India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after five weeks of protests demanding his departure over a medical entrance examination paper leak. The satirical Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, led the campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a selfie video on Instagram on Thursday, expressing pain over protesters’ hardship and promising remedial measures, but thousands gathered in Delhi were not satisfied.

Protesters had held their position at Jantar Mantar a day earlier despite a police assault, and their movement inspired demonstrations across India. Young CJP supporters openly mocked Modi through rap, placards and graffiti. Sanjay Srivastava, an anthropology professor at SOAS University of London, said a large section of those protesting were actually Modi supporters, making this movement different from earlier protests.

Political analyst Amitabh Tiwari said the paper leak was only the starting point, with youth unemployment, anxiety and reduced technology-sector jobs linked to AI use also feeding discontent. Forty percent of India’s population is aged 18 to 40, while only 10 percent of the Lok Sabha is in that age group. State elections are due next year in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Gujarat, where opposition parties may seek to use youth anger.

The Pentagon has removed the names of four US service members killed after the recent escalation between the United States and Iran from the main official war casualty list, according to an Associated Press report cited by Al Jazeera on July 27. The four personnel were moved from the primary list into a different category.

Military officials had previously cited the Defense Casualty Analysis System as the main source for conflict casualty information. Last week, the four dead service members and several injured personnel were removed from that system’s main list. Pentagon documents now show the cases under a new heading, “foreign operations.”

The new list includes the four dead service members and information on 207 injured personnel, though it remains unclear whether all those listed were directly wounded in the Iran war. Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez said the reduced figures resulted from errors and temporary data disruptions, adding that the problem was being addressed quickly. The AP report said the Pentagon has held no formal war briefing since early May, while US Central Command has stopped providing journalists with regular casualty updates.

President Donald Trump said at a White House meeting on Friday that he planned to intensify attacks on Iran, according to CNN. Vice President JD Vance and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine, who attended the meeting, voiced concern that expanding the campaign could turn it into a larger conflict. CNN cited a source familiar with the matter and a US official.

The United States had conducted continuous attacks on Iran for nearly two weeks, but Washington paused bombing on Friday night for the first time during that period. A Pentagon source told CNN on Saturday that a major military operation against Iran was on hold. Caine warned Trump about weapons and ammunition stockpiles, the risks of a prolonged war, and other potential negative effects.

White House communications director Steven Cheung said Trump still prioritized a diplomatic solution, while keeping all options open if Iran attacked the Strait of Hormuz or US allies. Trump said US officials were actively talking with Iran, though the military could continue or intensify bombing. Vance's office did not comment.

Israeli settler organizations and political leaders have called for retaliation against Palestinians, including displacement and the destruction of the West Bank village of Tal, according to a report published July 27. On Friday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for Tal, Iraq Burin and Beit Furik to be wiped out. He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to place the area under Israeli control rather than Palestinian Authority responsibility.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said enemies should lose land and homes in return for every Jewish person killed, and called for applying in the West Bank the same approach he described as used in Gaza. Zvi Sukkot of Smotrich’s Religious Zionist Party told Channel 14 that Tal should be turned into ruins and posted the word “revenge” on Facebook.

The calls came amid an attack on Tal by illegal settlers with Israeli military support. Four village residents were killed by Israeli gunfire on Friday. The Israeli military said one resident had tried to seize a weapon and attack Israelis before being shot. Palestinian health ministry data said at least 87 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in the West Bank this year, including 21 killed by settlers. Hilltop Youth messages also called for Tal’s destruction and said they wanted to see “blood flow.”

Global crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a two-week conflict between the United States and Iran was temporarily halted, raising hopes for a diplomatic solution and more normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude dropped $4.89, or 5.05%, to $91.89 a barrel, briefly falling below $90 early in trading. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate declined $4.67, or 5.23%, to $84.64 a barrel.

Both benchmarks reached their lowest levels in about a week after rising for three consecutive weeks. Earlier, the spread of conflict in the Middle East and disruption to oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel. The conflict also affected the Red Sea, disrupting supplies from Saudi Arabia to Asia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump had decided to pause attacks to allow diplomatic efforts a chance. Shipping has not fully normalized: Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day transited Hormuz over the weekend. Analyst Saul Kavonic said any recovery in shipping would be gradual and partial because many companies remain cautious about security risks.

Authorities in Daudkandi, Cumilla, are reviewing allegations that Payra Bhaban, a government residence formerly used by the উপজেলা পরিষদ chairman, was demolished and its materials sold without following required procedures. The allegations also accuse উপজেলা নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা Nasrin Akter of misappropriating sale proceeds. She denied wrongdoing, saying she did not know who demolished the building or removed the materials and that the matter was being examined.

