Nepalis in Qatar urge NRB to ease remittance transfer

Kathmandu, Oct. 25

Nepali workers in Qatar have urged the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to reduce remittance transfer fees and simplify the process to motivate them in sending money to Nepal via formal channel.

Speaking in a discussion programme on 'Remittances, Hundi and Financial Inclusion' organised by the Embassy of Nepal in collaboration with the NRB in Doha on Saturday, they shared the troubles and hassles they experienced while sending money to Nepal through the formal channels.

The Embassy informed in a statement on Sunday that Deputy Governor of the NRB, Dirgha Bahadur Rawal said that the central bank would consider their suggestions in promoting the formal channel of remittance.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dev Raj Joshi, called for linking foreign employment and remittances to Nepal’s economy, and outlined the policy measures adopted by the government and the NRB to bring remittances into the formal financial system.

Acting Ambassador Kumar Rai urged all Nepalis to send remittances only through formal and secure channels.

The programme was attended by representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council Qatar, the Nepal Business Association Qatar, and Nepali banks and financial institutions operating in Qatar.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 26 October 2026.

Bolts, STC sign partnership agreement

Kathmandu, Oct. 24

Janakpur Bolts and STC Energy Industries Pvt. Ltd. signed a collaborative agreement to make the latter an official Go Green Energy Partner of the former for Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 3.

Under this collaboration, STC will be prominently featured across the team's branding, matchdays, hospitality, and digital campaigns.

Niroj Khatiwada, CEO of Janakpur Bolts, said that the Bolts is excited to have STC alongside it in upcoming NPL Season 3.

STC Energy, known by the name Shree STC, is engaged in the supply and distribution of automotive parts and battery manufacturing in Nepal.

Laxmi Prasad Upreti, Director of STC, said, "We are excited to reach cricket enthusiasts across Nepal through this partnership and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the team with equal enthusiasm throughout the season."

Published in The Rising Nepal on 25 October 2026.

Nepal showcases tourism attractions in New York

 Kathmandu, Oct. 24

The Consulate General of Nepal in New York showcased Nepal's diverse tourism attractions and promoted the country as a preferred destination for international travellers at the Travel Exchange 2026, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) New York.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Dadhiram Bhandari said that the recent devastating Bhotekoshi flood's impact was limited to a small area of the country, while other destinations remained safe for tourism.

He called for the travel professionals to promote Nepal as an attractive and welcoming destination, emphasising tourism's vital role in supporting local livelihoods and economic recovery, while disseminating accurate and timely information to the potential visitors.

Likewise, Elizabeth Chin, CEO of PATA, emphasised opportunities to strengthen Nepal's presence in the US travel market. PATA expressed its readiness to partnership with the Consulate General to promote Nepal in the United States, the Consulate General informed in a statement.

Sharing her recent travel experiences in Nepal, Kiara Di Paola, a travel writer and social media influencer, highlighted its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions. She also underscored the importance of tourism in supporting communities affected by recent floods. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 25 October 2026.

QZ Motors sponsors Lumbini Lions

Kathmandu, Oct. 17

Motorcycle brand QJ Motor and the Nepal Premier League (NPL) franchise team, Lumbini Lions, have signed an associate sponsorship agreement targeting the upcoming season of NPL.

RS Bhandari, Chairman of Highly Advanced Motors (HAMs), and Ishwor Bahadur GC, Chairman of the Lumbini Lions, signed the memorandum of understanding at a programme held in Kathmandu on Friday.

With this agreement, QJ Motor has officially joined as the Associate Sponsor of the Lumbini Lions.

This collaboration is expected to promote Nepali cricket while further strengthening the relationship between the sports and commercial sectors. "Keeping in view the growing attraction of spectators towards sports, this partnership will provide QJ Motor with an opportunity to expand its brand identity among cricket enthusiasts, while also helping to make the promotional activities of the Lumbini Lions more effective," said Bhandari.

The company said that this collaboration between QJ Motor and the Lumbini Lions will open doors to new possibilities by connecting the automobile and sports sectors together. "Through this partnership, both organisations aim to further strengthen their business relationship and expand a positive impact among cricket enthusiasts, customers, and the general public," they said in a statement issued on the occasion. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 18 October 2026.

Half of flood-affected families want Govt to provide them land or house

A quarter wish to continue residing in pre-flood locations

 

Kathmandu, Oct. 17

Half of the people who lost their houses in the devastating Bhotekoshi flood that occurred on August 26 want the government to provide them land or housing facility.

Of the flood-damaged 4,151 building structures belonging to 3,067 property owners, about one-third house-owners want to settle at the government-provided land. Number of such households is 939 (30.62 per cent), while 590 households (19.24 per cent) stated that they would be willing to live in a location where the government provided collective housing.

This puts the total share of house-owners wishing the government provide them land or house at 49.86 per cent.

Still, a quarter of the families that lost their houses in the flood want to continue dwelling in their pre-flood location.

According to the preliminary report of the household survey conducted by the National Planning Commission (NPC) and published on Friday, of the 3,067 owners of the houses damaged in the devastating Bhotekoshi flood, 797 households or 26 per cent choose the location affected by the flood as the preferred place for permanent residence in the future.

Similarly, 565 households (18.42 per cent) expressed a preference to settle on another plot of land they owned within their district, while 159 households (5.18 per cent) opted to settle on land they owned elsewhere in the country. No response regarding preferred permanent residence in the future was recorded for 17 households.

The flood damaged 4,151 building structures belonging to 3,067 property owners. They include 1,236 structures belonging to 882 property owners were damaged in Rasuwa, 2,256 structures belonging to 1,686 property owners in Nuwakot, 630 structures belonging to 480 property owners in Dhading, and 29 structures belonging to 19 property owners in Gorkha.

Of these structures, 2,792 were houses, 288 were cattle sheds, storage sheds or traditional livestock shelters (goth/dhansar/matan), 651 were truss structures, 263 were temporary shelters and 142 were other types of structures. The type of 15 structures could not be identified.

 

 

Flood leaves 72 per cent buildings unusable

The flood completely damaged 72.01 per cent (2,989) buildings, read the NPC report.

A total of 141 structures (3.4 per cent) were reported to be tilting, 302 buildings (7.28 per cent) sustained partial damage, 508 (12.24 per cent) had been buried under soil and mud, and 192 buildings (4.63 per cent) had sustained minor damage. The type of damage was not specified for the remaining 19 structures (0.46 per cent).

Likewise, 3,194 structures (76.95 per cent) are not in a condition of reuse while 332 structures (8 per cent) could be used after major repairs and 320 structures could be used after minor repairs.

According to the survey, only 97 structures (2.34 per cent) can be used without any repairs.

