Iran’s annual inflation rate has soared to nearly 89 percent, marking the highest level since the end of World War II. The sharp rise is attributed to the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, compounded by international sanctions and a steep depreciation of the Iranian rial. According to Iran’s Statistical Center, inflation reached 88.6 percent in June, driven by severe economic disruptions linked to the conflict. The report notes that food prices have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Bread and grains rose by 138.8 percent, eggs and dairy products by 151.9 percent, and red meat and poultry by 178.2 percent. The rapid price increases have drastically reduced purchasing power, making basic goods unaffordable for many citizens. The war has also caused widespread job losses, with millions forced out of work. A US naval blockade and restrictions on oil exports have further strained Iran’s economy, putting additional pressure on the national currency.

Bangladesh’s rapid urbanization, once seen as a sign of progress, is now creating complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, according to Professor Md. Mujibur Rahman. He identifies unplanned internal migration from rural to urban areas as a key driver of this crisis, placing severe pressure on city infrastructure. Housing, transport, education, water supply, sanitation, and healthcare systems are all under strain, with Dhaka facing severe traffic congestion and rising environmental risks such as waterlogging and groundwater depletion. The article explains that rural economic decline, lack of local employment, natural disasters, and climate change are pushing people toward cities. However, inadequate urban planning and poor coordination among development agencies have worsened the situation. The author argues that internal migration itself is not the problem but its unregulated nature. To address the crisis, he calls for stronger rural development, decentralized industrial and educational opportunities, improved public transport, and long-term urban planning. Without such measures, he warns, Bangladesh’s cities risk becoming increasingly uninhabitable.

A severe heatwave scorched Europe on Saturday, stretching from Scandinavia to the Alps and causing at least 12 deaths. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, breaking long-standing records in Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Authorities issued extreme heat warnings across Germany and neighboring countries as the heat moved eastward. France, Italy, and the United Kingdom also recorded unprecedented highs earlier in the week. Scientists said such an intense heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change, which has made extreme nighttime temperatures far more likely. Governments across Europe took emergency measures: France restricted alcohol sales and postponed outdoor events, while Italy declared red alerts in 18 cities. Nuclear power plants in Hungary and Switzerland reduced or halted operations due to overheated river water. Rail operators in Germany and other countries reduced services and allowed free cancellations to prevent infrastructure damage. Meteorologists forecast that the extreme heat will ease later in the week, with thunderstorms expected by Sunday. The phenomenon, known as an “omega block,” has trapped hot air over Europe, pushing seasonal averages far above normal and straining public health and essential services.

Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time ended in heartbreak. Despite drawing all three of their Group G matches and earning three points, the Asian side failed to advance. Belgium topped the group with five points, while Egypt also collected five points and progressed on goal difference. Iran’s final match against Egypt ended 1-1, but a stoppage-time goal that could have secured victory was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for offside. Iran’s fate then depended on the result of the Group J match between Algeria and Austria. A win for either side would have allowed Iran to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. The match ended 3-3 after Austria equalized deep into stoppage time, ensuring both teams advanced and eliminating Iran. Within two days, Iran’s campaign collapsed due to a VAR ruling and a late goal in another group. The team’s competitive performances were overshadowed by misfortune, leaving Iran to exit the tournament despite coming close to a historic breakthrough.

The International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and Physics Without Frontiers (PWF) have jointly announced the second edition of the ICTP-PWF: Physics for Bangladesh Online Summer Internship 2026. The fully online program will run from July 20 to October 20, offering Bangladeshi students hands-on research experience in theoretical physics and mathematics under the mentorship of international researchers. The initiative aims to bridge the gap in research opportunities and global mentorship for Bangladeshi students, helping them prepare for advanced studies and international research careers. Participants will engage in short-term projects designed to move beyond textbook learning and explore modern research methods and trends. Undergraduate and postgraduate students from any recognized university or higher education institution in Bangladesh are eligible to apply by June 30 through an online form. The internship includes four main research tracks, with the high-energy physics track covering advanced topics such as quantum field theory, string theory, conformal field theory, and algebraic combinatorics.

Argentina concluded their World Cup group stage campaign unbeaten after a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Group J. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated early, scoring twice in the first half through Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez. Captain Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half and sealed the win with a free-kick goal in the 80th minute at the Dallas Stadium. Messi’s goal marked a historic milestone as he became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, surpassing France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. Playing in his record sixth World Cup, Messi now has six goals in the current tournament and 19 overall in World Cup history. Scaloni made nine changes to the starting lineup to test squad depth before the knockout stage. With this commanding performance, defending champions Argentina advance to the knockout rounds as group leaders and remain one of the favorites for the title.

A major corruption scandal has erupted over alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has arrested eight people responsible for counting cash and valuables, recovering nearly 8 million rupees and some foreign currency. The accused have been remanded in judicial custody until June 29. Investigators found serious procedural violations, including lack of security checks, absence of guards, and improper CCTV retention. The key to the donation box was held by a former driver of the temple trust’s general secretary, violating regulations. The controversy began when Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and former legislator Pawan Pandey alleged large-scale misappropriation of temple funds. Following the uproar, the trust’s general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned. Opposition leaders from Shiv Sena (Uddhav), Congress, and others have accused the ruling BJP and RSS of betraying Hindu sentiments and demanded arrests of senior trust officials. Congress leaders called for an impartial probe, alleging attempts to shield key culprits. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya dismissed the opposition’s claims, asserting that arrests followed the SIT’s findings and promising strict action against those guilty.

