Snapshot of today's news: September 27

Kathmandu, September 27 — In this section, we present the key headlines of the day. If you've been busy and missed the news, we’ve got you covered. Here are the highlights.

Excessive rainfall nationwide, Jhapa recorded the highest

In the past 24 hours, the highest rainfall has been recorded in Chandragadhi, Jhapa, with 302 millimeters according to the measurement center at Chandragadhi Airport operated by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Meteorologist Shanti Kandel informed Ratopati that continuous rainfall has been occurring nationwide since Thursday, with significant and excessive rain reported from Koshi to Karnali Province. However, she noted that there hasn’t been much rainfall in Karnali Province.

She stated, "There is heavy rainfall everywhere except in Karnali Province, with Jhapa receiving the highest rainfall. Many places have experienced significant rainfall, while some areas have seen excessive amounts. The Chandragadhi station in Jhapa recorded 302 millimeters."

She explained that the current rainfall is due to monsoonal winds. The moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal and a low-pressure area developed in Madhya Pradesh, India, have led to the heavy rainfall in Nepal.

PM Oli attends US prez Biden's welcome ceremony

 Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli attended a welcome ceremony hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

First Lady Radhika Shakya also participated in the ceremony.

Last night, Oli addressed the assembly, during which he reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to completing the remaining tasks related to the peace process as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister noted that the world is at a pivotal moment of transformation, highlighting the contradictions between the rich and the poor, harmony and hatred, and economic development and environmental destruction.

He also presented the reality of humanity and the planet facing climate disasters.

Government to adjust public transport fares after Chhath

Public transportation fares have not been adjusted according to a scientific system for the past 16 months. The last adjustment was made by the government on May 16, 2023.

When adjusting public transport fares, the main criterion is that the market price of fuel must increase or decrease by 5 percent or more. If this happens, the Department of Transport Management has a system to automatically adjust public transport fares based on a scientific fare adjustment method. This system was initiated following a decision made on March 31, 2022.

Before the last fare adjustment, the price of diesel was NPR 172 on May 15, 2023. From May 16, the price was reduced by NPR 17 per liter to NPR 155. Based on this, the fare for passenger vehicles operating on national routes was adjusted down by 3.20 percent.

Similarly, freight vehicles operating on hilly roads had their fares reduced by 4.19 percent, and those on Terai roads by 4.65 percent.

Kulekhani rises by 2 meters in 4 hours; downstream residents urged to remain alert

The Kulekhani reservoir has experienced a significant rise in water levels, increasing by 2 meters over a 4-hour period. As of 5:30 PM, the water level was measured at 1,526 meters. This rapid inflow highlights the reservoir's importance in managing water resources.

At 9:20 PM, the water level further rose to 1,527.95 meters, according to Taradatta Bhatta, chief of Kulekhani Hydropower Project (Phase I). He noted that the reservoir has been receiving water at a consistent rate of 30 centimeters per hour. With only 2 meters remaining until the reservoir reaches its full capacity, the situation is being closely monitored.

The total storage capacity of the Kulekhani reservoir is 1,530 meters. Bhatt emphasized that once this capacity is exceeded, the reservoir will overflow, which poses a risk to surrounding areas. To mitigate this, power generation at the site has been ongoing to help manage the water levels effectively.

Judicial Council transfers 14 High Court judges, recommends two for Supreme Court

 The Judicial Council has decided to recommend the Chief Judges of Patan and Tulsipur for judges in the Supreme Court.

The council has recommended Nripadhwaj Niraula, Chief Justice of Patan High Court, and Nityananda Pandey of Tulsipur High Court.

Currently, there are four vacant judgeships in the Supreme Court, and two more are expected to become vacant in the near future.

However, the council has made this recommendation specifically for these two judges while keeping other positions vacant.

Additionally, Judicial Council has transferred 14 judges of the High Court.

However, it was unable to make any recommendations for the High Court on Friday.

Currently, there are 16 vacant judgeships in the High Court.

Gold price hits record high: Thanks to U.S. interest rate cuts and global wars

The price of gold increased by NPR 500 per tola (11.66 grams) on friday.

After trading at NPR 160,700 on Thursday, the price of gold was set at NPR 161,200 on Friday, marking the highest price to date. Recently, gold prices have been setting new records every day.

According to former president of the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, Maniratna Shakya, fluctuations in gold prices do not reflect any role of the domestic market.

He stated, "Currently, the U.S. central bank has reduced interest rates, which has attracted investors towards gold." Additionally, geopolitical tensions in countries such as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine have also impacted gold prices.

