FIFA is set to implement a major technological upgrade at the 2026 World Cup in North America by introducing an enhanced semi-automated offside system. The new technology will send instant audio alerts to assistant referees whenever a player is more than 10 centimeters offside, significantly reducing decision delays. Previously, similar systems could only detect offsides exceeding 50 centimeters. While the technology will assist referees, final decisions will remain under the control of on-field officials.

The system aims to improve both decision speed and player safety, as delayed offside calls have previously led to unnecessary play continuation and injuries. FIFA cited past incidents where late offside recognition contributed to serious player injuries. The new setup also includes AI-based 3D avatars, with digital scans of all 1,248 players from 48 teams, enabling more realistic and accurate offside animations for viewers.

Additionally, the technology will verify whether the ball fully crossed the line using 3D animation and embedded chips, allowing faster and more precise decisions on corners, throw-ins, and goals.

Actor Shirthaj Zebin has gained audience attention for her performance as Sumaiya in the Eid drama 'Maya Pakhi', written and directed by Zakaria Shaukhine. The drama portrays the dark side of corporate life through the rivalry between two women, Sumaiya and Maya, competing for their boss’s attention. Despite Sumaiya’s negative traits, Zebin’s portrayal has been widely discussed and appreciated by viewers.

Zebin stated that she is drawn to challenging roles that capture audience interest. She previously debuted under Shaukhine’s direction and has since worked with him on other projects. In 'Maya Pakhi', she expressed gratitude for the audience’s response, noting that the story reflects the hidden struggles within corporate environments. The drama also stars Shahed Sharif Khan, Apurba, and Niha in key roles.

Recently, Zebin completed her BBA from North South University. On her birthday, she chose to spend the day with children at an orphanage in Bashundhara, Dhaka, personally covering the expenses of the meal.

A two-day film screening event is set to begin in Cox’s Bazar, organized by the Cox’s Bazar Film Society. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Shaheed Daulat Maidan on Wednesday. The screenings will take place on June 5 and 6 at Shaheed Subhash Hall of Cox’s Bazar Public Library, running from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day, with a total of six films scheduled.

The first day will feature Mezbauer Rahman Suman’s ‘Hawa’, Shahin Dil-Riaz’s ‘Rakib Khan: The Projectionist’, and Mohammad Towkir Islam’s ‘Delupi’. The second day will include Dhrubo Hasan’s ‘Fatima’, Fazle Rabbi’s short film ‘Tadatma Onneshon: The Eternal Journey’, and Tanim Noor’s ‘Bonolota Express’. Tickets are priced at 100 taka per day, with a 50 taka concession for students. Registration will be available both online and at the venue.

According to the organizers, all films will include English subtitles to make them accessible to both local and international audiences. The Film Society hopes the event, titled ‘Cox’s Bazar Talkies’, will foster a culture of regular film screenings and creative engagement in the region.

Technology-driven companies worldwide are reassessing their artificial intelligence (AI) strategies as operational costs rise sharply. Experts note that after ChatGPT’s popularity in 2022, AI firms initially offered low-cost services supported by investor funding. Kevin Simback of Delphi Labs described that period as one of 'subsidized intelligence.' Now, leading AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are shifting toward profitability and preparing to attract new investment.

The growing use of AI agents, which perform complex tasks like scheduling, coding, and file management, is driving up token-based costs. Increased demand for chips and data centers is also straining computing infrastructure. Mark Burton of OmniUX observed that AI costs are rising rapidly, especially among software developers. Analysts warn that in some cases, token expenses can equal or exceed an employee’s salary within months.

To curb expenses, many firms are turning to open-source or smaller, specialized AI models. Experts predict AI will become a commodity, where selecting cost-effective models for specific tasks will be key, though demand for high-end systems will persist among advanced users.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh has issued a revised notification for the 2023 National Film Awards following controversy over the previously announced list. The new circular, released on June 2, 2026, introduces changes in the Lifetime Achievement and Best Screenplay categories after a review process.

The initial January announcement had named filmmaker Tareque Masud and cinematographer-director Abdul Latif Bachchu for lifetime honors, which sparked debate as both were deceased, contrary to the policy that prioritizes living recipients. Allegations also surfaced that jury recommendations were ignored in several categories, prompting the ministry to initiate a review in March with input from jury board members.

According to the updated notification, Tareque Masud and Abdul Latif Bachchu will now receive posthumous honors for their special contributions, while actress Shabnam and film editor Fazle Haque will jointly receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Best Screenplay award has been reassigned to Tasnimul Hasan, replacing Niamul Mukta, after it was found that Mukta did not write the screenplay for the film “Roktojoba.”

