India is preparing to test polymer currency after the Centre approved the Reserve Bank of India’s proposal for field trials of ₹10 and ₹20 notes. The pilot will include one billion notes of each denomination, but paper currency is not being withdrawn. Both types could circulate together if the trial succeeds. India Revives Polymer Note Plan After 15 Years The approval revives an idea pursued more than a decade ago. In 2009, the RBI b

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has linked any future agreement with the United States to an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. His position places Lebanon, Hezbollah support and Israeli withdrawal at the centre of Tehran’s conditions as regional diplomatic efforts continue. Iran-US peace conditions In a statement posted on X, Khamenei said Iran would require the protectio

President Shahabuddin Steps Down Bangladesh is entering another crucial phase in its political journey after President Mohammad Shahabuddin decided to resign before completing his five-year term. The development follows months of political uncertainty and growing pressure over his perceived closeness to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. His de

The Tier-II and Tier-III consumption boom is reshaping India’s consumer economy. Rising incomes, digital adoption, young buyers and premium spending are turning Urban Bharat into a major growth market for brands and investors. Tier-II and Tier-III Cities Power India’s Consumer Growth Tier-II and Tier-III cities are becoming major centres of India’s consumer economy. Cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Surat, Patna and Bhopal are

An Indonesian court has sentenced 19 people to prison for their roles in an Indonesia baby trafficking operation that moved infants through several cities and sold some to adoptive families in Singapore. The Bandung City District Court imposed terms ranging from three years and four months to seven years after finding all defendants guilty of human trafficking. The convictions were delivered on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Court

TVK has demanded the complete abolition of NEET and called for states to receive full authority over education, medical admissions and related policies. TVK Demands NEET Abolition and Greater State Authority Tamil Nadu’s ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has renewed its demand for the complete abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, saying its opposition goes beyond allegations of examination irregularities. The party said

Mamata Banerjee backed the Opposition’s Delhi protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and condemned the police action against students as unacceptable. Mamata Backs Opposition Protest Over NEET Row Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has supported the Opposition protest in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against students. She called the treatment of young demonstrators unacceptable and accused the Union

Trump restores direct US flights to Lebanon after more than four decades, marking a major policy shift during Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's White House visit. The announcement comes amid discussions on regional security, Israeli troop withdrawal, Hezbollah, and stronger US support for Lebanon's stability. Trump Restores Direct US Flights to Lebanon After 40 Years

France is preparing to introduce a social media age ban for children under 15, aiming to improve teen safety and reduce cyberbullying. While the proposal has gained political backing, officials still face major challenges in implementing secure, privacy-friendly age verification systems. France Social Media Age Ban Nears Approval but Age Verification Remains

Andy Burnham Cabinet Reshuffle Removes Starmer Allies Andy Burnham’s cabinet reshuffle has placed trusted allies and experienced Labour figures in senior government roles while removing several ministers associated with Keir Starmer. The appointments signal a change in political direction as the new prime minister begins shaping his economic and domestic agenda. Andy Burnham Cabinet Takes Shape

Iran sanctions block long-term economic growth, according to a senior Iranian official who says the country cannot achieve sustainable development without reconnecting to the global financial system. While temporary measures have kept trade moving, officials argue that lasting economic progress requires renewed access to international banking, investment and financial markets.

This guide explains NRE, NRO and FCNR accounts in plain English, compares tax and repatriation rules, shows where overseas and Indian income should go, and gives realistic account combinations for salaried NRIs, landlords, investors and families. Last reviewed: July 18, 2026 The first banking question most new NRIs ask sounds simple: “Which Indian account should I use now?”

Last reviewed: July 18, 2026 Moving abroad changes more than your address. Your Indian bank accounts, tax status, investments, insurance, property records, nominees and digital access may all need attention. These issues may not feel urgent when you leave, but a failed transaction, expired mobile number, tax notice or missing document can later create stress. This practical checklist explains what to update in India during the

US strikes Chabahar Port surveillance tower in a major expansion of its military campaign against Iran. CENTCOM says the facility helped the IRGC monitor shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran insists the strategically important port remains operational despite the attack. US Strikes Chabahar Port Surveillance Tower in Iran  

Iran media reporting restrictions have been imposed following renewed US airstrikes, with authorities directing news organisations to limit coverage of civilian infrastructure damage. The directive comes as Washington considers expanding its military campaign, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. Iran Media Reporting Restrictions Ordered After US Strikes

US airstrikes on Iran continue into a seventh consecutive night as CENTCOM expands its military campaign against Iranian targets. The latest strikes, ordered by the US commander-in-chief, targeted military infrastructure while escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran amid warnings of wider regional instability. US Airstrikes on Iran Continue for Seven

The Bangladesh BIMSTEC security meeting placed the Rohingya refugee crisis, maritime security, cyber security cooperation and Bay of Bengal security at the centre of regional discussions, urging member nations to strengthen cooperation against emerging security challenges. Bangladesh Calls for Stronger Regional Security at BIMSTEC Meeting Bangladesh urged BIMSTEC member nations to deepen cooperatio

US airstrikes hit Iran bridge airport according to Iranian state-linked reports describing strikes on transport infrastructure in southern Iran. Officials also reported explosions near Qeshm as military tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate across the region. US Airstrikes Hit Iran Bridge Airport Fresh reports from Ir

