- Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party leader Vishmaraj Aangdembey and party Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma today called on Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
The meeting was held at the Office of Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
According to the Prime Minister’s press and research expert, Dipa Dahal, the Prime Minister invited the major opposition party leaders to the meeting aimed at holding necessary discussions and consultations before departing to New York of America to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Prime Minister is leaving here for the USA on Tuesday to attend the UNGA.
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14- Nepali female scientist receives Chinese grant for study on trans- Himalayan river
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Dr Namita Poudel Adhikari, a scientist at the Center for Pan-Third Pole Environment at Lanzhou University, has received a major prestigious grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to conduct the first study on nitrogen cycling and nitrogen flux estimation in the trans-Himalayan river system.
NSFC has stated that this study would be a significant achievement for Himalayan science.
She will conduct research under Chinese scientist Professor Yongqin Liu at the Center for Pan-Third Pole Environment, Lanzhou University, China who has developed several major databases for studying glacier microbiomes across the Three Poles.
The one-year project, worth approximately 5 million Nepali rupees, focuses on the Koshi River basin, which flows from its Tibetan source in China through Nepal. She has been conducting research in this area since 2016. This grant will build on her previous work to study biogeochemical cycles, particularly nitrogen, and determine nitrogen flux in this highly understudied region.
Nitrogen is an essential element for life, but human activities and climate change have severely disrupted its natural cycle. Large amounts of reactive nitrogen enter freshwater systems each year, causing oxygen depletion, harmful algal blooms, and loss of biodiversity. Therefore, accurate flux estimation encompassing inputs and in-river transformations is crucial for understanding impacts on water quality and ecological health. The nitrogen cycle is also a sensitive indicator of environmental change.
Arctic studies have shown that the composition of nitrogen export in rivers is changing, dissolved organic nitrogen is increasing while dissolved inorganic nitrogen is decreasing. The trans-Himalaya is warming at a similar or even faster rate, but comparable studies have so far been absent, now they will be conducted.
The trans-Himalayan region is warming faster than almost anywhere else on Earth, yet its rivers remain a clear blank spot on the scientific map. These rivers, flowing from Tibet in China through Nepal and beyond, are part of the “Third Pole,” the largest store of ice outside the polar regions and the lifeline for tens of millions of people downstream. The nitrogen dynamics of these rivers have not yet been systematically studied.
Dr. Namita’s project will provide the first integrated quantification of nitrogen flux in the Koshi basin, from glacial meltwater and atmospheric deposition to riverine transport and transformation. By tracking nitrogen’s journey from source to downstream, it will establish a scientific basis for one of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions and provide critical data for global biogeochemical models.
This grant is another milestone in Dr. Namita’s distinguished career. She holds a Ph.D. (CAS-TWAS Scholarship) and a Master’s degree (Chinese government scholarship) in Microbiology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, and a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Prithvi Narayan Campus, Pokhara.
Through more than a decade of field research on trans-Himalayan rivers, lakes, and glaciers, she has gained expertise in microbial ecology, bioinformatics, environmental chemistry, and high-altitude research. Her work has been published in high-impact-factor scientific journals such as Ecological Indicators, Environmental Research, Environmental Pollution, and Science of the Total Environment.
Her honors include the Youth Talent Award (Rs. 50,000) from the Gandaki Provincial Government, Nepal in 2024; the Outstanding International Student Award (Rs. 600,000) from Ministry of Education China in 2020; and the Excellent Student Award from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2019.
Originally from Myagde-2, Tanahun, Nepal, Dr Adhikari is a leading voice in the field of microbial ecology in the extreme environments of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. Her research on alpine lakes has analyzed over 5,000 genetic sequences, showing how temperature, pH, and ultraviolet radiation shape microorganisms. She has also contributed to identifying cold-adapted bacteria, shedding light on genomic adaptations that allow microorganisms to survive in polar and alpine conditions.
