KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Heavy rain threat approaching from Bay of Bengal, September 26 seen as most risky
The wounds left by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood of August 26 have yet to heal. Rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts are still underway across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and the Trishuli Corridor, while roads, bridges, hydropower projects and settlements in some areas have yet to recover. Meanwhile, another weather system is developing. A low-pressure system formed over the northern Andaman Sea in the Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestward. According to recent projections from the India Meteorological Department, the system could develop into a depression by September 21 and a deep depression by September 22 before reaching the coastal area of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh around September 23. The system’s direct impact on Nepal is not yet certain. However, various weather forecast models indicate that rainfall activity in Nepal could increase significantly from September 24 to 28. Meteorologist Dr Binod Pokharel said some models have indicated more than 400 mm of rainfall in some areas, with a maximum projection of around 741 mm.
Foreign Minister Khanal leaves for New York today
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and a Nepali delegation left for New York today to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khanal will take part in various high-level meetings and ministerial-level gatherings during the high-level segment of the General Assembly. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries and meet other senior officials and dignitaries. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Nepal to engage with international partners on issues of mutual interest and to advance its priorities in multilateral forums. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) is scheduled to travel to the United States on September 22, leading a 14-member Nepali delegation. He is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24.
Bhotekoshi flood: Death toll reaches 1,436
A total of 1,436 bodies have been recovered from various locations since the Bhotekoshi flood disaster on August 26, according to Nepal Police. As of today, security personnel recovered 223 bodies from Rasuwa, 203 from Nuwakot, 72 from Dhading, 365 from Chitwan, 79 from Gorkha, 38 from Tanahun, 232 from Nawalparasi East, and 222 from Nawalparasi West. Police said 1,292 bodies were buried after DNA samples were collected for identification. A total of 3,283 DNA samples have been collected, including samples from 1,286 deceased persons and 1,997 family members. Details of 1,362 unidentified bodies have been uploaded to the Nepal Police website to facilitate identification.
RSP task force begins work to implement right to recall
A delegation led by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal departed for New York, United States, on Sunday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal will participate in various high-level meetings and ministerial gatherings under the high-level segment of the General Assembly. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and other dignitaries. Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to leave for the United States on Ashoj 6, leading a 14-member Nepali delegation.
Nepali athletes disappoint at Asian Games as karate and wushu competitors fall short
Nepal’s medal hopefuls failed to secure a medal at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. Karate players Erika Gurung, Sanumaya Thing, Rakesh Manandhar and Min Bahadur Tamang, along with wushu player Bijay Sinjali, suffered defeats in their respective medal events. In karate kumite, Erika, Rakesh and Min Bahadur reached the semifinals but failed to advance to the finals. They were also defeated in their respective bronze medal bouts. In the women’s over-68kg kumite, Erika Gurung lost 8-7 to Saudi Arabia’s Dina Ahmed. Earlier, she had lost 2-1 to Kazakhstan’s Safiya Berultseva in the semifinal.
UML task force agrees not to seek Oli’s resignation: Mahesh Basnet
CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has claimed that the party restructuring task force has prepared a unified report and agreed not to include issues such as the resignation or removal of the party chairman, KP Oli. Basnet said the agreement was reached at the task force meeting held today (Sunday). He said the report will be presented at the party Secretariat meeting before being taken to the Central Committee meeting, which begins tomorrow (Monday). According to Basnet, the task force meeting held at the party office today incorporated the reports prepared by Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel into a unified document.
Bhat-Bhateni’s Tangal store to reopen from Monday after arson damage
Bhat-Bhateni Super Market’s Tangal store, which was damaged by arson during the Gen-Z movement, will resume operations from Monday. According to Bhat-Bhateni Chief Operating Officer Panu Paudel, the Tangal store will officially open to customers at 10 am on Monday. The store is being reopened after reconstruction was completed following extensive damage caused by the fire. According to the company, 10 of the 12 stores damaged by arson during the Gen-Z movement, including the Tangal store, have already resumed operations.
Traffic jam in Muglin after landslide
Traffic congestion has been reported in Muglin of Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-5, Chitwan, along the Prithvi Highway. A landslide occurred in Muglin this afternoon during road construction, blocking the highway and disrupting traffic in both directions. Although the landslide has been cleared, traffic remains congested due to the heavy flow of vehicles.
