Dhant appointed Brand ambassador of Pulsar

Kathmandu, Oct. 1

Bajaj has appointed Rabindra Dhant as the brand ambassador for its Pulsar NS series bikes. The company informed in a statement that the partnership highlights the similarities between Rabindra Dhant’s personality and the aggressive performance of the Pulsar NS.

According to the company, Dhant’s strength, speed and powerful personality match well with the power, performance and muscular streetfighter design of the Pulsar. "Through this partnership with Dhant, the company aims to present this identity more effectively. The collaboration is also expected to help strengthen the brand’s connection with young riders and those who are interested in performance-oriented motorcycles," read the statement.

Dhant will be featured in various Pulsar NS brand communications, campaigns and consumer engagement activities. Through these activities, the company will highlight not only the features and technical aspects of Pulsar motorcycles but also their power, confidence, performance and bold attitude.

According to Bajaj, the partnership between Rabindra Dhant and Pulsar is an effort to bring two distinct identities together through a shared spirit. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 October 2026.     

NRNA collects 63.2 M for flood victims

Kathmandu, Oct. 1

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has so far collected Rs. 63.20 million from its the National Coordination Council (NNC) of several countries for relief efforts for those affected by the Bhotekoshi flood.

It informed in a statement on Thursday that it has received commitments for about Rs. 93.78 million.

According to the NRNA, the contributions received include Rs. 5.34 million from the NCC in the UK in the first phase, Rs. 4.60 million from Qatar, Rs. 3.10 million from Australia, Rs. 2.70 million from Canada, Rs. 2.58 million from Bahrain, Rs. 2.15 from New Zealand, Rs. 1.87 million from Hong Kong, Rs. 1.83 million from Sweden and Rs. 1.79 million from Norway.

Similarly, Rs. 1.41 million has been received from NCC Iraq, Rs. 1.31 million from Oman, Rs. 1.2 million from the Philippines, Rs. 1.11 million from South Korea, Rs. 1.05 million from the Stichting Nepal Fund in the Netherlands, Rs. 1.04 million from Luxembourg and Rs. 1 million from Saudi Arabia.

Contributions have also been received from Seychelles (Rs. 875,224), Türkiye (Rs. 750,337), Congo (Rs. 658,663 in the first phase), the UAE (Rs. 658,663 in the first phase), Myanmar (Rs. 601,000), Israel (Rs. 504,385), Ireland (Rs. 500,000 in the first phase), Russia (Rs. 500,000 in the first phase) and Thailand (Rs. 500,000 in the first phase).

Meanwhile, an NRNA relief team has departed for flood- and landslide-affected areas of Baglung, including Tarakhola, Nishikhola and Tamankhola, to provide relief and assistance to affected families.

The team travelled from Kathmandu via Butwal towards Nishikhola and Tamankhola with relief materials, coordinating with local governments, the District Administration Office, members of parliament, the Nepal Red Cross Society and other stakeholders for the distribution of relief, the NRNA informed.

The team includes Manoj Kumar Gorkhali, coordinator of the NRNA International Coordination Council’s Disaster Management Committee and vice-president of NRNA, and ICC spokesperson Somnath Sapkota.

The team will provide relief to more than 100 affected families, including food, blankets, mattresses, tents and other essential daily-use items.

NRNA said it was also continuing coordination with the district administration offices, local governments, elected representatives, the Red Cross and other local stakeholders to identify local needs and provide relief support to flood- and landslide-affected areas of Parbat and Myagdi, in addition to Baglung. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 2 October 2026.     

PM Shah's address to UNGA historic, says FM Khanal

Kathmandu, Sept. 30

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that the address, delivered by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, is expected to mark an important step towards turning climate justice into a reality for climate-vulnerable countries such as Nepal.  

Talking to journalists upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday morning, he said that PM's strong call to the international community to simplify and facilitate the mobilisation of resources through climate finance mechanisms, such as the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), and to translate climate justice into practice has drawn global attention.

He termed PM Shah's address 'historic in many respects' as he highlighted fundamental aspects of Nepal’s national interests, including climate justice. PM Shah had addressed the UNGA on September 24. He also held meetings with the Secretary-General of the UN Antonio Guterres and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese.

According to FM Khanal, Nepal’s participation in the 81st session of the UNGA has enhanced Nepal’s diplomatic profile and that the international community had responded positively to Nepal’s proposals.

More than 33 bilateral meetings held by the Nepali delegation had also contributed to further strengthening Nepal’s relations with the countries concerned. The Foreign Minister expressed confidence that a clear foundation had been laid for further strengthening Nepal’s diplomacy and making a tangible contribution to promoting the national interest in the days ahead.

"Nepal had strongly raised issues including climate justice before the international community. During the General Assembly, Nepal had clearly and firmly presented its position on the devastating Bhotekoshi flood as well as other national and international issues," he said.

He stated that there was an urgent need to present, at the highest level and on the global stage, Nepal’s perspective on the country’s historic political transformation, the changing global order and international issues, and, most importantly, the issue of climate justice following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood.

