Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has temporarily paused new subscriptions for its Kimi K3 model after overwhelming demand strained its computing capacity. The company announced the suspension on Sunday, saying it would prioritize existing paid users while allocating limited resources. The pause follows the release of Kimi K3, a 2.8 trillion-parameter open-weight model that Moonshot describes as the world’s largest of its kind. The surge in user activity over 48 hours exceeded forecasts, prompting the company to plan separate membership tiers, including one focused on coding, to better manage computing resources.

The capacity crunch comes as Moonshot seeks up to $2 billion in new funding and prepares for a potential Hong Kong initial public offering. The firm, founded in 2023 by AI researcher Yang Zhilin, has raised more than $5.5 billion to date, with investors including Meituan, China Mobile, and CPE. It has engaged Goldman Sachs and China International Capital Corp as advisers for the IPO, though the timeline remains uncertain.

Moonshot’s situation reflects broader challenges for Chinese AI developers facing surging demand and limited access to advanced computing hardware due to U.S. export restrictions.

Israel has launched a large-scale campaign using artificial intelligence to improve its image and influence public opinion in the United States, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal published on Saturday. The report claims that more than $45 million has been spent on the initiative, which sent millions of AI-generated messages to U.S. citizens under names such as “Emma,” “Sarah,” and “John.” These messages appeared to come from a group called “Friends for Peace,” though no such organization was found to exist.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the campaign is part of a contract led by Brad Parscale, former campaign manager for U.S. President Donald Trump. The AI messaging firm Sparkfire reportedly received $6.5 million by mid-May. Parscale’s team also created pro-Israel websites and online content aimed at generating more favorable responses about Israel on AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.

The report added that at least six firms were hired for the operation, and about three dozen individuals registered as foreign agents working for Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry did not respond to the newspaper’s request for comment.

Registration has begun for the new reality show 'Shaheen Education Family–Channel i Spelling Star 2026', aimed at improving English language and spelling skills among Bangladeshi students. The competition, jointly organized by Shaheen Education Family and Channel i, is open to fourth and fifth grade students from Bangla and madrasa mediums across the country. Registration will continue until August 14, 2026.

The launch event was held at a press conference attended by State Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Shaheen Education Family Chairman Masudul Amin Shaheen, and Channel i Executive Director Harun Rashid. Organizers said the initiative is designed to inspire students and enhance their learning interest. The preliminary selection will take place at 35 venues nationwide, followed by divisional rounds featuring 350 to 400 students. From these, 100 finalists will compete in the main televised round on Channel i.

According to the organizers, the primary goal of the competition is to develop English language and spelling proficiency among primary-level students from an early age.

A four-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference began last Friday in Shanghai, where China announced the formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) with 29 founding member countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged participating nations to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence and warned against any single country establishing dominance in the field. The conference, themed “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” showcased China’s latest AI technologies aimed at matching US capabilities.

WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai, aims to enhance international cooperation and develop safe and beneficial AI governance frameworks. Founding members include Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, Senegal, Russia, and Pakistan. Analysts believe Beijing could use the alliance to influence AI policymaking at the United Nations and promote its state-centric governance model.

The initiative comes amid intensifying US-China competition over semiconductors and AI leadership. Washington has imposed export restrictions on advanced chips to China, while Beijing has responded with its own curbs. By leading WAICO, China seeks to shape global AI standards and expand its influence among Global South nations.

Google has failed to release its much-anticipated new artificial intelligence model within the promised timeframe, prompting widespread speculation in the technology sector. The company had announced during its annual developer conference in May that an advanced version of its AI model would be made publicly available in June. However, by July, no official announcement had been made. CEO Sundar Pichai had earlier stated that the model was already being used internally and would be released after necessary testing.

According to Bloomberg, the delay has caused frustration among some Google engineers, AI researchers, and managers, who fear it could affect the company’s competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI market. Mashable reported that Google said the model is still being tested with partners, with additional models and safety checks underway to ensure reliability and security before public release.

Analysts suggest the delay may stem from the time needed to integrate the new AI technology across Google’s products and from the company’s cautious approach to ensuring competitiveness against rival models recently launched by Anthropic, OpenAI, and a Chinese firm.