Narayangadh-Muglin road section to remain closed during night

The Narayangadh-Muglin road section will remain closed during the night time in view of the possible risk posed by incessant rains.     

As per the directives of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the road section has been closed during the night due to the possibility of landslides after incessant rain.     

Chief of the District Police Office, Bhaveshwor Rimal said the vehicular movement on the road section has been banned for today and tomorrow.     

He informed the vehicular operation has been banned from 7.00 pm evening to 5.00 am in the morning     

Rimal informed that vehicles except the ones used for essential goods and services will be stopped at Anptari towards Narayangadh and Muglin bazaar towards Muglin.

Most defendants granted bail in high-profile gold smuggling case

The Supreme Court has issued a final ruling on whether to remand or release on bail the defendants in a gold smuggling case involving approximately 60 kilograms of gold. The bench, consisting of Justices Til Prasad Shrestha and Tek Prasad Dhungana, ordered the release of most defendants on bail.

The district and high courts had previously ordered the remand of certain defendants; however, the Supreme Court overturned that decision, allowing some to be released on bail while upholding remand for others.

In its order, the Supreme Court requested bail for Kumar Dhakal, Santosh Chand, Ram Kumar Bhujel, Saroj Shrestha, Rajendra Kumar Rai, Shiv Kumar Sarraf, and Kishor Kumar Basnet. The court also upheld the remand for Thupten Chhiring, Harkaraj Rai, Dilip Bhujel, and Suman Kharel.

The Supreme Court has ordered the release on bail of ten defendants who were previously remanded by the District Court of Kathmandu and the High Court of Patan. Supreme Court spokesperson Achyut Kuinkel stated that orders for bail would be issued only on Sunday for those granted bail, while those ordered to be remanded must remain in custody.

Deuba's dilemma: A stream of leaders eager to succeed as Nepali Congress president

If the Nepali Congress holds its 15th General Convention on schedule, it will take place in December 2025. Based on the party statute, an additional year can been added, meaning the convention must happen by December 2026 under any circumstances. This convention will establish new leadership within the Congress.

Due to legal obligations, the 15th General Convention will mark the end of party politics for President Sher Bahadur Deuba. Deuba himself has acknowledged his "political retirement."

Analysts suggest that his statements indicate he is not interested in becoming president for a third term by amending the constitution.

On the other hand, there is a belief within Congress that Deuba will only hold the party convention after becoming Prime Minister. As the country's executive head, Deuba's departure from party politics will certainly enhance his value.

Central committee member Guru Baral states that Deuba's role in the 15th General Convention will be significant. He believes that those who have Deuba's sympathy will find it easier to gain leadership positions.

“Not just the old guard, but leaders who have positioned themselves among the new generation are also seeking his full support,” argues Baral, who is close to Deuba

Former King Gyanendra Shah set to visit Bhutan next week

 Former King Gyanendra Shah is set to visit Bhutan.

According to Dr. Phaniraj Pathak, Communication Secretary of Shah, he will depart for Bhutan next week as part of a private visit.

During his stay, Shah plans to visit various religious sites in Bhutan.

He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu to celebrate Dashain.

Improvement in economy noted, yet key metrics still negative

In a span of two days, two major donor agencies, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), have released reports indicating that Nepal's economy is showing signs of improvement.

The ADB's statement released on Wednesday highlighted improvements in agricultural production, tourist arrivals, and electricity generation, which are expected to positively impact the economy. Arnaud Cauchois, ADB's Country Director for Nepal, mentioned that increases in internal revenue, intensified infrastructure spending, and the revival of tourism-related services will boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With the timely completion of paddy planting alongside normal monsoon conditions, improvements in the agricultural sector are anticipated. He also noted that increased electricity production capacity will support industrial growth.

Despite signs of improvement in some areas of the economy, many indicators remain negative. Although the festival season is approaching, businesses have not taken out loans. Due to sufficient liquidity in banks, interest rates have decreased. The trade deficit remains high, and revenue collection and government spending have not met targets.

According to the Customs Department, in the first two months of the current fiscal year, the country experienced a trade deficit of NPR 237.45 billion. Exports decreased by 5%. The Financial Comptroller General Office reported that revenue collection in first two months of current fiscal year was only 11.46% of the target.

Although imports are expected to rise during the festival season, the government has not been able to meet revenue collection targets during this period. In the first two months, there were no foreign grants received. The government has set a target to obtain NPR 52.32 billion in grants this fiscal year. Government spending has also fallen short of expectations, with only 7.51% of total expenditure utilized in first two months.

