Opposition Lok Sabha leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday lashed out at the foreign policy of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, claiming it was “exploitation of damaged individuals” in the backdrop of the US’s recent exemption to India allowing New Delhi to buy Russian oil.“Rahul criticized X while retweeting a video shared by the Congress of him addressing the issue of India’s trade sovereignty in the Lok Sabha, writing: “India’s foreign policy stems from the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, our geography and our ethos based on non-violence and non-violence. What we are seeing today is not a policy. It is the result of the exploitation of compromised individuals.”In the video shared by the Congress, Rahul can be heard blaming Prime Minister Modi and calling him “compromising”. “The United States will tell us who we can or cannot buy oil from – Russia or Iran, the United States will decide. But our prime minister will not decide,” he said.Earlier in the day, Congress took aim at the Center after the US announced it would allow India to continue buying Russian oil, questioning how long this “American blackmail” would last.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote in a post onEarlier, the United States issued a temporary exemption to allow India to continue buying Russian oil, saying the move was aimed at stabilizing global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said: “President Trump’s energy agenda has resulted in oil and natural gas production reaching record levels. To allow oil to continue flowing into global markets, the Treasury Department will issue a 30-day temporary exemption allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.”He added that Washington expects India to increase energy imports from the United States in the future. “India is an important partner of the United States and we fully expect New Delhi to increase its purchases of U.S. oil,” Bessant wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “reduce the pressure caused by Iran’s attempts to hijack global energy.”The exemption comes as India faces potential risks of energy supply disruptions due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint military strike against Iran, killing Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, and the situation further deteriorated thereafter.Nearly 40% of India’s oil imports come from the region, with a large portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.Russia, meanwhile, said it was ready to divert crude oil shipments to India to offset potential supply disruptions caused by the conflict. According to Reuters, nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently located near Indian waters and may arrive in the country within weeks.Possible changes in supply following Iranian attacks on ships in the region have raised concerns that the Strait of Hormuz could be partially closed – a development that could affect around 40% of India’s crude imports.
Dubai Mall visitors shocked as UAE president appears for public iftar amid regional tensions World News
The Iran-Iraq War has caused continued tension in the Middle East, and residents’ lives and safety are always in anxiety.In this context, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Saeed Al Nahyan assured the public of his safety by breaking his fast at a public mall in the city. According to Khaleej Times, the UAE President appeared at the Dubai Mall and was seen mingling with tourists, stopping to chat and even spontaneously and warmly sharing coffee with tourists who were surprised by his presence.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, also made a public appearance on Tuesday, ending his fast at Al Majlis in Madinat Jumeirah and sitting with the public.
Social affirmation in times of crisis
Dr Jais Adam Troian, assistant professor of psychology at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, said such public appearances were a powerful intervention in situations defined as “social dilemmas”.According to research, leaders act as “belief managers” in such situations, influencing public responses to panic buying or collective anxiety.When leaders appear calm and focused, they influence public beliefs and reduce fear-driven behavior.“By appearing in public spaces such as shopping malls, UAE leaders send a signal of stability, enhance trust and dispel panic. Their calm demeanor helps shift the public’s attention from individual fear to collective resilience, thereby reducing anti-social behavior such as hoarding or hoarding.”Additionally, people may use these strategic tools to shape their behavior to help maintain order and morale.
Emotional Barometer for Sensitive People
Other experts have also stressed the importance of such action. Aseel A. Takshe, acting dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology at the Canadian University in Dubai, added that in situations of uncertainty, people often look to leaders as a “barometer” of emotions.He added: “For many people, especially families and children, seeing leaders in familiar spaces such as shopping malls or subways makes the abstract concept of ‘national stability’ feel personal, local and close to home.” Such appearances silently convey to residents that life can go on as normal.The United Arab Emirates reported three deaths in the war between Iran, the United States and Israel. Videos of numerous missiles being intercepted in the air and debris falling across the region have caused huge concern and anxiety among residents for their safety and livelihoods.Additionally, the closure of airspace has left many foreigners stranded in the area wondering when they will be able to return home, adding to the pressure.Sebastien Bedu, general manager of International SOS Middle East, explained: “At a time when many residents are seeking comfort, seeing the country’s leaders walking in public, interacting enthusiastically with families and dining in crowded shopping malls sends a powerful message that daily life in the UAE remains stable and safe.”
