Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, announced that SpaceX is redirecting its focus from building a city on Mars to constructing a self-sustaining city on the Moon. In a recent post on X, he said the lunar city could be established in less than ten years, using lunar resources to gradually build and expand a permanent human settlement. Musk explained that frequent launches to the Moon, possible every ten days, would make the project faster than Mars colonization, which requires favorable planetary alignment every 26 months.

Experts described the plan as ambitious but not science fiction. Dr. Sangwoo Lim of the University of Surrey said producing oxygen, water, and construction materials from lunar soil is theoretically feasible, though challenges include extreme temperatures, dust, low gravity, and limited energy. MIT professor and former NASA astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman added that successful lunar landers by SpaceX and Blue Origin could enable logistics for a lunar base soon, with lessons applicable to future Mars missions.

The announcement coincides with growing U.S.-China competition over lunar exploration and Musk’s restructuring of SpaceX, including its acquisition of AI firm xAI and plans for a potential IPO.

Ukraine’s war, now in its fifth year, has been transformed by the dominance of drones and advanced communication technologies. According to AFP reports from Kyiv, drones now account for about 80 percent of battlefield losses, replacing tanks and heavy artillery as the main instruments of combat. Soldiers describe the front lines as a 20-kilometer-deep “kill zone” under constant aerial surveillance. To maintain supply lines and evacuate the wounded, Ukraine increasingly relies on ground-based robotic vehicles.

Both sides face challenges maintaining uninterrupted drone communication amid electronic jamming. Russia has turned to fiber-optic-controlled drones, while Ukraine uses Starlink satellite terminals for stable connectivity. Elon Musk recently disabled illegal Russian terminals at Ukraine’s request, temporarily disrupting communications. Analysts say this helped Ukraine advance in the Zaporizhzhia region earlier in February.

Engineers are now integrating artificial intelligence into drones to sustain operations when signals fail. Ukrainian firm The Fourth Law claims its AI-guided drones can strike targets autonomously if disconnected. Experts caution that AI currently assists rather than replaces humans, though its role in warfare continues to expand.

In a reflective essay published on February 24, 2026, writer Shubho Karmakar from Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, described Bangladesh as standing at a technological crossroads where artificial intelligence (AI) has become deeply embedded in daily life. From students to professionals, people are using AI tools without fully understanding their implications. While AI has made knowledge more accessible, Karmakar cautioned that excessive reliance on it may erode human creativity, individuality, and critical thinking.

The article emphasized that machines can organize information but cannot replicate human experience, emotion, or social understanding. Overdependence on AI, the writer argued, risks turning people into passive users who lose their intellectual independence. Karmakar also warned of privacy threats, as AI systems may misuse personal data, leading to cybercrime and data breaches. He urged users to verify information, maintain self-awareness, and treat AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human intellect.

The writer concluded that protecting freedom of thought and nurturing human intelligence are essential in the AI era, especially for the younger generation who are most engaged with technology.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could impact around 40 percent of jobs worldwide. In an interview, she described the coming transformation as a “tsunami” for the labor market, with advanced economies potentially seeing up to 60 percent of jobs affected and India about 26 percent. Entry-level positions are expected to face the highest risk as many routine tasks become automated, raising concerns among new graduates. Georgieva noted that global policy frameworks remain behind in addressing these rapid changes.

She added that if used effectively, AI could contribute an additional 0.7 percent to India’s annual GDP, helping the country achieve long-term development goals. Georgieva emphasized the need for education reform to foster adaptability and lifelong learning alongside technical skills.

In Bangladesh, where many young workers depend on freelancing, IT, and the garment sector, AI’s impact is expected to be multifaceted. Experts warn that demand for basic coding, graphic design, and data entry work may decline unless workers quickly upskill. However, AI could also bring opportunities, such as improving agricultural productivity through precision farming.

Amazon is planning to launch a 'content marketplace' aimed at supplying materials for artificial intelligence (AI) training, according to The Information. The initiative would allow publishing houses to provide their news, articles, and other materials to AI companies under specific licensing terms. The company has reportedly held meetings with senior executives from several publishing firms to discuss the creation of such a marketplace or hub.

Market analysts cited in the report suggest that a dedicated marketplace for licensed content could enable technology companies to legally access reliable information in exchange for payment. This approach would formalize the process of obtaining training data for AI models, potentially reducing disputes over content usage.