As she embarks on this funding, Dr. Namita continues to build academic bridges between China and Nepal through trans-Himalayan research, between microbial processes and global climate change, and between science and the water security of tens of millions of people.
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15- Forty with injuries from monkey bite visit Bheri Hospital in one and half month
Ranjha (Banke), Sept 21: Forty people have sought treatment for injuries they sustained from monkey bites in Nepalgunj over the past one and a half months.
According to Dr Badri Chapagain who is researching snake and animal bite cases, in the given time, 40 patients visited the Nepalgunj-based Bheri Hospital for injuries from monkey attacks.
He said such frequent cases of monkey bites here is a new phenomenon. Cases of bites from dogs, cats, and snakes are common and expected. “However, it is unusual that monkeys have started entering people’s homes and attacking them.”
He advised the public to remain cautious of potential attacks from the animal and seek immediate medical interventions of bitten or injured. According to date made available by Dr Chapagain, a total of 1,036 cases involving snake and other animal bits have been recorded over the past 45 days.
The highest number of injures (865) are from dogs, 110 from cats, and 21 from mice.
During the same period, 118 people sought treatment for snake bites, while four people were treated for insect bites, and 19 others sought medical care after being bitten by unidentified creatures.
According to Navin Darnal, the Medical Superintendent of Bheri Hospital, monkey bites are relatively common among farmers in rural areas, but the recent incidents in the urban area of Nepalgunj were unexpected. He added that monkey bite cases are intervened by anti-rabies vaccinations.
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17- Government collaborating with all bodies and sides for rehab of flood-hit people, rebuilding: Communications Minister
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr. Bikram Timilsina, has said that the government is moving ahead in coordination and collaborating with various government bodies for the relief and rehabilitation of citizens affected by the floods in the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa, as well as for the post-disaster reconstruction.
During a meeting today at the ministry with a delegation from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), he mentioned that the government is prioritizing the rehabilitation of those affected by the floods and the reconstruction.
Communications Minister Dr. Timilsina, who is also the government’s spokesperson, said that they have been looking at the problems of those affected by the floods, identifying their real needs, and moving forward with relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction programmes accordingly. He also clarified that all concerned agencies are coordinating and cooperating in the process of resettling flood-affected citizens.
Stating that it is not possible to resettle families displaced by the flood in their previous locations, he also informed that discussions are underway with the local authorities to develop a new settlement in a safe area.
“There is no way to settle people in the original place. The local governments are discussing where it would be suitable to set up settlements,” said Communications Minister Dr. Timilsina.
He said that output would be effective if reconstruction and restoration efforts move forward in an integrated way rather than having different agencies work separately. Communication Minister Dr. Timilsina also mentioned that the government wants to work accordingly because faster results can be achieved if one agency takes the lead in reconstruction and mobilizes necessary support from other government and non-government agencies.
Discussions were held about the work the government is doing for those affected by the Bhotekoshi floods and the kind of support NRNA could provide in the meeting with the delegation comprising NRNA Vice President Rozina Pradhan Rai, Women Vice President Radhika Gurung (Tika), General Secretary Dr. Chiranjivi Khadka, Chief Administrative Officer Rajendra Kumar Rawat, and other officials and members.
On the occasion, NRNA has stated that they are ready to move forward by cooperating with the government in restoration and reconstruction works. It also said that, institutionally, the third phase of relief distribution for the victims of the Bhotekoshi flood is ongoing.
During the meeting, discussion was also held on running relief and rehabilitation programmes aimed at women, children, and other vulnerable communities displaced or at risk due to the floods.
Highlighting that timely information flow is as important as relief materials during disasters, the NRNA team also expressed its desire to cooperate with the government in exchanging, coordinating, and sharing information related to relief distribution.
Similarly, the NRNA has stated that it wants to provide more support in disaster-affected areas, including in education and health. The NRNA delegation had also discussed with Communications Minister Dr. Timilsina about bringing more resources, means, and capital to Nepal through institutional work.
In that meeting, they discussed the progress of the NRN Development Fund and the possibilities of using it in investment and development areas in Nepal.
