Month: September 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday spoke to the Maharashtra tourists stranded in Nepal and assured them of all possible assistance to ensure their safe return.

According to officials, nearly 150 tourists from Maharashtra have been left stranded in Nepal due to ongoing violent protests led by Gen Z.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also assured the tourists stuck in Nepal that the state government is monitoring the situation and arrangements will be made to bring them back soon.

“I take the issue regarding the tourists stuck in Nepal seriously. I want to tell them to wait for a while till the situation becomes normal. We are monitoring the situation closely and will bring all of you back soon,” Banerjee said.

Apart from this, the Ahmedabad District Administration issued a helpline number for its citizens stuck in Nepal.

In a statement, Ahmedabad District Administration advised the citizens to contact the helpline number 079-27560511 for assistance. “If any citizens of Ahmedabad district are currently on a trip to Nepal, the district administration has requested their relatives to immediately inform the helpline number,” the press release from the Resident Additional Collector stated.

Notably, the death toll in the September 8 protest led by Gen-Z in Nepal has risen to 30, the Ministry of Health and Population announced on Wednesday evening.

Issuing a release, the Health Ministry stated that 1,033 injuries have been recorded nationwide, out of which 713 injured individuals have already been discharged, while 55 were referred to other facilities for further treatment.

Another 253 patients remain newly admitted. The Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu is currently handling the largest caseload, treating 436 people. The National Trauma Centre is caring for 161 patients, and Everest Hospital is treating 109.

In all, 28 hospitals across the country are providing care to those affected, the ministry added. The protest under the banner of Gen-Z Nepal saw a spree of shooting by security forces as they tried to break into the parliament. Police indiscriminately fired upon protesters with live rounds, followed by tear gas.

On Tuesday, KP Oli resigned from his PM’s post as the protests turned violent in Nepal with demonstrators torching the Parliament Building, President’s office and several other government buildings.

The protests began on September 8 after the Nepal government imposed a ban on social media apps. However, the ban was just a triggering point to a widespread movement that demanded an end to alleged institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. (ANI)

Amid the ongoing protest in Nepal, IndiGo has announced the resumption of its scheduled operations to Kathmandu, along with special relief flights aimed at assisting stranded passengers.

In an official travel advisory, IndiGo said that beginning September 11, it will operate four daily scheduled flights to and from Kathmandu.

Additionally, the airline plans to operate two special relief flights on the same day, subject to regulatory clearances. These flights will be offered at special fares to ensure passengers can return home with ease.

“In these extraordinary times in Kathmandu, our priority is to reunite you with your loved ones. Starting September 11, IndiGo shall resume 04 daily scheduled flights to and from Kathmandu. In addition, subject to regulatory approvals, two special relief flights will operate the same day, dedicated to bringing our customers home safely,” the airline said in a statement.

“To facilitate ease of travel, these relief flights will be offered at special fares. Your safety and peace of mind remain at the heart of every step we take. Stay tuned to our official channels for further updates,” the statement further said.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the September 8 protest led by Gen-Z in Nepal has risen to 30, the Ministry of Health and Population announced on Wednesday evening.

Issuing a release, the Health Ministry stated that 1,033 injuries have been recorded nationwide, out of which 713 injured individuals have already been discharged, while 55 were referred to other facilities for further treatment.

Another 253 patients remain newly admitted. The Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu is currently handling the largest caseload, treating 436 people. The National Trauma Centre is caring for 161 patients, and Everest Hospital is treating 109.

In all, 28 hospitals across the country are providing care to those affected, the ministry added. The protest under the banner of Gen-Z Nepal saw a spree of shooting by security forces as they tried to break into the parliament. Police indiscriminately fired upon protesters with live rounds, followed by tear gas.

On Tuesday, KP Oli resigned from his PM’s post as the protests turned violent in Nepal with demonstrators torching the Parliament Building, President’s office and several other government buildings.

The protests began on September 8 after the Nepal government imposed a ban on social media apps. However, the ban was just a triggering point to a widespread movemen that demanded an end to alleged institutionalised corruption and favouritism in governance. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump announced on social media that conservative activist Charlie Kirk has died after he was shot in the neck while speaking at a Utah Valley University event. Trump said that Kirk “was loved and admired by ALL.”

