AGP Executive Report

Nepal Flood Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah assured Malaysia it will cooperate to verify the status of 54 Malaysians still unaccounted for after the Aug 26 disaster, as Malaysia pushes for faster legal and court processes. Foreign Employment Regulation: Nepal asked Malaysia to remove 25 Nepali recruitment firms from Malaysia’s Foreign Worker Centralized Management System, rejecting a “principal” and “supporting” agency structure. Parliament & Party Politics: Nepali Congress said its 15th General Convention will have no panels and delegates will vote independently; the party also banned banners, posters and pamphlets for the campaign. Market Oversight: Supplies Minister Dipak Kumar Sah said market monitoring aims to protect consumers and ensure fair competition, not “terrorize” businesses, and warned of equal action against violators. Climate Justice & UN Role: FM Shisir Khanal urged climate justice to be put into practice with grant-based finance, while briefing lawmakers on Nepal’s UNGA participation. Disaster Risk Reduction: Nepal plans to drain four glacial lakes to cut flood risks, and tourism data showed foreign arrivals rose 12.1% in September despite the floods. Infrastructure & Investment Law: Ministers and business leaders called for legal stability and simpler, clearer rules to speed infrastructure development and investment.

Parliamentary Oversight: Nepal’s National Assembly has formed a nine-member special committee to study disaster damage along the Bhotekoshi and Kaligandaki corridors and recommend long-term risk reduction, including climate-change impacts, rehabilitation, and stronger early-warning systems. Energy & Economy: Floods and landslides have knocked out at least 640MW from Nepal’s grid, pushing the country to rely more on imported power from India for the winter, though officials say nationwide load-shedding during Dashain/Tihar is unlikely. Civil Service Reform: The government has registered a Federal Civil Service Bill, proposing a shift in retirement rules (raising general retirement age from 58 to 60) and changes aimed at improving performance and accountability. Telecom Regulation: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority says it will recover over Rs 8.052 billion in dues from UTL after its license cancellation, including freezing assets and taking control of infrastructure. Electricity Market Rules: The Electricity Regulatory Commission set wheeling charges to allow private access to the national transmission line, enabling private participation in electricity trading. Social Policy: A “Senior Citizen Experience Bank” is being developed to digitally preserve and pass on elders’ knowledge and life lessons. Aviation Safety: The National Assembly’s committee endorsed a Domestic Airlines Liability Bill that would raise compensation up to $100,000 for serious injury, disability or death. Disaster Human Cost: The ILO estimates floods disrupted livelihoods of about 21,400 people near the mapped flood footprint, with impacts likely beyond the directly affected areas. Sports/Travel: Himalaya Airlines launched direct Kathmandu–Hangzhou flights, while Nepal’s para athletes continue training for the Asian Para Games.

Disaster Response & Climate Risk: An avalanche at Himlung Himal in Manang killed 15 Nepali workers preparing a mountain camp for foreign climbers; one remains missing as rescue teams wind down. Flood Aftermath: Nepal’s disaster authority says fresh heavy rain and landslides have killed at least 30 people over the past week, adding to the Bhotekoshi flash-flood toll and pushing more communities into shelters and disrupted trekking routes. Telecom Governance: Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina asked the Nepal Telecom Authority for updates on telecom service quality, testing, regulation and expansion, amid rising customer complaints. Parliament & Civil Service Reform: The government registered the Federal Civil Service Bill, aiming a “paradigm shift” in accountability and performance; it also proposes menstrual leave for female civil servants. National Assembly Vacancies: The government will expedite filling vacant National Assembly seats via the Election Commission process. Elections Oversight: The Election Commission submitted its annual report to President Ramchandra Paudel. Energy & Trade: NEA approved selling 86 MW of monsoon surplus electricity to India via power exchange from Nov 1, 2026 to May 31, 2029. Sports & Politics: Nepal will miss the SAFF Championship for the first time due to FIFA suspension of ANFA. Public Integrity: Police recovered smuggled goods evading customs at the Chandragiri tunnel checkpoint.

