Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is reportedly planning to leave the country as Gen Z-led protests grow stronger. Reports suggest he may travel to Dubai for “medical treatment,” with Himalaya Airlines on standby. Oli has handed responsibilities to the Deputy Prime Minister. The crisis worsened after the government banned 26 social media platforms, sparking nationwide protests. Demonstrations turned violent, leaving 19 dead and over 250 injured. Two ministers, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, resigned earlier today. Oli has called an all-party meeting at 6 pm to ease tensions, but anger on the streets continues to rise. (PC: Times Now)

India votes today to elect its next Vice President after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation. BJP-led NDA has fielded Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, while the INDIA bloc has named ex-Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast the first vote before leaving for flood-hit states. Voting runs till 5 pm, with counting from 6 pm. The ruling alliance holds 427 MPs, while the opposition has 315. Congress has urged Telangana’s BRS to support Justice Reddy, citing his Telugu background. Cross-voting is possible, but Radhakrishnan is expected to win with NDA’s clear majority. (PC: NDTV)

US lawmakers released Jeffrey Epstein’s 2003 “birthday book,” which includes a note allegedly signed by President Donald Trump. The scrapbook, made by Ghislaine Maxwell, contained messages from high-profile figures, including Bill Clinton and Lord Peter Mandelson. Democrats shared the alleged Trump note on X, saying it referred to a “wonderful secret.” The White House denied its authenticity, saying Trump “did not draw or sign it.” Democrats accused Trump of lying, while Republicans said Democrats were politicizing the release. The documents also included Epstein’s will and address book. Trump has previously denied the note and filed lawsuits over the claim. (PC: BBC)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said opposition senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price “should apologise” for her anti-India comments. Price claimed large numbers of Indians were allowed to migrate to Australia to vote for Labor. Her remarks drew anger from the Indian community and even from her own party members. Albanese told ABC, “People in the Indian community are hurting. The comments are not true… she should apologise for the hurt caused.” NSW Premier Chris Minns added, “Racist rhetoric has no place in our state.” India’s foreign ministry confirmed it was engaging with Canberra over rising anti-Indian sentiment. (PC: NDTV)

Nepal's government reversed its social media ban following deadly Gen-Z protests that killed 19 people during violent clashes with police. Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung announced the decision after an emergency cabinet meeting, stating the government addressed Gen-Z demands while requesting protest cessation. The ban targeted unregistered platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, and Snapchat for missing registration deadlines under new regulations aimed at combating fake news and fraud. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli criticized X for disrespecting Nepal's sovereignty by refusing registration. Protesters carried slogans like "Shut down corruption, not social media" as thousands attempted parliament breach. A 15-day investigation committee was formed to examine the violence, while UN demanded transparent probe.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou delivered an emotional farewell defending his "honourable and active" government before losing a dramatic confidence vote, becoming Macron's fourth PM in under two years. Bayrou fell amid mounting pressure to address France's soaring deficit and escalating debt crisis. Opposition lawmakers demanded President Macron's resignation, accusing him of ignoring public will. The political upheaval leaves France in unprecedented turmoil with the European Union watching developments closely. Critical questions emerge about Macron's next appointment and whether his presidency can weather this constitutional storm. France faces a deepening governance crisis as successive governments collapse under economic pressures and parliamentary deadlock, threatening the nation's stability and international standing.

France plunged into political chaos Monday as Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote 364-194, becoming the second PM ousted within a year. Bayrou tied his survival to an unpopular €44 billion austerity plan including scrapping public holidays and freezing spending. His nine-month tenure follows Michel Barnier's December ouster. French bond yields surged above Spain, Portugal, and Greece amid investor panic over potential sovereign debt downgrades. President Macron faces limited options: dissolving Parliament would likely strengthen Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, or appointing another centrist PM destined for opposition challenges. Polls suggest National Rally would win snap elections, with far-left planning nationwide protests Wednesday under "Let's block everything" slogan. (PC: Al Jazeera & Euro News)

Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned Monday citing moral responsibility after violent protests against social media bans and corruption turned deadly, killing 19 people and injuring 347. Young demonstrators protested the government's decision to block 26 unregistered social media platforms on Friday. Clashes erupted in Kathmandu as protesters breached parliament compound walls, leading police to respond with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Curfews were imposed in Kathmandu and other cities to control the unrest During a party meeting, Lekhak stated: "Unimaginable loss, I resign on moral grounds." The demonstrations represent some of Nepal's worst violence in two decades, with emergency wards overwhelmed by casualties. (PC: X)

At least 19 people, including a 12-year-old, died and over 300 were injured as Gen-Z protesters clashed with police in Kathmandu, Nepal. The demonstrations were sparked by the government’s ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, and anger over corruption. Protesters broke curfew and entered restricted zones near Parliament, prompting army deployment. Police used water cannons, teargas, and rubber bullets. Curfews were extended in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Amid unrest, Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned. The government may lift the social media ban. Young protesters demanded free expression and an end to institutional corruption. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian Army soldiers, Subedar Perbhat Gaur and Lance Naik Narender Sindhu, died in an encounter with terrorists in Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, called Operation Guddar, began after intelligence about terrorist presence in Guddar forest. During the search, terrorists opened fire, leading to a gunfight. Two terrorists were also killed. The Chinar Corps honoured the soldiers, calling their sacrifice “supreme” and praising their courage and dedication. The joint operation involved the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF. Security forces continue to secure the area and prevent further threats in South Kashmir. (PC: X)