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

The White House also informed that Trump has ordered that all American flags throughout the United States will be lowered to half-mast.

The White House wrote in an X post, “In honor of Charlie Kirk, President Trump is ordering all American flags throughout the U.S. to be lowered to Half Mast.”

According to The New York Times, the shooting took place when Kirk was responding to a student’s question about mass shootings during the university event.

Utah Valley University confirmed that investigators are still searching for the gunman. “There is no suspect in custody, it is an active investigation,” university spokesperson Ellen Treanor said in a statement, as per The NYT.

The university added that multiple agencies are now involved in the probe, including the Orem Police Department, Utah Valley University Police, the FBI, and the Utah Department of Public Safety, the New York Times reported. (ANI)

In response to ongoing protests and unrest in Nepal, Air India on Wednesday announced that it is operating special flights from Delhi to Kathmandu and back on Wednesday and Thursday to assist stranded passengers.

In a post on X, Air India expressed gratitude to the government and other agencies for their swift coordination in facilitating the special flights in the interest of passengers.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Air India is operating special flights today and tomorrow from Delhi to Kathmandu and back to help passengers who have been stranded due to the recent developments in Nepal. Our scheduled operations will also resume from tomorrow.

We thank the government and…

— Air India (@airindia) September 10, 2025

“Air India is operating special flights today and tomorrow from Delhi to Kathmandu and back to help passengers who have been stranded due to the recent developments in Nepal. Our scheduled operations will also resume from tomorrow,” the post said.

The post added on X, “We thank the government and other agencies for the quick coordination to facilitate this in the interest of our passengers. Passengers are requested to check the status of their flights here https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before proceeding to the airport. For further assistance, please contact our 24×7 Call Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999.”

In a related development, IndiGo announced the resumption of its flight operations to and from Kathmandu following the reopening of the Tribhuvan International Airport, which was closed earlier due to Gen Z protests.

The airline issued a travel advisory informing passengers about the latest update and encouraging them to stay informed about their flight schedules.

“Flight operations to and from #Kathmandu have now resumed following the reopening of the airport,” IndiGo shared the update on X.

“As schedules are being progressively restored, customers are kindly advised to check their latest flight status on our website or app before proceeding to the airport. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding and remain committed to ensuring safe and smooth journeys,” the post added.

Meanwhile, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the government’s role in ensuring smooth travel.

Due to airport closure in Nepal, many home-bound passengers were unable to return from Kathmandu. With the opening of the airport operation in Kathmandu, @MoCA_GoI, in coordination with Air India & IndiGo, has arranged additional flights this evening & over the next few days,…

— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) September 10, 2025

“Due to airport closure in Nepal, many home-bound passengers were unable to return from Kathmandu. With the opening of the airport operation in Kathmandu, @MoCA_GoI, in coordination with Air India & IndiGo, has arranged additional flights this evening & over the next few days, alongside scheduled services resuming tomorrow. Airlines have been advised to keep their fares within reasonable levels. We remain committed to supporting our passengers while ensuring their safe travel during this time,” he posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the reopening of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

In an official statement, the authority said, “We hereby inform that the flights suspended due to adverse circumstances would now be lifted, which has been made in accordance with the decision of the Tribhuvan International Airport Security Committee meeting held today. Passengers travelling to the airport for flights are requested to contact their respective airline companies for flight information and to bring official airline tickets and identification documents with them when travelling.”

The resumption of flights comes amid ongoing security measures in the capital, with the Nepalese Army arresting 27 individuals involved in looting, arson, and other violent acts during the Gen Z-led protests across Nepal, including in Kathmandu, The Himalayan Times reported on Wednesday.

Additionally, security forces seized a large number of weapons, including 31 firearms of different kinds, along with magazines and ammunition, confiscating 23 from Kathmandu and eight from Pokhara, as reported by The Himalayan Times.

The Army also confirmed that 23 Nepal Police officers and three civilians injured in recent clashes are being treated at military hospitals. (ANI)

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam government to probe the alleged links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi with Pakistan on Wednesday submitted its report to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

According to an official statement, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the state government to probe the alleged links of MP Gaurav Gogoi with Pakistan, on Wednesday, formally submitted its report to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The report was handed over at Lok Sewa Bhawan in the presence of SIT members Munna Prasad Gupta, Rosie Kalita, Pranabjyoti Goswami and Maitrayee Deka.

