The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is considering launching a new Withholding Identification Number (WIN) system to strengthen monitoring of tax deductions at source. The proposal may be presented in the national budget speech on June 11. Under current law, institutions deduct 5 percent tax from house rent payments and deposit it into the government treasury, but there is no effective mechanism to verify whether the deductions are properly made or deposited. The WIN system aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in withholding tax collection.

According to NBR officials, the new system would help increase revenue and reduce tax evasion by tracking how much tax each institution deducts and from whom. Certificates issued against deducted taxes would assist taxpayers in claiming adjustments or refunds during annual income tax returns, while deducting authorities could prove compliance with government rules. Institutions involved in salary payments, product or service transactions, and financial institutions deducting tax on interest income would be required to register for a WIN.

The NBR is also dropping plans to reintroduce wealth tax and to allow whitening of undisclosed money in the upcoming budget, while 67 top taxpayers will receive awards to encourage compliance.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told his supporters that he is ready to fight to retain his leadership of the Labour Party. He confirmed that he would take part in any leadership contest if one were to occur, according to a BBC report on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also stated that Starmer would join any such contest, noting that it would require signatures from 81 MPs to proceed.

The leadership question has intensified after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed interest in joining a potential leadership race. Starmer and his allies argue that a contest would create instability within both the party and the country. They emphasize that Starmer must fulfill the strong mandate he received two years ago.

Following poor results in recent local elections, calls for Starmer’s resignation have grown within the Labour Party. The outcome of the upcoming June 18 by-election in Makerfield is expected to influence his leadership position, with Burnham’s success seen as crucial for strengthening his standing within the party.

Twenty countries, including eighteen from Europe along with Australia and Japan, have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s new registration law for aid organizations operating in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The statement followed a ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court last week that upheld the ban on several NGOs. Israel has already prohibited 37 aid groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children, Doctors Without Borders, and the International Rescue Committee, for refusing to submit lists of their Palestinian and international staff.

The joint statement warned that the new law would severely limit humanitarian organizations’ ability to operate and respond to crises. It emphasized that aid entering Gaza remains grossly insufficient, even though nearly the entire population depends on life-saving services. The countries noted that international NGOs have been providing essential support in water, sanitation, field hospitals, education, nutrition, and mine clearance, in coordination with Palestinian civil society and the United Nations.

The signatories urged Israel not to enforce the law in its current form, arguing that it is part of broader restrictions that already hinder humanitarian access through limited border hours, dual-use goods bans, and bureaucratic delays.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the government is preparing amendments to the Cyber Security Act to counter misinformation, defamatory content, and AI-generated deceptive materials spreading on social media. He said the revised law will include provisions requiring international technology platforms, including Meta, to remove harmful content within a specified timeframe. The announcement came in response to a parliamentary notice raised by MP Helen Zerin Khan regarding fake accounts, bot networks, and online harassment.

Helen Zerin Khan highlighted the growing use of fake identities, AI-generated content, and organized bot networks to manipulate public opinion and spread targeted disinformation against individuals and institutions. In reply, the minister noted that misleading content targeting political leaders and their families has recently increased and suggested redefining the boundaries of freedom of expression in the digital space.

The minister added that the draft, to be known as the Cyber Security Act 2026, will empower agencies such as the BTRC and cyber security bodies to block or remove harmful content. He also mentioned that a new law to combat online and offline gambling is in its final stage and may be introduced in the current parliamentary session.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States will declare a 'final victory' over Iran within the next two weeks. He made the remarks while virtually addressing a rally organized in support of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who is contesting in Tuesday’s primary election. Trump stated that discussions with Iran are ongoing and claimed that Tehran is willing to make a favorable deal, including pledging not to possess nuclear weapons.

Trump added that he believes the U.S. is winning the fight and that the upcoming declaration will mark a complete victory, which he said would lead to a sharp drop in oil prices. The statement follows earlier promises of progress within similar two-week timelines. A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was announced on April 8, initially set to last two weeks, during which both sides were expected to finalize a peace agreement.

The remarks were reported by CNN and suggest that Washington may soon announce a major diplomatic or strategic development regarding Iran.

Three major local government elections in Bangladesh—city corporation, municipality, and upazila parishad—will not be held this year, according to the Local Government Division. However, Union Parishad (UP) elections may begin in late 2026 after the national budget session concludes, when the final schedule is expected. Officials said no formal instructions have yet been issued to prepare for the polls, and all activities remain routine until directives arrive.

The government reportedly views the upcoming UP election as a test of its grassroots popularity following the political transition earlier in 2026. After the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024 and the formation of a new administration led by Tarique Rahman in February 2026, the ruling coalition is proceeding cautiously amid tight political competition. The elections are planned to be non-partisan, though speculation persists about strategic participation by major parties.

The Election Commission is revising election rules and codes of conduct to align with updated local government laws. Draft regulations will be published on June 15 for public feedback. A software-based election calendar has been developed to streamline scheduling once budget approval and legal formalities are completed.

A magnitude 5 earthquake struck southern Iran on Tuesday morning, shaking areas near Sargaz in the Hormozgan and Kerman provinces, according to Mehr News Agency. Initial reports indicated no casualties or major damage from the tremor.

Meanwhile, the Philippines continues to recover from a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the southern region a day earlier. The death toll there has risen to 37, with more than 150 people injured. Rescue teams in the Soccsksargen region have recovered 31 bodies from collapsed buildings, and several people remain missing. Authorities fear the number of casualties could increase as many structures were destroyed.

Footage captured on CCTV and mobile phones showed the scale of destruction across affected areas in the Philippines, where the quake struck during morning hours when workplaces and schools were occupied.

