Defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs, the Nepal national cricket team secured the ACC Premier Cup title. With this victory, Nepal has also qualified for the upcoming Asia Cup. This marks Nepal’s second appearance in the Asia Cup tournament. The Asia Cup, scheduled for June 2027 in Bangladesh, will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan alongside Nepal. Nepal made its Asia Cup debut in 2023, delivering notably impressive performances against India and Pakistan.
On Saturday morning at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Malaysia, Nepal won the toss and elected to bat first. Captain Ashif Sheikh’s century was instrumental in building a strong total of 313 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs. In response, Nepal’s bowling attack dismissed UAE for 269 runs in 49.1 overs. This innings marked the third time Nepal has scored over 300 runs in a One Day International; previously, Nepal scored 321 against Scotland last year and 317 this year against the United States.
Opener Ashif Sheikh played a crucial innings at a critical moment. Nepal’s coach, Stuart Law, made strategic changes for the final, benching Dev Khanal and Sher Malla in favor of Arjun Kumar and Sandeep Jora. Ashif and Arjun put together a vital 97-run opening partnership. Ashif scored 102 runs off 106 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. This century was his second in One Day International cricket.
Rahul Chopda and Soheb Khan added an 87-run partnership for the sixth wicket as the team aimed to build a competitive total. However, chasing a challenging 314-run target, the UAE team faltered early. Nepal’s bowlers steadily paved the way to victory. Despite battling an injury, Rahul remained unbeaten on 100 runs. Karan took 3 wickets for Nepal, while Dipendra and Lalit claimed 2 wickets each.
September 13, Kathmandu – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held a telephone conversation on Saturday morning. The discussion followed a drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline originating from Iraqi territory. The two foreign ministers engaged in this emergency dialogue in response to the incident.
According to an official statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining continuous contact and coordination between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Although the attack occurred from Iraqi land, Saudi Arabia expressed full support for Iraq and clarified that it will not take any retaliatory measures against Iraq. The Iraqi government also committed to conducting an impartial investigation into the attack.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken down a controversial advertisement targeting the Indian-American and Sikh communities after widespread backlash. The DHS had posted an AI-generated image on social media stating, “Get off our streets, you can’t drive, Mr. Singh.” This ad sparked sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and various civil rights groups, who condemned it as racially offensive propaganda.
Kathmandu, September 13 – The Department of Homeland Security removed the advertisement from the social platform X after it provoked a significant controversy. The ad contained a provocative message directed at Indian-American and Sikh communities which ignited broad opposition, prompting DHS to delete the post. Indian-American organizations and Democratic Party leaders strongly denounced the move.
The DHS had shared an AI-generated image on X depicting a lightly brown-skinned man with a beard. Accompanying the image was a message saying, “Get off our streets, you can’t drive, Mr. Singh.” The release of this advertisement triggered intense debate across US political and civil rights spheres.
While the DHS removed the original post, it continued to launch counterattacks against California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of issuing professional driving licenses to undocumented immigrants. The controversy began amid DHS efforts to promote its “CBP Home” program. Conservative organizations and advocacy groups sharply criticized the government’s promotional tactics.
Although five districts were primarily affected, officials have stated that the damage caused by the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli flood on September 26 roughly equals that of the 2015 earthquake. This “devastating” level of human loss and damage has severely impacted key infrastructure, from the main trade route connecting Nepal with China to one of the country’s emerging hydropower sectors. The destruction to infrastructure has created challenges for Nepal in mobilizing substantial resources needed for reconstruction, experts note.
According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the government will require NPR 723 billion for post-flood reconstruction. “The total estimated damage from this flood is NPR 408 billion, and for long-term recovery, we project a need of NPR 723 billion,” said Arjun Bhandari, Secretary of the National Planning Commission.
In the energy sector, 13 hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 759 megawatts and five solar plants producing 24 megawatts have been affected. Reconstruction of energy and grid systems is expected to cost NPR 390 billion. Additionally, 69 kilometers of road segments were damaged, 33 motorable bridges swept away, and four suffered partial damage. It is worth noting that the 2015 earthquake caused over NPR 2.1 billion damage in hydropower and more than NPR 2.2 billion in transportation.
