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India has issued a warning to Turkish Airlines after surprise inspections revealed serious safety violations, including the unauthorized transport of explosives.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, conducted checks at airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. It found that explosives were carried without mandatory approval or proper declaration. In Bengaluru, unqualified staff handled ground operations, and aircraft maintenance was done without a certified engineer, Firstpost reported.

The inspections were carried out under Article 16 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Convention, which mandates global aviation safety standards.

Nestled between India and China, Nepal possesses a unique and complex trade history, along with significant market opportunities. However, the country faces multiple constraints—including geographical challenges, weak infrastructure, procedural bottlenecks, and an often unstable political-economic environment. Moreover, the government’s approach to trade negotiations tends to be reactive, shaped by perceived contexts rather than long-term strategy. In this light, it is essential to institutionalise effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) for trade negotiations. Such SOPs would ensure consistency, enhance transparency, and provide strategic direction across bilateral, subregional, and regional trade engagements.

The need for an SOP

Nepal’s trade diplomacy currently relies heavily on ad hoc arrangements and the personal experience of individual bureaucrats. This knowledge-driven, personality-based approach often leads to inconsistencies, a lack of institutional memory, and missed opportunities on bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms.

A national SOP would promote coherence across government departments and ensure continuity during political transitions. It would also empower negotiation teams with procedural clarity and sectoral insights while presenting Nepal as a prepared and credible counterpart in international forums.

Core SOP features for trade negotiations

Institutional mechanisms

Since the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) leads trade negotiations, it should initiate the formation of a formal negotiation coordination committee. This body should include representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, private sector associations, academia, legal experts, and provincial authorities. Together, they would set national priorities, vet negotiation positions, and guide strategies.

SOP cycle

Pre-negotiation phase: Conduct data-driven impact assessments, define national priorities, consult relevant stakeholders, and prepare position papers.

Negotiation phase: Select delegation members, assign roles, and maintain real-time internal coordination.

Post-negotiation phase: Identify legal provisions, outline ratification processes, create implementation roadmaps, and establish monitoring indicators.

Sectoral working group

A specialised group should bring together representatives from transit service providers, agriculture, digital trade, transport logistics, and quality assurance sectors to provide technical expertise. Key issues should include Nepal’s transit rights and infrastructure cooperation. The SOP must prioritise multimodal transport corridors, efficient cross-border logistics, and enhanced trade facilitation through modernised customs systems and logistics hubs.

Trade facilitation

Efforts should focus on easing the movement of people, goods, services, capital, and data—while remaining mindful of risks associated with automation and digitalisation. Nepal must align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and leverage regional initiatives such as BBIN, BIMSTEC, SAARC, SASEC, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

To support this, a negotiation readiness toolkit is needed. This should include templates, records of past negotiations, sectoral briefings, simulation exercises, and case studies. Trade facilitation measures must align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and be benchmarked accordingly.

Establishing bodies such as a National Trade Negotiation Council (NTNC), a National Trade Consulting Forum, or a Trade Intelligence and Analysis Unit is crucial for institutional continuity and informed decision-making.

Infrastructure development—including rail, road, and inland waterway connectivity—must be a priority. Logistical alignment, mutual recognition of standards and certifications, and the promotion of low-carbon, climate-smart trade chains should drive Nepal’s trade agenda.

Legal and risk mitigation

Trade agreements must include robust provisions for dispute resolution, force majeure, and other legal safeguards. It is vital to protect the interests of small producers, uphold environmental standards, and ensure policy space for future reforms.

Inclusion and capacity building

An inclusive trade negotiation process must involve wide consultations with the private sector, civil society, and marginalised communities. The SOP should ensure that all relevant stakeholders are engaged meaningfully.

Capacity building is essential. Members of the negotiation team must receive training in legal interpretation, economic analysis, negotiation tactics, and language skills. Ongoing collaboration with think tanks and trade institutions will enhance capacity and knowledge.

Meeting key performance indicators (KOIs) and conducting annual performance reviews by independent experts will help ensure the negotiation team’s effectiveness and accountability.

Conclusion

Institutionalising SOPs for trade negotiations through a phased, strategic approach is crucial for Nepal. This process should be backed by technical and financial support, and ensure coherence between national development plans and regional trade commitments. Effective monitoring and evaluation must be embedded to achieve desired trade outcomes and social impact.

