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The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has launched its second Sustainable Development Bonds Impact Report, which illustrates how the proceeds from AIIB’s bonds are used to realize AIIB’s mission to finance infrastructure for tomorrow. The Report offers investors a view of the sustainable nature and impact of AIIB’s financing. This second edition of the Impact Report shares insights on the Bank’s financing in key infrastructure sectors—including sustainable energy, transportation, water, digital infrastructure—and AIIB’s COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Facility (CRF) to show the environmental and social benefits of such projects. In addition, the Report highlights how AIIB is supporting its Members achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as their goals under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. In particular, this year’s Impact Report reflects AIIB’s distinct focus on green infrastructure. In 2021, AIIB’s climate finance has totalled 48% of approved financing (excluding those underthe CRF), up from 41% in the previous year, indicating progress toward the 50% by 2025 target set in AIIB’s Corporate Strategy. In 2021, after only six years of operations, AIIB has directly financed 4,502 MW renewable energy capacity; financed 32,494 km of roads, which include climate resilience measures; and helped save 26,334 GWh of primary energy through its investments to improve energy efficiency. AIIB’s total investments into the energy sector are expected to avoid 16.3 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of GHG emissions per year, thus contributing to the Paris Agreement climate ambitions. The Report is issued pursuant to AIIB’s Sustainable Development Bond Framework, and AIIB’s undertaking to deliver annual impact reporting on its overall portfolio- and project-level results to track AIIB’s commitment to sustainable development. “As sustainable investing is increasingly embraced by investors, the Impact Report is an opportunity for AIIB to communicate the sustainable nature of our strategy, efforts and accomplishments,” said AIIB Treasurer Domenico Nardelli, “Complementing the revisions to our Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) in 2021, this report demonstrates AIIB’s continued commitment to its mandate of financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow, as well as to communicating the sustainable nature of our business.” AIIB launched its inaugural Sustainable Development Bonds Impact Report (2020) last year. Each Impact Report presents data on AIIB’s portfolio volume and alignment with thematic priorities and   portfolio performance, as well as project impact stories. Compared to the case study-based project-level reporting last year, this year’s Report includes illustrative sector- level environmental and social impact indicators. AIIB’s Sustainable Development Bond Framework and Impact Report approach will be reviewed over time to reflect the evolution of the green, social and sustainable bond markets and changes in AIIB’s strategies, policies and processes, as the Bank’s portfolio matures.

Two persons have died after they were hit by lightning in Devangunj Rural Municipality-1 in Sunsari district today. According to the District Police Office, Sunsari, the deceased have been identified as Rita Devi Yadav (45) of Devangunj Rural Municipality-1, and Udit Chandra Yadav of the Devangunj Rural Municipality-2 in Sunsari district. DSP Raj Kumar Rai said that Ritadevi was feeding water to buffalo while Udit Chandra was cutting grass nearby his house when the lightning struck following the rainfall. The two died on the spot, said DSP Rai.

The Supreme Court (SC) is to remain open for four hours during the Dashain holidays. The Court will remain open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm to look after the habeas corpus writ, according to SC Spokesperson Bimal Poudel. This schedule will be in force till the Kojagrat Purnima on October 9. In accordance with Clause 26 of Administration of Justice Act, 2073 (2016) BS, the Court will hear the application for habeas corpus except the day of Ghatasthapana, the Vijaya Dashami and Saturday.

Renowned American ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson, who went missing while skiing in Gorkha's Mount Manaslu, has been found dead. Shangri-La Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd said that Nelson, who had gone missing since Monday, was found dead Wednesday morning. Her body is in Manaslu base camp. SP Keder khanal of the District Police Office, Gorkha said that preparations are underway to bring the body to Samagaun through a helicopter. Her mortal remains will be airlifted to Kathmandu later today, he said. Jeevan Ghimire, Managing Director of the Shangri-La Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd, said that her family members are coming from the US to Nepal to study the incident site. Nelson’s friend Jim Morrison, however, had managed to return safely to the base camp.