Following the flood, an estimated NPR 5.077 billion is needed for the recovery of trade, business, banking, and agriculture sectors. The affected areas encompass 1,806 hectares of agricultural land, 17 bank branches, and 4,800 commercial establishments. “Currently, we are in the relief phase. National and international support will aid initial recovery. However, for long-term reconstruction, resource mobilization together with development partners is imperative,” stated Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
September 12, Kathmandu – China Southern Airlines has announced the resumption of its regular passenger flight service between Guangzhou and New Delhi. The airline declared on Saturday that the Guangzhou-New Delhi regular flights will restart from September 21 (Ashwin 5 in the Nepali calendar). According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), this service had been suspended for the past six years and is now set to be reinstated.
Following the resumption of this route, China Southern Airlines will be operating over 100 weekly round-trip flights across eight routes in South Asia. Headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province in southern China, China Southern Airlines is one of the country’s leading carriers.
As conflict intensifies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has shut down a crucial oil pipeline after a drone attack originating from Iraqi territory. Iraq has accepted responsibility for the drone strike on its neighboring country’s east-west pipeline, which reportedly came from a province bordering Iran. Following this acknowledgment, Iraq has dismissed a military commander and initiated an investigation. The 1,200-kilometer-long pipeline has been instrumental in allowing Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, to supply oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
This development comes amid expanding control by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has now entered its seventh month and has further strained global oil shipping routes. Saudi authorities cautiously shut down the pipeline on Friday after satellite images revealed smoke and scorched earth near the area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported some injuries and damage from the attack, although a full assessment is still underway.
Quoting ship-tracking companies and analysts, news agencies have stated that this pipeline accounts for 4 to 5 percent of the global oil supply. Following a call from Iraq’s Prime Minister, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry stated there will be no immediate response. Saudi Arabia affirmed its support for Iraq’s government efforts to prevent attacks from neighboring countries. The ministry’s statement emphasized that “Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, measures, and citizens.”
Asif Sheikh’s 102 runs and Gulshan Jhākō’s 52 helped Nepal post a commanding total of 313 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs against the UAE in the ACC Premier Cup final. Asif scored his second ODI century and shared an opening partnership of 97 runs with Arjun Kamal. A victory in the final will secure Nepal’s qualification for the Asia Cup. Kathmandu, 12 September.
Capitalizing on the toss at the Tribhuvan Cricket Oval, Nepal chose to bat first and produced a solid total of 313 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Asif Sheikh scored 102 runs off 106 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes, while Gulshan Jhākō contributed a valuable 52 runs off 38 balls, including 3 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing excellent form.
Other key contributions came from Arjun Kamal with 43 runs and Rohit Paudel with 40 runs. Before his dismissal, Asif established crucial partnerships — a 97-run stand with Arjun Kamal for the first wicket, a 36-run partnership with Ishan Pandey for the second wicket, and a significant 68-run partnership with Rohit Paudel for the third wicket. For the UAE, Ibrar Ahmed took 4 wickets, Bin Tanvir claimed 2 wickets, while Haider Ali and Adib Usmani took one wicket each. The winner of the final will earn a place in the Asia Cup.
“I filtered the water mixed with oil using my own cloth before drinking it”
Sanjay Sah, who was trapped for 10 days in the tunnel of the Upper Trishuli Three A Hydroelectric Project due to flooding from a glacial lake outburst flood, has been rescued. After the rescue, he said, “I filtered the water mixed with oil using my own cloth before drinking it.” Following his rescue, he received treatment at Birendra Army Hospital in Chhauni and was discharged on Friday.
According to Sanjay Sah, although there was no food inside the tunnel, the air was sufficient, but obtaining water was a significant struggle. When asked how he managed to survive for such a long period, he replied, “I filtered the oil-contaminated water with my cloth and drank it. For two to three days, I hung from the ventilation.” Sah, a resident of Saptari, was working as a Mechanical Foreman at the hydroelectric project.
File photo, September 13, Kathmandu. The 18th BRICS Summit commenced on Saturday in New Delhi. This year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared together on the same stage in India for the first time in 10 years. These three leaders last participated together at the BRICS Summit held in Goa in 2016. In addition to the 11 member nations, leaders from 10 partner countries are also attending the summit.
