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Uttar Pradesh: Yogi government launches ‘Farm Stay’ initiative to establish villages as hubs of Agri-tourism

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Yogi government launches ‘Farm Stay’ initiative to establish villages as hubs of Agri-tourism

The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to transform villages into hubs of Agri-tourism. The government has invited proposals from investors to develop and operate farm stay accommodations in rural areas in the state. The initiative is intended to boost Agri-tourism in the state and establish it as a pioneer of Agri-tourism in the country. It celebrates rural life and proposes to provide an experience of farming life, village culture and rural hospitality to tourists.

Welcoming the initiative, Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Uttar Pradesh is taking rural tourism to the next level with a vision that is entirely new. This initiative is not just about creating farm accommodations – it is about turning our villages into vibrant centres of culture, livelihood, and learning. Tourists today are eager to escape concrete jungles and experience authentic farm life – from milking cows at dawn to sharing meals in rural kitchens. We are ready to provide that warmth, simplicity, and authenticity.”

Principal Secretary Tourism, Mukesh Meshram said that the project aims to bolster rural economies by relinking urban tourists with the country’s agrarian roots. “Our focus is clear — this new farm stay initiative must translate into real benefits for rural households. From ensuring authentic farm-based experiences to providing modern facilities, every project will be guided to meet global standards while staying true to local culture. With strong incentives and transparent processes, this initiative will not only strengthen rural economies but also reconnect urban visitors with India’s agrarian roots,” said Meshram.

What the Farm Stay scheme offers

The scheme envisages setting up farm stays, as tourist accommodations, on or close to a working farm. It lays down certain requirements for the farm stays, such as the farm stay should be separate from the residence of the owner, it should have two lettable rooms and a reception area. The scheme aims to attract tourists by ensuring that the farm stay offers a first-hand rural experience, like Agri-farming, horticulture, fishponds, dairy farming, animal husbandry, farm tours, or other approved rural activities.

The initiative offers financial incentives and subsidies to attract investors. Here are the key incentives offered by the Uttar Pradesh government under the scheme-

  • Capital Investment Subsidy: The state government will provide varied amounts of subsidies under the scheme for different categories of projects. For projects between ₹10 lakh–₹10 crore, the government will offer a 25% subsidy (up to ₹2 crore), while a 20% subsidy (up to ₹7.5 crore) will be provided for a project up to ₹50 crore (up to ₹20 crore). For projects up to ₹200 crore and ₹500 crore, the government will offer 15% (up to ₹20 crore) and 10% (up to ₹25 crore), respectively. And for projects above ₹500 crore, a subsidy of 10% (up to ₹40 crore) will be provided.
  • Additional Subsidy:  The Uttar Pradesh government will provide an additional subsidy for certain categories of investors. Up to 5% extra subsidy will be offered to women entrepreneurs, SC/ST/Backward Class investors, or for projects located in focus tourism destinations, with an overall ceiling of 30%.
  • Interest Subsidy: An interest subsidy of 5% will be offered on bank loans up to ₹5 crore, with a limit of ₹25 lakh per year for 5 years (in place of capital subsidy).
  • 100% Exemption: There will be a total exemption of stamp duty, land conversion fees, and development charges for eligible projects.
  • Employment Subsidy: The employer’s EPF contribution for 5 years will be reimbursed for units employing 50+ local workers.
  • Support for Differently-Abled Friendly Units:  ₹1,500 per month per worker will be provided to units employing disabled workers, with a limit of 5 workers per unit.

State government identified villages for the initiative

Taking swift steps, the Yogi government has already identified villages with high tourism potential. The scheme will add to the existing network of homestays and B&Bs. It will empower farmers and rural entrepreneurs by offering them an opportunity to diversify their income sources and, at the same time, preserve their traditional lifestyle. The initiative will also help in promoting local crafts by linking rural culture with tourism.

France comes to a standstill with ‘Block Everything’ protests: As Macron govt is paralysed by blockades, fires, and clashes, is the nation reckoning with another Yellow Vest moment?

Jinit Jain
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France comes to a standstill with ‘Block Everything’ protests: As Macron govt is paralysed by blockades, fires, and clashes, is the nation reckoning with another Yellow Vest moment?

France is once again in turmoil. On Wednesday, the Bloquons Tout (“Block Everything”) movement erupted across the country, with protesters blocking highways, setting fires, occupying gas stations, and clashing with police. What began as an online call to shut down France has now morphed into a nationwide wave of unrest reminiscent of the Yellow Vest uprising of 2018.

Here’s a breakdown of why the protests are happening, what demonstrators want, how they are disrupting daily life, and how the government is responding.

Why are the ‘Block Everything’ protests taking place?

The unrest is rooted in the collapse of Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government earlier this week. Bayrou had unveiled a controversial austerity budget that proposed slashing more than $50 billion in spending, freezing pensions for 2026, cutting billions from healthcare, and even striking two national holidays from the calendar. The backlash was swift and cut across party lines, uniting both left and right in outrage.