Fast Track Expressway: The Kathmandu–Tarai/Madhes Fast Track project deadline has been extended by three years, with the Nepali Army now tasked to finish by April 3, 2030, after slow progress and unresolved land acquisition issues in the Khokana section. Social Media Regulation: Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina says the government is drafting the Mass Communications Bill and Press Council Bill, and preparing a separate legal framework to curb fraud, defamation, and misinformation online, including age-based restrictions for children. Flood Aftermath & Disaster Response: A month after the Bhotekoshi floods, survivors in Rasuwa still face broken roads, closed schools, and lost livelihoods; meanwhile, Myagdi has been recommended for disaster-hit status after floods and landslides. Transport Safety: Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police will strictly enforce the rule that long-distance night buses must have two drivers ahead of Dashain travel. Capital Market Oversight: SEBON chair Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta says capital market reforms are underway for transparency and investor protection, while MPs push for modernization and stronger regulation. Climate Justice at COP-31: MPs in the National Assembly urge Nepal to prepare for COP-31 with stronger climate justice and climate finance, including early warning and risk management. Diplomacy: New ambassadors presented credentials to President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal says Nepal’s UNGA participation boosted the country’s diplomatic image. Energy & Connectivity: NEA plans to sell up to 86 MW surplus electricity to India, and the Science Ministry is testing wireless internet for flood-affected Rasuwa and Nuwakot to restore connectivity for schools and health posts.

Flood Recovery & Infrastructure: Nepal’s flood and landslide death toll climbed to 34 as fresh heavy rain hit again, damaging key links including a major suspension bridge in Kanchanpur and disrupting travel and livelihoods. Bhotekoshi Power Crisis: After the Bhotekoshi flood knocked out 430 MW, the energy ministry and NEA are working on alternative winter power supply, including additional underground grids for Kathmandu’s Balaju and Chapali. Education Hit by Disaster: In Rasuwa, teachers are still marking absent students by name in red at Neelakantha Secondary School, with hundreds of learners and teachers reported missing and schooling disrupted across dozens of schools. International Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal returned from the 81st UNGA, saying Nepal’s climate justice push drew positive international response, and that PM Balendra Shah’s “meaningful” India visit is planned but the date is not final. AIIB Finance: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle came back from AIIB’s Doha annual meeting where Nepal was elected vice-chair for 2026–27, with pledges to scale investment in roads, electricity, communications and IT. Capital Market Reform: Parliament’s finance committee directed a new securities bill; SEBON unveiled a three-phase reform strategy as investors demanded stronger regulation amid market decline and governance concerns. Sports & Governance: A petition was filed with the Cricket Association of Nepal over Sudurpaschim Royals’ franchise ownership and eligibility, while Nepal exited the Asian Games cricket quarter-final after rain washed out the match.

Tourism & Local Economy: Hotel Association Nepal’s Kavrepalanchowk chapter has proposed “Stay in Dhulikhel, Day Trips to Twelve Destinations,” pitching Dhulikhel as a hub linked to Banepa, Panauti, Namobuddha, Panchkhal, Bethanchowk and other nearby heritage and adventure spots. Disaster Response & Governance: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives pushed for faster reconstruction and safer resettlement after monsoon damage, urging stronger disaster risk management and better access to roads, power, communications, health and education. Civil Service Reform: The Cabinet has authorized tabling the Federal Civil Service Bill, aiming to ease civil servants’ fears by setting a 30-year service limit and lowering retirement age from 58 to 55, with protections for those already over 55. Communications Restoration: Information and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina ordered Nepal Telecom to restore flood-disrupted services, including running telecom even where power is delayed. Insurance & Recovery: Nepal Insurance Authority relaxed flood-claim procedures for the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli corridor, allowing advance payments and simplified documentation; insurers have received claims totaling about Rs 20.98 billion. Party Politics: CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli set a “cut-off date” against factionalism and warned of strict action, while also closing the door on party unity talks. International/Regional: Nepal’s climate push continues after PM Balendra Shah’s UNGA push for a Himalayan climate resilience mechanism with India and China.

UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal met Sri Lanka’s Vijitha Herath and UNGA President Khalilur Rahman in New York, stressing stronger Nepal–Sri Lanka ties and multilateral priorities after Nepal’s climate-linked disasters. Party Politics: Nepali Congress postponed its 15th general convention by two days to Oct 4, while Vice-president Bishwo Prakash Sharma won the Jhapa-1 delegate post with the highest votes; former Gandaki minister Rajeev Gurung also joined the party. Parliament & Law: The HoR passed a bill to revive expired provisions on removal of public officeholders; lawmakers also pushed for disaster reconstruction, safer settlements, and action against market price gouging. Human Rights & Police: NHRC questioned SSP Santosh Khadka over alleged denial of entry to its monitoring team during the probe into former CJ Cholendra Rana’s detention. Climate-Disaster Governance: RSP’s Ganesh Parajuli is set to chair a parliamentary special committee on the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli disaster and climate justice. Disaster Update: Heavy rain has killed 27 across Nepal since Sep 24, with ongoing missing persons and damage to houses and bridges. Economy & Energy: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Waglé was elected AIIB vice-chair for 2026-27, and the government is reviving plans to separate household and commercial LPG supplies. Environment Ruling: Supreme Court ordered strict enforcement of the plastic bag ban nationwide.

Himalayan Disaster Response: Nepal’s Himlung avalanche death toll rose to four after two more bodies were recovered; 12 people had gone missing after the base-camp incident, with search and rescue continuing. Flood & Landslide Toll: Heavy rain and landslides across Nepal and spillover impacts from India left 21 dead in 272 disaster incidents in the past 24 hours, with roads disrupted and hundreds rescued. Climate Risk Policy: Regional experts released the “Kathmandu 10 Action Points,” urging stronger Hindu Kush Himalaya cooperation on cascading mountain hazards as climate change reshapes risk. Parliament & Governance: The HoR approved a proposal to consider the Security of Health Workers bill; MPs also pressed for accountability, disaster relief, and market monitoring ahead of festivals. Civil Service Bill: Uncertainty grows over the Federal Civil Service Bill, especially the “55–30” compulsory retirement provision, as PSC objections and ordinance concerns loom. Economy & Power: FNCCI urged withdrawal of electricity VAT; NEA projected importing up to 1,154 MW from India for winter supply management. Public Health: Rabies coverage highlights gaps in records and vaccine shortages, while Bhutan’s rabies-free certification underscores what strong “One Health” action can achieve. Party Politics: Nepali Congress is weighing postponing its 15th general convention by days due to adverse weather. Regional Security/Crime: A UNODC report says South Asia’s synthetic-drug markets differ by country but share common detection and cooperation challenges.

Parliament & Lawmaking: The HoR tabled six bills, including amendments on women, children, gender and social security, mother’s milk substitutes, safe motherhood and reproductive health, health professionals, and the Ramraja Prasad Singh Academy of Health Sciences, while Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal set Sept 30 (2 pm) for electing the chair of the parliamentary special committee on climate change impact in mountains, climate justice and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster. Disaster & Safety: Rescuers recovered four bodies and are still searching for 12 after an avalanche hit Himlung Himal base camp in Manang; meanwhile, four days of heavy rain have disrupted highways across many districts, with officials warning of ongoing risks. Budget & Debt: Nepal’s public debt reached 45.05% of GDP by mid-September, with debt servicing costs already at Rs 85.01bn in the first two months of FY 2026/27. Economy & Industry: FNCCI urged the government to withdraw VAT on electricity tariffs, saying it raises production costs; MPs also pushed for revising hydropower tunnel construction standards for disaster safety. Politics: Kishor Singh Rathore announced he will contest for Nepali Congress president at the Oct 2-5 general convention, while the Deuba faction prepares a parallel convention. International & Diplomacy: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle met AIIB President Zou Jiayi in Doha to seek more investment and concessional financing for Nepal’s reconstruction; Russia’s ambassador also called on Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel.

