Global attention on climate impacts and disaster recovery is shaping Nepal’s international agenda, alongside ongoing domestic governance and community developments.
Politics & Governance
Prime Minister Balendra Shah and the Nepali delegation in New York are using UN engagement to seek international support in the wake of the Bhotekoshi disaster, amid calls for climate justice and stronger adaptation financing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the climate crisis at UNGA81 while not directly mentioning the recent Bhotekoshi flood, and the delegation is expected to keep disaster recovery and climate-resilient development on the agenda (UN Chief addresses climate crisis and Nepal's melting glaciers). Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai also highlighted how the climate crisis is worsening conditions and urged expedited implementation of the 2030 Agenda, alongside improved access to financing and poverty eradication measures (Foreign Secy Rai highlights growing impact of climate crisis).
Courts & Accountability
There were no court, accountability, or major judicial accountability developments included in the provided briefs today.
Economy & Business
The United States announced USD 31 million to support Nepal’s flood recovery, including funds for bridges, water, sanitation and shelter, and drones for disaster response and recovery operations, bringing total U.S. aid to more than USD 36 million. The funding announcement was made by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York (US to provide USD 31 million to support Nepal’s flood recovery efforts). In parallel, losses from the Bhotekoshi flood have significantly affected agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, with local authorities assessing damage as affected farmers and fishermen report severe economic strain (Agriculture, livestock, fisheries suffer significant loss in Bhotekoshi flood).
Society & Community
Indra Jatra began in Kathmandu Valley with the ceremonial erection of Indradhwaja at Hanumandhoka’s Basantapur Durbar Square, launching an eight-day festival featuring traditional dances and chariot processions. The festival includes worship of deities and culminates with the lowering of the sacred pole, with participation from the President and cultural performances across Kathmandu and nearby areas (Indra Jatra begins with ceremonial erection of Indradhwaja). Separately, Fly Dubai resumed flights from Pokhara, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and support tourism after a period of disruption (Fly Dubai flight from Pokhara).
Date: September 23, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 07, 2083
Top News
1. UN Chief addresses climate crisis and Nepal's melting glaciers, omits specific mention of Bhotekoshi flood (theannapurnaexpress.com)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the climate crisis at the 81st UN General Assembly, emphasizing the urgent need for climate justice and adaptation finance, while notably omitting a direct mention of the recent Bhotekoshi flood in Nepal. He called for developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments and highlighted the inadequacy of current resources in the Loss and Damage Fund. Meanwhile, a Nepali delegation, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, is in New York to advocate for international support and raise awareness about the Bhotekoshi disaster.
2. Nepal’s Foreign Secy Rai highlights growing impact of climate crisis on UNGA81 sidelines (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai emphasized the escalating impact of the climate crisis during a high-level discussion at UNGA81 in New York. He advocated for a multidimensional approach to poverty eradication, highlighting Nepal's challenges from recent climate disasters and calling for climate-resilient development, improved access to financing, and expedited implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
3. Agriculture, livestock, fisheries suffer significant loss in Bhotekoshi flood (risingnepaldaily.com)
The recent flood in Bhotekoshi has caused substantial damage to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in the region. Local authorities are assessing the extent of the losses as affected farmers and fishermen face severe economic challenges.
4. US to provide USD 31 million to support Nepal’s flood recovery efforts (theannapurnaexpress.com)
The United States will provide USD 31 million to support Nepal's flood recovery efforts, as announced by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker during a meeting with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in New York. This funding includes USD 10 million for building bridges, USD 8 million for water, sanitation, and shelter assistance, and USD 13 million for drones to aid disaster recovery, bringing total U.S. aid to over USD 36 million.
5. Govt planning to draft 166 laws this year: Minister Gautam (risingnepaldaily.com)
The government plans to draft 166 laws this year, according to Minister Gautam. This initiative aims to enhance legal frameworks and governance in the country.
6. Indra Jatra begins with ceremonial erection of Indradhwaja at Hanumandhoka (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Indra Jatra, a significant festival in Kathmandu Valley, commenced with the ceremonial erection of the Indradhwaja at Basantapur Durbar Square. This eight-day festival, marked by traditional dances and chariot processions, includes worship of deities and culminates with the lowering of the sacred pole. Celebrated primarily by the Newar community, the festival features the participation of the President and various cultural performances throughout Kathmandu and surrounding areas.
7. Abunwa-Pauwatar road project makes 30% progress in four years (risingnepaldaily.com)
The Abunwa-Pauwatar road project has achieved only 30% progress over the past four years. This slow advancement raises concerns about the efficiency and management of the infrastructure development initiative.
8. पोखराबाट फ्लाई दुबईको उडान : निराशामा आशाको दियो (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Fly Dubai has resumed flights from Pokhara, offering renewed hope for travelers after a period of disruption. This development is expected to boost tourism and connectivity in the region.
9. राष्ट्रपति पौडेल र कार्यवाहक प्रधानमन्त्री वाग्लेबिच भेटवार्ता (www.ratopati.com)
President Ramchandra Paudel met with Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagley at the Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday morning to discuss current issues. Wagley assumed the role of Acting Prime Minister following Prime Minister Balen Shah's visit to the United States.
10. नेपाल र ग्रेनाडाबीच कूटनीतिक सम्बन्ध स्थापना (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Nepal and Grenada have established diplomatic relations, marking a significant step in their international cooperation. This development aims to enhance bilateral ties and foster collaboration in various sectors.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.25 |
| CAD → NPR | 109.23 |
| AUD → NPR | 109.1 |
| GBP → NPR | 204.95 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.77 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4342.58 | NPR 249,562.38 |
| Silver | $66.65 | NPR 3,830.29 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