‘Again’: Samson expects another major blow in India-New Zealand summit clash
New Delhi: Sanzhou Samson He believes one more innings can complete a remarkable personal transformation after his explosive knock helped India reach the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final with a thrilling victory over England in Mumbai.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Samson hit a stunning 89 off 42 balls with 8 fours and 7 sixes to lead India to a resounding victory of 253/7 at the Wankhede Stadium. England struggled on the back of a stunning 105 off 48 balls from Jacob Bethell but fell seven runs behind to send India into their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.
For Samson, the innings was another step in the redemption arc that would determine India’s performance in the knockout stages. The Kerala batsman, who earlier scored an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in Kolkata, won two consecutive matches after enduring a long period of uncertainty in his career.After the semi-final, Samson admitted the journey had been emotionally demanding.“It feels really good, really relaxing. I’ve been trying to do something like this for my country for a few years,” he said. “It takes a lot of patience, a lot of inner work, training and practice. But we have one more step to go.”
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Do you believe Sanju Samson can perform well in the upcoming finals?
Samson hinted that this last step could finally lift a huge burden off his shoulders.“It should be good to have one more game…one more game and then I’ll feel relaxed,” he added.Samson admitted he worked too hard at home during a tough phase of the New Zealand series.“In this format, even the best players get into trouble sometimes. I have to respect the game and get back to my basics,” he explained.He even chose to stay away from social media in order to refocus.“I closed all the windows, turned off my phone and stayed away from social media. Less noise helped me focus in the right direction,” Samson said.The 31-year-old also highlighted India’s aggressive philosophy as they rank first in the tournament.“On the power play itself, the play can be made or broken. Once you get a few balls in your hands, you try to attack. If it’s your day, you hit it long. If it’s not, you back up somebody else.”Now, with India set to take on New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Samson knows the work is not done yet.
Five faces vying for Bihar chief minister’s seat
Nityanand Rai: The MoS alliance, trusted by Amit Shah and can play an important role in weakening RJD votes among the Yadav community. Former state BJP president with ABVP background. But many in the BJP feel that elevating him to the top post in Bihar could anger other OBC and EBC communities.Sanjay Jaiswal: Member of Parliament from Champaran West since 2009 and former Bihar state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He is considered a moderate but tough politician when it comes to confronting the opposition. Belons to Vaishya community. He is considered to be close to the top brass of the BJP and fits the caste chemistry of the party.Dilip Jaiswal: Bihar minister who led the state’s BJP when the NDA won 202 seats in the November assembly elections. He belonged to the Vaishya (Kalwar) community and was believed to be close to the Shah. Hailing from Kishanganj, he is a moderate and well-organized politician.Janak Ram: 53-year-old Dalit representative of the BJP in Bihar. He served as Mines Minister and SC and ST Welfare Minister. Janak, a former Gopalganj MP and DRC member, is considered an organizer. He belongs to the Ravidas community and keeps a low profile. He started his political career at the grassroots level of the PPP.
‘Who gave you the authority to drag our region into war?’: Dubai billionaire slams Donald Trump
Dubai billionaire Businessman Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor has slammed US President Donald Trump over the risks of war. He questioned the basis on which U.S. leaders made this “dangerous decision.” His post comes after Iran attacked U.S. bases in the United Arab Emirates in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli attacks on Tehran.
“His Excellency the President Donald Trump. A direct question: Who gave you the authority to drag our region into a war with #Iran? So on what grounds did you make this dangerous decision? ” On March 5, Al Habtoor shared a translated tweet.
Also read: MeIndian-origin CEO stranded in Dubai slams US evacuation response: ‘I feel demoralized and abandoned’
He continued: “Have you calculated the collateral damage before pulling the trigger? Have you considered that the first to be harmed by the escalation of the situation will be the regional countries themselves!”
