Meta has removed Instagram’s new artificial intelligence-based image generation feature called “Muse Image” following widespread criticism. The feature, launched earlier in the week, allowed users to create new images based on publicly available Instagram photos simply by mentioning the account name. However, concerns quickly arose over privacy violations and potential misuse, as the system did not notify or seek consent from the original photo owners.

Users, artists, and talent management agencies criticized the feature, warning that it could be exploited to create fake or misleading images, particularly targeting women. In a blog post, Meta stated that the feature was intended to make creative work easier while giving users control over how their images were used. The company acknowledged that user reactions did not meet expectations and that the feature failed to achieve its intended goals.

Experts cited in reports noted that incidents of fake image generation using AI are increasing rapidly, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards around privacy, consent, and misuse prevention before deploying such technologies.

FIFA has announced a unique initiative to commemorate the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The organization will sell pieces of the turf used in the final match as collectible souvenirs. According to The Athletic, four pricing tiers will be offered, with the most expensive package costing 3,000 US dollars, roughly 370,000 Bangladeshi taka. Each premium set will include a three-inch square of authentic turf, a symbolic golden-edged final ticket, a miniature World Cup ball, and a crystal replica of the trophy.

Additional packages priced at 450, 900, and 1,200 dollars will also be available, with a maximum of 2,026 units per category. FIFA expects to earn about 11 million US dollars, or approximately 1.3 billion taka, from the initiative. For now, the collectibles will be sold only to buyers in the United States and Europe. The turf for the final was specially grown at a farm in North Carolina, and all World Cup stadiums have been fitted with new natural grass. FIFA has not yet disclosed any plans for turf from other venues.

The 2026 tournament features 48 participating nations, with Spain and France already in the semifinals, while Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland vie for the remaining spots.

Several regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, are attempting to mediate between the United States and Iran to reduce escalating tensions and restart discussions on the nuclear agreement. According to Axios, officials from these nations held multiple phone calls with both sides on Wednesday to calm the situation and encourage renewed dialogue.

A regional source involved in the mediation said the first goal is to persuade both parties to de-escalate, followed by setting a date for expert-level talks on the nuclear deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Pakistan’s army chief that recent US attacks violated a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. Mediators believe recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz were carried out by Iranian hardliners opposed to the US-Iran agreement.

Axios reported that despite recent clashes, the situation was calmer on Thursday. US officials said no new strikes occurred that day, attributing the pause to ongoing de-escalation efforts. The US administration remains committed to finding a resolution and continuing technical discussions on the nuclear issue.

International oil prices dropped by nearly 2 percent on Thursday as renewed US-Iran hostilities delayed the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has kept global fuel supply tight, but concerns over rising inflation and slowing economic activity have weakened demand expectations. Brent crude fell by $1.72, or 2.2 percent, to $76.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined by $1.44, or 2 percent, to $72.08 per barrel.

Before the conflict, about 20 percent of global oil supply passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest escalation followed US strikes on Iran’s southern and eastern provinces, prompting retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces on US military infrastructure in Gulf countries. The three-week ceasefire agreement between the two sides is now under renewed strain.

Analysts from Macquarie Group and Goldman Sachs noted that while tensions remain high, both nations face economic and political constraints. Qatar, Turkey, and Oman urged restraint and a return to diplomacy, as tanker traffic through the strait has fallen below 70 percent of normal levels due to renewed attacks.

Israeli intelligence has claimed that Iran is planning to assassinate US President Donald Trump, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The report states that Israel recently informed Trump of intelligence suggesting that Iran was preparing a plot against him. A separate CNN report indicated that the intelligence referred to a specific plan targeting Trump. Neither the US government nor Iran has issued any official response to these claims.

The report adds that Washington had previously alleged multiple Iranian plots to kill Trump, which it said were thwarted. During his visit to Ankara this week to attend a NATO summit, Trump also mentioned that Iran posed a threat to his life, saying the country considered him a target.

