Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on Friday night became Nepal's first woman prime minister to lead an interim government, ending days of political uncertainty after the K P Sharma Oli dispensation was forced to quit in the face of a nation-wide agitation triggered by a social media ban. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to Karki, 73, this evening three days after Oli resigned from the prime minister's post following the worst unrest that the Himalayan nation has witnessed in decades.

President Ramchandra Paudel said the new caretaker government led by interim Prime Minister Karki is mandated to hold fresh parliamentary elections within six months. The swearing-in ceremony of the new prime minister was attended by Nepal's chief justice, senior government officials, security chiefs, and members of the diplomatic community. In New Delhi, India welcomed the formation of the new Interim government in Nepal. "We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries," it said. Karki was chosen to lead the interim government after a meeting between President Paudel, Nepal's top military brass, and the youth protesters, who spearheaded the anti-government protests.