Meta has introduced a new feature in its ‘Teen Account’ supervision system that allows parents to see the general topics their children discuss with AI assistants. The information will appear in a separate ‘Insights’ tab, showing categorized subjects such as education, entertainment, writing, health, and mental well-being. The feature will operate across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, summarizing conversations from the past seven days without revealing specific messages.

The update comes as Meta faces growing scrutiny over child and teen safety. The company recently lost two major child protection lawsuits alleging that its products were designed to be addictive and lacked adequate safety measures. Internal documents revealed in court suggested Meta’s AI-driven virtual companions sometimes engaged in inappropriate conversations. Meta said it would appeal the rulings.

Alongside the new feature, Meta is collaborating with the Cyberbullying Research Center to create parental guidance on AI use and has formed an ‘AI Wellbeing Expert Council’ including university and suicide prevention specialists. However, advocacy group Fairplay criticized the move, arguing it shifts responsibility to parents instead of making the platforms safer.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmier announced that OpenAI has been included in a criminal investigation following the murders of Bangladeshi students Jamil Limon and Nahida Sultana Brishti at the University of Florida. The main suspect, Hisham Abugarbiyah, allegedly used ChatGPT before committing the crime. Local media Tampa Bay 28 reported that the attorney general confirmed new charges would be filed against OpenAI as part of the ongoing probe.

According to court documents cited by CBS News, Hisham asked ChatGPT several questions about hiding bodies and other suspicious topics in the days leading up to the killings. His phone location was later traced to the site where Limon’s body was found. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and Hisham has been charged with premeditated murder.

The attorney general previously linked ChatGPT to a separate 2025 Florida State University attack plan, and this new case has now been added to that broader investigation.

Bangladesh’s Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan met with Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider and his delegation at the ministry office on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in education and cultural development.

During the discussion, the Pakistani High Commissioner stated that Pakistan is offering scholarships to Bangladeshi students in fields such as biotechnology, business administration, artificial intelligence, computer engineering, and fashion design. He also mentioned ongoing collaboration under the Pakistan Technical Assistant Program and training for civil service officials. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in education, sports, and technology.

The education minister highlighted opportunities to enhance teacher training and exchange programs between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner Md. Wasif was also present at the meeting.

The big-budget biopic 'Michael', based on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has stormed the box office despite negative reviews and a complex production process. Released in North America, the film earned 97 million dollars in its first week and 217 million dollars worldwide, setting a new record for the highest-grossing biopic opening in history. Starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film grossed 120.4 million dollars internationally, surpassing the opening records of 'Oppenheimer' (2023) and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (2018).

Critics have accused the film of downplaying controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, reflected in a 38% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a 97% rating. The production faced legal and creative hurdles, including reshooting scenes related to the Jordan Chandler case at a cost of about 50 million dollars, limiting the story to events before 1988. Despite family opposition and legal restrictions, the film’s success has prompted producers to consider sequels.

The film, produced by Lionsgate and distributed internationally by Universal, is yet to release in Japan, where Jackson has a large fan base. Its release there is scheduled for June.

Al-Jazari, a leading mechanical engineer of the Islamic Golden Age, created groundbreaking machines nearly 800 years ago that remain relevant today. His inventions, powered by water pressure and air, included automatic mechanical devices that demonstrated early principles of robotics and cybernetics. His seminal book, 'Kitab fi Ma'rifat al-Hiyal al-Handasiyya', described around 100 mechanical devices with detailed illustrations and construction methods, serving as a practical engineering guide.

Among his notable inventions were the crankshaft, segmental gear, and double-cylinder water-lifting pumps, which introduced mechanisms later fundamental to modern engines and automation. Al-Jazari also built automata such as humanoid robots, musical boats, and water clocks, showcasing advanced control and feedback systems centuries before similar European developments.

The article emphasizes that Al-Jazari’s work established the conceptual basis for modern robotics, hydraulics, and control engineering. His integration of balance, feedback, and hydro-mechanical control in devices anticipated many ideas central to today’s cybernetics and mechanical engineering.

In eastern Ukraine, remotely controlled ground robots carrying 66 pounds of explosives are being deployed toward Russian positions, supported by drones that clear paths with aerial bombs. One robot detonates near enemy lines while others remain behind to observe. The footage, recorded last summer, illustrates Ukraine’s adoption of new combat methods, according to the country’s leaders.