Although Bayrou was toppled by a no-confidence vote, the anger did not subside. Instead, Macron’s swift appointment of Sébastien Lecornu, his fifth prime minister in under two years and a longtime loyalist, fueled perceptions of arrogance and “business as usual.” Critics saw Lecornu’s rise not as a solution but as a provocation. The protests are therefore not just about austerity, but about widespread mistrust of Macron’s leadership, disillusionment with the political class, and calls for systemic change.

What do the protesters want?

The Block Everything movement is leaderless, decentralised, and deliberately broad, but its demands converge on a few key themes. Demonstrators want the scrapping of austerity measures such as pension freezes and healthcare cuts. They are demanding stronger public services, higher taxes on the wealthy, and action against media concentration. Many also call for greater accountability of elites and openly question the legitimacy of current institutions.

A recent survey found that most participants are highly politicised left-wing sympathisers, but the movement also attracts support from the far-right National Rally and disenchanted workers. This unusual coalition underscores a simple but powerful rallying cry: anger at a ruling class seen as detached and unaccountable.

How are protesters disrupting daily life?

Instead of staging massive marches, the protesters have chosen chaotic, fluid actions designed to paralyse the country and frustrate authorities. Across France, they have blocked highways, bridges, and roundabouts in cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and Toulouse. In Rennes, they even set a bus on fire, while in Bordeaux, they attempted to halt tram lines.

Transport chaos has been central: train traffic was disrupted after cable arson in the southwest, protesters repeatedly tried to choke Paris’s ring road during rush hour, and tram services were briefly halted in Bordeaux. Schools were also targeted, in eastern Paris, students blocked entry to a high school, sparking clashes with police who used tear gas to break up the blockade. Meanwhile, workers staged pickets outside an Amazon depot in northern France.

In total, unions claimed over 700 separate disruptions nationwide, ranging from burning barricades to small-scale street actions where demonstrators overturned bins, lit fires, and regrouped after police dispersals. The result has been a game of cat-and-mouse between protesters and security forces, leaving daily life in several regions severely disrupted.

What is the government doing?

The Macron administration has responded with one of the largest domestic security operations in recent memory. Eighty thousand police and gendarmes were deployed nationwide, with 6,000 stationed in Paris alone. Outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau gave security forces a “zero tolerance” mandate: no blockades of critical infrastructure such as airports, power plants, or water treatment facilities would be allowed.

Police have fired tear gas, dismantled barricades, and carried out hundreds of arrests, including more than 130 in Paris by Wednesday afternoon. Retailleau stressed that no violence, vandalism, or occupation of essential infrastructure would be tolerated, as officers moved quickly to clear blockades and reopen transport routes.

Despite this overwhelming show of force, authorities admit that the leaderless, decentralised nature of the movement makes it hard to contain. Protesters disperse when confronted, regroup elsewhere, and keep authorities stretched thin.

Could this become another Yellow Vest uprising?

The comparisons are unavoidable. Like the Yellow Vests, Block Everything began online, spread rapidly through social media, drew participants from both political extremes, and lacked formal leadership. The 2018 protests ultimately forced Macron’s government to spend nearly €20 billion on concessions. Whether this new movement builds similar momentum remains to be seen, but the ingredients are there: austerity anger, political instability, and leaderless mobilisation.

For many, the Block Everything unrest recalls the Yellow Vest movement of 2018, which became the biggest challenge of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. What began with anger over fuel tax hikes soon grew into a nationwide revolt against inequality and Macron’s perceived elitism.

Paris saw its worst rioting in decades: tear gas shrouded the Arc de Triomphe, cars and shops were set ablaze, hundreds were injured, and the monument itself was vandalized. At its peak, around 300,000 people joined protests across the country, causing billions in economic losses and forcing Macron into his first major U-turn, suspending planned tax hikes.

The parallels with today are clear. Both movements are leaderless, decentralized, and spread online, both use blockades and barricades as tactics, and both reflect a deeper anger at France’s political elite. The difference is that while the Yellow Vests were rooted in rural motorists and workers, Block Everything is being driven more by students, unions, and radicalized left-wing groups.

Already, some protesters are demanding not just policy reversals but Macron’s resignation before his term ends in 2027. His critics argue that his reliance on loyalists like Lecornu proves he has no intention of listening to the people.

France follows into footsteps of Nepal as it hurtles towards chaos

France is once again caught in the grip of spontaneous, street-driven unrest. The “Block Everything” movement may not yet have paralysed the country, but it has exposed Macron’s vulnerability and deepened public mistrust in his presidency.

And this phenomenon is not confined to France. Just a day earlier, Nepal too witnessed protests that toppled Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and spiralled into deadly violence. On Friday (5th September), the Nepalese government ordered a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and X, citing concerns of misinformation and hate speech. What followed was a surge of violent demonstrations, led by the ‘Gen Z’, which brought the collapse of an unprepared government.

Started as a unified demonstration against government excesses and corruption, it soon took a deadly turn as thousands of protesters resorted to violence, arson, and vandalism, bringing the entire Himalayan nation to a standstill. Several politicians were targeted, including former PM Jhalanath Khanal, whose house was set on fire by an angry mob of protesters. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, tragically died after being caught in the blaze set by protesters at the couple’s residence in Dallu, Kathmandu.