In a post on X, CM Sarma said that the Assam Cabinet had constituted the SIT to investigate the “anti-India activities” and “have unearthed startling facts.”

He wrote, “On 17th February, 2025, the Assam Cabinet constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the anti-India activities of one Pakistani national, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, and his associates. During the course of this exhaustive investigation, the SIT has unearthed startling facts which point towards a larger conspiracy aimed at undermining the sovereignty of our nation.

He further said that the inquiry also shed light on how Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior facilitated the visit of an Assam MP to the neighbouring country.

He wrote, “The SIT has also established the involvement of a British national – who is also married to an Indian Member of Parliament – in the larger nefarious activities of Ali Tauqeer Sheikh. Furthermore, the investigation also sheds light on how the Ministry of Interior, Govt of Pakistan, facilitated the visit of an Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Assam in their country.”

The Chief Minister added that the state government will now examine the SIT’s findings in detail

“The Assam Government will now examine the report of the SIT in detail and place it before the State Cabinet. Once the matter is discussed in the Cabinet, the information gathered during the enquiry will be made public,” the Assam CM wrote on X.

CM Sarma has repeatedly levelled allegations against Congress leader Gogoi. Going back in May this year, Assam Chief Minister described him as a “deep-rooted Pakistani agent.” The Assam Chief Minister claimed that Gogoi had only revealed 10 per cent about his visit to Pakistan and that he and his wife are deeply involved in anti-India activities.

The Congress leader has rejected allegations made by the Chief Minister against him and said that these are all just “lies and slander”.

In August, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also raised questions on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state government and sought to know why, despite the BJP government being in power for nearly a decade, there were infiltrators entering the State. The Congress leader stated that his party’s stance was clear- no Bangladeshi should be illegally residing in the state.

“The Congress party’s position is clear, no Bangladeshi should stay illegally in Assam. It is the duty of both the Assam government and the Central government to ensure this. They have been in power for 10 years, and with border security under their watch, if infiltrators are still coming, then who is responsible?” Gogoi asked. (ANI)

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal is gearing up for the release of ‘Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi’, a biographical drama inspired by the biography of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath – The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, authored by Shantanu Gupta.

In an interview with ANI, Paresh Rawal spoke about his experience working on the film.

“… I had read Shantanu Gupta’s book and found it very engaging. So, when I heard that a film was being made on him, I immediately showed interest. And most importantly, I felt that Ajay bhai is making this film with absolutely no ulterior motive. He isn’t seeking an election ticket, government contracts, or land. He is creating this film purely out of love and respect for Yogi ji, and I truly admire that,” Paresh Rawal said.

He also shared that he became emotional as he learned a lot about CM Yogi Adityanath during the shoot.

“I had already read a lot about him in books, but seeing the way his journey was portrayed on screen deeply moved me. From his time in the ashram to his disciplined lifestyle, everything left a strong impact on me. I became emotional and deeply inspired, realising that those who follow this path devote themselves to serving the nation,” Paresh Rawal, who will be seen as a guru in the film, said.

Directed by Ravindra Gautam and produced by Ritu Mengi, the film stars Anant Joshi in the lead, alongside Dinesh Lal Yadav, Ajay Mengi, Pawan Malhotra, Rajesh Khattar, Garima Vikrant Singh, and Sarwar Ahuja in pivotal roles.

Filmmaker Ravindra Gautam heaped praise on Paresh Rawal for portraying his role with full dedication.

“He portrayed a deeply internalized character with full dedication and effort. When you witness the depth of such a character, it makes you feel like touching the feet of an artist who can bring it to life so beautifully,” Ravindra said.

Actor and MP Dinesh Lal Yadav said the film focuses on the journey of Yogi Adityanath that very few people know about.

“The film we are working on doesn’t focus on Yogi ji’s life after he became Chief Minister, but on the journey few people know about. Everyone should know how a child born into an ordinary family rose to one of the highest positions in the country. It’s a story of his struggles, dedication, and sacrifices. This film is truly inspiring, and I believe everyone should watch it,” he said.