Federal Parliament: Sessions of both houses are scheduled today, with the House of Representatives to table multiple bills including amendments on women, children and health, and the National Assembly to receive the Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission’s annual report. Disaster Response: PM Balendra Shah urged caution amid renewed rainfall risks, asking people to avoid unnecessary travel and call 1234 in emergencies; Nepal Army reports 684 people rescued and roads cleared in several districts. Avalanche in Manang: Heavy snow and bad weather led to an avalanche at Himlung Himal base camp; two guides were confirmed dead while 12–14 kitchen staff and others remain missing as search resumes when conditions allow. Flood/Displacement Protection: Save the Children warns girls face heightened trafficking, violence and child-marriage risks one month after the floods, citing safety gaps in holding centres and camps. Malaysia Missing Persons: Wisma Putra briefed families of 55 Malaysians uncontactable after Aug 26 floods; Malaysia says Nepal limited search areas, while families seek a moratorium on loans and insurance complications. Human Rights & Police: NHRC says police blocked its team from entering the crime investigation office to inquire into former Chief Justice Cholendra Rana’s detention; police cite a security threat. Hydropower Fallout: Floods and landslides disrupted electricity supply and halted multiple hydropower projects, while an energy ministry move to reserve 2% IPO shares for security personnel has sparked controversy. International Finance: India’s FM Nirmala Sitharaman heads to Qatar for the AIIB governors’ meeting, with bilateral talks including Nepal.

Flood Response & Legal Status: Nepal is considering legal steps to handle cases where people’s status remains undetermined after the Aug 26 floods and landslides, including foreign nationals—Malaysia says any changes are still subject to Nepal’s domestic process. Missing Malaysians: Families of 55 Malaysians met Wisma Putra for updates; they were told Nepal may soon end the SAR phase and move to recovery, while Malaysia says its SMART team was not allowed to focus on the Rasuwagadhi border area where many last sightings are concentrated. Disaster Monitoring: Nepal warned of continued flash-flood risk in many districts as rivers stay high and power disruptions persist. Avalanche in Manang: Ten people are missing after an avalanche hit Himlung Himal base camp; rescue efforts are underway amid bad weather. Rule of Law Row: Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana was taken from his home at around 3 a.m. and later released; police cited a security threat but details remain unclear, sparking questions from legal voices. Party Politics: Nepali Congress constituency conventions are underway across multiple districts as part of its general convention process. Tourism Signal: Nepal ranked among the world’s fastest-improving tourism economies in a WEF index, even as recovery from disasters continues.

UN Climate Diplomacy: Nepal PM Balendra Shah returned from the UN General Assembly after urging “climate justice” to become action, citing last month’s Bhotekoshi floods as a warning to the world and calling for easier grant-based climate finance and a “Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism.” Disaster Recovery: One month on, Nepal’s floods have left 1,453 dead and 5,550 missing, with recovery shifting from rescue to rebuilding; authorities are working to reopen the Rasuwagadhi route ahead of Dashain while Red Cross relief continues. Infrastructure & Risk Management: The government says Dhap Dam in Kathmandu remains safe as reservoir levels are managed after rainfall and a nearby landslide; meanwhile, Dhap Dam monitoring and early-warning strengthening are in focus. Finance & Multilateral Ties: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle left for Doha to attend AIIB’s annual meeting, seeking investment support for infrastructure, climate adaptation, renewables, and post-disaster reconstruction. Regional Security: Nepal and India held border security coordination at Jogbani, agreeing on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and action against smuggling and cross-border crime. Party Politics: Nepali Congress Deuba faction submitted a finalized active membership list of 783,836 ahead of the 15th General Convention. International Relations: Nepal established diplomatic relations with Senegal, expanding ties to 188 countries.

