India’s financial markets faced a sharp downturn on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce energy consumption, limit non-essential imports, and cut gold purchases. Following his remarks, the rupee fell steeply against the US dollar, reaching 95.31 per dollar, one of its largest single-day declines. The NSE Nifty-50 index dropped 1.5 percent to 23,815 points, while the BSE Sensex lost 1,276 points to close at 76,015.

Analysts attributed the pressure to rising global crude oil prices, which have strained India’s foreign exchange reserves. Brent crude climbed to 104 dollars per barrel after US President Donald Trump rejected a peace proposal from Iran. Market analyst Arun Kejriwal said Modi’s comments triggered immediate investor concern, warning that sustained high oil prices could prolong market stress.

Most sectors saw losses, particularly small- and mid-cap stocks. Shares of state-run oil firms and major companies like Reliance Industries fell sharply, while travel, hospitality, and jewelry sectors also declined. However, Hyundai Motor India and agrochemical firm UPL recorded gains amid the broader slump.

Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser has warned that the global energy market could face a severe crisis if the current disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues for several more weeks. In an interview with Reuters, Nasser said it might take until next year for the situation to return to normal.

According to Aramco officials, ship traffic through the vital waterway has dropped dramatically—from about 70 vessels per day to only 2 to 5. Nasser stated that if the situation persists, the global market could lose around 100 million barrels of oil each week, potentially causing major instability in energy supply and prices.

Aramco’s Chief Financial Officer Ziad Al-Murshid added that the company holds strong reserves equivalent to about 250 billion barrels and is prepared to meet global energy demand despite the ongoing disruption.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new policy enabling customers to obtain digital or e-loans of up to Tk 50,000 at a 9 percent interest rate for a maximum period of 12 months. The central bank issued the policy on Monday, allowing customers to apply and repay loans entirely through digital channels without visiting a bank branch.

According to the policy, any regular customer can apply for the loan using digital platforms such as internet banking, mobile apps, e-wallets, or mobile financial services. Defaulters will not be eligible. Banks must verify a customer’s credit information from other financial institutions before approval but cannot charge any fee for this verification. The entire process, from application to repayment, will be conducted digitally using biometric identification, OTP, and multi-factor authentication to ensure security. All customer data must be stored in data warehouses located in Bangladesh.

Before commercial rollout, banks are required to conduct at least six months of pilot testing. Upon successful completion and board approval, they may launch the service. Banks have also been instructed to take steps to enhance customers’ financial literacy.

Prime Minister’s Adviser and BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir has called on all to implement Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive to act firmly against those responsible for environmental destruction. He made the appeal on Monday morning while speaking as the chief guest at a food distribution event for over two hundred poor and distressed families of Rampasha Union, held at the Bishwanath Upazila Parishad auditorium with support from the United Arab Emirates.

Humayun Kabir stated that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is sincerely working for the country’s overall development and the protection of rivers and the environment. He mentioned that major development projects have already begun across the country and that the upcoming budget will include plans to advance development in Osmaninagar, Bishwanath, and the Sylhet region.

Regarding the re-excavation of the Bashia River, Kabir said the Prime Minister remains firm on environmental protection and that the river will be freed from illegal occupation under proper supervision. Discussions with the administration and the district commissioner have already taken place, and the issue has been included in the ongoing re-excavation project fund.

Guliakhali Beach, one of Sitakunda’s main natural attractions in Chattogram, is losing its scenic charm due to encroachment, pollution and poor management. Once known for its vast green meadows and winding canals meeting the Bay of Bengal, the area is now littered with plastic waste, polythene and unplanned structures. Locals fear that without immediate action, the beach’s environment and biodiversity will face severe threats.

Residents and environmental advocates blame unplanned tourism, lack of monitoring and careless visitor behavior for the deterioration. Despite large tourist gatherings on holidays, there is no proper waste management or cleaning system. Following a recent attack on tourists, authorities conducted an eviction drive, demolishing illegal shops and temporary structures. The Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer said further steps will include setting up a tourism police camp, public toilets and seating areas.