In his bilateral sideline meetings and other addresses, FM Khanal expressed gratitude to the countries and institutions who supported in the rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of the floods and urged for additional support in the reconstruction and recovery efforts.

Nepal organised a high-level meeting on 'Sagarmatha to the Sea: A call to action for climate-resilient future' to highlight the future of Himalayas and plight of countries being affected by the climate change and global warming.

FM Khanal said that Nepali delegation, led by him, participated in more than 80 meetings, seminars and events and presented Nepal's agenda and issues. He also participated in the reception organised by US President Donald J. Trump.

The Foreign Minister also raised the issues of the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and implementation of Paris Agreement. "At the Secretary-General’s High-Level Meeting on Climate Action and Just Transition: Solutions Dialogue, I presented Nepal’s views on the impacts of climate change, climate finance, adaptation support and resilient development," he said.

Speaking at the meeting, he had stressed the need to move towards results-oriented implementation through accessible climate finance, adequate adaptation measures, early warning systems, easier access to technology and a well-resourced loss and damage fund. I also emphasised the need to strengthen global cooperation and solidarity to achieve the 1.5°C target under the Paris Agreement.

Similarly, while addressing the G7 Development Ministers’ Meeting and the Leaders’ Meeting of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF-V20), he emphasised that climate-related disasters are eroding development gains.

He talked about the need for stronger global cooperation, including among mountain and archipelagic countries, to advance climate justice through resilient development, accessible climate finance, robust forecasting and early warning systems, and green approaches.

During the UNGA, Nepal signed separate Joint Communiqués establishing diplomatic relations with Grenada, Namibia and Senegal. With these new diplomatic ties, the number of countries with which Nepal has established diplomatic relations has now reached 188.

Similarly, during bilateral meetings with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric and Belarus’s Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, agreements were signed respectively on a General Cooperation Agreement, a Bilateral Consultations Mechanism, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 October 2026.     

FNCCI urges Chinese envoy to facilitate Tatopani border operation

Kathmandu, Sept. 30

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Anjan Shrestha met with the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming and discussed the diplomatic and technical facilitation required to operationalise the Tatopani customs border point.

During the meeting, Shrestha urged the Ambassador to assist in immediately reopening the Tatopani border crossing which is necessary to mitigate the supply chain disruptions and ensuring steady flows of goods for businesses and consumers, the FNCCI informed.  

He emphasised that sustained cross-border coordination is vital to maintain trade flows during crises and bolster private-sector confidence. He informed the ambassador that disruptions along key northern trade arteries, namely the Rasuwagadhi and Korala border points, have intensified strain on Nepal-China supply chains ahead of the peak festive shopping season.

In response, Ambassador Zhang noted that joint field inspections by Nepali and Chinese officials are underway to reinstate trade routes as swiftly as possible.

He added that China has deployed rapid-response units to repair roads and critical infrastructure, assuring that all necessary measures are being taken to normalise daily life and transit.

"Embassy of China in Kathmandu responded constructively regarding the expedited reopening of the Tatopani customs post to alleviate trade bottlenecks caused by flood damage along the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung corridor," read a statement by the FNCCI.

Severe flooding along the Bhotekoshi River compromised the bridge along the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route, the local customs office, the Inland Container Depot (ICD), and approximately 45 kilometres of the 145-kilometre highway connecting Kathmandu to the Chinese border.

Expressing appreciation for China’s support and solidarity during this critical period, Shrestha underscored the need for more effective bilateral cooperation to tackle trade and investment hurdles.

Shrestha and Ambassador Zhang also discussed convening a joint business forum featuring the Nepali and Chinese private sectors to chart long-term strategies for trade resilience, economic recovery and commercial expansion.

Speaking at the meeting, Senior Vice President Sur Krishna Vaidya and Director General Dr. Gopal Prasad Tiwari reiterated the imperative of sustained partnership across bilateral trade, investment and long-term economic engagement between Nepal and China.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 October 2026.     

Nepal seeks AIIB support in infra development

 Kathmandu, Sept. 30

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has said that his participation at the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Bank (AIIB) was fruitful in terms of expanding the bank’s investment in Nepal’s key infrastructure development.

"It was also instrumental in promoting technology transfer and strengthening cooperation among member countries," he said on Wednesday, after returning to Nepal from the meeting in Doha of Qatar. He had departed for Doha on September 26.

The annual meeting has elected Dr. Wagle, who was the Governor of the AIIB Board of Governors, as Vice-Chair for 2026–27. Nepal was elected to the vice-chairmanship from among the bank’s regional member countries.

During the meeting’s Governors’ Business Roundtable, FM Dr. Wagle said that infrastructure-led capital formation was a major source of economic growth for less-developed countries. He stressed the need to invest in key means of production, including roads, electricity, communications and information technology, informed the Finance Minister's Secretariat in a statement.

He also highlighted the need to explore ways to make the bank’s financing more concessional, in line with the needs of countries such as Nepal, and to ensure the availability of finance in ways that could attract both domestic and foreign private capital.

