Ukraine seeks clarity as US downplays weapons pause amid escalating war

Ukraine has demanded clarity after the US paused certain weapons shipments, raising concerns amid a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks. The White House said the decision followed a review of domestic defense needs but did not specify which systems were affected. Media reports suggest the delay includes Patriot missiles, precision artillery, and Hellfire missiles, Firstpost reported.

US officials downplayed the move, calling it a temporary measure rather than a halt in support. US President Trump has refrained from announcing new aid packages, pushing for peace talks instead.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry summoned John Ginkel, the US deputy chief of mission in Kyiv, in a rare diplomatic move, reflecting deep concern. Ukrainian President Zelensky stressed that continued US support remains vital as the war intensifies, according to Firstpost.

India’s PM Modi conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, on Thursday for his global leadership and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama presented the award during Modi’s official visit, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years, according to Firstpost.

Modi dedicated the honor to the people of India, describing it as a symbol of shared values and developing friendship between the two countries. Both presidents are committed to transform India-Ghana relations into a comprehensive partnership.

Bangladesh’s former PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to six months in contempt case

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday sentenced ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court, according to Firstpost.

The verdict, delivered by a three-member ICT-1 bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, marks the first conviction against the former Awami League leader since her removal from office and departure from the country 11 months ago.

In the same ruling, Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gaibandha’s Gobindaganj was sentenced to two months in jail, Firstpost reported.

School Education Bill will be introduced soon: Education Minister Pant

Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant has said that the government has not stopped the School Education Bill and that it will be introduced soon.

In response to queries raised MPs on the topic related to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology regarding the ‘Appropriation Bill, 2082’ at the National Assembly meeting today, he said that the bill has been postponed for a few days as there is a need to reach an agreement on some issues.

He said that some issues have been addressed as per the nine-point agreement reached with the Teachers’ Federation and the School Education Bill has been moved forward as per the agreement reached with the Federation. As per the agreement reached with the Teachers’ Federation, the deadline to present the bill was June 29.

The education minister said realizing the importance of the education sector for the country's development and progress, a budget of Rs 211 billion has been allocated for the education sector for the upcoming fiscal year.

Similarly, the Ministry of Urban Development has allocated a budget of Rs 7.47 billion for the reconstruction of schools.

He said that the government has taken necessary initiatives to bring privately funded schools under the ambit of regulation.

 

10 killed, 34 missing as cloudbursts, flash floods hit India's Himachal Pradesh

At least 10 people were killed and 34 others reported missing after multiple cloudbursts and flash floods hit Himachal Pradesh within 24 hours, officials said Wednesday.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the state witnessed 16 cloudbursts and three flash floods in 24 hours as a result of incessant rains that wreaked havoc and caused widespread devastation. The worst-affected area was Mandi district, about 133 km north of Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, The Hindu reported.

Severe rains in Himachal Pradesh caused landslides, damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and rescued 370 people. Authorities are concerned that the death toll will grow and have initiated large-scale rescue attempts.

Since June 20, monsoon-related incidents have left 51 dead and caused an estimated $33m in damage. An orange alert remains in effect, with heavy rain expected to continue until July 7, according to The Hindu.

 

Govt positive about increasing service facilities for security forces including Army: Minister Rai

Defense Minister Manbir Rai said that the government is taking initiatives to increase the service benefits for the security forces including Nepal Army (NA).

Responding to the queries and concerns raised by parliamentarians on the Appropriation Bill-2082 BS regarding the Ministry of Defense in the National Assembly's meeting today, Minister Rai underscored the need to increase financial resources to secure welfare of the security agencies.

Furthermore, Rai assured that no efforts will be spared to enhance service across all sectors once the national economy recovers.

The Minister informed the Upper House about the government's plan to enforce and expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC) program. The program will be implemented in some districts in Terai and some border areas beginning the coming fiscal year 2025/26.

The NCC program aims to instill discipline, leadership qualities, and sportsmanship among youth, fostering dedication and service-oriented leadership.

It is run by Nepal Army and includes two training divisions: Senior and Junior. While the Junior Division engages students from grade 8 to 10, the Senior Division involves students from grade 11 and 12. 

The national budget for the upcoming fiscal year also includes the issue relating to expansion of scope and effectiveness of the NCC program.

Minister Rai, during the meeting, shared that the Nepal Army will be involved in the productive sector thereby contributing the country to become self-reliant.

 

Nepse surges by 34. 60 points on Wednesday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 34.60 points to close at 2,695.00 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 5.75 points to close at 462. 51 points.

A total of 30,182,341-unit shares of 317 companies were traded for Rs 9. 74 billion.

Meanwhile, Green Development Bank Ltd. (GRDBL) and Khanikhola Hydropower Co. Ltd. (KKHC), with their price surging by 9. 99 percent.

Likewise, 9% ICFC Finance Limited Debenture 2088 (ICFCD88) was the top loser as its price fell by 3. 73 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 48 trillion.

Iran’s president orders country to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEA

Iran’s president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors’ ability to track Tehran’s program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels, Associated Press reported.

The order by President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, included no timetables or details about what that suspension would entail. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled in a CBS News interview that Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States.

“I don’t think negotiations will restart as quickly as that,” Araghchi said, referring to Trump’s comments that talks could start as early as this week. However, he added: “The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut.”