Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December 2026 with senior leaders of the Awami League and voluntarily surrender to the authorities. Living in exile in India since 2024, Hasina said she is prepared to face arrest or even death but wants to return to her homeland. She continues to deny the charges against her, including a death sentence handed down in absentia. Her planned return is expected to intensify Bangladesh's political tensions while drawing close international attention. (PC: Reuters)

The BBC has requested access to former U.S. President Donald Trump's diaries, phone logs, and related communications as part of the legal discovery process in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit. The broadcaster argues that the records could help clarify key events, communications, and claims central to the case. Trump's lawsuit alleges the BBC damaged his reputation through its reporting, while the broadcaster denies wrongdoing and is defending its journalism in court. The discovery request marks a significant step in the high-profile legal battle, with both sides preparing evidence as the case proceeds through the U.S. judicial system. (PC: BBC)

Massive wildfires continue to devastate southern Spain, with intense flames and thick smoke turning the skies orange across several regions. Authorities confirmed that the death toll has risen to 12 as firefighters battle extreme heat, strong winds, and rapidly spreading fires. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from affected communities, while emergency services remain on high alert. The blazes have destroyed homes, forests, and farmland, causing widespread damage. Officials say prolonged drought and soaring temperatures have worsened the crisis, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on Europe as firefighting efforts continue to contain the disaster.

A woman in southern China's Guangxi region has gone viral after risking her life to rescue her pet dog during severe typhoon-triggered floods. Battling strong currents and heavy rain, she refused to abandon her loyal companion, ensuring both reached safety. The dramatic rescue has touched millions on Chinese social media, with many praising her bravery and devotion. The incident comes amid widespread monsoon flooding across southern China, where similar acts of compassion have emerged, including animal shelter evacuations and civilians rescuing stranded stray dogs. The viral footage highlights the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets during natural disasters.

Pakistan's military says at least 42 people, including security personnel and civilians, were killed in coordinated attacks by armed fighters across Balochistan, marking one of the deadliest recent assaults in the restive province. The attacks targeted police posts, military positions, and public infrastructure, prompting large-scale security operations in response. Military officials claimed security forces killed dozens of attackers during retaliatory actions and vowed to continue operations against the armed groups. The violence has intensified concerns over security in Balochistan, where separatist insurgents have long carried out attacks demanding greater autonomy and control over the province's natural resources. (PC: AP)

Andy Burnham is on course to become the United Kingdom's next Prime Minister after securing nominations from 322 Labour MPs in the first round of the party's leadership contest. Burnham remains the only declared candidate, making his victory increasingly certain unless another contender emerges before nominations close. He needs 81 MP nominations to qualify, a threshold he has overwhelmingly surpassed. If unopposed, Burnham is expected to be confirmed as Labour leader next week and take office as Prime Minister on July 20, succeeding Keir Starmer. The strong backing reflects broad support within Labour for a swift leadership transition. (PC: BBC)

Israel has reportedly shared fresh intelligence with the United States about a new and specific Iranian plot to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump, according to multiple media reports. The alleged threat is linked to Iran's longstanding vow to avenge the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani. U.S. officials are reviewing the intelligence and monitoring the situation closely, while security around Trump remains heightened. The reports emerge amid renewed military tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, raising concerns over a wider regional escalation and the potential impact on ongoing diplomatic efforts. (PC: Reuters)

Meta Platforms has revealed that four US states are seeking $1.4 trillion in penalties ahead of an August trial, alleging Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to addict young users and mislead the public about their safety. The lawsuit, led by California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, claims Meta's platforms harmed minors and violated consumer protection laws. Meta has denied the allegations, calling the proposed penalties excessive and unsupported by evidence. The case is part of broader legal action involving dozens of US states and could become one of the largest consumer protection lawsuits in technology industry history. (PC: Reuters)

A series of explosions were reported across southern Iran, including near the strategically important Bushehr region, just a day after the burial of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian officials said the blasts occurred in several locations, while local authorities investigated the incidents. The United States denied carrying out any new military strikes, despite speculation fueled by recent regional tensions. The explosions come amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the US following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire, raising fears of further escalation. The exact cause of the blasts remains unclear, with conflicting reports emerging from the region.

Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks as tensions with Israel and the United States escalated, threatening to collapse the fragile June ceasefire. Israel warned it is prepared to strike Iran again with “even greater force” if attacks continue. Iran also targeted U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, while most missiles were intercepted. The renewed fighting has heightened fears of a wider regional war, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and raised global concerns over energy security. Regional powers, including Qatar, Oman and Turkey, are continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. (PC: Reuters)