Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested in connection with last year’s deadly Gen Z protests, just a day after Balendra Shah took oath as the new Prime Minister. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also taken into custody as part of the investigation. A judicial commission recommended prosecution for negligence, linking the leaders to the violent crackdown that left at least 76 people dead and more than 2,500 injured. Authorities say the arrests mark the beginning of a justice process, while supporters of Oli have called the move political revenge.

Nepal enters a defining political moment as rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, officially assumes office as the country’s 47th Prime Minister. Riding on a sweeping electoral mandate, Shah’s rise marks a dramatic shift in Nepal’s political landscape, one powered by youth energy, anti-corruption sentiment, and a demand for systemic reform. At just 35, Balen Shah’s journey from music stages to the highest office in the land reflects a generational shift in leadership. His party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, secured a historic single-party majority, reshaping parliamentary power dynamics after years of coalition instability. In a move that captured national attention, Shah released a powerful rap ahead of his oath-taking ceremony, an unconventional yet impactful message calling for unity, resilience and a renewed national vision. The video quickly went viral, resonating with millions and symbolizing his unique connection with the youth.