Donald Trump has issued a warning that countries supporting BRICS policies deemed contrary to U.S. interests could face an additional 10% tariff. His comments followed BRICS’ proposal to reform the IMF and global currency exchange mechanisms. BRICS, now comprising 11 member states and representing over half the global population, recently criticized global tariffs as threats to economic stability and condemned military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

The BRICS alliance has issued a strong condemnation of recent military strikes on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, labeling them a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

In a joint statement issued during the latest BRICS summit—which also marked Iran’s official inclusion in the bloc—member states expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia. They called for urgent discussions on the issue within the UN Security Council.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the summit earlier that day, with the joint BRICS statement following shortly after—adding diplomatic weight to the group's unified stance.

A commercial ship was attacked off the Yemeni coast in the Red Sea by eight small boats firing rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire. The ship’s security team returned fire, and no casualties have been reported. The assault occurred near the port of Hodeidah, and though no group has claimed responsibility, it’s believed to be part of ongoing Houthi maritime operations. Heightened security concerns have forced many vessels to reroute.

Students from Jagannath University have provided food aid to 200 war-affected families in Gaza as part of the "Project Lifeline Gaza" initiative, overseen by the university’s Human Rights Society. Operating under the leadership of eight students, they raised nearly 300,000 BDT to deliver relief to internally displaced people in southwest Gaza. The students cited humanitarian and global responsibility as their motivation and expressed hopes of expanding their efforts.

The Election Commission has formally requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate voter registration and issuance of national identity cards for expatriates in eight additional countries, including the United States, Turkey, Egypt, and France. The other countries listed are South Africa, Maldives, Jordan, and Oman. This program is already operational in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada. So far, around 47,000 applications have been received from overseas voters, with over 20,000 successfully registered. The commission plans to expand the program to more countries by December, with Japan expected to be included soon.

In a significant move to counter China's expanding influence in the South and East China Seas, Japan is preparing to transfer six Abukuma-class warships to the Philippines. The transfer is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense cooperation among U.S. allies. A Filipino military delegation is set to inspect the vessels this summer. Despite Japan’s constitutional restrictions on arms exports, the deal is being framed as a joint development initiative. Both countries have expressed growing alarm over China’s assertive military posture and have recently signed a reciprocal access agreement and held joint military exercises.

Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on Islamic NGOs to play a greater role in social business to support development across the Muslim world. Speaking at a high-level meeting with NGO leaders from several Muslim-majority countries in Dhaka, Dr. Yunus highlighted the potential of social enterprises to empower women and improve healthcare, calling them powerful tools for poverty alleviation. NGO leaders praised Yunus’s model as a source of inspiration for initiatives in their own countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not accept any ceasefire deal that allows Hamas to retain control in Gaza. Speaking ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Sunday, Netanyahu stated, “We will not let kidnappers and murderers be rewarded. Hamas must be militarily dismantled.” He also revealed that Israel is close to signing peace agreements with countries that "no one ever imagined."

Following the recent aerial clash between India and Pakistan, France has accused China of raising doubts about the effectiveness of the French-made Rafale fighter jets. According to French military and intelligence officials, Chinese embassies around the world are being used to spread disinformation aimed at undermining the aircraft’s credibility, particularly in markets like Indonesia where Rafale is competing for defense contracts. China has dismissed the allegations as baseless.

Iran has ordered nearly 4 million Afghan refugees and migrants to leave the country within a specified deadline or risk arrest and deportation. This follows a crackdown that began in 2023 targeting undocumented migrants. Over 700,000 Afghans have already left, and thousands continue to be deported daily. Human rights groups warn that this mass expulsion could exacerbate Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. Anti-Afghan sentiment is rising in Iran, with allegations of Afghan collaboration with Israeli intelligence adding to tensions.

China’s Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipping Building Company has developed a state-of-the-art vessel named ‘Brands Hatch’ that primarily uses wind power as its driving force. Built for the British company UML, this ship measures 250 meters in length and 44 meters in width. It features three smart sails, each over 40 meters tall, which automatically adjust their direction by sensing wind speed and direction.

This innovative design significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions — saving approximately 14.5 tons of fuel and 45 tons of carbon dioxide daily. Over the course of a year, the ship is expected to use 12% less fuel, resulting in a reduction of 3,800 to 5,000 tons of carbon emissions and cost savings of around 150 million US dollars.

With this project, the vessel sets a new global benchmark in environmentally friendly shipping technology.

On Saturday, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demand a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and the release of Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Protesters called for a neutral ceasefire deal that includes freeing all detainees. Family members of the prisoners joined the demonstration, urging the government to expedite negotiations. Israel has announced sending a delegation to Doha, Qatar, for talks with Hamas on prisoner exchanges. Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Trump in Washington. Currently, 50 Israelis are held in Gaza (20 confirmed alive), while over 10,400 Palestinians face imprisonment in Israel, enduring mistreatment and neglect.

During last month’s 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran launched ballistic missile strikes targeting five Israeli military bases, according to a report by The Telegraph.

Based on satellite data from Oregon State University, at least six missiles hit the Tel Nof, Glilot, and Zipporit bases. In total, Iran reportedly launched over 500 missiles and 1,100 drones, some of which penetrated Israeli-American air defense systems. The missile strikes resulted in 28 deaths and displaced nearly 13,000 people.

Following 12 days of intense conflict between Iran and Israel, a ceasefire has been declared. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared in public on the eve of Ashura, ending 26 days of absence that had fueled widespread speculation. He attended a religious gathering in Tehran, drawing enthusiastic support from followers. During the conflict, several Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reported killed.

This year in Iran, Ashura was not just a day of mourning but also a mass demonstration of national unity and resistance against perceived Israeli and American aggression. Inspired by the spirit of Karbala, Iranians transformed their grief into defiance, holding processions with images of martyrs and anti-imperialist slogans. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called for donating blood instead of self-flagellation—a call that was widely heeded. Clerics described Ashura as the fountainhead of Islamic revolution and steadfastness. Despite sorrow, Iranians stood tall, strengthened by Ashura’s spiritual legacy. (By a journalist and analyst based in Iran)