The NPC informed in a statement that it had mobilised 58 teams that included 156 technical and administrative personnel for the survey while the local bodies also collected details of those individuals who were not the permanent residents of the affected four districts.

The flood affected 7,316 families and institutions in 15 local bodies of four districts – Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha. It directly impacted 32,872 people – 17,954 in Nuwakot, 9,676 in Rasuwa, 4,584 in Dhading and 658 in Gorkha.

Rs. 60.65 B damage to houses and land

The flood inflicted damage of about Rs. 60.65 billion to the houses, housing land and farmland.

"The damaged building structures occupied 54.65 hectares of land. Damage to the land on which owner-occupied houses were situated was estimated at Rs. 13.26 billion, while the construction cost of the buildings was estimated at Rs. 11.95 billion," informed the NPC.

It said that an analysis of the preliminary data indicates that land belonging to 3,610 households, covering 507.97 hectares, was affected, with damage to land estimated at about Rs. 35.44 billion.

Similarly, losses were estimated at about Rs. 232.1 million in standing crops (2,951 households), Rs. 104.1 million in stored food grains (1,876 households), and Rs. 214.2 million in livestock, poultry and fish farming (1,011 households).

According to the available data, the floods destroyed 664 large livestock animals, 4,601 small livestock animals, 63,633 birds (including chickens and ducks), and 24,508 kg of fish kept by households.

Rs. 1.24 B lost in vehicles

While the flood caused the loss of Rs. 69.57 billion in households, businesses witnessed loss of Rs. 9.60 billion.  

Vehicles worth Rs 1.24 billion were damaged in the flood. About 1,423 vehicles, including small and large vehicles as well as two-wheelers and four-wheelers, belonging to 1,115 households were either swept away in the flood or buried in the debris.

The survey also recorded the loss of Rs. 5.02 billion in cash, valuables, cultural artefacts and archaeological objects belonging to 2,330 households.

Similarly, durable household goods worth Rs. 1.45 billion belonging to 3,187 households were damaged, while non-durable household goods worth Rs. 663.5 million belonging to 2,769 households were also damaged.

In terms of damage to businesses and establishments, the floods affected 1,638 businesses and establishments across the four affected districts. In terms of district, 962 business establishments were affected in Nuwakot, 416 in Rasuwa, 241 in Dhading and 19 in Gorkha.

Of them, 774 (47.25 per cent) were engaged in wholesale and retail trade, 337 (20.57 per cent) in accommodation and food services, 166 (10.13 per cent) in agriculture, forestry and fishing, and 136 (8.3 per cent) in other service activities. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 18 October 2026.

FCAN completes suspension bridge connecting Dhunge, Trishuli

Kathmandu, Oct. 16

A suspension bridge connecting Dhunge Bazaar in Nuwakot with Trishuli Bazaar, an important commercial centre, officially came into operation on Friday.

The 267-metre-long bridge, built with financial support from the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal (FCAN), was inaugurated by its president Nicholas Pandey on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Pandey said contractors had set an example by completing the bridge in about a month. "Following the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood, construction entrepreneurs in Nuwakot had turned their grief over losing family members into strength and built the bridge in a remarkably short period, benefiting thousands of local residents every day," he said.

According to him, the construction of this bridge has disproved the notion that construction entrepreneurs cannot deliver quality work on time.

 He also said construction entrepreneurs from across the country had contributed more than Rs. 100 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund.

Pandey said construction entrepreneurs could deliver even better results if the bureaucracy did not create obstacles. He added that the FCAN had consistently provided various forms of assistance whenever the country faced disasters.

Chhatra Bahadur Tamang, president of the Bagmati Province FCAN, expressed confidence that the construction of a bridge benefiting thousands of people within a short period would also bring about a positive change in society’s perception of construction entrepreneurs.

Bidur Municipality Mayor Rajan Shrestha and Nuwakot District Coordination Committee Chief Rajendra Bikram Singh Thakuri, among others, praised the federation for undertaking what they described as one of its finest and most historic initiatives under its corporate social responsibility efforts, the FCAN said in a statement.

Shailendra Raj Pyakurel, president of the Nuwakot Contractors’ Association, said the government should also learn from the FCAN's work.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 October 2026.

DUDBC, NRCS agree to construct shelters for flood-victims

Kathmandu, Oct. 16

The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) signed an agreement to coordinate and cooperate effectively in the construction, operation and management of safe temporary shelters and accommodation for families affected by the Bhotekoshi flood.

The agreement was signed at a programme held at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development on Thursday by Director General of the DUDBC Dilip Bhandari, and General Secretary of the NRCS Rishi Ram Khanal.

The signing ceremony was attended by NRCS President Dr. Bishal Kumar Bhandari and Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Nepal David Fisher.

Under the agreement, the NRCS will support the construction and, as required, management of temporary shelters for 1,000 beneficiary families displaced by the flood, in locations where safe land is available for such housing.

"The agreement stipulates that temporary shelters must be built in accordance with approved designs, cost-monitoring requirements and established standards. Housing assistance will be provided within the limits of the support criteria set by the Government of Nepal," the NRCS informed in a statement.

The NRCS will also help arrange collective temporary accommodation in safe locations for families for whom suitable rental housing or individual temporary shelters cannot be arranged immediately.

In coordination with local governments and in accordance with approved plans, the organisation will provide assistance as needed for housing units, drinking water, sanitation, drainage, electricity and improvements to construction sites.

Similarly, in line with the reconstruction and rehabilitation action plan approved by the government, the NRCS will support the construction and, where necessary, management of permanent homes for 1,000 beneficiary families.

The NRCS said that the agreement also provides for coordination with the relevant authorities, in accordance with decisions taken by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the government on various dates, regarding a proposal to provide one year of rental assistance to 2,200 beneficiary families verified by local governments.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 October 2026.

Kayal elected president of NICCI

 Kathmandu, Oct. 16

Kunal Kayal is unanimously elected President of the Nepal–India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) by its 32nd Annual General Meeting, held in Kathmandu on Thursday.

Every member of the new Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term was also elected unanimously, NICCI said.

Kayal had previously served as Vice-President under outgoing President Sunil KC and as Treasurer during the tenure of Shreejana Rana. The composition of the executive committee led by Kayal now brings together business leaders from power, manufacturing, education, telecom, and trade. Karan Kumar Chaudhary, and Gaurav Tayal are elected Vice-President, Barnan Lamichhane, Secretary General and Shailaja Adhikary, Treasurer.

Elected executive members are Sanjay Agrawal, Ramesh Sharma, Shailendra Guragain, Shashi Kant Agrawal, Susan Karmacharya, Binaya Upadhyay, Ashik Shrestha, and Chandra Tandon.