This visit marks Xi Jinping’s first trip to India after nearly seven years, following the Galwan clash. Xi departed Beijing for New Delhi on Saturday morning, and his visit is being viewed with special significance. After the violent clashes in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh in 2020, this will be the first bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi on Indian soil. The two leaders are expected to hold talks on Saturday evening from 6 to 7 PM local time at the India pavilion.
BRICS’s strength lies not only in its 11 member nations but also in its demographic and economic weight. The organization represents approximately 49.5% of the world’s population. In terms of economy, on the basis of purchasing power parity, the combined GDP of BRICS countries accounts for about 39% of the global economy, roughly three times that of the United States.
Under India’s presidency, this year’s summit will emphasize trade in local currencies and seamless online payment systems. Prime Minister Modi is engaging in a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state from various countries. Security arrangements for the summit have been extremely stringent, with police vehicles equipped with sniffer dogs conducting thorough inspections.
Today, Annapurna Spiker Kings and Karnali Shivraj will compete for the title of the inaugural Nepal Volleyball League. Annapurna secured the top position in the league stage, advancing directly to the final, while Karnali earned their spot by defeating Kathmandu Reds in the playoffs. In their first encounter during the league phase, Karnali defeated Annapurna 3-1.
The final match will take place at the National Sports Council’s covered hall in Tripureshwor, starting at 4 PM. Annapurna topped the league stage with 12 points, winning 4 out of 5 matches. Karnali finished second with 11 points from 4 matches, having lost only to Kathmandu Reds in the league stage.
In the final, Annapurna has the chance to seek revenge against Karnali, while Karnali aims to maintain the strong momentum from their earlier victory over Annapurna. The winner of the NVL will receive the trophy along with a cash prize of 2 million Nepalese Rupees.
On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, current and former U.S. presidents gathered to honor the memory of those who lost their lives when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a Pennsylvania field.
President Donald Trump led the ceremony at the Pentagon, while U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance participated in the World Trade Center memorial in New York City. All four living former presidents and their spouses were in attendance at the event.
A moment of silence was observed to recall the moment of the attacks, followed by the reading of approximately three thousand names of the victims.
On Friday evening, two beams of light illuminated the Manhattan skyline in a ‘Tribute in Light’ honoring the victims of 9/11.
Various other prominent sites across New York State were also lit up in blue.
Image Source, Pool/Getty Images
The ceremony at the World Trade Center featured former President George W. Bush, who was president during the attacks, alongside former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton.
“Today, we renew the sacred vow we made 25 years ago in memory of those we lost. We will never, ever forget. This is why we continue to fight today,” Trump said.
He also linked the post-9/11 ‘war on terror’ to his current conflict with Iran, a war that significantly increased U.S. involvement in prolonged Middle East conflicts.
Addressing the inclusive crowd, Trump vowed that the Islamic Republic “will never acquire nuclear weapons.”
A memorial was also held in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the site where Flight 93 crashed after passengers courageously resisted the hijackers.
Image Source, AFP via Getty Images
Every September 11, bells ring at the precise moments when the four planes crashed and the Twin Towers collapsed.
After each of the six bells is rung, a short moment of silence is observed.
This year, a seventh bell was rung to honor the thousands who have since died from cancer and other illnesses related to the attacks.
According to U.S. health officials, the number of deaths caused by illnesses from dust and smoke inhaled during the towers’ collapse now exceeds three times the nearly 3,000 who perished in the initial attacks.
Image Source, Reuters
Caption, This year, a seventh bell was also rung to commemorate thousands who have died from cancer and other illnesses related to 9/11
During the nearly four-hour-long reading of victims’ names at the Manhattan ceremony, a woman who lost her husband criticized Saudi Arabia sharply. She expressed frustration over the unfulfilled attempts by U.S. officials to hold Saudi Arabia accountable.
“Each year that passes, the memory of you grows stronger,” said Terry Strada, who lost her husband Tom Strada, during the globally broadcast event.
“But even after 25 years, we have not obtained justice for Saudi Arabia’s role in your murder. How is this possible?”
Image Source, Pool/Getty Images
The national president of 9/11 Families United, Strada’s remarks were met with sustained applause from the audience.
Most of the 9/11 attackers were Saudi nationals, and the plot was orchestrated by al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, who was a scion of an influential Saudi family.
