Scientists from University College London and the University of Cambridge have developed a new type of electric skin that enables robots to feel touch, temperature changes, and even pain. Made from a soft gelatin-based material, this artificial skin uses a single multi-modal sensor to detect various external stimuli. Although not yet as perfect as human skin, researchers say it's more advanced than any existing technology. The innovation could lead to more sensitive and interactive robots in the future.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, set to take effect from August 1. This follows earlier tariffs of 25% imposed on select Canadian imports. In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated that U.S.-based manufacturing would be exempt from the tariffs. He cited Canada's protectionist dairy policies, trade imbalance with the U.S., and failure to prevent fentanyl trafficking as key reasons behind the move. The new tariff is expected to have a significant impact on the Canadian economy.

Greece has temporarily suspended the processing of asylum applications for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, initially for a period of three months. The move comes amid a growing influx of migrants on the islands of Crete and Gavdos, which has prompted Greek authorities to declare an emergency situation.

In response, the Greek government is planning to detain migrants arriving by boat and deploy naval forces in the southern maritime region of the country. Additionally, preparations are underway to establish a detention center on the island of Crete to manage the escalating migrant situation.

All seven operational units at the Ghorashal Thermal Power Plant in Narsingdi have been forced to shut down due to a severe gas crisis, confirmed Chief Engineer Md. Enamul Haque.

The crisis, ongoing for the past two years, has worsened since Eid. Units 3, 4, 5, and 7 are currently offline. The government’s prioritization of fertilizer factories for gas supply has further strained operations. Unit 6 has remained permanently out of service since a fire in 2010, and Units 1 and 2 have long been shut due to mechanical issues.

Bangladeshi and U.S. officials successfully concluded the second day of a three-day bilateral dialogue on tariff and trade agreements in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer at his office to discuss mutual trade interests. All key aspects of bilateral trade relations were reportedly covered. Further meetings are scheduled for Friday night, Bangladesh time.

After 42 days in captivity, two Bangladeshi nationals—Alamgir Hossain and Siraj Uddin—were rescued in Libya’s Tripoli by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of Tk 2.2 million per person and subjected them to severe physical abuse.

Two individuals—Russel Haque from Rajshahi and Mintu Farazi from Bagerhat—were arrested during the investigation. With support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and BRAC Migration, the victims were placed under the protection of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya. Alamgir was brought back to Bangladesh on July 9, and efforts are underway to repatriate Siraj.

Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), stated that BGB is prepared to follow Election Commission directives to ensure security in the upcoming polls. He emphasized that no part of the country’s territory will be compromised.

He also vowed to curb continuous cross-border infiltration from India and instructed new recruits to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism. Highlighting the role of female recruits, he recalled the contributions of women during the Liberation War.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran will only resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the organization avoids what he called "double standards." His remarks come amid strained relations with the IAEA following recent attacks by Israel and the United States.

Pezeshkian accused the agency of biased behavior and misrepresenting Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. He warned that any future aggression would be met with a much stronger response from Iran.

The Advisory Council of Bangladesh has granted final approval to a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a mission office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) in the country.

Additionally, the Council has approved Bangladesh's accession to the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. These measures aim to strengthen the country's efforts in promoting and safeguarding human rights and implementing preventive mechanisms against torture and inhumane treatment.

According to political analyst Professor Ali Riaz, major political parties have reached a consensus on appointing the Chief Justice from among the senior justices of the Appellate Division. There is also general support for amending Article 95 of the Constitution. However, parties have yet to agree on the framework for a caretaker government. In their second meeting with the National Consensus Commission, discussions included reforming emergency powers, replacing the Prime Minister’s countersignature with cabinet approval, and drafting a long-term national charter for state restructuring.

The government has retired 18 judges from the Supreme Court after they completed 25 years of service. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Law, the retirement was conducted under Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018, following consultation with the Supreme Court. The decision was made official by presidential order.

The SSC and equivalent exam results have been published, and students dissatisfied with their scores can apply for re-evaluation starting July 11 until July 17. Applications must be submitted via Teletalk SIM with a fee of 150 BDT per subject. To apply, students need to send a specific SMS format to 16222. This year’s overall pass rate is 68.45%, with 139,032 students achieving GPA-5, both figures slightly lower than last year.

An injured Kalanagini snake, rescued after being beaten by locals in Barguna’s Amtali area, is being taken to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment. Animal Lovers of Patuakhali conducted the first-ever X-ray of a snake in the district at a Kalapara clinic, revealing a fracture in its body. The mildly venomous snake, about three feet long, received initial care with support from local administration. The rescue and medical response have drawn praise from animal welfare advocates in the region.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s Dhaka chapter has called for a protest rally on Friday against the establishment of a regional UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka. The group claims the office threatens national sovereignty and constitutes foreign interference in domestic affairs. The demonstration will take place after Jummah prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque. Leaders urged all “patriotic citizens” to join.

After a nine-day halt due to worker protests at Dinajpur’s only stone quarry in Madhyapara, stone extraction has resumed as workers returned following a reconciliation meeting between local representatives, contractors, and authorities. The stoppage began after disputes over wage demands and illegal activities led to contractor JTC temporarily halting operations. The quarry produces 5,500 tons of stone daily, generating around 18 million BDT in government revenue. Current stockpiles hold over 1.25 million tons of unprocessed stone.