Nepal should not view its position between two dominant economic powers as a limitation, but a strategic opportunity. By transitioning from a reactive player to a proactive influencer in regional and global trade, Nepal can better serve its national interests. Now is the time to establish a negotiation process that is strategic, inclusive, and driven by national priorities—one that enables Nepal to negotiate with confidence, not just consent.

India’s active COVID-19 cases have grown to 4,026, with Kerala (1,416) reporting the most, followed by Maharashtra (494), Gujarat (397), and Delhi (393), according to the Union Health Ministry.

Five more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, increasing the total to 37 this year. Cases increased from 257 on May 22 to more than 4,000 on June 3, The Hindu reported.

As stated by the officials, majority of illnesses are mild and can be treated at home. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that the spike is caused by Omicron sub variants LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1, with no signs of increased severity.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Monday that he is "very optimistic" that a trade deal with India will be achieved soon, likely avoiding tariffs that are slated to go into effect on President Donald Trump's July 9 deadline.

Lutnick, addressing at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, stated that both countries are trying to reduce tariffs and strengthen trade relations. He noted past US concerns over India’s trade practices but praised recent efforts by the Indian government to address them, according to Firstpost.

At least thirty-four people have died in India’s northeast after days of heavy rain caused severe floods and landslides, with more downpours expected. In Sikkim, over thousand stranded tourists are being evacuated, while rescue operations continue in Meghalaya and Assam, according to Reuters.

In neighboring Bangladesh, a landslide killed four family members in Sylhet. Authorities in both nations have issued warnings and opened emergency shelters as the possibility of more flash floods and landslides grows.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender in Washington from May 27–29 to discuss deepening economic ties and coordination on upcoming Financial Action Task Force (FATF) processes, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The conversations were part of a larger effort to improve the India-US COMPACT project, which focuses on defense, trade, and technological collaboration, according to Firstpost.

The talks come as India prepares to advocate for Pakistan's removal from the FATF grey list, claiming substantial proof of its support for cross-border terrorism following the recent Pahalgam incident in Jammu and Kashmir.

India is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s increasing defence spending amid economic crisis, raising concerns over misuse of international financial aid, Firstpost reported.

India has called on Bangladesh to hold early, free, and inclusive elections to honor the people’s mandate, as the country faces political instability.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh has proposed holding elections between December 2025 and June 2026, assuring he will not extend his tenure beyond that period. However, political parties and the military have demanded elections be held sooner, according to Firstpost.

Bangladesh's Army Chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, described the current scenario as chaotic, warning that civil administration and law enforcement have collapsed and calling for elections in December to restore order.

India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the interim administration is in charge of preserving law and order till elections are held, Firstpost reported.

India reported a total of 1,010 COVID-19 cases as of May 27, marking a steady rise in infections. Kerala recorded the highest spike with 335 new cases, followed by Maharashtra with 153, Delhi with 99, and Gujarat with 76, raising its total to 83. Punjab reported its first case and has begun contact tracing efforts, according to Times of India.

The new variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are being closely monitored by the World Health Organization, though no serious threat has been identified so far. Health experts advise the public to maintain hygiene and remain cautious but not alarmed, as symptoms remain mild.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured that hospitals are fully equipped to manage any further rise in cases, Times of India reported.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday suggested that Saudi Arabia could serve as a neutral venue for dialogue between Pakistan and India on key bilateral issues, according to the Firstpost.

Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about future conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While admitting China as a potential host, he stated that India will not accept it as a neutral party.

His statements came after US President Donald Trump offered to intervene between the two countries, saying that the US had helped engineer a cease-fire to decrease tensions, Firstpost reported.

In contrast, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a parliamentary panel that India and Pakistan decided to cease warfare bilaterally in response to opposition concerns over Trump's statements.

India is witnessing a modest increase in Covid-19 cases, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant.

In May, Mumbai reported 95 new cases with 16 hospitalisations. Ahmedabad recorded 7 new cases in a single day, Puducherry reported 12, and Karnataka has 16 active cases. Chennai has seen a shift in viral infections, with more cases now attributed to Covid-19 than influenza. Pune, despite no current hospitalised cases, has reserved hospital beds as a precaution, according to the Times of India.

