Amid widespread speculation about their possible wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York this weekend, American pop star Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce have donated 26 million dollars to various charities. Their representative confirmed the donation to The Guardian, noting that the funds were distributed among 20 organizations connected to meaningful places in their lives, including Nashville, Kansas City, and New York City.

The donation list includes City Harvest, Food Bank for NYC, Harvesters in Kansas, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, as well as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Feeding America, ASPCA, and Education Through Music. Although the announcement did not mention any wedding, preparations in New York suggest a major event. City officials confirmed a special permit for a pre-event celebration at Madison Square Garden, with the main ceremony expected to run from Friday evening to early Saturday morning.

Reports indicate that the city has issued permits costing up to 66,000 dollars per day for street closures around the venue, further fueling speculation about the couple’s anticipated celebration.

The European Union’s top court has upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google, rejecting the company’s appeal in a long-running legal battle. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, confirmed that Google and its parent company Alphabet misused their dominant position in the Android operating system to promote Google Search unfairly. The decision marks a significant setback for the U.S. technology giant after years of litigation.

The case originated in 2018 when the European Commission accused Google of anti-competitive behavior by requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome through licensing and pre-installation agreements. The Commission initially imposed a €4.34 billion fine, later reduced by a lower court to €4.125 billion while maintaining the core finding of abuse of dominance.

In its final judgment, the EU Court of Justice stated that the lower court had not misinterpreted the law. It found that Google’s pre-installation and anti-fragmentation agreements restricted competition and hindered new market entrants. The court also dismissed Google’s argument that its market position resulted solely from user preference or product quality.

Cloudflare announced a new policy requiring AI companies to separate web crawlers used for traditional search from those used for AI agents and training. Beginning September 15, 2026, the company’s default settings will block “mixed-use” crawlers from accessing pages that host ads unless site owners change their configurations. The update will apply to new Cloudflare customers, new sites created by existing customers, and all existing free users. Cloudflare said the change aims to protect publishers’ intellectual property while maintaining discoverability through search.

The company highlighted that the world’s largest search engine currently has access to roughly twice as much information as other AI firms because it ties search visibility to AI use. Cloudflare’s CEO Matthew Prince said the policy responds to a shift where bots now generate most internet traffic, emphasizing the need for a sustainable ecosystem. The company also introduced new tools and partnerships to give publishers more control and commercial opportunities in the AI era.

Cloudflare’s “Pay Per Crawl” marketplace is evolving into a “Pay Per Use” model, enabling publishers to charge AI companies when their content creates value. Initial partners include Ceramic.ai and You.com, which will compensate publishers when their content appears in AI search results or premium access.

The Turkish mega-series 'Kudus Fatihi Selahaddin Ayyubi', based on the life and struggles of Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi, will now be broadcast in Bangla. The show, depicting the legendary Muslim leader and conqueror of Jerusalem, will air from August 2 through a joint initiative of Nagorik TV and the OTT platform Bongo. Viewers can watch it on Nagorik TV every Sunday to Thursday at 8 p.m. and on Bongo at 9 p.m.

The series centers on the liberation of Jerusalem from Crusader control and portrays the political and military efforts to unite the Muslim world. It highlights Ayyubi’s pursuit of justice and his heroic leadership. The production features large-scale sets, striking cinematography, and dynamic performances that recreate the 12th-century historical setting.

At the launch event, senior officials from Nagorik TV and Bongo, along with journalists from leading media outlets, attended the unveiling of the Bangla trailer and poster. The event concluded with a raffle draw awarding prizes including an air conditioner, television, and smartphone.

Bangladeshi singer Asif Altaf has released a new song titled 'Baba', accompanied by an AI-generated music video. The song, written and composed by Altaf himself, was published last week on his official YouTube channel and social media profiles to mark Father’s Day. Following its release, listeners expressed deep emotional reactions, describing the song as touching and heartfelt.

Viewers praised the composition, lyrics, and visuals, sharing personal reflections about their fathers in the comment section. Many noted that the song evoked memories of love and sacrifice associated with fatherhood. Altaf stated that although people come from different walks of life, feelings about fathers are universal. He expressed gratitude that audiences across the country connected with his work.

Asif Altaf is known for earlier songs such as 'Juto', 'Jantro', and collaborations with artists like Nachiketa Chakraborty and Nancy. His previous works, including 'Taka' and 'Dalaler Bonna', have gained millions of views, establishing him as a distinctive voice in contemporary Bangladeshi music.

