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Sanjay Upadhya is an author, journalist and analyst. ApEx talked to him regarding the recent GenZ movement in Nepal. In this interview, he talked about the new political course after the protest, foreign policy priorities and geopolitical factors. Excerpts:

How do you view the GenZ protests and their aftermath?

The protests held on Sept 8–9 marked a significant awakening among a new generation of Nepalis eager for change, driven by frustration with corruption, misgovernance, and stifling politics. Despite the tragic violence that overshadowed the event, the resilient spirit of the movement remains evident. Subsequently, there has been a noticeable lack of clear leadership within GenZ, leading to some division. Various groups are articulating diverse demands and ideas, thereby confounding the average Nepali. If Nepal’s youth succeed in bridging these divisions and presenting a unified platform, the movement has the potential to evolve into a stable political force rather than a transient social phenomenon. Whether through electoral participation or sustained civic pressure on traditional parties, this generation bears the responsibility of redefining Nepal’s political discourse, shifting from mere power preservation to principles of accountability, inclusion, and innovation.

Do you see any geopolitical factors behind the GenZ protests?

The primary causes of the protests were deeply entrenched in local concerns and had been increasingly intensifying over time. Geopolitical considerations also contributed, reflecting the priorities and aspirations of various external groups active within Nepal. Certain factions emphasized the importance of Nepal avoiding the adoption of authoritarian tendencies and practices influenced by foreign powers and their financial and developmental assistance. Others sought to defend their traditional spheres of influence within the nation. Additionally, some parties aimed to prevent instability in Nepal from impacting their own borders and sensitive regions. Although tell-tale signs abound, the full extent of external involvement in these protests may remain forever uncertain.

What are your thoughts on the foreign policy priorities of the new government?

Given the interim nature of the current administration, its foreign policy must remain rooted in continuity rather than experimentation. So far, it has acted prudently by reaffirming Nepal’s traditional diplomatic principles such as non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, and sovereign independence. With a government primarily focused on maintaining law and order, restoring public trust, and creating a conducive environment for elections, these priorities are sufficiently broad to occupy its efforts and resources. In this context, implementing any drastic measures would not be practical or prudent.

How might major powers such as India, China, and the United States view the recent political developments in Nepal?

Each of these major powers is likely to interpret recent political developments through the lens of its aspirations for Nepal. India anticipates observing Nepal confidently advancing along a pathway toward a stronger parliamentary democracy that can safeguard New Delhi’s primary political, diplomatic, and security interests. The United States seeks assurance that Nepal remains committed to democratic values, human rights, and transparent governance, while resisting undue external influence. 

In an era of intensifying competition between democratic and authoritarian models of governance, Nepal’s ability to maintain its independence and pluralism carries symbolic importance beyond South Asia. China’s emphasis is on maintaining Nepal’s stability and security. Beijing supports Nepal’s efforts to adhere to commitments such as the One China policy and hopes that Nepal can maintain its independence and remain free from unnecessary external pressures. Beijing’s broader strategic vision views a stable Nepal as essential for regional security and as a buffer against external interference in Tibet.

What approach should Nepal take to maintain balanced and cordial relations with all major powers in this evolving context?

The interim government must prioritize its fundamental obligation to ensure that elections are conducted on 5 March 2026. Subsequently, upon assuming office, the new administration may concentrate on overseeing Nepal’s foreign policy, guided by principles such as non-alignment, sovereign equality and mutual respect. Traditionally, these tenets have allowed Nepal to maintain cordial relations with all major powers without becoming overly dependent on any single one. Overall, Nepal should exercise caution to prevent actions or statements that could disrupt the nation’s fragile geopolitical stability amid the swiftly evolving global landscape.

Beijing has said it will loosen a chip export ban it imposed after Dutch authorities took over Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker based in the Netherlands, BBC reported.

In September, the Netherlands invoked a Cold War-era law to take control of Nexperia, stating "serious governance shortcomings" which could impact the availability of chips - which are critical for making cars - in an emergency.

China said in response that it would not re-export Nexperia chips completed in its Chinese factories to Europe. Last month, the likes of Volvo Cars and Volkswagen warned it could lead to temporary shutdowns at their plants, according to BBC.

The Central Working Committee meeting of the Nepali Congress scheduled for today has been postponed. 

The next meeting will be held on November 4, said NC Party Office Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel.

The party has requested its office bearers, members, invitee members and presidents of all seven provinces to attend the meeting. 

The meeting was put off after the establishment side and factional side could not forge consensus regarding presenting a proposal to announce the date of the party's 15th general convention.  

Earlier, the meeting called for Friday was also deferred.

Former President Barack Obama touted Democratic candidates for governor in two states at campaign rallies on Saturday, urging voters in next week's election to reject what he called the “lawlessness and recklessness” of President Donald Trump's administration, Reuters reported.

Obama, the two-term president still highly popular among Democrats, laid out a biting indictment of the Trump administration at rallies for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and New Jersey candidate Mikie Sherrill.

“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama told a roaring crowd of Spanberger supporters at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, according to Reuters.

Fighters riding camels rounded up a couple of hundred men near the Sudanese city of al-Fashir at the weekend and brought them to a reservoir, shouting racial slurs before starting to shoot, according to a man who said he was among them, Reuters reported.

One of the captors recognized him from his school days and let him flee, the man, Alkheir Ismail, said in a video interview conducted by a local journalist in the nearby town of Tawila in the country's western Darfur region.

"He told them, 'Don't kill him,'" Ismail said. "Even after they killed everyone else – my friends and everyone else."

Vehicular movement along the BP Highway that had come to a standstill for the past three days due to landslides and floods has resumed from this morning.

The highway was blocked due to landslides  at different places on the Chaukidanda-Nepalthok section towards Kavrepalanchowk.. 

The traffic along the road section has come into operation after removing landslide debris as well as constructing a road diversion, said Senior Divisional Engineer at the Division Road Office, Bhaktapur,  Suman Yogesh. 

A 50-meter diversion was constructed at Roshi Rural Municipality-8 in Kavre to bring the vehicular movement into operation. 

Problems had surfaced to construct diversion and remove landslide debris due to dry landslide, he added. 

The landslides occurred at different places along BP highway following incessant rainfall from October 30 had completely obstructed Chaukidanda-Nepalthok section. 

A Spanish national has been rescued from the Makalu Base Camp at Makalu Rural Municipality by a helicopter this morning. 

The Spanish climber Jesus Martinez Novas, who was stranded at Makalu-2 due to adverse weather and snowfall, was rescued from 5,700 meters height today after six days, said Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha.

Novas has been taken towards Khumbug Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4 in Solukhumbhu district. Around 70 foreign tourists and 60 domestic tourists were trapped at Makalu Base Camp. .

Jannik Sinner continued his quest to reclaim the world number one ranking with a ruthless 6-0 6-1 win over German third seed Alexander Zverev on Saturday, advancing to the Paris Masters final where he will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, Reuters reported.

Sinner's path to the top of the ATP rankings was opened up after six-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat to unseeded Briton Cameron Norrie in the round of 32 on Tuesday.

A victory for the 24-year-old Italian in Sunday's showdown would see him leapfrog the Spaniard. The battle for the year-end world number one ranking will ultimately be determined at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin from November 9, according to Reuters.