Nepal is a landlocked South Asian country located along the southern slopes of the Himalayas, bordered by India to the east, south and west, and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region to the north. Its capital is Kathmandu. Stretching about 800 km from east to west, Nepal is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, including Mount Everest, as well as its diverse cultures and traditions.
Nepal was ruled by a monarchy for much of its modern history. A political transformation in 1991 introduced a multiparty parliamentary system. After a decade-long Maoist insurgency and prolonged political negotiations, the monarchy was abolished in 2008 and Nepal became a federal democratic republic.
The country has a population of around 30 million and Nepali is its official language. Hinduism is the largest religion, while Buddhism also has deep historical and cultural roots. Lumbini, regarded as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, is one of Nepal’s most important heritage sites.
Nepal occupies a strategically important position between India and China and has traditionally sought to maintain balanced relations with both neighbours. Its economy remains heavily dependent on tourism, remittances, agriculture and foreign assistance. The country is also renowned globally for trekking, mountaineering and its Himalayan routes, which attract visitors from across the world.
A panel of military veterans examines the proposed overhaul to the Agnipath recruitment model on Battle Cry.
A massive political storm erupted after Jharkhand minister and Congress leader Irfan Ansari claimed that forty lakh youth across India are prepared to take to the streets and warned that the situation in the country could turn worse than in Bangladesh and Nepal if public voices continue to be suppressed. Ansari asserted that public agitation brought down regimes in Bangladesh and Nepal, and credited Rahul Gandhi with holding back millions of students and youths so far. The remarks triggered sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, with the BJP labelling the Congress a dangerous den of anarchists promoting mobocracy and mayhem. The VHP demanded Ansari's immediate removal from the Jharkhand cabinet over his provocative comments. Ansari further targeted the central government regarding election forms and alleged disenfranchisement of voters.
A political war of words erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress following remarks by Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari. The BJP slammed the Congress ecosystem, accusing it of promoting mobocracy and anarchy to overturn constitutional mandates through violent regime change. In his statement, Ansari cited political upheavals in Bangladesh and Nepal, stating that governments were removed when they ignored citizens and youth. He claimed that students, farmers, businesses, and workers in India are protesting on the streets, asserting that Rahul Gandhi is holding the situation together while addressing public grievances.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to a parliamentary debate over electoral integrity allegations during the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign in Karnal, Haryana. The confrontation coincided with political friction over Jharkhand Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari's remarks referencing regional unrest in Bangladesh and Nepal, which drew counteroffensives from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In response, Congress called for a direct debate between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi while alleging parliamentary microphone muting. Concurrently, internal disciplinary actions led to the suspension of more than 200 Youth Congress office-bearers across eight states. Parliamentary discussions also evaluated floor decorum, speaking allocations, and attendance metrics. On policy matters, the central government detailed revisions to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, introducing an optional two-year retention framework for non-absorbed Agniveers seeking permanent integration. Separately, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri secured an unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, and United States midterm election results were analyzed.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to a parliamentary debate over electoral integrity allegations during the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign in Karnal, Haryana.
A major political clash has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress over allegations of electoral malpractice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Karnal, Haryana, to debate allegations of 'vote chori' inside Parliament rather than taking the issue to the streets. Amit Shah accused the opposition leader of disrupting House proceedings and questioning electronic voting machines only following electoral defeats. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also targeted the Congress, recalling the 1975 Emergency and accusing the party of dubious democratic credentials. In response, Congress leadership pushed for a direct presidential-style face-off between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Prime Minister has avoided press conferences and accountability. Congress leaders also countered that opposition voices are suppressed in Parliament through microphone cutoffs. Meanwhile, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari triggered controversy by warning the government of mass public unrest, drawing comparisons to political upheavals in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Jharkhand Health Minister and senior Congress leader Dr. Irfan Ansari has sparked a massive political controversy over remarks perceived as a direct warning to the central government. Citing recent political upheavals in neighbouring nations, he claimed that regimes in Nepal and Bangladesh collapsed because they ignored the voices of their people. Pointing towards public unrest, Ansari claimed that 40 lakh students are prepared to hit the streets across India and that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has restrained them so far. Issuing a stern caution, he asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should draw lessons from these developments before tensions escalate.
On India First, host Gaurav Sawant leads an in-depth discussion on proposed changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme and its broader strategic ramifications. Lieutenant General Rakesh Sharma, former Adjutant General and former Ladakh Corps Commander, assesses the organizational and individual impacts of extending tenures up to six years, noting, 'It's a very bold and a strong step, and it has got great amount of merit.' Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon, former Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, explains how retaining top talent over six years creates a win-win system that brings technologically advanced new blood into the forces. Defence expert Sandeep Unnithan compares the proposed structure to historical seven-year service frameworks, examining operational pressures along the northern and western borders. The panel also underscores the urgency of reviving recruitment for Nepal domicile Gorkhas, highlighting the deep civilizational and military ties between India and Nepal.
The central government has approved a two-year service extension for Agniveers, revising the terms of the tour of duty scheme ahead of the exit of the inaugural 2022 batch. Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani announced that while 25 per cent of Agniveers will be enrolled as regular soldiers after completing four years, the remaining 75 per cent will be offered a second engagement period of two years based on merit and recommendations from the Indian Armed Forces. Following this six-year tenure, all willing Agniveers who meet objective selection criteria will be enrolled into regular service. Military veterans and analysts discussed the move on the broadcast, assessing organisational advantages, personnel retention, and implications for border security. The panel also highlighted the potential opportunity this revised policy creates to resume recruitment of Nepal domicile Gorkhas into the Indian Army, addressing historic military ties and operational requirements.