Bahrain has strongly condemned Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks, describing them as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In an official statement issued on June 28, 2026, Bahrain said the attacks undermine efforts to ease tensions and maintain peace in the region. The statement urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the ongoing aggression and ensure accountability for those responsible. Bahrain emphasized that it retains the full legal right to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity under international law. Bahrain also held the Iranian government fully responsible for any escalation resulting from its continued acts of aggression, according to the statement cited by Middle East Eye.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that Bangladesh currently has 26 million Vitamin A capsules in stock. He made the statement on Sunday, June 28, during the inauguration of the first round of the nationwide Vitamin A Plus campaign at the Abu Sayeed International Convention Center in Dhaka. The minister said that any child who misses the capsule during the campaign will be able to receive it the following day at designated centers. According to the minister, a total of 25.5 million children aged between six and 59 months across the country will receive Vitamin A capsules today. Children aged six to 11 months will be given a blue capsule, while those aged 12 to 59 months will receive a red high-dose capsule. The campaign aims to ensure that all eligible children receive the supplement to prevent Vitamin A deficiency and related health issues, as indicated by the minister’s remarks.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Faridpur-2 MP Shama Obaid told Parliament that the opposition has described the proposed national budget as a daydream and a challenge, but she believes it is realistic and can only be implemented by a BNP government. She made the remarks on Sunday during the general discussion on the proposed budget, in a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Obaid said the budget is challenging but follows the legacy of former President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, who took on major national challenges. She emphasized that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP has taken responsibility for the country amid a fragile economy. She described the budget as women-friendly and focused on youth empowerment. The minister highlighted key measures such as agricultural loan waivers, health cards, mid-day meals in education, family cards, and large allocations for local government development. She said these prove the budget is pro-people, not favoring business elites, and called for allocations for grassroots poor who have suffered over the past 17 years.

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has revoked the lifetime emeritus professor title of medicine specialist Professor Dr. A.B.M. Abdullah and ordered him to return nearly two years of honorarium and allowances. The university stated that the decision was an administrative correction of an irregular appointment, not a personal or retaliatory action. The move has sparked widespread debate among doctors and on social media, with questions raised about the reasons and timing of the decision. According to BMU, Dr. Abdullah’s appointment as lifetime emeritus professor did not follow required procedures such as departmental recommendations and evaluation committee approval. The university said the appointment was made solely on a syndicate member’s proposal and that Dr. Abdullah did not regularly attend work or engage in teaching or research despite receiving full benefits. BMU estimated he received over 1.4 million taka in payments. Critics, however, view the cancellation as disrespectful and politically motivated, while supporters argue it ensures transparency and accountability. Dr. Abdullah, who served as personal physician to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claimed the cancellation was unjust and questioned why it was done now after several years of service.

Iran has warned that it will suspend a memorandum of understanding signed with the United States if American attacks continue. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement emphasizing the fifth clause of the Islamabad memorandum, which grants Iran control over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said stricter measures will now be taken against violating vessels and warned that continued US aggression would provoke a stronger Iranian response. The statement further noted that any breach of the ceasefire would violate the memorandum and could lead to its complete suspension. The firm stance from Tehran has placed diplomatic efforts between the two countries in serious jeopardy. Although the memorandum was signed on June 17, the ongoing conflict has pushed the ceasefire agreement to the brink of collapse. According to the source, the situation has created a deep crisis in bilateral relations, with the risk of renewed confrontation if hostilities persist.

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in the coastal La Guaira region. According to a report by Al Jazeera citing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the estimated damage ranges between $4.7 billion and $8.7 billion. So far, 1,430 bodies have been recovered, while about 69,000 people remain missing. Authorities have declared La Guaira a disaster zone and imposed travel restrictions from Friday night to facilitate rescue operations. Rescue efforts have been hampered by logistical challenges, prompting local residents to clear debris by hand in search of relatives. Aid agencies warned that the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors is closing. Government officials stated that special permission is required to enter the affected area, though details remain unclear. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez described each life saved as a miracle, while interim President Delcy Rodríguez said the government has deployed all available resources and welcomed international rescue and humanitarian assistance.

Bangladesh Bank has discontinued the CAMELS rating system used to assess banks’ financial health and introduced a new Composite Risk Rating (CRR) framework effective from January 2026. The CRR system is part of the central bank’s Risk-Based Supervision structure and aims to evaluate banks’ overall risk and management capacity. The decision was confirmed by internal sources of Bangladesh Bank. Previously, CAMELS ratings were based on six indicators—capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity, and market sensitivity—and were kept confidential. Officials noted that the CAMELS system was backward-looking, relying on past financial data, and failed to detect emerging risks. The new CRR approach is forward-looking, assessing both current conditions and potential future vulnerabilities. According to internal documents, the change was made to eliminate duplication and improve supervisory efficiency. Bangladesh Bank has reorganized its internal structure, forming 17 new supervision departments. The shift aligns with international practices in countries such as India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Analysts believe the success of the CRR will depend on the central bank’s commitment to impartial enforcement.

A joint operation by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) recovered one one-shooter gun, eleven detonators, and eleven explosives from the border area of Sonasar in Barothakuri Union under Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet. The operation took place on Saturday night, June 27, 2026, following intelligence reports that illegal arms and explosives had been smuggled into Bangladesh and stored near the border. The information was confirmed through a press release issued by the BGB headquarters on Sunday. According to the BGB, the Zakiganj Battalion (19 BGB) and RAB-9 formed a joint team that conducted a special search operation about 1.5 kilometers inside Bangladesh from the zero line in the Biabail BOP area. The recovered items were found during an extensive search at the Sonasar Bricks Field area. Preliminary assessment suggests the seized weapons and explosives were smuggled into the country. Authorities stated that enhanced intelligence, operational vigilance, and strict border security measures have enabled the interception of such illegal consignments. Legal proceedings related to the recovery are currently underway.