Pappu Yadav’s viral audio threatening a govt official is remnant of the same Jungle Raaj that killed NHAI engineer Satyendra Dubey in 2003

OpIndia Staff
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Pappu Yadav’s viral audio threatening a govt official is remnant of the same Jungle Raaj that killed NHAI engineer Satyendra Dubey in 2003

In the year 2003 in Bihar, NHAI engineer Satyendra Dubey was killed because he had dared to raise his voice against rampant corruption in road construction in the state. In a recent audio clip that has gone viral, MP Pappu Yadav is reportedly heard threatening an NHAI official in an abusive, threatening manner.

In the audio clip, a voice that is said to be of MP Pappu Yadav is heard pressurising a NHAI official to hire an ambulance driver who is known to him. “I will end your ‘Latkhori’ in 2 minutes”, Pappu Yadav is heard saying in the clip. When the official requests him to speak as an honourable member of parliament and be careful of his mannerisms in language, Pappu Yadav asks his associates about the address of the said NHAI official.

What is the viral audio?

OpIndia cannot confirm the veracity of the viral audio, or if the voice in the video actually belongs to the MP Pappu Yadav. The clip has been viral in the last couple of days and has been widely reported as a call recording featuring Pappu Yadav’s conversation with a NHAI official.

In the clip, Pappu Yadav first addresses the official as ‘Shekhar ji”. When the NHAI official acknowledges his name, the caller saying that he is Pappu Yadav, tells him, ‘Itna loose mat hoiye, tight rahiye” (don’t become so loose, maintain your composure and due respect). Yadav then asks the official to hire a man named Manish, who used to be an ambulance driver. When the official says he cannot decide the hiring process, Yadav retorts rudely, “Do what you are told”.

The NHAI official then expresses his inability to hire the man recommended by Yadav, however, Yadav refuses to take no for an answer. He starts a threatening, abusive tone with the official and asks where he is currently. When the official says that he is currently in Delhi getting treatment, Yadav tells him that he can cure him of his ‘Latkhori'(headstrong behaviour) and habit of funds misappropriation ‘in two minutes’.

In the audio clip, the voice that is reportedly Pappu Yadav then asks his associates where the official lives. When he was told that he works in a hospital in Purnia, he then asked what post he holds.

Further in the conversation, Yadav asks the official when he is coming back. When the official refuses to share his travel plans with Yadav, Yadav loses his cool again. He asks the official ‘are you mentally ok’, adding abusive words. He says ‘we will get you cured of your disease’ and despite requests by the official to speak politely, he continues the usage of expletives and abuses.

Who was Satyendra Dubey?

Satyendra Dubey was an NHAI engineer who had written a complaint letter to the PMO highlighting the rampant corruption in road construction works in Bihar and Jharkhand. Dubey had not kept his identity hidden in the letter, and as a result, he became the target of a corrupt system in 2003.

Dubey was brutally shot to death inside the Circuit House in Bihar’s Gaya, on November 27, 2003.

Dubey’s murder had caused fear and apprehension among government engineers all over the country, over speaking against corruption. Though the main accused Uday Mallah was arrested eventually, Dubey’s family believes that the actual culprits who had ordered the murder are still at large and the CBI investigation failed to punish the real criminals behind the murder.

Though Pappu Yadav is an independent MP, he calls himself a ‘Congress’ leader and recently he had termed Tejashwi Yadav as ‘leader of the people’. The Jungle Raaj that ruled Bihar in the 90s and subsequent years is still lurking beneath the surface. Leaders like Pappu Yadav, who promote themselves as the saviours of the poor, are the products of the same Jungle Raaj and Lalu Yadav’s political legacy.

UP: Bulldozers roll in Meerut’s Abdullah Residency after Energy Minister demands action, highlighting ‘Muslim only’ policy

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Bulldozers roll in Meerut’s Abdullah Residency after Energy Minister demands action, highlighting ‘Muslim only’ policy

After reports of a ban on the entry of Hindus in Abdullah Residency of Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh, the administration has now taken bulldozer action and demolished the parts of the settlement that were found to be illegally built. The action came after State Minister for Energy and local MLA Somendra Tomar wrote letter to the District Magistrate, demanding an investigation into the matter.

300 metres of illegal construction brought down

According to the media reports, following the minister’s complaint, the Meerut DM formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by Joint Magistrate and SDM Sadar Dr. Diksha Joshi. On Tuesday, 9th September, a joint team of police, administration, and Housing Development Council reached the spot and carried out an inspection.

During the inspection, around 300 metres of construction was found to be outside the approved layout map. Soon after, bulldozers were brought in, and the boundary wall was demolished. Officials stated that the colony had approval for only 22,000 square metres of land, but the builder had encroached on an additional 300 metres.

The team, comprising CO Civil Lines Abhishek Tiwari and Housing Development SE Rajeev Kumar, are investigating the construction of the colony. Officials, however, refused to comment on the matter till the completion of the investigation.

Colony built on gangster’s land

Media reports had claimed that the colony was constructed on the land of jailed gangster Shariq. A mosque was also built in this colony. Tomar had questioned this, saying that Abdullah Residency has been developed for the last 10 years, in which only Muslim people have been planned to settle.