Communications Minister Dr. Timilsina expressed interest in the possibility of bringing more investment into Nepal from non-resident Nepalese and said that the government is ready to provide the necessary facilitation and cooperation for that.
In the meeting, there was also discussion about amending the legal provisions related to non-resident Nepalis, the issue of non-resident Nepali citizenship, and increasing the use of information technology and the effectiveness of digital services in Nepal.
Bringing investment into Nepal, utilizing the knowledge, skills, and capital of Nepali expatriates for the country’s development, and expanding institutional cooperation were also discussed on the occasion.
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18- NA session: Government urged to review a two-day weekly holiday
Kathmandu, Sept 21: The government has been urged to review the provision of a two-day weekly holiday, saying it has failed to bring substantial improvements in public service delivery.
Speaking at a special hour of the National Assembly (NA) today, Ananda Prasad Dhungana of Nepali Congress said despite an-hour extension in office hours, while operating the offices just for five days in a week had not resulted in significant improvements in service delivery. “There are complaints that the provision has created difficulties in the daily lives of employees and it should be reviewed,” he said.
It is noted that the government implemented a two-day public holiday from the first day of 2083 BS (April 14), replacing the previous one-day weekly holiday. Under the new arrangement, government offices open an hour earlier from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Similarly, Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) of CPN (Unified Socialist) echoed the need for the government to raise concerns over the recent devastating Bhotekoshi floods at international forums through climate change diplomacy.
CPN (UML)’s Mina Singh Rakhal demanded the government take action supplies of cooking gas on ‘black market’ and its ‘artificial’ shortage.
Bishnu Devi Pudasaini called for the removal of value- added tax (VAT) from electricity tariff.
Rajendra Laxmi Gaire of the Nepali Communist Party called for improvement to the Butwal-Palpa road section, citing that bad condition of roadway continues to contribute to fatal accidents.
Meanwhile, Somnath Portel of CPN (UML) stressed the need for all quarters to unite in relief and rescue efforts following the devastating floods.
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19- Bhotekoshi flood hit people will be relocated to a safe place, Minister Timilsina insists
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr. Bikram Timilsina, said that a plan will be forwarded to resettle those affected by the August 26 Bhotekoshi floods by developing integrated settlements in safe locations.
Minister Timilsina said so during a meeting today at the Ministry of Information and Communications with Madhav Prasad Aryal, the chairperson of Uttargaya Rural Municipality, to discuss relief, rescue, security arrangements, and rehabilitation in the flood-affected areas.
He said that since people should not be resettled in risky areas, preparations need to be made for rehabilitation by identifying safe locations and following the concept of integrated settlement development.
According to Minister Timilsina, plans for the same will be moved forward in coordination between the federal, provincial, and local levels.
He said that preparations are underway to develop settlements in safe locations so that they are not affected by floods and other disasters in the future. According to him, local governments can manage local resources like gravel, sand, and timber for rehabilitation, while the federal government will provide the necessary policy, financial, and technical support.
Uttargaya Rural Municipality Chair Aryal drew attention of Minister Timilsina that relief and rescue operations in the flood-hit areas need to be better organized, the data on those affected should be uniform, and separate committees should be set up for temporary housing and long-term rehabilitation.
Chairperson Aryal also emphasized that the support coming from various NGOs and international NGOs should be organized based on the needs of those affected.
During the meeting, discussions were also held about identifying the real needs of those affected and properly distributing available resources, as well as on paying special attention to the care, education, and the future of children who lost their parents due to the flood.
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20- China provides 11 million for children affected by Bhotekoshi floods
Kathmandu, Sept 21: China has provided Rs 11 million to help children affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, handed over a check for that amount to Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel at the Ministry of Education and Sports today.
On the occasion, Minister Pokharel expressed gratitude for the assistance China provided during the disaster and conveyed his belief that necessary coordination and cooperation between Nepal and China will continue in the future.
