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World Health Organization officials, donors, and diplomats gathered in Geneva this week amid significant funding challenges following the United States decision to withdraw from the agency, according to Reuters.

The US, which contributed around 18 percent of WHO’s funding, was absent from the assembly as the organization faces a $600m budget shortfall for 2025 and plans a 21 percent funding cut over the next two years.

The WHO will focus on core priorities like vaccine approval, outbreak response, and providing treatment guidelines while scaling back training programs and offices in wealthier countries. Despite President Donald Trump’s recent comments hinting at a possible reversal, global health leaders say the US remains on course to officially leave the WHO in January 2026, Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a two-hour phone call on Monday, discussing prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.

Reuters reported that Putin described the call as “informative and useful,” indicating that a ceasefire could be possible if mutual agreements are reached. He stated that both sides must find compromises and that Russia is ready to work on a memorandum for future peace talks.

The conversation followed brief contact between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Kyiv has signaled openness to a ceasefire, Moscow insists certain conditions must be met first.

Vice President JD Vance said the US recognizes a current impasse and may reconsider its role if progress stalls. Trump, who has vowed to end the war swiftly, supported recent talks in Istanbul, though no breakthrough was achieved. The White House has not yet commented on the calls, according to Reuters.

Russia has banned Amnesty International, labeling the human rights group “undesirable” for allegedly promoting “Russophobic projects” and supporting Ukraine. The Russian prosecutor’s office accused Amnesty of justifying crimes by Ukrainian “neo-Nazis” and calling for Russia’s political and economic isolation. The ban prohibits the organization from operating within Russia, Reuters reported.

Amnesty International has repeatedly condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, documenting alleged war crimes since the full-scale invasion in 2022. The group has also faced criticism for reporting on Ukraine’s wartime conduct. Russia has previously banned several foreign NGOs under laws targeting groups critical of the Kremlin.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a comprehensive new agreement between the UK and the EU, calling it as a "win-win" for both parties, according to BBC.

Under the agreement, British tourists will be allowed to use e-Gates while traveling across the EU, reducing long lines at border check. In the fisheries sector, the current agreement will be maintained, with EU fishing vessels granted continuing access to UK seas until 2038.

On trade, the agreement reduces restrictions on UK food and drink exports, making it easier for British items like burgers and sausages to be marketed in the EU.

Additionally, the deal includes a new defence and security pact, granting the UK access to the EU’s €175bn SAFE fund, which supports joint defence projects, BBC reported.

The agreement signals a major step forward in redefining UK-EU relations in the post-Brexit landscape.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday called for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid during talks with US envoy Massad Boulos in Cairo.

The two discussed efforts to restore regional stability. Sisi praised the joint mediation by Egypt, the US, and Qatar, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to the process. Boulos confirmed continued US support for de-escalation, according to Xinhua.

The meeting coincided with indirect Israel-Hamas talks in Doha, as Israel seeks to end the fighting, free 58 hostages, and dismantle Hamas in Gaza.

The European Commission has cut its economic growth forecast for the EU, citing higher US tariffs and rising uncertainty.

In its spring 2025 Forecast, the Commission lowered GDP growth estimates to 1.1 percent for 2025 and 1.5 percent for 2026, down from 1.5 percent and 1.8 percent previously.

Eurozone growth is now projected at 0.9 percent in 2025 and 1.4 percent in 2026.

The government has decided to celebrate Republic Day with grandeur for three days this year also.

A meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday formed the Main Celebrations Committee under the headship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to celebrate Republic Day 2082.

Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Chief of Army Staff, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor and heads of security agencies among others are the members of the Committee.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 22.99 points to close at 2,632.05 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.75 points to close at 442. 92 points.

A total of 16,205,558-unit shares of 324 companies were traded for Rs 7. 35 billion.

Meanwhile, Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (WNLB) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 37 trillion.