Balen Shah, who rose from an underdog in the 2021 Kathmandu mayoral race to a prominent leader, is now a significant figure in Nepal's national politics, with his influence being dubbed the 'Balen Shah Effect' ahead of the 2026 General Election.

BJP staged nationwide protests after Indian Youth Congress workers disrupted the India AI Impact Summit, displaying slogans against PM Modi. Four IYC leaders were arrested. BJP workers also showed black flags to Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai, accusing the Congress of an 'anti-national' act and demanding an apology for the 'shameful' summit disruption.