Iran and Israel have announced a suspension of their retaliatory attacks following recent escalations. The declaration came on Monday, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the conflict was now under control. Earlier the same day, Tehran announced it would halt military actions for the time being, warning that any new Israeli strikes on Iran or Lebanon would prompt a response. Iran’s top military command, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, confirmed the decision in an official statement.

The announcement followed two months of reciprocal attacks between the two countries, which reignited tensions across the Middle East on Sunday night. Despite the temporary ceasefire, exchanges of fire continued into Monday morning before both sides declared a pause in hostilities.

The situation remains fragile, with both nations signaling conditional restraint depending on future military actions.

Iran has lifted all flight restrictions imposed after its missile strikes on Israel, declaring the country’s airspace fully safe. The Civil Aviation Organization of Iran announced that flights from all airports have resumed following the removal of the temporary ban. The decision was confirmed by Abuzar Shiroudi, an official from the organization, through the state news agency IRIB on Monday.

According to the report, the restrictions were introduced earlier in the day after Iran launched a large-scale missile attack inside Israel, which heightened regional tensions. In response to potential retaliatory threats and to ensure airspace safety, Iran had temporarily suspended all flights and closed its airspace. After coordination with relevant institutions and confirmation of a secure environment, authorities restored normal aviation operations.

The reopening of Iran’s airspace marks a rapid normalization of flight activities just hours after the escalation, signaling Tehran’s confidence that the immediate security risks have subsided.

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Philippines early Monday, killing at least 37 people and injuring more than 150 others. The quake hit at 7:37 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about eight miles southwest of General Santos City in Mindanao at a depth of 6.2 miles. The Civil Defense authorities confirmed that 31 bodies were recovered from the debris in the Soccsksargen region, while several people remain missing. Over 10,000 residents have lost their homes due to the disaster.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the quake caused significant structural damage in affected areas. The U.S. Geological Survey also measured the tremor at magnitude 7.8. Shortly after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert warning of possible waves up to 10 feet along parts of the Philippine coast and up to one meter along some Indonesian and Malaysian shores. The warning was later lifted after assessments indicated no tsunami threat.

Authorities continue rescue and recovery operations as search efforts persist for those still missing.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that diplomatic exchanges between Iran and the United States are ongoing with the aim of finalizing a potential agreement. Speaking to reporters after a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, Iravani said both sides are communicating through Pakistan to prepare a draft of the final deal.

According to Iravani, Iran and the United States are exchanging views and proposals to reach a final text, though no agreement has yet been concluded. He emphasized that both countries are continuing efforts toward that goal. His remarks were published by Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

Observers view Iravani’s comments as significant amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and recent diplomatic activity. Analysts cited in the report suggest that Pakistan’s mediation could help break the stalemate in Iran–U.S. relations and open a path toward a new understanding.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, he urged all parties to fully adhere to ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza, and to refrain from actions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Guterres also voiced serious concern over Israel’s decision to close Gaza’s entry points, calling for their immediate reopening to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and essential supplies. He emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in international waterways, a remark analysts interpret as referring to tensions involving Iran and the United States in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UN chief reiterated that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward and urged all sides to intensify diplomatic initiatives for peaceful resolution. Observers view this statement as a significant diplomatic message aimed at calming the region’s volatile situation.

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara has suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly frustrated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to Bishara, the war has not produced the expected results, leaving the United States in a difficult position. He believes Trump may ultimately hold Netanyahu responsible for the failure of the campaign.

Bishara noted that while he was not present in private discussions between the two leaders, it appears Trump is losing confidence in Netanyahu as the conflict drags on. The analyst said many in the United States view the war as unpopular and ineffective in achieving the administration’s stated goals. Washington has been unable to escalate to a full-scale war or compel Iran to accept a peace deal on U.S. terms.

He added that Netanyahu’s stance seems more militaristic and expansionist, while the prolonged conflict is increasing strategic and political pressure on the United States. Bishara’s remarks come amid heightened global debate over the Iran-Israel confrontation and Washington’s role in it.

Cuba is experiencing a deepening energy crisis marked by prolonged nationwide power outages that have left residents in darkness for days. In Havana and other regions, people are struggling without electricity, water, or relief from extreme heat and mosquito infestations. Some residents have resorted to public protests known as “cacerolazos,” banging pots and pans to express frustration over the worsening conditions. Fuel shortages have also crippled transportation and cooking, forcing many to rely on wood and charcoal.

The crisis has been compounded by soaring inflation, with basic goods and gas cylinder prices rising sharply while pensions have lost value. The tourism sector, a key source of income, is suffering as international companies scale back or withdraw operations. Political tensions between Cuba and the United States have intensified, raising fears of new sanctions and potential military strain.

Analysts warn that without diplomatic compromise, the situation could deteriorate further. The World Meteorological Organization has cautioned that extreme heat and drought may make conditions even more dangerous in a country already struggling without power.

The United Nations has warned that the world’s oceans are under “intense and rapidly growing” pressure due to human activities, with the rate of sea level rise doubling over the past decade. The findings come from the UN’s third World Ocean Assessment, released on World Oceans Day, which highlights escalating threats from pollution and industrial-scale fishing that are severely damaging marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Based on research by about 600 scientists from 86 countries between 2021 and 2025, the report shows that sea levels now rise by 4.3 millimeters per year, compared to 2 millimeters before 2015. Ocean temperatures have increased sharply, with 16% of the total rise since 1955 occurring after 2018. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged urgent global cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, emphasizing a science-based and law-governed approach.

The report notes progress such as the new High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect two-thirds of international waters, but warns that fragmented governance still hampers effective action. Greenpeace called the findings an urgent warning to world leaders, urging the creation of fully protected marine sanctuaries to restore ocean health by 2030.