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Twenty-two vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz in the first 13 days of October, as follows from TASS calculations.

This figure has already exceeded the total number of incidents for the whole of March 2026 that previously held the record, the estimates show, TASS reports 

From October 1 to October 13, 22 vessels reported attacks. As a result of all these incidents, 15 sailors sustained wounds, two went missing and one vessel sank, as follows from the data of the International Maritime Organization obtained by TASS.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Tashkent on Saturday for an official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

The traditional friendship between China and Uzbekistan has a long history, Li said, noting that the two countries are good friends, good partners and good brothers.

Over the past 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Uzbekistan have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, regardless of changes in the international landscape, Li said. Bilateral relations and cooperation have continued to move forward, with new vitality and dynamism, he added.

In recent years in particular, with the joint efforts of both sides, political mutual trust between China and Uzbekistan has become more solid, friendship has taken deep root in the hearts of the people, and practical cooperation has achieved fruitful results, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples, said the premier.

Li noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met in Bishkek not long ago and reached important consensus on further deepening bilateral relations.

China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to translate the consensus reached by the two heads of state into more tangible outcomes, and deepen and strengthen the building of the China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future, Li added. Xinhua 

KATHMANDU, OCT 17 — The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu observed the death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shah, the legendary Bengali mystic philosopher, humanist, and Baul singer, highlighting his universal message of equality, social harmony, and humanism.

The commemorative event brought together members of the Bangladeshi diaspora in Nepal, Nepali literary figures, youth leaders, civil society representatives, and former Nepali diplomats who had previously served in Dhaka.

Delivering the closing remarks, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Nepal, High Commissioner Rahman, described Lalon Shah’s philosophy as a foundational pillar of Bengali culture and identity. He emphasized that Lalon’s songs transcended religious, regional, and social boundaries, actively challenging societal prejudices while championing human dignity.

"Lalon’s teachings continue to inspire the pursuit of a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh," Ambassador Rahman stated, noting that the late mystic's emphasis on shared humanity remains deeply relevant today.

The Ambassador also highlighted the significance of the Baul tradition—a nonconformist spiritual sect of musicians—describing it as an integral element of Bengali cultural heritage. He noted that the universal appeal of Lalon’s music has earned recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Touching upon bilateral relations, Ambassador Rahman remarked that both Bangladesh and Nepal draw strength from their rich traditions of peaceful coexistence and cultural heritage. He emphasized that expanding cultural exchanges between the two nations would foster mutual understanding, promote respect for diversity, and further solidify people-to-people ties.

By Sudarshan Ananta Nepal

In the modern world, it is hard to disagree that the global economy is dominated by the long-term trends of globalization and integration. Dictated by geographical factors, these forces continuously overcome cultural, socio-economic, and other differences.

The Asia-Pacific region is considered to be one of the most promising in the world, hosting not only famous economic “powerhouses” but also other countries with high potential for economic growth. These two countries possess vast economic, energy, and production potential, but the differences in their growth strategies and levers of influence are distinctive.

When we delve into the global experience of economic development, the dominant trend since the 1970s has been the expansion of the world economy through export-oriented strategies. During this period, there was also a long-term transition of countries moving from low-income to middle- and high-income status. Since 1978, China has been one of the most promising economies in the world, demonstrating an impressive annual economic growth rate of about 9% for several decades. Referring to the reform process that started in China, it should be noted that it contributed to a high-growth policy driven by heavy investment, low-cost production, and an export-oriented economy. However, China is now transitioning toward a strategy centered on domestic consumption and innovative development to secure long-term economic growth.

As for India, it is also a promising economy that is prepared to solidify its place among the five largest economies in the world. Unlike China, India has a domestic-demand-driven and service-led economy, yet its current account volumes are close to those of China, and it holds a distinct advantage in terms of its working-age population. India's adherence to multilateralism and participation in regionalism have also promoted trade growth within the context of economic liberalization. However, to guarantee India's long-term economic growth, a new strategy must be developed. At the same time, it should be noted that other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the world economy as a whole, are now faced with the need to revise their economic development strategies.

After World War II, economists engaged in a prolonged debate about appropriate adjustments to domestic production structures to conform to the requirements of Export-Led Growth (ELG). According to the neoclassical theory of ELG, the most promising way to secure exports is to ensure the “most efficient use of resources.” The expansion of exports through subsidization or currency depreciation is expected to generate business revenue and elevate overall economic growth.

