Minister Wagle meets Indian counterpart

Kathmandu, Sept. 17

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting at the Ministry of Finance in New Delhi.

Dr. Wagle's secretariat informed that the two ministers led their respective delegations. Nepali delegation included Joint Secretary of the MoF Amrit Lamsal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gehendra Rajbhandari, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi Dr. Surendra Thapa, Economics Minisetr of the Embassy Tara Nath Adhikari and Under Secretary Kanchan Basnet.

However, the details of the discussion have not been made public.

FM Dr. Wagle reached New Delhi on Thursday morning on a 3-day visit at the invitation of the Indian government. This visit is aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two neighbours on economic, political and diplomatic fronts.

On Friday, DR. Wagle will participate at a high-level diplomatic dialogue, organised by the former foreign secretary of India Shyam Sharan, as the chief guest. He is scheduled to hold a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishanakar on the same day.

Likewise, he will participate in a programme organised by Indian Trade Promotion Organisation on Friday, and by Confederation of Indian Industries and Delhi School of economics on Saturday.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 18 September 2026.    

WHO Regional Director calls on FM Khanal

Kathmandu, Sept. 17

Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO), called on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to brief her candidacy for the post of the WHO Director General.

In the courtesy meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), she discussed her vision and priorities, and sought Nepal's support for her candidacy, FM Khanal's secretariat informed in a statement.

Dr. Balkhy also expressed her condolences to those affected and those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi floods, while also praising the leadership demonstrated by the Nepal government during the difficult situation.

FM Khanal highlighted the growing health risks and disease impacts caused by climate change in vulnerable developing countries, including Nepal.

He stressed the need for international cooperation and effective health systems to address climate-related health challenges.

Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Nepal Fahd Mohammad A. Mnikhr was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nepal Lila Peters Yahia held a courtesy meeting with FM Khanal at the latter's office.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations and enhance mutual assistance.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 18 September 2026.    

Organisations contribute funds to PMDRF

Kathmandu, Sept. 17

The staff of Himalaya Airlines raised a total of Rs. 1.4 million to support those affected by the recent devastating Bhotekoshi flood. Of this amount, 10 per cent was provided as direct support to the family of a company staff member affected by the disaster, while the remaining Rs. 1.32 million was handed over to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims of the floods.

A cheque bearing the amount was presented to Khadak Raj Poudel (Ganess), Minister for Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation by Vice President of Himalaya Airlines, Vijay Shrestha on Thursday.

"In addition to the financial contribution, Himalaya Airlines staff also came together to collect and donate clothing to Kathmandu School of Law, supporting efforts to provide essential items to communities affected by the disaster," the company informed in a statement.

Meanwhile Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has organised a health camp in Dadagaun of Uttargaya Rural Municipality-3, Rasuwa, targeting communities affected by the Bhotekoshi River floods.

The camp was held on Wednesday to assess the health condition of local residents affected by the floods and provide necessary medical services. A health team led by Prasuna Kandel, co-coordinator of the NRNA Global Health Department, conducted health check-ups, distributed medicines and provided health advice to affected residents, the NRNA informed in a statement.

The NRNA coordinated with the Nepal Red Cross Society, Rasuwa, to organise the camp, while Krishna Prasad Bhandari, in-charge of the local health post, facilitated in it.

The health team included Dr. Kaveri Karki, Dr. Shobhit Gurung and Hari Koju. Local residents with chronic illnesses, allergies, respiratory problems, common cold and other health conditions were examined.

The Association is preparing to consult local representatives about the situation and requirements of people displaced from Rasuwa and Nuwakot who are currently living in Kathmandu.

Likewise, the NRNA said contributions pledged for people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods continue to be deposited in its relief fund. A total of Rs 42.86 million has been deposited so far, with contributions coming from office-bearers, National Coordination Councils (NCCs), organisations abroad and Nepali individuals.

Among the NCCs and organisations that have deposited funds so far are the UK NCC, which has contributed Rs. 5.34 million in the first phase, NCC Bahrain with Rs. 2.58 million, Norway with Rs. 1.78, Oman with Rs. 1.31 million and Stichting Nepal Fonds, and Netherlands, with Rs 1.05 million.

Similarly, NCC Luxembourg has contributed Rs. 1.04 million, Saudi Arabia Rs. 1 million, Turkey Rs. 750,337, Myanmar Rs. 601,000 and Israel Rs. 504,385. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 18 September 2026.    

Five Solis tractors launched

Kathmandu, Sept. 17

Muktinath Agriculture Company has introduced Solis tractors to the Nepali market on the Bishwakarma Pooja on Thursday.  

The company unveiled five farm tractor models — 4720, 5220, 5720, 5720 4WD and 7020 — at an event held in Birgunj to mark the opening of its showroom. The tractors combine Japanese technology with European design, the company informed in a statement.

Before the formal launch of the product, the company conducted a three-day roadshow in agricultural areas around Birgunj in Madhes Province. "We received positive responses and demand from farmers and businesses during the roadshow, following which we began sales of the tractors across the country," it said.

