AGP Executive Report

Climate Justice at UNGA: PM Balendra Shah heads to New York to press the world on climate injustice after Nepal’s Aug 26 Bhote Koshi floods, while Environment Minister Geeta Chaudhary says Nepal has formally sought $20m from the UN Loss and Damage Fund. Disaster Preparedness: Bagmati Province officials issued fresh heavy-rain alerts for Sept 25–27, warning of flash floods, landslides and travel disruption; meanwhile, flood relief fund balances have topped Rs 15.6bn. Foreign Employment Row (Malaysia): Shah’s phone call with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim escalated Nepal’s demand to end syndicates and middlemen in worker recruitment, pushing for direct labour-minister talks. Rule of Law: Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to provide reasons for Bharat Dahal’s arrest and produce him in court. Transport Safety & Governance: MPs urged investigation after two Tripureshwor self-immolation incidents involving drivers and traffic police; RSP also called for easier, more accessible challenges to traffic penalties. Security Sweep: Police arrested 58 foreign nationals in an overnight Kathmandu Valley operation. Energy & Economy: Finance Ministry denied any “agreement” to restore VAT exemption on electricity; acting PM Swarnim Wagle was appointed while diesel pricing losses were flagged in government briefings.

UN Climate Week & Pandemic Politics: WHO chief Tedros warned the world remains unprepared for pandemics ahead of the UNGA high-level week, urging countries to turn commitments into action. IMF Watch: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said global growth looks resilient but risks like sticky inflation, higher debt costs and AI-driven investment hazards remain. Bhotekoshi/Rasuwa Flood Response: Nepal is verifying missing-person records after reports of duplicate entries, while authorities push for better organization of relief and rehabilitation. Disaster Accountability & Preparedness: Nepal’s climate message is set for UNGA, with renewed focus on early warning systems and reconstruction planning. Energy Tax Reversal: Government is considering scrapping VAT on electricity tariffs after public backlash. Markets & Governance: NEPSE shut trading after a ransomware attack on the data infrastructure behind broker systems, and CGT collection fell sharply amid weak secondary-market activity. Sports & Community: PesEx Sports Academy won the women’s five-a-side futsal title; Nepal-linked relief efforts also continued through overseas student and community fundraising.

Flood Relief & Resettlement: Info and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina says Bhotekoshi flood victims will be resettled through integrated settlements in safer locations, with federal, provincial and local coordination; lawmakers also pushed for better-organized rescue and uniform data. Education Continuity: Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel pledges immediate-to-long-term education continuity via temporary learning centres and reconstruction, plus the “Assured Future Scholarship” for children who lost parents. International Aid: China hands Nepal Rs 11 million for children affected by the Bhotekoshi floods. Disaster Damage Costing: National Disaster Risk Reduction Authority estimates $4.77 billion needed for Rasuwa flood reconstruction and rehabilitation. Infrastructure Response: Government plans “higher bridges” to reduce future flood damage, while Bailey bridges are being used to restore connectivity. Economy & Markets: SEBON proposes tighter IPO eligibility criteria for hydropower and infrastructure firms; VAT on electricity consumption is set to be removed after Energy and Finance ministers’ agreement. Politics & Governance: PM meets NC leaders ahead of UNGA; civil servants worry as a Federal Civil Service Bill may be delayed; RSP urges faster legal steps for flood victims’ families. Capital Market Disruption: Nepal’s stock market shut after a ransomware attack hit a data centre used by 72 brokers.

