Nepal News Evening Briefing | Wednesday, October 14, 2026

KATHMANDU: Stay updated with Nepal News’ evening briefing, bringing you the day’s most important developments from Nepal and across the globe. From politics and economy to sports, entertainment, and culture, we deliver a concise roundup of the top news you need to know.

Indonesian Non-Resident Ambassador Listyowati Presents Letters of Credence to President Paudel

Non-Resident Ambassador of Indonesia to Nepal Listyowati formally presented her letters of credence to President Ram Chandra Paudel during a special diplomatic ceremony hosted at Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu. Arriving at the presidential palace via a traditional ceremonial carriage escorted from Lazimpat, Ambassador Listyowati was welcomed alongside diplomatic envoys representing Ghana, Sudan, Brunei Darussalam, and the European Union, with the ceremonial procession highlighting Nepalese cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and traditional hospitality under the facilitation of Honorary Consul General of Indonesia and Global IME Group Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal.

High-Level Discussions Underway to Finalize PM Balen’s Upcoming India Visit

Minister for Home Affairs Sudhan Gurung, attending the inaugural interior ministerial conference of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation in India, held bilateral discussions with his Indian counterpart Amit Shah regarding Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s (Balen) official state visit to New Delhi. Concluded on Tuesday, the high-level diplomatic deliberations explored proposed scheduling between November 23 and 25, alongside cross-border security cooperation and joint post-flood infrastructure assistance following devastation along the Bhote Koshi corridor. Acting Ambassador to India Surendra Thapa confirmed that preparations are actively progressing across both foreign ministries, with joint inaugural ceremonies planned for major bilateral projects, including the Nepal Police Academy, the Bhairahawa Integrated Check Post, and the Mahakali River suspension bridge in Darchula.

Monsoon Completely Withdraws from Nepal, 12 Days Later than Normal

The monsoon has completely withdrawn from Nepal, 12 days later than its normal withdrawal date, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The Meteorological Forecasting Division, under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, announced the complete withdrawal in its Monsoon Withdrawal Bulletin-2, issued at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The normal date for the monsoon to withdraw from the country is October 2. This year’s withdrawal process began on October 3, starting in Sudurpaschim Province, Karnali Province, most of western Lumbini Province and some parts of western Gandaki Province. The monsoon gradually retreated from these areas before finally withdrawing from the remaining central and eastern parts of the country on October 14. Although the monsoon system has now completely left the country, the division has cautioned that local winds and westerly winds may continue to influence weather conditions. It has advised the public and relevant agencies to remain updated on the latest weather forecasts and advisories.

Army Rescues 441 People from Budhi Gandaki Flood-Hit Areas

A rescue team deployed by helicopter and overland routes by the Army on Wednesday, October 14, safely evacuated at least 441 people, including seven foreign nationals, from areas affected by the Budhi Gandaki flood. The team also moved household belongings of residents in inundated areas to safer locations to protect them from further damage. In addition to rescue and evacuation operations, the team transported approximately 750 kilograms of food grains and relief supplies to various locations across the affected areas to support people impacted by the flood. The operation was carried out using both aerial and land routes to reach affected communities and provide assistance.

Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel Returns Home from UK Visit

Chief of the Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel returned to Nepal on Wednesday after completing an official visit to the United Kingdom, during which he held meetings with senior British military officials and honored the Nepali Army team that won a gold medal at an international military exercise. Lieutenant General Pradip Jung KC welcomed General Sigdel at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival. During the visit, Sigdel held courtesy meetings with senior military officials, including British Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker, to strengthen military ties between the two countries. While visiting the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, Wales, Sigdel inspected Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026, an international military exercise, and decorated members of the Nepali Army team with the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Insignia in recognition of their gold-medal-winning performance. According to the Directorate of Public Relations and Information at Army Headquarters, the visit helped further strengthen the longstanding military relationship between Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Home Minister Gurung Meets Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in New Delhi

Home Minister Sudan Gurung met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday, discussing bilateral relations between Nepal and India, including the recent floods and landslides in Nepal. Jaishankar confirmed the meeting in a post on the social media platform X, writing, “Pleased to meet Home Minister of Nepal Sudhan Gurung.” The meeting took place as Gurung prepared to return to Nepal after attending the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in the Indian capital. He arrived in India on Monday for the regional meeting, which concluded on Tuesday. During his visit, Gurung also met Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday to discuss strengthening bilateral security cooperation, border management, efforts to combat transnational crime, and disaster preparedness and response. According to the Embassy of Nepal in India, Gurung expressed appreciation for India’s timely assistance following the recent floods and landslides in Nepal. He also emphasized practical cooperation based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and trust.

