Kathmandu, September 28
From a proposed change to abortion rules for minors to widespread damage to the country’s power and road infrastructure, several major developments are shaping today’s news.
Floods and landslides have disrupted around 1,000 MW of electricity generation, while rescue efforts continue after an avalanche on Himlung Himal claimed two lives. Police have also arrested medical businessman Durga Prasai again, while another man has been detained over alleged claims of ties to people associated with Home Minister Sudan Gurung.
Elsewhere, the government has proposed six months of paid maternity leave as a population-growth incentive, the FNCCI has called for the withdrawal of VAT on electricity tariffs, and authorities are working to reopen the flood-blocked BP Highway ahead of the festive season.
Proposed abortion law for minors sparks concerns among gynaecologists
The government has proposed allowing girls under 18 who become pregnant through rape or incest to undergo abortion at any stage of pregnancy. The proposed provision seeks to remove the existing 28-week limit and allow abortion “at any stage” of pregnancy.
Floods, landslides disrupt around 1,000 MW of power generation
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said floods and landslides this year have disrupted around 1,000 MW of electricity generation in Nepal’s national power system.
Two from Sankhuwasabha killed in avalanche on Himlung Himal
Two men from Sankhuwasabha district have died after being caught in an avalanche on Himlung Himal in Manang district. The deceased have been identified as Chhebi Bhote of Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-3 and Pasang Bhote of Bhotkhola-2, according to Wangchhedar Bhote, chairperson of Bhotkhola Rural Municipality.
Durga Prasai arrested again
Medical businessman Durga Prasai has been arrested. The Central Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police at Bhotahiti arrested Prasai. The bureau took him into custody from Bhaktapur. It has not said anything about the reason for the arrest. Prasai has repeatedly been arrested and released. Most of the time, he has been arrested on cyber offences.
Man arrested over alleged claim of ties to Home Minister’s aides
Police have arrested a man accused of claiming close ties with people associated with Home Minister Sudan Gurung and using those alleged connections in phone conversations to negotiate deals. The arrested man has been identified as 37-year-old Dharmaraj Malla, also known as Ashish Malla, of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-4, Banke. A team from the Kathmandu District Police Range arrested him.
6-month paid maternity leave proposed to boost population growth
Minister for Health and Food Hygiene Nisha Mehta has said incentives through maternity leave are also being proposed to encourage population growth.
She made the statement while presenting the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Rights (First Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the House of Representatives on Monday
FNCCI calls for withdrawal of VAT on electricity tariff
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has called on the government to withdraw the value-added tax (VAT) imposed on electricity tariffs from the current fiscal year 2026/27, saying it has increased production costs.
Efforts underway to reopen flood-blocked BP Highway
Efforts are underway to reopen the BP Highway, which has been blocked by landslides and flood-induced road erosion. The highway was completely obstructed by landslides at Chaukidanda in Namobuddha-6, Charsaybesi in Roshi-7, Gimdi Besi in Roshi-8 and Mamti in Roshi-11.
Transport operators ask government not to raise fuel prices during festive season
Transport operators have called on the government not to increase petroleum prices during the festive season. Saroj Sitoula, president of the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, said transport operators would also refrain from raising fares if fuel prices were kept unchanged.