On what inspired him to make a film on CM Yogi Adityanath, producer Ajay Mengi shared, “When I read this story and learned about Yogi ji’s journey, I understood why he chose this path. His only goal has always been to unite society and put the nation first. For him, the country comes above everything else and that truly inspired me. This story deserves to reach everyone. Every child should know that the nation must come first.”

‘Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi’ will be released in theatres on September 19. (ANI)

The death toll in the September 8 protest led by Gen-Z in Nepal has risen to 30, the Ministry of Health and Population announced on Wednesday evening.

Issuing a release, the Health Ministry stated that 1,033 injuries have been recorded nationwide, out of which 713 injured individuals have already been discharged, while 55 were referred to other facilities for further treatment. Another 253 patients remain newly admitted.

The Civil Service Hospital in Kathmandu is currently handling the largest caseload, treating 436 people. The National Trauma Centre is caring for 161 patients, and Everest Hospital is treating 109. In all, 28 hospitals across the country are providing care to those affected, the ministry added.

The Health Ministry said emergency services have been mobilised to cope with the surge in patients and instructed hospitals to remain on high alert.

Thousands of Nepali youths took to the streets of Kathmandu on September 8, demanding transparency and the lifting of the social media ban. The KP Sharma Oli-led government at the time defended the ban as a means to curb the spread of fake news. However, the move was criticised by rights groups, who said it was a tool for censorship.

The protesters, especially college and school-going students, highlighted broader frustrations over shrinking economic opportunities and persistent corruption. In a single day, at least 19 people were killed across the nation, with hundreds more injured.

The protest under the banner of Gen-Z Nepal saw a spree of shooting by security forces as they tried to break into the parliament. Police indiscriminately fired upon protesters with live rounds, followed by tear gas.

In Kathmandu, protesters marched from Maitighar to New Baneshwar, attempting to enter the Parliament building. The NHRC said Nepal’s Constitution and international human rights law guarantee the right to peaceful dissent and called the escalation into vandalism and the use of excessive force by security personnel “regrettable.”

The commission directed the government to implement high security measures to prevent further harm, provide relief and compensation to victims’ families, ensure free treatment for the injured, and conduct a fair and thorough investigation to hold perpetrators accountable. Protesters were also urged to maintain peaceful and disciplined demonstrations. (ANI)

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all States and Union Territories, and assessed the preparedness for the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

This was the third Conference of Chief Electoral Officers this year. The conference was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in the presence of Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

A presentation on the strategies, constraints and best practices adopted was made by the CEO of Bihar so that the CEOs of the rest of the country learn from their experiences, said EC in a press note.

“The CEOs provided detailed presentations on the number of Electors, the qualifying date of the last SIR, and the electoral roll in their respective State/UT, as per the last completed SIR. The CEOs also presented the status of digitisation and uploading of the Electoral Roll after the previous SIR on the State/UT CEO website,” the EC said in the note.

“They also provided the status of mapping current electors with those as per the last SIR in the State/UT,” it said.

To ensure that there is a uniform implementation of the Commission’s initiative to ensure that no polling station has over 1,200 electors, the status of rationalisation of polling stations was also reviewed.

The CEOs also provided suggested documents for the purpose of ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of the Electoral Roll and no ineligible person is included in it. It was reiterated that these documents should promote ease of submission for the eligible citizens.

The Commission also reviewed the status of appointment and training of DEOs, EROs, AEROs, BLOs and BLAs, said the EC in the press note.

In its order on June 24, the EC had stated that SIR would be conducted across the country. (ANI)

India on Wednesday slammed Switzerland’s remarks on minorities at the 5th Meeting of the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, urging them to focus on their own issues like racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia instead of lecturing India.

Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi criticised Switzerland’s comments as “surprising, shallow and ill-informed,” highlighting India as the “world’s largest, most diverse and vibrant democracy” with a strong tradition of pluralism, offering assistance to Switzerland on these matters.

