Argentina will face England in the second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup wearing their traditional alternate blue kit. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 1 a.m. Bangladesh time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The decision on team kits was finalized after a meeting between representatives of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the English Football Association (FA), and FIFA. England will play in their regular white home kit.

The blue jersey carries historical significance for Argentina, recalling the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England when Diego Maradona scored the famous 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century'. In the current tournament, Argentina have worn the blue kit only once, defeating Jordan 3–1 in the group stage. England have used their white kit in five of six matches, switching to red only once against Panama.

According to FIFA regulations, the team listed as 'Team A' in the knockout stage, this time England, has priority for the home kit. Argentina’s choice of blue ensures a clear contrast between the teams’ colors.

Saudi Arabia has issued a strict warning to individuals residing illegally in the country after their visas expire. According to a Gulf News report published on Monday, those who overstay their visas could face fines of up to 50,000 Saudi riyals, imprisonment for up to six months, deportation, and a future entry ban. The Ministry of Interior stated that the move aims to enforce residency and labor laws more rigorously and to prevent misuse of entry visas.

The ministry urged citizens and residents to report any suspected violations of residency, labor, or border security laws. A 24-hour hotline has been established for this purpose, with residents of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province instructed to call 911, while those in other regions should dial 999. Authorities said the measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen security, protect the labor market, and reduce legal violations.

The report added that Saudi authorities are currently conducting a nationwide campaign targeting violators of residency, labor, and border laws, under which the new directive has been implemented.

Bangladesh’s university campuses erupted in protest on July 14, 2024, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to students demanding reform of the government job quota system as 'children of collaborators' during a press conference. The remark, seen as legitimizing suppression of the movement, triggered widespread outrage among students. Demonstrations broke out across major universities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, where violent clashes occurred between protesters and members of the banned Chhatra League. Internet access was cut off at Dhaka University, and students reported being blocked from leaving dormitories.

Student groups organized spontaneous rallies through social media, gathering at Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture and chanting slogans demanding merit-based recruitment. Three Dhaka University Chhatra League leaders resigned in solidarity with the protesters. At Chittagong University, at least two students were injured in late-night attacks. Similar demonstrations spread to Jagannath University and other campuses.

Under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, students issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding quota reform and withdrawal of police cases against protesters. Marches and memorandum submissions to the president were held nationwide, marking a new phase in the quota reform movement.

The United Kingdom has decided to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under its new national security law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Monday, saying it brings the group closer to being formally declared a terrorist entity. The move allows police to take action against anyone providing support to the IRGC. Alongside the IRGC, the UK also banned two other groups: the IMCR, accused of attacks on Jewish targets, and Russia’s GRU Volunteer Corps.

Officials said the decision follows recent threats against the UK, including alleged plots to kill Iranian journalists and cyberattacks targeting Britain, Australia, and Canada. The government had previously refrained from a full ban in 2023 due to diplomatic concerns with Tehran. Ministers now argue the new threats justify stronger measures.

Under the new law, assisting or benefiting from these organizations is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to life imprisonment. The bans are expected to further strain UK-Iran relations while reinforcing Britain’s stance against foreign-linked security threats.

A Jessore court has acquitted four families accused in a so-called 'militant' case nine years after it was filed. The verdict came following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in July 2024. The victims—Tanzir Ahmed, Md. Mohiuddin, Mehedi Hasan Pasha, and Saddam Yasir Sajal—were declared innocent after years of imprisonment, harassment, and social stigma. They alleged that former Jessore Superintendent of Police and later Rajshahi DIG Md. Anisur Rahman orchestrated the fabricated cases and was also linked to the extrajudicial killing of BNP activist Abu Sayeed.

According to the report, Abu Sayeed’s wife filed a murder case against Anis in August 2024, which is under investigation. Police sources confirmed that Anis was suspended in July 2025 for being absent from duty. The accused officer served as Jessore SP from March 2014 to August 2018 and became Rajshahi DIG in July 2023. He has been untraceable since Hasina’s resignation and has not commented on the allegations.

The acquittal marks the end of a prolonged ordeal for the families, who faced torture, wrongful detention, and loss of livelihood under the previous administration.