He also questioned whether the map of the mosque built in the colony had been validly approved. On the involvement of gangster Shariq’s land, he said that it will be thoroughly investigated. Tomar said that the effort to distribute on religious lines will not be successful in any way.

According to media reports, 90 per cent of the plots in Abdullah Residency have been sold to Muslim people. There are a total of 75 plots in the colony, of which only four plots belong to Hindus. The project has two partners, Major General Javed Iqbal and Mahendra Gupta. 

Following these allegations, Minister Tomar officially wrote to the District Magistrate, demanding strict action. Following that, the inspection was carried out, and illegal construction was demolished with bulldozers.

Trump’s olive branches and Navarro’s rants: How India has been dealing with a confused, dual-faced US leadership amid trade talks and tariff chaos

Anurag
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Trump’s olive branches and Navarro’s rants: How India has been dealing with a confused, dual-faced US leadership amid trade talks and tariff chaos

On 9th September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump exchanged messages that, at least on the surface, looked like a renewal of old camaraderie. PM Modi described India and the US as “close friends and natural partners” and stressed that trade talks could unlock “limitless potential” in the partnership. His message came in response to Trump’s post on Truth Social where he said he was “pleased” about negotiations to resolve trade barriers and called PM Modi his “very good friend”. He also predicted that there would be “no difficulty” in reaching a successful conclusion.

This rosy language from the US President came even as Washington has doubled tariffs on Indian goods, with threats of more to come. Interestingly, while posting messages in an attempt to woo New Delhi, Trump reportedly urged the European Union to follow suit and slap tariffs of up to 100% on imports from India and China, claiming that it would weaken Russia. So, while Trump speaks the language of friendship, the policies his camp advances look very different.

Navarro’s tantrums on social media

Trump’s trade aide Peter Navarro, who has turned his social media feed into an extended rant against India, recently labelled India the “Maharaja of tariffs”. He accused India of fuelling Russia’s war chest by buying discounted oil and mocked Indian students for “flooding” American schools. He even claimed that Indian users were hijacking X’s Community Notes feature to bury facts, a conspiracy theory he floated without any basis.

Navarro’s attacks are not just about economics. They drip with the kind of rhetoric that has been seen exported from sections of the Indian opposition. Navarro even dabbled in caste politics, parroting tropes about Brahmins profiteering, rhetoric that has little to do with trade policy but plenty to do with resentment. In short, while Trump is offering olive branches, Navarro is busy lashing out at India in ways that sound more like propaganda than policy.

India refuses to bend on core issues

What explains the anger? The answer lies in New Delhi’s refusal to compromise where it matters most. India has made it clear that its energy security cannot be dictated by Washington’s sanctions regime. Imports of Russian crude have jumped since 2021, reaching over $67 billion in 2024, with about $53 billion of that being oil. Navarro cites this as evidence of profiteering. However, India has consistently argued that Western nations themselves continue to trade with Russia and it cannot be expected to jeopardise its development trajectory because of someone else’s war.

The same principle applies to tariffs. India has always maintained that trade must be balanced, not one-sided. Agricultural imports, dairy, and digital services taxes are not bargaining chips to be surrendered under American pressure. New Delhi has insisted on protecting domestic industries, which has been portrayed by Washington as protectionism. India, on the other hand, sees it as common sense. But common sense is not so common, which is visible in the frustration Washington has shown towards India in the past few months.

The double-speak of American leadership

The contrast could not be clearer. Trump’s conciliatory posts emphasise friendship and a brighter future, yet his administration’s actions while Navarro continues with his inflammatory rhetoric tell a story of threats, coercion, and disdain. It is evident that the US wants India to reduce duties and open its markets wider, but at the same time pushes for punitive tariffs of its own. It wants India to cut Russian oil imports, yet its European allies continue buying Russian energy quietly. It complains about a trade deficit, but conveniently ignores the billions earned from Indian students and tourists in America each year. It wants India to leave BRICS claiming it is anti-America but India has bluntly rejected it.

This cannot be seen as diplomacy but as double-speak. On one hand, Trump wants to appear the statesman capable of resolving trade disputes amicably. On the other hand, his aides and his policy announcements keep the stick raised, hoping India will blink first, which has not happened despite immense pressure from the Trump administration.

India’s counter-strategy

The US has failed to force India to bend. Instead, India is rolling out relief packages to cushion exporters, adjusted GST rates to stimulate demand, and accelerated negotiations for free trade agreements with partners in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The message is deliberate, that India will not get cornered into submission and will continue diversifying its markets to reduce reliance on any one partner.

Markets may feel the short-term pain, with sectors like textiles and agriculture hit hardest by US tariffs, but India’s broader strategy is to play the long game. By maintaining energy stability through Russian imports and forging new trade corridors, it ensures resilience even in the face of American hostility.

The obsession with tariffs and deficits

Navarro has repeatedly cried about tariffs costing American jobs or deficits hollowing out US industries while ignoring an obvious reality. Trade deficits are not proof of exploitation. They are part of global supply chains in which consumers benefit from lower costs and businesses thrive through expanded markets. Yet, Navarro continues to spin the narrative as if every dollar India earns is a dollar stolen from American workers. It is rhetoric designed to inflame, not to inform.

