South Asia News

An earthquake in Bangladesh triggered strong tremors in Kolkata and nearby districts on Friday afternoon. Reports put the magnitude between 4.9 and 5.4, with epicentre near Dhaka. Residents rushed out of buildings as shaking lasted up to 15 seconds. 

Crude oil rose to $66.52 per barrel on February 24, staying near a six-month high as markets track US–Iran tensions and supply risks. Prices have gained 9.71% in a month but remain lower than last year. Brent crude has crossed $70. 

India will be represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh PM-elect Tarique Rahman. He will be accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Bangladesh voted in its first national election since 2024 uprising that removed Sheikh Hasina. Over 127 million voters are choosing 300 lawmakers. With economy weakened and India ties strained, next govt faces major challenges in restoring stability

Malaysian entrepreneur Arsyan Ismail sold AI.com for about $70 million in April 2025, turning quiet domain purchase into one of biggest deals in internet history. He had bought the rare 2-letter domain years earlier because it matched his initials.

A viral video showing army trousers hanging on a rope with gunshots in the background has triggered widespread mockery of Pakistan Army on social media. Shared with claims of soldiers fleeing after a Baloch rebel attack, the clip remains unverified.

A policy push to normalise ties with Pak without acknowledging 1971 genocide risks weakening Bangladesh's sovereignty. The genocide is nation's founding moment and sidelining it dishonours victims, fractures unity and signals moral weakness abroad.

A massive 3,563-carat Purple Star Sapphire has been discovered in Sri Lanka and could be worth up to £220 million. Named 'Star of Pure Land', the gem is believed to be world’s largest. Found near Rathnapura, it shows a rare six-ray star effect.

Proloy Chaki was a veteran Bangladeshi singer, BTV performer and Awami League leader who died in custody after falling ill in prison. Arrested in December 2025, his family alleges negligence and denial of medical care. 

Bangladesh heads to its first election since a student-led revolt ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule in August 2024. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leads an interim government and promises reforms, with a referendum held alongside the vote.