Today’s headlines centered on cross-border engagement plans, climate-driven disaster response, and ongoing political and public events across Nepal.
Politics & Governance
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal outlined a dual engagement approach with India and China, linking cooperation on climate change and flood recovery with broader connectivity goals for Nepal. He also discussed expanding partnerships beyond immediate neighbors, including the United States, Europe, and ASEAN, as part of efforts to deepen Nepal’s land-linked economy. Shisir Khanal’s foreign policy template and Khanal on national ownership for peacebuilding were emphasized in separate international engagements.
Nepali Congress revised the timeline for its regional convention due to adverse weather conditions, with the schedule extended to October 13. The party said the regional convention’s completion by that date would allow the national convention to proceed without major disruption, while further delays could push the inauguration to October 18. Congress regional convention schedule revision.
Courts & Accountability
Minister Shisir Khanal stressed that sustainable peacebuilding depends on national ownership and accountable governance, framing trustworthy institutions as the foundation for long-term stability. He also linked international peace support to Nepal’s national priorities and capacities. National ownership and accountable institutions was discussed in the context of strengthening the local implementation of the 2006 Comprehensive Peace Accord.
Economy & Business
The Bagmati provincial government requested an immediate NPR 1 billion allocation from the federal level to support post-flood reconstruction. The move aims to address damage from recent flooding and accelerate recovery measures in the affected region. Bagmati requests NPR 1 billion for reconstruction
Separately, authorities introduced vehicle time slots on the Tribhuvan Highway to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion and safety risks. The scheduling is intended to regulate movement of different vehicle types throughout the day. Time slots for Tribhuvan Highway vehicles
Society & Community
Continuous rainfall heightened flood and landslide risks across Nepal, with traffic suspended in 25 districts and advisories issued for additional districts to restrict nighttime travel. Officials reported one death in Makwanpur and said around 500 people were evacuated from flood-affected areas in Bhaktapur and Nawalparasi West, while rescue readiness and security deployments were put on high alert. Flood and landslide risk; 25 districts with travel halted
In the tourism and cultural sphere, heavy snowfall in Khumbu led to the rescue of seven foreign tourists by local authorities. Meanwhile, Indra Jatra proceeded in Kathmandu with traditional rituals, including the raising of the lingo and public processions attracting thousands of locals and visitors. Khumbu snowfall rescue of seven tourists and Indra Jatra celebrations in Kathmandu were the key community developments.
Nepal’s sports team also recorded a notable win, avenging its 2014 Asian Games loss to Afghanistan with a five-wicket victory that kept the team on course toward quarterfinal qualification. Nepal will determine its final group standing through the next match against Japan. Nepal beats Afghanistan by five wickets
Date: September 26, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 10, 2083
Top News
1. Nepal’s foreign minister Khanal offers a template of its engagement with immediate neighbors India and China (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal emphasized the need for Nepal to prioritize climate change in its foreign policy, particularly in light of the Bhotekoshi flood tragedy. He outlined a dual engagement strategy with India and China, focusing on ecological cooperation, economic interdependence, and infrastructure connectivity, while also aiming to transform Nepal into a land-linked economy. Khanal highlighted plans for deeper partnerships beyond the immediate neighbors, including with the United States, Europe, and ASEAN, to enhance Nepal's global reach.
2. National ownership indispensable base for building trustworthy, legitimate and sustainable peace: Minister Khanal (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal emphasized the importance of national ownership, inclusive state institutions, and accountable governance for sustainable peacebuilding during a meeting of the Peace-Building Commission at the UN in New York. He highlighted Nepal's Comprehensive Peace Accord of 2006 as a successful example of a homegrown peace process and called for strengthening local ownership and reliable institutions to meet the expectations of the new generation. Khanal also stressed that international support for peacebuilding should align with Nepal's national priorities and capacities.
3. Nepal avenge 2014 Asian Games defeat with five-wicket win over Afghanistan (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Nepal avenged its 2014 Asian Games defeat by defeating Afghanistan by five wickets, securing a crucial victory that puts them on the brink of the quarterfinals. Afghanistan batted first, scoring 102 runs, with Kushal Bhurtel taking four wickets, while Nepal chased down the target in 17.2 overs, led by Sandeep Jora's 34 runs. Nepal's next match against Japan will determine their final group standing and potential quarterfinal opponent.
4. Minister Lamsal urges China to reopen Rasuwa border checkpoint (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal urged China to reopen the Rasuwa border checkpoint during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming. Lamsal highlighted the need for Chinese support in rebuilding infrastructure damaged by floods and resuming operations at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung transit point, emphasizing that around 600,000 Nepali citizens require connectivity. Ambassador Maoming expressed China's readiness to assist and suggested a special study for the reconstruction of Rasuwagadhi to enhance infrastructure resilience.
5. बाढीपछिको पुनर्निर्माणका लागि बागमती सरकारले संघसँग माग्यो तत्काल एक अर्ब रुपैयाँ (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Bagmati government has requested the federal government for an immediate allocation of NPR 1 billion for reconstruction efforts following the floods. This funding is aimed at addressing the damages caused by the recent flooding in the region.
6. Heavy snowfall in Khumbu region, Seven foreign tourists rescued (risingnepaldaily.com)
Heavy snowfall in the Khumbu region has led to the rescue of seven foreign tourists. The adverse weather conditions prompted local authorities to mobilize rescue teams to ensure the safety of those stranded.
7. Indra Jatra celebrated with traditional fervour (risingnepaldaily.com)
Indra Jatra was celebrated with traditional fervor in Kathmandu, featuring various cultural events and rituals. The festival included the raising of the lingo (a ceremonial pole) and processions with traditional music and dance. Thousands of locals and tourists participated in the festivities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
8. मौसम प्रतिकूलताका कारण कांग्रेसको क्षेत्रीय अधिवेशनको कार्यतालिका संशोधन (nepalnews.com)
Nepali Congress has revised the schedule for its regional convention due to adverse weather conditions. The convention, originally set to start on Saturday, will now run until October 13, as some local conventions in districts like Madhesh Province were delayed. If the regional convention concludes by October 13, the party anticipates no issues in proceeding with the national convention; however, delays may push the inauguration to October 18.
9. लगातार वर्षाले देशभर बाढीपहिरोको जोखिम, २५ जिल्लामा यातायात बन्द (newsofnepal.com)
Continuous rainfall has increased the risk of floods and landslides across various regions in Nepal, affecting coastal settlements and blocking roads in hilly areas. Traffic has been suspended in 25 districts of western Nepal, with additional advisories for 30 districts to halt nighttime travel and 22 districts urged to remain vigilant. One fatality has been reported in Makwanpur, and around 500 individuals have been evacuated from flood-affected areas in Bhaktapur and Nawalparasi West. Approximately 26,000 security personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are on high alert for disaster management, with rescue teams and equipment prepared for deployment. Residents in at-risk areas are advised to remain cautious as rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.
10. Vehicles using Tribhuvan Highway given time slots (risingnepaldaily.com)
Authorities have implemented time slots for vehicles using the Tribhuvan Highway to manage traffic flow. This measure aims to reduce congestion and improve safety on the busy route. Specific time allocations will help regulate the movement of different types of vehicles throughout the day.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 153.61 |
| CAD → NPR | 108.6 |
| AUD → NPR | 107.97 |
| GBP → NPR | 203.43 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.72 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4285.53 | NPR 246,862.33 |
| Silver | $64.36 | NPR 3,707.37 |
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.
