: Makwanpur banned night-time vehicle movement on key road sections (Kanti Highway and Bhainse-Bhimphedi-Deurali-Kulekhani) from Sept 25–27; Kathmandu’s Nagarik Alert app is helping citizens report hazards and grievances quickly. Parliament & public health: The House passed the Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, while the government moves to strictly enforce meat inspection ahead of Dashain. Economy & energy: ADB said a recent mudslide could weigh on growth to 4.1% in FY 2026-27, and NEA is preparing winter power management after flood damage to transmission and hydropower. Other updates: Flydubai began regular Dubai–Pokhara flights; Nepal appointed Santosh Shrestha as Advertising Board chairperson; and the House passed the Payment and Settlement (First Amendment) Bill.

US Flood Aid: The US announced an additional $31 million for Nepal’s Bhotekoshi/Trishuli flood recovery in New York, including $10m for permanent bridges, $8m for WASH, shelter and livelihoods, and $13m for US-made drones for future disaster response. Hydropower Search: In Parliament, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said search and rescue continues for missing hydropower workers, with preliminary estimates of Rs 390.623 billion needed to revive the energy sector. Weather & Travel Safety: Nepal faces a strengthening Bay of Bengal low-pressure system and heavy rain risk; transport entrepreneurs urged people to avoid long-distance and night travel and tourism bodies warned trekkers to stay alert or postpone plans. Public Services & Prices: Government-run fair-price shops open for Dashain/Tihar/Chhath with discounts on staples. Health Law: A bill proposes stricter penalties for attacks on healthcare workers and facilities, including imprisonment plus fines. Sports: Nepal’s women’s kabaddi and other athletes compete today at the 20th Asian Games. Local Culture: Indra Jatra begins in Kathmandu with the lingo installation and rituals.

Flood recovery and climate justice: Nepal PM Balendra Shah has left for the UN General Assembly in New York, with climate justice and reconstruction expected to dominate his first major overseas address after the deadly Himalayan disaster. Disaster identification: India’s MEA says an Indian forensic team in Kathmandu has processed 3,000 DNA samples and generated 1,200 DNA profiles to help identify missing people, including 275 Indian nationals. Early warning tech: China delivered a Nepal-customized MAZU intelligent meteorological early warning system to support monitoring and forecasting after the border disaster. Power and daily life: A new Lalbandi–Salempur 132 kV transmission line and Chainpur substation came online in Sarlahi, aiming to improve reliability and reduce low-voltage issues. Education policy: Nepal’s long-delayed School Education Bill is back to drafting after lapsing, with a seven-member task force preparing a fresh version. Transport safety: The Tripureshwor bus arson case continues after the driver, Arjun Dong Tamang, died from burn injuries; lawmakers are urging serious investigation. Foreign employment: PM Shah told Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim to tackle syndicates and intermediaries in foreign recruitment to make jobs more dignified and transparent. Economy and markets: NEPSE trading resumed after a ransomware/data-centre disruption.

Disaster Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah spoke by phone with Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim about 55 Malaysians still unaccounted for after Nepal’s floods, with Anwar promising a formal mechanism if searches don’t bring certainty. Stock Market: NEPSE resumed after trading glitches, edging up 7.06 points to close at 2,654.28 on Tuesday as turnover hit about Rs 7.05bn. Foreign Affairs: Shisir Khanal met Poland’s deputy PM and Japan’s Motegi in New York, with Japan reaffirming support for Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood recovery. Weather & Safety: Bagmati Province issued heavy-rain alerts for Sept 25–27, warning of flash floods, landslides and travel disruption. Public Services & Law: RSP MP Ashika Tamang pushed for easier, more accessible ways to challenge traffic penalties, arguing citizens shouldn’t have to travel far for small fines. Transport Tragedy: The Tripureshwar bus arson driver later died in hospital, and police say he used multiple identities. Sports: Nepal’s women kabaddi beat Thailand 46–43 at the Asian Games, while Arya Maharjan was eliminated in women’s 100m freestyle heat.

Humanities Under Pressure: SEE toppers are still choosing humanities, but the numbers are shrinking fast—Grade 12 Sociology, Psychology and Mass Communication candidates have fallen sharply since 2022/23 while science and commerce subjects rise. Flood Aftermath & Climate Risk: Authorities are verifying missing people after the Bhotekoshi flood to remove duplicate entries, as Nepal’s disaster toll and recovery needs keep growing; lawmakers also formed a 15-member parliamentary special committee to study climate change impacts and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster. Public Services & Transport: The Infrastructure Development Committee ordered a reconstruction plan for flood-damaged roads and drinking water in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, while a bus fire in Tripureshwor has sparked demands for an impartial probe and raised concerns about citizen despair and state responsiveness. Economy & Markets: NEPSE suspended trading after a ransomware attack on its data hub; the government is also preparing to revoke VAT on electricity tariffs, and CGT collection has dropped by more than half. Weather Alert: Meteorology warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall and urges caution for travel. Politics & Bills: The House passed the National Service Corps Bill, 2083, and lawmakers urged review of the two-day weekly holiday.

