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Current Affairs Pulse

International27 Mar 2026

Balendra Shah Sworn In as Nepal's Prime Minister

6 sections below — scroll or usetocto jump
  • 1

    Balendra Shah has been sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal.

  • 2

    He represents the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a significant majority in the recent elections.

  • 3

    Shah defeated former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli in his home constituency during the March 5 elections.

  • New Prime Minister of Nepal: Balendra Shah
  • Political Party: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)
  • Election Date: March 5 (when RSP secured majority)
  • Key Opponent Defeated: K.P. Sharma Oli

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)

A newly emerged political party in Nepal, now leading the government.

Head: Balendra Shah (as PM, though party president might be different)HQ: Kathmandu, Nepal (general political party HQ)
Nepal, a landlocked Himalayan nation, is a crucial neighbour for India, sharing an open border and deep cultural, economic, and strategic ties. Political stability and democratic consolidation in Nepal are vital for India's regional security and its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. India closely monitors political developments in Nepal, as they can have implications for bilateral relations and regional dynamics.

Exam Relevance

upsc

GS Paper II: India and its neighbourhood- relations; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

ssc

General Awareness: Current Affairs, Neighbouring Countries, International Organizations.

banking

General Awareness: Current Affairs, International News.

railway

General Awareness: Current Affairs, Neighbouring Countries.

Previously Asked (PYQs)

UPSC_PRELIMS 2021

Consider the following statements: 1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies. 2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. 3. As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

UPSC_PRELIMS 2020

Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State. 2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC_PRELIMS 2022

Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister. 2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 2 only

Expected Questions

  • UPSC may ask: 'Discuss the significance of recent political changes in Nepal for India's foreign policy objectives.'
  • SSC/Railway may ask: 'Who is the current Prime Minister of Nepal?' or 'Which political party does Balendra Shah belong to?'

historyTopic Frequency

Medium for UPSC (as part of IR), High for SSC/Railway (direct factual current affairs).

Key Terms

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)

A relatively new political party in Nepal that emerged as a significant force in recent elections.

Neighbourhood First Policy

India's foreign policy initiative focusing on cordial relations with its immediate neighbours.

priority_highMust Remember

  • Name of Nepal's new Prime Minister: Balendra Shah.
  • His political party: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

tips_and_updatesExam Tips

  • For UPSC, understand the broader implications of such events on India-Nepal relations and regional stability.
  • For SSC/Banking/Railway, focus on direct factual recall like names, parties, and countries.
Question 1 of 3Score: 0/0
Factual

Who recently took oath as the Prime Minister of Nepal?

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