KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Shah returns home after attending UN General Assembly
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has returned home after attending the United Nations General Assembly. He landed at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Saturday afternoon. Shah had departed for the United States on Tuesday evening to attend the UN General Assembly. He addressed the General Assembly on Ashoj 8, drawing international attention to the devastating floods that recently struck Nepal and the impacts of climate change. On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Shah also held meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.
Finance, Home and Tourism ministers welcome PM Shah at airport
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has returned home after attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, leading a 14-member Nepali delegation. Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and Tourism Minister Ganesh Paudel reached the airport to welcome him. Prime Minister Shah had departed for New York via Doha on Ashoj 6. On Friday morning, Nepali time, he held a courtesy meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres before addressing the UN General Assembly on behalf of Nepal.
Finance Minister Wagle leaves for Doha
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has departed for Doha to attend the 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Wagle is accompanied by Amrit Lamsal, chief of the Economic Relations Division at the Ministry of Finance. During the meeting, Wagle will discuss Nepal’s priorities in infrastructure development, climate adaptation, renewable energy, post-disaster reconstruction and economic growth. In Doha, he is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives.
Foreign Minister Khanal calls for reform in international finance structure
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has called for timely reforms to the international financial structure in a way that enhances the voice and representation of developing nations in the global economic governance system. Addressing the 50th annual meeting of the Group of 77 (G-77) and China, held Saturday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of UN General Assembly (UNGA), the Minister stressed the need for stronger cooperation among developing countries and greater unity among the Global South. According to the Minister’s Secretariat, the Minister on the occasion echoed the need to renew unity and collective efforts to strengthen multilateralism, calling for effectively raising the voice of the Global South.
Lamicchane, Oli and Prachanda invited to Nepali Congress General Convention
As preparations for the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress gather pace, invitations are being extended to leaders of major political parties to attend the opening ceremony. Nepali Congress leader Uday Shumsher Rana separately met Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” and handed them formal invitations to attend the ceremony as guests. The opening ceremony of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention is scheduled to be held at Tundikhel in Kathmandu on Ashoj 16.
Deuba faction prepares for Nepali Congress General Convention, finalizes 783,836 active members
The faction of former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has finalized its list of active members ahead of the party’s 15th General Convention. The Deuba faction has formed a General Convention Preparation Committee under the leadership of Dr Shashank Koirala. The details of the active members were handed over to Election Committee Coordinator Ekaraj Pokharel on Saturday in the presence of Koirala. The details were handed over at a press conference held at the party’s liaison office in Chundevi, Kathmandu. The faction said the list contains 783,836 active members. The party has prioritized the use of digital technology to strengthen its organization and make the General Convention process more systematic. A new website has also been launched to facilitate the distribution and renewal of active memberships.
Narayani flood nears danger level as all Gandak Barrage gates open
The water level in the Narayani River in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Sustapur) has risen close to the danger level, prompting authorities to step up preparations to move residents in vulnerable areas to safety. According to the Devghat Hydrometer Center, the water level in the Narayani River reached 8.98 meters at 3 pm on Saturday. The danger level at the center is 9 meters, while 7.3 meters is considered the warning level. The center said the water level at Devghat continues to rise. The river crossed the warning level on Friday night. As the water flow increases, authorities are working to relocate residents living along the riverbanks to safer areas, said Jagadishwar Upadhyay, chief district officer of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Sustapur). “We are working to move people at risk of flooding to safer locations and urging people to stay away from riverbanks,” Upadhyay said. He said Gaindakot, Devchuli, Kawasoti and Madhyabindu municipalities, as well as Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality, are at risk of flooding from the Narayani River.
Continuous rainfall disrupts traffic on 11 highways nationwide
Continuous rainfall has disrupted traffic on 11 highways and several other road sections across the country, according to the Department of Roads. In a notice, the Department said floods and landslides triggered by rainfall since September 24 have blocked sections of 11 highways and other roads. Several points along the Prithvi Highway, including Krishnabhir, Chaukibhir, Jawangkhola and Fisling, have been obstructed, affecting vehicles traveling to Kathmandu from different parts of the country. Likewise, sections of the BP Highway at Mamti, Piple, Daunne-Kalopul, Charsayabesi, Katunje and Chaukidanda have been blocked.
Flood alert issued in 58 districts, including Kathmandu
The Flood Forecasting Division has issued flood alerts for 58 districts, including Kathmandu, warning of a possible rise in water levels and flash floods. According to the Division, water levels in the Koshi, Narayani and their tributaries are currently above the alert level, while the Bagmati, West Rapti and Babai rivers are nearing the flood alert level. The Division has urged people living along riverbanks and in districts marked yellow and orange in its three-day forecast for major rivers to remain alert and highly alert, respectively. According to the Division, the flow in small rivers and streams in Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Makawanpur, Parsa, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Dang, Arghakhanchi, Rukum East, Rukum West, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Salyan, Jumla, Kalikot, Dailekh, Bajura, Achham, Bajhang, Darchula, Baitadi and surrounding districts is likely to increase significantly today (Saturday), posing a moderate risk of flash floods.
Bhotekoshi flood: 5,285 people remain unaccounted for
A total of 5,285 people remain unaccounted for following the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. The Authority said 1,451 bodies have been recovered so far, while two people have died during treatment. A total of 13,795 people have been rescued to date. Of them, 1,113 people — including 187 in Nuwakot, 805 in Rasuwa and 121 in Dhading — are currently taking shelter at 21 holding centers. Similarly, DNA samples have been collected from 2,060 people. Seven people injured in the flood are receiving treatment, while 10,988 people have sought health services through security agencies.
