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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signaled a possible extension of the July 8 deadline for securing trade agreements with key US trading partners, though he said it may not be necessary. Trade negotiations are currently underway with around 15 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the EU, according to Xinhua.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers the extension is “highly likely” to allow more time for deals. According to Bessent, 18 major trading partners are engaged in talks, and the US plans to send proposals to several others within weeks.

The July 8 deadline stems from a 90-day pause on proposed reciprocal tariffs affecting over 60 countries, initiated on April 9. So far, only a trade agreement with the UK has been finalized, Xinhua reported.

Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has called for deeper India–Nepal cooperation amid global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical shifts, and rapid technological transformation. Emphasizing economic partnership, green energy, digital innovation, and regional integration, she stated, “Nepal and India must transform proximity into prosperity by improving connectivity, from roads and railways to digital infrastructure.”

Speaking at a program jointly organized by Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), Nepal, and the Ananta Aspen Centre here in Kathmandu, she highlighted progress on the Pancheshwar Hydropower Project as a step toward the joint goal of exporting 10,000 MW of electricity to India, noting shared commitment to a greener, more interdependent future.  Deuba also stressed that Nepal and India face common security threats, making collaboration in security and strategic sectors vital for regional stability and mutual resilience, according to a press statement issued by the organizer.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava has reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the India–Nepal partnership under the “Neighborhood First” policy, emphasizing that borders should serve as bridges of connectivity. The envoy highlighted growing cooperation across infrastructure, energy, trade, digital payments, and people-to-people linkages, citing Nepal’s significant electricity exports to India and the growing use of India’s UPI system in Nepal as examples of mutually beneficial progress.

He underscored shared security concerns, particularly the threat of cross-border terrorism, and appreciated Nepal’s unequivocal support following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the life of a Nepali citizen, according to a press statement issued by organizer.

US intelligence reports indicate Israel is fully prepared to launch a strike on Iran, likely targeting its nuclear facilities. Both Israeli and US officials declined to comment, Reuters reported.

In response to rising tensions, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the voluntary departure of military dependents from the Middle East. Non-essential embassy staff and families have also been ordered to leave Iraq.

Iran accused the United States of aiding Israeli aggression and threatened reprisal against American bases if attacked. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh stated that all US bases in host countries are within reach, according to Reuters.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to resume nuclear talks. President Donald Trump expressed doubts Wednesday about achieving an agreement with Iran.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad has been shut till further notice after an Air India aircraft with 242 on board crashed within minutes after take-off on Thursday, Indian Express reported.

“Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” an SVPIA spokesperson said in a statement.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on the Air India flight that crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, India Today reported.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft bound for London crashed after five minutes of taking-off near Ahmedabad airport this afternoon.

According to the passenger list document accessed by India Today Digital, "Vijay Ramniklal Rupani" was the 12th passenger on the list. He was booked in Z class, which falls under the Business Class category, accoding to India Today.

Israeli forces conducted a pre-dawn raid Thursday in Beit Jinn, southwestern Syria, arresting several individuals alleged to be Hamas operatives planning attacks on Israeli civilians and troops. The military said weapons and ammunition were seized, and the suspects were transferred to Israel for interrogation.

Syria’s interior ministry denied the claims, stating the seven detainees were local civilians. It also reported that one person was killed during the raid. The Israeli military confirmed shooting a suspect who attempted to flee, according to Al Jazeera.

The operation marks renewed Israeli activity in southern Syria following recent cross-border fire and rising tensions after a period of relative calm.

World Bank Regional Director for South Asia Pankaj Gupta called on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar today.

During the meeting, they held discussions on the World Bank's investment in the hydroelectricity sector of Nepal.

On the occasion, Energy Minister Khadka thanked the World Bank for its investment in Nepal's hydropower projects to date and urged for its continuation in the future.

He also urged the World Bank to expedite the financial management process of the Upper Arun Hydropower Project. Similarly, the meeting also discussed the issue of strengthening the power supply.

In response, Regional Director of the World Bank Gupta stated that the World Bank has prioritised the Upper Arun Hydropower Project.

Energy Ministry Secretary Suresh Acharya, Joint Secretaries Chiranjibi Chataut, Sagar Raj Gautam, and World Bank Nepal Country Director David Sislane were present in the meeting.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 7. 15 points to close at 2,657.32 points on Thursday.  

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 52 points to close at 454. 56 points.

A total of 28,607,685-unit shares of 311 companies were traded for Rs 12. 51 billion.

Meanwhile, Pure Energy Limited (PURE) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 99 percent. Likewise, Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL) was the top loser with its price dropped by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 42 trillion.