Xiaomi is recalling nearly 147,000 units of its 33W power bank (model PB2030M1) due to safety concerns. The 20,000mAh devices, sold mainly between August and September last year, contain defective 126280 battery cells that may damage smartphone batteries under prolonged use or simultaneous charging. Although no accidents have been reported, Xiaomi is offering a full refund of 159 yuan (about USD 22) for returned units. The recall follows growing safety concerns in Asia after similar incidents with other brands.

Rising U.S. inflation, debt concerns, and uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy are rattling global markets. Analysts warn that aggressive tariffs and political pressure on the Fed could destabilize growth while pushing up long-term bond yields. Yields on U.S., UK, France, and Japan bonds have surged, prompting investors to shift toward gold, which hit a record $3,578 per ounce. Experts caution that fiscal deficits, inflation, and weak investor confidence may deepen volatility, leading to further sell-offs in government bonds worldwide.

More than 4,000 scientists, including 14 Nobel laureates and 5 Fields Medalists, have called for urgent measures to stop the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They condemned the denial of medical care, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the artificial food shortage pushing residents toward famine. The statement also urged Hamas to release hostages while highlighting the mass civilian deaths. Addressed to world leaders and the UN, the scientists called on governments and international organizations to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe.

Françoise Vallée-Rivière, Chairperson of Transparency International’s International Board, will visit Dhaka from September 2 for a three-day trip at the invitation of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). This is her first visit to Bangladesh since becoming TI Board Chair. She will meet TIB staff, district-level citizen committees, youth leaders, government and civil society representatives, and media personalities to exchange experiences on anti-corruption and good governance. Vallée-Rivière has been a TI Board member since 2019 and previously worked on illicit financial flows at TI France.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has proposed increasing the retirement age for pilots on international flights from 65 to 67, citing rising global demand for air travel and a shortage of pilots. The proposal will be discussed at the UN’s ICAO General Assembly starting September 23. IATA recommends that flights with pilots over 65 must include a second pilot under 65. U.S. pilots’ unions oppose the change, citing safety concerns. ICAO previously raised the retirement age from 60 to 65 in 2006.

Eighty years after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, the United States continues to pose a significant threat to global security through the expansion and modernization of its nuclear arsenal. The 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed over 226,000 people, mostly civilians, and left lasting health and environmental devastation. Despite the horrors of those events, critics argue that the U.S. has not changed its military policies and continues to be involved in global conflicts, often using destructive weapons.

The education system is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by technology. Tools like AI, digital classrooms, and smart learning software are making education more personalized, flexible, and accessible. Students can now learn at their own pace, get instant feedback, and explore lessons through interactive formats. Online schooling, homeschooling platforms, and AI-based assessments are reshaping traditional learning. These innovations also help teachers with evaluations and content creation. Experts believe future education will be more learner-centered, tech-driven, and universally accessible.

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.

OPEC's latest World Oil Outlook 2025 projects global crude oil demand will grow by 7.9% over the next five years, reaching 113.3 million barrels per day by 2030. While demand forecasts for China have been revised downward due to slower economic growth and increased EV usage, OPEC expects rising consumption in developing regions like India, Africa, and the Middle East. The organization also called for $18.2 trillion in global energy investment by 2050 to meet future demand.

At its recent summit, the BRICS alliance declared Gaza an inseparable part of Palestine and reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and full UN membership. The bloc expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and condemned the use of starvation as a weapon. BRICS urged Israel to withdraw forces from all occupied Palestinian territories and release all detainees and hostages. The group also called for sincere negotiations to achieve an immediate, lasting, and unconditional ceasefire in the region.

A new study published in The Lancet reveals that air pollution is causing an increase in lung cancer cases among non-smokers, especially women and Southeast Asians. Researchers found that adenocarcinoma, a lung cancer subtype, is prevalent among non-smokers, accounting for 53% to 70% of cases. The highest rates were observed in East Asia, particularly China, where household fuel burning contributes to pollution. While smoking rates decline globally, lung cancer among non-smokers is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths.