KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Balen asks at UNGA: ‘The Bhotekoshi flood was a warning to the world—did you hear it?’
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said the recent Bhotekoshi flood in Nepal was a warning not only to Nepal but to the entire world. Speaking at the General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, he asked, “The Bhotekoshi flood was a warning to the world, did you hear it?” Referring to remarks by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Prime Minister Shah said the scientific community had been warning for years about the growing threat of climate-related disasters. He said Nepal had suffered significant loss of life and property in the recent devastating floods and stressed that the crisis was not caused by Nepal but was a consequence of global climate change. During his address, Shah said Nepal did not intend to blame any country or turn the issue into a geopolitical matter. Instead, he called on the international community to work together to protect the mountains and the environment. He also urged the international community to provide the necessary support to Nepal as it works to recover from the disaster and address the challenges of the post-disaster situation.
PM Shah proposes Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism
Prime Minister (PM) Balen Shah has proposed establishing a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism under the leadership of Nepal, India and China to address climate-related disasters. He made the proposal while addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Friday morning. Stating that the Himalayan region is home to around 2 billion people and forms part of the Earth’s life-support system, Shah stressed the need to use the proposed mechanism to facilitate satellite data sharing, jointly monitor dangerous glacial lakes and strengthen early warning systems. He said the Himalayan region should become a laboratory for international cooperation rather than a frontier divided by fragmented information, emphasizing the need for greater cross-border coordination in disaster preparedness and response.
Prime Minister Shah meets with UN Secretary-General Guterres
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Prime Minister Shah, who is in New York to participate in the High-Level Week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, met with Secretary-General Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters at 6:30 PM local time (4:15 AM Nepali time on Friday), ahead of his address to the General Assembly, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shah thanked Secretary-General Guterres for his goodwill toward Nepal and congratulated him on his successful tenure. Referring to the significant loss of life and property caused by the disaster along the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, Shah said the risk of a glacial lake outburst remains high. On the occasion, Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep condolences over the loss of life and property caused by the Bhote Koshi disaster and said the United Nations stands in solidarity with Nepal on climate-related issues. He also praised the young Nepali delegation.
National ownership indispensable for building credible, legitimate and sustainable peace: Foreign Minister Khanal
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that national ownership, inclusive state institutions and accountable governance are indispensable for building sustainable peace. Addressing the ministerial meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Khanal presented national ownership as the foundation for building credible, legitimate and sustainable peace. “National ownership is the indispensable basis for building credible, legitimate and sustainable peace. When society builds and leads its own peace process, reconciliation takes deep roots,” he said. Presenting Nepal’s peace process as an example of peacebuilding rooted in national ownership, Khanal recalled that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in 2006, transformed the decade-long armed conflict through a nationally led peace process.
Foreign ministers of Nepal and Australia discuss bilateral relations
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong held a bilateral meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st High-Level Session of the United Nations General Assembly. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed Nepal-Australia relations and various matters of mutual interest. Minister Khanal briefed Foreign Minister Wong on the loss of life and property caused by the recent devastating floods in Nepal, as well as the ongoing rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. He also expressed gratitude for the support and solidarity extended by the international community in the aftermath of the disaster. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers held positive discussions on further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Nepal and Australia and exploring new areas of bilateral cooperation in the coming days.
Foreign Minister Khanal meets UK Minister of State McNeill
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has met with UK Minister of State for International Development Kirsty McNeill. According to Minister Khanal’s secretariat, the meeting was held at the UN headquarters on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The two sides discussed various issues concerning Nepal-UK relations and matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, they discussed ways to further strengthen the recently expanding bilateral cooperation between Nepal and the UK. Particular emphasis was placed on making UK support more effective in Nepal’s post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. Minister Khanal said international partnerships and cooperation are important as Nepal continues its post-disaster rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. Both sides expressed their commitment to further expanding existing cooperation between Nepal and the UK.
Nepal and Namibia establish diplomatic relations
Nepal and Namibia have established diplomatic relations, taking the number of countries with which Nepal maintains diplomatic ties to 187. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who is in New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, and Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala Musavyi signed a joint statement formalizing the establishment of diplomatic relations. Before the signing ceremony, the foreign ministers of the two countries held discussions on various matters of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministers also discussed the loss of life and damage to infrastructure caused by the recent catastrophic climate disaster in Nepal. They emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation for the common progress and prosperity of the two countries and their peoples and explored new areas for expanding bilateral cooperation between Nepal and Namibia.
Asian Highway: Steel shortage affects bridge construction
Construction of three modern bridges along the western section of the Kakarbhitta-Laukahi road project under the Asian Highway has been affected by a shortage of steel. According to project chief Jagat Prajapati, bridges using modern “steel arch” technology are being constructed over the Ratuwa River in Jhapa and the Lohandra and Bakraha rivers in Morang under the project’s fifth package. He said construction has been affected by the unavailability of the required steel. Prajapati said steel had previously been transported through the Kerung-Rasuwagadhi border following the closure of the Tatopani border. However, supplies were completely disrupted after the Bhotekoshi flood on August 26 blocked the road. He said the required 420-grade steel is not available in Nepal and must therefore be imported from India. Delays in receiving the material have affected the pace of construction.
Gold and silver prices decline in domestic market
The prices of gold and silver decreased on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations, the price of gold has decreased by Rs. 500 per tola today. Gold was priced at Rs. 298,600 per tola, down from Rs. 299,100 per tola on Thursday. Similarly, the price of silver decreased by Rs. 30 per tola. Silver, which was priced at Rs. 4,650 per tola on Thursday, was fixed at Rs. 4,620 per tola today.
‘Red alert’ issued at Koshi Barrage as 31 gates open
Thirty-one gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened as the water level and flow in the Saptakoshi River continue to rise. Chief District Officer (CDO) Ishwori Prasad Aryal said the Koshi Barrage is currently under a “red alert” after the flood level reached 240,000 cusecs. He noted that the water flow in the Koshi River had exceeded 500,000 cusecs in previous years. “The Koshi Barrage is currently under red alert. Although floods of up to 500,000 cusecs have been recorded in previous years, there is no need to panic at present. However, we remain on high alert,” CDO Aryal said. According to Aryal, vehicular movement across the Koshi Bridge has not been halted. “There is no need to stop vehicles at the moment. If the flood level rises further, necessary decisions will be taken accordingly,” he said.
Minister Lamsal urges China to reopen Rasuwagadhi border point
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming paid a courtesy call on Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal. During the meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Lamsal requested China’s support for reconstructing and developing infrastructure damaged by floods in Rasuwa and for resuming operations at the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border transit point. Minister Lamsal said around 600,000 Nepali citizens depend on the border points for connectivity and the smooth movement of people and goods. He also called for necessary coordination from the Chinese government to ensure the effective operation of the Korala and Tatopani border crossings.
Low-pressure system moving westward, Department urges high alert for next 2-3 days
A low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal has caused rainfall across most parts of Nepal for the past two days and is gradually moving westward, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane of the department said the system, currently located over Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas of India, has been causing rainfall across most parts of Nepal. Its impact is expected to become more pronounced, particularly in the western parts of the country, in the coming days. According to rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours, most parts of the country, particularly Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, received light to moderate rainfall. Relatively higher rainfall was recorded in parts of Lumbini and Gandaki provinces. More than 140 mm of rainfall was recorded at the Archali Meteorological Center in Palpa, while heavy rainfall was also recorded at several other locations.
20th Asian Games: Nepal defeats Afghanistan by five wickets
Nepal made a winning start to the men’s cricket competition at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, defeating Afghanistan by five wickets on Friday. Batting first after winning the toss at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi, Afghanistan scored 102 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal chased down the target of 103 runs in 17.2 overs, losing five wickets. Sandeep Jora was Nepal’s top scorer with 34 runs off 35 balls, including three fours and a six. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel remained unbeaten on 33, while Dipendra Singh Airee scored 15 and Kushal Malla contributed nine runs. For Afghanistan, Faridun Daudzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Arab Gul took one wicket each.
Landslide obstructs Kaligandaki Corridor in Gulmi
The Rudrabeni-Purtighat section of the Kaligandaki Corridor in Gulmi has been obstructed. According to the District Police Office, the road was completely blocked after a landslide occurred at Rakse in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality–2 this morning. Transport services have also been disrupted after the water level in the Pati River, which flows through Ward No. 4 of the same rural municipality, rose significantly. Following the obstruction, vehicles and passengers traveling to Baglung, Palpa, Butwal, and Pokhara have been stranded along the route. Efforts are underway to clear the landslide and reopen the road.