Muktinath Agriculture has previously introduced agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, seeds and small tools and equipment, as well as new technologies. It has also brought a tracked combine harvester to the Nepali market. The company said the introduction of the tractors marks another step in agricultural mechanisation.

According to it, five Solis models were selected to meet the different agricultural and transportation needs arising from Nepal's varied geography, from the plains to the hills. It said the tractors are expected to help address challenges faced by Nepali farmers, including high production costs, the use of low-quality equipment and labour shortages.

The company said that Solis tractors are known for their engines, operating performance, fuel efficiency and structural strength, according to the company. It will provide sales, spare parts and after-sales services through its branch offices and dealer network across Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 18 September 2026.    

Nepali version of 'Great Tang Records on Western Regions' launched

Kathmandu, Sept. 18

'Great Tang Records on the Western Regions' – a book that details travelogues of a Chinese monk Xuanzang's Nepal visit – is launched in Kathmandu on Friday.

The edited Nepali translation of the volume was released by Chairman of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal, former minister Raghuji Panta, Chinese translator Fu Qiang, and editor of the book Ganesh Kumar GC.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Dahal said that the publishing of the historically significant book in Nepali language is a commendable initiative that will promote greater mutual understanding between the people of Nepal and China. "It will broaden their shared appreciation of history, culture and heritage of both the nations. I believe people to people contacts and cultural ties will contribute to strengthening the ending friendship," he said.

According to him, the publication of the book represents a meaningful effort to strengthen cultural understanding, mutual respect, and bilateral relations between Nepal and China, and will leave a lasting mark in the history of cultural exchange between the two countries.

Likewise, Panta termed the publication as a good initiative to enhance understanding about China and historical relations between the two neighbours.

Speakers at the event discussed expansion of Buddhism from Nepal to Tibet and China, Bhrikuti's marriage with the Tibetan King and said that the people-to-people bilateral relations between the two countries existed thousands of years before the governments established formal ties.

Chinese translator Fu expressed his happiness that such an important volume is published in the Nepali language. 

Xuanzang had come to Lumbini Nepal via Afghanistan and India about 1400 years ago. He wrote the book after returning to China. He was born in Hennan province in 602 AD. He extensively studied Buddhism and met several Buddhist monks and scholars. He had reached Nepal after completing an arduous journey via Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and India.

It took him about three years to reach Nalanda in modern-day Bihar which was an education hub then. He remained there for several years to get himself educated. He visited Lumbini and Kapilvastu around 636-637. He has described the monuments, the holy pond, Ashoka Pillar and other attractions.

Although most of the monuments and structures have withered or lost with the time, Xuanzang's book is a time travel to the lost times and understanding of the civilisations in South Asia including Nepal.

The book is also a testament that Lumbini was the birthplace of Lord Buddha. "Today, as we publish this work in the Nepali language, we hope that more Nepali readers will be able to rediscover ancient Nepal, India and Asia through Xuanzang's 1,400-year-old account, thus gaining insight into the history of the spread of Buddhism and exchange between different civilisations," said Fu. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 19 September 2026.    

Government recommends ambassadors to 13 countries

Kathmandu, Sept. 18

The government has recommended individuals for appointment as ambassadors to 13 countries, including India, China and the United States.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Minister on Friday decided to recommend individuals as ambassadors to 13 countries and forward the recommendations to the Federal Parliament for parliamentary hearings, according to Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said individuals with strong credentials from various fields had been recommended for the ambassadorial positions.

According to the Cabinet decision, Dr. Nischal Nath Pandey has been proposed as an ambassador to India, Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma to China, Chiran Jung Thapa to the United States, and Gaurav Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana to the United Kingdom.

Likewise, Jigyan Kumar Thapa is proposed for Japan, Suresh Kumar Karna for Israel, Prapti Sherchan for Spain, Sharu Joshi for Germany, Dr. Padmakshi Rana for Oman, and Chudamani Kharel for Malaysia.

Likewise, Prof. Dr. Sangam Shrestha is proposed as the ambassador to South Korea, Dr. Manchala Jha to Sri Lanka, and Giri Bahadur Sunar to Saudi Arabia.

The list includes individuals with expertise and experience in various fields, including academia, research, leadership and other areas, according to the MoFA.

"The government will now send the proposed ambassadors to the parliamentary hearing process. Following the completion of the hearings, the government will seek agrement (agreemo) from the respective countries," read a statement from the MoFA. Once agreement is received, the President will appoint them as ambassadors to the respective countries.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 19 September 2026.    

PM Shah to leave for UNGA on Sept. 22

Kathmandu, Sept. 18

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is leaving for New York on September 22, leading a Nepali delegation to the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He will address the General Debate of the session on 24 September 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

During his stay in New York, PM Shah is scheduled to hold a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Separately, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal will be leaving for New York on September 20 to participate in various high-level meetings, side events and ministerial-level engagements. He will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and other dignitaries.

The Nepali delegation comprises of FM Khanal, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Kumar Byanjankar, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials of the government of Nepal.

PM Shah is scheduled to return Kathmandu on September 26.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 19 September 2026.