The chamber also launched NICCI's 3 Decades Chronicle Book and the 4th Edition (2026) of its Investment Guide Book 'A Handbook for Indian Investors-Investing in Nepal'.

Outgoing President Sunil KC argued for proper institution-building and a joint Nepal-India ecosystem anchored in the private sector and economic diplomacy.

Kayal said that investor confidence, an investment framework, energy cooperation, and a business voice that governments consult would be his agenda. His tenure for 2026–2028 will be guided by the theme 'Expanding Economic Frontiers: Catalysing Bilateral Trade, Investment and Energy Transition,' setting the direction for NICCI’s work in strengthening Nepal–India economic ties.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 October 2026.

FNCCI team meets Minister Lamsal to discuss business issues

Kathmandu, Oct. 15

A delegation from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), led by its president Anjan Shrestha, met Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal on Thursday to discuss challenges facing the private sector, policy reforms and measures to stimulate economic activity.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in Singha Durbar, Shrestha drew the government’s attention to the need to resolve problems faced by businesses, introduce investment-friendly policies and legal provisions, accelerate infrastructure development and boost private-sector confidence.

“The government is the guardian of everyone. The private sector is always ready to make the economy more dynamic by increasing production and productivity, expanding exports and creating jobs. Effective co-operation between the government and the private sector is essential to achieve this,” he said.

According to a statement issued by the FNCCI, Shrestha urged the government to identify and address the policy, administrative and practical difficulties faced by industrialists and businesspeople and remove obstacles to investment expansion.

The FNCCI also emphasised the need to facilitate the restoration of industries, businesses, supply chains and infrastructure affected by natural disasters such as floods and landslides, and help return economic activities to normal.

During the meeting, Shrestha also said the government should prioritise creating a favourable investment climate, resolving policy-related and practical difficulties in business operations, reviving economic activities disrupted by floods and landslides, and promoting exports.

The FNCCI said that Minister Lamsal responded positively to the issues raised by the business body, saying that policy reforms and other initiatives were under way to promote economic development, prosperity and a business-friendly environment.

He urged the private sector to clearly communicate the challenges it faced and identify areas requiring reform, stressing that government-private sector co-operation was essential to expanding economic activity.

“What are the problems facing the private sector? What legal reforms would increase economic activity, create jobs and make the economy more dynamic? The government is ready to act on these issues. The private sector should openly present its concerns,” he said.

Lamsal also said the government was committed to promoting domestic industries and supporting their sustainable operation.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 October 2026.

Nepal-India economic relations should be redefined by ambition and execution: FM Khanal

Kathmandu, Oct. 15

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal has said that the next chapter of Nepal-India economic relations should be defined by ambition matched with execution.

"Our progress should ultimately be visible in tangible outcomes: investments realised, barriers removed, enterprises expanded, technologies shared, value chains strengthened and opportunities created," he said while speaking at the 32^nd Annual General Meeting of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) held in Kathmandu on Thursday.

He urged to capitalise the bilateral relationship to forge an economic partnership that is increasingly productive, innovative and resilient, one that connects capital with opportunity, technology with talent, and connectivity with enterprise.

Stating that India remains a major trade partner, source of investment, a key transit partner, and an increasingly important market for Nepal's electricity, FM Khanal said the task now is to make this relationship increasingly productive, diversified, and capable of generating greater value.

"For Nepal this means expanding productive capacity, creating jobs, attracting quality investment, diversifying exports, and connecting Nepali enterprises with regional value chains," he said while adding that Indian joint ventures and multinational companies have already made an important contribution to the economy, and encouraging the existing and prospective investors to expand their engagement in Nepal.

According to him, economic relationships depend on confidence and continuity. Every joint venture, business partnership, and professional network creates stakeholders invested in the prosperity of both the nations.

FM Khanal proposed five major areas of immediate cooperation – facilitation and connectivity, investment and industrial cooperation, energy cooperation, digital transformation and emerging technologies, and tourism.

He said that efficient border infrastructure, supply chain integration, predictable customs procedures, integrated checkpoints, logistics networks, and reliable transport corridors are essential to lowering the cost of doing business.

"We, at this point, need to move away from open border and closed sky," he said.

He also stated that Nepal's economic transformation requires productive capital that expands domestic capacity, generates employment, and facilitates technology and knowledge transfer.

Maintaining that the cross-border electricity trade has opened an important new chapter in Nepal-India economic relationships, FM Khanal said Nepal's hydropower potential, combined with India's expanding energy market, provides the foundation for deeper investment, stronger transmission infrastructure, and wider regional energy integration.

 

'Take non-tariff barriers seriously'

Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of School of International Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that India must take Nepal's concerns about non-tariff barriers seriously.

"India has right and responsibility to enforce health, safety, and quality standards, but regulation should be transparent, proportionate, and predictable so that a consignment of Nepali ginger or tea is not stranded because of a requirement that an exporter could not reasonably have anticipated," he said.

However, he said that the export of the goods like soyabean oil has also raised legitimate questions about the rules of origin, tariff arbitrage, and domestic value addition.

According to him, sustainable growth must increasingly come from sectors in which Nepal creates genuine value and there are so many: agro-processing, tea, cardamom, specialised foods, light manufacturing, clean energy industries, tourism, and IT and digital services.

Prof. Mattoo, a Padma Shri awardee, suggested measures like mutual recognition of accredited testing, risk-based rather than blanket inspection, digital certificates of origin, and consultation before any major bilateral consequences in order to have seamless trade relations between Nepal and India.

Stating that some in Nepal will say deeper integration means deeper dependence, he said that badly-designed connectivity creates dependence while well-designed connectivity creates choice.

"When Nepal's electricity can reach Bangladesh through India, when Nepali goods can use multiple Indian transport routes and ports, and when Nepali entrepreneurs can access Indian capital and then reach global markets, connectivity enlarges Nepal's agency rather than shrinking it," he said.

Prof. Mattoo said that while some others would say that large Indian firms are over Nepali enterprise, the answer lies in design - fair competition, local supplier development, skills transfer, strong regulation, and joint ventures where they make economic sense.

"We must turn infrastructure into corridors. A road on which a truck waits for hours, or paperwork, is yet not an economic corridor. A railway disconnected from warehousing and efficient customs is not yet a logistics system. A border post without interoperable digital documentation is only partly modern," said Prof. Mattoo.

 

 

Indian growth offers demand for Nepal

Former Ambassador of Nepal to India Dr. Shankar Sharma said that India's growth offers demand and resources for Nepal and the latter must build the capacity to respond.

"Open markets, competitive production, regional energy trade, and effective implementation can make shared prosperity a durable foundation for the relationship," he said.

