News highlights: Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki to head interim Nepal govt, local media reports

Nepal protests LIVE updates: Protestors attacked the private residences of several high-profile leaders, headquarters of political parties and vandalised Parliament. Catch all the updates here

10:39 PM

US-based non-profit aims to raise funds for Punjab, Himachal Pradesh flood relief

A US-based non-profit has issued an emergency appeal to support victims of the severe floods in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, aiming to raise $50,000.

10:36 PM

Von der Leyen proposes bolder EU sanctions against Israel over war in Gaza

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shifted from her earlier pro-Israel position on Wednesday, announcing plans to pursue sanctions and a partial suspension of trade with Israel over its military offensive in Gaza.

9:55 PM

EC to take call on pan-India SIR rollout soon

The Election Commission is expected to announce soon the schedule for a nationwide special intensive revision, with the voter list cleanup across states likely to be carried out before the year ends

8:34 PM

Nepalese troops patrol streets as violence-hit nation returns to normalcy

Nepalese troops patrolled the streets to maintain order and prevent potential violence "disguised as protests," as the Himalayan nation gradually returned to normalcy, a day after violent unrest led to Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation.

8:18 PM

Chief Minister Gupta reviews development works in East Delhi

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed development projects in the East Delhi Parliamentary constituency, emphasizing that the city is advancing under the "triple engine government."

7:55 PM

We are proud of our Constitution: CJI on turmoil in Nepal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday referred to last year’s constitutional collapse in Bangladesh and the violent unrest in neighbouring Nepal.

7:28 PM

Prez reference: SC says not fair after Central govt claims 90% bills cleared in a month since 1970

Centre informed the Supreme Court that since 1970, 90 per cent of bills passed by state assemblies were granted gubernatorial assent within a month, while governors withheld approval in only 20 out of 17,150 cases.

7:17 PM

112 tourists from Maharashtra trapped in Nepal, appeal for evacuation

A total of 112 tourists from Murbad taluka in Thane district are stranded in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal, due to the ongoing anti-government protests. The group has sought the Maharashtra government’s help for their safe evacuation, according to Murbad MLA Kisan Kathore.

6:45 PM

Nitish disburses ₹1,200 cr among 11.3 mn beneficiaries of social security pension schemes

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday disbursed over Rs 1,200 crore among 1.13 crore beneficiaries of social security pension schemes in the state. A total amount of Rs 1,263.95 crore was given away to the beneficiaries of six social security schemes, through direct benefit transfer, at a function held at the chief minister's official residence.

6:29 PM

PM Modi thanks Meloni for Italy’s proactive support in concluding India-EU FTA

PM Modi talks to Italian PM Meloni, "Had an excellent conversation with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. We reaffirmed our joint commitment to deepen India-Italy Strategic Partnership, and shared interest in bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. Thanked PM Meloni for Italy’s proactive support for concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU trade agreement and promoting connectivity through the IMEEEC initiative," PM Modi said on social media site X. 

6:12 PM

Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki to head interim govt, local media reports

Nepal’s ‘Gen Z’ protesters have proposed former chief justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister, the secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, who was consulted by the protesters, told Reuters

6:01 PM

DTC suspends Delhi-Kathmandu bus service amid unrest in Nepal

The Delhi Transport Corporation’s international bus service between Delhi and Kathmandu has been suspended due to unrest in Nepal, officials said on Wednesday. 

5:08 PM

5 juveniles killed in Nepal prison clash as over 7,000 inmates escape

At least 5 juvenile inmates died during a clash with security personnel at a jail in Nepal, while more than 7,000 prisoners escaped from different jails across country during violent anti-government protests, according to media reports

4:45 PM

'Nepal protests mishandled,' says former PM KI Singh's grandson

Yashwant Shah, grandson of former Nepal prime minister KI Singh, stated that the Nepal government mishandled the recent protests in the country, saying the demonstrations were peaceful and enjoyed wide public support. "Seeing such large-scale support, the government got nervous and feared it would reflect badly on them, especially as it was being widely shared on social media," Singh added.

4:36 PM

Security forces patrol roads amid Nepal unrest

The Nepal Army urged citizens to return any guns, weapons, or bullets looted or found during the student-led agitation. People have been instructed to hand over such items to the nearest police post or security personnel to ensure public safety.

4:22 PM

Kathmandu under lockdown as Army enforces curfew after violence

The Nepali capital appeared deserted as soldiers patrolled the streets and ordered residents to stay indoors, following a day of violent protests.The Nepali Army warned that any further acts of demonstrations, vandalism, arson, or attacks on individuals and property during the restriction period would be considered criminal offences and dealt with accordingly.

