A Russian couple was arrested in New York after scaling the spire of the Empire State Building to stage a marriage proposal. The pair, identified as Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, and Angelina Nikolau, 33, climbed to the antenna’s narrow top on Wednesday, displaying a black banner bearing a message about world peace. Their stunt, which they streamed on social media, ended when police took them into custody without incident. Authorities have charged them with trespassing, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. The Empire State Building’s management described the act as an unauthorized intrusion, noting that visitors are not permitted to climb beyond the 102nd-floor observation deck. A spokesperson humorously remarked that the couple could have rented the deck through the building’s official proposal package instead. Nikolau’s father, Russian circus performer Dmitry Nikolau, said he was aware of his daughter’s plan and expressed no concern about her arrest. The incident occurred amid heightened citywide excitement over upcoming celebrations and events, including the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary festivities.

Myanmar’s new government plans to complete the long-stalled Myitsone dam project within eight years, according to a Reuters report citing official sources. The $3.6 billion hydropower project, located in Kachin State in northern Myanmar, is being revived with Chinese support following President Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to China. The dam, originally suspended in 2011 after widespread local protests, had been a source of tension between the two countries. Government officials said the project could supply more than half of Myanmar’s required 10 gigawatts of electricity, addressing the country’s severe power shortages. Presidential spokesperson Khaing Khaing Soe stated that authorities are considering local concerns about flooding and displacement. Lawmakers from Kachin State confirmed that preparations for restarting construction are underway. Revised cost estimates suggest the project could now reach $11.5 billion, more than triple the original budget. The renewed push comes amid heightened safety worries following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in central Myanmar in March that killed thousands. Forty-nine civil society groups have recently called for the project’s complete cancellation.

Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, announced that about 600 foreign journalists and media representatives will cover the funeral of the country’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The funeral and burial ceremonies are scheduled to take place from July 4 to 9, following Khamenei’s death in a joint U.S.-Israel attack, according to the report. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Salehi said his ministry has made extensive preparations for the event, which will also include related films and cultural programs. He emphasized that both domestic and international media will participate in covering the ceremonies. Salehi described the funeral as not only a national tribute to the late leader but also a demonstration of Iran’s unity, social cohesion, and resilience against its adversaries.

A major wildfire broke out on Wednesday in southern France, prompting the evacuation of numerous residents, according to emergency services. Hundreds of firefighters were deployed across the Aude and Hérault departments to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly due to drought and strong winds. By Wednesday night, around 800 hectares had been burned, and officials said the fire was not yet fully under control. The incident follows last year’s large wildfire in the Corbières region and comes just days after a deadly heatwave across Europe. Weather forecasts warned of another heatwave, raising concerns about worsening conditions. Firefighters faced difficulties accessing mountainous terrain and used aircraft to drop water on the flames. Temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, gusty winds, and dry vegetation contributed to the rapid spread. Authorities reported that about 200 residents from the communes of Pujol-Minervois and Mailhac were either evacuated or instructed to stay indoors. Two smaller fires were also reported near Marseille, in Rognac and Lançon-Provence.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has warned that dengue infections could intensify during July and August. Speaking at an event in the pathology department of Dhaka Medical College on Thursday afternoon, he said the Ministry of Health and its directorates have taken adequate preparations to control the situation and called on everyone to remain alert. The minister stated that NS1 test kits for dengue detection have been distributed to police stations, upazilas, and district levels. Hospitals in Dhaka and other major cities have been kept ready to operate if patient numbers rise. Emphasizing public awareness, he urged community participation from the union level to religious leaders, including mosque imams, to maintain cleanliness and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. He reiterated that beyond treatment, destroying mosquito breeding grounds and ensuring a clean environment are the most effective ways to control dengue outbreaks.

Authorities in Bangladesh recovered 19 kilograms of gold bars valued at approximately Tk 45 crore from a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight. The seizure took place on Thursday after flight BG-148 arrived at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following its route from Dubai via Chattogram. The operation was conducted jointly by multiple agencies, including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Aviation Security (Avsec), and the Customs House. Kamrul Islam, Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Customs House, confirmed the recovery and provided the estimated market value of the seized gold. The report did not specify whether any arrests were made or how the gold was concealed, leaving further details of the investigation pending.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reduced Israel’s projected economic growth for 2026 to 3.5 percent, down from its earlier forecast of 4.8 percent. The revision, published on Wednesday, attributes the downgrade to ongoing tensions and geopolitical uncertainty across the Middle East. The IMF report highlights that wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are exerting negative pressure on Israel’s economy, though it has shown resilience so far. According to the IMF, persistent regional instability and long-standing structural issues are expected to weigh on Israel’s growth in the near term. The report warns that renewed escalation of regional tensions could pose significant risks to the economy. It also notes that rising energy prices and supply constraints may push inflation higher, even as the Israeli shekel has reached its strongest level against the U.S. dollar in over three decades. The IMF projects that Israel’s growth could rebound to 4.4 percent in 2027, with inflation stabilizing around 2 percent in both 2026 and 2027. The forecast is based on data available up to June 10.

Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Member of Parliament for Dhaka-12 and central executive member of Jamaat-e-Islami, called for unity among all political and social groups to participate in what he described as the politics of change. He made the remarks on Thursday at a check distribution ceremony held in the capital, organized by the Tejgaon Industrial Area, Hatirjheel, and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar South Development Forum under the National Social Welfare Council of the Ministry of Social Welfare. Milon emphasized that all activities should be conducted based on justice and fairness. He stated that a pre-survey had been conducted to identify genuine beneficiaries of the welfare funds, ensuring that no party leaders or activists would personally benefit. He added that those unable to attend the event would still receive their checks through volunteers. The MP also sought cooperation from all sections of people for the development of his constituency. He reiterated that his role as a parliamentarian extends beyond legislative duties, focusing on standing by citizens in all circumstances and fulfilling commitments made to the people.

A six-member delegation representing Bangladesh’s 11-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has departed for Iran to attend the funeral and state ceremonies of the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei. The delegation left Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning on a flight bound for Tehran. The visit was made at the invitation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s government. The delegation is led by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman MP and includes MPs Md. Nurul Amin, Dr. Md. Keramat Ali, Dr. S. M. Khaliduzzaman, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish MP Sayeeduddin Ahmad Hanjala, and National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari. According to the report, Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral will take place in several phases from July 4 to 9. During the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet Iranian top leadership and relevant government officials. Jamaat sources expressed hope that the trip will strengthen the longstanding brotherly ties, mutual understanding, and bilateral cooperation between the peoples of Bangladesh and Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump has made his first trip aboard a new Air Force One aircraft gifted by Qatar, valued at 400 million dollars. The specially designed Boeing 747-800 features a dark blue lower body with red and gold accents, replacing the traditional light blue scheme. Inside, it includes luxury carpets, reclining seats, wooden paneling, and seat belts bearing the presidential seal. Trump used the aircraft to travel to North Dakota to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, becoming its first official visitor ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. The aircraft serves as an interim replacement between the 36-year-old existing Air Force One and two delayed new models not expected before 2028. Analysts noted that the plane lacks missile defense and advanced communication systems, suggesting it is more suited for domestic flights. The U.S. Air Force confirmed limited interior changes and said the conversion cost less than 400 million dollars. The gift from a Middle Eastern nation has raised ethical questions, though Trump described it as a practical replacement and praised Qatar’s goodwill. He has indicated the aircraft may eventually be displayed in a presidential library.

More than 400 militants were killed in a military operation against armed groups in Burkina Faso, according to an army statement released on June 30. The clashes occurred in the Gayéri area of the Sirba region and in Solhan and Sebba of the Liptako region after coordinated attacks on several military positions last Tuesday. The army said the assaults were repelled with support from the air force. The statement claimed that the attackers were armed groups supported by France, noting that the government had earlier announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France. During the counteroffensive, the army reported destroying over 250 motorcycles and seizing 353 weapons of various calibers, along with ammunition and communication equipment. Three soldiers were also killed in the operation. The army added that operations are continuing to locate those who fled and to ensure the safety of civilians in the affected regions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s division has extended heartfelt prayers and best wishes to students taking part in the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Alim, and equivalent examinations across the country. The message was conveyed in a statement issued to the media on Thursday by the division’s secretary, MP Nurunnisa Siddika. In the statement, Siddika described the examination as a vital stage in a student’s life, representing the culmination of long-term effort and preparation. She expressed hope that all examinees would approach the tests with confidence, honesty, and patience, placing their trust in Almighty Allah. She also urged parents, teachers, and others involved to ensure a calm and supportive environment for students. Additionally, Siddika called on the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to conduct the examinations smoothly, fairly, and free from malpractice. She prayed for the success and bright future of all examinees, asking for divine acceptance of their hard work and dedication.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen stated that China will not accept any interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press conference, emphasizing Beijing’s firm stance on respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Reaffirming China’s commitment, the ambassador said that the country’s position on the Teesta project remains unchanged and that China will continue to assist Bangladesh within its capacity. He described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China as highly successful, noting that the trip strengthened strategic ties between the two nations and reinforced Chinese support for the Teesta initiative. Yao Wen added that Bangladesh and China will work on new alternatives to enhance regional connectivity, including direct China-Bangladesh links and the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor.

At least 59 people have died in floods across Ivory Coast since the beginning of this year, according to a government spokesperson on Wednesday. The announcement came after a cabinet meeting in the capital, Abidjan, where spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly described the situation as deeply concerning. He did not specify how many deaths occurred in the most recent flooding. Earlier this week, continuous heavy rainfall caused severe flooding and landslides in both Ghana and Ivory Coast, killing at least 24 people and leaving many missing. In Ghana’s capital Accra and the nearby city of Tema, roads and buildings were submerged, cutting off transport links. In Ivory Coast, Minister of National Solidarity Myss Belmonde Dogo said most of the deaths occurred in Abidjan’s Attecoube and Yopougon districts. Coulibaly urged citizens to follow safety guidelines and avoid high-risk areas identified by the government. The World Meteorological Organization noted that Africa remains one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to extreme weather events, which are increasing due to climate change, despite the continent’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government is working to build a state where all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, can live safely. He emphasized that the government’s concern extends beyond human security to ensuring that no animal becomes a victim of violence. The statement was made on Thursday afternoon at the Secretariat in Dhaka during the inauguration of the Nazrul Year celebrations. The event marked the official launch of Nazrul Year, declared in honor of the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The government has designated the period from May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as Nazrul Year. The initiative was first announced on May 25 in Trishal, Mymensingh, during the poet’s birth anniversary program. The inauguration underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and cultural heritage while highlighting Nazrul’s enduring influence as a source of inspiration for future generations.