Home Minister inspects riverine areas amid rising water levels
Water levels in major rivers and streams, including the Bagmati, Bishnumati, and Manohara, have risen due to continuous rainfall. Security personnel from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed to monitor river corridors and other vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited the area around the headquarters of the CPN-UML in Chyasal, Lalitpur, and received updates from security personnel on the condition of the rivers and water flow. Speaking briefly to the media during the visit, Minister Gurung said security personnel had been mobilized and were maintaining a high level of alertness. He said the government was seriously engaged in identifying potential risks associated with monsoon-related disasters and responding to them effectively.
Flood blocks Baglung section of Mid-Hill Highway
The Baglung section of the Mid-Hill Highway has been blocked by flooding and mudflow in Thadakhola following incessant rainfall. The highway has been obstructed since Friday evening after a flood carrying mud and debris swept across the road at Thadakhola in Nisikhola Rural Municipality-4. Nisikhola Rural Municipality Chairperson Surya Ghartimagar said vehicular movement has come to a complete halt after a flood from Sanokhola damaged the highway. He said efforts were made in coordination with the Road Division Office, Baglung, and the Mid-Hill Highway Project Office to clear the mud and debris from the road. However, the highway could not be reopened due to continued rainfall.
Bajura’s organic apples reach Dhangadhi seeking better market
Pesticide-free organic apples produced by farmers in Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality of Bajura have arrived in Dhangadhi, Kailali, in search of a market. According to apple farmer Dan Bahadur Rawal of Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality-1, farmers have been struggling to sell their produce in the local market despite increased production. Rawal, who has been commercially cultivating apples through his registered Rupali Agriculture Farm, said the lack of a reliable market has left many farmers struggling to recover their investment. “Many farmers here have grown apples, and the production has been good. However, because there is no market, their hard work and investment are being wasted,” he said.
Adverse weather affects domestic flights
Air services across the country, including Kathmandu, have been affected by adverse weather conditions. According to sources at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), poor visibility has affected operations at several airports today. Flights at Tumlingtar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara airports have been affected. Buddha Air has canceled its scheduled flight to Tumlingtar, while three of its flights to Bharatpur have also been canceled. Flights to Pokhara have been delayed as airlines wait for weather conditions to improve. Flights to other domestic destinations are operating normally. International flights are currently operating as usual.
Fire causes estimated loss of Rs 145.6 million in Taplejung
A fire that broke out in Dobhan Bazaar of Meringden Rural Municipality-3, Taplejung, on Thursday caused an estimated loss of Rs 145.6 million. According to the District Police Office, Taplejung, several houses and businesses were destroyed in the fire. Deputy Superintendent of Police Kamal Bajgain said the blaze destroyed food and grocery shops, an agricultural produce warehouse, household goods, utensils, cash, gold ornaments, and other valuables. Bajgain said the preliminary assessment of the damage was based on information provided by the affected families and an assessment of the structures destroyed by the fire. Ten houses belonging to eight families were destroyed. The affected homeowners have been identified as Yam Limbu, Ghanshyam Kharel, Raju Sherpa, Sukbir Limbu, Dandu Sherpa, Bhim Limbu, Rajendra Poudel, and Chandra Poudel.
Nepal climbs two places in ICC T20 rankings
Nepal’s national men’s cricket team has climbed two places in the latest ICC T20 International rankings following its five-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the 20th Asian Games on Friday. According to the latest rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Nepal has moved up from 16th to 14th place. Afghanistan, meanwhile, has slipped from ninth to 10th place following its defeat to Nepal. Nepal delivered an impressive all-round performance against Afghanistan on Friday, excelling with both bat and ball. The victory has strengthened Nepal’s prospects of advancing to the quarterfinals. Nepal will face host Japan in its final group-stage match on Saturday.
Electrocution kills one, injures four in Bara
A 10-year-old boy was killed and four others injured in an electrocution incident in Kolhabi Municipality-3 of Bara on Thursday. According to Min Bahadur Ghale, spokesperson for the District Police Office, the deceased has been identified as Akash, son of local resident Shyam Ram. Akash sustained critical injuries while operating a television at his home. He was rushed to the provincial hospital in Kalaiya, where doctors pronounced him dead shortly after his arrival. According to Ghale, four others were injured while attempting to rescue Akash. They have been identified as his grandmother Aitbariya Devi, 70; his sister Neelam, 12; and neighbors Phul Kumari Ram, 40, and Anita Sharma, 41.
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