He lashed out at the leader, writing: “You put the countries of the #GulfCooperationCouncil and the Arab states at the center of a danger they have no choice in. Praise God, we are strong and able to defend ourselves, we have armies and fortifications to protect our homes, but the question remains: who allowed you to turn our areas into battlefields?“
“Because before the ink is dry on the #BoardOfPeace initiative you announced in the name of peace and stability, we find ourselves facing a military escalation that puts the entire region at risk. So where have these initiatives gone? What about the fate of promises made in the name of peace? ” continued the billionaire.
War also puts the American people at risk, he said. “Even more dangerous, your decisions threaten not only the people of the region, but also the American people to whom you promised peace and prosperity.“
In what follows, he questions Trump’s orders involving outside military intervention and airstrikes.
“True leadership is measured not by decisions to go to war, but by wisdom, respect for others and the drive to achieve peace. If these initiatives were initiated in the name of peace, then we have the right today to demand full transparency and clear accountability.”
Who is Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor?
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor is a businessman and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group and Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance Company. He also served as chairman of the Dubai Commercial Bank, deputy chairman of the board of directors of the Jalila Foundation and a member of the Federal National Assembly of the United Arab Emirates, Arab News reported.
In a separate incident, Marine Corps veteran and Green Party candidate for North Carolina Senate Brian McGinnis was forcibly removed from a Senate hearing on Wednesday over anti-war protests.
Also read: Iran warns it will set fire to any ship trying to pass through Strait of Hormuz
McInnis later posted on social media that the incident left him with a broken arm. “For the record, I’ve been running long before this, and yes, even after breaking my arm for what I believed in. It only made me more determined. The anger is real, and so is the determination. Take care.”
NASA confirms: After new orbit calculations, asteroid 2024 YR4 will not hit the moon in 2032 |
Asteroids frequently pass by Earth’s cosmic neighborhood, and most of them never come to public attention. Every now and then, however, a newly discovered space rock piques the curiosity of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. This is the case for asteroid 2024 YR4, an object first discovered in late 2024. Early calculations suggest it could come unusually close to the moon in 2032. For a short time, astronomers even considered the possibility of an impact. The odds were never particularly high, but the idea of a lunar collision was enough to generate headlines and speculation. Now the situation becomes clearer. Scientists say that the asteroid will not hit the moon after all, and the latest observations show that the possibility of an impact has dropped to zero.
NASA Ruling out the possibility of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting the moon in 2032
The asteroid, called 2024 YR4, is estimated to be about 200 feet (about 60 meters) in diameter. Such a size would allow it to attract the attention of astronomers, but it is still far from the largest object to pass through the solar system. When it was first discovered through sky observations in 2024, its exact orbit was not fully understood. Early orbit models suggest the asteroid may pass extremely close to the moon in December 2032.Preliminary estimates suggest the probability of a collision is about 4.3%. For planetary scientists, this number is small, but still worthy of careful monitoring. As time passes, researchers continue to observe the asteroid in the hope that more data will shed light on its future path.
James Webb Space Telescope observations refine asteroid 2024 YR4’s orbit
This year, a major breakthrough was made in observing the asteroid with the powerful James Webb Space Telescope. Located outside Earth’s atmosphere, this telescope is capable of providing very precise data on the locations of distant objects. In February, scientists used the data to update their calculations of the asteroid’s path.The new data gives experts a new perspective on the asteroid’s path. After analyzing the new data, NASA experts concluded that the asteroid’s path was farther from the moon than originally expected.With the help of the new data, NASA experts calculated that the asteroid will pass within 13,200 miles (or 21,200 kilometers) of the moon.
Scientists confirm asteroid 2024 YR4 poses no threat to Earth
When asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered, some early predictions briefly suggested that it might also come close to Earth. Astronomers who specialize in tracking near-Earth objects were quick to investigate these possibilities.Further analysis quickly ruled out any possibility of an asteroid hitting Earth within the next century. As more observations come in, the Moon remains the only celestial body that may be at risk. Scientists stress that such situations are quite common. When asteroids are newly discovered, researchers often have limited observations. Over time, additional measurements can improve the accuracy of predicted orbits. In many cases, early uncertainties fade away as objects are tracked more accurately.
