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Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Raj Kumar Gupta has resigned from his post. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli earlier today.

Gupta said he decided to step down in the hope that it would help bring about facts regarding allegations of his involvement in a corruption case.

Expressing gratitude to all those who cooperated with him during his tenure, he said that he remains committed to fulfilling any responsibilities entrusted to him by the party in the future.

It may be noted that lately audio clips have been circulated in various media and social sites, alleging his involvement in corruption amounting to millions of rupees.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said his party is ready to support a constitutional amendment and has proposed a seven-point agenda for it. Speaking during a special address in the House of Representatives on Monday, Dahal expressed dissatisfaction with the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, saying they had pledged to amend the Constitution when forming the current coalition government but have not acted accordingly.

Leader of main opposition Dahal outlined seven key areas where he believes constitutional amendments are necessary. These include the system of governance, the electoral system, the naming of provinces, and the demarcation of provincial boundaries along with addressing issues of identity and rights. He also emphasized the need to strengthen fiscal federalism, ensure greater inclusivity, and introduce enhanced provisions for social justice.

He said his party is prepared to fully support the government if it proceeds with a constitutional amendment on these issues. “I want to tell the government—if a two-thirds majority is lacking, our party will take responsibility to gather the required support. Move forward with confidence,” Dahal stated.

However, he also emphasized that any amendment must address long-standing dissatisfaction that has existed since the promulgation of the Constitution. He recalled that his party had expressed differing views during the Constitution’s adoption, and those concerns still need to be resolved.

“Does the government have the courage to move ahead with progressive constitutional amendments addressing the system of governance, electoral system and issues of naming and demarcating provinces, as well as ensuring identity, rights, fiscal federalism, better inclusivity and social justice?” he asked.

Dahal warned that Nepal is heading toward a multidimensional national crisis. He accused the government of being influenced by brokers and vested interests. In a special address to the House of Representatives, Dahal said the government has strayed from the commitments made during the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the drafting of the Constitution. “Are we moving forward according to the dreams we saw during the peace process?” he wondered. “Corruption, lawlessness, and systemic disorder have taken root. Public services are difficult to access, and the state has failed to protect marginalized communities.”

He expressed frustration over bills that pass unanimously in parliamentary committees but remain stalled in the House due to “political interference and backstage maneuvering.” He accused the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML of turning the Parliament into a “playground for middlemen” through collusion, calling the trend dangerous for democracy. He further claimed that the government was operating under the influence of brokers and rent-seekers, compromising even regulatory bodies.

Citing several high-profile controversies—including the Bhutanese refugee scam, stock exchange licensing issues, electricity dues waivers, protection of land mafias and questionable appointments—Dahal alleged that governance has been hijacked by vested interests. “The character of this unnatural coalition has been exposed, and the public finds it disgraceful,” he said.

Dahal also questioned whether the government is prepared to ensure transparency in critical areas such as stock exchange licensing and arms procurement by security agencies. “This government is sliding toward the total collapse of good governance,” he warned. “When the state functions under commission deals and broker influence, it becomes a threat to democracy.”

Calling for urgent reforms, Dahal urged the government to prioritize good governance, social justice and economic transformation. Without corrective measures, he cautioned, the country could face growing instability.

S. Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers meeting. He conveyed greetings from Indian President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, underlining India's commitment to improving relations while trying to settle lingering border concerns resulting from the 2020 Ladakh standoff, Firstpost reported.

In discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar acknowledged the “good progress” made in easing tensions over the past nine months but emphasized the need for continued efforts to avoid disputes. He also called for removing trade barriers to enhance economic ties and urged a firm, shared stance on “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.

This visit marks Jaishankar’s first to China since the military clashes began, signaling a cautious but positive step toward better cooperation, according to Firstpost.

Heavy rains caused dangerous flash flooding in New York and New Jersey Monday, prompting New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency and urge residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, according to Associated Press.

New York officials warned basement apartment residents to be prepared to evacuate if needed. Floodwaters forced closures of major roads like the Cross Bronx Expressway and disrupted subway and train services, especially in Queens and Staten Island. Airports including LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK faced flight cancellations and delays as the storms continued.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani warned Monday that the EU is ready to impose billions in retaliatory tariffs on US goods if trade talks fail, stressing that “tariffs hurt everyone,” including American consumers and investors, Xinhua reported.

The warning follows US President Trump’s plan to introduce a 30 percent tariff on EU and Mexican imports starting August 1.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni echoed concerns, urging diplomacy over a “damaging trade war” that would weaken both sides.

Reports suggest Italy could lose up to €12.4bn in exports and 150,000 jobs. Agricultural producers would be hit hardest, with cheese, wine, and pasta facing steep tariff hikes, according to Xinhua.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday submitted bills to Ukraine's parliament seeking a 90-day extension of both martial law and general mobilization.

If approved, the measures will now remain in effect until November 5, beyond their current expiry date of August 7, Xinhua reported.

Martial law and mobilization have been repeatedly extended since they were first enacted in February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Vietnam’s two biggest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, are ramping up measures as dengue cases surge sharply, officials said Monday.

Hanoi reported 34 new infections last week, a rise from the previous week, with health officials warning of more cases as the city enters peak season, according to Xinhua.

In Ho Chi Minh City, six dengue-related deaths have been confirmed this year. The city logged 838 new cases last week, pushing the yearly total to 14,370—up over 150 percent from last year.

Residents are being urged to clear standing water and report mosquito breeding spots through a health app, Xinhua reported.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has slammed the Trump administration’s proposed 30 percent tariffs on EU exports as “absolutely unacceptable.” Speaking alongside EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic, he said the bloc is open to a fair deal but ready to respond if talks fail, Xinhua reported.

Sefcovic said the EU is preparing €72bn in countermeasures and stressed that any final agreement must be approved by all 27 member states and the European Parliament.