What makes his attacks even more hollow is that Trump himself has admitted in the past that India is a “tough negotiator,” even if a friend. If toughness in negotiation is a crime, then surely every nation that protects its interests is guilty.

Russia, tariffs and the real irritation

What angers Washington most is not just tariffs but India’s independent streak. New Delhi has made it clear it will not be dragged into blocs or dictated to on its foreign policy. India has refused to toe the Western line on Russia and insisted on its right to craft trade policy in line with national priorities. By doing this, India has sent the unmistakable message that it is a partner, not a client state.

This is what Navarro cannot digest, and what Trump tries to cover up with sugary words. The very fact that both messages are being delivered simultaneously, one of friendship, the other of fury, shows a leadership torn between recognising India’s importance and resenting its autonomy.

Conclusion

What is being seen today is a confused American posture. One hand extends an olive branch, the other wields the tariff stick. One voice speaks of friendship, another rants about India profiteering. Through it all, India has remained consistent, that is, protect sovereignty, secure energy needs, and negotiate from strength, not fear.

For Washington, this duality may serve short-term political goals. However, for India, it only reinforces the importance of sticking to principle. The US may rant about deficits and tariffs, but New Delhi will not barter away its autonomy. Trump’s olive branches may soften the rhetoric, Navarro’s rants may sharpen it, yet neither changes the simple reality that India will chart its own course, on its own terms, no matter how chaotic the American messaging becomes.

As Nepal continues to grapple with violence even after fall of Oli government, here are the highlights of what transpired during the protests

OpIndia Staff
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As Nepal continues to grapple with violence even after fall of Oli government, here are the highlights of what transpired during the protests

Nepal has been engulfed by a wave of violent protests for the past few days, which were apparently triggered after a social media ban by the Nepalese government. On Friday (5th September), the Nepalese government ordered a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp and X, citing concerns of misinformation and hate speech. What followed was a surge of violent demonstrations, led by the ‘Gen Z’, which brought the collapse of an unprepared government.

8th September: Violent protests erupted in Nepal

What started as a unified demonstration against government excesses and corruption soon turned into an outbreak of violence, arson, and vandalism, bringing the entire Himalayan nation to a standstill. Thousands of protestors flocked to the streets against the ban on social media platforms and government corruption. Protests spread across multiple cities, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. On Monday (8th September), during a protest march, some protestors broke the barricades in Baneswar and tried to storm the Parliament.

Police first tried to dissuade the protestors from infiltrating the Parliament by firing tear gas and water cannons, followed by the firing of live ammunition. The ensuing violence resulted in the death of around 22 people and over 300 people getting injured, which further intensified the protests. The violent protestors targeted the politicians, ministers, their residences and government offices during the protests. Many politicians, including PM Oli are said to have fled the country as the situation in Nepal slipped out of the government’s control.

Protestors set the Parliament building and the Singha Darbar on fire

Angry protestors barged into the Parliament and set the entire building on fire. The startling visuals showed a plume of grey and black smoke covering the sky over the Parliament building.

The protestors also broke into the Singha Darbar premises, a large palace complex in Kathmandu which houses Nepal’s administrative offices, and set its gate on fire while forcing their way into the central administrative complex. An emergency cabinet meeting was convened late on Monday, after which the ban on the social media platforms was lifted. However, the protests continued to get fiercer on the second day as the lifting of the ban on social media platforms failed to pacify the protestors.

9th September: Protestors torched PM Oli’s private residence, he resigned

On Tuesday (9th September), protestors targeted the homes of several politicians and ministers, including Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Poudel. Visuals of Oli’s private residence in the Balkot area of Bhaktapur, set on fire by protestors was doing the rouds on social media.

The protestors were seen cheering and celebrating after the setting abaze Oli’s house.

The demonstrators also burned down the Supreme Court building in Kathmandu.

‘Sital Niwas’, the official residence of the President of Nepal was vandalised and torched by the violent protestors.

As the protests escalated Prime Minister Oli, who assumed the office for the fourth time in July 2024, tendered his resignation on Tuesday “to facilitate a solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically.”

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also stepped down taking moral responsibility for the deaths. Lekhak’s house in Naikap, Kathmandu, was also torched by protestors. The agitators reportedly pelted stones at the residence of Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung in Sunakothi at the Lalitput district.

Nepal’s former PM’s wife burn alive by protestors, Finance Minister chased

The wife of former Prime Minister of Nepal, Jhalanath Khanal, succumbed to burn injuries on Tuesday after Khanal’s residence was set on fire by protestors. As per reports, Rajyalakshmi Chitrakar, was in her house when the protestors set the house on fire. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

In another incident, a violent mob of protestors, thrashed and chased the Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel through the streets of Kathmandu.

Several other Nepalese leaders, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, her husband and former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba were also assualted by a violent mob before they were rescued by the Army.

Army takes over, curfew in force

On Tuesday, the Nepal Army announced that it would take control of the security operation from 10 pm, hours after the PM Oli resigned. It took control of the he Tribhuvan International Airport here after the agitators tried to enter its premises in the evening. The Army has been conducting patrols and has imposed curfew in several areas, which has been extended till Thursday (11th September).