Bhotekoshi Flood Fallout: Government says it’s discussing how to relocate flood victims to safer places, stressing there’s “no condition” to rebuild where they lived and prioritising relocation and reconstruction. Climate Justice Push: Nepal is seeking compensation from the Loss and Damage Fund, framing it as legal and moral liability for a disaster tied to global climate change. Parliament & Civil Service: The monsoon session may end without the Federal Civil Service Bill, raising fears it could be introduced via ordinance; the draft would push retirement at 55 or after 30 years. NEPSE Disruption: Nepal Stock Exchange suspended trading after a data centre technical issue disrupted systems for 72 trading members. Heavy Rain Watch: Forecast for heavy rain across Nepal from Sept 24-28 remains, with some models projecting over 400mm. Economy & Energy: Government prepares to scrap 5% VAT on electricity consumption; LPG imports and sales hit record levels in Bhadau. Security & Crime: Police arrested three people with 30kg marijuana in Parsa. MoFA Climate Setup: Foreign Ministry established an Environment Diplomacy Division to institutionalise climate and environmental diplomacy. Local Incident: A bus was set on fire at Tripureshwar Chowk; police say the driver deliberately did it. Women’s Rights: Stakeholders renewed calls for extending maternity leave and safe motherhood rights for all new mothers.

Manaslu Tragedy: An Indian-origin German climber and a Nepali Sherpa guide died after an avalanche buried them at Camp 3 on Mount Manaslu; 12 others retreated safely, and bodies are set to be flown to Kathmandu. Rasuwa Flood Aftermath: Nepal’s flood death toll has climbed to 1,451 with 5,786 still missing, including 636 foreign nationals; authorities report thousands treated and rescued, while DNA-based identification continues. UNGA Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has left for New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, ahead of PM Balendra Shah’s address and planned high-level meetings. Food Safety Crackdown: The government is moving to restrict misleading marketing on edible oils, banning exaggerated terms on mustard and sunflower oil labels and ads. Power Exports Under Strain: Despite recent gains, hydropower damage from Bhotekoshi floods has disrupted exports to Bangladesh, with resumption pending approvals. Public Health Watch: Dengue cases nationwide have reached 5,238, with warnings that numbers may rise further as rains continue. Politics & Parties: UML secretariat decided to adopt a consolidated election-reorganization report, while RSP directed the government to prepare its UNGA statement on Bhote Koshi and the political situation. Sport & Society: Nepal’s karatekas missed medals at the Asian Games, while volleyball secured 12th place; separately, Shinta Mani Mustang won a MICHELIN Key for its hospitality.

Bhotekoshi Flood Response: Nepal Police says 1,436 bodies have been recovered so far, with DNA samples collected for identification and search still ongoing for 4,655 missing people. Hydropower Fallout: Floods damaged 11 hydropower projects (669MW total), and 837 people linked to the projects remain unaccounted for, raising questions about public investment risk. Disaster Preparedness: Experts warn Nepal’s early warning system can’t rely only on rainfall or river levels after the Rasuwa flood showed how fast high-mountain disasters cascade downward. Relief From China: A Chinese foundation has started distributing food, health items and 449 solar lamps to flood-hit communities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Local Transport: Nine Kathmandu Valley local governments sign up to expand night bus services, adding 30 buses on six routes. Food Safety: New quality standards for edible oils are being prepared, including rules on purity and misleading ads. Sports (Asian Games): Nepal secured at least two karate medals as Min Bahadur and Rakesh reached semifinals, while Nepal beat Kyrgyzstan in women’s volleyball classification match 3-0. Governance & Rights: The Free Legal Aid Bill is registered, and the government plans to amend the act to include people injured in last year’s Gen Z movement.

