Culture

• Traditional cinema halls in Rawalpindi and other districts are experiencing a sharp decline, fading from their former status as the city's primary entertainment hubs. • The downturn is driven by the rise of streaming platforms, modern cinemas focusing on international films, and the popularity of short-form video applications. • This shift reflects a broader cultural change where younger generations now prioritize online content and AI-powered tools over the communal experience of traditional movie theaters.

Alcohol is embedded in profession where long hours, loneliness and lobbying are the norm, report findsParliament is “Britain’s last alcohol-soaked workplace” where MPs are offered free drinks as early as midday despite alcohol-related scandals, a report has revealed.Drinking is commonplace and some MPs have had their stomachs pumped after consuming so much alcohol that they ended up in hospital, one disclosed. Continue reading...

• The European Central Bank (ECB) has unveiled a shortlist of new designs for euro banknotes, emphasizing themes of European culture and nature. • The public is invited to provide feedback on these proposed designs through a consultation period ending September 21. • This initiative aims to modernize the currency's visual identity while reflecting the shared values and heritage of the eurozone.

• Streaming platforms and digital media have fundamentally shifted celebrity culture over the last decade by breaking the traditional media monopoly. • Previously, public perception of actors and musicians was carefully curated through a limited number of channels, such as magazine covers, television interviews, and red-carpet events. • This evolution matters because it removes the "gatekeeper" role of traditional media, allowing public figures to bypass curated press cycles and engage directly with audiences.

• Germany finished last (eighth place) in the Men’s Rugby European Championship, trailing behind nations including Georgia, Portugal, and the Netherlands. • The article features a reader-led discussion exploring the systemic reasons why Germany has failed to develop a major rugby culture compared to its European neighbors. • This lack of growth is highlighted by Germany's poor standing in the top tier of European rugby below the prestigious Six Nations tournament.

• UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has expressed support for expanding the BBC license fee to include users of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. • Under the proposed plans, individuals who exclusively use streaming platforms and do not watch BBC content could be required to pay a smaller, tiered fee. • This move aims to modernize the BBC's funding model as traditional television viewership declines in favor of digital on-demand platforms.

Gallery director says collection of 140 paintings will offer a more balanced view of Manchester painter’s workA new exhibition of work by LS Lowry will “bust a few myths” about the Mancunian artist, who the show’s co-curator says is still wrongly derided for being “naive and uncultured”.LS Lowry: the Theatre of Life features 140 paintings by the artist, who captured working-class life in the industrial north-west of England during the early and mid 20th century. Continue reading...

• Pontypridd, Birkenhead, and the Isle of Bute have been shortlisted for the first-ever UK Town of Culture award, alongside 12 other locations including Basildon, Grimsby, Rotherham, and Strabane. • The 15 shortlisted towns must now develop proposals demonstrating how they will use culture to celebrate their identity, showcase original storytelling, and empower local residents. • The initiative aims to leverage cultural programming to attract new visitors and secure further economic investment for the selected community.

• The UK has transitioned from a system of effectively free public television to a model where citizens pay US-based streaming services to access cultural content. • US multinationals in Britain now number over 1,300, generating annual sales of $836 billion, which equates to approximately £22,000 per British household. • This economic shift is significant as US corporate revenues in the UK now equal the combined revenues from France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

• Fox Sports, Telemundo, and Peacock have reported stronger-than-expected viewership numbers for the current World Cup tournament. • Fox has invested significant resources into extensive coverage, including pregame shows and a unique nightly wrap-up program titled “After Hours With James Corden.” • The tournament's success is attributed to a surge in "pop culture sizzle," blending traditional sports highlights with celebrity guests and comedy sketches.

• BTS fans gathered at the Korean Cultural Centre in London to celebrate the group's upcoming UK concert dates. • The event featured screenings, photo opportunities, displays of BTS's stage outfits, and the chance for visitors to try on traditional Korean clothing. • The gathering highlights the global influence of BTS in promoting interest in South Korean culture and heritage among international audiences.

• President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev convened the 38th plenary session of the Foreign Investment Committee to discuss Kazakhstan's strategic economic growth. • The session focused on leveraging political stability to attract global capital and maintain the country's position as an investment leader in Central Asia. • This initiative matters as Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen international partnerships to ensure long-term financial resilience.

• Madonna is set to release a new album featuring dance-focused tracks, while a new "Minions" movie introduces a time-travel plot. • On July 6, soprano Camilla Tilling and pianist Paul Rivinius will perform a lunchtime recital at Wiggle Hall in London. • The performance will feature Mahler’s "Kindertotenlieder" alongside lesser-known works from the Jugendstil era by Tilling's Swedish compatriots.

Deputy Labour leader says No 10 needs to become more meritocratic and has asked Burnham to commit to 50/50 gender split for ministers and staffAndy Burnham will change a “boys club” culture of factional briefings at No 10 which silenced critics, according to the deputy leader of the Labour party.Lucy Powell said she had experienced “unpleasant” briefings in Downing Street, which left people afraid to speak out or challenge Downing Street’s position. Continue reading...

