India issued an advisory for its citizens in Nepal after violent Gen Z protests left at least 20 dead and over 300 injured. The protests erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Demonstrators clashed with police, who used bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. Curfews were imposed in Kathmandu and other cities, and the army was deployed. Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned, taking responsibility. Later, the government withdrew the ban following intense pressure. India urged citizens to remain cautious and expressed sorrow over the deaths of many young protesters. (PC: India Today)

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned Monday's terrorist attack in Jerusalem where two Palestinian gunmen killed six people and injured over 20 at a bus stop. The attackers opened fire during office hours at Ramot Junction before being shot dead by a soldier and armed civilian. Modi extended condolences to victims' families, reaffirming India's zero-tolerance terrorism policy. Five victims were identified: a 50-year-old man, woman in her fifties, and three men in their thirties. Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed one Spanish citizen died. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned targeting of civilians. Israeli PM Netanyahu said forces were pursuing suspects who aided attackers. Police recovered multiple guns, ammunition, and a knife from the scene. (PC: NDTV) 

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)

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to stabilize the global economy and oppose unfair trade practices during a virtual summit addressing Trump administration tariff policies. Speaking at the Brazil-chaired meeting, Jaishankar called for protecting the rules-based global trading system while criticizing barriers linking trade to non-trade matters. Both India and Brazil face 50% Trump tariffs, among the world's highest. Jaishankar emphasized creating resilient supply chains and democratizing manufacturing across geographies. He highlighted how Ukraine and West Asia conflicts negatively impact Global South's food and energy security. Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed concerns about protectionism and trade wars disrupting the world economy, advocating multilateral cooperation without directly naming the US. (PC: The Caravan)

Sanju Samson faces potential Asia Cup 2025 snub despite being in India's 15-member squad. During practice at Dubai's ICC Cricket Academy, Samson was excluded from main batting sessions while Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma participated alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill. Coach Gautam Gambhir held lengthy discussions with Samson about batting arrangements. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman was seen sitting on an ice box, watching others bat multiple times before finally getting solo practice at session's end. Gambhir's preference for batting depth and all-rounders suggests Jitesh Sharma might be favored as finisher. Body language and practice patterns indicate Samson's uncertain position in playing eleven despite recent T20I performances. (PC: Ask Sports Info)

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)