Digest for 09 September, 2025
Nepal Reverses Social Media Ban After Violent Protests Kill 19
The Nepalese government has lifted its ban on 26 social media platforms following violent protests that resulted in at least 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The "Gen Z Movement," largely comprising young people, erupted after the government blocked major platforms like Facebook and YouTube. The situation escalated when demonstrators tried to storm parliament, leading to a deadly police crackdown and the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. In response, India has tightened security along the Indo-Nepal border.
MPs Vote to Elect India's Next Vice President
Members of Parliament are voting to elect India's 15th Vice President in a contest between the ruling NDA's nominee, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and the opposition INDIA bloc's candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy. The election was necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The NDA is seen to have a numerical advantage in the electoral college, which comprises 781 MPs from both houses. Several parties, including the BJD, BRS, and SAD, have decided to abstain from voting.
India and Israel Sign Bilateral Investment Agreement to Boost Economic Ties
India and Israel have signed a new Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi to promote and protect reciprocal investments. The pact, signed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Israeli counterpart Bezalel Smotrich, replaces an earlier 1996 agreement. It aims to provide greater certainty for investors and expand trade, which is currently valued at $800 million. The agreement ensures fair treatment, safeguards against expropriation, and provides a mechanism for dispute resolution, strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
Palestinian Gunmen Kill Six in Attack at Jerusalem Bus Stop
Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a busy bus stop in Jerusalem during morning rush hour, killing six people and wounding twelve others. The attackers were shot and killed at the scene by an Israeli soldier and armed civilians. The attack is the deadliest in Israel since October 2024 and comes amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing war in Gaza. The Palestinian militant group Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. Israeli leadership has warned of wider military raids in response.
Jammu and Kashmir's Lone AAP MLA Detained Under Public Safety Act
Mehraj Din Malik, the Aam Aadmi Party's only MLA in Jammu and Kashmir, has been detained under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows for detention without trial for up to two years. He is the first sitting legislator in the Union Territory to be held under the controversial law. Officials cited 18 FIRs and activities "prejudicial to the maintenance of public order" as reasons for the detention. The move has sparked widespread outrage from opposition parties, who condemned it as an abuse of power.