The Chinese government has launched a new initiative to combat the country’s severe birth-rate crisis. Beginning January 2025, Beijing will provide couples with an annual cash payment of 3,600 yuan for each newborn child, continuing until the child turns three. Once the most populous country in the world, China has now fallen to second place amid sustained declines in birth rates despite previous policy relaxations. Authorities hope that direct financial support will help reverse this trend and stabilize population growth.

A new report by Bangladesh’s Disappearance Investigation Commission reveals harrowing accounts of torture inside secret government detention centers. The findings document the experiences of 253 victims, many held in ‘torture cells’ for periods ranging from 39 to 391 days. Detainees described being hung by their arms, subjected to electric shocks, waterboarding, having their nails pulled out, denied blankets in the cold, and sexually assaulted. “They tied my arms outstretched, like crucifixion, and took my scarf,” said one female victim. “I used to have late periods, but they tortured me so severely my period started immediately.” While perpetrators often tried to erase evidence of abuse, in many cases the judiciary ignored clear signs of torture.

The Anti-Discrimination Employees’ Unity Forum has strongly protested the promotion of two officers from the 15th batch of the BCS (Administration) cadre, Sirajul Noor Chowdhury and Dr. AKM Shahabuddin, to the position of Secretary. The forum accused both officers of being beneficiaries of the Awami League’s authoritarian regime and former student league activists. They allege that these officials have aided the government in money laundering activities and have connections with the fugitive former Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdour Rouf. The forum condemned such promotions as a grave betrayal of the blood shed during the people's uprisings.

Several students at Chittagong University confined Vice-Chancellor Muhammad Yahia Akhtar in his office and threatened him over the promotion of a teacher. The protesting students told the VC, “You didn’t come here by merit; we put you in this chair.” Among the two who led the intimidation were Shakhawat Hossain, a former Islami Chhatra Shibir leader, and Tahsan Habib, a former Chhatra Odhikar Parishad leader and postgraduate student of the History Department. On Friday, they occupied the administrative building in protest against the promotion of Assistant Professor Dr. Kushal Baran Chakraborty. They locked the main gate and staged demonstrations. Later, the authorities annulled the promotion board responsible for Dr. Chakraborty’s advancement.

Afghanistan’s capital Kabul is at risk of becoming the world’s first modern city to run completely out of water by 2030. Excessive groundwater extraction, climate change, and population growth have drastically lowered water levels, threatening nearly 3 million residents with scarcity and displacement. UNICEF reports half the deep wells are already dry, and 80% of underground water is contaminated. Experts warn urgent infrastructure improvements and international cooperation are needed, but sanctions and instability hinder effective solutions.

Railway Ministry Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan cautioned government officials against showing bias toward any political party during elections. “Their job is not to help someone win but to support whoever is elected,” he said. Speaking on electoral transparency under the interim government, he announced that for the first time, overseas Bangladeshis would be allowed to vote via postal ballots. He also addressed rising energy production costs and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting solar energy as a renewable alternative to gas and coal.

At least 24 people have died in sudden floods caused by heavy rain in south-central Texas. Over 300 millimeters of rain led the Guadalupe River to overflow, triggering flash floods, especially in Kerr County near San Antonio. Authorities say 25 children remain missing from a summer camp of over 700 attendees, though they may still be alive but unreachable. The weather service warns of more rain and flood risks in the next 48 hours across western and central Texas regions.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer, Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari, has strongly opposed the establishment of a United Nations Human Rights office in the country. Speaking at a prayer gathering organized by Hefazat in Baridhara, Dhaka, on Saturday, he accused international organizations of using the banner of "human rights" to interfere in Islamic Shariah, family laws, and religious values — actions he described as threats to national sovereignty and the sentiments of the Muslim majority.

"Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, and it is everyone's duty to protect its religious and social fabric," he emphasized.

Testimonies in the war crimes case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may begin by late July or early August, according to prosecution sources. The case, linked to crimes against humanity during the July uprising, also names Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun as co-accused. Chief Prosecutor told the tribunal that the crimes followed a systematic chain of command across all 56,000 square miles of the country. Public notices have been issued as Hasina and Kamal remain fugitives. This case is one of several against Hasina, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the interim government, cautioned that increasing interest rates on savings certificates could lead to a liquidity crisis in the banking sector. “Higher returns will drive people away from banks and toward savings instruments,” he warned during a meeting with government officials in Nabinagar. He emphasized the need for balanced policymaking and noted that steps are being taken to rehabilitate struggling banks. He also confirmed the formulation of a “Bank Resolution Act” to protect customer deposits and address instability within the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus said Ashura serves as a timeless reminder of the struggle for truth and justice. He urged people to honor the day with good deeds and devotion. Paying tribute to Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala, he said their sacrifice is a lasting example of preserving Islamic ideals. “Ashura is not only a day of mourning but also a day filled with historical significance,” he said, calling for unity, peace, and justice within the Muslim Ummah.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system enabling importers and exporters to pay customs duties through automated challans from home. This initiative, integrated with internet banking and mobile financial services, allows goods to be cleared from ports faster and more efficiently. Already active in several customs houses, the system will be rolled out nationwide from July 7. The move is expected to boost transparency, improve government revenue collection, and ensure immediate deposit of funds into the state treasury.

Two hostels for visually impaired students in Babuganj, Barisal, completed over five years ago at a cost of nearly 25 million taka, have yet to be inaugurated. The buildings remain unused due to staff shortages and student-related issues, causing valuable furniture and equipment to deteriorate. Local residents urge authorities to open the hostels soon to provide essential education and training to visually impaired children. Officials have acknowledged the problem and promised prompt action.

Japan’s Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range, erupted on Wednesday afternoon, spewing ash clouds into the sky. Authorities have warned of falling rocks and pyroclastic flows within a two-mile radius, advising residents to remain indoors. The eruption has heightened concerns over a potential "mega-disaster" — a term popularized by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who reportedly predicted a major catastrophe in June 2025. While the region had been on alert prior to the eruption, the risk level has now intensified. With nearly 900,000 people potentially affected, the Japanese authorities are on high alert.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem has declared that there will be no disarmament of the resistance until Israeli aggression ceases. “Before asking us to lay down arms, demand an end to the occupation,” he said. He warned that those advocating surrender would have to face the consequences. Qassem emphasized that defending the homeland requires no external approval, although dialogue could be possible if viable alternatives are presented. His statement came in response to a U.S. proposal urging Lebanon to bring all arms under state control and implement broader reforms.