Urging people to abstain from violence and restore public order, the Aarmy warned that if the violence continued, all security agencies, including itself, would be fully mobilised.

Protestors broke into jails, set inmates free

During the protests, several protestors broke into jail and set free hundreds of prisoners. Around 900 inmates were allowed to escape by the protestors from a local jail in Pokhra. Atb the Nakhu Jail in Kathmandu, protestors reportedly set parts of jail facility on fire leading prisoners running free.

Several Indians stranded in Nepal, high-alert in areas close to India-Nepal border

The sudden violent protests in Nepal have led to several Indian nationals being stranded in the country as Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines cancelled flights to Kathmandu on Tuesday. Videos of stranded Indian nationals in Nepal seeking help have emerged on social media. The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens to defer their travel to Nepal till the situation there normalises.

Authorities in the Indian districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, located close to the India-Nepal border have been put on high alert. Additional police forces hyave been deployed, which are conducting patrols and surveillance to ensure security at the border.

Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Doha in a bold escalation, Qatari PM says their radar didn’t detect the missiles, Hamas claims top leaders still alive

OpIndia Staff
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Israel strikes Hamas leadership in Doha in a bold escalation, Qatari PM says their radar didn’t detect the missiles, Hamas claims top leaders still alive

Israel carried out an unprecedented attack on Hamas leadership in Qatar’s capital city, Doha, on Tuesday, 9th September. While Qatar has been key negotiator in the Gaza ceasefire talks, top leaders of Hamas have been staying in the country since the Israel launched operation against the terror group in Gaza after the terror attack. Israeli forces struck a residential area in Doha where Hamas leaders reside.

The attack came at a time when Qatar, one of the lead mediators between Israel and the United States, on the one hand, and Hamas on the other, had been trying to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. The Gulf state, an US ally, has been a central location for prisoner exchanges and truce talks since the Gaza conflict heated up in October 2023.

The attack took place in the West Bay Lagoon area in Doha, home to many foreign embassies, schools, supermarkets and residential compounds. The region is home to Qataris as well as residents from around the world.

Image via The Economist

Qatar termed the attack as “cowardly Israeli attack”

According to the media reports, the initial series of explosions was just after 3 pm (IST), while additional confirmed missile attacks came a little after 4 pm (IST). At around the same time, the Israeli army took responsibility, stating that the attack was focused on a compound where Hamas leaders were supposed to have been.

Qatar has condemned the attack, terming it as “cowardly Israeli attack” on the political headquarters of Hamas. 

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry quickly issued a statement condemning the attack, calling it a “blatant violation” of international law. This was the first time Israel had directly targeted Qatar, a country where its own representatives have engaged in negotiations in recent years.

Notably, the location of Hamas leaders in Doha was not a secret. There was an unwritten understanding that while Israel will target Hamas and its leaders, they won’t carry out any such operation in Qatar, given its role in negoations. Moreover, as Qatar is an ally of US, there is large US military base in the country, it was belived that the country is safe from Israeli attack.

Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani said that weapons used by Israel were not detected by Qatari air defence radar. Moreover, US informed Qatari officials about the attack 10 minutes after it began.

Senior Hamas leaders survive

Hamas confirmed later in the evening that its senior political leaders had survived the strike in Doha. In its first official statement, the group said Israel’s real intention was to derail ongoing prisoner exchange talks and ceasefire negotiations. Hamas also confirmed that the members of nogiation delegatoin were unharmed.

While the top leaders escaped unharmed, at least six people were killed in the attack. Among the victims, one was the son and one aide of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, along with a Qatari security officer, according to the country’s Ministry of Interior. Hamas described the assault as a “heinous crime” and “a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws.”

The group also accused Israel of trying to undermine every possible effort to end the war in Gaza, where more than 64,600 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023.

Reactions from Hamas and Qatar

The Palestinian group described the attack as “a heinous crime, a blatant aggression, and a flagrant violation of all international norms and laws.”

A member of Hamas’s political bureau, Suhail al-Hindi, said the Palestinian group holds the United States administration responsible for the attack, which the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned “in the strongest terms.”

Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has also condemned Israel’s “reckless criminal attack” in the capital Doha in a phone call with US President Donald Trump. The attack is “a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and security…,” Sheikh Tamim said in a statement on Tuesday (9th September). 

“Israel’s attack is a clear breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and security,” Sheikh Tamim said in his own statement, terming Israel’s move as risky and destabilizing.

Israel defends the strike

Israel, meanwhile, has stood by its decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement on social media insisting that the attack was “a wholly independent Israeli operation.”

“Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full responsibility,” the post read. Both Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz later issued a joint statement saying the strikes were justified. They tied the operation to a shooting in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday, 8th September, in which six Israelis were killed.

“The IDF (Israeli military) and ISA (security agency) conducted a precise strike targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organisation,” the military said.

“For years, these members of the Hamas leadership have led the terrorist organisation’s operations, are directly responsible for the brutal October 7 (2023) massacre, and have been orchestrating and managing the war against the State of Israel,” it added.

