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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.

Hungary is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Thursday, after reports that Budapest is the White House’s preferred venue for a possible summit with Presidents Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Reuters reported.

Szijjarto dismissed claims that Trump called Prime Minister Viktor Orban about Ukraine’s EU bid, insisting “there was no such call.” The White House confirmed the two leaders spoke Monday about Ukraine’s accession talks and the option of Budapest hosting negotiations.

At least 11 people were injured when a jeep they were travelling in met with an accident in Darchula on Thursday.

The four-wheeler (Sudurpaschim Province 04001 Ja 0103) was en route to Hoparigad from Hopari in Naugad Rural Municipality when the incident occurred this morning.

According to the District Police Office, Darchula, four of the injured are in critical condition.

The severely injured have been identified as Parbati Tamata (25), Mohan Thagunna (26), Apsara Mahata (18), and Umesh Thagunna (35).

All the injured have been taken to Gokuleshwor for treatment.

Police Inspector and Information Officer Chhatra Bahadur Rawat said that the accident occurred due to a brake failure.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.