Parliament Watch: Nepal’s House of Representatives and National Assembly are set to meet today, with HoR scheduled to authenticate a bill and consider the Children’s (First Amendment) Bill, while the NA will respond to agriculture oral questions and take up the Contagious Animal Diseases (Control) Bill. Disaster & Accountability: Rasuwa flood toll has climbed to 1,451 with 5,786 still missing, as rescue and relief continue and rehabilitation grants are being rolled out for families unwilling to stay in holding centres. Forensics & Rights: Nepal’s small forensic labs are under global scrutiny as DNA-based identification ramps up for victims from 30 countries, with families pushing for faster legal recognition of the missing. UNGA Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has left for New York for UNGA, while parties like RSP are directing the government to craft Nepal’s Bhote Koshi disaster stance for the UN floor. Public Policy: Lawmakers and rights activists are pressing for extending maternity leave from 98 days to at least six months under the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health. Climate Debate: A fresh push for “mountain diplomacy” for socially just climate finance is gaining traction as Nepal prepares its climate message for UNGA.

Electricity Trade: Nepal earned over Rs. 5.09 billion exporting 565.6 million units in Bhadra, though Bangladesh exports remain suspended after Bhotekoshi flood damage to Chilime and Trishuli hydropower. Night Transport in Kathmandu Valley: Nine local levels signed an MoU to expand night bus services from trial operations, launching 30 buses across six routes for safer late travel. Climate Diplomacy Push: Nepal created a dedicated Environment Diplomacy Division at the Foreign Ministry as flood impacts mount; officials cite climate change links and set up a stronger international engagement. Flood Search Update: Rescue teams continued searching for about 6,000 missing nearly four weeks after the Aug 26 flash floods, with 17 bodies recovered from the Upper Trishuli-1 tunnel. Foreign Investment Outreach: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle urged Indian investors to expand in Nepal, highlighting digitalization, clean energy, high-value agriculture and wellness tourism. Legal Leadership Abroad: Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma left for China to attend an international legal cooperation forum. Party Politics: CPN-UML leaders agreed not to criticize KP Oli or demand his resignation while planning stronger protests after Dashain-Tihar. Food Safety Regulation: Nepal moved to tighten edible oil quality standards, banning misleading ads and reuse of containers.

Disaster Probe: Nepal has formed a seven-member expert panel to investigate what triggered the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi-Tibet flash floods that killed over 1,400 and left more than 6,000 missing, with members covering hydrology, glaciology, remote sensing, geology, hydropower and disaster risk reduction, and the panel will also examine whether climate change played a role. Flood Response & Aid: Japan provided a USD 1 million emergency grant via IFRC for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in flood-affected communities, while India’s relief continues with another 11 tonnes of supplies; Czechia also sent emergency items including blankets and sleeping mats. Nepal-India Talks: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle met Indian officials in Delhi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and investment cooperation, urging Indian industrialists to invest in Nepal’s clean energy, IT, high-value agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. Constitution Day Politics: Prime Minister Balendra Shah reiterated government commitment to the Constitution “letter and spirit,” linking it to transparent appointments and services reaching citizens. Sports (Asian Games): Nepal’s cricket captain Dipendra Singh Airee said the team aims to win a medal at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. Markets: NEPSE rose for a second straight week, while gold prices increased by Rs 2,000 per tola and silver by Rs 175.

Constitution Day & Constitutionalism: Dr Baburam Bhattarai marked 11 years since the 2015 Constitution, saying the republic, federalism, secularism and inclusion are foundations—but implementation gaps and weak governance still leave promises unmet. National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal urged constitutional amendments only through national consensus and parliament as the main forum. Disaster Response & Climate Justice: PM Balendra Shah said an early warning system is now Nepal’s top priority after the Bhotekoshi floods, while Nepal’s case at the UNGA is being pushed with evidence-based climate demands. Flood Recovery & Energy Damage: A RDNA report estimates Rs 568m damage to renewable energy systems from Bhotekoshi floods across five districts. Central Bank Autonomy: Former Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada and NRB spokesperson Gurupasad Poudel both weighed in—one warning against weakening NRB autonomy, the other arguing asset-backed lending is discouraging project financing. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Nepal recommended 13 ambassadors through an open vacancy process, and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal is set to attend UNGA in New York. India Support: India sent another 11 tonnes of relief supplies to flood-hit Nepal. Politics: Nepali Congress ward conventions begin today as part of its 15th general convention process. Regional/International: Nepal’s Janaki Temple in Janakpur declared a protected monument zone; Asian Games opened in Japan with 135 Nepali athletes.