Chinese organization provides assistance to Bhotekoshi flood victims
Relief supplies are being delivered to flood-hit communities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot as efforts continue to address their immediate needs. The China Foundation for Rural Development has begun distributing relief supplies to flood-affected communities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot. The Foundation’s team has intensified efforts to deliver essential supplies to help address the health and nutritional needs of communities in remote and flood-affected areas of Kalika Rural Municipality in Rasuwa and Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot. The Foundation said addressing immediate health and nutritional needs is a priority, as the rehabilitation and return to normalcy of flood-affected communities will be a lengthy process.
UML Secretariat decides to adopt report prepared by Badal
The CPN-UML Secretariat meeting has decided to adopt the report prepared by party Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’. The document was finalized by incorporating some key points from a separate report prepared earlier by UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel. Pokharel had prepared a separate report based on suggestions collected from party cadres across all seven provinces, with proposals suggesting that the UML leadership should be changed. However, Badal, who has maintained that there should be no alternative to Chairman KP Sharma Oli, prepared another report opposing the proposal. Top leaders made several attempts to resolve the ideological dispute that emerged within the party over the two separate reports, but failed to reach an agreement.
License printing begins under new system; recipient details to reach Security Printing directly
The printing of driving licenses has begun through the Electronic Driving License and Vehicle Registration System (EDLVRS), which the government implemented on July 17. The Department of Transport Management under the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has started printing licenses through the new system to ease the pressure on service recipients and address the long-standing backlog in license printing. The new system is expected to make the process of obtaining new licenses and renewing existing ones faster, easier, and more service-oriented. Details of service recipients uploaded to the EDLVRS will be sent directly to Security Printing, which will print the licenses and dispatch them by post to the concerned Transport Management Service Offices. This arrangement is expected to address longstanding problems related to the printing and distribution of driving licenses.
MoFA establishes Environment Diplomacy Section
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an Environment Diplomacy Section for the first time to institutionalize diplomatic efforts related to climate change and environmental issues and make them more effective. According to the Secretariat of Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, the ministry decided to establish the section in response to current needs, particularly in view of the growing impacts of climate change. Based on an Organization and Management (O&M) Survey conducted by the ministry, the new section has been placed under the Economic, Social Development and Environment Diplomacy Section of the United Nations and Specialized Organizations Division. Nepal has been actively participating in national, regional, and international forums on climate change and environmental protection. The new section has been established to advance these efforts in a coordinated and institutionalized manner, facilitate international diplomatic initiatives on climate and environmental issues, and coordinate with relevant national agencies.
Political analyst Bharat Dahal arrested in Morang
Political analyst Bharat Dahal has been arrested in Morang. Police arrested Dahal in Belbari based on a case registered with the Cyber Bureau in Kathmandu. According to Superintendent of Police (SP) at the District Police Office, Morang, Kabit Katuwal, Dahal was taken into custody after the Kathmandu District Court issued an arrest warrant on the recommendation of the Cyber Bureau. Dahal, who has a former Maoist background, is a permanent resident of Dang. He had come to Morang to participate in an event. Police said a case had been filed against Dahal over alleged cybercrime-related activities involving comments made on social media or digital platforms.
Two arrested with 20 quintals of marijuana
Police have arrested two people after seizing 20 quintals of marijuana from Fattepur in Dakneshwari Municipality-6, Saptari. According to the Central Police News Room, a police team deployed from the District Police Office searched the houses of Bhola Sada and Mangal Mukhiya this morning and seized the marijuana. Police said 64 packets were recovered, including 56 packets from Sada’s house and eight from Mukhiya’s house.
Birgunj Customs collects Rs 23.46 billion in revenue in Bhadra
The Birgunj Customs Office collected Rs 23.46 billion in revenue during the month of Bhadra, according to the office. The customs office collected Rs 23.46 billion and Rs 1.5 million in revenue during Bhadra, corresponding to August 17 to September 16, of the current fiscal year 2083/84 BS. The amount represents 99.75 percent of the office’s monthly revenue target. Purna Prasad Lamsal, spokesperson for the Birgunj Customs Office, said the office had achieved 14.52 percent of its annual revenue target by mid-September. According to the customs office, biscuits, pulses, textiles and garments, industrial raw materials and food grains were among the major imported commodities in terms of both import value and revenue contribution.