Based on the classical theory of international trade, economic growth is achieved through the export of goods and services because trade enables specialization and the utilization of economies of scale. Exports generate employment, revenues, capital accumulation, and production optimization. At the same time, the risk of market fluctuations and foreign market instability is superimposed on the process of export-led growth, which can adversely affect national economic prospects. ELG is inherently associated with the vulnerability of economic growth to shifts in terms of trade. Empirical evidence demonstrates that a bi-directional causality exists between economic growth and trade flows.

However, the Asian Financial Crisis and the inconsistent sectoral responses to it undermined confidence in export-led models. As a result, countries are increasingly turning toward a Domestically-Driven Growth Strategy (DDGS). Under this strategy, aggregate demand can be expanded by boosting domestic production and, consequently, expanding internal markets. Nevertheless, it should be noted that current domestic markets in most countries are not large enough to absorb total domestic production, meaning the export component should not be completely abandoned.

Frequent financial crises in emerging market economies have eroded confidence in neoliberal macroeconomic orthodoxy. Consequently, countries are seeking new pathways for economic development grounded in domestic demand. In this context, it is necessary to examine several key pillars of DDGS: the development of the state apparatus, the improvement of the business environment, economic diversification, and the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

First, government expenditures represent a crucial component of aggregate demand, and their expansion is a primary priority for advancing DDGS. These expenditures involve allocating public funds toward core economic functions, directly injecting capital into the economy and impacting various sectors and GDP components depending on the specific functions performed.

Second, the business environment plays a critical role, serving as a major driver of economic development. Ease of Doing Business indicators are frequently used to evaluate the level of business-friendliness in a given country. Factors such as macroeconomic and political stability, the fiscal system, regulatory frameworks, anti-corruption efforts, crime rates, and infrastructure quality heavily influence this climate. Therefore, structural reforms aimed at simplifying economic activity, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and optimizing interactions across government agencies are actively being implemented.

Third, economic diversification is another priority within DDGS development. Diversification aims to shift an economy from relying on a narrow range of primary exports to offering a broad spectrum of goods and services, helping it withstand price fluctuations for individual commodities. It is a fundamental factor in building a resilient, prosperous economy less susceptible to external risks and shocks. Specifically, horizontal strategies—grounded in broad macroeconomic principles—expand macroeconomic stability and employment capacity by strengthening capital and core competencies across sectors. Concurrently, vertical strategies—based on targeted industrial policy—consolidate efforts to advance specific industries, technologies, and high-potential sectors through strategic state support.

Fourth, in the context of DDGS, the role of SMEs in driving economic growth must be emphasized. The development of SMEs is one of the most vital engines of growth, as they account for a substantial share of employment and national GDP. However, their insufficient integration into the broader reproduction process of economic growth remains a pressing issue. SMEs face severe hurdles, including limited access to financing, declining public sector support, technological deficits, weak market integration, and a shortage of skilled labor. Developing industrial clusters offers a key mechanism to address these challenges.

Industrial clusters highlight the importance of evaluating economic dynamics not only at the national level, but also across specific regions and industries. Clusters serve as fundamental analytical units for understanding the regional division of labor, providing insights into local economic structures and specializations. In this way, clusters help define regional business environments, pinpoint competitive advantages, and shape localized development trajectories. Consequently, they provide a framework for analyzing core socio-economic challenges, accommodating regional nuances, and formulating targeted growth strategies.

In conclusion, a promising economy pursuing a stable and steady growth path functions as a complex system where economic, geographical, political, and strategic processes are deeply intertwined. Policymakers must account not only for current trends and opportunities, but also for future macroeconomic challenges. Therefore, finance ministers and decision-makers must carefully balance the expansion of domestic demand with the ongoing competitiveness of their export sectors.

By Surendra Bahadur Shahi

The Nepal Disaster Report 2024 officially recorded 3,672 disaster-related deaths and NPR 23.60 billion in economic losses between July 2018 and July 2024.

 On average, this translates to approximately 612 deaths and NPR 3.93 billion in economic losses per year. These figures underscore that Nepal remains in a highly vulnerable zone regarding natural hazards.

Drawing on Wittgenstein's (1953) concept of 'family resemblance', Anthony Oliver-Smith (2020) defines a disaster as a phenomenon characterized by overlapping features rather than a single defining trait. Considering the Bhotekoshi flash flood of 26 August 2026, it was far more than a simple flood.

According to available evidence from government and scientific assessments, a massive slide of ice, rock, and soil failed, blocking the river and creating a temporary dam that lasted for approximately 18–19 hours. The eventual breach released a huge volume of water, ice, rock, sediment, and debris.

