Authorities in Mumbai have issued a red alert after continuous heavy rainfall severely disrupted the city and nearby regions. The India Meteorological Department warned that many areas could experience very heavy to extremely heavy rain. Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In the past 24 hours, several parts of Mumbai recorded more than 200 millimeters of rain, with some areas exceeding 300 millimeters.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged people to contact its helpline at 1916 for emergency assistance. Officials also cautioned residents in low-lying and coastal zones to remain alert due to a forecast of a 4.19-meter high tide on Sunday afternoon and another 3.51-meter tide early Monday morning. The heavy rain on Saturday caused flooding in several low-lying areas, road collapses, uprooted trees, damaged houses, and disrupted road and rail services.

Heavy rainfall has also affected normal life in Thane, Palghar, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, according to the report sourced from NDTV.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and agencies to work in coordination to reduce carbon emissions and enhance Bangladesh’s potential for earning carbon credits in international markets. He issued the directive during a climate change meeting held on Sunday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Prime Minister also instructed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to prepare a comprehensive action plan.

During the meeting, he emphasized expanding renewable energy use, adopting eco-friendly technologies in industries, improving energy efficiency, conserving forests, and increasing tree plantation to enhance carbon absorption. He further stressed ensuring transparency in carbon credit management, developing a reliable data system, and strengthening coordination with international organizations.

Officials attending the meeting stated that effective implementation of emission reduction initiatives could increase Bangladesh’s opportunities to earn carbon credits under international standards.

Bangladesh’s key export sector, ready-made garments, has seen a significant slowdown in its two largest markets—the European Union and the United States—during early 2026. According to Eurostat, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell by 19.33 percent between January and April 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, dropping to 6.09 billion euros. The decline was sharper than that of other major suppliers such as China, Turkey, India, and Vietnam. In the US market, data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel showed a 17.21 percent year-on-year fall in April 2026, attributed by exporters to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Analysts noted that Bangladesh’s export earnings from the US totaled 2.98 billion dollars in the first four months of 2026, down 11.24 percent from a year earlier, with both unit prices and shipment volumes decreasing. The overall export income for fiscal year 2025–26 fell by 0.58 percent to 48 billion dollars, missing the government’s 55 billion target. Economists warned that reduced demand in key markets could pressure industrial output, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

While global apparel imports have weakened, competitors like Vietnam and Cambodia recorded export growth to the US, intensifying Bangladesh’s challenge to maintain market share.

Bangladesh’s current BNP government is facing bureaucratic complications in fertilizer imports, a system inherited from the previous Awami League administration. Without verifying the actual cultivated land area, officials have advised purchasing 100,000 tons less fertilizer than the target for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Although the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) director said procurement follows high-level policy decisions and no crisis is expected, field-level experts warn that ignoring real demand could cause serious shortages.

Farmers and agricultural economists have expressed concern that reduced allocations of urea and DAP fertilizers could repeat past crises. In Kishoreganj, local authorities reported receiving significantly less fertilizer than requested, prompting formal appeals to increase supply. Similar complaints have emerged from other districts. Experts caution that such shortfalls could lower food production and undermine the government’s positive initiatives for farmers.

To address the situation, the government has formed a 15-member National Fertilizer Coordination and Advisory Committee led by the agriculture minister to review production, import, and distribution. However, the minister and secretary did not respond to media inquiries about the issue.

A government-built luxury guesthouse near the Karnaphuli Tunnel’s Anwara end in Chattogram remains unused despite being constructed at a cost of Tk 450 crore. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority has issued a third tender to lease the facility commercially after two previous international tenders in July and September last year failed to attract suitable bids. Only a few local firms showed interest, but their offers were below the authority’s estimated value.

Officials said the guesthouse is a state asset and the new tender aims to secure maximum revenue. The selected lessee will operate and maintain the property, paying rent in four annual installments. The lessee will have full freedom to set prices for services such as accommodation, dining, travel, conferences, and spa facilities but must seek approval for any structural changes. The guesthouse, built as part of the Karnaphuli Tunnel project, covers about 72 acres and includes a VIP bungalow, 30 additional bungalows, and 48 motel units.