Dr. Rakesh Pandey, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, said that while maintaining deeper integration in existing trade and economic cooperation, interaction should be enhanced in areas like technology, AI, startups, renewable energy, IT, connectivity, and many others.

 

Address challenges at border

Speaking on the occasion, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Anjan Shrestha said that the challenges faced by businesses in cross-border trade should be addressed first as suggested by the Nepal-India Joint Business Forum. "Simplifying customs procedures, improving border infrastructure, reducing delays, strengthening transport connectivity and ensuring predictable trade policies will lower costs for businesses and consumers in both countries," he said.

He also said that better coordination between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Nepal Standards (NS) is required for certifying products such as steel, footwear, and plywood. "Currently, non-compliance issues with BIS standards are adversely affecting Nepali exports. The certification process is overly time-consuming, often taking six months to a year to complete. By the time certification is granted, the renewal period is already due, which has heavily discouraged local entrepreneurs," stated Shrestha. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 October 2026.

World Bank to support in 'Cat-bond'

Kathmandu, Oct. 16

Nepal and the World Bank signed a mandate agreement to explore the development of a catastrophe bond to help Nepal access funds quickly in case of a major earthquake.

"The agreement marks the beginning of a collaboration to assess how capital markets can support Nepal's broader disaster risk management strategy," read a joint statement issued by the two.

As one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, Nepal is working to better prepare for, withstand, and recover from future natural disasters through a combination of risk reduction, preparedness, and financial protection measures, it said.

Under the agreement, the World Bank Group Treasury will work with the Government of Nepal and market participants to assess the feasibility and potential structure of such a transaction.

This initiative is part of the World Bank Group’s established catastrophe bond programme, which has helped countries access international capital markets to transfer disaster risk and secure financial protection against natural hazards. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 17 October 2026.

Janakpur to host NRNA Global Health meet

Kathmandu, Oct. 15

The sixth NRNA Global Health Conference 2026 is scheduled to be held in Janakpurdham on 4 and 5 December.

According to the NRNA, the conference aims to connect the knowledge, skills, experience and networks of Nepali and Nepal-origin health professionals working abroad with Nepal’s healthcare system.

The conference is being organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) in collaboration with the Madhes provincial government and the Madhes Institute of Health Sciences, with support from the federal government, local bodies in Madhes Province and other organisations. This will be the first health conference to be organised in Nepal.

"The conference will focus on helping Nepal move from ‘brain drain’ towards ‘brain circulation’ and ultimately ‘brain gain’. Discussions will explore how the overseas migration of Nepali health professionals can be turned from a loss of human resources into an opportunity for knowledge transfer, capacity development, innovation, investment and healthcare system strengthening," read a statement issued by the NRNA.

Speaking at a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Prof. Dr. Sunil Sah, chair of the organising committee, said discussions would focus on creating favourable conditions for Nepali professionals working abroad to return home and contribute to strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

Prof. Dr. Padam Simkhada, chair of the scientific committee and dean at the University of Chester in the UK, said the conference was expected to lay the foundation for sustained collaboration between Nepali health experts worldwide and Nepal’s healthcare sector. He confirmed that more than 50 international experts and scientists, including prominent public health expert Prof Jenny Harris, had agreed to participate.

NRNA president Dr. Hemraj Sharma said the association had been organising global knowledge and health conferences to mobilise the expertise, skills and networks of Nepali professionals worldwide for the benefit of Nepal.

Key areas of discussion will include opportunities for diaspora professionals to contribute to the domestic health system, partnerships between international hospitals and universities, medical education, fellowships, specialist training, visiting faculty programmes, research and innovation, digital health, telemedicine and technology transfer.

By choosing Janakpurdham as the venue, the organisers hope to expand international healthcare co-operation beyond Kathmandu and connect it directly with provincial and local health systems.

The conference also aims to establish a Janakpur Global Health Network to sustain collaboration in research, education, specialist exchanges, digital health, mentorship, healthcare innovation and health system strengthening.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 October 2026.

FM Khanal holds meetings with envoys

Kathmandu, Oct. 15

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held courtesy meetings with newly appointed Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Mohammad Aamir Khan, and non-resident Ambassador of Indonesia and Sudan to Nepal Listyowati and Mohammad Abdalla Ali Eltom at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday.

The meeting with Khan discussed ways to further strengthen the friendly relations between Nepal and Pakistan and expand areas of mutual co-operation. They also exchanged views on deepening bilateral ties and enhancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, informed FM Khanal's secretariat.

The meeting between FM Khanal and Listyowati deliberated on ways to further strengthen the longstanding friendly bilateral relations and co-operation between Nepal and Indonesia.

Likewise, FM Khanal and Eltom exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest and concern. They also discussed Nepal-Sudan relations and potential areas for co-operation in matters of mutual interest.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 October 2026.

Campaign to promote women-made products under 'Ma Udhyami'

Kathmandu, Oct. 15

The Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal (FWEAN) has launched a campaign to promote products made by women entrepreneurs across the country under a single trademark, aiming to strengthen their market presence and expand business opportunities.

The FWEAN has obtained a collective mark - ‘Ma Udhyami’ trademark from the government. It plans to promote the mark through a collective exhibition showcasing products made by women entrepreneurs, its President Darshana Shrestha informed at a press conference organised in Lalitpur on Thursday.

According to FWEAN, the exhibition is expected to feature products from more than 100 women entrepreneurs from several districts of Nepal. They will display goods ranging from handicrafts, Dhaka textiles, carpets and handmade paper products to organic food, agricultural produce, jewellery, sculptures and decorative items.

According to Shrestha, the initiative prioritises products made from locally available raw materials, particularly those linked to agriculture, handicrafts and value chains. "The FWEAN believes that a shared trademark will help consumers identify products made by women entrepreneurs and build confidence in their quality," she said.

The exhibition is also expected to provide a platform for women-led cottage, small and medium-sized enterprises, business owners and exporters to showcase indigenous products, expand their markets, establish business networks and explore commercial partnerships.

General Secretary of the FWEAN Sabita Subedi said the campaign aims to increase the visibility of women-owned and women-led enterprises, improve product quality and support branding, packaging and marketing in local, national and international markets.

The FWEAN also intends to establish a common branding platform that allows entrepreneurs to retain the identity of their individual products while benefiting from collective recognition. The trademark will be available only to eligible women entrepreneurs authorised to use it.

According to Shrestha, FWEAN has called for government support to promote the trademark, including measures to facilitate the marketing of products bearing the mark at local, provincial and federal levels. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has pledged to provide necessary support to the campaign.

