Apple’s iPhone sales in China rose by 8% in the April–June quarter of 2025, marking the first growth in two years, according to Counterpoint Research. Discounts on the iPhone 16 series and attractive trade-in offers ahead of the 618 Shopping Festival drove the increase. While the growth is encouraging for investors, Apple still faces stiff competition, especially from Huawei, which saw a 12% sales rise. Apple remains in third place in China’s smartphone market behind Huawei and Vivo, and experts urge more innovation to retain its position.

Bangladesh is boosting seasonal fruit exports, especially mangoes, jackfruits, and pineapples, aiming to tap into the global market. Despite increased production, farmers face challenges due to low prices and post-harvest losses. Government initiatives, improved logistics, and "mango diplomacy" are expanding export potential to China, Europe, and the Middle East. Local consumers are also favoring domestic fruits over imports. With rising global demand and proper support, Bangladesh can significantly increase foreign earnings through fruit exports in the coming years.

OPEC+ has announced it will raise crude oil production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, exceeding earlier plans. The group, which includes OPEC members and allies like Russia, cited a stabilizing global economy and declining oil inventories for the move. This follows earlier increases in May, June, and July. However, the news caused global oil prices to drop, with Brent and WTI falling by 0.7% and 0.75%, respectively, on Friday. Analysts attribute the price dip to anticipated market oversupply.

Imports of dried turmeric through Satkhira’s Bhomra land port rose to 32,291 tonnes in FY 2024–25, up 1,841 tonnes from the previous year. The increase, valued at BDT 542.54 crore, is driven by growing demand. As a result, prices of ground turmeric have fallen in local markets—from BDT 320 to BDT 280 per kg. Traders report higher supply, while officials monitor prices of other spices to ensure market stability. Imports are being distributed across major regions including Dhaka and Chattogram.

Bangladesh is witnessing increased use of artificial intelligence across sectors like telecom, agriculture, and banking, but lacks any legal or regulatory framework to govern it. A viral AI-generated flood image sparked debate about ethical use. Experts warn of rising misuse — from misinformation to political defamation — and say the country is unprepared to face AI challenges. While the government is drafting a national AI policy, implementation remains stalled. Legal professionals stress the urgent need for clear laws to ensure accountability and prevent harm caused by AI misuse.

On Saturday, thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demand a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and the release of Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Protesters called for a neutral ceasefire deal that includes freeing all detainees. Family members of the prisoners joined the demonstration, urging the government to expedite negotiations. Israel has announced sending a delegation to Doha, Qatar, for talks with Hamas on prisoner exchanges. Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Trump in Washington. Currently, 50 Israelis are held in Gaza (20 confirmed alive), while over 10,400 Palestinians face imprisonment in Israel, enduring mistreatment and neglect.

Two sanitation workers of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) were killed early Sunday morning after being hit by a covered van in front of the Le Méridien hotel in the Khilkhet area of Dhaka. The victims, one man and one woman, have not yet been identified. According to Khilkhet Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sajjad Hossain, the accident occurred at dawn. The bodies have been taken to the police station and will be sent to the morgue after completing legal procedures.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, advisor to the Ministry of Home Affairs, clarified on Sunday that the three Bangladeshis sent back from Malaysia are not militants but were deported due to visa expiry. Speaking after inspecting the cargo terminal at Shahjalal International Airport, he stressed that there has been no militant presence or activity in Bangladesh over the last decade, as media reports have confirmed. He also said the Bangladesh government has not received any official communication regarding the statement made by Malaysia’s Inspector General of Police on this matter.

LNG prices in Asia's spot market fell this week due to increased supply, weaker industrial demand from China and India, and high inventory levels in China and South Korea. Eased geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel also contributed to price stability. LNG for August delivery traded at $12.70 per MMBtu, down from $13.10 last week. Analysts expect prices to remain under pressure, though rising temperatures could spur future demand. European LNG prices also remained stable amid low global demand.

Professor Mahmuda Begum, mother of Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, passed away at the age of 87 due to age-related complications. She died early Sunday morning at Insaf Barakah Kidney Hospital in Dhaka. Mahmuda Begum was Vice Chairperson of Amar Desh Publications and a respected Bengali teacher at several colleges including Chittagong Government Commerce College and Comilla Victoria College. Her funeral prayer will be held at Gulshan Azad Mosque, followed by burial at Jurain Cemetery. She is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, sister, and many admirers.

Apple is reportedly developing an affordable MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro series. This marks the first time an iPhone chip will be used in a MacBook. The 13-inch device could enter production by late 2025 or early 2026 and come in multiple colors. Aimed at students and budget users, the laptop may cost less than the MacBook Air. It’s expected to support Apple Intelligence, enhancing AI performance and shaping the future of Apple’s computing strategy.

Trade activities at Dinajpur's Hili land port have been temporarily suspended due to the public holiday for Ashura. All import-export and internal port operations are on hold from Sunday, July 6. However, cross-border travel through the Hili immigration checkpoint continues as usual for passport holders. The Hili C&F Agents Association confirmed that trade will resume on Monday morning. Immigration officials also assured full support for travelers crossing the border, ensuring smooth verification and transit during the suspension of port activities.

During last month’s 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran launched ballistic missile strikes targeting five Israeli military bases, according to a report by The Telegraph.

Based on satellite data from Oregon State University, at least six missiles hit the Tel Nof, Glilot, and Zipporit bases. In total, Iran reportedly launched over 500 missiles and 1,100 drones, some of which penetrated Israeli-American air defense systems. The missile strikes resulted in 28 deaths and displaced nearly 13,000 people.

A mobile court in Kolmakanda, Netrokona fined Md. Rois Mia 50,000 Taka for illegally transporting sand from the Mohadeo River on July 5. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mahmudul Hasan, also detained three workers and seized a sand-loaded boat. The workers were later released after signing a bond. Authorities confiscated 1,400 cubic feet of sand during the raid. The fine was imposed under Section 15(1) of the Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010. Officials confirmed that such enforcement drives will continue.

A traditional Tazia procession began on Sunday morning in Dhaka, following the commemoration of Holy Ashura. The procession started from the historic Hoseni Dalan Imambara after 10 AM, drawing thousands of Shia Muslims dressed in black to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala.

Participants carried symbolic weapons and flags, moving through Azimpur, Nilkhet, New Market, and Science Lab before concluding in Dhanmondi. The century-old Imambara saw large gatherings from early morning. Law enforcement agencies deployed heavy security throughout the procession route, with personnel stationed at the front, middle, and end of the procession to ensure safety.

Ashura is observed annually by Shia Muslims in remembrance of the martyrs of Karbala.