Ministry of Finance Projects Revenue Deficits and Lower Economic Growth

The Ministry of Finance projected heightened fiscal pressure and constrained revenue collection for the current fiscal year 2026/27 following severe damage inflicted by the Bhote Koshi flash floods on August 26. Publishing its annual economic bulletin for fiscal year 2025/26, the ministry stated that relief and reconstruction expenditures will exceed one-third of the annual budget, alongside revenue losses stemming from tax exemptions and border closures at Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani. The floods damaged 431 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity, representing 10 percent of total installed power, and created reconstruction needs estimated at Rs 723 billion, or 11 percent of gross domestic product, lowering official growth projections to between 3.5 percent and 4 percent, compared to World Bank estimates of 3.7 percent and Asian Development Bank forecasts of 4.1 percent.

Government Distributes Rs 45,000 Each to 4,108 Flood-Affected Households

The government has distributed Rs 45,000 each to 4,108 households affected by the Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts, with assistance from the World Food Program (WFP). The cash assistance is being distributed through a single-door system in coordination with local governments to prevent duplication and ensure that support reaches identified beneficiaries. The distribution covers 11 local units, including five in Rasuwa, at least four in Nuwakot and two in Dhading. The government is preparing to distribute the assistance within three days to around 1,400 additional households whose details are still being verified. A joint meeting of the Monsoon Response Command Posts of the three districts and the central level on October 9 decided to expedite the identification and verification of affected households and speed up recovery efforts. As other development partners, including the Red Cross, have also expressed interest in providing cash assistance, the government has instructed local governments and relevant agencies to follow the Disaster Sensitive Social Security and Relief Distribution Standards, 2024.

Govt. Launches Infrastructure Development Plan For 109 Community Schools

The government has initiated an infrastructure development plan targeting 109 community schools nationwide that have over 2,000 students and strong SEE results to sustain growing student enrollment. Minister of Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel stated that Rs 6.54 billion was allocated in the current fiscal year for physical infrastructure expansion. In the first phase, Rs 5.34 billion was disbursed to 89 schools to accelerate the construction of modern 12-room, three-storey buildings costing approximately Rs 60 million each. The new structures will feature modern classrooms, laboratories, and libraries. Pokharel committed to reducing educational disparities across all public schools and called for national cooperation to enhance overall education quality.

Nepal Wins UN Human Rights Council Seat with 173 Votes

Nepal has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, securing 173 of the 180 votes cast in the UN General Assembly election. Nepal received the highest number of votes among the countries elected from the Asia-Pacific region. In a statement, Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the UN thanked member states for their trust and support, reaffirming the country’s commitment to multilateralism, human rights, international law and a rules-based international order. Nepal also congratulated the other 14 countries elected to the council: Brazil, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Moldova, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia. Nepal previously served two consecutive terms on the council, from 2018 to 2020 and from 2021 to 2023. Its new term will begin on Jan. 1, 2027, marking its third membership.

Nepal Embassy in Cairo Hosts Interactive Business Forum to Expand Bilateral Trade and Investment with Egypt

The Embassy of Nepal in Cairo hosted a high-level interactive business seminar titled “Nepal-Egypt Cooperation: Trade, Investment, and Tourism” to strengthen commercial partnerships, expand bilateral trade, and promote tourism linkages between Nepal and Egypt. Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission Indira delivered a keynote presentation highlighting lucrative investment opportunities across Nepal’s hospitality, manufacturing, and commercial sectors, drawing enthusiastic participation from delegates representing the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, leading industrialists, and enterprise executives.

