The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced new conditions for receiving government grants for full-length film production. According to a circular issued by the ministry’s Film-2 branch on Wednesday, the third installment of funding will not be released unless 80 percent of the film’s shooting is completed. The directive is part of the revised ‘Government Grant Policy for Full-Length Film Production 2025,’ which also establishes an 11-member grant committee.

The committee, chaired by the ministry’s adviser, includes senior officials, film industry representatives, and cultural experts such as Professor Dr. Syed Jafar Iqbal, actress Humayra Islam Mukti, and the president of the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association, Awlad Hossain. It will approve the release of the second installment, verify shooting progress before the third installment, and provide final approval for selected scripts and proposals. The committee may also recommend suspending grants if no suitable proposals are received in a given year.

A separate 11-member committee has been formed for short film grants, also chaired by the ministry’s adviser. The new directives take effect immediately in the public interest.

Apple has reclaimed its position as the world’s most valuable company, overtaking Nvidia after more than a year. According to the latest figures, Apple’s market capitalization reached 4.88 trillion dollars, while Nvidia’s fell to 4.86 trillion dollars following a 3.5 percent drop in its share price. The shift comes as investor interest in the artificial intelligence sector changes direction, affecting market dynamics.

Apple recently introduced a new version of its AI-powered digital assistant Siri, which can better understand user context, access real-time online information, and perform more complex tasks. Michael Monaghan, founder of investment firm Founder ETFs, noted that investors are now focusing more on companies that can translate AI technology into practical services and commercial benefits rather than solely on AI model developers and chipmakers.

Analysts believe Apple’s vast user data could become a key competitive advantage in the AI race. The company is set to release its third-quarter financial results on July 30, forecasting 14 to 17 percent sales growth, while CEO Tim Cook is expected to hand over leadership to hardware chief John Ternus in September.

Pakistan is set to take part in the Miss World pageant for the first time in its 73-year history. Twenty-four-year-old Anika Meraj has been selected as the country’s inaugural representative after winning the title of Miss World Pakistan 2026. She will represent Pakistan at the 75th anniversary edition of Miss World, scheduled to be held in Vietnam from August 9 to September 5, 2026. This marks Pakistan’s official debut on the international stage of the competition.

Anika Meraj has drawn attention not only for her beauty but also for her academic achievements. She holds undergraduate degrees in business administration and economics and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in auditing and accounting. She has expressed aspirations to become a state-certified public accountant and to work for the protection of children’s rights and the promotion of women’s education.

According to Anika, she hopes to contribute to building a brighter future for Pakistan’s next generation through education and awareness.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for destroying Bahrain’s main artificial intelligence center and a US drone vessel depot. In a statement released on Friday night, the IRGC said the attacks were carried out in retaliation for recent US strikes on several Iranian bridges that allegedly killed multiple civilians, which the group described as war crimes.

According to the IRGC, the operation involved several ballistic missiles and dozens of drones. The statement alleged that the targeted AI center in Bahrain had been used by US forces to identify strike targets inside Iran. The IRGC further warned that if the United States continues attacks on Iranian infrastructure, it will target key industrial, information technology, and artificial intelligence assets owned by US stakeholders in countries hosting American military bases.

The IRGC also asserted that all Middle Eastern nations hosting US military installations share responsibility for what it called American war crimes.

Renowned Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila will perform at a special solo concert and felicitation event on July 24 at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The program, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, aims to honor her lifelong contribution to music and raise support for flood victims. Originally scheduled for July 18, the event was postponed to July 24 due to the ongoing flood situation.

The event will feature Runa Laila performing some of her most popular songs. Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury MP will attend as the chief guest, with State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam MP and Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser (Minister of State rank) for Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, as special guests. The session will be chaired by Kaniz Mowla, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The concert is expected to celebrate Runa Laila’s artistic legacy while contributing to humanitarian relief for those affected by the floods.

Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s new film 'The Odyssey' is set for a global release on July 17, 2026. Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch it the same day at Star Cineplex, marking a simultaneous premiere with the rest of the world. The film has already generated significant discussion worldwide for its scale and subject matter.