The Bridge Authority expects the lease to help generate revenue for the tunnel project, which has been operating at a loss since its opening in October 2023.

The Bangladesh government has announced a plan to create 10 million new jobs within the next five years to address the country’s severe employment crisis. Each year, around 2 to 2.2 million young people enter the job market, but limited opportunities leave many unemployed or underemployed. The plan, led by the General Economics Division (GED), aims to generate about 8 million jobs domestically and 1.5 million through overseas employment, with the private sector driving most of the growth in services, industry, and agriculture.

Officials said investment-led production expansion will be the main strategy, supported by a 60,000 crore taka fund, tax reforms, and renewable energy initiatives. Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir emphasized policy continuity and infrastructure improvements, including railway modernization. However, economists and business leaders warned that fragile financial conditions, high inflation, and energy shortages could hinder investment and job creation. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority acknowledged that resolving the energy crisis could take up to two years.

Experts from universities and research institutions stressed that sustainable employment growth requires stronger financial institutions, macroeconomic stability, and reliable labor data. They also noted that private investment has stagnated at around 23–24 percent of GDP for over a decade, limiting job expansion.

Super Typhoon Bavi is moving toward the U.S. Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting both administrations to declare a state of emergency. The storm, with sustained winds of 259 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 314 kilometers per hour, was located several hundred kilometers east of the islands on Saturday morning local time. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that the system is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, leading to the suspension of many events planned for the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

The National Weather Service warned that the current forecast poses serious concern for the Mariana Islands and urged residents to prepare for at least tropical storm conditions. In the islands, home to about 200,000 people, residents have crowded fuel stations, hardware stores, and supermarkets to stock up on food, bottled water, plywood, batteries, candles, and other essentials. Local residents and resort workers have been securing properties and supplies to minimize damage and ensure quick recovery after the storm.

Authorities and communities are focusing on readiness and coordination to reduce potential losses as the typhoon nears.

The proposed 2026–27 national budget of Bangladesh has reset the value-added tax (VAT) on locally produced refrigerators, air conditioners, and compressors to 7.5 percent, restoring the previous rate. The decision has brought relief to the domestic electronics industry, which had faced higher production costs and reduced sales after the VAT was raised to 15 percent in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Industry representatives said the adjustment will help stabilize prices, boost demand for local brands, and positively affect investment, production, employment, exports, and government revenue.

According to the Bangladesh Refrigerator Manufacturers Association, VAT rates on these products have fluctuated over recent years, with the latest reduction expected to make fridges and air conditioners more affordable for middle-class consumers. Stakeholders noted that the previous VAT hike had led to job losses for around 10,000 people due to increased costs and reduced production.

Industry leaders, including association officials and executives from Walton Hi-Tech Industries, welcomed the move as timely and supportive of domestic manufacturing. They believe continued policy support will strengthen the sector, reduce import dependence, and expand export opportunities.

Archaeologists in Thailand’s Phetchaburi province have discovered two gold rings believed to be between 1,900 and 2,100 years old during an excavation at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site. The rings were found alongside ancient human skeletons and other artifacts, according to local media reports. One of the rings bears an inscription in an ancient Indian script, officials from the Fine Arts Department confirmed.

Experts suggest that the inscription is in the ancient Brahmi script and that the ring may have belonged to a member of an Indian merchant community. The Fine Arts Department noted that similar Brahmi-inscribed ornaments and artifacts had previously been unearthed at the Khlong Thom and Khao Sam Kaeo archaeological sites.

The newly recovered rings are now preserved at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Museum. Authorities are accelerating the collection and preservation of bronze relics and human remains at the site due to rising groundwater levels and rainfall posing risks of damage.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast increased rainfall across the country from Sunday due to a low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas. The system has intensified into a well-marked low, prompting expectations of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sylhet, Chattogram, and coastal regions. The department reported that most parts of the country have been experiencing temperatures between 35°C and 37.6°C, with Rangpur recording the highest at 37.6°C on Saturday.

Meteorologists said the monsoon is moderately active over Bangladesh, and rain is likely to spread to Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions throughout the week. Ports have been advised to hoist cautionary signals, and river ports have been asked to operate carefully due to possible gusty winds and thunderstorms. Farmers expect the rainfall to aid Aman paddy seedbed preparation, which had been hampered by prolonged dry weather.