Facing manpower shortages, Kyiv is expanding its use of drones and automated weapons for defense. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that an attack in the Kharkiv region last year demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to seize Russian positions using automated systems alone. Although ground robots are typically used for logistics and medical evacuations, Ukraine is increasingly employing them for offensive operations.

According to the Defense Ministry, Ukrainian forces conducted over 9,000 frontline missions in March using drones equipped with explosives, machine guns, or rockets. While slower and more visible than quadcopter drones, ground robots can carry heavier explosive loads, though they remain vulnerable to enemy fire and have limited operational lifespans of about 24 hours.

US technology giants Meta and Microsoft are set to lay off around 16,000 employees to manage rising expenses linked to their expanding artificial intelligence (AI) investments, according to a Financial Times report. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, plans to cut about 10 percent of its workforce, or roughly 8,000 employees, and cancel around 6,000 vacant positions. An internal memo indicated that the layoffs will begin on May 20.

Meta is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including new data centers and recruitment of top-tier technology experts, to compete with rivals such as Google and OpenAI. The company previously stated that its 2026 capital expenditure could reach between 115 and 135 billion dollars, with a large portion allocated to AI infrastructure and operational costs.

Microsoft, meanwhile, is offering voluntary retirement to about 7 percent of its US-based workforce, affecting more than 8,000 employees who meet specific age and service criteria. The company had already cut over 15,000 jobs in 2025 while pledging 140 billion dollars to accelerate AI development.

Israel has launched a multimillion-dollar initiative aimed at promoting a more positive image of the country on artificial intelligence platforms. According to a report by Axios cited by Anadolu, the Israeli government hired Brad Parscale, a close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump and a Republican digital strategist, in September to lead the online campaign. Parscale, who managed Trump’s 2020 election campaign, was tasked with influencing AI systems that he believed relied heavily on critical or negative information about Israel.

The report stated that Parscale’s team began developing a project designed to make AI systems portray Israel in a more favorable light. Although the team has claimed progress, it remains uncertain how much their strategies have actually affected AI-generated outputs. Meanwhile, public opinion in the United States toward Israel has become increasingly negative. A recent Pew Research survey found that 60 percent of Americans now hold unfavorable views of Israel, up from 53 percent the previous year.

The initiative underscores Israel’s growing concern about its digital reputation and the influence of AI-driven narratives on global perceptions.

Legendary Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila is set to return to the Australian stage after nearly a decade. She will perform alongside Bengal Symphony and artist Emon Chowdhury in two grand concerts scheduled for August 1 and 8, 2026, in Sydney and Melbourne respectively. The first event, titled “Bangladesh Night,” will take place at Sydney’s Norwest Convention Centre, featuring performances by Runa Laila, Bengal Symphony, and Pintu Ghosh. The second concert, “Runa Laila and Symphony Legacy Tour,” will be held at Melbourne’s Recital Centre.

Organizers described the events as more than just concerts, promising audiences a memorable musical journey. Advance ticket sales have already begun online and are reportedly receiving a positive response. Runa Laila expressed her excitement about performing in Australia again and said she is preparing to sing audience favorites. She will travel to Sydney on July 29 with seven instrumentalists. Emon Chowdhury added that the team is enthusiastic about performing popular songs such as “Kotha Koyo Na,” “Baji,” “Sada Sada Kala,” and “Teka Pakhi.”

Tesla has begun production of its highly anticipated autonomous 'Cybercab' robotaxi, company CEO Elon Musk announced on social media platform X. According to AFP from Washington, Musk posted a 38-second promotional video showing the driverless vehicle leaving the factory and moving onto the road. He also shared another clip featuring multiple golden-colored Cybercabs driving together. Tesla stated on Wednesday that it is on track to start volume production of both the Cybercab and the Tesla Semi this year, reporting a first-quarter profit of 477 million dollars.

The Cybercab, first unveiled in the fall of 2024, is designed as a fully autonomous taxi without a steering wheel or pedals. Musk had previously said the vehicle would reach the market by 2027. In June of last year, Tesla launched a limited 'early access' robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. Earlier this year, the company released an image showing workers around the first Cybercab on the production line at its Giga Texas factory.