Udta Punjab under AAP: 2 brothers in Tarn Taran die of drug overdose, their elder brother had died similarly years ago, family says drugs flowing freely everywhere

Shraddha Pandey
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Udta Punjab under AAP: 2 brothers in Tarn Taran die of drug overdose, their elder brother had died similarly years ago, family says drugs flowing freely everywhere

In the Tarn Taran district of Punjab, two sons of a late Indian Army subedar, Lakhbir Singh, died of alleged drug overdose on 7th September. The eldest son of late Subedar Lakhbir Singh, had also died of drug overdose many years ago.

Revealing details of the matter, DSP Atul Soni said that a video circulating online showed that deceased brothers Malkeet and Gurpreet Singh were involved with narcotics and self-use. “They were on injectable narcotics for over a year, and then shifted to pills when they couldn’t get access to narcotics injections. They allegedly doubled their dose, which led to their death,” the officer said.

He added that a relative of the deceased victims have claimed that narcotic suppliers would arrive from nearby Tur village on a scooter. “Earlier, raids were conducted in the Tur-Peer area, following cases filed. We will verify identity, obtain phone numbers, and make arrests,” DSP Soni said.

Meanwhile, the deceased duo’s neighbours have alleged that ‘chitta’ or heroin was being sold openly in the area and that the local law enforcement agencies were ineffective in stop this drugs supply menace.

“Someone from Tur village brought ‘chitta’ worth Rs 10,000 to our home at night. They used it around 1 am. The government keeps their eyes shut while drugs are being openly sold, even at bus stands and bridges. Gurpreet was married and has two little daughters aged seven and five. Police don’t catch peddlers. Even if they do, village office-bearers get them released,” Ranjit Kaur, the mother of Malkeet and Gurpreet said.

Calling Aam Aadmi Party government’s claims of ‘drugs-free-Punjab’, “false”, Devi Kumar, a relative of the deceased duo said, “Both brothers died due to drug overdose. Since the Aam Aadmi Party government took office, drugs and lawlessness have increased. We have submitted lists about villages, where drugs are being sold, and complaints from our neighbourhood, to the Tarn Taran SSP multiple times, but no action was taken. The family lost three brothers to drugs and has no breadwinner left. Two little children are now without any support.”

The locals say that all three sons of late subedar Lakhbir Singh, who died a year ago, have died due to drugs overdose. They have alleged that Punjab government’s claims are of a drugs free Punjab are nothing but lies, and have demanded action to end the open supply of drugs in the state.

Highlighting the alleged nonchalance of the state police and government, the relatives of the deceased duo, said, “Drug seizures are rare and temporary, while illegal distillation and open trafficking continue unabated. Sons are dying, but no action is being taken. Police register minor drinking cases or send people to de-addiction centres, but real suppliers move scot-free.”

The relatives further added, “Since two small daughters have no breadwinner left for their survival and upbringing, we demand an immediate crackdown on drug traffickers and smugglers so that no other family suffers.”

‘India-US continuing trade negotiations’: Trump softens tone on India, PM Modi expresses confidence in India-US partnership

Shraddha Pandey
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‘India-US continuing trade negotiations’: Trump softens tone on India, PM Modi expresses confidence in India-US partnership

The India-US relations nosedived after US President Donald Trump launched a senseless tariff war against India and unleashed his advisers to vilify New Delhi. It, however, seems that Trump might have realised that antagonising India is not in their best interests, especially after the SCO Summit. Trump on Tuesday (US local time) said that the US and India will resume negotiations to address “trade barriers” between the two countries.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!”

Responding to Trump’s ‘announcement’, Prime Minister Narendra affirmed confidence in paving a way in trade negotiations to unlock the potential of India-US partnership.

“India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people,” PM Modi wrote on X and attached a screengrab of Trump’s relevant Truth Social post.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has posted a screengrab of PM Modi’s said X post on his Truth Social.

Trump shared PM Modi’s X post on Truth Social

The announcement comes weeks after the US imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25 per cent penalty on purchases of Russian oil.

Earlier this week, President Trump, while making an announcement in the White House, called the India-US ties a “very special relationship” and affirmed that he and PM Modi would always be friends, asserting that there is “nothing to worry about”, although he added that he is not liking what PM Modi is currently doing.

India-US ties have been going through a rough patch not only because of the tariffs imposed but also due to the hypocritical reasoning behind it. The US has been the biggest profiteer of the Russia-Ukraine war, but the Trump administration officials chose to blame it on India.

What started with Donald Trump’s “dead economy” jibe against India, soon escalated into full-fledged anti-India, anti-Modi and anti-Brahmin rhetoric directed against New Delhi by Trump’s advisers, Peter Navarro, Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, among others. India’s refusal to stop buying Russian oil, refusal to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize for his fictional role in brokering ceasefire between India and Pakistan, saying no to opening its dairy and agricultural markets for US were all clearly reasons behind the Trump administration’s chagrin.

However, the Trump administration’s open antagonism against India created some backlash in the USA, with many experts warning that he may be throwing away decades of efforts to develop trust in bilateral relations. PM Modi’s presence in the SCO Summit, along with candid talks with Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, further triggered US voicec cautioning that Trump is driving Russia-India-China closer together.

Days after saying that “We’ve lost India”, Trump is perhaps trying to ‘win’ India back.