Why astronomers monitor asteroids so closely
Space agencies around the world regularly track objects passing near Earth. These objects are called near-Earth objects and include asteroids and comets. Most of them follow stable paths and pose no threat to our planet or moon.Knowing the exact orbit of each object helps scientists identify any potential hazards decades in advance. Early detection can provide valuable time if an object is discovered on a collision course with Earth. The Planetary Defense Program exists for this very reason, and researchers continue to improve detection systems and monitoring techniques.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 will safely pass by the moon in 2032
Currently, the moon appears to be completely safe from asteroid 2024 YR4. The latest predictions suggest the space rock will fly by quietly in December 2032 without getting dangerously close.The Moon has experienced countless impacts throughout its long history, and its pitted surface still records those ancient collisions. Even so, high-impact events are relatively rare in this day and age.
‘Kab tak chalega blackmail?’: Congress slams US waiver for allowing India to buy Russian oil during Iran war
New Delhi: After the US announced it would allow India to buy Russian oil, Congress on Friday pointed the finger at the Center, asking how long this “American blackmail” will continue.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post onCongress leader Manish Tewari also criticized the government and said, “Issuing a 30-day exemption – sanctimonious and condescending language full of neo-imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that needs US permission to ensure our energy security needs?”He added, “The silence of an overly talkative government is deafening. Doesn’t it understand what sovereignty means?”The move comes after the United States issued a temporary exemption allowing India to continue buying Russian oil, a move Washington said was aimed at stabilizing global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said, “President Trump’s energy agenda has resulted in oil and natural gas production reaching record levels. To allow oil to continue flowing into global markets, the Treasury Department will issue a 30-day temporary exemption to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.”He added that the United States expects India to increase energy imports from the United States in the future.“India is an important partner of the United States and we fully expect New Delhi to increase its purchases of U.S. oil,” Bessant wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “reduce the pressure caused by Iran’s attempts to hijack global energy.”The exemption comes at a time when India faces potential risks of energy supply disruptions in the Middle East. Tensions in West Asia escalated after the United States and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iranian territory on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.Nearly 40% of India’s oil imports come from the region, with a large portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.Russia has said it is ready to divert crude oil shipments to India to offset supply disruptions caused by the conflict. According to Reuters, nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently located near Indian waters and may arrive in the country within weeks.The potential supply diversion after Iran attacked ships in the region has raised concerns about a possible partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which would affect about 40% of India’s crude imports.
Sanju Samson regains bragging rights over nemesis Jofra Archer
Mumbai: Harry Brooke He stood with his hands on his knees and tried to laugh it off. Jofra Archer As he walked toward his goal, he looked back in frustration Sanzhou Samson He breathed a sigh of relief as he alerted.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!It was a crucial moment of the match, with the second ball of the third over being bowled by Archer, the right-arm pacer Samson missed a chance to hit it straight to Brooke at mid-off. However, the England captain ended up overturning a car. Samson was then on 15 off 7 and followed up with 74 off 35 in a stunning attack on the England bowlers.
England had a chance to tighten their control of the game by reducing India to 24/2. Instead, they ruined everything when the Kerala cricketers went on a rampage to score an entertaining 42-ball 89 off eight fours and seven sixes to help India win at 253/7. Samson’s knock is the joint-third-highest score in a T20 World Cup match, with Virat KohliAn unbeaten 89 against West Indies at the same venue in 2016.Also read: Harry Brooke says giving up on Sanju Samson was a big mistake I madeWith every boundary Samson passed, Brooke became more and more worried. As Samson slices, pulls and drives away everything thrown at him, Brook will feel like Hershel Gibbs, who dropped Steve Waugh during the 1999 World Cup.Everyone is looking forward to the Archer-Samson showdown, especially in the T20I series early last year, which the Englishman dominated in India’s opener. Samson struggled against Archer’s pace and short delivery, scoring just 25 runs from the 23 balls he faced and was dismissed three times.
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How would you rate Sanju Samson’s batting performance against England?