The steep, narrow valley accelerated and concentrated this flow, generating the flood's immense destructive power. As Nepal prepares to resettle the affected population, critical questions must be confronted: How did so many people come to live and trade in this exposed corridor? Where should they be relocated? And how can we avoid perpetuating these vulnerabilities?

The glacial trigger is primarily relevant for understanding the physical mechanism of the event, but it does not explain why the disaster caused such extensive loss of life, destroyed billions of rupees in property, and displaced numerous residents.

For survival and economic prosperity, human settlements are frequently established near vital resources—such as water, trade routes, and hydropower potential. However, once a hazard materializes, this proximity transforms into a major source of danger. Exposure is constructed through deep, historically embedded social, political, and economic processes long before a hazard strikes.

The corridor running through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading (the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli River corridor)—specifically Trishuli Bazar in Nuwakot, alongside Syabrubesi and Timure in Rasuwa—historically served as a vital salt and grain trade network connecting Kathmandu to Tibet.

Later, the construction of the Trishuli Hydropower Project in the 1960s, followed by Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Trishuli 3A, and around 15 other hydro projects, brought thousands of engineers, laborers, and business proprietors to the riverbanks of Nuwakot and Dhading. Furthermore, the installation of the Trishuli Truss Bridge in 1963 connected Nuwakot and Dhading, facilitating the expansion of permanent market centers in Trishuli Bazar and surrounding riverside villages.

Settlement density further escalated following the construction of the Pasang Lhamu Highway, which linked Kathmandu to Dhunche and Syabrubesi. However, the corridor drew significant commercial focus after the 2015 earthquake forced the closure of the Tatopani border crossing.

 Consequently, the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route emerged as the primary gateway to China. Traders, entrepreneurs, customs clearance workers, and transport drivers relocated to the riverbanks to establish warehouses, hotels, and supporting businesses. While people settled there to secure livelihoods and economic gain, they simultaneously became exposed to severe natural hazards. Investment patterns prioritized trade opportunism without incorporating independent hazard assessments.

The causal chain of a disaster is rarely confined to the spatial and temporal boundaries of the event itself. On 8 July 2025, a sudden flash flood triggered by the rapid discharge of a supraglacial lake on the Purepu Glacier in Tibet, China, caused widespread devastation along the Lende River. It damaged the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge (Miteri Pul), swept away trucks, shipping containers, and electric vehicles, and left approximately 11 people dead and 18 missing.

This event served as a clear harbinger that we failed to comprehend in time. Rather than reassessing systemic risk, institutions opted for routine repairs. A fundamental reconsideration was necessary to determine whether the bulk of Nepal-China trade and permanent settlements should continue through a high-risk river corridor following the catastrophic flood of 8 July 2025. Crucially, the root causes of vulnerability persisted even after comprehensive legislation was enacted, such as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (2017) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Action Plan (2018–2030), which operationalize the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).

This does not imply that disaster risk reduction laws have failed; rather, it indicates that disaster risk reduction and economic development are still managed as isolated processes. In reality, they must be deeply integrated and planned cohesively. Therefore, the upcoming Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and its reconstruction framework for the Rasuwagadhi route must break this cycle rather than reinforce it.

Government has initiated the identification of safe locations to relocate and reconstruct the settlements affected by the Bhotekoshi disaster. Prior to undertaking relocation, policymakers must recognize that restoring infrastructure to its pre-disaster baseline simply reinstates the original risk profile. Without strategic plans to construct alternative trade routes or restrict permanent settlements and storage facilities in hazardous zones, the area will remain vulnerable to recurrent disasters.

Displacement profoundly alters people's relationships with both space and place. Space encompasses the physical environment where people reside, move, work, and access resources; place embodies identity, belonging, memories, social networks, cultural practices, and emotional ties to the environment. Stakeholders must remain mindful that physical relocation can resolve spatial hazard risks while simultaneously creating complex socio-economic challenges.

In designing resettlement strategy, Nepal must extract valuable lessons from past resettlement efforts, such as those in the Ruby Valley (Dhading), Laprak (Gorkha), and Haku and Dandagaun (Rasuwa). In those regions, the government launched formal resettlement initiatives. These experiences demonstrate that resettlement is far from complete once displaced households are physically moved to safer ground.

 Instead, it must be understood as an ongoing social and political process shaped by environmental dynamics, economic opportunities, community relations, institutional policies, and resource equity. Ultimate success depends not merely on structural safety and housing quality, but on whether displaced households can restore their livelihoods, maintain vital social networks, participate meaningfully in decision-making, and access essential services.