The building, constructed in the 1990s, became unusable after vandalism and arson on August 5, 2024, although its structure remained intact. An application to declare it condemned was submitted on March 18, 2025, and the district commissioner formed a five-member committee. The report said the process stalled before completion after the relevant executive engineer was transferred.

The উপজেলা engineering office estimated the materials at Tk 414,504 and demolition costs at Tk 265,004. In July, an LGED executive engineer led a site inspection, followed by a condemnation committee meeting. District administration officials said they were investigating and would take action under the rules if legal violations were proven.

Numerous Baiera Life Insurance customers in Bangladesh say they have not received their savings or principal years after their policies matured, according to a report published on July 27, 2026. Policyholders including Cumilla resident Nurjahan Begum, Noakhali resident Nurunnabi and Alamgir described repeated visits to the insurer’s office without payment. Company officials acknowledged that Baiera Life currently lacks the financial capacity to settle maturity payments in full at once.

Officials said policy maturities began in 2010 and payments effectively stopped from that period. Following customer complaints to government offices in 2019, the company’s operations were dissolved under a government decision. General Manager Mobarak Hossain said Baiera Life has no new business or premium collection, while interest of Tk15 lakh to Tk22 lakh monthly on paid-up capital deposited with Bangladesh Bank is used to cover office costs. He said about 100 customers visit daily seeking dividend payments.

IDRA has red-listed Baiera Life and six other insurers, with about 6.5 million policies pending and total claims of roughly Tk4,600 crore. It said about Tk54 crore from acquisition of Baiera Life land in Malibagh for the metro rail project would be kept in a special account for customer claims. The insurer’s total dues are estimated at Tk58 crore to Tk60 crore, leaving a Tk8 crore to Tk10 crore shortfall.

A grocery trader, Md Idris, 26, was seriously injured in an alleged group attack at his shop in the Alipur Sluicegate area of Latachapli Union under Mahipur police station in Patuakhali. The incident occurred at about 7pm on Sunday. Idris, son of local grocery trader Md Manik Akon, is receiving treatment at Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

The victim’s family alleged that Sabbir, son of local Union Parishad member and Awami League leader Abul Hossain, also known as Abul Company, led a group of seven or eight people in the attack over a prior dispute. They said the group entered the shop and used hammers, iron rods and sharp locally made weapons, leaving Idris with serious injuries to his hands, legs and other parts of his body.

Locals took Idris first to Kuakata 20-bed Hospital, where doctors referred him to Barishal as his condition worsened. The family has demanded arrests, an impartial investigation and exemplary punishment. They were preparing to file a written complaint with Mahipur police. Officer-in-charge Md Shamim Hawlader said legal action would follow an investigation if a written complaint is submitted.

A court in Netrokona has ordered action in a case accusing BNP leader Ajab Ali, 32, of abducting and raping a mother of three in Mohanganj upazila. Sajed Mia of Baniajora village, in Baratali-Baniahari union, filed the complaint with a Netrokona court on July 6. The complainant’s lawyer, Advocate Humayun Kabir, confirmed the matter on July 27. Ajab Ali is the general secretary of Ward No. 9 BNP in Barkashia union and lives in Madhupur village.

The complaint says Rabia Akter, married to Sajed Mia for about 13 years, has two daughters and a son. It alleges that Ajab Ali had long made improper proposals to her when she visited her father’s home in Madhupur. On the night of July 4, he allegedly entered after cutting a jute-stick fence, forcibly took her away, and threatened to kill her father, Bakul Mia, with a knife when he resisted.

The court directed the officer-in-charge of Mohanganj police station to register the case, arrest the accused and take steps to recover the victim. Ajab Ali denied the allegations, saying Rabia went with him voluntarily and that they married; Rabia made the same claim. A local BNP leader said 50 to 60 residents submitted a written request for organizational action. Police said legal action would follow upon receipt of the court order.

US Congressman Thomas Massie has accused the Trump administration of seriously damaging the United States' stability and resources by continuing war against Iran. In a message posted on X, formerly Twitter, Massie said the United States had become significantly weaker because of the war with Iran, according to a report published on July 27, 2026.

Expressing anger over the administration's policies, Massie said it had exhausted the country's missile defense system and emptied oil reserves. He also alleged that US service members had been made into sacrificial victims, while the cost of daily necessities had risen and the country's debt had increased.

