Introduction Nepal, a country known for its serene Himalayan landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage, is now witnessing a very different kind of energy—one that is being led not by climbers scaling Everest, but by young people taking to the streets, raising their voices for change. In recent months, Nepal’s Generation Z —the youngest segment of its population, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—has sparked a wave of protests that have quickly turned into one of the country’s most important social movements in years. These demonstrations are not just about short-term grievances; they reflect a generational frustration that has been building up over time. With rising unemployment, widespread corruption, political instability, and a climate crisis that hits Nepal harder each year, young Nepalis are no longer content with waiting for leaders to fix things. Instead, they are demanding systemic change, transparency, and opportunities for the future . The protests...
1. Introduction The Karnataka government, under the leadership of the Congress party in 2023, launched a series of five major guarantee schemes aimed at providing direct relief to households, women, unemployed youth, and vulnerable groups. These schemes were positioned as the flagship welfare model of the state, with the promise of reducing economic hardship and promoting inclusive development. The five guarantees – Gruha Jyothi, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi – have since become the cornerstone of Karnataka’s social welfare architecture. While they have brought relief to millions, their financial sustainability has come under intense scrutiny. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India , in its audits of state finances, has flagged serious concerns regarding the fiscal implications, implementation gaps, and risks of leakages in these schemes. This report provides an in-depth examination of the CAG’s observations, the financial strain, and the broader s...