The allegations come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with no immediate confirmation or denial from either side regarding the latest intelligence claims.

A luxury travel firm, Knightsbridge Circle, has introduced the most expensive package in FIFA World Cup history, priced at four million US dollars—about 49 crore Bangladeshi taka. The exclusive offer, available only to invited clients, sold out in less than 24 hours. Buyers and their guests will enjoy six front-row seats at the center of the field and a rare opportunity to enter the pitch moments before the trophy presentation. Knightsbridge Circle president Stuart McNeill described the phenomenon as proof that money can now buy almost anything.

The package includes private jet travel to host cities, helicopter or limousine transfers to stadium VIP lounges, and full royal-style hospitality even for last-minute attendees. Other agencies, such as Magma Global, offer comparatively modest packages for two people priced between 25,000 and 75,000 dollars, including five-star accommodation and business-class flights. For those who missed the top-tier offer, two exclusive seats near the field are available at 1.5 million dollars each.

The soaring prices and lavish experiences highlight how modern football has increasingly become an elite spectacle dominated by the ultra-wealthy.

Global gold prices fell sharply on Thursday, with spot gold dropping 0.3 percent to 4,066.24 dollars per ounce in Asian trading, according to Reuters. The decline followed renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran, after US President Donald Trump declared that the memorandum to halt war with Iran was no longer valid. Shortly afterward, the US military announced new strikes against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict pushed oil prices higher, with crude rising about 5 percent on Wednesday and continuing upward on Thursday. Analysts warned that prolonged Middle East tensions could further raise oil prices and global inflation, prompting the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated for longer. The dollar and global stock markets also came under pressure.

The International Monetary Fund reduced its 2026 global growth forecast to 3 percent, while Bank of America cut its average gold price forecast for 2026 by 14 percent to 4,360 dollars per ounce, citing the likelihood of tighter US monetary policy.

Global oil prices increased following new US airstrikes in Iran that killed eight Iranian soldiers. According to Reuters, as of 12:54 a.m. GMT, Brent crude rose by 78 cents, or 1 percent, reaching 78.80 dollars per barrel. The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also climbed 74 cents, or 1.01 percent, to 74.26 dollars per barrel.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed that the US strikes occurred early Wednesday in southern Iran, targeting areas near Bandar Abbas and Bushehr. The casualties included members of Iran’s air and naval forces. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on key US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

The IRGC stated through state broadcaster IRIB that the attacks marked the first phase of a “punitive response,” targeting Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem bases in Kuwait, as well as Juffair and Sheikh Isa bases in Bahrain.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has intensified global debate over Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, claiming the North African team was “robbed.” His remarks came a day after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) lodged a formal complaint with FIFA against French referee François Letexier, citing controversial decisions and the use of VAR during the match.

The most disputed moment occurred when Egypt’s Mostafa Zizo’s goal was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul 20 seconds earlier. Argentina later came from behind to win 3-2 and secure a quarterfinal spot. Mamdani made his comments during a New York bus service event, linking time-saving benefits for residents to having time to agree that “Egypt was robbed.”

The EFA stated that the refereeing and VAR errors undermined the integrity of the World Cup. An unnamed Egyptian player also told The Athletic that the tournament was “fixed,” alleging referee pressure from Argentina. The controversy continues to draw scrutiny from football analysts worldwide.

FIFA has provided an official explanation regarding two controversial VAR decisions during the World Cup round of 16 match between Egypt and Argentina. Egypt’s goal by Mostafa Zizo was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul by defender Marwan Attia on Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez during the buildup. The French referee Letexier agreed with the VAR assessment and canceled the goal. Later, Argentina’s winning goal by Enzo Fernández was upheld after VAR determined there was no foul on Mohamed Salah by Julián Álvarez inside the penalty area.