Most infections remain mild, with no ICU admissions or fatalities reported. Health experts advise at-risk groups to resume preventive measures such as mask usage and hand hygiene. Influenza vaccination is also recommended to reduce the impact of potential co-infections.

At least fourteen people lost their lives and several others were injured following lightning strikes across Odisha on Friday, according to Xinhua.

The severe weather, which included heavy rain and thunderstorms, impacted several districts, including Koraput, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Gajapati.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an advisory for prolonged bad weather, warning of further rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in the area, Xinhua reported.

Lightning-related fatalities are a recurring tragedy during India’s monsoon season, claiming hundreds of lives annually.

US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that India has proposed a trade deal with the United States that includes "zero tariffs." During his visit to Qatar, Trump stated: "India offered the US a deal, basically zero tariffs", Reuters reported.

This comes after his statements in Michigan on April 30, when he stated tariff talks with India were going well and he was optimistic about reaching a final agreement shortly. The US and India have been engaged in high-level negotiations to resolve ongoing trade and market access issues.

According to a May 9 Reuters report, India offered to reduce its average tariff difference with the US from 13 percent to below 4 percent, marking a significant shift in its trade policy.

Pakistan's military stated Tuesday that a border clash with India killed 51 people, including 11 soldiers and 40 civilians, despite a truce accord announced by US President Donald Trump over the weekend.

The army accused India of breaking the truce, which was intended to reduce tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Indian officials have yet to react on the incident, Reuters reported.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly asserted that the country will not be intimidated by Pakistan's nuclear weapons. In a resolute address to the nation on Monday, he emphasized that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, describing the current pause in hostilities as only a temporary halt, according to The Hindu.

Speaking on May 12 in his first public statement since the commencement of the operation on May 7, Modi warned that India is closely monitoring Pakistan’s actions and will assess developments in the coming days before considering further military or strategic responses.

“We will not succumb to nuclear blackmail,” Modi declared, reinforcing India’s commitment to national security and regional stability, The Hindu reported.

Modi's words came amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides exchanging harsh rhetoric following recent escalation.

Operation Sindoor is not just a name but it's a reflection of the feelings of millions of people of the country. Operation ‘Sindoor’ is our unwavering commitment to justice, PM Modi said.

Late night of 6th May and in the early morning of 7th May, the whole world saw this pledge turn into reality, he said.  He further said:  “Indian forces attacked terror hideouts in Pakistan and their training centers with precision. The terrorists had never imagined that India could take such a big decision. But when the country is united, endowed with the spirit of Nation First and national interest is paramount, then strong decisions are taken and results are achieved.”

“First, if there is a terrorist attack on India, a fitting reply will be given. We will give a befitting response on our terms only. We will take strict action at every place from where the roots of terrorism emerge.”

“Secondly, India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail.”

“Thirdly, we will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of terrorism. During Operation Sindoor the world has again seen the ugly face of Pakistan, when top Pakistani army officers came to bid farewell to the slain terrorists. This is strong evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. We will continue to take decisive steps to protect India and our citizens from any threat.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the conflict between India and Pakistan stopped after they called for calm and restraint from both sides and prayed for peace. 

He said so while addressing a program organized in Lumbini on the occasion of 2569^th Buddha Jayanti on Monday.

Though a war situation had emerged between India and Pakistan just a few days ago, the Prime Minister said that it did not escalate into a full-scale war.

Saying that India and Pakistan have reached a cease-fire agreement, Prime Minister Oli thanked both the countries for exercising restraint.

“Though India and Pakistan exchanged strikes for days, it did not escalate into war. I would like to thank both countries for restraint. We had prayed that this situation would not turn into a war,” PM Oli said.

Indian and Pakistani military officials are set to meet Monday to finalize details of a ceasefire agreed on Saturday after four days of intense cross-border fighting, according to BBC.

The US-brokered truce has held overnight, allaying fears of a wider battle between the nuclear-armed foes. President Donald Trump announced the accord, demanding an end to hostilities that could result in significant casualties.

Both nations remain on high alert, warning about cease-fire violations. The clashes, centered on the disputed Kashmir region, left dozens dead and marked the worst escalation in recent years. Despite the truce, both sides have claimed victory, BBC reported.