Nepal Protests Against Social Media Ban
On September 8, 2025, Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, was the site of violent protests as thousands of young people, often referred to as “Gen Z,” took to the streets. The demonstrations were triggered by the government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, for failing to register in the country. Protesters viewed the ban as a severe restriction on their freedom of expression and a tactic to curb dissent. Clashes with police resulted in casualties, with at least one death and dozens of injuries reported. The government had imposed a curfew in key areas, including the parliament building, in an attempt to control the escalating situation. While the immediate cause was the ban, many protesters also voiced broader frustrations over government corruption and a lack of economic opportunity.
Reference: The Indian Express, “Nepal police fires tear gas, rubber bullets at social media ban protests,” September 8, 2025.
Ukraine’s New FP-5 “Flamingo” Missile
Ukraine has unveiled a new, indigenously developed long-range cruise missile named the FP-5 “Flamingo.” The missile, which has a range of up to 3,000 kilometers and can carry a 1,150-kilogram warhead, is intended for strategic strikes deep into enemy territory. Developed by the defense firm Fire Point, the weapon is a significant advancement in Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. The name “Flamingo” reportedly originated from an initial factory error that caused early prototypes to be painted pink. The missile is designed for mass production, with the company aiming to build a high number of units per month to overwhelm enemy air defenses. Its introduction marks Ukraine’s ambition to become less reliant on Western-supplied missile systems.
Reference: Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), “Flight of the Flamingo Spells Trouble for Russia,” September 8, 2025.
Adani Power and Bhutan’s Wangchu Hydroelectric Project
Adani Power has entered into a strategic partnership with Bhutan’s state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) to develop the 570 MW Wangchu Hydroelectric Project. The project, with an estimated investment of ₹6,000 crore, is a significant step in the energy collaboration between India and Bhutan. It will operate on a Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) model, with Adani Power holding a 49% stake and DGPC retaining 51%. Located on the Wangchu River, the project aims to meet Bhutan’s peak winter electricity demand while exporting surplus power to India during the summer months. This initiative is the first under a larger MoU to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower in Bhutan.
Reference: HDFC Sky, “Adani Power Surges 4.34% After Signing ₹60 Billion Hydropower Pact with Bhutan’s DGPC,” September 8, 2025.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Resigns
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on September 8, 2025, after a brief tenure of less than a year. The decision followed a series of crushing election defeats for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which resulted in the ruling coalition losing its parliamentary majorities in both houses. The losses marked the first time in over 70 years that the LDP did not hold a majority. Facing intense pressure and mounting calls for his resignation from within his own party, Ishiba decided to step down to prevent a further split. His time in office was also marked by public discontent over a cost-of-living crisis and inflation.
Reference: The Times of India, “Decided to resign’: Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba steps down; hopes to avoid LDP split,” September 8, 2025.
Hamas Attack Kills Israeli Soldiers
The Israeli military confirmed that four Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hamas attack on the outskirts of Gaza City on September 8, 2025. According to reports, three Hamas militants approached a tank stationed in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, opened fire, and threw an explosive device into its hatch, killing all the soldiers inside. The IDF identified the four fallen soldiers, with three serving in the 401st Armored Brigade. The attack occurred as Israeli forces were preparing for an intensified ground offensive into Gaza City, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a public warning for residents to evacuate.
Reference: The Times of Israel, “Four soldiers killed in Hamas attack on army camp near Gaza City, IDF says,” September 8, 2025.