However, Amazon has not yet provided any definitive details or timeline regarding the launch of the content licensing marketplace.

Scientists under Microsoft’s Project Silica have developed a revolutionary method to store massive amounts of data in a small piece of glass. According to a report published in the journal Nature titled “Laser Writing in Glass for Dense, Fast and Efficient Archival Data Storage,” the team has used a special laser to encode information inside glass by creating three-dimensional pixels called voxels. A 12-square-centimeter glass piece, only 2 millimeters thick, can hold up to 4.84 terabytes of data—equivalent to about two million books or five thousand 4K movies.

The Independent reported that this glass-based storage can endure temperatures up to 290°C and remain intact for around 10,000 years, potentially even longer at room temperature. However, it may be vulnerable to mechanical stress or chemical corrosion. Researchers Feng Chen and Bo Wu noted that large-scale implementation of this silica technology could mark a milestone in the history of knowledge preservation, comparable to ancient scripts, parchment, or modern hard drives.

If successfully scaled, this innovation could transform how humanity preserves cultural and scientific knowledge for millennia.

Elon Musk, currently the world’s richest person, is projected to become the highest individual taxpayer in history. According to his own statement, he expects to pay more than 500 billion dollars in taxes over his lifetime. Musk’s total wealth now stands at about 852 billion dollars, placing him far ahead of other billionaires.

The surge in Musk’s wealth follows the recent merger between his rocket company SpaceX and artificial intelligence firm xAI, which created a new entity valued at 1.25 trillion dollars. The merger alone added 84 billion dollars to Musk’s personal fortune in a single day. Responding humorously on social media platform X, Musk said he had already paid over 10 billion dollars in taxes and joked that he deserved a small trophy for it.

Musk currently leads the race to become the world’s first trillionaire, with his closest rivals holding between 100 and 250 billion dollars. The source notes that if Tesla’s new incentives and stock targets are achieved, his wealth could multiply further over the next decade.

Apple is developing three new artificial intelligence–based devices, including smart glasses, a pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods, according to a Bloomberg report cited by Amar Desh Online on February 21, 2026. The devices will feature built-in cameras and connect with iPhones to interpret the user’s surroundings and perform contextual tasks. Production is targeted to begin in December this year, with Apple’s first smart glasses expected to reach the market in 2027.

The report states that Apple will design its own frame for the glasses, emphasizing premium build quality and advanced camera technology. Unlike Meta’s Ray-Ban partnership model, Apple’s glasses will not include a built-in display but may feature speakers, microphones, and high-resolution cameras. Users will be able to make calls, interact with Siri, and listen to music.

The glasses will analyze the environment to provide information such as identifying food ingredients, recognizing landmarks for navigation, and offering reminders. Earlier prototypes required a cable connection to an iPhone, but newer versions integrate components within the frame. The AI-powered pendant and AirPods will also work with iPhones to enable Siri to respond to visual context in real time.

A group of world leaders and ministers are set to announce a joint position on the future direction of artificial intelligence governance on Friday, the final day of a five-day technology summit in New Delhi, according to AFP. The event, titled the 'India AI Impact Summit,' is described as the largest of its kind and the first major AI conference held in a developing country.

Ahead of the announcement, Sam Altman emphasized the urgent need for regulatory frameworks in the rapidly evolving AI sector, warning against concentration of control in a single company or nation while cautioning that excessive restrictions could hinder competition. Discussions at the summit have also focused on concerns over job losses, online harassment, and the high energy demands of data centers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for AI to serve the welfare of humanity, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged wealthy tech leaders to contribute to a $3 billion global fund to expand AI skills and affordable computing. Analysts noted that despite broad discussions, immediate strict decisions are unlikely compared to previous summits in France, South Korea, and the UK.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government has adequate food reserves to keep market prices stable during the upcoming Ramadan. Speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Friday after exchanging greetings with officials and party members, he emphasized that maintaining price stability of essential goods is a key responsibility of the ministry, especially during the holy month.

Responding to questions about Sylhet’s development, the minister said his plans include improving living standards through job creation, expanding IT-related professions, and establishing an AI center in the region. He noted that neighboring countries have adopted major digital initiatives and are training government officials in artificial intelligence, stressing that Bangladesh must enhance its global competitiveness.