Professor Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI)-based training in the current era. He stated that while every technology has both positive and negative aspects, it is essential to ensure the positive use of AI in teaching, research, and knowledge development. He made these remarks on Tuesday at the closing and certificate distribution ceremony of a workshop titled 'Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Research' held at the university’s Graduate Training Institute (GTI).

The Vice-Chancellor further noted that educators must carefully consider the acceptable extent of AI use in both teaching and student evaluation. He stressed that proper and responsible use of technology is vital for improving the quality of education. The workshop aimed to enhance teachers’ skills in applying AI for teaching, research, and technology-based knowledge practices, with participation from faculty members of various departments.

The event was presided over by GTI Director Professor Dr. Md. Mozammel Haque, with Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Convener of the Dean Council, attending as a special guest. Certificates were distributed among participating teachers at the closing session.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed announced that AI-based traffic cameras are now operational at 19 key intersections across the capital. He shared the update during the inauguration of an AI camera at Lake Road under Tejgaon Traffic Division. Previously, 15 intersections had such cameras, and four more have recently been added. The commissioner said that around 1,500 traffic violation cases have been recorded through these systems, with fines managed by the traffic department.

According to the DMP, the AI cameras automatically detect violations such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, riding motorcycles without helmets, illegal parking, and obstruction of traffic flow. Notices are sent both via SMS and postal mail to registered vehicle owners, and case details are also published on the DMP traffic website. The commissioner added that about 38,000 summons have been issued so far, and efforts are underway to coordinate ownership updates for sold vehicles.

He noted that the AI system has visibly improved traffic discipline, encouraging drivers to follow lanes and signals. The initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize Dhaka’s traffic management and transform the city into a smart urban center.

DC Comics’ new superhero film ‘Supergirl’, released worldwide on June 26, 2026, has failed to meet expectations at the box office. Despite pre-release anticipation, the film received largely negative reviews from critics, who praised lead actress Milly Alcock but criticized the screenplay and direction. Outlets including Variety identified these as the film’s weakest aspects.

The criticism has affected its commercial performance. In its first three days, ‘Supergirl’ earned 66 million US dollars globally, including 38 million from North America. With a production cost of about 170 million dollars, producers and distributors are reportedly concerned about recovering expenses. The film’s performance contrasts sharply with last year’s DC release ‘Superman’, which grossed 618 million dollars worldwide.

Meanwhile, Disney and Pixar’s animated film ‘Toy Story 5’ has maintained strong momentum at the international box office. In its second weekend, it earned 89.1 million dollars, bringing its 12-day global total to 585 million. Analysts suggest it may soon surpass ‘Toy Story 4’s 1.07 billion-dollar record to become the franchise’s highest-grossing film.

Ekushey Padak-winning artist, painter, and cultural icon Mustafa Monwar passed away on June 29, 2026, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 91. Monwar, a former Director General of the National Institute of Mass Communication, was a leading figure in Bangladesh’s art, culture, and media sectors. He was the son of poet Golam Mostafa and had been active in the arts since childhood, contributing significantly to the development of post-independence cultural media.

He was one of the architects of the red sun at the Central Shaheed Minar and a pioneer of puppetry in Bangladesh. Monwar created the beloved children’s character “Parul” and produced acclaimed television programs such as “Natun Kuri” and “Moner Kotha,” which inspired generations of young viewers. Following his death, social media users shared old clips of his shows, recalling childhood memories and expressing condolences.

Monwar also collaborated with UNICEF’s child-focused “Meena” initiative and organized puppet shows for refugee children during the Liberation War. His creative legacy and humanitarian vision remain deeply respected in Bangladesh’s cultural and media landscape.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga has called on students to develop themselves through merit, ethics, technological skills, and patriotism. He made the remarks on June 29, 2026, while addressing the second day of a three-day orientation program at Jagannath University’s central auditorium. Sibga emphasized that university life should not be limited to earning degrees but should be used to gain knowledge, skills, morality, and leadership qualities.

He highlighted the importance of time management, moral integrity, and technological competence, urging students to learn modern tools and artificial intelligence to stay relevant in a changing world. Sibga reminded students that public university education is funded by taxpayers and should therefore be used responsibly for the nation’s welfare. He also encouraged positive initiatives such as anti-drug campaigns and science festivals to benefit students.

The event was presided over by Shibir President Abdul Alim Arif and attended by several academics and student leaders, including former Chittagong University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Uddin Khan and Jagannath University Central Students’ Union Vice President Md. Riazul Islam.

