Two enormous solar prominences, each stretching nearly 1 million kilometers, erupted from the Sun’s northeastern limb within an hour on July 31, according to Russian space research institutes. These gas eruptions, driven by magnetic forces, shot into space but are not Earth-directed. Scientists confirmed there’s no danger to satellites, power grids, or communication systems. While such events can be hazardous if Earth-facing, experts assure these particular eruptions pose no risk due to their position on the Sun's edge.

A massive power outage hit Habiganj district after a fire at the Shahjibazar power grid burned three transformers and a circuit breaker. Eight upazilas were left without electricity for nearly 20 hours, while Bahubal remained unaffected. Authorities began restoring supply gradually from Friday morning by rotating power between areas. Water shortages worsened public suffering. Officials repaired one transformer and expect another to be fixed soon. Full restoration will take time due to the cost and complexity of replacing damaged equipment.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the US did not impose any unique conditions on Bangladesh in the recent tariff negotiations, aligning the terms with those applied to other nations. He noted that the US is seeking to reduce its trade deficit, and Bangladesh is also interested in importing goods such as agricultural products and cotton. Alam welcomed the outcome of the negotiations, highlighting improved access for Bangladeshi exports to the US market.

Economic Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan praised Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin for his role in the US tariff negotiations, saying he had proven his competence. “May Allah bless him with a long, purposeful life to continue serving the nation,” Kabir said. Recounting an early meeting with Bashiruddin, Kabir highlighted his patriotism, analytical prowess, and principled stance, noting he even politely declined refreshments out of modesty. Kabir recommended him to the chief adviser, who later appointed him.

Kashmir’s pencil industry is on the brink of collapse as widespread felling of poplar trees has caused a severe shortage of raw materials. The Lasipora industrial area in Pulwama district supplies wood to major Indian brands like Hindustan Pencils, which produces Nataraj and Apsara pencils. Despite a 2020 court suspension on tree felling, cutting continues while new planting declines. Experts warn this trend threatens both production and the environment in the region.

Switzerland’s unique Vocational Education and Training (VET) system starts at age 15, combining practical work experience with classroom learning. Nearly two-thirds of students choose vocational paths over university, gaining paid apprenticeships in over 250 recognized professions. This dual system ensures students develop relevant skills aligned with labor market needs, contributing to Switzerland’s low youth unemployment. The flexible structure also allows career shifts without bureaucratic hurdles, making it a model for producing a competitive, skilled workforce that drives the country’s strong economy.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has announced that fuel prices for diesel, kerosene, petrol, and octane will remain unchanged in August, following the same rates set in July. Diesel will cost Tk 102 per liter, kerosene Tk 114, octane Tk 122, and petrol Tk 118. This decision, effective from Friday, aligns with the automatic pricing formula based on global market trends and aims to ensure affordability for consumers. The last price adjustment was made in June.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed recent European initiatives to recognize the State of Palestine. "We highly value the humanitarian gestures coming from Europe, particularly from France and the UK," Erdoğan stated. He added, "No one can remain silent amid the atrocities in Gaza, where children are dying of hunger and civilians searching for food are being deliberately shot." He also praised Portugal's plan to recognize Palestine, calling it a vital step.

The Malaysian government has approved the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers through BOESL for employment in the construction and tourism sectors. This decision applies to selected workers who were unable to travel by May 31 last year. The Bangladesh High Commission has confirmed that the verification process for demand letters is underway. Applicants must submit all required information via the FWCMS online portal. The development follows signs that the Malaysian labor market may reopen to Bangladeshi workers under a new MoU that ensures transparency, quota compliance, and cost control.

Defying heavy rain, supporters of the July Charter once again blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding the declaration and implementation of the July Charter. Family members of victims and martyrs have also joined the protest. Demonstrators stayed overnight on Thursday and resumed chanting slogans Friday morning, halting traffic in the area. Police and BGB forces have been deployed to ensure security. Protesters warned that they would continue their movement until their demands are met and threatened to set up a temporary stage at Shahbagh if the government failed to fulfill its promises.

The government fell short of its revised revenue target by Tk 92,626 crore in FY 2024-25, collecting Tk 3,70,874 crore against the target of Tk 4,63,500 crore. Unrest within the National Board of Revenue (NBR) during May and June significantly disrupted collections, especially in customs and VAT sectors. Growth over the previous fiscal year was just 2.23%. The NBR cited large-scale tax evasion in the cigarette sector as a major reason for the loss and vowed recovery efforts.

In a recent decision, the Trump administration has reduced the tariff on Bangladeshi products from 35% to 20%. Law professor and advisor Asif Nazrul called it "another success of the interim government" in a Facebook post. According to a White House statement, new tariffs imposed on other nations include 19% on Pakistan and Afghanistan, 25% on India, 10% on Brazil, 19% on Indonesia and Malaysia, 40% on Myanmar, and 20% each on Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Commenting on the National Consensus Commission’s proposal for a 100-seat Upper House elected through proportional representation (PR), Dr. Mirza Galib stressed the importance of assigning it substantial authority. "Creating an upper chamber without granting it real power is pointless," he said. Galib emphasized that constitutional amendments and key constitutional appointments should be under the purview of this new chamber. He called on the commission to clearly define the powers of the Upper House and take the matter seriously.

Portugal has announced plans to consult its president and parliament in September regarding official recognition of Palestine at the United Nations.

This move follows similar announcements from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as momentum builds among Western nations to support Palestinian statehood. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s office made the statement on Thursday, indicating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified the urgency of international action.

Earlier this week, Canada expressed intent to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly session, citing worsening conditions in Gaza. France and the UK have also indicated they are prepared to take similar steps if certain conditions are not met by Israel.

Bangladeshi media personality and aspiring politician Hero Alom has expressed interest in running for mayor, possibly in the Dhaka South City Corporation election. Speaking to reporters, he said, “No election is easy. I'm working in my own way, but ultimately it depends on the people.”

Alom added that if there is strong public demand, he would consider contesting in the national elections as well. “Right now, my focus is on the mayoral race. Many are calling and encouraging me. Discussions are ongoing. I want a chance to serve the people,” he said.

Hero Alom previously contested in the 2023 by-elections for Bogura-4 and Bogura-6 constituencies.