Ambassador Zhang informed that the amount was provided so that it directly reaches children affected by the flood.
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21- ‘National Service Corps Bill, 2083’ passed by House of Representatives
Kathmandu, Sept 21: The ‘National Service Corps Bill, 2083’ was passed by today’s meeting of the House of Representatives.
A proposal seeking approval of the Bill presented by Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam, on behalf of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, was passed unanimously.
Presenting the bill, Minister Gautam noted that extensive discussions regarding the legislation had previously taken place in the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
Mentioning that specific criteria have been established for students wishing to undergo the training, she highlighted that the bill includes provisions prioritizing training opportunities for students from remote and inaccessible areas.
Earlier, lawmakers had participated in the deliberations on the bill and expressed their respective views.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 PM.
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22- Education Minister pledges continuity of education of children from floods-hit areas
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has said the government has immediate to long-term plans for the continuity of education in the floods-affected areas. Such initiatives include the operation of temporary learning centres to reconstruction of damaged schools and educational facilities.
In his response to concerns from lawmakers in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Minister, also the government Spokesperson said that before the reconstruction of schools damaged by the floods, teaching-learning activities will be run through temporary centers, community-based education initiatives, and residential arrangements wherever it is necessary.
He added that the Ministry of Education and Sports has launched the ‘Assured Future Scholarship Scheme’ in partnership with the private sector targeting children who lost their parents to the floods.
“No situation will be allowed to arise that would deprive children of learning opportunities,” he reiterated.
According to the Minister, the government has planned to implement the school-rebuilding efforts based on the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report. He added that children in government-run holding centres have been provided with healthcare and psychosocial counselling facilities, as well as learning activities.
Talking about challenges for technical education, he said technical education seats at some schools have not been fully reserved and it is due to less concerns of guardians and students in the technical education. He pledged policy and legal reformative steps in technical education.
He further said that continued assessment system has been implemented for education up to Grade 5, preparations are underway for mergers of schools and adjustment of teachers’ quota and the process has been initiated to amend the law regarding the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).
The Minister went on to say that policy dialogues were held across all seven provinces to collect stakeholders input in the course of preparation of the Education Bill. The works are in progress to draft and enact an Education Act based on the submissions from the stakeholders concerned, finding solution long-standing issues in school education.
Minister Pokharel made it clear that while the recruitment of permanent teachers falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, responsibilities such as contract appointments, transfers, and the adjustment of teachers’ quota fall under local governments.
The government has announced plans to map the overall status of schools during the current fiscal year. Based on data from the mapping, the government will undertake infrastructure development and the adjustment of teachers’ quota.
Stating that government has increased the remuneration of Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers, school support staff, and school assistants by an additional Rs 5,000, he pledged that teachers’ demands would be addressed gradually, taking into account the country’s economic capacity.
Meanwhile, he said that high-level initiatives from the government level are underway to have the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) lifted.
FIFA suspended ANFA indefinitely on June 24, 2026, and that high-level efforts were being made to create an atmosphere for getting the FIFA action withdrawn.
The Minister also apprised the House that the government has decided to provide monetary assistance for the medical treatment of Ashish Rai, who was injured during a Nepal-China friendly match and is undergoing treatment in Thailand. The assistance will be provided within the limits of the budget approved by the National Sports Council.
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23- Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill passed unanimously
Kathmandu, Sept 21: The National Assembly has unanimously passed the ‘Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, 2083.’
Minister for Agriculture, Forests, and Environment Gita Chaudhary has presented a proposal seeking the bill’s passage during today’s session of the National Assembly.
Presenting the proposal, Minister Chaudhary briefed the Upper House on the current disease situation, the inadequacy of existing legal provisions for controlling infectious animal diseases, the bill’s objectives, and its key provisions.
She also noted that the clause-by-clause discussions held within the committee have made the Act more robust and practical for implementation.
National Assembly members Prem Prasad Dangal, Suresh Ale Magar, Khamba Bahadur Khati, Ram Kumari Jhakri, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma, and Samjhana Devkota participated in the discussion on the bill.
