Bangladesh has expressed its protest over India allowing its former prime minister Khaleda Zia to deliver an audio speech. The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is astonishing for the Indian government to permit a fugitive former prime minister to deliver a speech. The ministry added that allowing Khaleda Zia to deliver a speech is a dangerous precedent, which may severely affect bilateral relations. In her audio speech, Khaleda Zia stated that transparent elections cannot be held in Bangladesh under the interim government’s supervision.
In other news, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A plot to attack the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, was foiled. The value of the Iranian currency, Rial, has hit a record low, with reports suggesting that it is now valued at 15 million against the US dollar. Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta has banned the use of artificial intelligence in the interpretation of the Quran. Sajid Javid, the former Chancellor of the UK, has sparked controversy by opposing the entry of individuals like his parents into the UK. Australia is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching almost 49 degrees Celsius, while most of the world is experiencing winter.
At the United Nations, Afghanistan’s Human Rights Representative, Richard Bennett, has raised concerns about the severe consequences of the new law. Research has revealed that Israel’s military has systematically demolished homes and agricultural land in the northern Gaza Strip city of Beit Hanoun, despite the ceasefire. US President Donald Trump has increased the tariff on South Korean products from 15% to 25% after the South Korean parliament failed to ratify the trade agreement with the US. Severe cold warnings have been issued for nearly 20 million people in 44 US states, with emergency declarations made in 24 states.
Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades, a pro-Iranian organization, has warned that a full-scale war may erupt in the region if Iran is attacked. In India, a 24-year-old woman hanged herself in the city of Bengaluru after being subjected to harassment and demands for dowry. The US has accused the European Union of indirectly funding the Russia-Ukraine war by signing a free trade agreement with India. Mark Rutte, the European representative, has stated that if anyone believes that Europe or the EU can protect itself without the US, they are dreaming.
In India, the police have arrested the parents of notorious gangster Goldy Brar, who is currently abroad, in connection with a case of extortion in 2024. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has had a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Sajid Javid, the former Chancellor of the UK, has sparked controversy by opposing the entry of individuals like his parents into the UK. In a court in Hyderabad, the Additional Sessions Judge has delivered a verdict in the case of Akash Insari’s murder.
In Bollywood, the film “Tere Ishq Mein” starring Kriti Senon and Dinesh has sparked controversy after research scholars pointed out that the film distorts educational facts. The film’s makers have been criticized on social media, with many questioning whether it is a film or a joke. Renowned Bollywood singer Arijit Singh has announced his retirement from playback singing. The police have filed a case against eight people based on complaints of family disputes and assault. The case involves two brothers and their wives.