Mustang sees steep tourist decline following Rasuwa floods
Tourist arrivals in the mountainous district of Mustang have declined significantly following the devastating flood in Bhote Koshi, Rasuwa, on August 26. According to tourism statistics maintained by the District Police Office, Mustang, the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the district fell sharply in the Nepali month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) compared with the previous month of Shrawan. The decline came despite repeated disruptions along the Kaligandaki Corridor road connecting Beni, Jomsom and Korala. The road was blocked dozens of times in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) due to floods, landslides and river erosion. Police statistics show that tourist arrivals declined further following the Rasuwa disaster. A total of 61,263 tourists entered Mustang in Shrawan, including 30,655 domestic tourists, 31,575 visitors from SAARC countries and 193 tourists from other countries, according to records maintained by the Border Police Posts in Myagdi and Mustang under the District Police Office.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by motorcycle in Sarlahi
A pedestrian died and a cyclist was injured after being hit by a motorcycle in Gamhariya, Sarlahi, on Saturday night. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam of the District Police Office, 70-year-old Balmiki Raya died after being struck by the motorcycle in Gamhariya, Malangawa Municipality-11. The cyclist, 59-year-old Mahesh Mahato of Malangawa Municipality-4, was also injured in the accident. He is receiving treatment at the provincial hospital. Police have taken the motorcycle involved in the accident and its rider, Ramlochan Raya of Kabilasi Municipality-6, into custody for investigation.
One killed in fire in Janakpur
One person died after a fire broke out in a house at Ramananda Chowk in Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City-8 last night. According to Om Prakash Khanal, spokesperson for the District Police Office, 70-year-old Kishori Sahni of Loharpatti Municipality-2, Mahottari, died from burn injuries sustained in the fire. The fire also destroyed household belongings, causing property damage estimated at around Rs 300,000, police said. The fire broke out last night, and police suspect that an electrical short circuit may have caused the incident. The blaze was brought under control with the help of local fire engines, police personnel and residents.
Monsoon retreat nears as westerly winds lower temperatures
Nepal is beginning to experience a gradual shift in its weather pattern as the southwest monsoon approaches its seasonal withdrawal, with the influence of westerly winds now becoming noticeable in the western parts of the country. According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the partial influence of westerly winds has started in western Nepal since September 17. The Division said the westerly winds are currently affecting parts of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces, alongside the remaining influence of the monsoon winds. Now, the monsoon winds will gradually withdraw while the influence of the westerly winds will increase, according to the Division, and as this transition progresses, temperatures will also gradually decrease.
Landslide disrupts traffic along Humla-Karnali corridor
The Karnali Corridor has been blocked after a landslide occurred at Chharebhir near Rip in Sarkegad Rural Municipality-2 on Saturday. The landslide brought down large rocks and debris, blocking around 100 meters of the road and halting vehicular movement along the Humla-Karnali Corridor. Passengers and vehicles traveling along the route have been stranded, while the size of the rocks has made it difficult to clear the road immediately. Kamal Budha of Adanchuli Rural Municipality-2 said more than 27 people who had traveled toward Simkot to attend a health camp scheduled at the district headquarters were stranded along the road. Budha said he had left his village on Saturday morning with his wife, who was seeking treatment for an ear problem, but they were forced to stop after the landslide blocked the road.
Southern Humla exports apples worth over Rs 21.6 million
Farmers in southern Humla have exported apples worth more than Rs 21.6 million to markets in various districts outside the region, according to the Agriculture Development Office. Office Chief Chudamani Panta said the apples produced in the region are being transported to different parts of the country, providing farmers with a new source of income. Traders are currently purchasing apples directly from farmers at Rs 60 per kilogram. The apples are being produced in Tajakot, Adanchuli, Chankheli and Sarkegad rural municipalities. Gopal Budha of Tajakot Rural Municipality-5 said some farmers with larger apple orchards have earned up to Rs 1 million from this season’s harvest.
One killed in Dhankuta jeep accident
A Tata Sumo jeep traveling from Tankhuwa met with an accident at Banchare in Chhathar Jorpati Rural Municipality-3, Dhankuta, killing one person on the spot. According to Dhankuta Deputy Superintendent of Police Hemanta Bhandari, the identity of the deceased has not yet been established. Further details about the accident are not available at this time. A police team has been dispatched to the accident site following the incident.
Beni Hospital expands general surgery services
The Provincial Hospital in Beni has expanded its specialist general surgery services with the appointment of a qualified surgeon. According to the hospital, Dr. Adina Bataju, who holds an MBBS and MS in General Surgery, has started providing specialist surgical services. Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Hemant Bastola said arrangements have also been made to perform surgeries for a range of conditions following the expansion of the service. Patients will now be able to receive treatment and surgical procedures for conditions including lumps, lipomas and cysts, hernia and hydrocele, appendicitis, piles, fissures and fistulas. The hospital will also provide treatment for wounds and injuries, skin and soft-tissue conditions, as well as emergency and other necessary general surgical services.
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