To add insult to injury, in the last T20I of the series, Samson’s right index finger was blown off by an Archers rocket, which kept him out for a month.Samson defended Archer on Thursday but unlike the 2025 T20I series where his confidence dropped with each low-scoring over, he made a match-winning 97 against West Indies to reach the semi-finals. He smacked Archer’s wicket to mid-off and then smacked a misdirected short ball over deep fine leg for a six.In the third over, the 31-year-old’s heart was in his throat as he watched his ball sail straight towards Brooke, but he quickly regrouped his thoughts when he saw the ball being spooned, and two balls later, had his nemesis on the horns for six.Archer returned in the 13th over but Samson hit two of the three balls he faced for boundaries. Samson faced Archer in total for 14 balls and took 38 runs from him.
‘Trump jealousy, money laundering’: 5 explosive claims from Epstein’s latest documents release
The Justice Department on Thursday released three parts of an FBI interview with a woman who accuses President Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. The victim said Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to the 79-year-old. She claimed she bit Trump’s penis when he forced her to perform oral sex and he hit her. The latest release comes after Democrats accused the Justice Department of withholding materials that include allegations against the president.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing. White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt called the accusations “completely baseless accusations, unsupported by credible evidence and coming from a disturbed woman with an extensive criminal history.”
“These allegations are completely baseless, which is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Biden’s Department of Justice has known about these allegations for four years and yet took no action against them because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong. As we have said countless times, President Trump is completely exonerated by the release of the Epstein dossier,” she said.
The FBI report noted that the document records statements made during interviews and does not represent conclusions verified by investigators. Many of the accusations remain those made by witnesses in the broader Epstein investigation.
The file, a FBI FD-302 The report, dated Aug. 7, 2019, details testimony from a woman who described repeated abuse as a teenager and interactions she claims occurred within Epstein’s circle.
Here are five of the most compelling claims outlined in the interview
Alleged encounters involving Donald Trump
Witnesses told investigators that Epstein took her to New York or New Jersey when she was 13 to 15 years old, where she was introduced to Donald Trump in what she described as a building with “giant rooms.”
Trump reportedly asked others in the room to leave before the alleged sexual encounter took place. Witnesses claimed she resisted and bit him before someone else re-entered the room. She also claimed she had two other interactions with Trump but declined to discuss them further during that interview.
“Get this little bitch out of here,” the woman recalled Trump saying.
Claims Trump and Epstein discussed blackmail
The woman claimed she overheard a conversation between Epstein and Trump about extortion. The convicted sex trafficker spoke openly about blackmailing others in her presence, according to testimony.
She also claimed Trump talked about “laundering money through casinos” and claimed Epstein’s extortion behavior was well known in his circle.
Jealousy accusations between Trump and Epstein
In interviews, the witness said she sensed tension between the two. She claimed Trump at times appeared jealous of Epstein, although she believed they later lived together as equals in the same social circles.
She also said the pair allegedly used phrases such as “fresh meat,” “untainted” and “not tired” when referring to the girls, according to testimony recorded in the report.
Blackmail claims involving explicit photos
Witnesses said Epstein took Polaroid photos of her during a sexual encounter and later used the explicit photos to blackmail her mother.
According to her, Epstein and an associate known as “Jim Atkins” allegedly threatened to expose the photos, which she said forced her mother to divert funds from her real estate business to try to buy the photos back. Witnesses claim her mother was later jailed for financial crimes.
Allegations about Epstein’s network and abuse
The woman told investigators that she had sexual encounters with Epstein between six and 20 times, and claimed that other wealthy men were sometimes present.
She claimed Epstein often provided alcohol, marijuana and cocaine during these interactions and said she was sometimes tasked with recruiting other young girls to attend parties. Witnesses also described physical abuse by unidentified men and claimed Epstein recorded the encounter with photos.
Balen Shah: Engineer, rapper, mayor, disruptor—Nepal’s next prime minister at 35?
Balendra Shah (AP Photo)
His songs inspired a generation of protest. Now it’s the former mayor of kathmandu Taking on former PM Oli and asking voters to imagine him running the countryKATHMANDU: Everyone wants to take a photo with Balendra Shah.On Sunday, in Jhapa district, a procession snaked along a dusty courtyard in the eastern plains as Nepal prepares for elections on March 5. A volunteer kept the line moving, giving each supporter less than 10 seconds to shake hands, smile, and take photos. “I have a fever, so I came to see Barron.” said a seven-year-old girl. A middle-aged woman admits she left a cardiac exam midway through. “Just to take a picture.”
