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The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unrestricted humanitarian aid access. The draft, backed by 14 of 15 members, also demanded the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, according to Xinhua.

The US veto drew sharp criticism from other members. China accused Washington of undermining peace efforts. The UK slammed Israel's aid limitations and demanded impartial inquiries into civilian deaths. Algeria and Pakistan viewed the veto as a failure of international duty and a setback to global consensus.

The vote highlights growing frustration over the US’s repeated vetoes on Gaza-related resolutions. Xinhua reported.

With its growing natural beauty, Magar settlements have been adding vibrancy to the region’s culture, historical sites, and adventure travel destinations. Rukum Purba is now emerging on the new tourism map by incorporating all these features.

Its Himalayan and hilly geography, religious and cultural diversity, history of the People’s War, adventure sports, and community-based hospitality have attracted both domestic and international tourists to Rukum Purba in recent years.

Sisne and Putha mountains have become appealing new destinations for trekking enthusiasts—especially those seeking natural scenery, Himalayan lifestyles, and an immersive experience of Magar culture.

Maitya Gharti, a tourism entrepreneur and senior journalist from Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality, said, “While trekking around Sisne, Putha, Uttarganga, and Bhume rural municipalities, one can experience the mountain scenery, rural lifestyle, and traditional culture all at once. This shows great potential for tourism development here.”

Magar settlements such as Taksera, Kankri, Lukum, Dading, and Mahat in Rukum Purba hold immense potential for cultural tourism. Traditional dances like Bhume, Dhange, and Jhankri, as well as local fairs and the daily life of the Magar community, offer tourists a unique and enriching experience.

Renu Yadav, a tourist from Kathmandu who recently visited Rukum Purba, said, “The language, customs, culture, and hospitality of the people here touched me in a way I had never imagined.”

Tourist activity is increasing in various locations, including the living museum in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality; Kol Basti, Pupal, and Maukot Basti; Kamaldaha in Rukumkot of Sisne Rural Municipality; Shivalaya Temple; Bhatte Chaur; Thanthi Danda; Maring; Chauri Lake in Bhume Rural Municipality; the Organic Cooperative Market in Khabang Bagar; the war memorial in Mahat; and Bheri Danda of Chunwang, known for its connection to the People’s War.

Adventure tourism is expanding as well, with potential for exciting rafting trips on the Sani Bheri River. The combination of boating, trekking, and village lifestyle has positioned Rukum Purba as a multi-dimensional travel destination.

Local governments—Sisne, Bhume, and Putha Uttarganga rural municipalities—have initiated plans to expand tourism infrastructure, provide guide training, manage homestays, and promote the region based on their unique strengths.

The chairpersons of these municipalities—Krishna Regmi, Hom Prakash Shrestha, and Puniraj Ghartimagar—say they have recognized the region's tourism potential and are working to enhance infrastructure, promote the area, and build partnerships with the private sector and local communities in a planned and strategic manner.

About 100 bighas of land in the Mardhar wetland area of Chandrapur Municipality-8, Rautahat, have been registered under an individual’s name. The municipality has filed a case at the Birgunj High Court seeking to cancel the registration and is requesting investigations by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Chandrapur Municipality has halted land tax collection from this wetland area, claiming the public land was illegally transferred through collusion between political figures and land revenue officials. Mayor Sanjay Kafle said that after the Land Revenue Office in Chandranigahapur failed to revoke the land deeds, the municipality was compelled to take legal action.

The land issue dates back to the Panchayat era, during the tenure of then-Forest Minister Hem Bahadur Malla, when displaced settlers from Dhiyal in Makawanpur were relocated to this wetland. According to the Land Revenue Office, the then High-Level Commission for Forest Area Strengthening had allocated around 80 bighas to the settlers. The municipality argues that this decision led to the encroachment of the remaining wetland, which was later registered in individual names under the pretext of resettlement.

A letter from the commission cites a Cabinet decision from 27 May 1989, that allowed the division of wetland land among displaced individuals, with many receiving 10 katta each. Safala Neupane of Dhiyal, Makawanpur, received a title deed for 7 katta in plot number 170.

