New PM in office, all quiet in Kathmandu | Hindustan Times

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The next few months will be crucial for Kathmandu as the promised fair probe into graft gets underway and the political class regroups to address the new situation and engage with Gen Z. (AFP)

New PM in office, all quiet in Kathmandu

Nepal's new interim PM Sushila Karki, backed by Gen Z protesters, takes office after PM Oli's resignation. Fresh elections planned for March, addressing corruption concerns and quelling fears of monarchical return, with military supporting peaceful transition.

The PM’s comments in Manipur linking development to peace, his promises to help the internally displaced people, and his assurance that the government will back any attempt at restoring normalcy, hold out hope. (PMO)

Quest for peace, progress in sight

PM Modi's first Manipur visit since 2021 ethnic violence offers hope for peace. Addressing displacement, community tensions, and political divisions, his intervention aims to restore normalcy and rebuild trust between Kukis and Meiteis amid ongoing challenges.

India also displayed restraint in not responding to every statement from members of Trump’s cabinet, ensuring that the exchange did not descend into a slanging match. (PTI)

Signs of thaw, ties on mend

US and India show signs of diplomatic thaw, with Trump's nominee acknowledging past tensions. Positive social media exchanges between Trump and Modi suggest improving relations, focusing on trade negotiations and maintaining strategic autonomy amid global geopolitical complexities.

Kirk’s murder confirms a disturbing trend in US politics, where physical attacks on political opponents are becoming frequent. (AFP)

Polarising agendas and political violence

A right-wing activist, Charlie Kirk, was shot on a university campus, sparking political tensions. President Trump blamed the "radical Left" for the murder, highlighting growing polarization and political violence in the United States amid contentious campus debates and ideological conflicts.

India must exorcise the ghosts of population control and focus on urgent management of the rapidly shrinking window to tap its demographic dividend. (HT Archive)

Demography concerns ahead

India's fertility rate is declining nationwide, reaching replacement level of 2.1. Experts urge focusing on demographic dividend through skilling, investment, and social capital, while addressing regional disparities and avoiding political interference in population dynamics.

Past youth “revolutions” have floundered because they failed to build on the spirit and energy in the street for political transformation and allowed the old order to return or regressive forces to fill the vacuum. (REUTERS)

When Gen Z challenges the establishment

Gen Z protesters in Kathmandu challenge Nepal's political establishment, demanding social media access and fighting corruption. They've partially succeeded, but transforming institutions requires sustained effort and leadership beyond street demonstrations.

With Israel apparently unwilling to engage with peace plans proposed by the Arab League or other countries in the region and outside, Qatar has emerged as a crucial mediator for some time and needs to be secured as a protected site. (AP)

Israel’s reckless military actions

Israel attacked Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, breaching diplomatic norms and risking regional escalation. The strike, conducted without US knowledge, threatens peace negotiations and highlights ongoing tensions between Israel, Hamas, and regional mediators.

C P Radhakrishnan can help the Rajya Sabha return to its true purpose — to be a voice for the states, a reasoned check on the more immediate impulses of the directly elected Lok Sabha, and to help create an atmosphere of constructive discussions. (PTI)

Challenges ahead for new vice-president

C P Radhakrishnan was elected as India’s 15th vice-president, defeating Opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy. His victory is seen as a boost for the ruling NDA and a chance to restore decorum in the Rajya Sabha. Radhakrishnan aims to improve cooperation between government and Opposition, enhancing the legislative process in a politically polarized environment.

The Gen Z of Nepal accesses the world through social media. Not surprisingly, Nepal’s Gen Z seems to have perceived the crackdown on social media as censorship by an ineffective government. (REUTERS)

Gen Z moment in Kathmandu

Youth protests in Kathmandu, fueled by anger against the political elite and a government ban on social media, led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. With at least 19 fatalities and widespread unrest, the movement echoes recent regime changes in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, highlighting deep-rooted disillusionment with corrupt leadership in Nepal.

It is heartening that Alcaraz and Sinner have found in the other a rival who will push them to seek even greater heights. (Getty Images via AFP)

Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has lit up tennis circuit

Alcaraz and Sinner, tennis's top two players aged 22 and 24, have won eight consecutive Grand Slams. Their intense rivalry pushes each to improve, with Alcaraz currently leading 10-5, promising an exciting future for tennis fans.

The work being done by India and the EU on the trade deal dovetails with their efforts to impart greater strategic substance to their bilateral partnership. (DPR PMO/ANI)

Refreshing India, EU relationship

India and EU are intensifying free trade agreement negotiations, driven by global economic challenges. Despite differences, both sides seek deeper cooperation, focusing on trade, strategic partnership, and countering geopolitical uncertainties, with a summit planned for 2026.

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