Who are Balen Shah and Sudan Gurung, the men spearheading the violent Gen Z protests that toppled the KP Oli govt in Nepal?

पूजा राणा
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Who are Balen Shah and Sudan Gurung, the men spearheading the violent Gen Z protests that toppled the KP Oli govt in Nepal?

The largest citizens’ movement in Nepal has toppled the government. Both the Prime Minister and the President have resigned, leaving the nation searching for its next leader. At the heart of this GenZ uprising, two figures have emerged. The first is Kathmandu’s mayor, Balen Shah, whom protesters are projecting as interim Prime Minister. The second is Sudan Gurung, founder of Hami Nepal, who has been leading the demonstrations.

Both men have become faces of the movement—Gurung as the organizer, and Shah as the agitator. But who exactly are Balen Shah and Sudan Gurung?

Balen Shah’s role in the GenZ protests

Balen Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, is the Mayor of Kathmandu. He stands accused of misleading Nepal’s youth and mobilizing them against the government. His strong social media presence reflects his influence, with many young Nepalis openly calling him their next Prime Minister.

It began on Sunday, September 7, 2025, when Shah voiced his support for the GenZ protests in a Facebook post:
“Tomorrow is clearly a spontaneous gathering of GenZ. They are all under 28, which makes me look older. I want to understand their willpower, purpose, and thinking.”

Screenshot of Balen Shah’s FB post

He went on to warn: “No political party, leader, activist, MP, engineer, or opportunist should try to exploit tomorrow’s rally for personal gain. I cannot attend because of the age restriction, but I fully support them. Dear GenZ, tell me—what kind of country do you want to see?”

By the next day, Monday, September 8, youths aged 13–28 flooded the streets of Kathmandu and seven other cities. What began as a protest against the social media ban quickly escalated into a demand for Prime Minister KP Oli’s resignation. Violence erupted, leaving 19 dead and over 300 injured.

On Tuesday, September 9, both PM Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel resigned. Calls for Balen Shah to take over grew louder, with his Facebook page flooded with comments such as “We want you as PM” and “Please take lead, Balen.” Local media echoed these demands.

Screenshot of Balen Shah’s FB post

Shah, however, later urged protesters not to destroy public property, writing: “Please GenZ, the country is in your hands. You can handle it. No matter what happens, you will remain ours. Now go home.”

Balen Shah’s U.S. connections

Unlike most mayors, Shah enjoys both national and international visibility. He was featured in Time Magazine’s Top 100 (2023) and profiled by The New York Times. He has had repeated engagements with the U.S. Embassy in Nepal—meeting Ambassador R. Thompson in 2022 and again in 2024, when he was reportedly invited to visit the U.S.

Balen Shah’s anti-government rap songs

Before entering politics, Shah was best known as a rapper. His lyrics often attacked Oli’s government: “Those who protect the country are fools. All leaders are thieves, looting the nation.”

His songs, particularly Balidan (“Sacrifice”), galvanized Nepal’s youth and fueled anti-government sentiment. During the GenZ protests, Shah even reposted the song on Facebook with the caption: “Let the government allow me to speak.”

Shah has also courted controversy with his anti-India stance. During the release of the Indian film Adipurush, he not only opposed the movie but also banned Indian films in Kathmandu cinemas—until Nepal’s Supreme Court overturned his order.

Sudan Gurung and Hami Nepal

The second major player is 36-year-old Sudan Gurung, founder of Hami Nepal. He organized the GenZ protests, rallying under-28 youth nationwide. On Instagram, he posted “How to Protest” videos, advocating “peaceful” resistance while also suggesting aggression if necessary.

Protest placards carried Hami Nepal’s branding. The NGO used Discord groups to coordinate—circulating instructions, urging students to wear uniforms, and even sharing guides on making petrol bombs. Leaked chats revealed calls to flood international media with violent images and discussions of regime change modeled on Bangladesh.

Founded in 2020, Hami Nepal was initially known for flood relief. But its role in a movement that toppled the government raises troubling questions.

Foreign funding of Hami Nepal

The NGO has acknowledged receiving 200 million Nepali rupees in funding from brands like Coca-Cola, Viber, Goldstar, and Mulberry Hotels—all foreign entities. Earlier in 2025, Hami Nepal stoked anti-India sentiment following the death of a Nepali student at an engineering college in Odisha, India.

The dangerous Shah–Gurung alliance

Together, Balen Shah and Sudan Gurung are being seen as the chief architects of Nepal’s violent uprising. Their agenda is viewed as not only anti-India but also fundamentally anti-Nepal. Gurung, backed by foreign funding, has undermined Nepal’s democratic structure, while Shah—perceived as sympathetic to Western ties—is being positioned as interim Prime Minister.

The parallels with Bangladesh are striking, where Western powers ousted Sheikh Hasina and installed Muhammad Yunus as caretaker Prime Minister through youth-driven unrest. Nepal now appears to be following the same script, with Western money flowing through NGOs to engineer regime change.

Where the Shah–Gurung partnership will lead Nepal is uncertain. But the world is watching closely. With Nepal strategically wedged between India and China, any shift in its political direction will have consequences far beyond its borders.

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