The start of production marks a significant milestone in Tesla’s push toward commercial autonomous mobility, signaling progress toward its long-term robotaxi ambitions.

The long-awaited biopic ‘Michael’, based on the life and musical journey of American pop icon Michael Jackson, is set for international release on Friday, April 24. Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch the film the same day at Star Cineplex. The film stars Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, alongside Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Kat Graham, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Kendrick Sampson, and Juliano Krue Valdi.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film traces Michael Jackson’s rise from his early days as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the most celebrated solo artists in global music history. It promises to reveal lesser-known aspects of his life and include some of his most famous performances. The trailer, released in February, surpassed five million views within a day, signaling strong anticipation among fans.

The film’s simultaneous release in Bangladesh underscores the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson, whose music continues to attract around 65 million monthly listeners on Spotify even more than a decade after his death in 2009.

OpenAI has introduced a new specialized artificial intelligence model named GPT-5.4-Cyber to enhance cybersecurity and protect digital infrastructure. Announced on April 24, 2026, the model is designed to help security experts quickly identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems, making data and user protection more efficient. The initiative underscores OpenAI’s growing focus on cyber defense amid rising digital threats.

Built on the company’s flagship GPT-5.4 model, GPT-5.4-Cyber aims to support real-time detection and prevention of cyberattacks. To prevent misuse, OpenAI has expanded its Trusted Access for Cyber (TAC) program, allowing thousands of authorized security professionals and hundreds of teams to use the advanced AI tool. The company described this as an example of democratizing access to cutting-edge technology.

OpenAI acknowledged that while AI can strengthen defenses, it can also be exploited by hackers. The firm has therefore added strict safeguards to ensure vulnerabilities are patched before criminals can exploit them. The launch follows Anthropic’s release of its Mythos model and builds on OpenAI’s earlier success with its Codex Security tool, which has resolved over 3,000 major security flaws.

Microsoft announced that Copilot’s agentic capabilities are now generally available across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The company stated that these AI-powered tools can be accessed on both desktop and mobile devices, expanding their usability for a wide range of users.

According to Microsoft, the release marks an extension of Copilot’s integration within its core Office applications. The announcement emphasizes the availability of these features across platforms, highlighting the goal of providing consistent AI assistance wherever users work.

The update reflects Microsoft’s continued effort to embed AI functionality into everyday productivity tools, aiming to enhance user experience and efficiency across devices.

OpenAI has introduced workspace agents in ChatGPT, enabling teams to create shared AI agents that manage complex and long-running workflows within organizational permissions. These agents, powered by Codex, can perform tasks such as report generation, coding, and message responses. They operate in the cloud, allowing continuous work even when users are offline, and can be accessed through ChatGPT or Slack. The feature is available in research preview for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Teachers plans.

Workspace agents are designed to handle collaborative workflows that require shared context and approvals across teams. They can gather information from various systems, follow internal processes, and maintain progress across tools. OpenAI teams have built examples such as software review, product feedback routing, weekly metrics reporting, lead outreach, and third-party risk management agents. Admins retain control over permissions, data access, and agent actions, with analytics and compliance tools ensuring governance and visibility.

Workspace agents are free until May 6, 2026, after which credit-based pricing will apply. OpenAI plans to expand functionality with new triggers, dashboards, and integrations to further streamline team productivity.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has initiated the formulation of a national policy to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, research, and administration across the country’s universities. The announcement was made by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed during the opening of a two-day workshop titled “Building Equity: Assessing the Extended Inclusive Education Toolkit,” held in Dhaka on Thursday.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, American International University-Bangladesh, Nottingham Trent University of the UK, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals of Saudi Arabia, with funding from the British Council. The UGC chairman emphasized AI’s transformative role in building equitable and inclusive education and said the policy aims to ensure responsible and ethical AI practices. He added that training programs are being developed to enhance teachers’ and academic leaders’ skills, while research and innovation are being encouraged to address local challenges such as rural access, language barriers, and equitable resource distribution.

The UGC is also working on institutional guidelines and quality assurance frameworks to align AI use with national goals and international standards.