• The global artificial intelligence in agriculture market is projected to reach USD 24.55 billion by 2035, with the U.S. and Europe expected to hit $6.63 billion and $6.08 billion respectively. • The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, fueled by food security needs and government initiatives in India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. • China is a dominant force in the region, with government smart agriculture investments accounting for approximately 44.8% of Asia Pacific revenues.

• Afghanistan's Information and Culture Minister, Haqqani, stated that the Afghan people remain steadfast and do not fear ongoing bombings or external pressure. • The Minister highlighted a critical funding gap, noting that humanitarian response plans are currently only 11 percent funded as global assistance declines. • Afghanistan has been added to the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) list of the world’s most neglected crises due to rising violence, displacement, and inflation.

PM hopeful tells meeting of women’s parliamentary Labour party that any staff who undermine female members of his team will be sackedUK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham has said he will to end the culture of briefing against female ministers, promising Labour MPs he will sack any staff who undermine women in his team.Speaking at the meeting of the women’s parliamentary Labour party in Westminster, Burnham also strongly criticised descriptions of him as “the first female Labour PM” in the Spectator. Continue reading...

• Europe is experiencing an intense heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in Germany, Italy, and Spain, and France recording its hottest day since 1947. • The extreme weather has forced school closures across the UK, Belgium, and France as the continent struggles to cope with the heat. • The crisis highlights a cultural and architectural divide, as traditional European norms and building designs have historically discouraged the installation of air conditioning in homes.

• A peer-reviewed study published in PNAS analyzed how the 2019 film *Just Mercy* influenced consumer behavior regarding the legal system. • The research found that viewers of the movie showed a 7.66% increase in signing petitions for death penalty reform compared to a control group. • This highlights the significant power of media to shift public opinion and drive real-world political activism.

• AND Media, featuring insights from Christian Tom, Aisha Shah, and Landon Morgado, is exploring the intersection of social media, culture, and political influence. • The group emphasizes the shift toward long-form storytelling as a primary tool for content creators to drive positive societal impact. • Drawing on professional experience from CAA and a seven-year tenure at Instagram, the team analyzes how digital platforms shape cultural narratives.

Leader of local authority in Oxfordshire faces backlash over injunction ‘to maintain neutral, safe space for residents’While Londoners scurried from building to building seeking shade on another baking hot day this week, one man paused in the shadow of the Royal Courts of Justice.The leader of Oxfordshire county council, Tim Bearder, was not only satisfied in the shade of the court’s gothic towers. He had just won a landmark legal victory. Continue reading...

• The BET Awards will take place on Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. • Comedian Druski will host the ceremony, which is expected to feature top nominees including Cardi B and Teyana Taylor. • Now in its 26th year, the event serves as a premier celebration of Black excellence across music, film, television, and sports.

• The BET Awards is celebrating its 25th anniversary, positioning itself as a "living archive" that documents the evolution of Black culture. • Beyond the distribution of trophies, the event serves as a historical record of artistic achievement and cultural influence within the Black community. • The milestone highlights the show's longevity and its role in legitimizing Black excellence on a global stage over two and a half decades.

• South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has referred 15 individuals to the police for allegedly engaging in illegal ticket scalping. • The suspects are accused of reselling large quantities of tickets for K-pop concerts and professional sports events at significantly inflated prices. • This crackdown addresses the growing issue of predatory pricing and unfair access to high-demand entertainment and sporting events.

• Cannes Lions 2026 has announced the shortlist for the Entertainment Lions category, featuring 62 finalists. • The selection highlights brands that successfully transformed branded content into entertainment through film, talent, and cultural experiences. • This category is a critical benchmark for measuring how brands compete with traditional entertainment to drive cultural conversations and build brand value.

• Amazon has scrapped a forthcoming film featuring Andrew Garfield that focused on the co-founder of OpenAI. • On the podcast *The Rest is Entertainment*, Richard Osman and Marina Hyde linked the decision to Amazon's partnership with OpenAI announced in February. • Osman argued that "billionaires with thin skin" are increasingly controlling cultural narratives by suppressing critical media.

Majority say Muslims are as British as white non-Muslims, but hostile attitudes at risk of being normalised, says thinktankOne in six Britons believe the growth of the Muslim population “poses a foundational threat to UK culture”, with hostile attitudes towards Muslims at risk of being normalised, a study has found.The study by the social integration thinktank British Future and the British Muslim Trust – the government’s official partner in monitoring Islamophobia – found that most Muslims (73%) think the UK is a good place to be Muslim, and that a majority of Britons believe Muslims are as British as white non-Muslims. Continue reading...

• The Globe and Mail has released its 2026 summer culture preview, featuring curated recommendations for film, television, music, and art exhibits. • Music highlights include a diverse range of genres from hip hop and country to "banjo-infused heavy punk," with reporter Josh O’Kane leading the coverage. • Major art exhibitions will feature a centenary celebration for landscape artist Takao Tanabe in British Columbia and circumpolar art displays in Ottawa.