However, Saudi officials have consistently denied any involvement in the attacks. The 2004 commission report found no evidence that the Saudi government or senior officials provided institutional or financial support to al-Qaeda.
Image Source, Getty Images
Caption, A formal ceremony was held at Buckingham Palace in London
Tributes were held worldwide, with various events commemorating the victims.
A formal ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace in London, attended by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and U.S. Ambassador Warren Stephenson.
In Toronto, Canada, the stock exchange held a memorial event honoring colleagues who died in the attacks.
Image Source, Getty Images
Caption, A group of firefighters from Italy and the U.S. formally climbed the stairs in tribute
In Milan, firefighters from Italy and the United States participated in a formal stair-climbing ceremony up the 110 floors of the Galfa Tower to honor emergency responders who lost their lives in the line of duty during the attacks.
They wore their gear and carried necessary equipment while ascending the stairs, symbolically matching the number of floors of each Twin Tower.
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Asif Sheikh achieved his second One-Day International century in the final of the ACC Premier Cup held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, against the UAE. He scored 102 runs off 106 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. After reaching his century, he was dismissed at 102 runs. Asif also shared a crucial 97-run partnership for the first wicket with Arjun Kumal.
Asif became the fourth Nepali player to score two centuries in One-Day International cricket. Prior to him, Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Dipendra Singh Airee had all scored two centuries each. Over the course of 76 ODI matches, Asif has accumulated 2,174 runs, including 2 centuries and 15 half-centuries. He is the second-highest run-scorer for Nepal in ODI cricket, trailing only Rohit Paudel, who leads with 2,344 runs.
Following the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods, the Nepal Police have reported that DNA testing is required for over three thousand unidentified bodies recovered from various locations as well as for missing persons’ families. According to police statistics, 1,286 DNA samples have been collected from the deceased so far, while 1,715 samples have been obtained from family members seeking identification. These samples are currently being tested at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory of the police and the National Forensic Science Laboratory located in Khumaltar. Alongside the police health workers and forensic specialists, teams of foreign DNA experts from South Korea, Singapore, India, and China are also involved in the testing process. According to police, four teams in total—two at each laboratory—are actively conducting the tests.
For DNA testing, samples such as teeth, bones, or bamboo from the recovered bodies have been securely preserved, while blood samples have been taken from family members, Police Spokesperson Abhi Narayan Kafle informed. “The DNA testing of the bodies takes more than four days to complete, whereas the tests of DNA samples submitted by living family members for identification are completed within two days,” he explained. “Therefore, the teams are making efforts to expedite the process by increasing machinery and manpower.” Since the testing began, approximately 300 DNA tests have been completed, according to police sources.
Once tests are complete on both sides, a software-based matching process will be conducted, and the handover of bodies will commence simultaneously. “The DNA reports from the bodies and from family members are entered into the software. After a match is found, it is determined which body belongs to which family, and the family is informed accordingly,” he said. “All materials are stored securely underground, so bodies cannot be handed over one by one. Once all tests are finalized, legal procedures will be completed and the bodies will be released to families all at once.” The police spokesperson added that since many people remain missing, bodies are expected to continue to be found and DNA testing will remain necessary.
What are the complexities involved in testing? Genetic scientist Sameer Mani Dixit explained that compared to DNA testing conducted under normal circumstances, the process in this case is more complex and requires specialized testing due to the flood conditions. “Testing at the government’s two laboratories for at least 3,000 samples could take several months,” he said. “Since the testing adheres to international standards, it assures accurate identification. However, because the bodies were swept away with soil and stones, questions arise about how effectively the technology can identify the samples.” The police are also collecting DNA samples from body parts such as hands and feet found separately. Experts confirm that this leads to longer testing times than usual.
“Extracting DNA from body parts is very challenging. The extracted DNA is often contaminated with bacteria and pathogens from animals, plants, and soil, and it is uncertain how finely the technology can identify such samples,” he added. However, Pushkar Raj Bhatt, an expert at the National Forensic Science Laboratory, stated that since samples are taken from the teeth and bone marrow inside the bones, the tests yield accurate results. “Cells are taken from within the teeth and bone marrow, reducing the chance of external contamination,” he explained. He noted that although Nepal’s annual capacity is approximately 300 DNA tests for bodies, the recent import of foreign equipment has made it possible to accelerate the process. “With assistance from experts who arrived from India at the government’s request, efforts are underway to speed up testing using two machines. Our team is also working with four small rapid kits brought from South Korea,” Bhatt said. “Additionally, equipment imported from China is also being utilized at the National Forensic Science Laboratory.”