Bangladeshi filmmaker and former cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has spoken out about the cancellation of a film screening in Brahmanbaria. The screening of the movie 'Bonolota Express,' organized by the Brahmanbaria Film Society, was called off after objections from the Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad and lack of administrative approval. The incident sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users expressing protest.

In a Facebook post on June 2, Farooki criticized the intolerance behind the cancellation, saying that while some may personally disapprove of cinema, they should not impose their views on others. He argued that such behavior from religious groups damages both the country's and religion's image. Farooki also noted that many people mistakenly hold the cultural minister responsible, though the ministry does not directly control cinema affairs.

He reiterated his long-standing view that cinema, OTT, and entertainment should be under the cultural ministry rather than the information ministry, urging a change in the government's allocation of business structure.

Bangladeshi director Mabrur Rashid Bannah has faced online threats following the release of his new drama 'Helmet Bahini' during Eid 2026. The production, which Bannah wrote, directed, and acted in, portrays a student leader who supported a repressive regime during the July 2024 anti-discrimination movement and later attempts to reinvent himself after the regime’s fall. Following its release, several artists critical of the drama issued threats on social media, including actor Tomal Mahbub and producer Arshad Adnan, son of President Shahabuddin Chuppu. Adnan’s comment suggesting punitive action against anti-fascist artists drew widespread criticism before he deleted it.

Screenshots of the posts circulated widely, prompting online solidarity under the hashtag “Stand with Mabrur Rashid Bannah.” Bannah responded publicly, urging his supporters to maintain faith and perseverance in cultural activism. Several cultural figures, including lyricist Atif Abu Bakar and Dr. Md. Nur Uddin, expressed support for Bannah’s stance and praised his continued engagement with the July movement’s themes.

Former student leader Rizwan Sheikh questioned whether authorities would act against the president’s son for allegedly compiling lists of dissenting artists under state protection.

Microsoft is set to showcase major artificial intelligence and Windows developments at its Build conference in San Francisco this week. The company plans to introduce a new reasoning AI model called MAI-Thinking-1, along with MAI-Image-2.5 and MAI-Image-2.5-Flash. Build will also feature details on a forthcoming Copilot “super app” that unifies Microsoft’s various AI assistants into a single interface. Additionally, Microsoft will present a new Windows 11 developer-optimized experience designed to provide a distraction-free environment with pre-installed tools and scripts.

The event comes as Microsoft seeks to rebuild trust among developers and GitHub users amid concerns about reliability and security. The company is also expected to discuss Windows performance improvements, adaptation to new silicon such as Nvidia’s RTX Spark, and ongoing collaboration with Qualcomm to enhance Windows on Arm. Build will highlight Microsoft’s focus on local AI models running directly on Windows, reducing reliance on cloud computing.

The conference begins Tuesday, June 2, and is seen as a pivotal moment for Microsoft as it reshapes its business strategy around AI and developer engagement.

TwelveLabs, a company specializing in video understanding technology, has announced the launch of Rodeo, its first application-layer product. Rodeo introduces AI agents directly into video production workflows, allowing creators to find, edit, and assemble footage using natural language. The product marks TwelveLabs’ transition from being solely an infrastructure provider to offering tools that place its video intelligence capabilities directly in the hands of creators.

Rodeo enables users to describe the content they need, after which TwelveLabs’ AI searches their entire footage library to locate and assemble relevant clips instantly. The technology’s contextual understanding allows it to identify not only what appears in a video but also why it matters, helping creators save hours of manual searching. The system eliminates the need for complex IT setups, making advanced video intelligence accessible to producers, editors, and directors.

Rodeo is powered by TwelveLabs’ Marengo 3.0 and Pegasus 1.5 models, which together provide state-of-the-art performance in long video understanding. The company positions Rodeo as a natural evolution of its model-layer innovations, aiming to help creators move from raw footage to finished stories more efficiently.

OpenAI and Oracle have announced plans to expand their large-scale AI infrastructure project, Stargate, to Michigan. The new campus, developed by Related Digital, is scheduled to break ground early next year. It will feature an eco-friendly closed-loop cooling system designed to reduce water consumption. DTE Energy will provide power through existing transmission capacity while maintaining efficiency and sustainability standards.

OpenAI described the expansion as an opportunity to reindustrialize the country, emphasizing Michigan’s role in supporting both AI progress and local economic growth. The project is expected to generate jobs, attract investment, and create opportunities linked to the rapidly growing AI sector.

