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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he will urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Turkey.

Speaking in Beijing on Wednesday, Lula stated that he intends to stop in Moscow and encourage Putin to join the meetings in Istanbul on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.

The talks would be the first direct encounter between Kiev and Moscow since 2022.

Lula's comments come after Ukraine requested that Brazil assist in mediating, as well as a joint statement from Brazil and China backing direct negotiations as the only way to peace, Al Jazeera reported.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 13. 84 points to close at 2,620.39 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 3. 26 points to close at 441. 46 points.

A total of 18,496,138-unit shares of 315 companies were traded for Rs 8. 73 billion.

Meanwhile, Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals Limited (OMPL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 98 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. 35 trillion.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a new 28-member cabinet and ten secretaries of state, committing rapid economic action in the face of rising trade tensions with the US.

The reshuffle adds 24 new ministers, 13 of them are first-time MPs. Key portfolios, such as housing, immigration, and energy, have been handed to newcomers.  Carney also named a new foreign minister to oversee the troubled US-Canada relationship, following his recent meeting with Donald Trump to discuss a potential trade deal, according to BBC.

Veterans from Justin Trudeau's government, including Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Joly, and Anita Anand, have returned to cabinet. Carney continues the policy of gender parity, calling the team “purpose-built for this hinge moment.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to be united, dignified and purpose-driven.

Inaugurating the 'NRNA Global Conclave' organized by the NRNA today, PM Oli said that it is inappropriate to see trends that do not align with the objectives of this organization and urged it to abandon narrow-mindedness and strive for a higher level of unity.

"It is not good to have disputes in this kind of collective organization that needs to work together in unity. An organization cannot function by altering the rules for individual purposes. Let reason and logic prevail in this. The organization should not develop into a place to do anything for personal interest," said Prime Minister Oli.

The organization should not be deviated from the sacred purpose of the rights and interests of the Nepali diaspora, mutual acquaintance, the continuity of Nepali culture and traditions, and what contributions can be made for the country, he said, adding that there should be no party politics in this and attempts to divide the organization will not be successful. "The Nepal government will support it in legitimate matters."

The Prime Minister on the occasion expressed his dismay for what he called the indecent and indecorous activities that occurred during the NRN convention, stating that this did not send a good message to society. He urged the non-resident Nepali community to move forward by embracing democratic values with due process.

The PM expressed the confidence that since the current term of NRNA president Dr Badri KC is still valid, this would allow for a democratic and legal transition of leadership through a general assembly. He also committed that the government would carry out work based on the suggestions received for the amendments needed in the laws related to non-resident Nepalis.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula has urged the government to rescue Nepalis stranded in Saudi Arabia after the closure of the company they were working in.

Speaking during the 'call attention hour' in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he drew the government's attention to the fact that 469 Nepali workers have been stranded after the closure of Sandran International Company Limited in the Jubail City of Saudi Arabia, urging for immediate rescue and assistance.

"Among the 469 workers, 226 workers want to return to Nepal. They have expressed their intention to return to Nepal by contacting the embassy there,” Bartula said, adding that among those rendered jobless, 243 have requested to arrange for employing them in other companies.

Stating that the Nepali workers have reportedly not received their salaries for two to nine months since the closure of the company, lawmaker Bartaula informed the House that despite repeatedly drawing the management's attention to the issue of salaries, no action has been taken.

“Those Nepalis rendered jobless are currently staying in the camp. They are facing a food shortage, some have fallen ill, and have not received medical treatment,” said lawmaker Bartaula.

According to him, those wishing to return to Nepal have not been able to come back home as their visa term has expired. "I urge the government to mobilize quickly for the rescue of those Nepalis and provide the necessary assistance and facilitation.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a five-point cooperation plan to strengthen ties with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries at the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing.

The roadmap includes initiatives on solidarity, development, cultural exchange, peace, and people-to-people connectivity. Xi pledged to link China's Belt and Road Initiative with LAC development objectives, boost imports of high-quality products, and stimulate Chinese investment in the region. He also expressed his support for multilateralism and the UN-centered world system, according to Xinhua.

China plans to grant 3,500 scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities, and expand visa-free entry to five LAC countries in order to strengthen educational and cultural ties. Cooperation in areas like cybersecurity, disaster response, and anti-corruption will be strengthened under the peace initiative.

Leaders from Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay endorsed the plan, calling for enhanced economic, technological, and infrastructure cooperation, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to sovereignty, development, and global South solidarity, Xinhua reported.

The initiative aims to build a shared future for China and LAC nations.

South Korea has announced 4.6trn won ($3.25bn) in assistance measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are expected to be harmed by US tariffs.

The strategy calls for financial aid, subsidies to offset logistics costs, and assistance in growing export markets. The government stated that, while SMEs accounted for 17 percent of Korea's exports in the first quarter, 81 percent consider themselves vulnerable to the 25 percent US tariffs introduced in April, which are currently suspended for 90 days, as reported by Reuters.

Earlier this month, the government approved an additional 13.8trn won budget, part of which will be used to mitigate the economic impact of these tariffs.

Nepali Embassy in Japan organized a program on the occasion of the 2569th Buddha Jayanti.

Various cultural and religious programs were held in the program participated by more than 500 Japanese citizens and Nepali nationals.

Speaking at the event, Nepali Ambassador to Japan Durga Bahadur Subedi said that Nepal and Japan share a long history of cultural, religious and diplomatic ties, according to a statement issued by the Nepali Embassy in Japan.

Praising Japan’s valuable support for the economic and social development of Nepal, Ambassador Subedi mentioned that Buddhism is the main basis of Nepal-Japan relations.

On the occasion, the speakers also talked about Buddhism, Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, and Buddha’s teachings.