“There have been many great figures, but only one teacher.”
Chinese youth are increasingly portraying the late Mao Zedong online these days as their continual ‘teacher.’
On the video platform Bilibili, searching for “Mao Zedong” or “Teacher” yields dozens of compilations featuring clips from movies and dramas.
These videos highlight moments from Mao’s youth, his role as a military commander, and leadership during the Cold War tensions between China, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
Many have been viewed by millions, with thousands of comments praising him with messages like “Long live the great man.”
Most Bilibili users are young people, with about 60% aged between 18 and 24.
A Different Mao
As one of the most influential political figures of 20th-century China, Mao led the Communist Party and the nation from the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 until his death in 1976.
He launched campaigns like the ‘Great Leap Forward’ and the Cultural Revolution, reshaping China’s economy and society at the cost of millions of lives.
Among the youths influenced by Mao is Dong, a student preparing to start at Nanjing University. A recently viral video showing two young women singing patriotic songs in front of a massive statue of Mao in Orange Isle, Changsha, moved him deeply.
“They sang wholeheartedly. The statue was huge, and he looked young. Watching it moved me,” Dong recalled.
Dong’s classmates actively participate in online communities called the ‘Keyboard Political Circle’ that discuss contemporary issues.
Another sign of this trend is the surge since 2019 in the reading of Mao’s selected works at Tsinghua University’s library, which is expected to continue through 2025.
Photo credit, Mytruestory Photography via Getty Images
The youth’s interest in Mao differs significantly from that of their parents’ generation, who grew up hearing official narratives.
In 1981, under Deng Xiaoping’s leadership, the Chinese Communist Party officially adopted a balanced appraisal of Mao: recognizing both his accomplishments and mistakes, attributing “70% achievements, 30% mistakes.”
During Deng and Jiang Zemin’s terms, Mao’s images were gradually removed from rail stations, public spaces, and classrooms.
Mao began to be viewed not as a deity but as a historical figure with human limitations.
Deng symbolized the new economic era, driving market reforms and opening China to the world.
Yet for many Chinese youth today, Mao resonates anew. While some, like Dong, might rarely mention Mao’s name, they address him respectfully as ‘Teacher.’
Photo credit, History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
This title traces back to Mao’s reported remark during a 1970 meeting with American journalist Edgar Snow. Disliking grandiose labels like ‘the Four Greats’ bestowed upon him, Mao said, “Now only one remains… Teacher. Because I am always a teacher.”
Dong and his peers openly discuss Mao but feel constrained when it comes to the current Chinese leader, Xi Jinping. Dong notes, “That’s not a subject for open discussion.”
A study by the China Studies Marketer Institute explains that while some public debate appears on Chinese online platforms, topics related to top leadership are often removed.
The research attributes this ‘weak public discourse environment’ to both censorship and self-censorship.
“Not Just Remembrance of the Past”
Some experts suggest that young people’s interest in Mao reflects concerns about social issues such as wealth inequality and limited social mobility.
Florian Schneider, a professor at Leiden University who studies the political culture of Chinese youth, notes today’s young generation faces a reality vastly different from that of their elders.
While their parents witnessed economic growth improving living standards for all, today’s youth feel distant from the promises of reforms by Deng.
According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, by July 2026, urban unemployment among unskilled youths aged 16 to 24 had hit 17.9%, the highest in three years.
New terms have entered youth vocabulary, like “996,” which denotes working six days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Many young people have become disillusioned and desire to avoid the brutal competition called ‘involution,’ where one must exert extraordinary effort just to maintain their position.
Photo credit, MAGWIN/Moment via Getty Images
Against this backdrop, Mao’s critiques of capitalism have regained relevance among some young people.
Schneider explains that some use Mao’s ideas to express dissatisfaction with ‘state capture by capital,’ while others view him as a guide for navigating life’s contradictions.
Dong remarked, “Our generation was told from childhood that hard work leads to success, but when I grew up, I realized jobs are hard to get and owning a home is out of reach.”
