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In a  step toward strengthening bilateral economic relations, Jordan has announced it will soon host a Nepali business delegation to explore trade and investment opportunities.

This initiative was unveiled during a high-level ceremony held in Kathmandu to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The non-resident Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Nepal Yousef Mustafa Abdelghani, on the occasion, emphasized the importance of private sector leadership in deepening economic ties between the two countries. “Governments will create enabling policies, but the real actors are the private sector,” he stated. “Jordan offers vast opportunities in sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, and we are eager to welcome Nepali businesses.”

During his official visit, Ambassador Abdelghani presented his credentials to the President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Poudel, and formally inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of Jordan in Kathmandu, marking a new chapter in Jordan-Nepal diplomatic and commercial engagement.

The ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of the approximately 3,000 Nepali workers currently employed in Jordan, and reiterated Jordan's interest in strengthening the Labour Agreement signed in 2017, with an aim toward greater transparency and expanded opportunities for Nepali workers.

The ceremony’s Chief Guest Ramhari Khatiwada, Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee in Nepal’s House of Representatives, applauded Jordan’s proactive role in fostering peace in the Middle East and deepening trade relations with Nepal. “Jordan’s constructive approach in bridging the gap in trade and investment with Nepal is commendable,” he noted.

Honorary Consul of Jordan to Nepal Kunal Kayal highlighted the strategic potential of Nepal-Jordan collaboration. “Strategic engagement—guided by sector expertise and regional understanding—can unlock significant value in both markets,” he remarked, emphasizing opportunities in renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, and agriculture modernization.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) confirmed it damaged the Crimea Bridge on Tuesday using underwater explosives equivalent to 1,100kg of TNT. The operation, led by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, targeted the bridge’s supports and caused structural damage without civilian casualties.

The bridge was briefly closed, reopened, and then shut again later in the day amid unconfirmed reports of further blasts. Russia has not officially responded, though military bloggers suggested an underwater drone may have been used. The SBU called the bridge a legitimate military target, BBC reported.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected a US proposal to end uranium enrichment, calling it “100 percent against the country’s interests.”

Oman is mediating the proposal, which calls on Iran to export its uranium stockpile and stop enrichment. Khamenei criticized American demands as boastful and maintained that enrichment is essential to Iran's nuclear program and national independence, according to Al Jazeera.

Major differences have not been resolved despite ongoing talks.

Bangladesh has introduced a new series of banknotes that omit political portraits in favor of showcasing the country’s cultural, religious, and historical heritage. Launched under the interim administration of Muhammad Yunus, the redesign marks a departure from decades of currency featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding leader, according to Firstpost.

The new notes feature locations, traditional symbols, and natural landscapes, but no human beings appear. According to Bangladesh Bank, the effort seeks to express national identity while incorporating advanced security elements to combat counterfeiting.

Officials believe that the makeover emphasizes a neutral and unified portrayal of the country, Firstpost reported.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that immediately doubles the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 percent. The UK, on the other hand, is still temporarily exempt, and its tariffs stay at 25 percent.

The exemption depends on a trade agreement between the UK and the US that was signed last month. The goal of the agreement is to get rid of all tariffs. The UK could have to pay the full 50 percent rate if the deal isn't done by July 9, according to BBC.

Officials in the UK say they are doing everything they can to make the agreement happen as soon as possible.

Aid centres in Gaza are closed after the Israeli military declared access roads “combat zones.” The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation cited “organisational updates” for the shutdown.

At least 27 Palestinians were killed near an aid point Tuesday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops fired on suspects who deviated from designated routes. Separately, an Israeli strike on a school shelter in Khan Younis killed 12. Independent verification remains difficult as international media are barred from Gaza, according to BBC.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 6. 87 points to close at 2, 652. 06 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 50 points to close at 452. 41 points.

A total of 13,782,468-unit shares of 313 companies were traded for Rs 5. 16 billion.

Meanwhile, Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals Limited (OMPL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) was the top loser as its price fell by 6. 82 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 40 trillion.

The federal government has allocated approximately Rs 417bn in grants to provincial and local governments for the fiscal year 2025/26. Among the provinces, Karnali Province, which makes the least 4.19 percent contribution to the national GDP, has received the highest grant—Rs 16.04bn. 

This prioritization reflects the government’s continued focus on reducing regional disparities and promoting inclusive growth in underdeveloped areas.

With Karnali projected to grow at 4.74 percent in the current fiscal year, this substantial grant allocation aims to support that momentum. The province will get Rs 10.56bn in equalization grants, Rs 4.44bn in conditional grants, Rs 494.6m in special grants and Rs 539.7m in complementary grants in 2025/26. These funds are intended to improve infrastructure, expand public services and drive socio-economic development in the province, which has long faced challenges due to its remote location and limited economic base.

The equalization grants, which address fiscal imbalances between provinces, constitute the largest share—highlighting the government’s commitment to equitable resource distribution.

Koshi Province will receive Rs 14.5bn, including Rs 8.98bn in equalization and Rs 4.57bn in conditional grants, from the federal government in 2025/26. Likewise,  Bagmati Province, which includes the federal capital Kathmandu, will get Rs 13.81bn, while Madhesh Province is allocated Rs 12.73bn, Gandaki Province Rs 12.23bn, Lumbini Province Rs 14.01bn and Sudurpashchim Province Rs 14.2bn.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s intergovernmental fiscal transfer details, provinces will receive a total of Rs 97.56bn, including Rs 60.66bn in equalization grants—comprising Rs 15.16bn in minimum grants, Rs 43.06bn in formula-based grants, and Rs 2.42bn in performance-based grants. Conditional grants are Rs 241.8bn, with Rs 30.35bn allocated to provinces and Rs 211.45bn to local governments. An additional Rs 13.34bn in complementary grants will support targeted development efforts.

Locally, municipalities and rural municipalities will collectively receive Rs 320.26bn. Among metropolitan cities, Pokhara leads with Rs 3.64bn, followed by Kathmandu with Rs 2.34bn, which includes Rs 709.3m in equalization grants and Rs 1.63bn in conditional grants, but no special or complementary grants. Lalitpur will receive Rs 1.2bn, while Bharatpur, Birgunj, and Biratnagar are allocated Rs 2.36bn, Rs 1.37bn, and Rs 1.17bn, respectively.