During the meeting, FM Dr. Wagle held bilateral discussions with the AIIB president and the finance ministers of member countries including Qatar, India, Bangladesh, Armenia and Georgia. "The discussions covered matters of bilateral interest, economic cooperation, expanding investment and support for Nepal’s reconstruction following natural disasters," read the statement.

According to Dr. Wagle, with Nepal being elected Vice-Chair of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for the first time, the country is expected to have greater opportunities to expand the bank’s investment in key infrastructure projects, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen cooperation.

Earlier, on Tuesday, FM Dr. Wagle held a meeting with his Qatari counterpart Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.

During the meeting, expressing gratitude for the support to Nepal following the Bhotekoshi floods, he requested for continued support in the reconstruction of the structures damaged by the disaster.

"Besides, in view of the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the State of Qatar commencing from January 2027, he requested for Qatari investments in three projects namely Chandragiri-Chitlang-Palung-Chitwan Expressway, Nalsinggad Storage Hydroelectric Project, and Simbuwa Khola Hydroelectric Project," the Embassy of Nepal in Doha informed in a statement.

In response, FM Kuwari said that support from his government would be extended for rehabilitation and rebuilding. He also said that Qatari government would facilitate the investment from Qatar to the aforesaid development projects in Nepal.

Likewise, Dr. Waglé also held separate meetings with his Georgian and Armenian counterparts Lasha Khutsishvili and Vahe Hovhannisyan.

According to the embassy, they discussed avenues for further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 1 October 2026.     

Dr. Wagle elected vice-chair of AIIB

Kathmandu, Sept. 29

Minister for Finance Dr. Swarnim Wagle is elected as the Vice-Chair of the Board of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for the term 2026-2027 during the Governors’ Business Roundtable held in Doha on Monday.

He was the governor from Nepal in the Board of Governors of the AIIB.

He attended the opening programme of the eleventh Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of AIIB, and held meetings with his Indian and Bangladeshi counterparts Nirmala Sitharaman and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury separately on the sidelines.

During the meetings, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties, trade and investment, and promoting tourism and clean energy, alongside various matters of mutual interest, the Embassy of Nepal in Qatar informed in a statement.

Dr. Wagle also attended the Host Member Gala Dinner hosted by the Government of Qatar later in the evening.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 30 September 2026.     

China ready to cooperate with Gorkhapatra Corporation, says ambassador Zhang

Kathmandu, Sept. 29

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said that China stands ready to work with Nepal in science, technology and innovation.

"We have a challenge to catching up with new developments in technology and other sectors. Nepal and China should enhance cooperation in these areas," he said during his visit to the Gorkhapatra Corporation on Tuesday.

According to him, cooperation in technology and innovation is being promoted and China is supporting the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in DNA testing and profiling in the aftermath of the devastating Bhotekoshi disaster that hit Rasuwa, Nuwakot and downstream districts on August 26.

"In the past one month we have been working hard with the government of Nepal in rescue and relief operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi disaster. China had sent tunnel rescue experts and technicians, at the earliest possible time, who are closely working with the Nepali security agencies," said Ambassador Zhang.

Stating that the unfortunate tragedy claimed 43 lives while 519 are missing on the Chinese side, he said China and Nepal are always helping each other during emergencies.

"The disaster has indicated the need for even greater cooperation between the two nations," he said, adding that strategic partnership and cooperation were stressed during the visit of President Xi Jinping and the two countries are working to meet the very aspirations.

Likewise, Ambassador Zhang said that the border-point connecting Nepal and China needed an earliest rebuilding, albeit with a better scientific plan. The August 26 flood swept away all infrastructure and facilities at the Rasuwagadhi border.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government is working to open Tatopani border point throughout the year but due to the damage caused along the Araniko Highway, this has been challenging, according to the Ambassador.

The government of Nepal is making an inspection to assess the condition of the road connecting the Capital city with China. According to the traders, the route is hardly feasible for cargo as of now.

"Nepali authorities are working. But the work needs to be expedited in order to make it completely operational," said Ambassador Zhang.

He also said that he was for closer and stronger cooperation between Chinese media and the Gorkhapatra Corporation. "The embassy will do its best to support the GC in achieving its infrastructural and technological goals. Media should also introduce new technologies and initiatives," he said, while pledging the Embassy's support in transfer technology to the GC.

General Manager of the Gorkhapatra Corporation Hikmat Bahaudur Rawal, editor-in-chiefs of Gorkhapatra and The Rising Nepal Junar Babu Basnet and Ramesh Lamsal, among others, welcomed the ambassador at the head office of the Corporation.

Rawal said that the Gorkhapatra was the first and oldest state-owned media which has been an authentic voice of the society and the country for more than one-and-a-quarter centuries.

It is publishing pages in 49 languages - two languages a day.

"The government has given priority to good governance and digital transformation, so has the GC. Highly dedicated journalists and support staff are contribution to it," he said.

Likewise, Lamsal said that the GC is putting its effort to bridge the gap between the government and the society, and inform the international audiences about the national issues and development priorities.

He suggested for institutional-level cooperation and technology transfer for the GC.

Basnet said that it's not only the newspaper, but also the national history and heritage.

 Published in The Rising Nepal on 30 September 2026.