Authorities warned that excessive rainfall could trigger short-term flooding in low-lying areas of northern, northeastern, and southeastern Bangladesh. While temperatures may drop slightly, humidity is expected to keep the weather uncomfortably humid for several more days.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to expedite the process of reopening unprofitable and closed state-owned factories through domestic and foreign investments. The directive was issued on Saturday during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting discussed the progress of attracting investors and the steps needed to restart operations at the affected industrial units.

According to information presented at the meeting, several private companies have expressed interest in investing in these factories. The feasibility of the proposed industrial ventures will now be assessed. The Prime Minister emphasized that the entire process must be conducted transparently and instructed authorities to avoid unnecessary delays while completing the procedures.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of commerce, industry, and textiles, along with senior officials from relevant ministries, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is set to marry his partner Gauri Spratt on July 5 in a private ceremony at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai. The event will be a modest family gathering rather than a lavish celebration, with attendance limited to close relatives, friends, and a few well-wishers. The announcement has drawn significant attention from fans following the couple’s recent public acknowledgment of their relationship.

A notable aspect of the wedding is the expected presence of Aamir Khan’s two former wives and their children, reflecting the actor’s continued cordial relationship with his previous families. In a recent video message, Aamir emphasized that spending time with family is more meaningful to him than grand festivities, and he sought blessings and good wishes from his fans for this new chapter.

This will be Aamir Khan’s third marriage, while it is Gauri Spratt’s second. Both bring children from their previous marriages, and all four children are expected to be part of the ceremony, symbolizing a blended family beginning.

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a monthly 'Cleaning Day' program to implement Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive for a cleaner city. The initiative, held on the first Saturday of every month, aims to make the weekly cleanliness day more effective by directly involving citizens in urban cleaning activities. The latest event took place on July 4 in the Shantinagar area, covering DSCC regions 1 and 2, with Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam attending as chief guest.

Under the program, residents, institutions, and businesses are encouraged to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, dispose of waste at designated spots, and remain alert against dengue. The day-long activities included cleaning drives, awareness rallies, leaflet distribution, and calls for stronger social partnerships to ensure sustainable waste management.

Abdus Salam emphasized that building a clean and dengue-free city requires joint efforts from both citizens and the city corporation. He noted that behavioral change among residents is vital, and DSCC will intensify awareness campaigns to make cleanliness a daily habit.

The three-day International B-Beauty Tech Expo 2026 will be held in Dhaka from July 16 to 18 at the Bashundhara International Convention City (ICCB). Organized by WEM Bangladesh Limited, the event aims to boost investment, modern technology adoption, and local production capacity in Bangladesh’s beauty, cosmetics, personal care, wellness, and beauty technology sectors. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity office.

According to the organizers, companies and brands from Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates will participate. The expo will feature over 60 exhibitors and 120 local and international brands, with around 8,000 industry visitors and business representatives expected. The event is positioned as a platform for international business networking, investment, and technology transfer.

Organizers highlighted that Bangladesh’s beauty and personal care market is valued between 10 and 12 billion US dollars, with potential annual growth of 6 to 9 percent. They expect the expo to help reduce import dependency, attract foreign investment, and create up to 800,000 new jobs over the next decade through enhanced local production and technology transfer.

Severe flooding across Ghana this week has killed at least 34 people and displaced 89,736 others, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Richard Amo Yartey, director of NADMO’s inspection department, confirmed the figures on Friday, noting that 12 of the deaths occurred in the capital, Accra. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams continue to locate missing persons.

Yartey told local media that emergency teams are still working to find those unaccounted for while distributing relief supplies to affected communities. NADMO reported that seven regions have been impacted by the floods, with the Greater Accra Region suffering the most severe damage, displacing 54,712 people. The Central Region followed with 21,882 displaced, while Volta, Western, Ashanti, Western North, and Eastern regions also reported significant impacts.

Officials indicated that ongoing rescue and relief operations remain a priority as authorities assess the full extent of the disaster and continue verifying missing persons’ data.