3:55 PM

Nepal protests LIVE updates: Most buildings set on fire by protestors in ruins, say firefighters

Most of the buildings set on fire by the protestors have been completely burnt, firefighters told The Kathmandu Post. Most of the buildings–the Supreme Court, the Parliament Building, the Singha Durbar, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, and supermarkets are still burning, The Kathmandu Post quoted an official as saying.

3:41 PM

Nepal Army issues orders via loudspeakers

After taking charge of security, the Nepal Army, while patrolling the streets, also issued orders via loudspeakers, imposing a curfew 

after protests rocked the Himalayan nation.

2:42 PM

Nepal Gen Z protests: #Nepokids photos sparked unrest

In the weeks before Tuesday’s violent protests in Nepal, photos showing the luxurious lifestyles of the children of the country’s political elite went viral on social media. These images were shared with the hashtag #nepokids, referring to young people who benefited from their powerful family connections.

2:32 PM

Nepal Gen Z Protests LIVE: India tightens border security amid Nepal anti-corruption stir

India has strengthened security along its border with Nepal in response to the ongoing anti-corruption protests in the neighbouring Himalayan nation. Teams of state police personnel have joined the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to help prevent any spillover of unrest into Indian territory.

2:09 PM

Nepal Army imposes nationwide restrictive orders, curfew

The Nepal Army on Wednesday imposed nationwide restrictive orders followed by a curfew. Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, and other major cities wore a deserted look as army troops fanned out across the country. The restrictive orders are in effect throughout the country from morning to 5 pm, and then a curfew will be in place until 6 am on Thursday,

1:54 PM

Nepali Army urges stranded foreign nationals to contact security forces

The Nepali Army has appealed to foreign nationals stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing unrest to reach out to the nearest security agency or deployed personnel for assistance. “All foreign nationals who have come to Nepal for various purposes and are stranded due to the current complex situation and are awaiting any assistance, including rescue, are requested to contact the nearest security agency or security personnel deployed nearby,” the Army said in its statement.

1:41 PM

Gujrat govt appeals to Centre for safe return of Gujaratis from Nepal

The Gujarat government has appealed to the Central government to assist in the safe repatriation of Gujaratis stranded in Nepal, including tourists and students, amid escalating political unrest. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated on Wednesday that the state administration is in constant contact with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the safe return of Gujarati tourists and students caught up in "incidents of political instability and violence in Nepal”.

1:25 PM

Nepal protests LIVE: Young Nepali protesters targeted corruption

The organisers of the protests, which have spread to multiple cities, describe them as "demonstrations by Gen Z", driven by young people’s frustration over the government’s failure to address corruption and improve economic opportunities. According to an email, young Nepalis had been sharing posts on social media exposing the "luxurious lives of the families and children of corrupt politicians and civil servants" until the government imposed restrictions on these platforms.

 

 

12:38 PM

Protester urges anti-corruption reforms ahead of Nepal President meet

Ahead of the anticipated meeting between Nepal’s Gen-Z protesters and President Ram Chandra Poudel, one protester said that while the recent violence may subside, their demand for new rules and regulations to tackle corruption must be fulfilled.

12:24 PM

Nepal Army imposes nationwide restrictive orders

The Nepal Army on Wednesday imposed nationwide restrictive orders followed by a curfew to quell possible violence under the guise of protest, a day after deadly anti-government demonstrations forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's resignation, leaving key buildings in flames and the nation on edge.

11:44 AM

Delhi HC registers plea by Karisma Kapoor’s children challenging late Sunjay Kapur’s will

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday registered a petition filed by the children of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, challenging the validity of the will left by their late father, Sunjay Kapur.

11:13 AM

AP minister Nara Lokesh coordinates rescue of Telugu citizens stranded in Nepal

On Wednesday, Minister Nara Lokesh visited the Real Time Governance Center at Andhra Pradesh State Secretariat and held a detailed review meeting with senior officials. The AP Bhavan authorities updated him on the ground situation, reporting that 215 Telugu people are currently stranded across various parts of Nepal. Taking serious note of the situation, Minister Lokesh instructed officials to act on a war footing and implement urgent measures to ensure the safe and speedy return of Telugu citizens from Nepal.

11:05 AM

Emergency Cell set up in Andhra bhavan to assist Telugu people stranded in Nepal

The Andhra Pradesh government has set up an Emergency Cell at Andhra Bhavan in New Delhi to assist Telugu-speaking citizens stranded in Nepal, which is witnessing civil unrest. Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Commissioner Arja Srikanth said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and officials of Andhra Bhavan to extend all possible support.

11:01 AM

India explores rare-earth deal with Myanmar rebels after Chinese curbs

India is working to obtain rare-earth samples from Myanmar with the assistance of a powerful rebel group, as it seeks alternative supplies of a strategic resource tightly controlled by China. India's Ministry of Mines asked state-owned and private firms to explore collecting and transporting samples from mines in northeastern Myanmar that are under the control of the Kachin Independence Army.