Egypt's inflation rate drops to 11.8 per cent in December: Central Bank

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has climbed to 1,410m while 6,145 people remain missing, according to the latest update issued by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as rescue, relief and recovery operations continue across the affected districts.

India on Thursday welcomed the New Zealand Parliament’s passage of legislation giving effect to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in New Delhi on April 27. The agreement will provide duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand upon entry into force and create opportunities in services, investment and professional, student and youth mobility.

The high-level meeting took place during Wagle's first official visit to India since assuming office as Nepal's Finance Minister. India's Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs also attended the discussions.

Beijing reiterated its opposition to "long-arm jurisdiction" and unilateral economic sanctions, stating that any sanctions not authorised by the UN Security Council have no basis in international law. Defending sovereign trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said normal economic and trade cooperation between sovereign nations is not directed at third parties and should not be subjected to external coercion or interference.

The meeting emphasised the need to further strengthen the democratic environment and values of the two countries. Both sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a sustainable and dignified level based on mutual respect, equality, fairness and justice.