To build a sustainable solution, the government must secure access to agricultural land, employment opportunities, trade, transport networks, markets, and diverse income sources. When affected communities remain close to their familiar socio-economic contexts, adaptation occurs far more smoothly. Furthermore, affected populations must be actively consulted in selecting relocation sites and expressing their preferences—forced resettlement frequently turns into a "second disaster" for displaced families.

 Special consideration must be extended to the distinct needs of women, older adults, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged households.

 Rebuilding physical housing represents only one facet of recovery; a complete recovery demands reliable water supply, sanitation, roads, educational facilities, healthcare services, telecommunications, and sustainable economic opportunities. Achieving this requires synchronized coordination across multiple institutions overseeing land allocation, housing development, public infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, social protection, and economic welfare.

Ultimately, post-disaster recovery should not begin with the narrow question: "What happened on August 26, 2026?" Rather, it must address a deeper question: What decisions made years prior created the conditions for this vulnerability?

While a glacial breach triggered the flood event itself, trade-driven settlement patterns, inadequate hazard screening, and a reliance on short-term repairs over comprehensive planning rendered the corridor dangerously fragile.

Before rebuilding commences, these systemic lessons must be rigorously integrated into policy. It is imperative to mandate independent hazard assessments for all commercial and residential infrastructure, prohibit permanent structures within high-risk river zones, construct alternative trade routes, and ensure affected communities are central partners in deciding where and how they rebuild their lives.

By Surendra Bahadur Shahi

The Nepal Disaster Report 2024 officially recorded 3,672 disaster-related deaths and NPR 23.60 billion in economic losses between July 2018 and July 2024.

 On average, this translates to approximately 612 deaths and NPR 3.93 billion in economic losses per year. These figures underscore that Nepal remains in a highly vulnerable zone regarding natural hazards.

Drawing on Wittgenstein's (1953) concept of 'family resemblance', Anthony Oliver-Smith (2020) defines a disaster as a phenomenon characterized by overlapping features rather than a single defining trait. Considering the Bhotekoshi flash flood of 26 August 2026, it was far more than a simple flood.

According to available evidence from government and scientific assessments, a massive slide of ice, rock, and soil failed, blocking the river and creating a temporary dam that lasted for approximately 18–19 hours. The eventual breach released a huge volume of water, ice, rock, sediment, and debris.

The steep, narrow valley accelerated and concentrated this flow, generating the flood's immense destructive power. As Nepal prepares to resettle the affected population, critical questions must be confronted: How did so many people come to live and trade in this exposed corridor? Where should they be relocated? And how can we avoid perpetuating these vulnerabilities?

The glacial trigger is primarily relevant for understanding the physical mechanism of the event, but it does not explain why the disaster caused such extensive loss of life, destroyed billions of rupees in property, and displaced numerous residents.

For survival and economic prosperity, human settlements are frequently established near vital resources—such as water, trade routes, and hydropower potential. However, once a hazard materializes, this proximity transforms into a major source of danger. Exposure is constructed through deep, historically embedded social, political, and economic processes long before a hazard strikes.

The corridor running through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading (the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli River corridor)—specifically Trishuli Bazar in Nuwakot, alongside Syabrubesi and Timure in Rasuwa—historically served as a vital salt and grain trade network connecting Kathmandu to Tibet.

Later, the construction of the Trishuli Hydropower Project in the 1960s, followed by Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Trishuli 3A, and around 15 other hydro projects, brought thousands of engineers, laborers, and business proprietors to the riverbanks of Nuwakot and Dhading. Furthermore, the installation of the Trishuli Truss Bridge in 1963 connected Nuwakot and Dhading, facilitating the expansion of permanent market centers in Trishuli Bazar and surrounding riverside villages.

Settlement density further escalated following the construction of the Pasang Lhamu Highway, which linked Kathmandu to Dhunche and Syabrubesi. However, the corridor drew significant commercial focus after the 2015 earthquake forced the closure of the Tatopani border crossing.

 Consequently, the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung route emerged as the primary gateway to China. Traders, entrepreneurs, customs clearance workers, and transport drivers relocated to the riverbanks to establish warehouses, hotels, and supporting businesses. While people settled there to secure livelihoods and economic gain, they simultaneously became exposed to severe natural hazards. Investment patterns prioritized trade opportunism without incorporating independent hazard assessments.