Pakistan security forces foil suicide attack in South Waziristan after terrorists attempted to ram an explosives-laden vehicle into a military post in Wana. The incident underscores the continuing threat from TTP militants and ongoing counter-terrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and border regions. Pakistan Security Forces Foil Suicide Attack in South Waziristan Pakistan security forces successfully foiled a suicide attack after terrorists attempted to drive an explosives-laden vehicle into a military post in the Kari Kot area of Wana, Lower South Waziristan, on Thursday. According to official security officials quoted by Dawn, troops responded immediately, killing four terrorists before they could reach the target. No military personnel were injured during the attack, and security forces quickly secured the area before launching clearance operations. Authorities have placed the surrounding region under heightened security while teams continue searching for any remaining militants or explosive materials. Officials said the prompt response prevented what could have been a major attack on the military installation. Wana Attack Highlights Ongoing Terror Threat South Waziristan has remained one of Pakistan's most sensitive security regions since the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Militant violence has continued despite repeated military campaigns aimed at restoring stability. The latest incident follows a similar attempted suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May, where one civilian lost his life and fifteen others were injured after terrorists targeted another military post. In November 2025, security forces also stopped an assault on Cadet College Wana before attackers could reach students and staff, preventing what officials described as a potentially devastating incident. These repeated attacks demonstrate that militant groups continue to view South Waziristan as a strategic target despite sustained military pressure. Operation Shaban Intensifies Counter-Terror Efforts Pakistan's security agencies have expanded Operation Shaban across border districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to eliminate militant networks operating near the Afghanistan border. The campaign involves coordinated operations by the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, police, and intelligence agencies. Officials say dozens of militants have been killed since early July, with some reports placing the combined death toll from recent operations close to one hundred. Security checkpoints have also been strengthened across vulnerable border routes to disrupt militant movement and prevent cross-border infiltration. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, terrorist violence increased significantly during May, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, reflecting the continuing security challenges facing the country. TTP Militants Remain the Primary Threat The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), officially referred to by the Pakistani government as Fitna al-Khawarij, remains the country's most active militant organization. The group intensified attacks following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 and has expanded operations further during 2024 and 2025. Alongside TTP, splinter militant factions and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) continue to operate across the rugged border region. Security analysts say these organizations exploit difficult terrain and cross-border movement to launch attacks against security forces and, in some cases, civilian targets. Pakistani authorities have reaffirmed that counter-terrorism operations will continue until militant networks are dismantled. Officials stated that intelligence-based operations, stronger border security, and coordination among military and law enforcement agencies remain central to efforts aimed at improving long-term stability in South Waziristan and neighboring districts. Information in this report is based on statements from Pakistani security officials and reporting by Dawn. Readers interested in related developments may also explore internal coverage on Global News, Terrorism & Security, Pakistan News, South Asia, and Border Security.

Bangladesh freezes Sheikh Hasina assets worth $6.19 billion as authorities expand investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit says asset recovery efforts are underway with support from multiple government agencies. Bangladesh Freezes Sheikh Hasina Assets Worth $6.19 Billion Bangladesh has frozen assets worth Tk 760 billion (about $6.19 billion) linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members and ten of the country's largest business groups. The move marks one of the biggest financial enforcement actions since the political transition that followed the 2024 student-led uprising. Sheikh Hasina Investigation Expands Speaking during the release of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) annual report in Dhaka, BFIU chief Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun said court orders enabled authorities to freeze Tk 570 billion in assets within Bangladesh and another Tk 190 billion overseas. He did not disclose how much of the frozen assets belonged to individual family members or each business group. The investigation began after Sheikh Hasina left office on August 5, 2024, following widespread protests. She later traveled to India, where she has remained since. The interim administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus directed authorities to examine allegations including corruption, bribery, fraud, forgery, money laundering, foreign currency smuggling and tax evasion involving Hasina's family and several leading corporate groups. Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit Leads Probe According to the BFIU, authorities are concentrating on tracing and recovering assets that investigators believe were transferred outside Bangladesh. Mamun said officials are working with international partners and expressed hope that progress on recovering overseas assets could be announced before the end of the year. The financial investigation is being coordinated by the BFIU with support from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The agencies are examining financial records, banking transactions and ownership structures connected to individuals and companies under investigation. Business Groups Investigation Covers Major Companies Authorities confirmed that the investigation includes S Alam Group, Beximco Group, Nabil Group, Summit Group, Orion Group, Premier Group, Nassa Group, Bashundhara Group, Sikder Group and Aramit Group. Officials have not announced individual findings against any of these companies, stating that investigations remain ongoing. The large-scale asset freeze highlights Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen financial oversight while addressing allegations of illicit financial activity. Officials say legal procedures and court approvals continue to guide the investigation. Asset Recovery Efforts Continue Responding to questions about whether the investigations were politically motivated, Mamun said political affiliation plays no role in financial intelligence work. He stated that authorities focus on suspicious financial transactions regardless of an individual's position or identity. Mamun also said banks are required to freeze accounts whenever suspicious activity is identified. He added that if evidence emerges involving members of the current interim government, those cases would also be investigated under the same legal framework. The BFIU said the investigation remains active, with asset recovery now a priority. Authorities have indicated that additional developments could be announced as financial reviews, legal proceedings and international cooperation continue. Source: Statements by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) during the release of its annual report in Dhaka. Suggested internal links: Global News, Business & Economy, Government Policy, Bangladesh news archive, Money & Finance category.