The next meeting of the National Assembly would be held on September 24.
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24- Inquiry commission to probe alleged bribery involving Health Minister
Gandaki, Sept. 21: The Gandaki Provincial Government has initiated an investigation following allegations of bribery involving the outgoing Health Minister Laxman Bahadur Pandey and Health Secretary Dr Yuvanidhi Basaula.
The Health Minister’s personal secretary Yadav Paudel has also been named in the scam regarding the granting of permission to upgrade Pokhara’s Padma Nursing Home.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Economic Affairs, Jit Bahadur Sherchan, shared that a three-member inquiry committee was formed on Sunday under the leadership of an Under Secretary at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers.
Dr Basaula, the Health Secretary implicated in the case, has been recalled to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. Spokesperson Sherchan added that the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers has also written to the Pokhara office of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the committee has been mandated to submit its report within 15 days.
The Health Ministry is initiating a process to suspend the implementation of the decision to upgrade the hospital until the investigation is completed.
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25- Ministry making continuous efforts to ease LPG supply: Minister Sah
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Deepak Kumar Sah, has said that the Ministry is making every possible effort to ease the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by adopting short-term, medium-term and long-term measures.
Minister Sah said so while responding to queries of the parliamentarians in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.
During the Q and A session, Minister Sah shared that the Ministry has already conducted PERT (project evaluation and review technique) regarding the entire LPG supply chain to identify bottlenecks and take immediate measures to restore normal supply. “Efforts are being coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to reduce customs clearance time and with the Ministry of Home Affairs to manage traffic congestion and movement along supply routes. Also, diplomatic efforts are also underway to temporarily increase the regular supply of LPG from 100 bullet tankers to up to 160 a week.”
He also mentioned that the Ministry has formed an internal committee to recommend measures so as to make LPG distribution easier in the short term and more sustainable and systematic in the long run.
According to him, the LPG industries have committed to supplying 50,000 cylinders daily in Kathmandu Valley, with his Ministry monitoring implementation through daily supply data.
Addressing concerns over rising prices, weak market monitoring and black-marketing of essential goods, Sah said that the government was serious about protecting consumers’ rights.
He reiterated government’s seriousness towards curbing artificial shortages, excessive price hikes and black-marketing. For which, he added, a joint and surprise monitoring team from the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection have been formed and mobilized to control such ‘untoward’ activities.
Furthermore, Sah appraised the lawmakers that 193 fair-price shops are being operated round the year through the Food Management and Trading Company.
He said that the Salt Trading Corporation was preparing to operate additional discount stores and outlets targeting the upcoming festive season.
The incumbent government has also updated and implemented policies and action plans such as ‘Commerce Policy, 2081 BS’, ‘Nepal Trade Integration Strategy, 2080 BS’ and ‘National Action Plan for Trade Deficit Reduction’, aimed at promoting exports, managing imports and reducing the trade deficit.
Regarding the Hetauda Cement Industry, Minister Sah asserted that assets and liability assessment had been completed.
He added that discussions were underway on options for its operation, financial obligations, technological condition and market prospects.
As for the initiatives to facilitate trade and movement through the northern border crossings, the Minister shared that the relevant trade divisions and stakeholder agencies have been gathering facts concerning the status of the crossings, infrastructure, customs procedures and the causes of obstructions.
He further said a bill on mines and mineral resources has already been tabled in the Parliament to strengthen regulation of mining and the operation of stone, gravel, sand and crusher industries.
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26- Asian Games: Nepal defeated by Hong Kong
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Nepal lost to Hong Kong in the match held today under women’s volleyball at the ongoing 20th Asian Games in Japan.
In the match held at the Okazaki Central Park General Gymnasium in Japan, Nepal lost to Hong Kong in straight sets (3-0).
Hong Kong won the first set 25-20 and secured the second set 25-19. It then won the third and final with a score of 28-26.