Climate Justice & Disaster Risk: A World Weather Attribution study links Nepal’s deadly flash floods to climate change, saying global warming has raised the odds of extreme heavy rains by over 70%, while Kathmandu’s urban growth and forest loss worsened runoff and landslide risk. Nepal Flood Response: Nepal is intensifying oral cholera vaccination in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, with tens of thousands already covered, as health monitoring continues amid the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli tragedy. International Aid & Diplomacy: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle in New Delhi, reiterating support for relief, recovery and rebuilding; Japan also provided a USD 1 million emergency WASH grant via IFRC, and Korea discussed rescue, rehabilitation and missing nationals with Nepal’s communications minister. Energy Governance: Dirghayukumar Shrestha was appointed NEA executive director/managing director after serving as acting head. Local Governance & Services: Bagmati Province expanded its cabinet, appointing Rama Ale Magar as agriculture, livestock, forest and environment minister, while Nepal’s banking sector reported a 71.78% credit-to-deposit ratio by mid-August. Economy & Daily Life: A gas shortage is shrinking restaurant menus across Kathmandu, forcing eateries to cut gas-intensive items. Politics: Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha’s NEA appointment and CK Raut’s candidacy for Janamat Party chair are among the week’s political moves.

UN Diplomacy: PM Balendra Shah will fly to New York on Sept 22 for his first UNGA trip since taking office, as Nepal seeks wider international attention and support after the Aug. 26 mudslide. Foreign Service: The Cabinet has recommended 13 ambassador nominees (including India, China, US and UK) for parliamentary hearing and subsequent agrément, with bios ranging from foreign-policy academia to security and development leadership. Youth & Jobs: Shah met Gen Z lawmakers, urging them to use technology and research to create jobs and become self-reliant rather than treating politics as a profession. Disaster Response & Forensics: DNA identification work for Bhotekoshi flood victims continues, with thousands still missing; Nepal is also preparing to seek about $20m from the UN Loss and Damage fund, citing climate-linked findings. Power & Economy: Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha was appointed NEA executive director and managing director; meanwhile, revenue rose by Rs 25.67bn in the first two months of FY26/27, but capital spending remains very low. Governance & Law: Lawmakers debated the Mines and Minerals Bill, pushing for shorter, workable licensing and an end to “resource hoarding,” while the NCC bill clarifies the corps will be civilian and non-military. Culture & Heritage: Janaki Temple declared a protected monument zone to support UNESCO listing efforts.

Nepal Floods Update: Nepal’s flash floods death toll has reached 1,410, with 6,145 still missing, as rescue and relief continue and DNA samples are being collected to identify victims. Disaster Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged stronger institutions to handle climate disasters, calling the Bhotekoshi floods a “Himalayan tsunami,” while Nepal also seeks climate compensation and UN support. India Ties After the Floods: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle met India’s Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi; both sides reaffirmed support for reconstruction and discussed expanding trade, connectivity, and economic partnership. Hydropower Relief Push: IPPAN asked the government to declare flood-hit hydropower projects “Special Flood-Affected” and introduce a dedicated reconstruction package; NEA also announced relief for families of missing hydropower workers. Governance & Oversight: CIAA reported filing cases against 990 defendants seeking recovery of Rs 25.23 billion, while the Teachers Service Commission was told to focus on measurable outcomes. Labour & Skills: The Labour Ministry plans nationwide skills and employment fairs, starting in Itahari. Nepal–Japan Skills Migration: Japanese and Nepali organisations signed an MoU to train and recruit Nepali drivers for Japan’s specified skilled worker programme. Political Party Watch: Nepali Congress leaders close to Deuba rejected joining the Gagan Thapa-led line and said they will prepare for the 15th general convention.