Likewise, the Federation also plans to advocate for priority for trademarked products in government procurement, budget allocations for industrial villages and exhibition and sales centres, and training programmes to improve product quality. It has further called for support for domestic and international study tours and learning visits for participating entrepreneurs.

The FWEAN said the initiative was intended to contribute to women's economic empowerment by strengthening their professional identity and creating opportunities for business growth. It expressed confidence that the exhibition would go beyond commercial transactions to promote women’s entrepreneurship, facilitate the exchange of experience and connect women entrepreneurs with new markets. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 October 2026.

Q4 growth of FY 2025/26 estimated at 4 per cent

Kathmandu, Oct. 14

The economic growth rate in the last quarter (Q4) of the last Fiscal Year 2025/26 has been estimated at 4 per cent, registering an increase from 3.3 per cent in the third quarter (Q3).

According to a report published by the National Statistics Office on Wednesday, the quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) at basic prices is provisionally estimated to have grown by 4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025/26 compared to the same quarter of FY 2024/25.

The growth was mainly driven by increased activities in electricity generation, transmission and distribution; deposit mobilisation and credit disbursement; non-life insurance premium collection; and accommodation and food services, among others.

The NSO estimated positive growth in all but one of the 18 industrial classifications, with public administration and defence being the exception. This sector witnessed a negative growth of 0.12 per cent.

However, compared to the fourth quarter of FY 2024/25, the growth rate in the fourth quarter of FY 2025/26 is estimated to have remained moderate due to lower government expenditure and modest growth in domestic industrial and agricultural production. GDP growth in the last quarter of 24/25 was 4.8 per cent.

The fourth quarter includes the economic activities from mid-April to mid-July 2026. Annual GDP growth rate for FY 2025/26 is estimated to sit at 3.85 per cent, and the size of the economy is projected to reach Rs. 6609 billion by mid-July this year.

In the past five fiscal years, the economy witnessed the highest growth of 9.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of FY 2021/22 and the lowest rate of -1.0 per cent in the second quarter of 2022/23. Mostly, the growth line zigzagged between 2.7 per cent to 4.1 per cent.

In the final quarter of last year, electricity and gas sector growth is estimated to remain the highest, with a 24.36 per cent increment. It is followed by the financial and insurance sector with 9.07 per cent, accommodation and food with 7.84 per cent, information and communication with 7.66 per cent, transportation and warehousing with 6.81 per cent, and wholesale and retail trade with 5.97 per cent.

According to the NSO, the growth in the wholesale and retail trade sector, which accounts for the second-largest share of the economy, appears to have been driven by an increase in domestic production and imports of goods for trade.

“The growth rate of the agricultural sector, which makes the largest contribution to the economy, is provisionally estimated at 1.35 per cent. Modest growth in agricultural and forestry production appears to have had a positive impact on the sector’s gross value added,” read the report.

However, seasonally adjusted GDP growth at basic prices is estimated at 1.54 per cent for the Q4 of the last year. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 15 October 2026.

Nepal elected to UNHRC for the third time

Kathmandu, Oct. 14

Nepal has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2027–2029 term, securing the highest number of votes among the countries elected from the Asia-Pacific regional group.

Nepal received 173 of the 180 votes cast in the election held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

“We sincerely thank all UN member states for expressing their confidence in Nepal’s commitment to multilateralism, human rights, international law and a rules-based international system centred on the United Nations,” Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York said in a statement.

Other countries elected to the Council for the 2027–2029 term include Brazil, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Moldova, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia.

The mission said Nepal remained committed to working closely with UN member states and other partners to protect human dignity, promote inclusiveness and advance social justice and equal and equitable development for all.

Nepal previously served two consecutive terms on the Council, from 2018 to 2020 and from 2021 to 2023. Established in 2006, the UN Human Rights Council is the United Nations’ principal intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Council comprises 47 member states elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms, with seats allocated according to geographical representation.

The Council reviews the human rights situation in member states, discusses alleged human rights violations, makes recommendations and encourages international cooperation to promote and protect human rights. Through its Universal Periodic Review mechanism, it also assesses the human rights records of all UN member states, read the statement.

“Nepal’s election provides an opportunity to strengthen its representation in international human rights forums. As a Council member, Nepal will be able to contribute to multilateral dialogue and cooperation on human rights, human dignity, equality, inclusiveness, social justice and respect for international law,” it said.

Membership will also bring responsibilities to implement international human rights commitments, protect fundamental freedoms and translate Nepal’s commitment to universal human rights principles into practice.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 15 October 2026.

S. Korea envoy calls on FM Khanal

Kathmandu, Oct. 14

The newly appointed Ambassador of South Korea to Nepal, Park Jaekyung, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at the latter’s Office at the Ministry on Wednesday.

Minister Khanal said the government was willing to work together for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples. He assured the ambassador of the Ministry’s full support in discharging his duties.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of Nepal–South Korea bilateral relations. They expressed their commitment to further strengthening and expanding the existing friendly relations between the two countries in the days ahead, informed the Secretariat of FM Khanal. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 15 October 2026.

Parajuli stresses int’l cooperation to protect Himalayas

Kathmandu, Oct. 14

Ganesh Parajuli, Deputy Leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s parliamentary party, has stressed the need for international cooperation to protect the Himalayas, mitigate the impacts of climate change and transform Nepal’s economy through industry, education and technology.

Speaking at the 2026 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges, organised by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) in China, he emphasised the need for global solidarity and cooperation to protect the Himalayas, strengthen disaster early warning systems and enhance climate resilience.

More than 66 lawmakers, including speakers, deputy speakers, ministers and parliamentarians from 52 countries, participated in the forum. Parajuli presented Nepal’s perspectives on ‘Industry, Education and New Quality Productive Forces’, Parajuli’s secretariat informed in a statement on Wednesday.

Parajuli, who also chairs the parliamentary special committee on climate change impacts in the Himalayas, climate justice and the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli disaster, said that there is a need to bridge the gap between education and industry to transform Nepal’s economy, prioritising practical skills development, research, innovation and technology transfer.

He said educational institutions should be linked with industry requirements to create decent employment opportunities for young people within the country. He also noted that connecting Nepali handicrafts, agricultural products and medicinal herbs with modern technology and international markets could boost exports and contribute to economic growth.

According to the statement, Parajuli called for expanded collaboration in information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills, research and innovation.

He said that combining China’s industrial and technological experience with Nepal’s young workforce and entrepreneurial potential could create new opportunities for employment and sustainable economic development.

According to his secretariat, Parajuli is scheduled to return to Nepal on Thursday after concluding his participation in the forum.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 15 October 2026.