' The Odyssey' is based on the ancient Greek epic by poet Homer, depicting the perilous homeward journey of the hero Odysseus after the Trojan War. The story follows his decade-long struggle to return home after being separated from his companions by fate. The film features Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, alongside Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, and Jon Bernthal.

The simultaneous release in Bangladesh highlights the country’s growing inclusion in global film distribution networks, offering local audiences early access to major Hollywood releases.

Veteran Bangladeshi film actress Bobita has announced her plan to build a mosque at her ancestral home in Bijoynagar, Jashore. The national award-winning actress recently visited the site with her sisters, Suchanda and Champa, and finalized the land for the mosque. She expressed deep satisfaction at taking this step, describing it as a meaningful act of service at this stage of her life.

Bobita stated that constructing a mosque has become her greatest wish as she reflects on her life and legacy. She shared that she intends to design the mosque soon and begin construction gradually. The actress also asked for prayers for the successful completion of this initiative.

Bobita, a three-time National Film Award winner for Best Actress since 1975, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2026, recognizing her enduring contributions to Bangladeshi cinema.

Bangladeshi film actress Pori Moni expressed her deep affection for Argentina’s football team through a social media post on Facebook. In a post made around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, she wrote that she would get married again if Argentina won the cup final. The post quickly drew attention from her fans, many of whom took it as a humorous remark and responded with various reactions in the comments.

This is not the first time Pori Moni has shared her enthusiasm for Argentina. On July 12, she posted the word “Win” with a love reaction, followed by another post saying “Football is a love,” accompanied by a heart reaction and the Argentine flag emoji. In another post the same day, she mentioned her son’s strong support for Argentina, sharing a video of them spending time together at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden Hotel.

Her recent posts highlight her passionate support for Argentina’s football team, sparking lively discussions among her followers on social media.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has responded to social media criticism labeling his marriages as examples of 'love jihad'. The controversy arose after his third marriage to Bengaluru resident Gauri Spratt, who is Christian. In an interview with Rediff, Aamir stated that none of his wives—Reena Dutta, Kiran Rao, and Gauri Spratt—converted to Islam, and all three marriages were conducted under civil law. He emphasized that his family represents interfaith harmony, citing examples of his sisters, daughter, and nephew’s interfaith marriages.

Aamir dismissed the allegations as baseless and absurd, asserting that his personal life has been misrepresented online. He also denied reports claiming he purchased a 100-crore-rupee flat in Mumbai’s Marina Apartments to build a family complex, clarifying that the building’s reconstruction was a collective decision by all residents, not his private project.

The actor’s remarks come amid renewed public scrutiny of his personal life following his recent marriage, which sparked widespread online debate and speculation.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has warned that companies using artificial intelligence risk losing not only money but also their proprietary knowledge. In a personal blog post published on July 15, 2026, Nadella said organizations effectively pay two types of costs when adopting AI—financial and intellectual—and the latter often goes unnoticed. He explained that to use AI effectively, firms must share internal data and expertise, which can become valuable assets for AI providers over time.

To illustrate his point, Nadella referenced economist Kenneth Arrow’s “information paradox,” noting that in the AI era, companies are now giving away their valuable knowledge to providers, creating long-term risks. He emphasized that AI suppliers continuously learn from user data and behavior, while client firms remain unaware of how their information is used.

Nadella urged companies to strengthen control over knowledge generated through AI use, describing this process as a “learning loop.” He called for new “trust boundaries” to ensure customer data and internal processes are not used without permission and advised building flexible infrastructures that reduce dependency on single AI providers.

At the initiative of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a delegation of Bangladeshi students who won gold medals at the Asia-Pacific AI Olympiad attended a parliamentary session from the VVIP gallery on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The visit allowed the students to observe parliamentary proceedings and tour the National Parliament Building. The delegation included coach Dr. Mohammad Azam Khan, academic coordinator and mentor Tasnim Mahfuz Nafis, gold medalist Tridib Roy Arya, and team members Naira Nawaar Ahmed, Anannya Zarif Akand, Naufil Rahman, Mubtasim Chowdhury Piyom, and Murtaza Abdullah, accompanied by their families.