He appreciates Mao’s straightforward language, which clearly divides society into oppressors and the oppressed.
“He made it clear who the oppressors and the oppressed are. This simple framework is easier to understand than complex economic jargon.”
Schneider notes, “Mao’s revival isn’t simply about recalling the past; it reflects youths’ attempts to articulate their experiences of inequality and insecurity in historical terms.”
Political Energy
The Chinese Communist Party’s official evaluation of Mao remains anchored in the 1981 resolution, emphasizing his primary achievements and secondary mistakes.
The Party’s third historical resolution passed in 2021 places the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” at its core.
It frames Mao’s revolution as the phase in which China rose, established the People’s Republic, defended national sovereignty, and laid the foundations for national rejuvenation.
Thus, Mao is depicted not only as a historical figure but as one of the foundational sources of China’s contemporary national power.
Photo credit, AFP via Getty Images
“The revival of Maoism today can be partly attributed to the Party’s educational policies. Many young people imagine Mao’s China as one where the great leader is an undisputed hero,” Schneider explains.
He also points out that many youths are unfamiliar with the devastating sides of the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution or do not fully understand Mao’s real role, which contributes to their admiration.
Schneider remarks, “Such reverence for Mao carries far more political weight than it might immediately appear.”
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The government has enforced a new regulation requiring cooperative institutions to maintain mandatory identification details of their senior officials, alongside customer identification. The national risk assessment report indicates that the risk of money laundering in the cooperative sector ranges from medium to high. Following guidance from banks, the National Cooperative Authority has implemented necessary measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing through cooperatives.
September 11, Kathmandu – In response to the high risk of money laundering within cooperative institutions, the government has mandated the recording of senior officials’ details along with customer identification. According to the national risk assessment report, the risk level of money laundering in the cooperative sector is assessed as medium to high.
Since Nepal was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, the government has developed various action plans to exit this status. The recently prepared national risk assessment report is part of these efforts, focusing on reducing risks in the cooperative sector. During the recent ‘face-to-face’ discussions held in Malaysia, targeted measures to mitigate risks within the cooperative sector were also presented.
The report expresses concerns that proceeds from corruption and other illegal activities could be accumulated in many cooperative institutions. Consequently, in addition to banks and financial institutions, strict controls to prevent money laundering have been enforced within cooperatives. The National Cooperative Authority is rigorously issuing guidelines to control potential money laundering and terrorist financial activities through cooperatives.
According to the Authority’s guidance, cooperatives engaging with members conducting cash-based transactions are considered at high risk. Such transactions elevate money laundering risks, making it essential for cooperatives to enhance control measures, provide employee training, employ technological solutions, and improve capabilities to identify risks.
The Authority notes that many cooperatives still operate under the influence of legal and institutional entities, maintaining ongoing risks of money laundering. Therefore, guidelines have been issued directing cooperatives to address widespread financial activities, ensure transparency of politically exposed senior officials, prevent misuse of funds through legal violations, and strengthen the implementation and supervision of anti-money laundering measures.
The guidelines require cooperatives to adopt member due diligence procedures. Identification of members is mandatory when opening new accounts. Due diligence is also obligatory in transactions that are suspected to involve money laundering or terrorist financing, especially when dealing with high-risk transactions or members. For members listed on prohibited lists, cooperatives must freeze assets within 24 hours according to the United Nations website, without prior notice to the member, and report the freezing to the Authority or Cooperative Department within three days.
Cooperatives are also required to immediately report any suspicious transactions to the Financial Information Unit. Reporting is mandatory in cases of account opening attempts under false names, submission of false information, or transactions exceeding one crore Nepali rupees occurring at one time or repeatedly, as they are deemed suspicious.
Additional reporting obligations include instances of unjustified account openings, unusual changes in financial profiles or transaction patterns, suspected use of personal accounts for business purposes, complex transfers obscuring the source or purpose of funds, repeated deposits from asset sales, large cash withdrawals from inactive accounts, bounced checks, excessive activity in savings accounts, and suspicious transfers to personal accounts of management committee members.
Infractions such as irregularities in loan repayments and use of accounts for property transactions without proper registration are also considered suspicious money laundering activities that must be reported. Cooperatives failing to implement these guidelines may face sanctions ranging from suspension to deregistration imposed by the authority.