Therefore, while there are some signs of improvement in the Nepali economy, economists comment that these improvements are not yet sustainable.

Helene makes landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 hurricane

 Hurricane Helene made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm as forecasters warned that the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge and bring dangerous winds and rain across much of the southeastern U.S. There were at least three storm-related deaths.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Helene roared ashore around 11:10 p.m. Thursday near the mouth of the Aucilla River in the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It had maximum sustained winds estimated at 140 mph (225 kph). That location was only about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of where Hurricane Idalia came ashore last year at nearly the same ferocity and caused widespread damage.

Myanmar rebels reject embattled junta's peace offer

Rebel groups have rejected a peace offer from Myanmar’s embattled junta, which is reeling from battlefield losses and defections in a civil war that has dragged on for more than three years.

This is dictatorship's first such outreach since it seized power in 2021. It also comes after a ceasefire brokered by China in the northern Shan state fell apart.

The junta called on ethnic armed groups and "terrorist insurgent groups" to "communicate with us to solve political problems politically", also urging them to join elections planned for next year.

The exiled National Unity Government (NUG) said the offer was not worth considering, adding the junta had no authority to hold an election.

The junta extended an olive branch Thursday as it struggled to fight on multiple fronts and stem a widespread rebellion.

Some reports say the junta now has control of less than half of Myanmar's territories.

Nepal's hopes dashed in AFC U-20 Asia Cup Qualifiers

 Nepal faced a crushing defeat in the AFC U-20 Asia Cup Qualifiers-2025, losing 4-0 to Bahrain in their fourth match held in Chinese Taipei.

This loss effectively eliminated Nepal's hopes of advancing in the tournament, marking a disappointing end to their campaign.

Throughout the qualifiers, Nepal struggled to find their footing.

After a tough loss to Cambodia (4-1) and a commendable victory against Chinese Taipei (3-1), they faced another heavy defeat against Uzbekistan (6-0). 

With this latest setback, Nepal joins the ranks of teams that will not progress, while all other three teams in Gropu B still have a chance to move forward.

West Indies legend Bravo retires from cricket

Former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has retired from all forms of cricket after a groin injury curtailed the final season of his career.

The 40-year-old, the leading T20 wicket-taker in history, had planned to retire at the end of the current Caribbean Premier League campaign.

However, after sustaining a groin injury, the Trinbago Knight Riders player has decided to finish immediately.

"My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain" Bravo said in a post on Instagram.

"I can't put myself in a position where I might let down my team-mates, my fans, or the teams I represent.

"So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the champion bids farewell."

Bravo became the first male cricketer to take more than 600 wickets in all T20 matches and ended up with 631 wickets at an average of 24.40 runs and economy of 8.26 per over.

Man City’s Rodri will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery

Manchester City midfielder Rodri will miss the rest of the season after undergoing ACL surgery on Friday.

The Spain international also had meniscus damage.

“This season is over (for him). We got the worst (news possible) but it is what it is,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “We are there to support him in a good recovery, step by step and move forward.”

Rodri injured his right knee on Sunday in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

An ACL injury can take from six months to a year to heal.

That could be a major blow to City’s chances of winning a record-extending fifth English Premier League in a row.

SL vs NZ 2nd Test: Mendises hit powerful centuries to put Sri Lanka in position of dominance

Stumps New Zealand 22 for 2 (Williamson 6*, Ajaz 0*, Jayasuriya 1-3) trail Sri Lanka 602 for 5 dec (Kamindu 182*, Chandimal 116, Kusal 106*, Mathews 88, Phillips 3-141) by 580 runs

For Sri Lanka, it was a day of big numbers. Kamindu Mendis became the fastest man to 1000 Test runs in 75 years when he struck 182 not out. He equalled Don Bradman's pace to the milestone, and sits third-equal alongside the greatest batter cricket has ever seen.

Kusal Mendis made a hundred too - the tenth in his career - as he and Kamindu put on an unbeaten stand of 200 for the sixth wicket. All up, Sri Lanka got to 602 for 5 before declaring the moment Kamindu had crossed the 1000-run mark. They had batted 163.4 overs.

Actress Maggie Smith, star of stage, film and ‘Downton Abbey,’ dies

Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” has died, her publicist said Friday. She was 89.

She was frequently rated the preeminent British actress of a generation which included Vanessa Redgrave and Judi Dench.

“Jean Brodie” brought her the Academy Award for best actress and the British Academy (BAFTA) award as well in 1969. Smith added a supporting actress Oscar for “California Suite” in 1978.