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Ukraine faced one of its largest attacks in weeks as Russian forces launched over 600 drones and missiles. One person was killed in Lviv, and 15 were injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics plant was damaged, BBC reported.

The strikes come as US President Donald Trump pushes diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed readiness to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, citing Switzerland, Austria, or Istanbul, but dismissed Budapest due to Hungary’s ties with Moscow.

Ukraine said it intercepted most of the attacks and struck Russian military targets in Rostov and occupied Donetsk in retaliation. Officials warned more air defenses are needed as Russia intensifies bombardments while front lines remain largely stagnant, according to BBC.

US has sanctioned four ICC judges and prosecutors over investigations involving American and Israeli citizens, citing “judicial overreach” and national security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court a “threat” and accused it of politicization, BBC reported.

The sanctioned officials—Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada) and Nicolas Guillou (France), and deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal)—are barred from accessing assets in the US.

The ICC condemned the move as an attack on its independence and the international legal system. France criticized the sanctions for undermining judicial independence, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed them.

According to BBC, the decision follows earlier US sanctions on the ICC chief prosecutor and UN human rights experts who have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, prompting calls from international officials to respect the rule of law.

The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency, Philippe Lazzarini, has warned that children in Gaza are at severe risk of death from malnutrition if emergency aid is not immediately provided amid Israel’s Gaza City military operation. He said malnutrition among children has increased six-fold since March and described the situation as a “manufactured famine,” with food being used as a weapon of war, Reuters reported.

Lazzarini cautioned that many children may not survive further displacement due to the population’s weakened condition. While Israel’s aid coordination agency, COGAT, says it works to ensure humanitarian supplies reach Gaza, concerns over access and adequacy of aid persist.

The Israeli military continued heavy bombardments on Gaza City as Prime Minister Netanyahu prepares to meet ministers on plans to seize the city. Israel has mobilized 60,000 reservists, though most may not see combat, and the military strategy remains unfinalized, Reuters reported.

Hamas has accepted a proposed 60-day ceasefire involving limited hostage and prisoner exchanges, but Israel insists all 50 hostages be released immediately.

According to Reuters, thousands of Palestinians are fleeing shelling in Sabra and Tuffah neighborhoods. Gaza’s health ministry reports two more deaths from starvation, raising the toll to 271, including 112 children, though Israel disputes these figures.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised his troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region to fight in the Ukraine war, calling them “heroic” and fulfilling their duty, Al Jazeera reported.

Pyongyang confirmed in April that it sent over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces, with around 600 reported killed and thousands wounded. The deployment reflects growing North Korea–Russia ties, including a strategic partnership signed last year.

Meanwhile, US President Trump has urged an end to the conflict, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to meet Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The Department of Tourism has worked to ensure a well-managed and technology-friendly service delivery.

The Department has prioritized procedural simplification, system reforms and technological regulations in its work execution.

As stated in a recently published annual report of the Department, it has set goals for a business-friendly tourism governance while establishing this sector as an investment-friendly entity and technology-friendly.

The international practices would be integrated into the national system while prioritizing and expanding the tourism activities.

Director General of the Department, Dr Narayan Prasad Regmi, said that efforts were initiated to make the Department's performance simplified, accessible and business-friendly.

He added that policy-level reforms were also on the cards.

Dr Regmi was of the view that enhanced activities in the tourism sector would contribute to the creation of employment and self-employment while resulting in quality tourism and a better hospitality industry. 

Development of tourist infrastructures, quality hospitality service management, promotion of adventure and mountaineering tourism, and management of mountaineering are also being advanced with additional planning, Dr Regmi added.

Thailand’s Shinawatra family faces a decisive political test as courts prepare rulings that could threaten both Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, Reuters reported.

On Friday, judges will rule on whether Thaksin insulted the monarchy during a 2015 interview, an offence carrying up to 15 years in prison per count. Days later, another court will consider whether his 2023 hospital detention meant he avoided serving part of his sentence for abuse of power.

Separately, Paetongtarn could be unseated over an alleged ethics violation. Unfavorable verdicts would weaken the family’s influence, risk an early election, and further strain Thailand’s fragile economy. Analysts say the ruling Pheu Thai party is unlikely to regain its former electoral strength, Reuters reported.

The Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline is to be handed to the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) soon, following the completion of its extension works.

The pipeline infrastructure is already operational, currently transporting petroleum products from Motihari, India, to Amlekhgunj in Bara.

Preparations for its official handover to the NOC are underway.

According to Prayankar Acharya, Chief of the NOC Madhesh Province Office in Amlekhgunj, the pipeline is presently undergoing test operations.

A technical team from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has been deployed on-site to oversee the process.

Discussions are going on regarding the modality of the handover, which may include an inauguration by the Prime Ministers of both countries or an alternative format.

Meanwhile, the extension of the pipeline from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan, spanning 69 kilometers, is also expected to commence soon.