“We would also like to respond to the surprising, shallow and ill-informed remarks made by Switzerland, a close friend and partner. As it holds the UNHRC presidency, it is all the more important for Switzerland to avoid wasting the council’s time with narratives that are blatantly false and do not do justice to the reality of India. Instead, it should focus on its own challenges such as racism, systematic discrimination and xenophobia. As the world’s largest, most diverse and vibrant democracy, with a civilizational embrace of pluralism, India remains ready to help Switzerland address these concerns,” said the Indian diplomat.

This comes after Switzerland urged India to protect minorities and uphold freedom of expression and the media.

Yesterday, Switzerland at the UN said, “In India, we call on the Government to take effective measures to protect the minorities and uphold the rights to the freedom of expression and the freedom of the media. (ANI)

Amid unrest in Nepal and resignation of KP Sharma Oli as Prime Minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki’s name has emerged as one of the possible candidates to lead the new transition government, sources said on Wednesday.

The development comes as Nepal navigates a period of uncertainty, with political parties and stakeholders seeking consensus to ensure a smooth transition and maintain stability in the country.

Nepal has witnessed Gen Z protest, a widespread movement led by young people, primarily students, to demand accountability and transparency from the government. The protests began on September 8, 2025, in Kathmandu and other major cities, including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj, after the government imposed a ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.

As tensions mounted, the situation quickly escalated on the ground. At least 19 people were killed and 500 injured in clashes with security forces. Curfew was imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu, to control the situation.

Gen Z delegation is said to have agreed on Sushila Karki’s name to lead the transition government, as per local media reports.

Sushila Karki made history as she became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, serving in the role from July 2016 to June 2017.

Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Sushila Karki is the eldest of seven children. She began her legal career in 1979 after completing her law education in Biratnagar. She became a Senior Advocate in 2007.

Karki was appointed as an ad-hoc judge of the Supreme Court in January 2009 and became a permanent judge in 2010.

The Nepali Army on Wednesday announced the imposition of prohibitory orders and continuation of the nationwide curfew in response to the escalating unrest driven by the Gen Z-led protest in various parts of the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information, the Army stated that the prohibitory orders will remain in effect until 5:00 pm today.

Following that, a nationwide curfew will come into force from 6:00 am on Thursday, Bhadra 26 (September 11).

The Army noted that any further decisions will be made based on the developing security situation.

The Army also expressed appreciation for people’s cooperation in helping maintain order, while offering condolences for the loss of life and property during the ongoing protests.

It also warned that “lawless individuals and groups” had infiltrated the movement and were engaging in dangerous criminal activities, including arson, looting, violent assaults, and even attempted rape.

“The Nepal Army expresses its gratitude to all citizens for their continued support in fulfilling their responsibility to maintain peace and security in the country in the current difficult situation. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and property during the protests, everyone is requested to cooperate in efforts to control criminal activities,” the release said.

Twenty-seven individuals involved in looting, arson, and other violent acts during the ongoing Gen Z-led protests across Nepal, including in the capital, Kathmandu, have been arrested by the Nepalese Army, The Himalayan Times reported on Wednesday.

According to The Himalayan Times, the arrests were made between 10 pm on Tuesday and 10 am on Wednesday, as a nationwide deployment of forces was made to manage the ongoing protests. Security personnel also deployed three fire trucks to extinguish fires set during the unrest.

In Kathmandu’s Gausala-Chabahil-Bouddha corridor, authorities recovered NRs 3.37 million in stolen cash from suspects.

In addition, security forces seized a large number of weapons, including 31 firearms of different kinds, along with magazines and ammunition, confiscating 23 from Kathmandu and eight from Pokhara, as reported by The Himalayan Times.

The Army also confirmed that 23 Nepal Police officers and three civilians injured in recent clashes are being treated at military hospitals.

Following his departure, Oli had said he would personally lead all-party talks to bring a “meaningful conclusion” to the unrest. His resignation shows the deep political instability in the Himalayan nation.

Protesters have been demanding an end to “institutionalized corruption and favouritism” in governance. They want the government to be more accountable and transparent in its decision-making processes.

Public frustration deepened further when the “Nepo Babies” trend on social media exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting the economic disparity between them and ordinary citizens. This fueled public frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic inequality.

Amid these grievances, Nepal’s ongoing jobs crisis, with nearly 5,000 young people leaving the country every day for work abroad, added to the unrest. (ANI)