World Bank pledges support for reconstruction

Kathmandu, Oct. 13

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle held high-level bilateral talks with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga in Washington, DC on Tuesday, to discuss mobilising around US$1 billion in resources for reconstruction, broader economic reforms, insurance and social protection in Nepal.

FM Dr. Wagle reached the USA on Monday, leading a delegation at the invitation of the World Bank president. During the meeting with Banga, he discussed the reconstruction of physical and economic infrastructure damaged by the recent floods in the Bhotekoshi River area of Rasuwa, as well as measures to advance macroeconomic reforms and strengthen insurance and social protection.

During the meeting, pledged significant World Bank support for reconstruction, informed the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in a statement. "He also praised the government’s initiatives to introduce policy and institutional reforms, stressing the need to increase infrastructure investment and create employment opportunities within the country," read the statement.

Banga said the World Bank would launch new initiatives to expand joint investment in Nepal’s priority sectors in co-ordination with development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

According to David Sislen, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nepal, this was the first in-person bilateral meeting between a World Bank president and a Nepali finance minister in three decades.

Earlier, on Monday, Dr. Wagle was welcomed in Washington, DC, by Acting Ambassador Sharad Raj Aran and officials from the Nepali Embassy.

He is also scheduled to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

"The discussions are expected to cover enhanced bilateral co-operation, reconstruction, Nepal’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, and broader economic reforms," said the MoF.

According to it, a key objective of the visit is to encourage greater investment from development partners and the private sector in critical infrastructure, including roads and electricity transmission lines, to generate employment and expand economic opportunities within Nepal.

FM Dr. Wagle is also scheduled to hold high-level meetings with senior officials of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and leading private-sector investors.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 October 2026.

Night-time Entertainment gives relief items to flood-victims

Kathmandu, Oct. 13

The Thamel-based Nepal Night-time Entertainment Association has provided food supplies and cash assistance to people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.

The association provided cash assistance of Rs. 500,551 and food supplies to people who were displaced by the floods in Rasuwa on August 26 and have been staying at Mustang Gumba in Swayambhu, Kathmandu.

President of the association Rupesh Gurung handed over the cash and food supplies to Kippa Nagarkoti, acting ward chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality–2 in Rasuwa, on Monday evening. More than 300 people from 155 families in Rasuwa are currently taking shelter at the monastery.

Gurung said the assistance was intended for families whose homes, food supplies and daily essentials had been damaged by the floods.

Coordinator Prakash Shrestha, said flood-affected residents of Rasuwa and Nuwakot had received Rs. 500,000 in cash, along with 12 sacks of rice, three sacks of lentils, one sack of beaten rice, 30 cartons of instant noodles and sanitary pads for women.

The association said that supporting disaster-affected communities was a social responsibility and hoped the assistance would provide some relief to the affected families.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 October 2026.

Central bank extends loan repayment deadline for flood-affected entrepreneurs

Kathmandu, Oct. 13

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed the banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to extend the deadline of installment payment for the entrepreneurs affected by the Bhotekoshi and Budhigandaki floods to mid-January 2027.

Amending its integrated directives, the central bank added a new clause mandating the BFIs to extend the deadline of loan repayment for flood-affected borrowers by three months, from mid-October 2026 to mid-January 2027.

As per the circulars published on Tuesday, this provision is for enterprises, projects or businesses directly affected by floods in the Bhotekoshi and Budhigandaki river areas, businesses dependent on the import or export of raw materials, semi-finished goods and finished goods through the Rasuwa Customs Point, and borrowers affected in the flood-hit areas.

"The BFIs may extend the deadline for instalment payments (principal and/or interest) falling due by mid-October 2026 to mid-January 2027, where borrowers face difficulties in making payments," said the NRB.

However, it mandated the BFIs to mandatorily conduct a realistic assessment of the borrowers’ financial position, including sales and income, cash flow and reserve funds, the impact on imports and exports, and the actual utilisation of loans before granting the extension for the loan repayment.

The NRB has issued the same directives for the Nepal Infrastructure Development Bank (Nifra) which carries the same conditions for the extension of the deadline for the entrepreneurs.

Likewise, the microfinance institutions are also directed to follow the same guidelines to extend the loan repayment deadline to mid-January next year. It will be the duty of the microfinance companies to assess the financial circumstances of their clients whether they are facing difficulties in loan repayment.

Meanwhile, the central bank has directed the commercial banks, development banks and financial companies to designate a focal person to provide the details of transactions relating to financial fraud committed through electronic channels during the festival period – Bijaya Dashami, Tihar and Chhath.  

As per the directives issued on Tuesday, the BFIs are also required to identify suspicious accounts and transactions, promptly freeze them, and facilitate the investigation process.

"Banks and financial institutions are asked to provide the name, designation and mobile number of the designated focal person, along with a duty on-call email address monitored 24/7, to the Nepal Police Headquarters," read the notice published by the NRB.

Earlier, on September 1, the NRB had directed the BFIs to facilitate the customers affected by the floods and lost their cheques, cards, mobile phones or other documents which are required for banking transaction.

Then, it had asked the BFIs to verify the identity of such customers using their specimen signatures, photographs and other customer records held by the institution, and to provide the necessary assistance and facilitation under these exceptional circumstances to ensure access to financial services.

Earlier, on August 29, the central bank had allowed the BFIs to relocate or merge the branches affected by the disaster with nearby branches to resume banking services at the earliest, without obtaining prior approval from the NRB. They could notify the NRB within seven days of any such relocation or merger. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 October 2026.

FM meets envoys of South Africa, Switzerland

Kathmandu, Oct. 13 

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and South Africa’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal Prof. Anil Sooklal have discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Nepal and South Africa.

Ambassador Sooklal paid a courtesy call on FM Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Tuesday. During the meeting, they exchanged views on enhancing economic and investment co-operation, promoting South-South co-operation and strengthening multilateralism, informed FM Khanal's secretariat in a statement.

They also discussed the situation arising from the devastating floods that recently hit Nepal.
"Both sides stressed the need to amplify the voices of climate-vulnerable countries on international platforms to make global efforts against climate change more effective," read the statement. They also underscored the importance of enhancing international co-operation to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Likewise, FM Khanal held a courtesy meeting with Switzerland’s ambassador to Nepal Dr. Danielle Meuli at the MoFA.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to further strengthen the longstanding friendly relations and multifaceted co-operation between Nepal and Switzerland. The two countries are marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Nepal and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1956.

They also discussed opportunities to expand co-operation between the two countries, said the MoFA.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 October 2026.

Industrialists seek government support to maintain access to Indian market

 Jute industry under crisis

Kathmandu, Oct. 11

The jute industries in the country have urged the government for diplomatic measures to ensure seamless entry of Nepali products to the Indian markets.

