Nepal Returns to Calm as First Woman Interim PM Takes Charge

Nepal is returning to normalcy after deadly anti-corruption protests that killed at least 51 people and led to the government being toppled and parliament set ablaze. The 73-year-old former chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country's first woman interim prime minister, tasked with restoring order and addressing demands for a corruption-free future ahead of elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. Karki began her tenure by visiting young protesters wounded during the unrest, signaling her commitment to reconciliation and governance reform. The appointment followed intense negotiations involving military and presidential officials as well as youth protest leaders, who had advocated for her leadership through online platforms. Meanwhile, the India-Nepal border at Rupaidiha has seen a return to normal traffic and trade flow, alleviating disruptions caused by the protests. The easing of curfews and reduced military presence in Kathmandu have allowed markets to reopen and daily life to resume, reflecting cautious optimism among Nepalis for a new chapter under Karki's leadership.