Bangladesh reforms panel to investigate past election irregularities

The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has restructured a five-member commission to probe alleged irregularities in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections held under the Awami League. The move comes amid rising criticism over the credibility of those polls, both domestically and internationally, according to Firstpost.

The new commission, headed by retired Justice Shamim Hasnain, includes the same members as the previous panel. Its mandate is to review election-related complaints and propose reforms to ensure free and fair future elections. The deadline for submitting its report has been extended to October 31.

Syafrubesi -Rasuwgadhi road obstructed

A flood from the Lhende Stream along the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa district last night damaged the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road, leading to a complete traffic disruption.

According to Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, Arjun Paudel, the flood triggered soil erosion to Timure Dry Port which had narrowly escaped the damages during the July 8 devastating flooding from the same stream. The traffic movement along the route has been completely halted following the recent disaster.

The CDO, who is also the Chair of the District Disaster Management Committee, said there are reports about the heavy rains towards the Chinese territory, raising concerns about the possibility of further floods. In the wake of the increased risk for further disasters, people residing near the river banks have been urged to move to safety.

However, the fresh flood caused no human casualties.  Likewise, authorities have issued alerts to the communities in the lower riparian areas along the Trishuli River, warning them of potential water level rises due to the Lhende Stream flood.

 

PM Oli to address National Assembly today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is addressing the National Assembly today on Nepal's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) to the status of developing country.

PM Oli is addressing the upper House of the Federal Parliament in response to the queries to be raised by lawmakers on the report being submitted by Chairperson of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Kamala Panta, on Nepal's graduation to the status of developing country from LDC, 2081, PM's personal secretariat said.

Gaza nears famine, UN warns amid worsening crisis

Gaza is on the brink of famine, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday, citing a new report showing alarming levels of hunger and malnutrition. “This is not a warning—it’s happening now,” he said, according to Xinhua.

The UN’s food security alert found two out of three famine thresholds breached in parts of Gaza, with over 20,000 children treated for acute malnutrition since April and rising hunger-related deaths.

Guterres called for a permanent ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and a major increase in aid. While a temporary pause has allowed limited supplies in, UN officials say ongoing restrictions and looting prevent much of it from reaching those in need.

“A trickle of aid is not enough,” Guterres said. “This crisis demands urgent, united action”, Xinhua reported.

Trump sets 10-day deadline for Russia to end Ukraine conflict

US President Donald Trump has given Russia a 10-day deadline starting from Tuesday to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine, significantly shortening the 50-day timeline he had announced earlier this month, Xinhua reported.

Speaking to reporters on his return from Scotland, Trump warned that if Moscow fails to act, the US will impose tariffs. He cited frustration over Russia’s unwillingness to compromise during recent talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Kremlin responded by reaffirming its commitment to its ongoing military operation while stating it remains open to the peace process, according to Xinhua.

 

US-China talks end with push to extend tariff truce

US and Chinese officials ended two days of talks in Stockholm agreeing to work toward extending their 90-day tariff truce, due to expire August 12, according to Firstpost.

China’s Li Chenggang called the discussions constructive, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any extension depends on President Donald Trump.

Talks focused on trade terms, rare earths, and strategic industries. The US also raised concerns over China’s ties with Russia and Iran.

Both sides stressed the importance of stable economic ties, with Bessent saying the goal isn’t to “de-couple,” but to reduce risks in key sectors, Firstpost reported.

 

YouTube added to Australia’s social media ban for under-16s

Australia will now include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for under-16s, set to begin in December. The move means minors can still watch videos but won’t be allowed to hold accounts, according to BBC.

Originally exempt, YouTube was added after the eSafety Commissioner found it was the platform most linked to harmful content seen by children aged 10 to 15.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban is about protecting kids online, while Communications Minister Anika Wells warned tech companies not to challenge the policy, saying it’s a fight for children’s wellbeing.

Platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to A$50 m, BBC reported.

UK to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel meets conditions

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned the UK will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes meaningful steps to end the crisis in Gaza, BBC reported.

He called for a ceasefire, renewed aid access, a halt to West Bank annexations, and commitment to a two-state solution. Starmer said the situation in Gaza is “intolerable” and the chance of peace is fading.

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Trump also voiced concern, warning it could be seen as benefiting Hamas.

The UK faces growing domestic pressure, with over 250 MPs urging immediate recognition. Critics say recognition should not be conditional, while others warn it could backfire, as reported by BBC.

France plans a similar move, but Germany has ruled it out for now. Most countries already recognise Palestine, but sceptics say recognition alone won’t bring peace.