The report clarified that VAR reviews only four types of incidents: goals, penalties, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. The system checks every frame at 50 frames per second, while the match ball transmits tracking data 500 times per second, ensuring no incident is missed. In Egypt’s case, the foul in the buildup led to the goal being ruled out, while Argentina’s goal stood because the contact between Salah and Álvarez was deemed incidental.

The explanation aimed to address widespread confusion over why one goal was canceled and the other allowed to stand.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has reported that around 6,000 sailors are stranded aboard hundreds of ships in the Gulf amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, Dominguez condemned recent attacks on several vessels crossing the strait over the past two days, warning that such incidents have placed innocent seafarers’ lives at severe risk.

He stressed that no sailor should face danger merely for performing their duties and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the situation. Dominguez called on flag states, shipowners, and operators to avoid transiting the strait if crew safety cannot be guaranteed.

According to the IMO chief, the recent attacks have intensified fear, uncertainty, and psychological stress among the roughly 6,000 sailors unable to leave the Gulf. He reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of seafarers must remain the top priority.

Global oil prices rose sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire with Iran was over. The declaration came following overnight retaliatory attacks between the United States and Iran, triggering volatility in energy markets. On Wednesday, international benchmark Brent crude increased by 6 percent to reach 78 dollars per barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 5.95 percent to 74.60 dollars per barrel. In contrast, European share prices fell by 1.6 percent.

Earlier, oil prices had already climbed more than 2 percent on Wednesday following renewed U.S. strikes and the reinstatement of trade sanctions against Iran. On Tuesday, prices had risen by nearly 3 percent. The developments reflect heightened geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.

Speaking at the NATO summit alongside Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said the memorandum of understanding with Iran was “over” and described it as a waste of time, signaling a further deterioration in U.S.-Iran relations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to end all trade relations with Spain, a move that Madrid has described as a normal business occurrence. According to Spain’s Prime Minister’s Office, the country views such comments as part of regular commercial interactions. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera on July 8, 2026.

In an official statement, the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that Spain maintains excellent social, cultural, and economic relations with the United States and has no intention of altering them. The response came after Trump’s remarks during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where he told reporters that he had instructed U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent to immediately sever all trade and commercial ties with Spain.

Trump justified his position by criticizing Spain’s role in NATO, claiming the country neither participates adequately nor contributes financially. Madrid’s calm response suggests it does not expect immediate disruption in bilateral relations despite the U.S. president’s comments.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, nearly 99 percent of the global population will experience daylight at the same time due to the Earth's tilt and the ongoing summer in the Northern Hemisphere. For about one minute, most of the planet’s densely populated regions will be illuminated by the sun, leaving only a small fraction of people in darkness. Around 5:10 p.m. Bangladesh time (11:10 a.m. GMT), approximately 8.2 billion people will be under daylight or twilight.

Daylight will cover most parts of North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, where the majority of the world’s population resides. Nighttime will prevail only in Australia, New Zealand, parts of Southeast Asia, Antarctica, and nearby oceanic areas.

This phenomenon is not unique to this year. Between May 18 and July 17 each year, there is a brief daily period when about 99 percent of people on Earth experience daylight or twilight simultaneously, coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere’s longest days in June before the sun gradually shifts southward.

An international law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of 24 individuals linked to India-based organized crime networks. U.S. officials announced the arrests on Tuesday, noting that several suspects were also accused of involvement in the killing of a prominent Sikh leader in Canada. The operation was jointly conducted by agencies from the United States, Canada, and Europe following a long-running investigation into transnational criminal groups engaged in extortion, contract killings, shootings, assaults, forced payments, and drug trafficking.

According to the charges, two of the accused allegedly directed their criminal empires from prisons in India. Among those named are Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of ordering the 2023 murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a rival gang leader with an alleged network spanning multiple countries. Another accused, Ravinder Singh Dhandar from Vancouver, was charged with trafficking large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from the U.S. to Canada.

Officials described the coordinated action as a major strike against three violent transnational organizations that have spread fear and violence across several continents.