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.
Pakistani fighter jets and troops have landed in Saudi Arabia following a 2025 defense pact. The agreement treats an attack on one as an attack on both, solidifying a new era of military cooperation.
ইসলামাবাদে মার্কিন ও ইরানি প্রতিনিধিদের মধ্যে পরোক্ষ আলোচনা শুরু হলেও লেবাননে অব্যাহত হামলা ও হরমুজ প্রণালির নিয়ন্ত্রণ নিয়ে গভীর অবিশ্বাসে কোনো কূটনৈতিক ব্রেকথ্রু মেলেনি।
Iran’s formalization of a Strait of Hormuz toll system, requiring payments in crypto or yuan, has sparked global alarm. President Trump has threatened "Power Plant Day" if the waterway isn't freed.
Iran’s parliament is considering a bill to mandate Strait of Hormuz transit fees in rials. The move follows reports of vessels already using Chinese yuan to secure passage through the chokepoint.
