Kathmandu, September 7
There is a lot happening every day. The Daily Digest brings together some of the most important stories and developments in one place—from Nepal’s latest affairs to international news, business, sports and stories that deserve a closer look.
PM Balen Shah to attend UN General Assembly in New York
Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to travel to New York on September 22 to attend the UN General Assembly. He is scheduled to return to Nepal on September 25. Shah is travelling to the United States primarily to address the General Assembly. Following the heavy loss of lives and property caused by the Bhotekoshi floods, he is expected to draw the international community’s attention to the growing impacts of climate change on Nepal.
Nepal seeks advanced rescue equipment from international community after Bhotekoshi floods
Nepal has asked the international community for advanced rescue equipment and specialised materials after technical difficulties intensified search and rescue operations following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River. According to the latest update issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the government has prepared a list of high-tech rescue equipment and appealed for international assistance to accelerate rescue operations and reduce risks in the affected areas.
US Secretary of State calls RSP Chairman; US ready to provide additional assistance to Nepal
A telephone conversation has taken place between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to information provided by the RSP, during the phone call, US Secretary of State Rubio expressed deep condolences for those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi flood and conveyed America’s solidarity with the government and people of Nepal.
131 federal lawmakers pledge part of salaries to flood victim
A total of 131 federal lawmakers have agreed to donate part of their salaries to support flood victims, according to data available as of Monday. The lawmakers have written to the Federal Parliament Secretariat requesting that specified amounts be deducted from their salaries and contributed to flood relief efforts.
Australian PM tells parliament Nepal is not alone in bearing this grief
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods in Nepal and the Tibet border region of China, saying Nepal is not alone in this hour of disaster. Addressing the Australian parliament, he confirmed that 36 of the country’s citizens remain unaccounted for after the floods.
Army estimates 121 people trapped in hydropower tunnels
The Nepali Army has estimated that 121 people are trapped inside tunnels of various hydropower projects affected by the Rasuwa floods on August 26. Speaking at a press conference organised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Monday, Brigadier General Subash Jung Thapa said the Army’s assessment showed that 121 people had entered the tunnels.
Indian team continues rescue efforts at Chilime hydropower project: Ambassador Srivastava
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava has said rescue efforts are continuing at the Chilime Hydropower Project in Rasuwa in coordination with an Indian technical team. Srivastava said through social media that efforts to advance the rescue operation were continuing in coordination with the Indian team.
Police intensify crackdown on social media misinformation and rumours
Police have intensified monitoring of social media platforms to curb misinformation, rumours and misleading content that could undermine social harmony, particularly amid the ongoing crisis caused by the Bhotekoshi floods.
Himalaya TV secures NPL broadcast rights, NetTV gets OTT rights
Himalaya Sports (Himalaya Television) has secured the official broadcast rights for the Nepal Premier League (NPL), while NetTV has won the tournament’s over-the-top (OTT) streaming rights. Himalaya Sports secured the television broadcast rights with a bid of Rs 172.4 million, including taxes, when the Nepal Cricket Association opened the bids at its office on Monday. The company said its bid was more than five times the value of last year’s broadcast rights and nearly 2.5 times the minimum bid set for this year.
Flood-displaced Betrawati residents shelter in forest as tents and essentials run short
Flood-displaced residents from Betrawati in Nuwakot have been taking shelter in tents in the Swaradanda forest, about one kilometre uphill from Betrawati. Nineteen tents have been set up in a row, but residents say they will not be enough as more displaced families return.
NEPSE up 18 points, closes at 2,560
Nepal’s stock market rose 18.07 points on Monday, the first trading day of the week, with the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index closing at 2,560 points. The market has now closed higher for four consecutive trading days. On the previous trading day, the index had gained 4.66 points.