The causal chain of a disaster is rarely confined to the spatial and temporal boundaries of the event itself. On 8 July 2025, a sudden flash flood triggered by the rapid discharge of a supraglacial lake on the Purepu Glacier in Tibet, China, caused widespread devastation along the Lende River. It damaged the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge (Miteri Pul), swept away trucks, shipping containers, and electric vehicles, and left approximately 11 people dead and 18 missing.

This event served as a clear harbinger that we failed to comprehend in time. Rather than reassessing systemic risk, institutions opted for routine repairs. A fundamental reconsideration was necessary to determine whether the bulk of Nepal-China trade and permanent settlements should continue through a high-risk river corridor following the catastrophic flood of 8 July 2025. Crucially, the root causes of vulnerability persisted even after comprehensive legislation was enacted, such as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (2017) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Action Plan (2018–2030), which operationalize the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030).

This does not imply that disaster risk reduction laws have failed; rather, it indicates that disaster risk reduction and economic development are still managed as isolated processes. In reality, they must be deeply integrated and planned cohesively. Therefore, the upcoming Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and its reconstruction framework for the Rasuwagadhi route must break this cycle rather than reinforce it.

Government has initiated the identification of safe locations to relocate and reconstruct the settlements affected by the Bhotekoshi disaster. Prior to undertaking relocation, policymakers must recognize that restoring infrastructure to its pre-disaster baseline simply reinstates the original risk profile. Without strategic plans to construct alternative trade routes or restrict permanent settlements and storage facilities in hazardous zones, the area will remain vulnerable to recurrent disasters.

Displacement profoundly alters people's relationships with both space and place. Space encompasses the physical environment where people reside, move, work, and access resources; place embodies identity, belonging, memories, social networks, cultural practices, and emotional ties to the environment. Stakeholders must remain mindful that physical relocation can resolve spatial hazard risks while simultaneously creating complex socio-economic challenges.

In designing resettlement strategy, Nepal must extract valuable lessons from past resettlement efforts, such as those in the Ruby Valley (Dhading), Laprak (Gorkha), and Haku and Dandagaun (Rasuwa). In those regions, the government launched formal resettlement initiatives. These experiences demonstrate that resettlement is far from complete once displaced households are physically moved to safer ground.

 Instead, it must be understood as an ongoing social and political process shaped by environmental dynamics, economic opportunities, community relations, institutional policies, and resource equity. Ultimate success depends not merely on structural safety and housing quality, but on whether displaced households can restore their livelihoods, maintain vital social networks, participate meaningfully in decision-making, and access essential services.

To build a sustainable solution, the government must secure access to agricultural land, employment opportunities, trade, transport networks, markets, and diverse income sources. When affected communities remain close to their familiar socio-economic contexts, adaptation occurs far more smoothly. Furthermore, affected populations must be actively consulted in selecting relocation sites and expressing their preferences—forced resettlement frequently turns into a "second disaster" for displaced families.

 Special consideration must be extended to the distinct needs of women, older adults, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged households.

 Rebuilding physical housing represents only one facet of recovery; a complete recovery demands reliable water supply, sanitation, roads, educational facilities, healthcare services, telecommunications, and sustainable economic opportunities. Achieving this requires synchronized coordination across multiple institutions overseeing land allocation, housing development, public infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, social protection, and economic welfare.

Ultimately, post-disaster recovery should not begin with the narrow question: "What happened on August 26, 2026?" Rather, it must address a deeper question: What decisions made years prior created the conditions for this vulnerability?

While a glacial breach triggered the flood event itself, trade-driven settlement patterns, inadequate hazard screening, and a reliance on short-term repairs over comprehensive planning rendered the corridor dangerously fragile.

Before rebuilding commences, these systemic lessons must be rigorously integrated into policy. It is imperative to mandate independent hazard assessments for all commercial and residential infrastructure, prohibit permanent structures within high-risk river zones, construct alternative trade routes, and ensure affected communities are central partners in deciding where and how they rebuild their lives.

The Election Commission (EC) has updated the voter roll, adding 187,886 voters. 

A total of 18,903,689 people were eligible to vote in the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) elections.  According to the EC, the updated voter list, as of August 31, includes 9,769,825 men, 9,321,336 women, and 214 people listed under the 'other' category. 

In a press statement issued on Friday, the EC said it had removed 158,264 names from the voter roll. 

The figure includes 45,322 voters who are dead, as well as voters with duplicate registrations and those who have renounced their citizenship or had it revoked.

The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has urged hospitals at the federal and province-levels to continue providing healthcare services during the Dashain holidays. 

The Ministry has urged all hospitals to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential health services, including emergency care, emergency surgeries, maternity services, and intensive care by making required human resources available throughout the holiday period.