They also demanded full implementation of the directives for the use of domestic goods in public offices, and use of jute bags instead of polythene.

Stating that Nepali jute has lost almost 95 per cent of its market share in India after the latter imposed anti-dumping duties. According to the entrepreneurs, India is also considering imposing counter-veiling duties as well.

On 29 September 2025, India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated an investigation into countervailing duties on jute products imported from Nepal and Bangladesh. Last month, the DGTR published its final findings, recommending the imposition of countervailing duties on some Nepali jute producers.

“This puts the jute industries in a critical situation. They have already invested in product diversification and modern machinery. The government should rescue us from this current crisis with priority,” said Somnath Adhikari, General Secretary of the Nepal Jute Mills Association (NJMA).

He said that the government should hold a high-level talks with India to bail the industries out of the current crisis. As the government is preparing for the visit of Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India, a delegation of industrialists from Biratnagar submitted a memorandum to the government last week which also includes the challenges faced by the jute industries.

According to the memorandum, this issue must not be confined to correspondence between government ministries. A high-level political and diplomatic solution must be sought. “High-level dialogue should be held with India, the issue should be raised through Nepal–India trade mechanisms, and discussions should also take place between the private sectors of both countries,” it said.

“The jute industry had given Biratnagar its identity as an industrial city. Today, however, seven jute mills are at risk of closure. The industry directly supports around 15,000 jobs,” said the delegation.

India itself is a major producer and consumer of jute. According to Indian government statistics, India produced 1.28 million tonnes of jute products in the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and consumed 1.205 million tonnes in its domestic market. The country’s organised jute industry directly employs around 370,000 people, while approximately 4 million farming families are involved in jute cultivation.

“As the jute industry is directly linked to local farmers, there is a need to further promote jute cultivation. Being an environmentally friendly and organic product, jute has considerable potential for the future. We must honestly ask whether India’s move is simply a trade protection measure intended to safeguard its own industry and farmers,” read the memorandum submitted by the Biratnagar-based entrepreneurs to the federal government.

They argued that while it is natural for India to protect the interests of its industries and jobs, Nepal also has the right to protect its 15,000 jobs, its exports and its domestic industry. About 75,000 farmer families in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari are involved in jute farming, said Adhikari.

Nepali jute industries are wholly dependent on Indian market as 96 per cent of the total product is exported there. Most of the raw materials also come from India. Nepali raw materials cover less than one-third of the total demand.

Meanwhile, speaking at a programme on the state of jute industry in Biratnagar a couple of days ago, Jute industry operator Champalal Rathi said India and Bangladesh provided government protection and incentives to their jute industries, so Nepal should also introduce the necessary policy support to maintain the competitiveness of its domestic industry.

Likewise, NJMA President Raj Kumar Golchha said that if the problem prolonged, there wouldn’t be any alternative other than shutting down the industries.

The industrialists suggested the government to implement policy to promote the use of jute products in packaging food and other items. Although such policy is announced, it's not strictly implemented. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 12 October 2026.      

Nepal amplifies climate justice agenda in int’l platform

 Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said his visit to Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu was important for highlighting Nepal’s climate vulnerability on international platforms, mobilising climate finance on a just and equitable basis.

"It also helped to further strengthening bilateral relations with Australia," he said upon his arrival in Kathmandu after participating in the high-level 'Pre-COP Leaders' Event' on climate change in Fiji and Tuvalu, and completing an official visit to Australia.

FM Khanal undertook the visit at the invitation of the governments of Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu to help build political consensus ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), to be held in Antalya, Türkiye, in November, and to advance the global climate agenda.

During his visit, Australia announced an additional grant of AUD15 million for relief, recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal. With the additional assistance, Australia’s total support announced for Nepal’s flood disaster response has reached A$26 million.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Khanal addressed the ‘Pre-COP Leaders’ Plenary’ in Nadi, Fiji, on October 6, where he noted that mountainous countries and Pacific-island states face similar risks from climate change.

He said glacier melt and rising sea levels were interconnected aspects of the same global climate crisis, stressing the need for cooperation among countries from the mountains to the oceans. During his address, Khanal said that countries such as Nepal, which have made only a limited contribution to climate change, are being forced to bear its serious consequences like the recent Bhotekoshi flood.

Presenting Nepal’s four priorities for COP31, Khanal stressed the commitment to limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C, grant-based adaptation finance that does not add to countries’ debt burdens, effective mobilisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, and the development of a ‘Sagarmatha to the Sea’ partnership, the MoFA said.

During his visit to Tuvalu, Khanal inspected the causeway area in Funafuti, which is exposed to the risks of coastal erosion and increasingly intense tides, as well as structures constructed under the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project.

"The visit helped in identifying similarities between climate risks in mountainous regions and the challenges faced by Pacific-island states, and contributed to building a common voice for climate justice," said FM Khanal.

He also said that issues concerning the loss of glaciers and ice sheets had been incorporated into the ‘Taku Pakasoa Declaration’ issued on the occasion of the Pre-COP programme.

During bilateral talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on October 8, he discussed expanding technical cooperation in climate action, glacier monitoring, modernisation of early warning systems and the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure.

FM Khanal urged Australia to make the student visa process for Nepali students fair, accessible and predictable. He also proposed greater cooperation in technical and vocational education, joint research between universities, joint degree programmes and an increase in the quota for Australia Awards scholarships.

Similarly, FM Khanal met New South Wales Premier Chris Minns in Sydney on October 8.

They discussed the possibility of study visits and technical exchanges between disaster management agencies. They also talked about the potential for expanding direct air links with Nepal once Western Sydney International Airport becomes operational.

FM Khanal held interactions with Nepali communities in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. He inspected the Nepali Embassy in Canberra, and directed embassy officials to make consular services, including passport and document authentication services provided to Nepali students, professionals and the general public, more efficient, hassle-free and technology-friendly.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2026.      

56 Dairy Farmers Graduate in Sindhuli

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Fifty-six dairy farmers of Kamalamai Municipality in Sindhuli have graduated from the Heifer–KOICA Farmers Field School in the Korea–Nepal Model Dairy Village.

According to Heifer International Nepal, this is Nepal’s first-ever graduation ceremony of dairy farmers from a structured field school programme. An event was organised in Kamalamai on Friday to award the farmers.

Over the past four years, 105 farmers from Ward No. 5 of Kamalamai, organised into four Self Help Groups, have been attending monthly classes designed to strengthen dairy farming practices. To graduate, farmers were required to complete 48 sessions with at least 80 per cent attendance.

"The curriculum combined training in good husbandry practices, animal health and reproduction, and enterprise development, delivered by veterinary technicians, municipal veterinary doctors, and Korean dairy and veterinary experts," informed Heifer.