UN Diplomacy & Climate Justice: PM Balendra Shah returned to Kathmandu after addressing the 81st UN General Assembly, warning that “climate justice” must not stay only in UN documents and proposing a trilateral Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China for early warnings and cross-border disaster response. Foreign Policy: FM Shisir Khanal told a UN event that the remaining years to 2030 should be used for accelerated SDG implementation through the Global Development Initiative, and he also highlighted the Nepali diaspora as a key development pillar. Disaster Update: A month after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi floods, Nepal reports 1,453 deaths and 5,285 still missing; DNA profiling and holding centres continue as families wait for identification. Flood Risk at Home: In Nawalparasi, Narayani River water neared danger level and authorities opened all gates of the Gandak Barrage while relocating at-risk residents. Disaster Response Tech: APF in Jhapa began using drones to map rain-induced inundation and support rescue coordination. Politics: Nepali Congress is inviting leaders of major parties, including RSP, UML and Prachanda, for its upcoming general convention opening ceremony. Sports: Nepal’s cricket quarter-final line-up is set (Nepal vs Sri Lanka), while Japan’s match vs Nepal was washed out by rain; Nepal also won gold in Asian bodybuilding via Sagendra Singh.

Himalayan Climate Diplomacy: Nepal PM Balendra Shah used the UNGA to call the Aug 26 floods a “warning to the world,” pushing a tri-national Himalaya Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China for satellite data sharing, glacial monitoring and synchronized early warnings. Disaster Aftershocks: Heavy rain and landslides have repeatedly disrupted access to Kathmandu, with highways blocked and public transport suspended as Bagmati River levels surged. Cross-Border Recovery: Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal urged China to help rebuild flood-damaged routes and reopen the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border crossing. Tourism Disruption: In Solukhumbu’s Khumbu, heavy snowfall stranded trekkers; seven foreign tourists were rescued from the Island Peak area. Missing Persons: Families of two missing Australians from the floods say they’re still waiting for answers, months after the disaster. International Moves: Nepal and Kazakhstan signed a limited visa-exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. State & Society: President Ram Chandra Paudel observed Indra Jatra, while the newly anointed Royal Kumari began her first Kathmandu tour.

UNGA Climate Push: PM Balendra Shah used his UN General Assembly address to call Nepal’s Bhotekoshi “Himalayan Tsunami” a warning to the world, arguing poorer countries face climate harm and war-driven supply failures while rich states move weapons smoothly; he urged grant-based climate finance, faster loss-and-damage support, and proposed a tri-national Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism with India and China for early warning and satellite data. Disaster Response at Home: Fresh heavy rain is again threatening flood-hit areas, with Bagmati water rising at Teku’s Banshighat, rivers monitored by security forces, landslides blocking the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir, and public transport in Kathmandu suspended as highways obstruct. International Aid & Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres met Shah and pledged continued support; WFP continues food delivery including helicopter and cargo drones; the US announced $31m additional support, while UK urged to convene an international conference for Nepal’s recovery. Regional Connectivity: Minister Lamsal urged China to reopen/restore Rasuwagadhi-Kerung transit and border operations; Nepal also saw new flydubai daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, boosting tourism access. Politics & Party Dynamics: Nepali Congress ward conventions show consensus at lower levels but competition rising higher up; UML created a senior leader post for Bidya Devi Bhandari, reviving internal Left politics debate. Sports & Rankings: Nepal climbed to 14th in ICC T20 rankings after beating Afghanistan, and cricket at the Asian Games continues with Nepal set to face Japan.

UN Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, thanking him for support after the Bhote Koshi disaster and pressing for green reconstruction, river rehabilitation, and continued backing on LDC graduation timelines. Disaster Governance: Nepal’s government says all ministries and district security bodies are on high alert for heavy rain forecast for Sept 25–27, with travel cautions and standby arrangements for the Nepali Army, Police, and Armed Police. Parliament Watch: In the National Assembly, lawmakers demanded representation in a special Bhotekoshi disaster committee and urged better governance, festival supply monitoring, and clearer facts on government claims. LDC Agenda: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told UNGA sidelines that LDC support must translate into finance, climate justice, and sustainable graduation—citing Nepal’s “Himalayan tsunami” flood impacts on trade routes. Labour Rights: Malaysia and Nepal agreed to streamline labour recruitment to curb exploitation and intermediaries, focusing on transparency and worker protection. Legal Update: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the release of political analyst Bharat Mani Dahal, directing police to release him while he appears before authorities.