Digest for 13 September, 2025
Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal's First Woman Prime Minister After Youth-Led Protests
Following days of intense youth-led protests against corruption that forced PM K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal's first female Prime Minister. President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Karki to lead an interim government and dissolved the House of Representatives, scheduling fresh elections for March 2026. The political transition marks a historic moment for Nepal, driven by a largely peaceful, Gen Z-led movement demanding systemic change and accountability from the political establishment.
Prime Minister Modi Makes First Visit to Manipur Since 2023 Ethnic Violence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Manipur for the first time since ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted in May 2023, a conflict that has killed over 260 people and displaced nearly 60,000. During the high-stakes visit, he will meet with displaced persons in both Churachandpur and Imphal and launch development projects worth over ₹8,500 crore. The visit comes amid sustained criticism from opposition parties over his prolonged absence from the strife-torn state.
India Backs Two-State Solution for Palestine in Key UN General Assembly Vote
India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution that endorses the 'New York Declaration' for a peaceful settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict through a two-state solution. The French-introduced resolution was adopted with 142 votes in favour. It calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state. The United States and Israel were among the 10 nations that voted against the resolution, which they termed 'one-sided'.
Supreme Court Suggests Pan-India Policy on Firecrackers, Questions Delhi-Only Ban
The Supreme Court has questioned why the ban on firecrackers is limited to Delhi-NCR, suggesting the policy should be extended nationwide. A bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai remarked that the right to pollution-free air is not exclusive to Delhi residents and that any policy must be pan-India. The court made the observation while hearing a case on air pollution, highlighting the need for a national response to a national problem, and scheduled the next hearing for September 22.