Disaster Probe: Nepal has formed a seven-member expert panel to investigate what triggered the Aug. 26 flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border that killed over 1,400 and left more than 6,000 missing, including whether climate change played a role. Flood Aftermath: Search teams recovered 11 more bodies from the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower tunnel, while Nepal continues DNA-based identification efforts for missing victims. Aid and Recovery: India sent another 11 tonnes of relief supplies, and Japan provided a $1 million emergency grant for water, sanitation and hygiene in flood-hit communities. Nepal-India Talks: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle met Indian officials in Delhi, urging investment in Nepal, as both sides also discussed strengthening ties and post-flood cooperation. Politics: Nepali Congress ward conventions are set to continue in 31 districts, while CPN-UML is preparing its third election review report amid internal debate. Economy: Inflation hit 5.96% in mid-August, and NEPSE rose last week as investors returned. Sports & Culture: Nepal’s cricket captain Dipendra Singh Airee targets a medal at the Asian Games; Nepal also exported electricity worth NPR 5.09 billion despite flood damage. Aviation: Air India flights to Kathmandu were diverted back to Delhi after suspected technical issues.

Asian Games Kickoff: Nepal’s 135 athletes (57 women, 78 men) head to Japan for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, running Sept 19–Oct 4, with kabaddi leading the contingent. Constitution Day Debate: National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal says amendments need national consensus and parliament as the main forum, while commentary ahead of the day highlights implementation gaps and the tension between defending and changing the 2015 charter. NRB Autonomy: The House Finance Committee endorsed a Nepal Rastra Bank Act amendment that keeps the government’s power to issue directives, raising fresh concerns over central bank independence. Flood Recovery, Aid and Health: After the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster, India sent another 11 tonnes of relief; Japan provided a $1m emergency grant for WASH. Cholera vaccination nears 60,000 in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, and search continues inside Upper Trishuli-1 tunnels with more bodies recovered. Energy and Economy: Nepal exported over NPR 5.09b electricity in Bhadra, though Bangladesh exports are paused due to flood damage. Foreign exchange reserves are near NPR 4 trillion, supported by remittances, while FDI commitments fell sharply in early FY 2026/27. Diplomacy and Governance: Cabinet recommended ambassadors to 13 countries, including India, China, the US and the UK. Sports Update: Rachin Ravindra faces a shoulder injury after a promotional shoot, with his return dependent on rehab progress.

Climate Justice & Disaster Response: A new World Weather Attribution study links Nepal’s deadly floods to climate change, saying global warming has raised the odds of extreme heavy rains by over 70% and that Kathmandu’s urban growth and forest loss worsened runoff and landslide risk; Nepal’s death toll is reported above 750 with thousands missing. India-Nepal Diplomacy: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle met India’s Jaishankar in New Delhi, thanking India for “extraordinarily generous” flood aid and discussing deeper cooperation in investment, energy and connectivity. UN Spotlight: PM Balendra Shah will travel to the US for the 81st UNGA session starting Sept 22, aiming to draw global attention to the Himalayan climate disaster. Aid & Preparedness: Korea and UNDP handed Nepal emergency response equipment to NDRRMA, while cholera oral vaccination is being intensified in flood-hit Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Infrastructure & Recovery: Two-way traffic resumed on Tribhuvan and Kanti highways after road clearance, and rescue teams recovered six bodies from the Upper Trishuli-1 tunnel as searches continue. Economy Watch: Remittances rose 21.2% in the first month of the fiscal year, while inflation hit 5.96% and foreign exchange reserves reached NPR 3,946 billion. Energy & Daily Life: Nepal’s LPG shortage is forcing restaurants to cut gas-heavy items, and Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha was appointed NEA managing director. Governance & Security: CIB arrested ANFA treasurer and accountant over alleged financial irregularities. Travel & Connectivity: Flydubai will start daily Dubai–Pokhara flights from Sept 23, and NATO and Ncell signed an MoU to help international tourists stay connected.

Bhotekoshi Flood Aftermath: Nepal’s flood death toll has climbed to 1,453, with 6,664 still missing across the Nepal–China border disaster, as survivors return to find whole towns erased under silt. Disaster Response & Access: WFP says the operation is among its toughest, citing extreme access problems in the aftermath. Search Updates: Six bodies were recovered from the Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel, while families continue pressing for answers and faster DNA processes. Relief & Diplomacy: Korea discussed flood relief and digital cooperation with Nepal, and the UAE sent its sixth aid aircraft with 25 tons of supplies. Climate Warning: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal says Nepal will use the UN to highlight how climate change threatens Himalayan civilisation. Local Life & Recovery: Two-way traffic has resumed on the Tribhuvan and Kanti highways after the Krishnabhir road reopened. Governance & Economy: Revenue rose by Rs 25.67 billion in the first two months of FY 2026/27, while CIAA reported major corruption case filings. Politics: CK Raut was elected unopposed as Janmat Party president; Nepali Congress ward conventions start Saturday. Everyday Services: Nepal Telecom launched a Constitution Day special data offer, and Nepal Police opened applications for 334 constable-group posts.