Four earthquakes, all above magnitude 4, hit near Port Blair in the Andaman region of the Bay of Bengal within 90 minutes on Tuesday night. The first quake measured 5.0 at a depth of 10 km, followed by three others ranging from 4.6 to 5.0 magnitude. No casualties or tsunami warnings have been reported. Meanwhile, a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami alerts across the Pacific region.

A massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake near Russia's eastern coast has triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Waves up to 13 feet are expected in parts of French Polynesia, particularly the Marquesas Islands, prompting evacuations to higher ground. Colombia has also issued alerts for its Pacific coast, urging people in Chocó and Nariño to move inland. The tsunami has reached the U.S. West Coast, causing sea level rise in Washington, Oregon, and California, though no damage has been reported. Alerts have eased for Hawaii and Guam.

The Tista River at Dalia Point in Rangpur has surged 5 centimeters above the danger level due to the release of water from India’s Gazaldoba barrage, causing severe flooding and distress to nearby residents. Hundreds of families in multiple unions are submerged, with roads and homes inundated. Farmers face the dual challenges of drought and flood, blaming India’s irregular water management. Local leaders urge a fair, sustainable water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh to prevent recurring crises.

A powerful earthquake off Russia's coast triggered three tsunami waves that struck the Severo-Kurilsk port area. The final wave severely damaged port infrastructure and swept several anchored ships toward the strait. The third wave was described as “extremely powerful,” flooding parts of the city. Residents took refuge on a nearby hill and plan to stay until the threat passes. In a separate incident, a kindergarten building in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was also damaged by the quake.

The admission process for Class XI (equivalent to Grade 11) in all public and private colleges across Bangladesh begins today for the 2025–26 academic year and will continue until August 11.

Applications must be submitted online. As in previous years, admissions will be based solely on SSC (or equivalent) exam results—no entrance tests will be held. The application fee is set at BDT 220. Depending on the institution, the total cost of admission may range from BDT 1,500 to BDT 8,500.

Students cannot transfer between colleges or receive clearance certificates without approval from the education board. The entire admission process—including application, merit list publication, enrollment, and class commencement—must be completed within 45 working days after the SSC results are released.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, causing a tsunami in the North Pacific. Waves reached Japan’s Hokkaido, and tsunami warnings were issued for Hawaii, Alaska, and even New Zealand. In Russia and Japan, evacuations were carried out, and minor damage was reported. Hawaii sounded sirens, and Oregon warned of small waves. While no major injuries or deaths have occurred, authorities urge coastal residents to stay alert for aftershocks and potential second waves.

Heavy rains in northern China have caused devastating floods, resulting in at least 30 deaths in Beijing. Authorities evacuated 80,000 people as more rain was forecasted. Nearly 130 villages lost power, and many roads were damaged, isolating residents. Rescue teams are using helicopters and wading through chest-deep waters to save stranded individuals. The Miyun district suffered the most damage. President Xi Jinping has ordered comprehensive search and rescue efforts amid ongoing infrastructure repairs and support for displaced residents.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen expressed China's full readiness to implement the Teesta River Comprehensive Project and emphasized that the next move rests with Bangladesh. He also criticized U.S. trade tariffs, stating they contradict WTO rules and could destabilize the global economy.

Yao highlighted China's intent to work jointly with both Bangladesh and Pakistan, aiming to build a prosperous, sovereign region. He clarified that this initiative is not a coalition against any third party. On domestic affairs, Yao expressed confidence in Bangladesh's interim government to hold a fair election and reiterated that repatriation is the only sustainable solution for the Rohingya crisis. Regarding the recent Milestone incident, he said a team of Chinese technical experts would arrive in Dhaka soon to investigate.

Continuous rain and tidal surges triggered by a low-pressure system have caused flooding in parts of Char Fasson upazila, damaging fish farms and crops. A 300-foot section of the Khejurgachhia embankment has developed cracks, putting thousands in Hazirganj and Jahanpur unions at risk. Locals blame poor emergency repairs and low budget allocations. Authorities have begun urgent repairs, with two contractors assigned. Officials assure the embankment will be permanently restored soon, although fears remain as water pressure in the Meghna River continues to rise.

The Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) will start admissions for the 2025-26 academic year on July 30. Candidates can apply online for four-year diploma courses in Engineering, Textile, Agriculture, Fisheries, and two-year vocational courses including BMT and Commerce. Admission at institutions runs until September 14. Students must confirm admission by submitting required documents within seven working days. ‘O’ Level students must submit equivalency certificates before applying. No blank form admissions will be accepted.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Taliban-led Afghan government. Araghchi stressed the urgent need for a ministerial-level OIC meeting to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also highlighted Iran's efforts to ensure a dignified and rights-based return process for Afghan refugees. In response, Muttaqi called for an immediate end to what he described as genocidal acts in Gaza and urged that the dignity of Afghan returnees be respected.

Saudi Arabia will provide BDT 2.44 billion (approximately USD 208 million) for the construction of eight iconic mosques in Bangladesh under a royal grant. The announcement was made by Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Biya during a meeting with Religious Affairs Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain at the Secretariat on Saturday. The advisor said construction would begin as soon as possible. He also acknowledged the contributions of nearly 3.2 million Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia through remittances and noted their role in achieving Saudi Vision 2030. Additionally, the ambassador assured improvements in facilities during Hajj, including more washrooms in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, uninterrupted water and power supply, and larger bedding arrangements in Mina tents.

Low-lying areas in Noakhali, including Nijhum Dwip and parts of Companiganj and Hatiya, are flooded due to tidal surges triggered by a Bay of Bengal low-pressure system. Over 150 homes face erosion threats, with dozens already relocated. Roads, homes, markets, and fish ponds are submerged, affecting thousands. Wildlife in Nijhum Dwip National Park is endangered. Waterlogging persists in Maijdee town due to poor drainage. Authorities warn of continued weather impacts and advise caution for fishing vessels.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman announced that the Bangladeshi government has placed an order for 25 advanced aircraft from US-based Boeing.

He clarified, “Boeing is a private company, not run by the US government. Just as India, Vietnam, and Indonesia have each ordered 100 aircraft, we’ve ordered 25.” However, if a trade agreement is not signed soon, higher US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports will take effect from August 1.

The United States has accused Hamas of lacking genuine intent to reach a ceasefire agreement, but Hamas has pushed back, calling the allegations misleading and inconsistent with mediator evaluations.

In a statement on Saturday, Izzat al-Rishq, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, responded: “We are stunned by the remarks from U.S. President Trump and his special envoy Whitkoff. These claims contradict the assessments of the mediators and misrepresent Hamas’s position.”

On Friday, President Trump blamed Hamas for derailing ceasefire talks and warned that the group would now "face consequences." A day earlier, U.S. envoy Whitkoff said the group lacked “sufficient goodwill,” prompting the U.S. to scale back its involvement in the negotiations.

Al-Rishq, however, argued that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government remains the real obstacle to peace and is being deliberately overlooked. Hamas also accused Israel of stealing humanitarian aid meant for civilians in Gaza.