Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced the establishment of the country’s first hyperscale cloud region, marking a major step toward positioning Turkey as a regional digital hub. The announcement came during the 2025 awards ceremony of the Scientific and Technological Research Council and the Academy of Sciences in Ankara. A strategic memorandum of understanding has been signed to support the initiative, with operations expected to begin between 2028 and 2029.

The project, developed under a partnership between Ankara-based telecom company Turkcell and Google Cloud, will feature multiple data centers offering extensive computing, storage, and networking capabilities. Erdoğan emphasized that the initiative will connect Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through a digital bridge, strengthening Turkey’s role in data-driven innovation. He also highlighted the importance of aligning scientific and technological progress with national identity and praised researchers across diverse disciplines for their contributions.

Analysts view the hyperscale cloud region as a key component of Turkey’s digital transformation strategy, potentially boosting data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and AI development. The project could also attract international investment and enhance regional connectivity once operational.

Google’s 2025 global search trends highlight how billions of users turned to the platform for answers spanning entertainment, technology, and politics. Among the most-searched topics were the assassination of U.S. political activist Charlie Kirk, Netflix’s animated hit *K-pop Demon Hunters*, and the viral collectible toy character Labubu from Pop Mart. These topics dominated global curiosity and reflected the year’s cultural pulse.

Artificial intelligence also emerged as a major search driver, particularly around Google’s own AI model, Gemini. Queries such as “What is AI?” and “How does Gemini work?” surged, showing that public interest in AI extended far beyond experts. Meanwhile, geopolitical issues like the Iran-Israel conflict and the U.S. government shutdown pushed political searches to new highs.

The data underscores how Google remains central to daily digital life, with users relying on it for both breaking news and everyday information such as weather, translations, and social media updates.

Vince Zampella, the co-creator of the globally acclaimed video game series ‘Call of Duty,’ has died in a car accident near Los Angeles. Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed his death on Monday, stating that the 55-year-old gaming pioneer was driving his Ferrari on a mountainous road north of the city when the crash occurred on Sunday.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the vehicle veered off the road for unknown reasons, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger sustained critical injuries and later died. Eyewitnesses shared footage on social media showing the burning red Ferrari at the crash site. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely regarded as a trailblazer in first-person shooter gaming, having co-founded studios responsible for several of the best-selling titles in history. His death marks a major loss for the global gaming community, with tributes pouring in from fans and industry peers worldwide.

Renowned Bangladeshi singer Munayem Billah, known for his hit ‘Meherban,’ has released a new song titled ‘Koti Hadir Dak,’ inspired by the memory and revolutionary spirit of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. The song was officially launched on December 22 on Billah’s YouTube channel, marking his return to music after a long hiatus. The release quickly drew attention for its emotional depth and patriotic resonance.

Billah described the song as more than just a musical piece, calling it a tribute to Hadi’s ideals and a symbol of national unity. The lyrics were penned by poet Zia Haque, with composition by Abu Ubaida and sound mastering by Sharif Mahmud. Haque noted that the song breaks from conventional styles, combining powerful lyrics and melody to create a complete artistic work.

Following the success of Haque’s previous song ‘Hadi Tui Fire Ay,’ which surpassed two million views within a week, producers expect ‘Koti Hadir Dak’ to achieve similar acclaim as a modern revolutionary anthem.

Bangladesh secured a total of 11 medals, including one gold, six bronze, and four technical awards, at the 27th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) held from December 17 to 20, 2025, in Gold Coast, Australia. The event brought together young innovators from across the globe to showcase their robotics and creative engineering skills. Mohammad Abdullah Al Titu from Anandamohan College won the gold medal in the senior creative category.

According to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Bangladesh’s bronze medalists represented schools such as YWCA Higher Secondary Girls’ School, Mohammadpur Preparatory School and College, Ideal School and College, Dhaka Residential Model College, and Scholastica. Four additional students received technical awards for excellence in physical computing and creative movie categories.

The Bangladesh Open Source Network organized the national selection process earlier in 2025, with top performers chosen through online and in-person rounds. Officials hailed the achievement as a milestone for the country’s growing robotics education movement and a sign of Bangladesh’s emerging talent in global technology competitions.

Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been appointed as the new brand ambassador for Tilex, a leading homecare brand under Bangladesh’s Remark-Harlan Group. The announcement marks a strategic shift as Tilex aims to expand its international presence. Akhtar, known globally as the ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ replaces Bangladeshi cricket icon Shakib Al Hasan, who had long represented the brand domestically.

Remark-Harlan officials said Akhtar’s image of speed, strength, and determination aligns with Tilex’s message of cleanliness and vitality. The company hopes his global appeal will help position Tilex as a premium, ammonia-free cleaning solution in international markets. Akhtar expressed pride in joining a brand that promotes hygiene and environmental awareness, emphasizing cleanliness as essential to health and daily life.

Company executives believe this endorsement will strengthen Tilex’s credibility abroad, building on its domestic success under Shakib’s tenure. The move also reflects the group’s ambition to link sports-driven branding with sustainable, eco-friendly product innovation across South Asia.

Al Jazeera Media Network has unveiled a new integrative artificial intelligence model named 'The Core', developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. The initiative aims to embed AI more deeply into journalistic workflows, shifting its role from a passive support tool to an active partner in content creation and newsroom operations.

According to Al Jazeera, 'The Core' is built on six foundational pillars that will enable AI systems to assist journalists in complex data analysis, immersive storytelling, and automated internal processes. Director General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani said the project reflects Al Jazeera’s vision of combining human expertise with AI to modernize journalism. Google Cloud’s EMEA AI Managing Director Alex Rutter described the platform as a key step toward next-generation intelligent media.

The collaboration underscores Al Jazeera’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation in media. Industry observers expect 'The Core' to influence how news is produced, analyzed, and consumed across global networks in the coming years.

At a Dhaka panel discussion on the future of Bangladesh’s education system in the age of artificial intelligence, speakers emphasized the need to develop citizens who are ethical, skilled, and capable of competing in both domestic and global labor markets. The event, organized by the Youth Council of Bangladesh, featured political and educational figures including Dr. Mahdi Amin, Bobby Hajjaj, and Shahriar Chowdhury.

Panelists argued that AI is transforming education, employment, and leadership, making teacher empowerment a national priority. They proposed a 'One Teacher, One Tablet' policy to ensure continuous learning and quality instruction, stressing that technology should strengthen, not replace, teachers. The discussion also addressed education policy reform, digital inequality, and AI’s role in preparing youth for future leadership.

Experts warned that without language proficiency and job-oriented training, Bangladesh may fail to benefit from global employment opportunities in countries like Japan and South Korea. The dialogue underscored the urgency of aligning education with AI-driven economic realities.

At a Dhaka panel discussion on the future of Bangladesh’s education system in the age of artificial intelligence, speakers emphasized the need to develop citizens who are ethical, skilled, and capable of competing in both domestic and global labor markets. The event, organized by the Youth Council of Bangladesh, featured education and policy experts including Dr. Mahdi Amin, Bobby Hajjaj, and Shahriar Chowdhury.

Panelists argued that AI is transforming education, employment, and leadership, making teacher empowerment and continuous learning essential. They proposed a 'One Teacher, One Tablet' initiative to ensure educators can adapt to new technologies and deliver higher-quality instruction. Speakers also noted that countries like Japan and South Korea offer vast job opportunities, but language and skills gaps hinder participation.

The discussion highlighted the urgency of education policy reform, digital inclusion, and AI-driven skill development to prepare Bangladesh’s youth for global competitiveness. Participants called for coordinated national strategies to align education with future labor demands.

Bangladeshi electronics giant Walton has once again been named the country’s number one brand in the refrigerator, air conditioner, and television categories at the 17th Best Brand Awards 2025, organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum. The recognition marks Walton Refrigerator’s 12th consecutive win, Walton TV’s third, and Walton AC’s second in a row, reaffirming the company’s dominance in the domestic electronics market.

At the award ceremony held in Dhaka’s Le Méridien Hotel, Walton executives expressed gratitude to customers, dealers, and employees. Chief Marketing Officer Zoheb Ahmed highlighted Walton’s vision to transform Bangladesh into a global hub for AI- and IoT-based smart electronics manufacturing. The company is integrating advanced technologies into its products and has already expanded exports to over 50 countries, aiming to reach 100 markets.

