Today’s news is dominated by security and legal scrutiny alongside infrastructure, travel, and weather-related impacts.
Politics & Governance
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov agreed to visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, government, and service passports, aiming to expand cooperation in labor, education, trade, and investment. Separately, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal urged China to reopen the Rasuwa border checkpoint and support reconstruction work in Rasuwa after flood damage. The discussions also included operationalizing the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung transit point and conducting a special study for reconstruction priorities, as shared in Nepal and Belarus visa exemption agreement and Minister Lamsal urges China to reopen Rasuwa checkpoint.
Courts & Accountability
Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana was arrested by Nepal Police at his residence in Maharajgunj, with details of the specific charges reported as pending. Reporting also questioned the legal basis of his detention after police cited a security threat without first obtaining an arrest warrant, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka, and noted that Rana was held at the Criminal Investigation Office in Teku without access for visitors. The arrest and detention concerns were reported in Former Chief Justice Cholendra JB Rana Arrested by Nepal Police and Cholendra Rana’s overnight detention raises questions as police cite security threat.
Economy & Business
Efforts to improve connectivity and tourism continued with reports that Rachana Rimala and Kandara Band arrive in Pokhara directly from Dubai and that Nepal and Belarus discussed broader cooperation in trade and investment alongside diplomatic travel facilitation in Nepal and Belarus visa exemption agreement. In parallel, security measures affected travel plans as tourist permits were suspended for security reasons, reflecting a more cautious operating environment for visitors.
Society & Community
Flooding and landslides triggered heightened public safety warnings and disruptions across multiple districts. Authorities urged caution after the Narayani River crossed the danger level, while heavy rainfall also led to a complete shutdown of the Prithvi Highway in Dhading due to landslides and the Tinau River swept away six houses, with damage assessments underway for affected families.
Date: September 27, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Aswin 11, 2083
Top News
1. Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana Arrested by Nepal Police (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana has been arrested by Nepal Police at his residence in Maharajgunj, according to sources from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office. Details regarding the specific charges against him are still pending.
2. Cholendra Rana’s overnight detention raises questions as police cite security threat (english.onlinekhabar.com)
Former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana was detained by police at his residence in Maharajgunj due to a reported security threat, according to Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka. Police did not obtain an arrest warrant prior to his detention, raising questions about the legal basis for the action, and sources indicate that the threat may have originated from Gen Z protesters. Rana is currently held at the Criminal Investigation Office in Teku, where he has not been allowed to meet visitors.
3. Nepal and Belarus agreed on visa exemption for diplomatic, government and service passport holders (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Nepal and Belarus have signed an agreement to exempt visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, government, and service passports, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during the UN General Assembly. The ministers discussed enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in labor, education, trade, and investment.
4. दुबईबाट सिधै पोखरा उत्रिए रचना रिमाल, कन्दरा ब्यान्ड : अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय उडानप्रति उत्साह (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Rachana Rimala and the Kandara Band arrived directly in Pokhara from Dubai, highlighting excitement for international flights. This marks a significant development in enhancing connectivity and tourism in the region.
5. Minister Lamsal urges China to reopen Rasuwa border checkpoint (theannapurnaexpress.com)
Minister for Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal met with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming, urging China to reopen the Rasuwa border checkpoint and support infrastructure rebuilding in Rasuwa after flood damage. Lamsal highlighted the need for connectivity for approximately 600,000 Nepali citizens and requested assistance for the operationalization of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung transit point and other border crossings. Ambassador Maoming expressed China's readiness to support Nepal's infrastructure initiatives and emphasized the importance of a special study for the reconstruction of Rasuwagadhi.
6. Katha Dabali presents stories of Indra, Lakhe and Kumari (risingnepaldaily.com)
Katha Dabali showcased narratives centered on Indra, Lakhe, and Kumari, highlighting their cultural significance in Nepalese folklore. The event aimed to celebrate and preserve these traditional stories through performances and storytelling.
7. नारायणीको बहावले पार गर्यो खतराको तह, सतर्कता अपनाउन आग्रह (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The Narayani River has crossed the danger level, prompting authorities to urge residents to exercise caution. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety.
8. सुरक्षाका लागि भन्दै बन्द गरियो पर्यटक परमिट (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Tourist permits have been suspended for security reasons. The decision aims to enhance safety measures for visitors in the region.
9. Prithvi Highway blocked in Dhading due to landslides (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The Prithvi Highway is completely blocked in both directions due to landslides at Krishnabhir and Tingrangkhani in Dhading, triggered by continuous rainfall. Kumar Basnet, the ward chairperson, reported that a mudslide from a construction area has obstructed the road, while police indicated that smaller landslides have affected traffic at other locations, which is currently operating on a one-way basis. Authorities are working to clear the debris and restore traffic.
10. Tinau River sweeps away six houses (risingnepaldaily.com)
Six houses were swept away by the Tinau River due to heavy rainfall in the area. Local authorities are assessing the damage and providing assistance to affected families.
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 | $4285.55 | NPR 246,863.49 |
| 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.
