China has fired flares at an Australian reconnaissance aircraft over the disputed South China Sea, triggering fresh tensions. According to Australian officials, a Chinese J-16 fighter jet released flares near an Australian P-8 surveillance aircraft in contested waters.

Australia’s defense department has lodged a formal complaint, expressing concerns over the incident. Beijing, however, defended its actions, stating that the Australian aircraft had entered its territory illegally, and the response was a restrained yet professional enforcement of its sovereignty.

Chinese geologists have claimed to have discovered a massive energy source that could potentially sustain the country for the next 60,000 years. According to reports from the Daily Mail, scientists in Beijing have identified a vast deposit of thorium in the Bayan Obo mineral complex, located in Inner Mongolia.

The thorium reserves found are so abundant that they could theoretically supply every household in China with unlimited energy. Thorium is a mildly radioactive element that can be used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. Scientists believe that a molten-salt reactor, powered by thorium, could produce an almost infinite amount of energy.

Experts estimate that if the entire thorium deposit in the mine is extracted, it could amount to one million tons, marking a groundbreaking discovery in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

A gang of robbers looted at least 30 vehicles, including buses and trucks, by blocking the Pabna-Santhia road with a fallen tree on Friday night. The incident has been confirmed by Saidur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Santhia Police Station, and Mostafizur Rahman, OC of Madhpur Highway Police Outpost.

According to local sources, the gang first stopped a cargo truck by placing a tree trunk on the road, causing a massive traffic jam with over a hundred vehicles, including buses, trucks, private cars, CNGs, and microbuses, stranded on both sides. Moments later, a group of 40 to 50 armed robbers launched an attack, targeting at least 30 vehicles. The criminals looted valuables and left at least ten people injured.

At a press conference on Saturday, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government is determined to create a level playing field for free and fair elections. Addressing concerns about Ramadan market conditions, he noted that essential food prices remain at a reasonable level compared to last year. The government will make every effort to keep prices stable throughout Ramadan, taking steps to increase supply. He expects the situation to improve further, ensuring affordability. He also acknowledged a shortage of both loose and packaged soybean oil but assured that regular monitoring has helped reduce the crisis in loose oil supply.

The holy month of Ramadan begins tomorrow. In light of this, metro rail passengers will be allowed to carry up to 250 milliliters of water for iftar throughout the month at station platforms and inside trains. However, authorities have urged passengers to ensure that no water spills on the platform and to dispose of empty bottles in designated dustbins.

According to the official notice, consuming any other food or drink inside metro stations, concourses, or trains will remain strictly prohibited. The metro rail schedule will remain unchanged.

In Maharashtra, India, a Muslim businessman’s shop was bulldozed after he was accused of chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” during an India-Pakistan cricket match on Sunday. The incident led to heightened tensions, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. Following the incident, Sindhudurg MLA Nilesh Rane directed the Malvan Municipality to take strict action. Subsequently, the businessman’s shop was demolished in the presence of police officials. Images of the bulldozed shop have gone viral on social media, with Rane labeling the shop owner as an “outsider.”

Following Syed Jamil Ahmed’s resignation, Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has strongly refuted his claims, calling some of them outright falsehoods.

“Jamil is a talented artist, and I have written extensively in praise of his work,” Farooki stated. “However, being skilled in art and being professionally competent are not the same.”

While expressing his respect for Jamil, Farooki insisted that many of the allegations were not entirely true. “Some of what he said is completely false, and some of it stems from frustration over his inability to manage certain situations,” he added.

Farooki also hinted that he would write a detailed response addressing the allegations in full.

Syed Jamil Ahmed has announced his resignation as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, citing bureaucratic complications and interference from the Ministry of Culture and its advisors.

He stated that prolonged bureaucratic delays, the appointment of the academy’s secretary as the focal person—hindering his official responsibilities—the slashing of budgets, the disappearance of important files, and internal disruptions instigated by certain officials all contributed to an environment unsuitable for artistic work. Additionally, he claimed that he faced resistance when attempting to use the term “Adivasi” (Indigenous).

“These issues, along with the activities of corrupt groups within the institution, have forced me to step down,” Jamil said in his resignation statement.

Tensions have flared once again in India’s Manipur state. On Friday, a group of devotees visited Kongba Maru, a sacred site for the Meitei community. Security officials reported that as the devotees arrived under security escort, armed Kuki militants fired seven rounds at them from a nearby hill.

Following the incident, additional security forces were deployed to the area. Local residents took to the streets in protest, demanding the dismantling of bunkers in the hills to ensure the safety of the Meitei community.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, an armed Meitei group in Manipur voluntarily surrendered 246 weapons to security forces, signaling an effort toward de-escalation.

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, has stated that while Europe should develop independent defense capabilities, it cannot replace the U.S. in safeguarding Ukraine. His party secured victory in the February 23 elections.

Experts argue that France and the U.K. collectively hold more military power than Russia. However, Europe's lack of political unity has hindered its strategic effectiveness. Meanwhile, Kyiv has warned that without U.S. military assistance, continuing the war will become extremely difficult. Even with collective efforts, Europe alone cannot fully compensate for the loss of American support.

The Trump administration is considering halting all military aid to Ukraine following an unprecedented verbal clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday.

A senior White House official told The Washington Post that the confrontation overshadowed planned mineral trade agreements, which ultimately fell through. No joint press conference was held following the dispute. If the aid suspension proceeds, it could have significant implications for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

The pro-BNP teachers' organization, "Sada Dal," has strongly condemned the assault on Dhaka University professor Adib Shahriar Zaman. The professor was allegedly beaten by the driver and assistant of a Mirpur Super Link (Route 36) bus.

In a statement, the group expressed deep concern over the incident and solidarity with the victim. They reported that the professor was attacked in front of a large crowd after he protested against prolonged stops for passenger collection, which caused delays for university admission test candidates.

Sada Dal demanded strict legal action against those responsible and urged the university authorities to ensure justice.

Masud, the alleged mastermind behind the recent attack on police officers and the escape of a detainee, has been arrested in Rajbari. The incident occurred on Friday around 5:30 PM when members of the District Detective Police were assaulted, leading to the escape of a suspect.

According to police sources, Masud is a notorious drug dealer and top-tier criminal. The Additional Superintendent of Police confirmed that Masud orchestrated the attack and has 13 cases filed against him, including charges of murder, arms possession, and drug trafficking. His wife also has five pending cases.

Earlier, police had apprehended Farid Sheikh with 310 yaba pills and four bottles of phensedyl. However, when officers attempted to transport him, his family members—both men and women—launched a coordinated attack, enabling his escape.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has arrested 96 undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis, during a raid in Selangor. According to an official statement, authorities screened 135 foreigners during the operation, detaining 96 individuals aged between 20 and 69. The arrested individuals include nationals from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia. The detainees have been placed at the KLIA Immigration Depot for further processing.

At around 11 PM on Friday, a group of armed robbers launched an attack in Rajarchar, Shariatpur, injuring four people in random gunfire. As locals resisted, two of the robbers were caught while attempting to flee. Enraged residents then beat them to death. Shariatpur Sadar Hospital’s on-duty doctor, Muntasir, confirmed the deaths. Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam stated that seven suspects were assaulted by locals during the robbery attempt. Law enforcement responded swiftly, rescuing the injured and seizing firearms and a speedboat from the scene. Authorities are now preparing legal actions.