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The weather today will remain partly cloudy in the hilly areas and mainly fair in the rest of the country.

There is a possibility of light rain in one or two places of the hilly areas of the country, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.

Meteorological analysis by the Division states that westerly winds are affecting many places in the western part of Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and a few places in western Gandaki Province, while the effect of monsoon winds and local winds is becoming weak.

Tonight, the weather will continue to remain partly cloudy in Koshi Province and mainly fair in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of light rain in one or two places of the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.

Kunal Kayal has been appointed as the Vice President of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI). 

He previously served as Treasurer in the former Executive Committee and is currently an active member of the existing committee. 

His appointment reflects NICCI’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India in trade, investment, and industrial growth.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Kayal is a Director at Keyal Group, a prominent industrial and trading conglomerate in Nepal. The Keyal Group has diversified interests spanning manufacturing, construction materials trading, hydropower and solar energy, real estate, banking and insurance, tourism, healthcare, and other services. He also serves as the Honorary Consul of Jordan to Nepal, adding a valuable international dimension to his portfolio. 

Similarly, NICCI’s Executive Committee has also promoted Marshal Rathour to the position of Director. 

Rathour has been serving as Deputy Director and has been associated with NICCI for over 24 years. His long-standing contribution and institutional knowledge are expected to significantly enhance NICCI’s operational effectiveness and organizational performance. 

Meanwhile, the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry has extended its heartfelt congratulations to both Kayal and Rathour on their new roles and wishes them a successful and impactful tenure.

More than 14,000 inmates escaped from 28 prisons and juvenile detention centers across Nepal during the GenZ–led protests on Sept 8–9. The unprecedented prison break posed a grave security threat and prompted a nationwide manhunt to recapture the fugitives, many of whom were serving sentences for serious crimes such as rape and murder.

According to the Department of Prison Management, 8,851 escapees, including 341 juvenile detainees, have voluntarily surrendered since the incident. However, public concern remains high, as nearly 5,700 individuals are still at large.

On the day of the protests, several inmates were killed during escape attempts. Three prisoners were shot dead while trying to breach security perimeters in Ramechhap and Dhading, while five juvenile detainees died in a clash at the Naubasta Juvenile Correctional Home. Escapes were reported across the country, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Sunsari, Saptari, Mahottari, Rautahat, Sindhuli, Makawanpur, Rasuwa, Chitwan, Tanahun, Kaski, Parbat, Myagdi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Rukum West, Nawalparasi, Jumla, Bajhang, Kailali, Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, and Kanchanpur. Similarly, 963 juveniles escaped from correctional homes in Morang, Parsa, Bhaktapur, Makawanpur, Kaski, Rupandehi, Jayandu, Banke, and Doti.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an ultimatum requiring all escapees to return by Oct 6. Those who fail to comply face additional legal charges, including escape, public endangerment, and violent conduct. “This mass escape must not be allowed to undermine the rule of law,” the ministry said in a statement.

A nationwide operation, coordinated by a special task force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is underway to track down the remaining fugitives. The task force includes local authorities, Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and other security agencies. Each district has formed a dedicated team led by the Assistant Chief District Officer, with representatives from law enforcement and other relevant agencies, to locate, control, and re-arrest escapees as swiftly as possible.

“There are currently 30,646 prisoners serving sentences for various offenses in 75 prisons across 72 districts,” said Chomendra Neupane, director of the Department of Prison Management. “There are no prisons in Dhanusha, Bara, Bhaktapur, Nawalparasi East, and East Rukum.”

Neupane added that the number of returnees is gradually increasing, particularly after the Dashain festival, and that the department expects more inmates to surrender in the coming days. “If anyone has information about escaped prisoners or juveniles, they can contact the nearest police station or notify the department directly,” he said.

According to the department, some escapees have already reoffended, committing crimes such as theft and even murder. “We have found that many of those who escaped were not rehabilitated despite their time in prison,” Neupane said. “We are taking stricter measures to ensure public safety and are reinforcing law enforcement operations to make the process more effective.”

Regarding how the escapes will affect inmates’ sentences, Neupane said each case will be reviewed individually. “Some may have fled out of fear for their safety amid the chaos, while others deliberately took advantage of the situation,” he said. Prisoners who left due to credible safety concerns may be required to serve only their remaining term, whereas those who escaped without justification face extended prison sentences and new legal charges.

Authorities are currently preparing detailed reports on each case, and district police offices nationwide are conducting investigations to assess the specific circumstances of each escape. Outcomes will depend on several factors, including the severity of the original crime, behavior during incarceration, and conduct following the escape.

“In some cases, escapees may lose eligibility for parole or early release,” Neupane said. “Every situation is different, and we are working to ensure that justice is served fairly within the existing legal framework.”

The mass escape during the GenZ protests has placed significant strain on Nepal’s prison and law enforcement systems. With nearly 5,700 inmates still on the run, authorities are under mounting pressure to restore security and public trust. In the longer term, the crisis may prompt major reforms in Nepal’s prison management and security protocols, particularly concerning the treatment and supervision of juvenile detainees.

The government has said that the reconstruction of the road infrastructure damaged by the recent floods and landslides will cost Rs 12.38 billion, given first priority to restoring the damaged roads.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport stated that an estimated Rs 10.68 billion will be required for reconstruction of the major highways, alternative roads, Bailey bridge and permanent bridges damaged due to the monsoon-induced disasters.

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Kulman Ghising has said that subordinate agencies are working with the first priority on restoring roads damaged and blocked due to floods and landslides.

Also the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ghising, said that manpower along with equipment has been deployed to operate the blocked road as soon as possible.

He stated that manpower along with equipment has been deployed to operate the blocked road as soon as possible.

The recent flood has caused significant damage to the Mechi Highway. It is estimated that Rs 1.5 billion will be required for the reconstruction of this highway.

Similarly, the government estimates that it will cost Rs 3.77 billion to rebuild the damaged Koshi, Mid-Hill, Postal, Araniko, Kanti, Narayanghat-Muglin and other highways.

According to Minister Ghising's private secretariat, the government has estimated that it will cost Rs 4.52 billion to rebuild 17 damaged bridges, Rs 800 million to install Bailey bridges, and Rs 1.59 billion for the maintenance of alternative roads.