A devastating combination of diesel scarcity and rolling blackouts has brought irrigation to a standstill across major agricultural hubs in Bangladesh. From Rangpur to Cox’s Bazar, thousands of pumps are idle as the boro rice crop enters its most sensitive growth stage.
A Board of Audit and Inspection report released Wednesday has identified an "unusual desire for keepsakes" as the root cause of a 2021 collision between two South Korean F-15K fighter jets. The investigation found that a wingman pilot abruptly climbed and inverted his jet to get a better photo of his colleague, leading to a crash that cost 880 million won in repairs. The pilot, now a commercial aviator, has been ordered to pay a portion of the damages.
In a major blow to Nepal's month-old anti-corruption government, Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned Wednesday. A key leader of the 2025 Gen-Z protests, Gurung stepped down following public outcry over his asset disclosures—including over 1kg of gold—and alleged founder-level shares in firms linked to money-laundering suspect Deepak Bhatta. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has assumed temporary oversight of the ministry as calls for a parliamentary inquiry grow.
In a significant shift for domestic energy policy, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced the first reduction in gasoline and diesel prices since the outbreak of the war in Iran. Following the 10-day adjustment cycle, the price cut aims to lower the burden on the transportation sector and private drivers, providing a rare reprieve from the high energy costs that have dominated 2026.
Senator Bernie Sanders warned that unchecked billionaire influence and the rapid rise of AI are pushing the U.S. toward instability. Speaking alongside Mayor Zohran Mamdani, he called for structural reforms and stronger unions to save the middle class.
During a provocative visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed "ownership" of the holy site, pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu for policy changes that critics fear will dismantle the long-standing status quo.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has sharply escalated regional tensions, suggesting Turkey could take military action against Israel over continued strikes in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Ankara has initiated a historic legal case against Israeli leadership.
Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has been released on bail after five days in jail, sparking debate over legal actions against former officials.
A senior Bangladeshi civil servant alleges harassment and smear campaigns by a vested group after initiating reforms in a key poverty alleviation agency.