Barron stood in the center of the crowd – wearing a dark blazer, a trim beard and rectangular black sunglasses. This look became so closely associated with him that stores in Kathmandu once sold out of his favorite frames, and online retailers still sell them under the name “Balen Shah Eyewear.” When the man, known simply as Barron, takes the campaign stage, he is often reflected in the crowd, wearing a black shirt and dark sunglasses. He took off his sunglasses only briefly. “Look at me,” he said. “I love you.” Barun, who turns 36 next month, is contesting the assembly elections from Jhapa-5 KP Sharma OilThe 74-year-old four-term prime minister resigned five months ago after youth-led protests left 77 people dead. Jhapa-5 is located about 300 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, close to Nepal’s open border with India; Siliguri in West Bengal lies across the border and is an important commercial gateway in the region. Oli leads the Nepal Communist Party-United Marxist-Leninist Party, whose network remains deeply rooted in this eastern constituency. Barun is campaigning under the banner of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which is less than four years old. The race is against a first-time national candidate who is one of Nepal’s most enduring politicians and one who rarely favors outsiders.Barun was born in Kathmandu, the youngest of four siblings. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, a government Ayurveda practitioner who died in December, described him as “intelligent and simple”, a child who wrote poetry, a habit that continued. Barron studied civil engineering in Kathmandu and later completed graduate work in structural engineering in India. His early life suggested discipline rather than destruction.In 2013, he entered Raw Barz, the most high-profile rap scene in Nepal, and won. His lyrics are poignant and unforgiving, targeting corruption, political stagnation and the succession of power by one man. “He’s not just a rapper, he’s a poet,” one organizer said. “He spoke of the downtrodden.”His songs transcend the underworld. In September last year, on a Discord forum where young protesters discussed who should lead the country after Oli’s resignation, Barron’s name came up more than 16,000 times, making him the most frequently mentioned figure in conversations about interim leadership. Many Gen Z activists see him as their preferred successor. However, he turned down the role and publicly supported former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki. Barron has built his following primarily online, amassing millions of followers across various platforms.“He spoke to our frustrations,” said Srijan Karki, a 23-year-old software developer. “Other leaders gave long speeches. He made direct statements. Even when he’s angry, it feels genuine. “In 2022, Barron ran as an independent and won the mayoralty of Kathmandu, defeating the established party’s nominee by 61,767 votes. He governed in an open and confrontational manner. Bulldozers bulldozed illegal structures and garbage collection in Sinhaduba, where the prime minister’s office is located, was temporarily halted in protest at what he said was inaction by the central government.Protests swept Nepal in September 2025, and anger spilled onto the streets as demonstrators clashed with security forces after the Oli government cracked down. In November, Barron, still serving as mayor of Kathmandu, expressed this anger in a midnight Facebook post: “F*** America, F*** India, F*** China, F***UML, F*** Congress, F***RSP, F***RPP, F*** Maubadi. Together you can’t do anything.” Two months later, he resigned as mayor and joined the RSP. Barron has occasional contact with the media. He rejected Oli’s call for a public debate, instead holding the former prime minister accountable for the civilians killed during the protests. Instead, he relies on social media for outreach. He has built an unparalleled online audience across platforms in Nepal – 3.5 million followers on Facebook, 1 million followers each on Instagram and YouTube, and 400,000 followers on X. The protests in September 2025 changed the political atmosphere in Nepal. Oli resigned as young Nepalis took to the streets over unemployment, corruption and impunity. Barron did not officially lead the demonstrations, but he identified with their tone.Aayal Sah, 23, a first-time voter from Janakpur, made a point of attending his speech after he joined the RSP. “I can’t directly vote for Barron because he’s not running in our district,” Sacher said. “But I will definitely vote for his party.”In the town of Damak in Japa, Bipana Oli, 25, a migrant worker who returned from Kuwait to vote, tied her future to the outcome. “How long I can work in Kuwait will depend on Barron’s victory,” she said. “And the jobs he created.”