Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul show humanitarian progress
Ukraine and Russia made limited but concrete progress on humanitarian issues during peace talks held Monday in Istanbul under Turkish mediation, according to Xinhua.
Ukraine proposed a 30-day ceasefire, prisoner releases, and the return of children and young soldiers, as stated by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Russia agreed to repatriate 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' dead in exchange for all severely injured and 18-25-year-old troops. Moscow also proposed a brief ceasefire in certain frontline sectors, Xinhua reported.
Officials regarded the discussions as positive. It was the second direct encounter in Istanbul since May, indicating a tentative move toward future engagement.
UK to strengthen military in response to Russian threat
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to significantly upgrade the UK's military capabilities, including the development of new nuclear-powered attack submarines and increased army preparedness for potential conflict in Europe, according to Firstpost.
Speaking at a naval shipyard in Scotland, Starmer said that the threat from Russia is more serious and immediate than at any time since the Cold War.
The announcement comes amid a broader reassessment of defense strategies by NATO members following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Starmer described the upgrades as the most substantial in over three decades, Firstpost reported.
Karol Nawrocki wins Polish presidential runoff
Karol Nawrocki has won Poland’s presidential runoff election, according to the final results released by the National Electoral Commission (PKW) on Monday.
Nawrocki, an independent candidate supported by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, secured 50.89 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating Civic Coalition (KO) candidate and Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who received 49.11 percent, according to Xinhua.
Nawrocki, a historian and director of the Institute of National Remembrance, ran his first presidential campaign as an underdog, consistently trailing in polls. Despite early exit polls predicting defeat, he emerged victorious.
Born in 1983 in Gdansk, Nawrocki will take office on August 6, succeeding President Andrzej Duda at the end of his second and final term, Xinhua reported.
World Bank approves USD 257 million loan to Nepal
The World Bank (WB) has approved a loan totaling USD 257 million aimed at enhancing electricity distribution services and improving irrigation services to boost agricultural productivity.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on May 29 approved the loan for two projects for Nepal, the WB stated in a press release.
The Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (USD 120 million) will strengthen the electricity distribution network and enhance electricity supply to users in Koshi, Bagmati, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim Provinces.
The project, led by Nepal Electricity Authority, will focus on constructing new distribution substations, upgrading existing networks, and implementing an automated system for real-time monitoring of distribution networks to enhance operational efficiency, it said.
The Modernization of Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project - Phase 3 (USD 137 million) aims to improve irrigation services and agricultural productivity by expanding access to year-round irrigation services, increasing farm productivity, and enhancing climate resilience in Kailali district, Sudurpaschim Province.
Jointly implemented by Nepal’s Department of Water Resources and Irrigation and Department of Agriculture, this project will scale year-round irrigation to an additional 17,500 hectares benefiting 160,000 people.
“An uninterrupted electricity supply and adequate, year-round irrigation services are fundamental inputs for Nepal’s sustainable development,” said David Sislen, Country Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
“The projects emphasise improved connectivity and the promotion of clean electricity generated from hydropower, alongside integrated agricultural support services to farmers to help build resilience against climate and disaster risks.”
The projects also include capacity-building initiatives for the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Water Users Association to promote innovative solutions and strengthen institutional systems for the effective management and sustainability of infrastructure.