Bangladesh’s civil administration is facing stagnation due to frequent changes in promotion, posting, and contract-based appointments under the new government. Senior officials say that instead of becoming more dynamic, the bureaucracy has slowed down. Currently, nine top positions are held by contract officials, while several ministries have seen appointment orders withdrawn and reissued. The recent promotion of 179 deputy secretaries to joint secretaries, including some retired and controversial officials, has intensified debate over the integrity of the selection process.

Sources indicate that since the new government took office, multiple retired officials have been appointed as senior secretaries on contract in key ministries and constitutional bodies. Regular officials argue that overreliance on retirees undermines morale, promotion prospects, and administrative coordination. Experts warn that contract appointments should not replace the regular cadre system, as long-term stability depends on transparent promotions and merit-based evaluation.

Governance analysts emphasize that the current controversy reflects institutional weaknesses rather than individual failings. They call for reforms to ensure transparency in contract appointments, data verification by the Superior Selection Board, and fair career management for regular officials.

Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday, climbing more than 9 percent to reach their highest level in a month. The surge followed renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ announcement to reinstate a naval blockade against Iran starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. Washington time. The blockade had previously been lifted in mid-June.

Analysts from Gelbar & Associates said President Trump’s new restrictions on Iranian maritime movements, retaliatory attacks, and reduced shipping through the Hormuz Strait have heightened short-term concerns over energy supply. Brent crude closed up by $7.29, or 9.59 percent, at $83.30 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $6.73, or 9.42 percent, to $78.14 per barrel.

Brent recorded its largest single-day dollar gain since April 2 and its highest closing price since June 12. WTI also saw its biggest daily increase since April 29 and reached its highest closing level since June 15, reflecting market anxiety over potential supply disruptions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that two of its oil tankers were damaged by Iranian missile strikes in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, the tankers, named Al Bahiyah and Mombasa, were in Omani territorial waters when they were attacked. One Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa was killed, while six other Indian nationals and two Ukrainians were injured. Both vessels caught fire but the flames were later brought under control.

The UAE Defense Ministry stated that its armed forces are on high alert and that all necessary measures are being taken to counter any attempts to undermine the country’s security and stability. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and expressed condolences to India over the death of the Indian sailor. It described the targeting of commercial shipping and the use of the Hormuz Strait for coercion or economic blackmail as acts of piracy that threaten regional stability and global energy security.

Iran has claimed responsibility for drone strikes on US military installations in Kuwait and a cruise missile attack targeting a US naval vessel on Monday, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. The Iranian military stated that the strikes targeted communication systems, fuel tanks, a Patriot air defense system, a surveillance tower, and an ammunition depot at a site identified as a US base in Kuwait.

The Iranian military described the attacks as a response to what it called the United States’ continued aggression against Iran. It also claimed that the missile strike on the US naval vessel was carried out in retaliation for alleged US missile attacks on Iranian military facilities.

The report noted that the United States has not yet commented on the Iranian claims, and the authenticity of the reported attacks could not be independently verified, according to CNN.

A flood control embankment in Saghata, Gaibandha, collapsed shortly after being repaired, causing major disruption for local residents. The embankment, which was renovated by the Water Development Board at a cost of several crores of taka, deteriorated again due to poor maintenance and heavy vehicle movement. The collapse has made the route from the high school area to Bot-tola and Dakbangla Bazar nearly impassable.

Residents said the embankment had long been in disrepair before the recent renovation, but the work failed to bring lasting improvement. Unrestricted movement of heavy tractors carrying soil and sand has caused the structure to sink and break apart, creating deep potholes and making it unsafe for pedestrians and small vehicles. Several sections of the embankment are now considered highly risky.

Locals have demanded an immediate ban on heavy and illegal vehicle movement over the embankment and urgent repairs to the damaged sections. The executive engineer of the Gaibandha Water Development Board stated that there is currently no maintenance budget during the monsoon but an application could be made if necessary.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC) and called on other nations to join the United States in this effort. The announcement, made Monday, marks a hardening of the Trump administration’s stance against the ICC, which Rubio accused of waging war on the US through international law rather than weapons. The move is being described as a major escalation compared to previous measures.