This broadcast covers major developments in global politics and military policy.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the rotor blades of the two helicopters struck each other as the aircraft approached the Pheriche helipad for landing. The helicopters were operated by Fishtail Air and Dynasty Air.
A debate has emerged over public agitations, dissent, and warnings that regime change does not resolve national problems. The annual Vijayadashami address drew parallels with international unrest seen in Bangladesh, Nepal, France, and Albania, noting that agitations in a democracy must function within constitutional boundaries and focus on solutions rather than division. The discussion follows claims that student-led movements in India were influenced by unrest abroad. In response, opposition leaders stated that leadership transitions in India occur only through elections, criticising the ruling establishment's stance towards democratic opposition and public demonstrations.
Addressing Dussehra celebrations in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for national unity against forces that harm the country's honour, divide society, and oppose Indian culture. The Prime Minister urged political parties to work collaboratively with national institutions in the larger interest of the nation and defeat threats facing India. Several leaders reiterated similar concerns during their respective addresses. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cautioned against forces frustrated by India's unity, while West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged attempts to create anarchy and weaken the nation. Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat warned against orchestrated efforts toward regime change, referencing political unrest in France, Albania, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and asserted that such attempts would not succeed in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Swayamsevaks on the organisation's Foundation Day, paying homage to those who nurtured the Sangh. Highlighting that the RSS has completed a century, the Prime Minister noted that countless Swayamsevaks have worked for society with a deep sense of duty and a nation-first spirit to strengthen national development. Meanwhile, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed Karyakartas on Vijaya Dashami, cautioning that forces seeking regime change could target India. Bhagwat warned that protests could become instruments of political interest and divide society, citing recent political upheavals in countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and France.
A public address underlines the vital role of the upcoming generation in steering India's progress, highlighting the necessity to balance technological advancements with ethics, ecology, and economy. The speaker points out that science and technology serve merely as tools, warning that consumerist approaches without ethical safeguards can cause environmental disasters, as witnessed in recent Himalayan tragedies in Nepal, as well as digital risks like AI-generated fake videos. Advocating for a sustainable, holistic development model rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, the address describes the Hindu worldview as universal brotherhood, spirituality, and humanity, rather than rigid rituals. It stresses unconditional devotion to the nation, honouring common ancestry, and preserving eternal civilisational values, urging unity and selfless dedication beyond transactional mindsets.
A fourth accused has been arrested in Haryana in connection with the shooting attack on actor Tiger Shroff's car. The suspect, identified as Sameer, reportedly served as the link between the shooters and California-based gang member Anil Pandit, an associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has claimed responsibility for the incident. Earlier, three shooters identified as Rehan, Phool Singh, and Ritik were apprehended at Kota Railway Station while attempting to flee towards Delhi and Nepal. Investigators revealed that the attackers conducted recce before opening fire and were lured with cash and promises of foreign settlement. Key evidence recovered includes CCTV footage across railway stations, a taxi trail from Mumbai to Surat, an abandoned motorcycle near Andheri, and bullet shells sent for ballistic examination. The Mumbai Police and Haryana Police are coordinating to dismantle the network behind the plot.
The broadcast raises crucial unanswered questions regarding the operations of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. It questions how a jailed gangster allegedly runs an international crime syndicate, interrogating the communication channels, including encrypted messaging and intermediaries, used from inside prison. It scrutinises accountability for alleged security breaches inside Sabarmati Jail involving mobile phones and iPads, and asks why state forces like the Mumbai Police face hurdles in accessing the kingpin. Furthermore, it questions the lack of a coordinated strategy to choke cross-border operations spanning Nepal and Canada, asking whether authorities are merely arresting foot soldiers rather than dismantling the entire syndicate.
In a joint operation, the Mumbai Police, Rajasthan Police, and the Anti-Gangster Task Force apprehended three suspects from a train at Kota Railway Station following a firing incident targeting actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai's Juhu area. The attackers fired five to six rounds outside a football ground before fleeing on a motorcycle toward Andheri Railway Station and subsequently boarding a Delhi-bound Superfast Express. Acting on intelligence, police teams tracked the suspects through extensive closed-circuit television surveillance and coordinated with railway authorities to intercept the general compartment before the suspects could escape toward Delhi and Nepal. The apprehended individuals include a juvenile, Ritik Kumar, and Rehan Ansari, who are allegedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang network. According to interrogation details revealed by reporters, one of the suspects stated that handler Anil Pandit provided the contract for the firing. Investigators noted the gang's pattern of recruiting vulnerable youth and delegating operational authority while top leaders remain in prison.
Three suspects accused of firing at actor Tiger Shroff's vehicle in Mumbai have been detained by Kota Police from a train at Kota railway station in Rajasthan. Acting on intelligence, CCTV footage, and photographs provided by Mumbai Police, Kota Police scanned the train travelling from Pune to Jaipur and apprehended the three individuals within fifteen to twenty minutes. The accused include a juvenile, an individual from Bihar working as a bike taxi driver in Mumbai, and a resident of Sonipat identified as Rehan. Investigators revealed that the suspects initially planned to flee to Nepal and subsequently move abroad. According to police, an individual named Anil Pandit, associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was in contact with Rehan, who arranged the juvenile for the execution. No firearms were recovered from the suspects during their detention. Mumbai Police Crime Branch officials have arrived in Kota to take transit custody of the accused for further interrogation.
In this episode of The Postmortem, anchor Pooja Shali examines two high-profile crime investigations from Uttar Pradesh.
