Yemen's Houthis target Israel's main airport

Yemen's Houthi troops fired a ballistic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport early Wednesday, marking the second such attempt in 24 hours. According to Xinhua, the missile was intercepted at 7:41 a.m., triggering alerts and sirens in central Israel and Jerusalem.

A similar missile was intercepted on Tuesday night. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea stated that the bombings are intended to put pressure on Israel to halt its military actions in Gaza, and threatened to continue the strikes.

Separately, three rockets were launched from Gaza into southern Israel Tuesday night. Two were intercepted, and one landed in open ground. A woman was injured while traveling to a shelter, Xinhua reported.

Despite a May 6 cease-fire agreement with the United States, the Houthis have shot approximately 30 missiles and dozens of drones at Israel since March 18, according to Israeli media.

 

Trump urges Syria to normalize ties with Israel

US President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, pushing him to normalize relations with Israel and sign the Abraham Accords. The meeting occurred just after the United States eased sanctions against Syria, which Trump called as a step toward giving the country "a chance at greatness."

Trump underlined Syria's need to expel foreign terrorist groups while also playing a crucial role in regional trade. He also spoke at the Gulf Cooperation Council summit, stating that he wants to negotiate an agreement with Iran as long as it stops supporting terrorism, according to BBC.

The visit is part of Trump's four-day Middle East tour, which aims to strengthen diplomatic connections and regional stability. He is now headed to Qatar for a state dinner following talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Gulf leaders.

Syrians celebrate US decision to lift sanctions

Syrians took to the streets to celebrate after US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria during a speech in Riyadh.

The Syrian foreign ministry welcomed the decision as a "pivotal turning point," describing it as an opportunity for national recovery and reconstruction following years of conflict, as stated by Al Jazeera.

In Damascus, people gathered in Umayyad Square, waving flags and playing music.

Mazloum Abdi, the chairman of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, expressed hope that the decision will promote stability and a better future for all Syrians, Al Jazeera reported.

Lula pushes Putin to join peace talk

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.

 

Nepse plunges by 13. 84 points on Wednesday

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 PM Mark Carney unveils new cabinet amid US trade tensions

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.”

PM Oli calls for keeping NRNA intact, dignified and goal-oriented

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.

 

UML’s Bartaula urges government to rescue Nepalis stranded in Saudi Arabia

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.”