Nepal will now face Mongolia for the 11th place position tomorrow.
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27- Senior lyricist Rijal to be honoured with ‘Madhav Ghimire Award’
Kathmandu, Sept 21: This year’s ‘Madhav Ghimire Award’ would be presented to senior lyricist Kali Prasad Rijal. The award was established in memory of national poet Madhav Prasad Ghimire.
Marsyangdi Bangmaya Pratisthan, established in 2053 BS for the advancement of Nepali language, art, literature, culture and knowledge, is going to confer this award on Rijal. The award carries a purse of Rs 100,000 and a copper plaque.
Spouse of Ghimire—Mahakali Ghimire, sons—late Indrawar Ghimire and Rajeev Ghimire, had established a revolving fund of Rs 2.7 million which has been deposited in the fund of the Marsyandi Bangmaya Pratisthan.
The award is presented every year and the cash award is paid from the interest generated from the revolving fund. Rijal has written many popular songs including ‘Kehi Mitho Bata Gara..’
Pratisthan’s secretary Anjana Poudel shared that the award would be presented on September 23 on the occasion of birth anniversary of the national poet Ghimire.
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28- Chinese Ambassador calls on VP Yadav
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Zhang Maoming, paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav on Monday.
During the meeting held at the Office of the Vice-President in Lainchaur, matters related to Nepal-China bilateral relations, loss of lives and properties due to flood in Bhotekoshi River and related assistance were discussed.
On the occasion, Vice-President Yadav expressed sorrow over the death of Nepali, Chinese and other foreign nationals in Bhotekoshi flood as well as damages on properties and infrastructures.
Wishing the Chinese citizens including Nepalis, who sustained injuries in the flood, a speedy recovery, the Vice-President expressed condolences to Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng through the Chinese Ambassador.
Vice-President Yadav congratulated his Chinese counterpart on the occasion of 77th establishment day of China, extended best wishes for his happiness and good health as well as happiness, peace, prosperity and progress of the Chinese citizens.
“The Bhotekoshi floods have impacted not only lives and properties, but also dreams of thousands of families, cultures and natural heritages. Though reconstruction of infrastructures is possible, it may take decades to restore the trust of the affected people,” he said.
The Vice-President mentioned that this disaster has again proved the fact that despite Nepal’s negligible contribution to climate change, it is severely affected country.
He extended gratitude towards different types of assistances of China that Nepal has received in its post-disaster management efforts.
Extending sorrow over the damages caused by flood, the Chinese Ambassador underlined that natural disaster is the shared matter of concern for both China and Nepal. “China has provided financial, humanitarian support to Nepal during this hour of disaster. There will be support of China in Nepal’s reconstruction of physical infrastructures,” he stated.
Chinese Ambassador Maoming also shared that the Chinese government has already announced to provide scholarship of around 13 million rupees for the students of Bhotekoshi flood-hit areas.
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29- UML Chair presents political report
Kathmandu, Sept 21: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli presented his political report at the party’s Central Committee meeting that began today.
Starting tomorrow every Central Committee member would be allocated three minutes to offer suggestions regarding Chairman Oli’s report, said Niraj Acharya, Chief of the Party’s Publicity and Publication Department.
This marks the first Central Committee meeting held since the House of Representatives election last March.
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30- Government working to improve agro supply chain: Minister Chaudhary
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Minister for Agriculture, Forest, and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, has stated that the government is conducting a study to improve the supply chain within the agricultural sector.
Responding to a query raised by National Assembly member Rukmini Koirala, Minister Chaudhary explained that the study aims to eliminate the situation where farmers fail to get fair returns while consumers are forced to pay high prices.
She also informed the House that a ‘Task Force on Supply Chain Improvement Recommendations’ has been formed under the coordination of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest, and Environment.