Bangladesh Police has expressed its intention to build an integrated security framework to address global crime challenges. The force organized its first coordination meeting titled 'Diplomatic Security Cooperation, Information Sharing and Capacity Building of Bangladesh Police' on Monday in Dhaka. The meeting, chaired by Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, was attended by senior officials from the Home and Foreign Ministries, foreign diplomats, embassy security officers, representatives of international organizations, and senior police officials.

A keynote paper presented by Additional DIG Belal Uddin highlighted that global crime has become increasingly complex, with violent extremism, organized crime, cybercrime, and digital fraud posing major challenges. It also noted the rise of AI-driven crimes, deepfakes, misinformation, and disinformation as global security concerns. Senior officials from the Foreign and Home Ministries emphasized the importance of diplomatic security cooperation, information exchange, and inter-country coordination.

The meeting recommended enhanced collaboration between Bangladesh Police and other nations to combat money laundering, financial crime, cybercrime, and human trafficking through improved information sharing and joint initiatives.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has introduced artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras at key city intersections to improve traffic management. The system, operational since mid-2026, automatically detects traffic violations such as signal breaches, wrong-way driving, and illegal parking. A total of 110 pan-tilt-zoom cameras are currently in use, capable of 360-degree rotation and license plate recognition. Within the first month of operation, hundreds of violations were identified, leading to 689 cases, mostly against buses for obstruction and lane violations.

Officials note that the technology is fostering behavioral change among drivers, who now tend to stop before zebra crossings and avoid signal violations. The automated detection process, followed by official verification, has reduced human error and bias, increasing transparency in enforcement. The system also provides a data-driven basis for decision-making in traffic management.

Challenges remain in identifying unregistered or partially obscured vehicles, particularly battery-powered rickshaws and easy bikes. Sustaining the system’s effectiveness will require regular maintenance, skilled personnel, and data security. DMP plans to expand the network to 500 cameras citywide, aiming to enhance traffic flow analysis and support Dhaka’s transition toward a smart city.

South Korea has unveiled a major investment initiative in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries. On Monday, President Lee Jae-myung announced plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars over the next few years to strengthen the country’s leadership in these sectors. The televised announcement was attended by top executives from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the world’s two largest memory chip producers.

President Lee said the initiative aligns his political commitments with national goals for AI and chip development. He emphasized the need for South Korea to secure control over key AI components faster than any other country, identifying semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers as the three main pillars of advancement. The plan also aims to revitalize economies outside the Seoul metropolitan area and reduce regional disparities.

According to local reports, the southwestern cities of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province will invest 520 trillion won (about 336.7 billion USD) in the projects, with total planned investments potentially exceeding 1,000 trillion won (651.4 billion USD) in the coming years.

Google has limited Meta’s use of its Gemini AI model because of computing capacity constraints, according to a Financial Times report cited by NDTV. In March 2026, Google informed Meta that it could not provide the requested level of computing power or storage, delaying several of Meta’s internal AI projects. Google, owned by Alphabet, operates the Gemini AI model through its cloud infrastructure, which has faced high demand from multiple clients.

The report noted that while several Google Cloud customers have encountered similar capacity issues, Meta has been most affected due to its heavy reliance on Gemini. In response, Meta instructed its employees to use AI resources more efficiently, emphasizing reduced use of “tokens,” a unit of AI model consumption. Neither Google nor Meta provided immediate comments on the matter, Reuters reported.

Analysts said the incident highlights the growing challenge for technology companies to maintain sufficient computing infrastructure as AI adoption accelerates. Despite multibillion-dollar investments in advanced chips and data centers, capacity limitations continue to hinder rapid expansion.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam Saddam said that a nation cannot be built through slogans, rallies, and meetings alone. He made the remarks on Sunday, June 28, at a daylong orientation program organized by the group at a university auditorium. Saddam emphasized that Bangladesh has immense potential but lacks necessary reforms in its education system to ensure employment opportunities for graduates.

He compared Bangladesh’s education system with those of developed countries, noting that their higher education is industry-oriented and departments are opened only after ensuring job opportunities through agreements with industries. He said this approach allows students to gain practical training and employable skills. Saddam also highlighted that Bangladesh’s economy depends heavily on remittances, much of which comes through informal channels, reducing government benefit.

He called for modern, skill-based education in universities, including training in AI, ChatGPT, Gemini, Python, and C++. He urged students to use their education for the welfare of family, society, and the nation, and to choose positive paths amid challenges in university life.