Environmental experts and locals welcomed the eviction but stressed that long-term planning is essential to preserve the beach. They urged for strict monitoring, installation of dustbins, regular cleaning drives and awareness campaigns to protect Guliakhali’s unique natural landscape.

Authorities in Chapainawabganj have decided not to impose any fixed schedule for mango harvesting this year. Farmers will be allowed to pick and market mangoes once they are fully mature. The decision was made at a meeting held on Monday afternoon at the district administration conference room, focusing on the mango calendar and the safe, chemical-free production, marketing, transport, and sale of mangoes. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found marketing immature mangoes.

The meeting was chaired by District Commissioner Abu Saleh Md Musa Jangir and attended by officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension, the Regional Horticulture Research Center, and local mango growers and traders. According to the agriculture department, mango orchards cover 37,487 hectares in the district this season, with a production target of 458,012 metric tons.

The decision aims to ensure quality mango production and maintain the district’s reputation as a leading mango-producing region in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) has expressed concern over a clause in the amended Bank Resolution Act that allows former bank owners to return to the sector. Following a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman on Monday, BAB President and Dhaka Bank Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker told reporters that the provision could enable individuals previously involved in irregularities and misappropriation to re-enter the banking industry, potentially causing new instability.

Sarker warned that public confidence in the banking sector could further erode if those who had taken money from banks are allowed to return. He urged the government to reconsider the clause carefully to prevent renewed crises. The meeting was attended by several prominent bank chairmen and directors, including A K Azad, Sharif Zahir, Manjurur Rahman, and Romo Rouf Chowdhury.

According to Sarker, the central bank governor assured them that the return of former owners would not be permitted without fulfilling all conditions under section 18(a) of the amended law. He also confirmed that the ongoing merger process of five banks would continue as planned.

Netflix has announced the return of its globally popular Spanish crime drama series 'Money Heist' or 'La Casa de Papel'. The original series officially ended in 2021 after five seasons, but nearly five years later, the streaming platform released a teaser titled 'The World of Money Heist Continues' on social media, confirming that the franchise’s story is not over. The teaser hinted that the 'Money Heist' universe will expand further, sparking widespread speculation online.

The teaser, shared on Netflix’s official channels, suggested that a new project is in development, though it remains unclear whether it will be a sixth season, a spin-off, or a sequel. Meanwhile, the second season of 'Berlin', titled 'Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine', is set for global release on May 15. The promotional materials featured the series’ signature red and black theme and referenced the iconic 'Bella Ciao' motif, symbolizing that the revolution continues.

The teaser also revisited iconic heist scenes from the Royal Mint and Bank of Spain, while hinting at new missions that could broaden the franchise’s storyline.

Bangladesh has introduced its first full-fledged micro drama series titled 'Silver Sadia', designed specifically for mobile-first viewers. The series, produced by Mayer Doa Studios and directed by Miraz Hossain, is presented entirely in a vertical format, with each episode lasting only three minutes. A special vertical screening event was recently held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, attended by media professionals, industry figures, and invited guests.

According to the creators, the story follows a young madrasa student from a lower-middle-class family who secretly develops a passion for gaming. With her mother’s quiet support, she begins live streaming on YouTube and gradually builds her own audience. The plot intensifies when her father discovers her secret, leading to a confrontation that explores themes of family, distance, and self-discovery.

Industry insiders view this micro-format storytelling as a bold and timely step for Bangladesh’s digital entertainment sector, signaling new creative possibilities for short-form vertical content.

The government of Bangladesh is moving forward with plans to construct a second Padma Bridge, according to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam. Speaking at the Secretariat on Monday after a meeting on ensuring safe travel during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the minister said the feasibility study for the project has already been completed. He added that discussions are ongoing regarding financing and other preparatory work.

The minister explained that one of the three proposals for the new bridge involves building it at the Daulatdia-Paturia point, which he said would help reduce road accidents. He also discussed measures for managing Eid travel, noting that garment factories will grant holidays in phases this year to avoid the chaos experienced during the previous Eid when all factories closed simultaneously.