Flood Recovery & Rights: Rescuers recovered four bodies from the Chilime hydropower tunnel as the death toll rose to 1,403 and 6,150 remain missing, while lawmakers pressed the government to speed up DNA testing and death certificates so families can access insurance, compensation, banking and inheritance. Disaster Logistics: In Rasuwa and Rasuwa-linked settlements, roads remain cut off and relief is being rationed for distribution because helicopter supplies arrive in bulk; communities say restoring road access and bridges is the priority. Climate Accountability: A World Weather Attribution report says Nepal-Tibet floods were a “compound crisis” driven by long-term warming, glacier retreat and permafrost thaw, pushing the debate toward climate justice and polluter pay. Governance & Economy: The parliamentary Finance Committee passed a bill weakening Nepal Rastra Bank autonomy by cutting the governor’s term to three years (extendable), triggering alarm from former finance officials. Procurement & Security: Nepal’s e-GP system was shut down over technical problems and cyber security threats, with emergency hardcopy bidding allowed until a more secure e-GP-2 returns. Sports & Politics: ANFA says FIFA’s suspension means “suspended, not dismissed,” warning it may resume essential activities if government inaction continues. Public Services: Bagmati Province launched the “Hello CM” grievance service via toll-free number, WhatsApp, email and QR-based online submission. International Aid: Korea delivered drones and backup power to support search and rescue, while WFP called Nepal’s access challenges among the toughest it has faced.

Flood Investigation & Politics: Nepal formed a seven-member expert panel to trace the origin, causes and sequence behind the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods, using field studies, drones and satellite data, while an all-party meeting at Singha Durbar agreed to keep a high-level political mechanism running for sustained disaster risk management and reconstruction discussions. Disaster Toll Update: Nepal’s disaster authority revised the missing count up to 6,150 and said 1,403 bodies have been retrieved (105 identified), with the combined Nepal–China toll now at 1,446 dead and at least 6,669 missing. Climate Link: International scientists say the Aug 26 rock-ice collapse on Langtang Lirung was a “compound crisis” where climate change thinned glaciers, thawed permafrost and weakened slopes beyond what warning systems could prevent. Relief & Policy Moves: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority provided NPR 6.16 million to flood victims via the PM Disaster Relief Fund, and the government proposed six months of paid maternity leave plus up to 42 days paid paternity leave. India–Nepal Ties: India is “positive” about adding 160 LPG bullets to ease Nepal’s gas shortage, and Nepal and Bangladesh agreed a March 2027 three-match T20I series in Kathmandu dedicated to flood victims.

Disaster Governance: Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party pushed for an all-party parliamentary special committee on disaster risk reduction and management within a week, with a broader high-level political mechanism to keep coordination going. Flood Relief & Rights: The government moved to ease electricity costs for Bhotekoshi flood survivors via minimum/zero tariff rebates and waived new meters for damaged/wiped-out connections, while lawmakers also raised urgent search-and-rescue and road-safety concerns. Scientific Probe: A seven-member expert panel was formed to scientifically study the Tibet-Nepal/Bhotekoshi flood’s origin and sequence, using fieldwork and satellite/drones, with a two-month deadline. Legal Blockers: Families of the missing in Rasuwa say they cannot get death certificates, leaving them unable to claim relief even after funeral rites with effigies. International Ties: India’s outgoing ambassador Naveen Srivastava met Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, highlighting energy and connectivity gains and thanking Nepal for cooperation during flood relief. Health Policy: The health ministry drafted amendments to the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights Act, proposing longer paid maternity leave and paid father leave. Economy & Markets: NEPSE rebounded sharply after a capital market recovery plan, while the federal government transferred Rs 71.12 billion through revenue sharing.

