NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The appointment of an interim prime minister in Nepal has followed an extraordinary week of violence. More than 70 people died after anti-corruption protests led to police clashes and government buildings being set aflame. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Alex Travelli, a South Asia business correspondent for The New York Times, about the situation in Kathmandu.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who are some of the people leading the protests, and what is notable about them as a group?
- What were some of the conditions in Nepal that led to widespread protests?
- Why did the Nepali government ban social media?
- How have economic conditions contributed to the protest?
- Where is Nepal, and what powerful countries are on its borders?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Do you think the conditions in Nepal that led to protest and attacks on the government are common in other countries as well?
- Why do you think this particular protest was led by young people?
Media literacy: Why do you think this segment didn't include any voices from Nepal, such as protesters, to explain what was happening in the country?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
To better understand why the government of Nepal tried to shut down access to social media and why that led to violent protests, read the article: "Nepal blocks Facebook, X, YouTube and others for failing to register with the government"
After reading, discuss as a class:
- What reason did government spokespeople give for cutting access to some social media?
- Do you think any government has the right to limit what platforms residents have access to?
September 4, 2025, Kathmandu, Nepal: A woman checks posts in facebook on her phone in Kathmandu, Nepal on September 4, 2025. The Nepal government has imposed a ban on Facebook and other major social media platforms that failed to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline. (Credit Image: © Sunil Sharma/ZUMA Press Wire)
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