To improve road discipline during Eid travel, the government plans to operate 69 mobile courts. These steps are part of broader efforts to ensure safer and more organized travel during the holiday period.

Researchers have warned that whale-ship collisions are becoming increasingly likely off South Africa’s coast as global shipping routes shift due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. A study presented at a recent International Whaling Commission meeting found that the country’s southwest coast, known as a key whale habitat, has also become a major alternative maritime route.

The research noted that after a British-owned vehicle carrier was hijacked near Yemen in November 2023, many international vessels began avoiding the Red Sea and rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Instability and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz have further pushed shipping companies to use South African waters. Researcher Els Vermeulen said there is now significant spatial overlap between whale habitats and shipping lanes, heightening collision risks.

According to AFP, between March 1 and April 24 this year, an average of 89 commercial ships passed through South African waters daily, compared with 44 during the same period in 2023. Scientists fear the increased traffic could harm marine biodiversity, posing a serious threat to slow-moving species like whales.

Prolonged rainfall and waterlogging have submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields in Sunamganj’s haor region, leaving farmers burdened with debt. According to the agriculture department, around 20,000 hectares of Boro crops have been damaged, with small and marginal farmers suffering the most. Many had taken loans from NGOs, banks, and local lenders to cover the costs of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and labor, but the crops were destroyed before harvest.

Farmers described their distress as they struggle to repay debts. Abdul Kaiyum from Dekhar Haor said he borrowed about two lakh taka for his 12-kiar land but lost all his paddy. Aibun Begum from Shangai Haor reported that rain prevented drying the harvested paddy, causing further losses. Another farmer, Nur Uddin, said lenders are pressuring for repayment while he faces mounting debt.

Mohammad Omar Faruk, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Sunamganj, stated that a list of affected farmers is being prepared. Two government ministers have already launched a three-month assistance program, and all affected farmers will gradually receive support.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a circular permitting the transfer of visa bond or security deposit funds abroad through local banks. The directive, released on Monday, aims to simplify the process for Bangladeshi citizens who must deposit refundable security amounts as part of foreign visa applications. Under the new rules, banks can send the required funds on behalf of applicants when such deposits are mandatory for visa issuance.

The central bank stated that the initiative is intended to reduce difficulties faced by applicants and make the visa application process more convenient. Banks are now authorized to issue international or virtual cards preloaded with the necessary funds, while existing international cardholders can reload their cards within the travel quota. The funds, however, may only be used for visa bond or related security deposit payments.

According to industry observers cited in the circular, the new policy will make visa procedures faster and easier for Bangladeshi applicants, particularly in countries that require financial guarantees or refundable deposits.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said the current government is operating under the pressure of massive foreign debt, money laundering, and incomplete mega projects. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon after inaugurating a tree plantation program and laying the foundation stone for the Padma Bridge Museum at the Jajira end in Shariatpur.

The minister stated that around Tk 30 lakh crore had been laundered abroad and more than Tk 20 lakh crore in foreign debt had been left behind. He added that despite huge spending on 16 mega projects, many remain unfinished, with some contractors abandoning work and some projects halted, creating complications in implementing development activities.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also mentioned that long-standing corruption and irregularities have caused a trust deficit among international donor agencies. Organizations that previously supported large projects are now showing reluctance to cooperate, he said.

A coordination meeting chaired by Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam announced that mango harvesting in the district will start on May 22. The meeting, held on Sunday afternoon, decided that all types of early local mango varieties can be collected from that date. Among the improved varieties, Gopalbhog will be harvested from May 30, Khirsapat or Himsagar from June 2, Nak Fazli from June 5, Langra and Haribhanga from June 10, Fazli, Amrapali, and Banana Mango from June 25, and Ashwina, Bari-4, Gaurmoti, and Katina from July 5.

According to the meeting, mango orchards in Naogaon cover 30,310 hectares this year, with a production target of 387,235 metric tons. The district expects mango sales worth around Tk 4,000 crore this season. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that no immature or chemically treated mangoes may be harvested or marketed before the designated dates, and awareness campaigns will be conducted across the district to ensure compliance.