The Michigan site will be the seventh Stargate hub in the United States, joining others in Texas and additional locations. Once completed, the Stargate network aims to deliver more than 8 gigawatts of data center capacity and attract over $450 billion in investment within three years, highlighting the accelerating scale of AI infrastructure development.

Technology company Google has proposed releasing 32 million laboratory-bred male mosquitoes in the US states of Florida and California over two years to reduce mosquito-borne diseases. The company applied for government approval in December 2025, and the proposal is currently under review by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The initiative is part of Google’s ‘Debug’ project, launched in 2014 to use technology for controlling disease-spreading mosquito populations and lowering health risks.

Under the plan, Google’s scientific division will infect male mosquitoes with a bacterium called Wolbachia pipientis. When these infected males mate with wild female mosquitoes, their eggs will not hatch, gradually reducing mosquito populations and limiting virus transmission. Since only female mosquitoes bite humans, the release of these males poses no risk of increased mosquito nuisance.

The project will proceed in two phases, releasing 16 million sterile males each year. However, the specific trial locations and start date have not been disclosed in the application.

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced plans to strengthen the country’s military capabilities despite China’s objections. Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi indirectly responded to Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo’s growing security posture, rejecting claims that Japan is pursuing a “new militarism.” He emphasized that Japan lacks nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, contrasting its position with China’s expanding arsenal.

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has accelerated its shift toward a more active defense policy, moving away from its post–World War II pacifism with encouragement from the United States. Beijing has repeatedly condemned this shift, accusing Tokyo of destabilizing the region. Koizumi countered that China’s military buildup lacks transparency and poses serious concerns for Japan’s security.

Koizumi said Japan will continue to modernize its defense forces with transparency, focusing on artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cyber and space defense. He reaffirmed Japan’s identity as a peace-loving nation and expressed regret that no bilateral meeting with Chinese officials took place during the forum.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan has alleged that certain individuals and groups are attempting to mislead the public and damage the reputation of the government and DNCC by circulating AI-generated images of waste. He made the allegation on Saturday, May 30, 2026, during a press conference held at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan-2.

According to Khan, DNCC removed a total of 18,344 tons of waste from the northern city area in the past 72 hours, crediting citizens’ cooperation for enabling timely cleanup. He stated that DNCC continues its efforts to build a clean, green, and livable city. He also confirmed that waste from four cattle markets under DNCC’s jurisdiction has already been completely cleared, and cleanup of the remaining markets will be completed soon.

The administrator’s remarks come amid ongoing waste management operations following Eid-related activities in Dhaka, with DNCC emphasizing transparency and efficiency in its cleanup efforts.

Ukraine has introduced a new phase of warfare in its eastern front, using unmanned robots, drones, and remote-controlled tanks to strike Russian positions without direct human presence. In recent operations, Ukrainian forces conducted six explosions against three Russian frontline targets entirely through remote systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier claimed that a Russian base was captured solely with robotic and drone assistance, marking a milestone in automated combat.

The shift toward automation stems from Ukraine’s manpower shortages after four years of war and uncertain U.S. support. Units like the Third Assault Brigade’s “NC 13” have found that robotic attacks can replace thousands of soldiers while saving lives. Russian prisoners reportedly call these silent machines “Silent Death.” The technology has evolved rapidly, with robots now handling supply runs, evacuations, and even heavy weaponry. British intelligence agency GCHQ recently estimated Russian fatalities at 500,000.

Ukrainian commanders acknowledge that this new form of warfare lacks the traditional valor of past battles but recognize that adaptation to remote and automated combat is now essential for survival and strategic advantage.

AI technology company Anthropic has reached a valuation of $965 billion following a new funding round, making it the world’s most valuable AI startup. The maker of the Claude chatbot announced on Thursday that it raised $65 billion in its latest investment round, surpassing rival OpenAI. The funding was led by Altimeter Capital, Dragoneer, Greenoaks, and Sequoia Capital.

Once considered a smaller player in the global AI race, Anthropic’s rapid rise has drawn major attention in the tech industry. The company’s coding assistance tools, launched late last year, have gained widespread adoption among large corporations. Analysts say the new valuation signals a shift in the balance of power within the AI sector and could influence IPO plans of companies like OpenAI and SpaceX.

Anthropic has also positioned itself as a safety-focused AI firm and is currently in a legal dispute with the U.S. Department of Defense over the use of its technology in autonomous weapons. The company recently delayed the release of its new “Mythos” model due to cybersecurity concerns, prompting international discussion about AI safety and regulation.