The day of Nepal's prison breaks and interim leader emergence

Indian media continued its intensive focus on Nepal's deepening crisis. The morning saw reports of the Army strengthening control and Gen Z protests evolving into demands for constitutional reform and investigations into corruption. By mid-morning, prison riots led to over a thousand inmates escaping, while Kathmandu's airport, initially closed, resumed operations. China issued its first statement on the "coup," notably silent on former PM Oli. In the afternoon, the situation escalated with a mass prison break of 13,500 inmates and the death toll reaching 30. Oli blamed India for his ouster, a claim juxtaposed with India's Supreme Court asserting its constitution's strength. Discussions centered on former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as a leading candidate for interim prime minister, with Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah's endorsement. Concurrently, India asserted diplomatic agency, condemning Israeli strikes in Qatar and engaging in sharp exchanges at the UNHRC.