An Air India Boeing 787 en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed just three seconds after takeoff when fuel supply to both engines was abruptly cut off, killing all 260 people onboard. India’s aviation authority’s preliminary report revealed that both engine fuel switches unexpectedly shifted from “on” to “off”—an anomaly unlikely to happen unintentionally. Cockpit voice recordings captured a pilot questioning the unexpected fuel cutoff. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no official technical recommendations issued so far. Among the dead were regular passengers and residents of a nearby medical hostel. Air India has pledged full support to affected families.

Germany is expected to be the hardest hit in Europe by U.S. tariffs, particularly targeting the auto industry. Analysts warn of a 0.4% drop in Germany’s GDP, with ripple effects across Central and Eastern Europe. Ireland also risks major losses if pharmaceutical tariffs are enforced, potentially shrinking its GDP by up to 5%. The EU’s total trade could fall by 8% over five years. Uncertainty may harm investment and jobs, even in countries with limited U.S. exports like France and Spain.

China’s economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in the April–June quarter, supported by strong export performance despite U.S. trade tensions and tariffs. Analysts warn that growth may slow in the second half due to continued external pressure. While exports to the U.S. dropped 43% in May, China increased exports to ASEAN and the EU to offset the loss. Government initiatives to reduce external dependency and boost domestic consumption have helped maintain stability amid a struggling property sector and geopolitical uncertainty.

At least five people were killed and one injured in an Israeli drone strike in the southern Lebanese city of Al-Nabatieh, according to local sources cited by Mehr News. The drone targeted a specific vehicle despite an ongoing ceasefire. Lebanese officials view such actions as violations of national sovereignty. Hezbollah has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm, while the Lebanese government continues to remain largely silent on Israeli aggressions. President Joseph Aoun confirmed that Lebanon has no plans to normalize relations with Israel.

At least 120 people have died in flash floods that devastated Texas Hill Country, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to visit the affected areas on Friday. While praising local and federal relief efforts, Trump faced criticism over a lack of early warnings and inadequate emergency preparedness. Concerns have been raised over federal budget cuts and emergency response gaps before the floods. As of now, 160 people remain missing, including 36 children. The state government plans to convene a special session to address both relief efforts and a full investigation.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman stated that inflation has dropped to a tolerable level of 8.48% and is expected to decrease further. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Sylhet, he emphasized the need for realistic monetary policy based on public input. The Sylhet region was highlighted for its importance in tea, remittance, tourism, and agriculture. Local stakeholders urged improvements in banking access, credit facilities, and infrastructure to boost investment and economic growth in the region.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has firmly ruled out the possibility of any electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that the party is only in discussions with democratic forces such as the Nationalist Democratic Party (NCP) and others who were actively involved in recent political movements. Speaking to the media, Salahuddin said that these discussions will continue until the election schedule is officially announced. “BNP is open to alliances only with parties that participated in the movement for restoring democracy,” he emphasized. He also noted that the party is closely watching the upcoming review verdict by the Appellate Division regarding the restoration of the caretaker government system—a key demand of the BNP. Criticizing the prolonged deliberations of the National Consensus Commission, he urged for a more decisive and timely approach. Salahuddin also rejected the idea of a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, arguing that it disconnects voters from their elected representatives and contributes to political instability. “Bangladesh is not ready for the PR system,” he said. “BNP will not support any electoral mechanism that undermines direct representation.”

Gano Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur announced that the party is preparing to contest all 300 seats in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a street rally in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, Nur emphasized the need to preserve the unity achieved through the July Revolution to guide the country in the right direction. He positioned the party as a rising alternative political force. During his visit, Nur also plans to visit the grave of July martyr Ahsan Habib in Chakaria and meet his family.

Saima Wazed Putul, WHO Regional Director for Southeast Asia and daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been placed on indefinite leave amid corruption allegations. The decision comes four months after Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed two cases against her for fraud, forgery, and abuse of power. In an internal email, WHO leadership announced that Katharina Bohm will serve as acting regional director. Putul’s appointment had previously drawn criticism for alleged favoritism, falsified academic records, and questions over her fundraising practices for the Shuchona Foundation, which reportedly secured $2.8 million in donor funds.

The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticizes the International Criminal Court (ICC) for ignoring Israel’s alleged crimes in Gaza while issuing arrest warrants against Afghan leaders implementing Islamic law. He denounces the court’s double standards and rejects its authority. Analysts suggest that internal Afghan issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than external sanctions. The UN respects the ICC’s independence but faces calls to recognize Afghanistan diplomatically and address the situation through negotiations.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told EU President Antonio Costa that any future attack on Iran will provoke a stronger and more precise retaliation. The statement came during a phone call, amid rising tensions following an IAEA report revealing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. After Israel’s air strikes and subsequent missile attacks from Iran, the conflict ended with US intervention. Tehran criticized the UN nuclear agency’s report as biased, accusing it of providing Israel justification for its actions.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has ruled out forming an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami but hinted at ongoing talks with the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) until the election schedule is announced. He emphasized that the upcoming national election will likely be held under an interim government by mid-February next year. Salahuddin criticized delays in the National Consensus Commission’s discussions and opposed introducing a Proportional Representation system, stating Bangladesh lacks the political and electoral culture for it. He also questioned the Awami League’s commitment to democracy.

Water levels in the Teesta River are rapidly increasing due to upstream hill runoff from India, raising flood concerns in northern Bangladesh. As of Friday morning, the water is flowing 23 cm below the danger level at Dalia Point. Authorities have opened 44 sluice gates at Teesta Barrage to manage the flow. Residents in char areas and riverbanks remain on high alert, especially in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Kurigram. Officials have initiated precautionary measures in anticipation of potential flooding.

Quantum Cosmo School, located in a remote area of Lama, Bandarban, has topped the district in the 2025 SSC exams. All 97 students from its general section passed, with 16 scoring GPA 5. From its vocational branch, 50 out of 51 students passed, and 14 achieved GPA 5. The school credits its success to meditation, residential support, and dedicated teaching. Alikadam and Bandarban Cantonment schools secured second and third places respectively. Lama’s overall pass rate was low, with Sarai High School performing the worst.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comment that leaders should retire at 75 has stirred a political storm in India, as both he and Prime Minister Modi are turning 75 this year. The statement, made during a book launch in Nagpur, was interpreted as a subtle hint at Modi. Opposition leaders quickly responded, reminding Modi of his past enforcement of the same age rule on senior BJP leaders. The remark has fueled fresh debate over political succession and retirement norms.