Earlier, on Sunday, the gold medal-winning team met the Prime Minister, who congratulated them for bringing honor to Bangladesh at the international level. During the meeting, she inquired about their studies, research, and future plans, encouraging them to pursue further innovation. When the students expressed interest in witnessing a parliamentary session, the Prime Minister immediately instructed that arrangements be made for them to view it from the VVIP gallery.

The special visit was organized in direct response to the Prime Minister’s directive, highlighting her support for young innovators and their engagement with national institutions.

Popular Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim appeared in a new role as a judge, joined by actor-director Shamim Zaman and film actress Aanchal Akhi at the grand finale of the reality show ‘Miss and Mrs Plus Beauty Season 3’. The event, jointly organized by Star Multimedia and Dance Kingdom, aimed to celebrate the intelligence, confidence, personality, and inner beauty of plus-size women beyond conventional beauty standards. The competition began with 30 participants, from which eight finalists advanced to the final round.

Aanchal expressed her excitement and honor at sharing the judging panel with Mosharraf Karim and Shamim Zaman, describing the experience as a memorable milestone in her acting career. She praised the contestants’ performances and said she was delighted to be part of the event.

In the finale, Wafia Sadiqa was crowned champion after impressing the judges with her ramp walk, personality, quick thinking, and overall performance. Jerin Khan and Dalia Islam Jui were named first and second runners-up respectively. The judges jointly crowned the winner at the closing ceremony.

A Dhaka court has issued a summons against actress Tanjin Tisha in a fraud and breach of trust case. The order was given on Sunday, July 12, by Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana of the 10th Court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Tisha has been instructed to appear before the court on August 13 for the next hearing, confirmed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Advocate Salimullah Sarkar.

According to the case statement, Tanjin Tisha allegedly took a sari worth 28,800 taka from an online fashion page named ‘Aponia’ for promotional purposes but neither paid for it nor maintained contact afterward. The plaintiff claims that conversations through Instagram, WhatsApp, and voice messages support the allegations. Tisha, however, stated in a Facebook post that the sari had been given to her as a gift.

The plaintiff’s lawyer said the investigation report found preliminary evidence supporting the complaint, and the matter will now proceed in court.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with a delegation of Bangladeshi students who won gold medals at the International Olympiad Association. The courtesy meeting took place on Sunday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Prime Minister’s Office at the National Parliament Building. The Prime Minister congratulated the students and expressed pride in their international success, emphasizing his government’s commitment to nurturing innovation and creativity among the new generation.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister learned about the students’ winning projects, studies, and future plans, encouraging them to pursue further innovative initiatives. The delegation also informed him about their upcoming participation in the AI International Olympiad in Kazakhstan from August 2 to 8. The Prime Minister wished them success and assured full government support for their participation.

He presented laptops to three gold medalists and books to other team members, reaffirming the government’s efforts to identify and support talented youth across the country through training and research opportunities. The delegation expressed interest in hosting an AI Olympiad in Bangladesh, to which the Prime Minister pledged full cooperation.

Bangladeshi singer Sabbir Zaman, known for his popularity on stage, has recently been honored as Best Singer at the 19th Channel i Music Awards for his song 'Amra Dujon Pakhir Kujon'. The song was written by lyricist Lutfur Hasan and composed by music director Shan Sayek. Despite having a limited number of original songs, Sabbir has earned widespread admiration through his performances both at home and abroad.

In an interview, Sabbir shared that music has been his passion since childhood, describing it as the center of his thoughts and life. He expressed gratitude to his collaborators Lutfur Hasan and Shan Sayek, as well as to Dhruba Music Station and Dhruba Guha for supporting the song. His humility and amiable nature have also been praised by fans and fellow artists.

On July 8, Sabbir celebrated his birthday with close friends and received numerous social media tributes from colleagues and admirers, reflecting his strong connection with the music community.