PM Oli to address National Assembly today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is addressing the National Assembly today on Nepal's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) to the status of developing country.

PM Oli is addressing the upper House of the Federal Parliament in response to the queries to be raised by lawmakers on the report being submitted by Chairperson of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Kamala Panta, on Nepal's graduation to the status of developing country from LDC, 2081, PM's personal secretariat said.

Gaza nears famine, UN warns amid worsening crisis

Gaza is on the brink of famine, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday, citing a new report showing alarming levels of hunger and malnutrition. “This is not a warning—it’s happening now,” he said, according to Xinhua.

The UN’s food security alert found two out of three famine thresholds breached in parts of Gaza, with over 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition since April and rising hunger-related deaths.

Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and a major increase in aid. While a temporary pause has allowed limited supplies in, UN officials say ongoing restrictions and looting prevent much of it from reaching those in need.

“A trickle of aid is not enough,” Guterres said. “This crisis demands urgent, united action”, Xinhua reported.

Trump sets 10-day deadline for Russia to end Ukraine conflict

US President Donald Trump has given Russia a 10-day deadline starting from Tuesday to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine, significantly shortening the 50-day timeline he had announced earlier this month, Xinhua reported.

Speaking to reporters on his return from Scotland, Trump warned that if Moscow fails to act, the US will impose tariffs. He cited frustration over Russia’s unwillingness to compromise during recent talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Kremlin responded by reaffirming its commitment to its ongoing military operation while stating it remains open to the peace process, according to Xinhua.

 

US-China talks end with push to extend tariff truce

US and Chinese officials ended two days of talks in Stockholm agreeing to work toward extending their 90-day tariff truce, due to expire August 12, according to Firstpost.

China’s Li Chenggang called the discussions constructive, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any extension depends on President Donald Trump.

Talks focused on trade terms, rare earths, and strategic industries. The US also raised concerns over China’s ties with Russia and Iran.

Both sides stressed the importance of stable economic ties, with Bessent saying the goal isn’t to “de-couple,” but to reduce risks in key sectors, Firstpost reported.

 

YouTube added to Australia’s social media ban for under-16s

Australia will now include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for under-16s, set to begin in December. The move means minors can still watch videos but won’t be allowed to hold accounts, according to BBC.

Originally exempt, YouTube was added after the eSafety Commissioner found it was the platform most linked to harmful content seen by children aged 10 to 15.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban is about protecting kids online, while Communications Minister Anika Wells warned tech companies not to challenge the policy, saying it’s a fight for children’s wellbeing.

Platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to A$50 m, BBC reported.

UK to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel meets conditions

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned the UK will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes meaningful steps to end the crisis in Gaza, BBC reported.

He called for a ceasefire, renewed aid access, a halt to West Bank annexations, and commitment to a two-state solution. Starmer said the situation in Gaza is “intolerable” and the chance of peace is fading.

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Trump also voiced concern, warning it could be seen as benefiting Hamas.

The UK faces growing domestic pressure, with over 250 MPs urging immediate recognition. Critics say recognition should not be conditional, while others warn it could backfire, as reported by BBC.

France plans a similar move, but Germany has ruled it out for now. Most countries already recognise Palestine, but sceptics say recognition alone won’t bring peace.

 

Japan and US issue tsunami warnings after magnitude 8.7 quake

Japan and the United States have issued tsunami warnings after a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday.

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of potential waves between one and three meters high threatening Hawaii, Alaska, and the US territory of Guam. Honolulu’s emergency officials ordered evacuations in some coastal areas, citing risk of destructive waves, according to BBC.

Japan’s weather agency also warned of tsunami waves up to three meters expected to hit large coastal regions from around 0100 GMT. Authorities have urged immediate evacuation to higher ground, warning that multiple waves could strike.

In Russia’s Far East, wave heights of 3 to 4 meters were recorded along parts of Kamchatka’s coast, BBC reported.

Trump warns India could face new tariffs amid trade talks

US President Trump said India may face tariffs of 20 to 25 percent, though no final decision has been made as trade talks continue ahead of the August 1 deadline, Firstpost reported.

Calling India a “good friend,” Trump criticised its high tariffs and trade barriers, saying, “You just can’t do that.” He previously imposed a 26 percent tariff in April, later pausing it during negotiations.

US officials say more talks are needed, citing concerns over India’s digital taxes and strict import rules. With a $129bn trade relationship at stake, both sides are pushing for a deal, according to Firstpost.