The US-ICC dispute began during Trump’s first term after the court launched investigations into alleged war crimes by American forces in Afghanistan. The second Trump administration has since imposed sanctions on several ICC officials over probes involving the US and Israel. The State Department is now pressuring countries reliant on US aid to reject the ICC’s authority, warning of potential aid cuts and tighter scrutiny for those who refuse.

According to a State Department official, upcoming actions may include travel bans, visa cancellations, and economic sanctions. Rubio also dismissed allegations that US operations in El Salvador and Iran violated international law, while rights group DAWN accused him of misrepresenting their call for impartial war crimes investigations.

Heavy rainfall and upstream mountain runoff have caused the Teesta River to swell dangerously in Nilphamari’s Dimla upazila. At the Dalia point, the river’s water level rose 15 centimeters above the danger mark on Monday night, flooding vast areas of Dimla and Jaldhaka upazilas. Around 5,000 families have become waterlogged as floodwaters entered homes, forcing residents to endure sleepless nights and threatening livestock and crops. The Water Development Board (WDB) opened all 44 gates of the Teesta Barrage to manage the situation.

According to the WDB, the water level, which was below the danger mark at 3 p.m., began rising rapidly from 6 p.m. and reached 52.30 meters by 10 p.m., surpassing the danger level of 52.15 meters. Low-lying areas in ten unions, including Purba Chhatnai, Khogakhharibari, Tepakhharibari, Khalisha Chapani, Golmunda, and Dauyabari, have been inundated. The Dalia WDB executive engineer stated that heavy rainfall in India’s upstream regions is driving the rise in water levels. Local authorities and the WDB are monitoring the situation and warning residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations.

A Russian military aircraft, identified as a Tupolev Tu-214PU with registration RA-64531, landed in Tehran on Monday, July 13, amid ongoing retaliatory attacks between Iran and the United States. The plane, which took off from Moscow using the callsign RSD420, is part of Russia’s Special Flight Squadron and is equipped with advanced communication systems for senior government officials. Although often referred to as a 'doomsday plane,' it is not a nuclear command platform but rather a secure communication aircraft.

The purpose of the aircraft’s visit has not been officially disclosed, but similar flights in the past have coincided with high-level Russian delegations. The same aircraft previously visited Tashkent in June during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s meeting with Uzbek leaders, and Tehran in February ahead of visits by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russian state media reported that Iran’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed Lavrov’s possible upcoming visit to Tehran.

Analysts suggest the current flight may be linked to preparations for another high-level Russian diplomatic mission to Iran.

A Rohingya woman and her one-year-old daughter were detained near the Durgapur border in Netrokona while allegedly attempting to cross illegally into India. Local residents apprehended them early Monday at Bhanti Bazar, about 2.5 kilometers inside Bangladesh from border pillar 1151/3-S. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel from the Bijoypur camp rescued the pair and handed them over to Durgapur police later that day. Following legal procedures, they were sent back to the Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar under police escort Monday evening.

Police sources confirmed that the woman, identified as Majida, 25, is a resident of the Kutupalong camp and the daughter of Abdul Alim. She stated that her husband, Belal, is deceased. Durgapur Police Officer-in-Charge Khondaker Shaker Ahmed said the mother and child were returned to their camp after identity verification and completion of necessary legal formalities.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in border management and the movement of Rohingya refugees attempting to cross into India from Bangladesh.

The European Union has announced plans to introduce new age-based restrictions on children's use of social media across its 27 member states. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement in Brussels on Monday, describing it as potentially the EU’s most significant step yet to protect children from online risks. The proposal, prepared by two experts, recommends a gradual approach to social media access based on age.

According to the proposal, children under 13 would be allowed limited social media use only under the supervision of parents, guardians, or teachers. Restrictions would gradually ease as users grow older. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for age-appropriate rules and said the Commission would present a formal proposal after the summer, possibly detailing it in her upcoming “State of the Union” address in September.

The initiative follows similar actions or considerations in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, China, India, and the United States. Technology companies have stated that they already have measures and age limits in place to protect younger users.