Parliamentary Hearing Committee Endorses 10 Proposed Ambassadors Across Strategic Diplomatic Missions

The Federal Parliament’s Parliamentary Hearing Committee formally endorsed the diplomatic nominations of 10 ambassadorial candidates out of 13 proposed postings reviewed during its legislative session on Wednesday. Concluding comprehensive competency evaluations, the committee approved the appointments of Dr. Nischal Nath Pandey for India, Kalyan Raj Sharma for China, Chiranjung Thapa for the United States, Gaurav Shumsher J.B.R. for the United Kingdom, Saru Joshi for Germany, Suresh Kumar Karna for Israel, Padmakshi Rana for Oman, Sangam Shrestha for South Korea, Prapti Sherchan for Spain, and Manchala Jha for Sri Lanka.

UK Ambassador Rob Fenn Briefed on Nepali Tech Firms’ Business Leads from UK Roadshow

Nepal’s technology sector has generated nearly 30 business leads through the participation of 17 Nepali technology companies in the Nepal Tech Roadshow UK, according to members of the Nepal Association for Software and IT Services Companies (NAS-IT). The participating companies briefed British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn on the outcomes of the roadshow after returning to Kathmandu. The event was supported by the NiB program, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). During the meeting, NAS-IT members described the visit as successful, highlighting the business opportunities generated through engagement with the UK market. The delegation also invited Ambassador Fenn to attend NASIT Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in Kathmandu next month. The roadshow aimed to connect Nepali technology companies with potential international clients and partners, while the business leads generated offer opportunities for further commercial engagement between Nepali IT firms and the UK market.

Pakistan’s Ambassador Mohammad Aamir Khan, Women Entrepreneurs Discuss Economic Empowerment

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Nepal Mohammad Aamir Khan met a delegation of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), led by its President Darshana Shrestha, to discuss women’s economic empowerment, grassroots entrepreneurship and support for women entrepreneurs affected by natural disasters. The delegation met Ambassador Khan at the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu on Wednesday, according to the embassy. Discussions focused on promoting entrepreneurship among women in Rasuwa and Manang, including support for women-led businesses affected by natural disasters. Both sides agreed to explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation for inclusive and sustainable economic development. Ambassador Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to work with Nepali stakeholders to empower women at the grassroots level. He emphasized that strengthening women’s economic participation is important for building resilient communities, promoting inclusive economic growth and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Nepal Embassy in Muscat Asks Applicants to Collect Ready E-Passports

The Embassy of Nepal in Muscat, Oman, has announced that 83 electronic passports (e-passports) are ready for collection by Nepali citizens who applied for new passports through the embassy. In a notice issued on Wednesday, October 14, the embassy asked applicants whose names appear on the published list to visit the embassy and collect their passports by presenting their old passports and revenue payment receipts. Applicants who cannot appear in person may authorize another person to collect their passports on their behalf. The authorized representative must present an authorization letter, along with the applicant’s old passport and revenue payment receipt. The embassy has also requested applicants who submitted their passport applications more than 50 days ago but have not yet received their passports to contact the embassy. Those applicants must bring their passport application forms and revenue payment receipts when making inquiries about the status of their applications. The embassy has advised applicants to follow the specified procedures to collect their passports or inquire about pending applications.

Malaysia Contributes $1 Million to PM’s Disaster Relief Fund For Bhote Koshi Flood Recovery

The government of Malaysia extended financial assistance totaling USD 1 million, exceeding Rs 130 million, to support ongoing rehabilitation and infrastructure reconstruction initiatives across regions devastated by the Bhote Koshi flash floods. Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan formally handed over the relief grant check to Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Mudita Bajracharya, earmarked for direct deposit into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Expressing deep condolences regarding the loss of life and property following the catastrophic monsoonal disaster on August 26, the Malaysian foreign ministry reiterated its enduring bilateral solidarity, providing vital resources to assist affected communities and account for missing citizens.

EPS Korea Language Tests to Begin November 17, With 2 New Sectors Added

A total of 76,173 applicants are set to take the Korean language examination under the Employment Permit System (EPS) Korea Branch, with tests scheduled to begin on November 17 and continue through February 25, 2027. This year, the examination has been expanded to include the service and forestry sectors, in addition to the manufacturing and agriculture and livestock sectors. According to the branch, examinations for the service sector will begin on November 17, followed by the forestry sector on November 18 and the agriculture and livestock sector on November 20. Tests for the manufacturing sector will start on December 11. Of the total applicants, 53,103 have applied for the manufacturing sector, 20,907 for agriculture and livestock, 1,124 for forestry and 1,039 for the service sector.