In response to Member Koirala’s question asking why the government has been unable to control market prices, Minister Chaudhary stated that the task force’s preliminary study revealed the involvement of up to five layers of middlemen in the agricultural supply chain between the farmer and the consumer. “The government aims to limit the supply chain to two or three tiers by eliminating unnecessary layers. Implementing recommendations for supply chain reform is expected to increase the prices farmers receive for their agricultural produce,” she said.
The task force will provide suggestions on market-demand-based farming systems, storage, processing, packaging, and loss-reduction strategies,” Minister Chaudhary added.
She also mentioned that wholesale prices from federal markets are being published daily via a website to help regulate agricultural produce prices nationwide, which can also be viewed as daily prices from the 12 major markets on mobile phones using the Agriculture Market Price Information System (AMPIS) app.
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31- Foreign Minister Khanal in New York
New York, Sept 21: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has arrived here today to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Foreign Minister Khanal was welcomed at JFK International Airport by Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lok Bahadur Thapa, Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari, and other officials from the mission.
Minister Khanal will lead the ‘Everest to the Sea’ side-line meeting hosted by Nepal. He is also scheduled to hold meetings with his counterparts from various countries.
Accompanying Minister Khanal are Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Krishna Prasad Dhakal, and other officials.
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32- Bhote Koshi Floods: Tourism Sector suffers losses exceeding Rs 52 billion
Kathmandu, Sept 21: The tourism sector in Nepal has suffered losses amounting to Rs 52.67 billion due to the floods in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on August 26.
This was revealed in a report submitted on Monday to Tourism Minister Khadak Raj Paudel by the Rapid Response Team (QRT). The QRT had been formed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation under the coordination of Nepal Tourism Board member Sahadev Dhamala.
According to the report, the floods and landslides caused extensive damage to tourism infrastructure, hotels and tourism businesses, transport access, trekking routes, and tourist management systems, particularly in the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha.
QRT Coordinator Dhamala stated that, sector-wise, the estimated losses are highest in the hotel sector (Rs 19.56 billion), followed by foreign tourism revenue (Rs 14.60 billion) and tourist management (Rs 12.26 billion).
According to him, a total of 1,117 Nepali and foreign tourists have been affected by the floods and landslides. So far, 310 people have been safely rescued, and 13 others have made contact. However, 794 individuals comprising 606 foreigners and 188 Nepalis remain out of contact.
The report emphasizes that post-disaster tourism recovery should not be limited merely to reconstructing damaged infrastructure; instead, a safe and sustainable tourism system must be developed by also taking into account potential future climate-related risks.
Receiving the report, Minister Paudel pledged to restore safety, communication, and transport access to key destinations before the upcoming tourist season by effectively implementing a joint action plan developed in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and the private sector.
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33- Rescue and relief operations continue in Bhotekoshi flood-hit area: Home Secretary
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Rescue and relief operations in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi floods are continuing, Home Secretary Kedarnath Sharma told a thematic parliamentary committee.
In the meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under House of Representatives on Monday, Home Secretary Sharma said that alongside rescue efforts, the government is working to manage the needs of the flood-affected people.
Sharma briefed the parliamentarians that a total of Rs 135 million has been dispatched from the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for the affected areas across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan districts among others.
During the meeting, the Home Secretary observed that Nepal would need to seek around Rs 723 billion in compensation from the international community under the principle of climate justice, given the scale and intensity losses caused by climate-induced disasters.
He presented the fact-based statistic and said that relief distribution is being carried out for the flood survivors. The Home Secretary reiterated that search and rescue operations are continuing in the flood-hit areas.
The Committee members deliberated on issues related to disaster management, protection of the human rights of affected citizens in connection with the devastating Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa district and climate justice among others.
During the meeting, Committee Chairperson Samiksha Sapkota inquired that how the government was addressing the economic, social and long-term needs of flood survivors.
Similarly, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) Executive Chief Dr Dharmaraj Upreti presented a progress report on ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
According to him, 5,786 people still remain missing while 1,451 bodies have been recovered since the flood struck on August 26.
Likewise, he informed that further 1,292 bodies have been safely preserved underground and 111 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families.