Flood Response & Reconstruction: Nepal’s flash floods death toll rose to 1,399 with 5,170 still missing; 13,742 people have been rescued, while Kamala River in Sindhuli crossed the warning level and authorities urged residents to stay alert. Disaster Governance: Lawmakers pushed for a high-level parliamentary mechanism for relief, search and rescue, reconstruction and rehabilitation, and an all-party meeting is set for tomorrow called by RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane to discuss disaster risk reduction. Funding & Aid: Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund hit Rs 14.02 billion; France handed over emergency in-kind aid to NDRRMA. Infrastructure Safety: The government is drafting stricter safety measures for major projects after Bhotekoshi, including mandatory insurance and trained rescue task forces; repairs on 12 flood-damaged suspension bridges have begun. Energy & Trade: Nepal requested India to send 160 LPG tanker loads daily to ease shortages; India approved extended electricity exports to Nepal (up to 654 MW daily) to support recovery. Politics: Sher Bahadur Deuba urged Nepali Congress cadres not to join the faction’s “special” convention; ERC is moving ahead with open access directives for electricity transmission and distribution.

Disaster Response Politics: Nepali Congress leaders pushed the House of Representatives to form a high-level parliamentary body to speed up Bhotekoshi flood rescue, humanitarian distribution and reconstruction, urging PM Balendra Shah to answer lawmakers before his UNGA trip, while UML and RSP MPs also demanded faster search, DNA testing and transparent relief mechanisms. Flood Recovery & Governance: Parliament heard calls to expedite DNA tests for missing people and to tighten rescue and media ethics; opposition also accused the government of failing to mobilize technical help and international support in time, with proposals for a Special Reconstruction Authority. Energy & Cross-Border Aid: India approved Nepal’s import of up to 654MW for 18 hours daily until Dec 31 to prevent winter load shedding after hydropower damage; France handed over emergency relief supplies to NDRRMA. Foreign Policy: FM Shishir Khanal said Nepal’s foreign policy will be driven by national interest and sovereignty, responding to remarks on “old baggage.” Economy & Markets: NEPSE jumped after Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle unveiled the Capital Market Strengthening and Revitalization Action Plan. Other Developments: Civil servants must be released within transfer timelines; Kispang chair Birbal Tamang was arrested as a fugitive in 10 cases; and Kathmandu Gorkhas signed David Warner for NPL Season 3.

Flood Reconstruction & Governance: Nepal says it is pushing to reopen Bhote Koshi flood-damaged roads by mid-September, using eight thematic task forces and temporary measures like cable crossings and suspension bridges while permanent rebuilding follows. Power & India-Nepal Ties: India has approved electricity exports to Nepal for up to 18 hours daily (midnight to 6 pm) until Dec 31, sending up to 600 MW via Muzaffarpur–Dhalkebar and 54 MW via Tanakpur–Mahendranagar to ease shortages after hydropower damage. Tunnel Rescue Update: Joint Indian and Nepali teams are still clearing the Chilime Hydropower Project tunnel in Rasuwa, using excavators, loaders and mud pumps as water inflow and boulders slow progress toward the powerhouse. Disaster Monitoring: A government report says key river monitoring stations were swept away, crippling real-time flood warnings, though CCTV-based monitoring has been introduced at Timure. Relief Funding & International Aid: Nepal’s PM Relief Fund balance is reported at Rs 13.68 billion; the US has added $1 million for forensic support to help identify flood victims, while Malaysia’s SMART team has concluded its field deployment after SAR help. Climate Justice Debate: New reporting and analysis keep spotlighting how Himalayan glacier melt is accelerating and pushing the region toward “peak water,” raising stakes for Nepal’s flood risk and global climate responsibility. Regional Cooperation: BIMSTEC’s State Minister Humaiun Kobir urged members to stay committed to regional cooperation despite tensions, and Sri Lanka signed a host agreement for a BIMSTEC technology transfer facility. Sports & Society: Nepali women athletes are prioritizing the Asian Games over Teej this year, reflecting how national duty is reshaping festival life.