A growing number of children aged 12–15 are voluntarily taking breaks from smartphones, computers, and social media due to concerns about mental health, attention, and safety, according to a global study. Experts say kids are learning to manage their online time independently. UK data shows many now mute notifications or use “Do Not Disturb” mode. Parents are also becoming stricter about screen time, especially after watching the Netflix documentary Adolescence, which highlights the effects of digital overuse on youth.

Digital scams are affecting over 600 million people globally each year, with nearly 1.67 million falling victim daily. A report by Exploding Topics highlights the growing threat of online fraud, especially via phones, texts, emails, social media, and AI-driven voice scams. Scammers often use fake links and online marketplaces to steal personal data or money. Developing nations like Pakistan, Kenya, and South Africa are losing over 3% of their GDP. In 2024 alone, global scam-related losses totaled $1.03 trillion—most of it unrecoverable.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has firmly stated that while Lebanon hopes for peaceful coexistence with Israel, there are no plans to normalize diplomatic relations. “Peace simply means the absence of war, but normalization is not part of Lebanon’s foreign policy,” he emphasized. Aoun also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from disputed border points still under occupation and accused Israel of repeatedly violating its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. He reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining exclusive state control over all weapons in the country.

The Palestinian Health Ministry and Al Jazeera have reported that 20-year-old American Saifollah Musallet was killed in a brutal attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Musallet, who had traveled from Florida to visit his family, was viciously beaten to death in the northern West Bank town of Sinjel near Ramallah. Another Palestinian, Mohammad Shalabi, was shot at the scene. While the U.S. State Department has confirmed the incident, it has not provided further details. Human rights activists accuse Israeli settlers of regularly attacking, looting, and setting fire to Palestinian villages in the West Bank.





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Floodwaters from upstream have newly inundated parts of Chhagalnaiya, Feni Sadar, and Daganbhuiyan upazilas in Feni district, affecting 114 villages. One man died in Phulgazi while fishing during the floods. Though rain has stopped, water continues to flow in through breached embankments. Thousands remain stranded, with over 9,200 people sheltering in relief centers. Army, BGB, police, and volunteers are engaged in rescue and relief efforts. Locals say this is a repeat of 2024’s devastation, and they fear more hardship amid ongoing damage and waterlogging.

Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on July 15, marking a significant step into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The “Experience Center” will be located in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The EV giant signed an agreement in March to establish the showroom. Meanwhile, Tesla is also scouting for a suitable site in New Delhi to expand its presence further in the Indian market. The move signals Tesla’s serious intent to invest in India’s EV future.

Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has assured swift justice and exemplary punishment for those involved in the brutal public murder of businessman Sohag at Mitford Hospital. In a Facebook post on Saturday, he revealed that five suspects have already been arrested and the case will be sent to a speedy trial tribunal. Sohag was attacked with knives and stones on the evening of July 9 in Rajani Ghosh Lane. The violent incident’s video spread widely on social media, sparking outrage.

An Air India Boeing 787 en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed just three seconds after takeoff when fuel supply to both engines was abruptly cut off, killing all 260 people onboard. India’s aviation authority’s preliminary report revealed that both engine fuel switches unexpectedly shifted from “on” to “off”—an anomaly unlikely to happen unintentionally.

Cockpit voice recordings captured a pilot questioning the unexpected fuel cutoff. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no official technical recommendations issued so far. Among the dead were regular passengers and residents of a nearby medical hostel. Air India has pledged full support to affected families.

Germany is expected to be the hardest hit in Europe by U.S. tariffs, particularly targeting the auto industry. Analysts warn of a 0.4% drop in Germany’s GDP, with ripple effects across Central and Eastern Europe. Ireland also risks major losses if pharmaceutical tariffs are enforced, potentially shrinking its GDP by up to 5%. The EU’s total trade could fall by 8% over five years. Uncertainty may harm investment and jobs, even in countries with limited U.S. exports like France and Spain.

China’s economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in the April–June quarter, supported by strong export performance despite U.S. trade tensions and tariffs. Analysts warn that growth may slow in the second half due to continued external pressure. While exports to the U.S. dropped 43% in May, China increased exports to ASEAN and the EU to offset the loss. Government initiatives to reduce external dependency and boost domestic consumption have helped maintain stability amid a struggling property sector and geopolitical uncertainty.

At least 120 people have died in flash floods that devastated Texas Hill Country, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the affected areas on Friday. While praising local and federal relief efforts, Trump faced criticism over a lack of early warnings and inadequate emergency preparedness.

Concerns have been raised over federal budget cuts and emergency response gaps before the floods. As of now, 160 people remain missing, including 36 children. The state government plans to convene a special session to address both relief efforts and a full investigation.

Saima Wazed Putul, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia and daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been placed on indefinite leave amid corruption allegations. The decision comes four months after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed two cases against her for fraud, forgery, and abuse of power.

In an internal email, WHO leadership announced that Katharina Bohm will serve as acting regional director. Putul’s appointment had previously drawn criticism for alleged favoritism, falsified academic records, and questions over her fundraising practices for the Shuchona Foundation, which reportedly secured $2.8 million in donor funds.

To compensate for recent disruptions in import-export activities caused by server issues, the Benapole Customs House will remain open on Friday and Saturday, despite these being government holidays.
Additional Commissioner Shariful Islam confirmed that all operations will continue as per directives from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). While the presence of traders remains relatively low on holidays, customs officers and staff are actively maintaining full operations. Port authorities have also ensured necessary preparations for loading and unloading activities.

Bangladesh’s Attorney General AM Asaduzzaman has claimed that the abolition of the 13th constitutional amendment marked the destruction of democracy and the judiciary in the country. He stated that the verdict led to widespread extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Speaking at a conference, Asaduzzaman also highlighted the importance of environmental law and climate justice, stating that environmental degradation poses significant risks to human life.

In a joint statement following the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, member states reaffirmed their support for Myanmar’s efforts to establish peace, stability, and the rule of law in Rakhine State. The statement emphasized the importance of the safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation of displaced persons and welcomed ongoing bilateral efforts between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

ASEAN also expressed its continued commitment to assisting in the repatriation process through proposed project implementations and called on the Secretary-General to identify areas where the bloc can play a more active role.