Chief reporters from various national newspapers, news agencies, and online media outlets in Bangladesh have called for the professional development of journalists, expansion of welfare activities, implementation of the wage board, and modernization of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The appeal was made on Sunday during a views-exchange meeting at the DRU’s Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium, presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and conducted by General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel. Participants emphasized the need for effective DRU action to protect journalists’ rights and dignity, and to build skilled manpower in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven journalism.

Speakers including M Abdullah of Amar Desh, Siddiq Islam of Financial Express, and others stressed aligning journalists’ pay with the new government pay scale, ensuring retirement benefits and free healthcare, and providing AI-based training. They also urged maintaining DRU’s non-political image and strengthening coordination among journalist organizations. The DRU leadership announced plans to establish a modern mosque complex, health corner, and the Dhaka Reporters Unity Training Institute to offer training in AI, data journalism, and digital security.

The DRU’s upcoming training institute will also provide language and technology courses for members and their children, aiming to enhance professional and digital skills.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus participated in the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear War, held at the Vatican’s Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo. The three-day conference concluded on July 16, 2026, at Rome’s Capitoline Hill with the signing of a declaration titled “Humanity at the Crossroads.” Nobel laureates including Romano Prodi, Jody Williams, Maria Ressa, Denis Mukwege, and Juan Manuel Santos joined Yunus in endorsing the statement.

The declaration warned that the convergence of artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons poses an unprecedented threat to humanity’s future. It compared the dawn of the nuclear age with the current AI era, cautioning that the world is entering an AI arms race that could intensify existing nuclear tensions. The document further noted that AI weakens human decision-making in nuclear command systems, increases cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and fuels information warfare that undermines international trust.

The event also featured addresses by senior Vatican officials and scientific leaders, including Cardinal Fabio Bazzio and Professor Daniel Holz, emphasizing the urgency of global cooperation on AI and nuclear safety.

The European Union has issued a binding directive requiring Google to provide equal access for rival artificial intelligence (AI) applications on its Android operating system. The order also mandates Google to share certain search-related data with competing search engines and qualified AI chatbots in anonymized form. According to the EU, Google’s own AI assistant, Gemini, currently enjoys privileged access to key Android features, limiting fair competition in the digital market.

Under the new rules, Android users will be able to choose their preferred AI assistant, similar to selecting a web browser. Google must ensure that chosen AI apps can be activated via voice commands and integrated with smart features. The company is required to start sharing search data by January 2027 and open Android functionalities to competitors by July of the same year. Data protection measures will be independently evaluated by a third party.

Google has opposed the decision, arguing it could endanger user privacy and device security. Apple has expressed similar concerns, warning that such obligations may increase risks to personal data protection. The EU maintains that the directive aims to foster fair competition, innovation, and user choice in the digital market.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus participated in the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear War, held at the Vatican’s Borgo Laudato Si’ from July 16 to 18, 2026. The three-day conference concluded at Rome’s Capitoline Hill with the signing of a joint declaration titled “Humanity at the Threshold,” endorsed by Nobel laureates including Romano Prodi, Jody Williams, Maria Ressa, Denis Mukwege, and Juan Manuel Santos.

The declaration warns that the convergence of artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons poses an unprecedented threat to humanity. It draws parallels between the dawn of the nuclear age and the current AI era, cautioning that an AI-driven arms race could intensify existing nuclear rivalries. The signatories emphasized that AI is undermining human decision-making in nuclear command systems, heightening cyber risks to critical infrastructure, and eroding trust essential for global peace.

The document outlines six principles, calling for restraint in AI and nuclear arms development, responsible technology governance, exclusion of AI from nuclear decision-making, creation of international oversight bodies, youth leadership in addressing global challenges, and verifiable nuclear disarmament within set timelines.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technology, and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, stated that the government is updating its digital policies and laws to make them more timely and effective. Speaking on Saturday at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai, he said the reforms aim to use artificial intelligence for public welfare while ensuring effective governance to manage potential risks.

Anam noted that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh is advancing work on a comprehensive and inclusive national AI policy. The government is also strengthening personal data protection and cybersecurity, formulating AI usage guidelines for the public sector, promoting responsible data management, expanding AI-based education, and implementing decentralized institutional initiatives across the country.

He outlined four global governance priorities—security, equity, adaptability, and international cooperation—and urged the international community to collaborate on technology transfer, capacity building, data sovereignty, and fair access to technology. The WAIC 2026, held from July 17 to 20 in Shanghai, focused on accelerating sustainable development and strengthening global AI governance.

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.