YouTube video by B.C. Begley

Prime Minister Balen Shah addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly, urging global action on climate change and proposing a 'Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism' involving Nepal, India, and China. His address, which highlighted Nepal's vulnerability and the need for climate justice, has received positive reactions from various political parties who commended his focus on global imbalances and the challenges faced by smaller nations.

Nepal enforces a bold Social Media Ban blocking Facebook, YouTube, X & more. Here’s why 26 platforms were restricted and what comes next.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah affirmed that Nepal-India relations are strong and harmonious during a farewell meeting with outgoing Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava. PM Shah expressed gratitude for India's disaster assistance, while Ambassador Srivastava highlighted the completion of numerous development projects during his tenure and thanked Nepal for its cooperation.

The government has registered the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2083 BS, with the Federal Parliament Secretariat to update laws governing the federal civil service. Minister Pratibha Rawal highlighted that the bill aims to streamline administrative coordination across governance levels and professionalize the civil service by reducing political influence. She further stated that the legislation is expected to bolster the federal governance system and advance good governance and public administration reform.

The House of Representatives convened for a meeting where multiple legislative proposals were presented and discussed. Key among these were the National Defense University Bill, 2083, and the Diploma Engineering Council Bill, 2083, presented by Ministers Sobita Gautam and Sunil Lamsal respectively. The National Defense University Bill is intended to enhance study and training in international relations and strategic affairs.

Nepali Congress leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe has criticized the Balen Shah-led government for weak governance and a lack of skills, despite holding a strong mandate. Presenting nine suggestions in the House of Representatives, Angdembe also accused the Prime Minister of undermining parliamentary traditions and expressed concerns regarding the rule of law and the government's approach to the private sector and bureaucracy.

Newly appointed resident ambassadors from five nations, including Thailand, Brazil, Pakistan, France, and the Republic of Korea, presented their credentials to President Ramchandra Paudel. The ceremonies were held at the Office of the President, with ambassadors ceremonially escorted and senior government officials present. The South Korean Ambassador also conveyed greetings from his nation's president and expressed commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and supporting Nepal's development.

The House of Representatives has approved a proposal for consideration of the ‘Bill Related to the Security of Health Workers and Health Institutions (Second Amendment), 2083’. Minister Nisha Mehta presented the bill, highlighting its aim to protect health workers and institutions from attacks. MPs in the House also stressed the unacceptability of such violence and the need to address hospital grievances.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal engaged in discussions with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk regarding Nepal's cooperation with the UN, human rights, climate change, and disaster recovery efforts for the Bhotekoshi disaster. Separately, three Nepali organizations in America provided $226,000 in aid to the Foreign Minister for BhoteKoshi flood victims.

Lawmakers have repeatedly called for Prime Minister Balen Shah to appear in Parliament to address various concerns, including the government's handling of arrests, disaster response, and controversial border remarks. MP Dhruba Raj Rai criticized the government's approach as "childish" and lacking seriousness in disaster aftermath, while MP Ambikadevi Sangraula demanded the removal of the Prime Minister's border statements from official records. Parliamentarians also questioned the PM's post-UN assembly briefing and discussed disaster funding and trade issues.

The National Defence University Bill, 2026, was presented in the House of Representatives by Minister Sobita Gautam on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. This bill seeks to create a specialized academic institution focused on national security and defense studies, with the Prime Minister as chancellor. Other legislative matters, including reports on a forensic lab bill and a diploma engineering council bill, were also presented.

The Nepali Congress 15th General Convention has been postponed by two days to Asoj 18, with the delay attributed to ongoing constituency conventions and heavy rainfall. Gagan Thapa is positioned as the leading candidate for party president, potentially uncontested as senior leaders are not participating. Meanwhile, differing nomination fees have been set by the factions of Gagan Thapa and Sher Bahadur Deuba, with Deuba's faction proposing lower charges. In Morang District, leadership elections for the convention are intensifying, marked by both unanimous selections and fierce competition.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst met with Prime Minister Balen Shah and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal to reaffirm Australia's support for Nepal's post-flood reconstruction and climate change adaptation efforts. Prime Minister Shah expressed gratitude for Australia's A$11 million humanitarian aid and discussed strengthening disaster risk reduction and Nepal's access to climate finance. Ambassador Ernst conveyed condolences for Nepal's losses and commended its role at the UN.

The Nepali Congress is preparing to hold its 15th General Convention from November 7-9, with ward conventions set to begin on October 15. However, regional conventions nationwide have been delayed due to continuous rainfall, with only a few districts completing the process. The Central Election Committee has also issued a directive against collecting extra fees for election-related activities. Meanwhile, several candidates are emerging for the General Secretary positions, and party leaders like Dr. Shashank Koirala view the upcoming convention as a critical juncture for the party's future.

Nepal, through its Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, has been elected as a vice president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for the next term. Dr. Wagle formally assumed the role during the AIIB's 11th Annual Meeting in Doha, where he also advocated for expanded AIIB investment in Nepal, including support for post-disaster reconstruction and concessional financing. AIIB President Zou Jiayi acknowledged the impact of recent floods in Nepal and pledged the bank's support for recovery efforts.

The House of Representatives has approved proposals to send three legal bills—Mediation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2083, Law Commission of Nepal (First Amendment) Bill, 2083, and Free Legal Aid Bill, 2083—to committees for detailed discussion. Additionally, the Infectious Animal Diseases (Control) Bill, 2083, was also sent to a committee, while the National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2083, was passed by the House. These legislative actions occurred alongside meetings of four parliamentary committees.

The Nepali Congress has postponed the inauguration of its 15th General Convention to October 4 due to widespread disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and landslides. Despite these challenges, the party is proceeding with various levels of conventions across the country, including the election of delegates. Notably, Gagan Thapa was unanimously elected as a delegate from Kathmandu-4, while Bishwa Prakash Sharma secured his delegate position in Jhapa-1 through voting. Meanwhile, singer Prakash Katuwal has transitioned into politics, inspired by Gagan Thapa, and is actively participating in the convention preparations.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has issued a stern warning against indiscipline and disorder within the party, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone violating party policies. Following the third full Central Committee meeting, which served as a 'cut-off date' for past issues, the party's main focus will be on restoring democracy and preparing for upcoming local elections. Oli urged leaders and cadres to concentrate on their responsibilities and organizational goals, while also indicating that while immediate party unification is not planned, electoral alliances may be considered.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal held bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan Minister Vijitha Herath in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation. During his visit, Khanal also met with UN General Assembly President Dr. Khalilur Rahman and addressed a high-level meeting on prejudice and exclusion, while also engaging with the Nepali diaspora and expressing solidarity for climate disaster-affected communities.