The Best Brand Awards use the global “Winning Brands” methodology, evaluating consumer perception, brand equity, and market share. Walton’s continued recognition, alongside other national and international honors, strengthens its ambition to become one of the world’s leading smart electronics brands.

James Cameron’s long-awaited science fiction sequel, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, premiered worldwide yesterday, marking a synchronized release in Bangladesh’s Star Cineplex alongside major global markets. The film continues the saga of the Sully family, exploring grief, identity, and survival amid new threats on Pandora. Critics at a London preview praised its visual scale and reaffirmed the cinematic importance of large-screen storytelling.

Cameron revealed at a Paris press conference that the film delves into themes of displacement and the search for belonging, aiming to connect emotionally with audiences. Composer Simon Franglen spent seven years crafting the score, writing over 1,900 pages of notation and inventing new instruments for Pandora’s inhabitants. Early reviews highlight the film’s technological innovation and emotional depth.

The director noted that the commercial success of *Fire and Ash* will determine the future trajectory of the *Avatar* franchise, which has already grossed billions worldwide through its previous installments.

The United States has suspended its technology cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom, known as the Tech Prosperity Deal, which was designed to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civilian nuclear energy. The Financial Times reported that the suspension occurred last week, with British officials confirming the move.

According to the report, the Trump administration is pressuring the UK to make broader trade concessions beyond the technology partnership. US officials have grown frustrated with London’s reluctance to ease non-tariff barriers, including regulations on food and industrial products. A UK government spokesperson emphasized that the “special relationship” remains strong and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to ensuring the deal benefits workers in both nations.

The suspension marks a setback for transatlantic tech cooperation at a time when both countries are seeking to expand their roles in emerging technologies. Analysts suggest the pause could delay joint research initiatives and investment flows, though negotiations may resume if trade disputes are resolved.

In the run-up to Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, political parties are facing a surge of misinformation and propaganda on social media. False and distorted information, often spread using AI-generated content and fake media photo cards, has become a major concern for parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh. The rapid spread of fabricated statements and doctored visuals has extended from online platforms to mainstream television talk shows, creating confusion among voters and embarrassment for political leaders.

Party officials and digital experts warn that the misuse of AI tools and fake news tactics is undermining public trust and destabilizing the pre-election environment. Jamaat leaders have urged the Election Commission and government to ensure a level playing field by curbing disinformation, while fact-checkers report that much of the content originates both domestically and from abroad, particularly India. Analysts caution that without strict enforcement and public awareness, the disinformation wave could intensify, posing risks to electoral integrity and political stability in the coming months.

Aditya Dhar’s new film *DhuranDhar*, released on December 5 across Indian cinemas, has ignited intense political and social debate. The three-hour spy thriller revisits major terror incidents such as the 1999 Kandahar hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. While audiences have praised its cinematic scale and storytelling, critics argue that the film carries hyper-nationalist overtones and religious bias, prompting bans in several Gulf countries.

Political reactions have been sharply divided. Congress MP Tariq Anwar accused the film of promoting Islamophobia, while BJP leaders defended it as a factual portrayal of terrorism. Actor Hrithik Roshan publicly expressed discomfort with the movie’s political stance. Analysts note that Dhar’s work, including his earlier *Uri: The Surgical Strike*, aligns with government narratives on national security and patriotism.

Experts suggest *DhuranDhar* reflects a broader trend of Bollywood films reinforcing state ideology since 2014. Its upcoming second part, due in March, is expected to reignite debates over religion, nationalism, and the politicization of Indian cinema.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has issued an apology for comments he made during a meeting in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan area. In a statement released to the media on Saturday night, Rizvi acknowledged that his earlier remarks were based on misinformation circulating on social media.

He clarified that two viral posts — one showing a fabricated news clip with the RTV logo and another depicting a Dhaka University student leader having tea with a suspect in an attack — were both AI-generated and baseless. Rizvi admitted that he had not fact-checked the content before referencing it in his speech earlier in the day.

The incident highlights growing concerns about AI-generated misinformation influencing political discourse in Bangladesh. Analysts note that this case underscores the urgent need for political figures and the public to verify digital content before sharing or commenting on it.