Everest fever, politics in flux: Nepal’s battles over climbs, permits, and a new young PM reshape the world’s tallest stage. Balen Shah: 35, first Madhesi PM.
As of March 22, 2026, Vietnam concluded its five-yearly parliamentary election with the Communist Party maintaining dominance and results expected by March 23. Thailand's Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, secured a parliamentary majority amid a court challenge over ballot secrecy. Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by Balendra Shah, won a historic majority, positioning him as the likely youngest prime minister.
Rising oil prices due to the US-Israeli conflict on Iran have triggered a global fuel crisis. Countries like South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and others are implementing emergency measures, including subsidies, fuel rationing, and seeking alternative supplies, to manage shortages and economic impacts.
Nepal appointed rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah as prime minister after his party's landslide victory in March elections. Shah, 35, leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which secured a majority amid public frustration over corruption and instability. His rise marks a shift toward youth-led politics.
Nepal has detained former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak following investigations into last year's protests that resulted in 76 deaths. The arrests are part of efforts to address violence during the anti-corruption demonstrations, with authorities citing negligence and failure to prevent the crackdown.
Uchral Nyam-Osor was appointed Mongolia's new prime minister following the resignation of Zandanshatar Gombojav. The change follows weeks of political turmoil, opposition boycotts, and corruption allegations, raising concerns over government stability and foreign investment. Uchral aims to unify the government and stabilize the economy.
The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 has confirmed artists from at least 10 Asian countries, with more expected before the final in November. The event, hosted in Bangkok, aims to showcase regional culture and talent, marking a new chapter for the contest's 70th anniversary. The main Eurovision contest remains scheduled for Vienna in May, with some countries boycotting due to political tensions.
Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963, has died at age 97 at his home in Port Townsend, Washington. His mountaineering achievements and leadership at REI made him a prominent figure in outdoor and climbing communities. He was also known for his friendship with Robert Kennedy and his pioneering spirit.
Doug Allan, renowned wildlife cameraman known for his work with Sir David Attenborough, has died at age 74 after suffering a brain haemorrhage during a climbing trip in Nepal. His career spanned over 30 years, capturing extraordinary wildlife moments in some of the world's harshest environments. Allan received multiple awards, including eight Emmys and five BAFTAs, and was celebrated for his pioneering contributions to wildlife filmmaking.
Since the Iran war began in February 2026, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven global fossil fuel prices higher and exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply. Europe is accelerating plans to reduce fossil fuel dependence, while China has solidified its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing, exporting record volumes of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. This shift is reshaping global energy geopolitics.
Madagascar has arrested several Gen Z activists following protests against the new military regime, raising concerns over freedoms. The regime, led by Col Michael Randrianirina, has faced youth discontent over lack of reforms, economic issues, and close ties to Russia. The arrests come amid ongoing protests and political instability.
A large ice serac has blocked the route to Everest's summit, delaying climbers' attempts. Icefall doctors have deemed it too risky to pass, and authorities are waiting for it to melt or collapse. The blockage has shortened the window for the spring climbing season, impacting hundreds of climbers and guides.
A string of court decisions has kept Temporary Protected Status in play as the Supreme Court weighs termination actions for Haiti and Syria. Rulings have required due process reviews amid broader political battles over humanitarian protections.
This month Nepal has seen a record single-day peak of climbers summiting Mount Everest from the south side while China has kept the northern route closed. An 18-year-old Australian has become the youngest Australian to reach the summit; veteran Sherpas have set new personal records. Several climbers have died this season and a dangerous serac and icefall conditions have delayed the route.
A U.S. team led by Sergio Gor has tested a home-built Alta X Gen 2 drone to ferry oxygen, ladders and gear to Camp I on Everest, but Nepal’s Home Affairs Ministry has refused a flight permit over drone procedures and security concerns. The test, which aimed to compare with DJI FlyCart technology used by Nepal’s AirLift Technology, has not proceeded.
Nepal has issued a record 494 permits for foreign climbers this season, with more than 900 people believed to have reached the summit this spring. Sherpa guides warn that numbers are creating traffic jams and safety risks, as China’s closure of the Tibet route shifts climbers to the Nepal side. Weather is warming, increasing hazards along the Khumbu Icefall.
Nepal has long celebrated its distinct time zone, calendar and flag as symbols of sovereignty, with a national pride rooted in its mountainous geography and history of resisting colonization.
A Nepali guide, Dawa Sherpa, has been found alive six days after he went missing descending Mount Everest on 29 May. He has been airlifted to a Kathmandu hospital with frostbite after a cleanup crew found him crawling near the Khumbu Icefall. His family had already begun funeral rites and have accused his employer of delayed search efforts.
A Nepali Sherpa guide on Everest has survived a days-long ordeal, crawling back to base camp after vanishing May 29. He is recovering in Kathmandu with frostbite and dehydration. Families are filing complaints against the employer for delays in the rescue.
A new study links bee pollination to more than 20% of residents’ vitamin intake and 44% of farming income in 10 Jumla villages, highlighting pollinators’ vital role in food security amid isolation and poverty.