Efforts underway to reopen flood-damaged BP Highway
Authorities have begun efforts to reopen the BP Highway after flooding in the Roshi River washed away diversion roads and disrupted traffic along several sections. The Road Division, Bhaktapur, said repair work resumed after the rainfall subsided. According to Division Chief Suman Yogesh, around 1.68 kilometers of the highway has been damaged. Floodwaters washed away 300 meters of diversion road each at Chaukidanda and Katunje, 100 meters at Mamti and 285 meters at Piple. Landslides have also damaged 500 meters of road at Daunne-Kalopul and another 100 meters at Char Saybensi. “We have started rebuilding the damaged diversions and are working to facilitate vehicle movement through the inner track of the highway, which is currently being reconstructed,” Yogesh said. Three heavy machines have been deployed at the Katunje section, with officials expecting to restore traffic there within a few hours.
Nepal and Senegal establish diplomatic relations
Nepal and Senegal have established diplomatic relations. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who is in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, and Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang signed a joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations on Thursday, according to the Foreign Minister’s private secretariat. Prior to the signing, the two foreign ministers held a meeting during which they discussed various issues of mutual interest, according to the secretariat. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Senegal, Nepal’s diplomatic ties have now expanded to 188 countries.
Long-distance buses stranded at New Bus Park
Long-distance buses have been stranded at the New Bus Park in Gongabu, Kathmandu. The buses have remained at the bus park since Thursday after landslides triggered by continuous rainfall blocked the Prithvi Highway, BP Highway and other major roads. With highways obstructed, long-distance transportation services between Kathmandu and various districts have been affected. Passengers have also been affected as buses remain halted at the bus park.
Collective efforts needed to address climate risks from Everest to the sea: Foreign Minister Khanal
Nepal has emphasized the need for collective and coordinated international efforts to address climate risks spanning the mountains to the sea in an integrated manner. Speaking at a special program organized by Nepal at the United Nations Headquarters under the title “From Everest to the Sea: A Call to Action for a Climate-Resilient Future,” Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said that, as the climate system does not recognize political boundaries, mountains, rivers, seas and coastal areas should be viewed as parts of a single ecosystem. The program was organized in the context of Nepal drawing international attention to the risks posed by climate change and its impacts following recent climate-related disasters. Minister Khanal said that a large volume of rocks and glacial ice fell in the Langtang region last month, causing extensive damage to lives, property and critical infrastructure.
Water flow rises in Koshi Barrage, 43 gates opened
Forty-three of the 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have been opened following a rise in the water level of the Saptakoshi River. According to the latest measurements, the flow at the Koshi Barrage has reached 316,795 cusecs following continuous rainfall since Wednesday night. A red warning light has been activated at the barrage as a danger signal following the rise in water flow. As the water level continues to increase, residents in areas around the Saptakoshi River have been urged to remain alert and avoid risky locations. The District Administration Office has also advised people living along the riverbanks to move to safer areas and avoid fishing or collecting firewood in the Koshi River.
Nepal, UN discuss peacekeeping cooperation and operational challenges
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held a meeting with United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General and Head of the Department of Operational Support Atul Khare in New York on Friday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly, where the two discussed Nepal-UN cooperation and matters related to UN peacekeeping, according to the minister’s secretariat. The UN Department of Operational Support provides operational and logistical support to UN bodies and missions around the world. During the meeting, Minister Khanal highlighted Nepal’s long-standing contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts. He said Nepal has consistently deployed military and security personnel to various UN peacekeeping missions in support of international peace and security and reaffirmed the country’s continued commitment to such missions.
Nepal enters quarterfinals after rain washes out Japan match
Nepal has advanced to the quarterfinals of the men’s cricket tournament at the 20th Asian Games in Japan after its Group A match against Japan was abandoned due to rain on Saturday. Nepal progressed to the quarterfinals as the group winner and will now face Sri Lanka in the last-eight stage. The match between Nepal and Japan began on Saturday morning but was reduced to 15 overs per side after rain interrupted play. Nepal posted a strong total, with Sandeep Jora and Lokesh Bam producing explosive innings. Jora scored 57 runs off 32 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Bam smashed 52 off 22 balls, including one four and six sixes. Aasif Sheikh contributed 21 runs.
Heavy snowfall in Khumbu region, seven foreign tourists rescued
Tourist movement in the upper reaches of the Khumbu region has been affected following heavy snowfall in Solukhumbu. Snowfall began in the upper areas of Khumbu after torrential rainfall. Chief District Officer Kaman Singh Thapa Magar said more than half a metre of snow has accumulated in some higher-altitude areas. The snowfall has restricted tourists who had travelled to the upper region for trekking and mountaineering from proceeding further into potentially dangerous areas. “There is heavy snowfall in the upper areas. We have received reports that more than half a metre of snow has accumulated in some places. We are coordinating with local authorities, residents and police to move tourists to safe locations, prioritizing their safety,” CDO Thapa Magar said.
Kaligandaki, Ridi rivers swell, vulnerable settlements evacuated
Residents of vulnerable settlements around Lamochaupari in Ruru Kshetra Rural Municipality-1, Gulmi, have begun moving to safer locations after water levels in the Kaligandaki and Ridi rivers rose amid increasing flood risks. As the river levels and associated risks increased, residents moved their belongings to safer places as a precautionary measure. Local youths, including Ward Chairperson Nawaraj BK of Ruru Kshetra Rural Municipality-1, helped families in vulnerable areas relocate their belongings to safer locations last night.
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