DNA testing is being carried out on 3,685 bodies, said Upreti. The number of holding centres, where the flood survivors were sheltering, has been reduced from 34 to 20 as, he explained, the focus shifts increasingly toward managing the needs of survivors.
He appraised the Committee that the government is operating temporary learning centres for children, providing psychosocial counselling and extending special protection to children and postpartum women.
Also briefing the lawmakers, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment Dr Maheshwar Dhakal said that they were doing homework in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present Nepal’s case for climate justice to the international community.
He added that preparation is afoot to revise the National Climate Policy, 2019.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Man Bahadur Aryal, clarified that currently there was no plan to introduce a separate law on disaster management.
Lawmakers such as Bhumika Shrestha, Balawati Sharma and Smriti Senchuri among others had raised questions about disaster management and the search and rescue efforts, relief distribution and rehabilitation operation.
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34- ‘Classify violence during delivery as offense’
Kathmandu, Sept 21: Lawmakers have demanded to classify obstetric violence as an offense.
At a programme ‘Respectful Maternity Care and Laws needed to address Obstetric Violence’ organised by Forum for Women, Law and Development here on Monday, lawmaker Sushila Dhakal Acharya pointed out the need of husband’s support in any complication that may arise during maternity care.
Similarly, Balawati Sharma stressed the need of formulating laws to reduce violence during labour pain, adding family violence should be reduced as well as doctors and nurses should be made aware about the issue.
Requesting not to make remarks disrespecting doctors and nurses, Lalita Kumari stated that any shortcomings should be addressed through corrective measures.
Likewise, Radhika Ramtel argued that respectful maternity care is beyond the imagination in remote areas of Karnali due to behavior of doctors and health workers involved in treatment.
Prabha Karki suggested pregnant women to keep their health in first priority, adding it would help reduce violence if pregnant woman keep their health in first priority.
Similarly, Achyutam Lamichhane mentioned that problems would be resolved if awareness about women’s rights, responsibilities and education would be spread while Aliza Gurung emphasized on daughters’ education and stressed that formulation of laws was necessary to stop doctors’ negligence.
It would help in respectful maternity care if civic awareness is increased, development of civilization, timely revision to act and laws, transformation in health workers and drastic improvement in awareness of the society, shared Guru Baral.
Citing the instance of Babita Paswan of Saptari, Ambika Devi Sangraula, viewed that all should be aware to avoid such incidents in future by learning a lesson from the incident.
On the occasion, Advocate of the Forum, Dipesh Shrestha, made presentation about the issues—What is Respectful Maternity Care?, What are its dimensions? and How can obstetric violence be reduced?
It was shared in the programme that eight theories propounded by White Ribbon Alliance about respectful maternity care are important.
He also shed light on Nepal’s situation in respectful maternity care and researches conducted so far. Nepal has obligation to make laws related to respectful maternity care in accordance with international treaties and agreements that it is a party to.
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35- Caution advised over possibility of heavy rainfall
Kathmandu, Sept 21: The Meteorological Forecasting Division has forecasted the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the country from the upcoming Friday through Monday.
According to the special weather bulletin issued by the Division on Monday, heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are expected in some regions of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces from Friday until Monday.
Similarly, the Division has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall (with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds) in a few locations across Madhesh, Koshi, Bagmati, and Sudurpaschim provinces, and heavy rainfall in some parts of Karnali Province. As a result, the Division has urged everyone to exercise necessary caution while traveling.
According to the Division, a low-pressure area currently situated over the central Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a stronger low-pressure system and is projected to move in a west-northwest direction. Rainfall activity is expected to increase in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces starting Wednesday due to this system.
Noting that water levels in major rivers, streams, and rivulets could rise, potentially impacting daily life, agriculture, health, and tourism, the Division has advised caution. It has specifically urged those planning high-altitude treks or mountaineering expeditions to stay informed about local weather conditions and exercise a high level of caution, given the possibility of heavy snowfall in mountainous regions.
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