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Most commercial banks in the country have kept interest rates on individual fixed deposits unchanged for the month from mid-May to mid-June, reflecting caution amid a complex financial landscape. The average interest rate on individual fixed deposits for Jestha dipped slightly by 0.02 percentage points to 5.95 percent compared to April, while institutional fixed deposits saw a marginal increase of 0.01 percentage to 4.37 percent.

Although credit demand is gradually picking up in recent months, banks, which are sitting on substantial loanable funds, are still grappling with a liquidity crisis. The central bank’s decision to raise Rs 35bn through a 21-day deposit auction to mop up excess liquidity from the banking system on Wednesday shows that the liquidity crisis is showing no signs of easing. Subdued credit demand due to sluggish economic activity has limited opportunities for banks to deploy these funds effectively.

Among 20 commercial banks in the country, Everest Bank, Nepal Bank, Kumari Bank, Siddhartha Bank, Sanima Bank and Nepal Investment Mega Bank (NIMB) have changed their interest rates for Jestha. While Everest Bank, Nepal Bank and Sanima Bank have raised their rates slightly, Kumari Bank, Siddhartha Bank and NIMB have reduced their rates.

Everest Bank has raised individual fixed deposit rates by 0.03 percentage points to 6.64 percent and institutional rates to 5.64 percent. Similarly, Nepal Bank increased individual rates by 0.30 percentage points to 5.45 percent but kept institutional rates unchanged. Sanima Bank revised its individual fixed deposit rates upward by 0.38 percentage points to 6.33 percent and institutional rates by 0.30 percentage points to 4.50 percent.

 Kumari Bank on the other hand trimmed its rates by 0.01 percentage points, setting individual fixed deposits rate at 5.91 percent and institutional deposits rate at 4.91 percent. Siddhartha Bank also cut its rates on fixed deposits by 0.25 percentage points, offering 5.75 percent for individuals and 4.75 percent for institutions. NIMB made the steepest reduction, slashing individual fixed deposit rates by 1 percentage point to 5.5 percent and institutional rates by 0.06 percentage points to 4 percent.

Nepal Bank has kept its institutional fixed deposit rate, but raised its individual fixed deposit rate by 0.30 percentage points to 5.45 percent.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Thursday, strengthening defence and economic ties in his first overseas visit since re-election.

Calling Indonesia an “indispensable partner,” Albanese urged deeper defence cooperation following a bilateral agreement on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster response. Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia's pledge to ratify the agreement, according to Reuters.

The leaders also discussed trade, food security, energy transition, and critical minerals, with Indonesia encouraging more Australian investment.

Albanese denied rumors that Russia was attempting to gain military access in Papua, claiming that Indonesia had flatly rejected the idea. As both countries strive for more cooperation in the face of changing global dynamics, ties remain robust despite divergent strategic perspectives, Reuters reported.

Israeli air raids on southern Gaza killed at least 26 people overnight. The attacks targeted nine locations in the region, according to BBC.

Israel ordered evacuations from portions of Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, warning of significant military action. The raids came amid an ongoing Israeli blockade that has stopped aid from accessing Gaza for more than ten weeks.

The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages. In response, Israel's current military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 52,829 people, BBC reported.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 3, 500 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 181, 800 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 185, 300 per tola on Tuesday.

The price of silver has increased by Rs 35 and is being traded at Rs 1, 925 per tola today.

US President Donald Trump landed in Qatar on the second leg of his Middle East tour, after departing from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. He was greeted with full ceremonial honors.

During the visit, Trump and Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, signed agreements worth more than $1.2trn. Key agreements include a $96bn agreement for Qatar Airways to buy up to 210 Boeing planes and a $38bn investment plan to rebuild Al Udeid Airbase and other defense assets, according to BBC.

Later today, officials from the United States, Turkey, and Syria are due to meet to discuss Trump's proposal to relax sanctions on Syria.

Trump’s tour will conclude in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, BBC reported.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte appointed Eduardo Arana as the new prime minister on Wednesday, following the resignation of Gustavo Adrianzen.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Arana pledged to serve faithfully and without corruption. President Boluarte also appointed new Cabinet members who will serve for the remainder of her term, ending in 2026, Xinhua reported.

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s eastern Maluku province on Thursday morning, according to Xinhua.

The earthquake struck at 7:50 a.m. Jakarta time, with the epicenter situated 189 kilometers southwest of Maluku Barat Daya Regency at a depth of 515 kilometers.The tremor was reported with moderate intensity (III MMI) in Tiakur, the regency's capital.

Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat due to the quake’s deep origin.

Indonesia is prone to seismic activity as it lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Xinhua reported.

At least 21 people were killed in a three-vehicle collision on Wednesday morning along the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca highway in Puebla state, central Mexico.

Local official Samuel Aguilar Pala confirmed that 18 victims died at the scene, while three others passed away in hospital. Several more were injured and are receiving medical care, BBC reported.

The crash involved a cement truck, a bus, and a van. Initial reports suggest the collision occurred when the truck attempted to overtake the van.