Legal Current Affairs

Nepal’s First Woman Interim PM Sushila Karki- Strengthens Bilateral Bonds with India

Nepal’s selection of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the interim Prime Minister represents a significant milestone not only for Nepalese politics but also for fortifying the longstanding relationship between India and Nepal. Karki’s ascension as the first female Interim Prime Minister of Nepal follows weeks of protests led by the youth advocating for transparency, good governance, and the eradication of corruption. The agreement that paved the way for her appointment was achieved through discussions involving Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel, representatives of the Generation-Z demonstrators, and the Nepal Army, reinforcing a mutual dedication to democratic practices and stability.

Sushila Karki, 73, is renowned for her legacy as a jurist who upheld the rule of law with uncompromising integrity during her tenure as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017. She earned widespread respect for her anti-corruption stance, which resonated deeply with the protesting youth demanding clean governance. Although not a politician by background, her elevation reflects a consensus-driven choice aimed at guiding Nepal through a delicate transitional period.

Karki’s personal and educational connections to India further strengthen this bilateral relationship at a crucial transitional moment. In 1975, she earned her master’s degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in India, signifying the longstanding cultural and academic exchanges that have nurtured a mutual understanding between the neighboring nations. Moreover, her husband’s role in historic democratic movements in Nepal, which received support from Indian territories, highlights the historical collaboration between political leaders of both countries in their collective pursuit of democracy.

India has warmly embraced Karki’s appointment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes and reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nepal and its people. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that as a neighboring nation, a fellow democracy, and a long-term development partner, India will continue to collaborate closely with Nepal for the welfare and prosperity of both countries. This message of partnership emphasizes the strategic and cultural significance India places on Nepal’s political stability and democratic governance.

This appointment helps steer Nepal away from divisive politics and towards a future of enhanced collaboration with India, balancing domestic reform with diplomatic goodwill. Her leadership comes at a crucial moment when restoring stability in Nepal is also of strategic interest to India, given the close historical, cultural, and political ties between the two countries.

Brazil’s Former President Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Leading 2022 Coup Plot

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison by a five-justice Supreme Court panel after being found guilty of attempting a military coup to remain in power following his 2022 electoral defeat. Four of five justices convicted him on five charges, including leading a criminal organization, attempting to violently abolish democracy, and causing government property damage related to the January 8, 2023, attack on government buildings by his supporters. The court also barred Bolsonaro from running for office until 2060. He is currently under house arrest and his lawyers plan to appeal. This conviction marks the first in Brazil's history of a former president being punished for undermining democracy, reflecting the judiciary's independence despite political pressures.

World’s First AI Minister: Diella, Albania’s Virtual Sun

Albania has become the first country to appoint an artificial intelligence (AI) system named Diella as a virtual government minister, responsible specifically for public procurement. This AI minister, created from code and pixels, will handle decisions on public tenders to make them fully transparent, efficient, and free from corruption. The move aims to tackle Albania's long-standing problems of corruption in government contracts, aligning with reforms to meet European Union rule of law standards. Legally, Diella's appointment is unique because the Albanian constitution requires ministers to be natural persons capable of legal obligations. As a non-human entity, Diella's role is currently more symbolic but operational, representing a pioneering use of AI in governance.