Nepal PM refuses to lift ban on social media, Stage set for Vice President poll tomorrow

On Newstrack, the focus is on two major developing stories. In Nepal, deadly protests have erupted over the government's ban on various social media platforms, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Prime Minister K.P. Oli remains defiant, refusing to lift the ban and stating his government will not bow to "Gen Z troublemakers". In response to the escalating violence and protesters breaking into restricted zones, a curfew has been imposed in several cities, including Kathmandu. Shifting to India, the stage is set for the vice presidential election on September 9. The contest features the NDA's candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, against the India bloc's nominee, former Supreme Court Judge Justice Sudarshan Reddy. With the BJD and BRS deciding to abstain from voting, the NDA holds a clear numerical advantage. The opposition's stance is encapsulated by the quote from a Congress leader, "This election was forced on us."