Massie further said the administration had ignored domestic needs, arguing that all of these actions were taken for Israel. The report did not include a response from the Trump administration to his allegations or provide additional details about the war with Iran.

Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, condemned continuing Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea and threats to freedom of international navigation during a telephone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The information was confirmed through the Saudi Press Agency, according to a report published on July 27, 2026.

Burnham reiterated the United Kingdom’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty and protection. The report described the Houthi attacks as a threat to the freedom of international maritime navigation in the Red Sea. It did not provide details of any specific attack, damage, casualties or vessels involved.

The two leaders also held detailed discussions on a range of recent regional and international issues. According to the Saudi Press Agency account cited in the report, condemnation of the attacks and British support for Saudi security were key elements of the call. No new measures, agreements or timetable resulting from the discussion were mentioned in the report.

Bangladesh’s current BNP government says it is advancing plans to modernize, make employment-oriented and update the country’s education system under its election manifesto. A report published on July 27, 2026 said the two education ministries are targeting 40 projects and programmes this fiscal year alongside increased budget allocations. Prime Minister’s education adviser Mahdi Amin outlined the measures on July 18, marking the government’s first five months.

The education allocation for the current fiscal year is Tk136,606 crore, equivalent to 2 percent of GDP, compared with Tk87,206 crore, or 1.39 percent of GDP, in the previous year. Allocations include Tk46,734 crore for primary and mass education, Tk57,302 crore for secondary and higher education, and Tk18,457 crore for technical and madrasa education. Announced initiatives include free uniforms and jute schoolbags, free education for female students through honours level, smart classrooms, free Wi-Fi, mid-day meals and proposed education loans.

From the 2027 academic year, four new textbooks focused on sports, culture, technical education and joyful learning are planned for primary and secondary students. Education experts identified a reform commission, universal pre-primary education and greater research investment as major challenges. Amin said the government aims to implement all manifesto commitments gradually over five years.

Another oil tanker suffered a major explosion after striking a sea mine in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera. Iranian officials confirmed the incident, reported on July 27, 2026. Iranian authorities said the explosion occurred because the vessel had not followed a designated navigation route.

Iran issued a stern warning after the blast, saying any vessel seeking to cross the Strait of Hormuz must maintain full coordination with Iranian authorities. It said Iran would not guarantee the safety of ships that fail to do so. The incident came after two days of calm, during which there had been no US attack on Iran and no reported Iranian response.

Iran announced on June 26 that traffic through the strait could use only routes designated by Tehran. The United States supports free navigation through Hormuz, while Iran says ships must use designated coastal routes under a Tehran-supervised maritime guidance system. On July 8, President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a memorandum of understanding signed with Iran the previous month, alleging Tehran had violated the agreement.

National Citizen Party member secretary Akhtar Hossain MP said constitutional Article 51 cannot be invoked to prevent the arrest of former president Sahabuddin Chuppu. He made the remarks at the NCP’s July Awakening march and roadside meeting at Jibannagar Mukta Mancha in Chuadanga on Sunday night, July 27. The event was held with the stated aim of building a Bangladesh based on justice, democracy, rights and prosperity.

Hossain said no protection against Chuppu’s arrest remains under Article 51. He also alleged that the BNP had taken a position against the public and had not implemented what he described as a verdict in which 70 percent of people supported a yes vote in a referendum. He further alleged that the BNP was attempting to politicize everything, including the Election Commission.

NCP joint member secretaries Molla Mohammad Faruk Ahsan and Dr Mahmuda Mitu, joint convenor Sarwar Tushar, and local leaders attended the event. Several local Jamaat-e-Islami leaders were also present. An NCP July Awakening march and roadside meeting was held earlier on Sunday in Jhenaidah. Another such event is scheduled in Chuadanga at 3 p.m. Monday.

On July 27, 2024, Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police took Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinators Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah into custody. Earlier, Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Abu Baker Majumdar were taken from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital while receiving treatment. The report said the detentions added a new dimension to student protests demanding quota reform.

Then Detective Branch additional deputy commissioner Md Junaid Alam Sarkar said the five were held to collect information on recent clashes, vandalism and violence, and for their personal security. University teachers expressed concern and called for the students’ treatment and safety to be ensured. Human Rights Forum Bangladesh also urged maximum caution to stop harassment and torture of students.

Coordinators issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the release of detained students, withdrawal of all cases and action against those responsible for violence. The report cited more than 736 cases nationwide and more than 7,000 arrests by July 27 night. They announced online and offline campaigning, document submissions to embassies and wall-writing from July 28.