Muktadir added that the government will work sincerely over the next five years to strengthen Bangladesh’s global position. He also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, reduced bureaucratic delays, and political stability to attract both expatriate and domestic investment in Sylhet.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the future of artificial intelligence (AI) must not depend on the will of a few wealthy individuals or countries. Speaking at a global AI conference in New Delhi, he proposed the creation of a $3 billion “Global Fund on AI” to ensure fair participation in the rapidly advancing technology. Guterres called on leading tech billionaires to contribute to the fund, emphasizing that AI should serve everyone.

He cautioned that without timely action, AI could deepen global inequality, but if used responsibly, it could revolutionize healthcare, education, food security, climate response, and public services. Guterres also expressed concern that unregulated AI use could lead to bias, discrimination, and harm. He announced that the UN has formed a global scientific advisory committee to help countries develop AI policies and stressed protecting people from exploitation and preventing children from being used in uncontrolled technology testing.

Guterres urged the use of eco-friendly energy in data centers as AI expansion increases electricity and water demand, warning that without proper investment and safeguards, many nations risk being left behind in the AI revolution.

Bill Gates withdrew from India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi just hours before his scheduled keynote address on Thursday, February 19, citing a desire to keep the focus on the event’s priorities. His withdrawal, followed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s cancellation, dealt another setback to a summit already facing criticism for poor organisation, a controversy over a robotic exhibit, and severe traffic disruptions. The event, billed as the Global South’s first major artificial intelligence forum, aimed to highlight India’s leadership in global AI governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, calling for stronger safeguards for children on AI platforms. The summit’s management drew anger from participants after exhibition halls were abruptly closed to the public and attendees faced transport chaos due to repeated road closures for VIP movements.

Despite the controversies, more than US$100 billion in AI-related investments were pledged during the summit, with the Indian government projecting total commitments could exceed US$200 billion within two years.

Galgotias University in India faced criticism at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi after a professor claimed that a robotic dog displayed at its stall was developed by the university. The robot, named Orion, was later identified online as the Go2 model produced by Chinese company Unitree Robotics. The university denied claiming ownership of the robot, calling the backlash a propaganda campaign, and said its use of the robot was part of efforts to teach students AI programming using global tools.

Professor Neha Singh, who made the initial remarks, said her comments were misunderstood. Reports indicated that the university was asked to vacate its stall, and electricity to the booth was later cut off. A BBC reporter confirmed that the stall was dark and unattended. The controversy embarrassed summit organizers after the video was shared on IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s official account, which was later deleted.

India’s IT Secretary S Krishnan urged that the incident should not overshadow the contributions of other participants. The five-day summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to position India as a global AI hub and includes delegates from over 100 countries.

To commemorate Amar Ekushey February, the Dhaka Film Club will organize a two-day film screening on February 20 and 21 at the Dhaka University road island near TSC. The event, supported by the Bangladesh Film Archive and the Department of Mass Communication, will begin each evening at 7 p.m. The first day will feature Zahir Raihan’s 1970 film “Jibon Theke Neya,” while the second day will screen Shahidul Haque Khan’s 1981 film “Kolmilota.”

According to the organizers, both films highlight the historical context of the 1952 Language Movement and its connection to Bangladesh’s independence struggle. “Jibon Theke Neya” portrays political and social resistance through symbolic storytelling, while “Kolmilota” traces a family narrative from the Language Movement to the Liberation War. The films feature prominent actors including Razzak, Kabori, Bulbul Ahmed, and others.

Dhaka Film Club’s general secretary Barua Monojit Dhinon said that very few Bangladeshi films have depicted the Language Movement, and this exhibition aims to showcase those rare works that capture its spirit.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, celebrated for his performances in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95, his wife Luciana Duvall announced in a Facebook post on Monday. She said Duvall gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. Tributes from across Hollywood followed, with Adam Sandler calling him one of the greatest actors ever and Michael Imperioli describing him as an actor’s actor.

Duvall’s career spanned nearly 100 films, including acclaimed roles as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Lieutenant Colonel Bull Meechum in The Great Santini, and the title character in Stalin. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Tender Mercies in 1983 and received six additional Oscar nominations, including for Apocalypse Now. He also wrote, directed, and starred in The Apostle, earning another Oscar nomination.

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Duvall was the son of a US Navy admiral and an amateur actress. He studied at Principia College, served in the US Army, and later moved to New York City, where he shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman and befriended Gene Hackman during their early acting years.