The Integrated Dairy Productivity Improvement Project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to establish certified farms that meet government standards for good husbandry practices.

According to Heifer, by equipping farmers with technical knowledge and enterprise skills, the programme is laying the foundation for a more productive, sustainable, and resilient dairy sector in Nepal.

Dr. Tirtha Raj Regmi, Country Director- Heifer International Nepal said that the graduation is a mark of respect for farmers' contribution, and it should inspire similar farmer graduation ceremonies across the country.

Speaking at the programme, graduate farmer Guna Kumari Ghimire, Chairperson of the Kamalamai Social Entrepreneur Women's Dairy Cooperative, said that before joining the Farmers Field School, she had limited knowledge about animal health and modern dairy practices. "These classes have changed the way I care for my cattle and manage my farm. Wearing this graduation hat today fills us with pride,” she said.

While 56 farmers graduated on Friday, the remaining participants will complete their programme in December. At the same time, a new batch of 100 farmers has already enrolled, ensuring continuity and scale for this pioneering initiative.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2026.      

Nepal-Europe ST conference held in Germany

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

The Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, the University of Tübingen, Nepal Roots, a Germany-based Nepali organisation, and the Kathmandu University Biotechnology Alumni Network have jointly organised Nepal–Europe Science and Technology Conference 2026 in Germany.

Nepal Roots informed in a statement on Saturday that the conference was organised with the aim of expanding collaboration, promoting knowledge exchange and building professional networks among Nepali scientists, researchers and technical professionals working in Nepal and Europe.

The conference brought together around 60 scientists, researchers, professors, doctors, health researchers, engineers, technology experts, entrepreneurs, students and professionals working in various technical fields from five countries—Nepal, Germany, Finland, Denmark and Switzerland.

The conference discussed scientific research and technological initiatives being undertaken in Nepal, the role of Nepali experts living abroad, and ways of connecting their knowledge and experience with research activities in Nepal.

Participants emphasised that linking the experience and expertise of Nepali professionals abroad with Nepal’s needs and priorities could create new opportunities in research, education, health and technology.

Possible ways for Nepali scientists, researchers, engineers and technical professionals working abroad contributing to the development of Nepal’s education, research and innovation sectors were also discussed.

"Discussions also focused on the potential for Nepali experts based abroad to collaborate with Nepali universities, research institutions and the private sector through joint research, knowledge transfer, capacity building for students and researchers, and the expansion of international networks," said, Dr. Kritan Gautam, President of Nepal Roots.

On the occasion of the conference, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research in Nepal and Nepal Roots in Germany.

The memorandum provides a framework for systematically advancing research, knowledge and experience sharing, and institutional collaboration among Nepali scientists and technical professionals based in Nepal and Europe.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2026.      

AEPC distributes electric stoves to indigenous, Dalit students

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

The Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) has begun distributing electric stoves to students from endangered indigenous nationalities and Dalit communities who have come to Kathmandu from outside the valley and are living in rented accommodation while pursuing undergraduate or higher-level studies, under its Clean Energy Programme.

Under the electric stove distribution programme being conducted on 8, 9 and 12 October, around 250 students from those communities will receive electric stoves.

The initiative aims to provide, albeit symbolically, some relief from the difficulties caused by shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the Kathmandu Valley and rising LPG prices by using electric stoves, the AEPC said in a statement on Friday.

It also aims to increase the consumption of domestically produced clean energy and further expand the promotion of electric stoves.

The AEPC has previously distributed more than 7,000 electric stoves targeting students. In partnership with local governments, it has also promoted electric stoves among 170,000 households.

In addition, under the Clean Cooking Solutions Programme being implemented in 22 Tarai districts with support from the Green Climate Fund, the Centre aims to distribute 500,000 electric stoves.

Launching the electric stove distribution programme, AEPC Executive Director Nawa Raj Dhakal said the use of electric stoves would directly contribute to increasing clean energy consumption and reducing the use of fossil fuels. He also said that using electric stoves would significantly reduce students’ monthly expenses.

The promotion of electric stoves has contributed to the government’s long-term goals related to renewable energy and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Under its Third Nationally Determined Contribution, the government has set a target of promoting electric stoves in 2.1 million households and 15,000 institutional settings by 2035 to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector.

However, Nepal remains significantly dependent on traditional energy sources.

According to the Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025/26, traditional energy accounts for 58 per cent of total energy consumption, commercial energy for 39 per cent and renewable energy for around 3 per cent.

Of total commercial energy consumption, petroleum products account for 22 per cent, coal for 9 per cent and electricity supplied through the national grid for 8 per cent. With electricity accounting for 8 per cent and renewable energy for around 3 per cent, only 11 per cent of total energy consumption currently comes from clean energy. "This highlights the challenge of converting the remaining 89 per cent of energy consumption to clean, renewable sources," said the AEPC.

According to the National Population and Housing Census 2021, firewood accounts for nearly 51 per cent of the main cooking fuels used by households, followed by LPG at 44 per cent, animal dung cakes at around 3 per cent, electricity at 0.5 per cent and biogas at 1.2 per cent.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.      

FM Wagle directs to reward sellers

Kathmandu, Oct. 9

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has directed the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to introduce a provision to provide cash rewards to sellers of goods and services under the taxpayer incentive programme.

Speaking at a revenue review meeting held at the Ministry of Finance on Friday, said that the programme has encouraged consumers to ask for bills and directly contributed to revenue collection, so the IRD should extend incentives to sellers as well.

The government has been rewarding consumers with cash for taking bills since the beginning of the current fiscal year 2026/27, with the aim of developing a culture of issuing and receiving bills and building a formal economy.

Saying that complaints had been received that traders were reluctant to issue bills despite the growing culture of asking for them, Dr. Wagle said sellers also needed to be encouraged.

“It appears that the practice of taking bills has become widespread. But it is also necessary to introduce an incentive policy for those who are expected to issue bills,” he told senior officials under the ministry. “Amend the procedure and bring forward a proposal on how much can be provided and how it can be distributed, so that issuing bills does not become a burden for them.”

He said that, alongside developing a culture of taking bills, it was also necessary to develop a culture of issuing them.

Under the taxpayer incentive reward programme, which began on mid-July, one consumer has been receiving a daily cash prize of Rs 134,000 every 15 days based on bill numbers, while one consumer receives a bumper cash prize of Rs. 1 million during each 15-day period.

If the department makes the necessary provision in the procedure in time, sellers will also be eligible for rewards when prizes are announced for October end. According to the MoF, the reward for sellers will be lower than that offered to consumers, although the exact amount has not yet been determined.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 October 2026.