Documents at the Land Revenue Office show that 19 other individuals also received land titles, each averaging 10 katta. Many of the original settlers were supposed to be relocated to Gujara Municipality (then Rangpur VDC), but Chandrapur suspects that some may have colluded with land mafias to register the Mardhar land in their names.

Out of the total 100 bighas, 10 bighas—including the lake—have reportedly been registered to private individuals. Among the listed names are Yadav Adhikari, Ramadevi Parajuli, Subodh Kumar Nepal, and Basant Prasad Dahal of Dhiyal, who hold ownership documents for the wetland area.

Mayor Kafle stated that the municipality is open to reconciling with relevant bodies but remains committed to reclaiming the public wetland.

In the last fiscal year, the Madhesh Province Ministry of Tourism spent Rs 3.5m on infrastructure for wetland conservation, including rest houses, toilets, and fencing. The provincial government had allocated Rs 15m for Mardhar’s development, but the funds were returned after the land’s private registration came to light.

On Dec 5, the municipality formally requested the Land Revenue Office Chandranigahapur to begin the cancellation process. However, the office cited an earlier commission letter saying that cancellation was no longer possible, as the land had already been transferred to private ownership.

Legal advisor Advocate Dilip Koirala said that the title deeds had already been collected in the presence of ward representatives six months ago. According to him, the land should only have been granted to landless individuals and only if they had no alternative property. Since the titleholders have not contacted the municipality so far, Koirala said preparations are underway to file a writ in the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the land titles.

Debate Network Nepal (DNN) has announced that Nepal will not participate in the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) 2025, scheduled to be held from July 22 to August 1 in Panama City. The decision was made due to high travel and participation costs, despite ten years of continuous representation at the international event.

Last year, Team Nepal achieved a historic milestone by reaching the elimination rounds and finishing 15th out of 68 countries at the 36th WSDC held in Belgrade, Serbia. However, DNN cited financial limitations and logistical challenges as reasons for this year’s withdrawal.

While Nepal will not be present at WSDC 2025, the country will participate in the Asian Schools Debating Championship (ASDC) 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam, from June 15 to 18. Two teams—the Nepal National Team and the Nepal Developmental Squad—will represent the country at the regional event. DNN expressed appreciation to the ASDC 2025 organizing committee for their support in enabling Nepal’s participation.

A regional youth consultation focusing on the upcoming national report under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism was held in Kathmandu. The event gathered youth representatives from Koshi, Gandaki, and Sudurpaschim provinces. The one-day program was organized by Yuwalaya, with financial support from Plan International Nepal and technical partnership from the Women’s Service Society.

More than 57 youth-related organizations, clubs, and networks collaborated in the consultation, with 29 youth participants representing various districts of the three provinces. The session was facilitated by youth champions Sadikshya Nepal and Sweekriti Dangi, with technical support from Bhawana Bhatta of the Women’s Service Society.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the US decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent, calling it unfair and lacking legal basis.

Sheinbaum noted that Mexico imports more steel and aluminum than it exports, making the tariffs unjustified. She also rejected the national security justification, Reuters reported.

Negotiations with US officials are underway, and if no agreement is reached, Mexico will announce measures next week to protect its industry.

Bali will ban the production and sale of plastic water bottles under one litre starting January 2025 to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

Governor I Wayan Koster stated that the measure has to be taken because landfills are nearing capacity, primarily due to single-use plastics. The initiative, which is supported by the central government, expands on previous prohibitions on plastic bags and straws, Xinhua reported.

Noncompliance may result in canceled business permissions or the loss of public funds. Authorities anticipate that the action will establish Bali as a model for sustainable tourism.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has warned Gaza residents to avoid heading north due to ongoing military operations.

Spokesman Avichay Adraee identified Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoun as active combat zones, urging civilians to stay south of Salah Khalaf Street and Al Quds Street, according to Xinhua.

The warning follows the resumption of Israel’s offensive on March 18. Over 4,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since then.