WhatsApp has introduced major updates to enhance its calling experience across desktop and mobile. Key new features include screen sharing with audio for watching videos together, increasing video call capacity to 32 participants, and a speaker spotlight to easily identify who is speaking. Additionally, WhatsApp has improved audio/video quality, noise cancellation, and call reliability even on poor connections through technical upgrades like the MLow codec. These updates aim to revolutionize how users connect and interact on the platform.
Category: Archive
26th anniv of Magurchhara gas field disaster today
Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Magurchhara gas field disaster in Moulvibazar, where a massive blowout in 1997 caused severe ecological damage. The US company Occidental, conducting drilling then, was blamed for negligence. Though demands were made for billions in compensation for loss of gas, forest and biodiversity, locals allege proper compensations are still awaited. Protests are planned demanding compensation from the company currently operating the gas fields, Chevron.
Trade via Banglabandha land port to remain suspended for 7 days
Trade activities with India, Nepal, and Bhutan through the Banglabandha land port will remain suspended for seven days from June 15 to June 21, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The decision was taken jointly by the importer and exporter groups, truck owners associations and other stakeholders. However, movement of travelers through the immigration checkpost will continue as usual. Export-import operations will resume on June 22.
Exhibition hall, symbol of North Korea-China friendship, closed: Turbulence between Kim and Xi
North Korea has removed a “footprint tribute” commemorating the 2018 stroll and friendship-building between leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Bangchui Island, Dalian. An exhibition hall showcasing the leaders’ visits has also been closed, reportedly with Xi’s approval, sparking speculation of turbulence in North Korea-China relations after Pyongyang’s recent criticism of Beijing.
‘Shimul Parul’ actress Sunetra passes away at 53
Sunetra, the renowned Bangladeshi actress known for her captivating eyes and iconic performances in films like “Shimul Parul” and “Palki,” passed away at the age of 53 in Kolkata, India on April 23. The actress, who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, had been suffering from kidney disease. Her demise was mourned by fellow actors and fans alike.
Flight carrying bodies of 45 Kuwait fire victims lands in India
A plane carrying the bodies of 45 Indian migrant workers, who lost their lives in a devastating housing block fire in Kuwait, arrived in Kochi, Kerala on Friday. Grieving relatives gathered at the airport terminal to receive the remains of their loved ones, as the Indian Air Force plane landed before 11 am.
Three killed, two injured in car-truck collision in Tangail
Three people, including a child and an elderly woman, were killed and two others injured in a head-on collision between a private car and a cattle-laden truck in Tangail’s Kalihati upazila early Friday. The deceased were the son of a cultural officer, his mother-in-law, and the car driver. The injured were shifted to a hospital.
Microsoft to invest $3.2 bn in AI in Sweden
Microsoft announced its biggest investment in Sweden, pledging to invest 33.7 billion kronor ($3.2 billion) over two years in cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company will train 250,000 people by 2027 to boost AI knowledge, increase capacity at its three Swedish data centers, and provide over 20,000 GPUs for AI model training. Microsoft cited Sweden’s forward-looking energy policy and access to green energy as key reasons for the investment, aimed at building world-leading AI data center infrastructure. File Photo
344 students get GPA-5 in Dhaka after SSC results reevaluation
The Dhaka Education Board has published the re-evaluated results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, where 2,723 students’ results have changed. Out of 70,129 applicants for re-evaluation, 127 previously failed students have now passed, and 344 newly obtained the highest GPA-5. This year’s overall SSC pass rate was 83.04% among around 20 lakh students under 11 education boards. File Photo
PM seeks UAE investment in Bangladesh’s special economic zones
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged United Arab Emirates (UAE) investors to invest in Bangladesh’s special economic zones during a meeting with UAE’s Ambassador Abdulla ALi Abdulla Khaseif Alhmoudi. The UAE envoy assured issuing visas for Bangladeshi manpower and said UAE ministers will visit Bangladesh soon to explore deepening relations. Both sides agreed to prevent illegal migration and expedite UAE’s investments, including a container terminal and an Advanced Passenger Information System. Photo: BSS
Man held for trying to snatch passenger’s mobile phone inside metro
Tejgaon police today arrested one person at Karwan Bazar metro rail station in the capital while he was attempting to snatch a mobile phone of a passenger.
The arrestee is Farid Prakash, 26, said police. Farid was caught in the act inside the metro rail, Mohammad Mohsin, officer-in-charge of Tejgaon Police Station, told The Daily Star.
According to the police, Farid, along with his accomplices, tried to snatch a passenger’s mobile phone. Other passengers noticed it and detained him. Later, he was handed over to the police.
Burimari Land Port: Trade to remain shut for 7 days
Export and import activities through Burimari Land Port in Lalmonirhat will remain suspended for seven days from tomorrow due to Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. The movement of passport-holding travellers will continue as usual, but trade activities will resume on June 22, as announced by Mehedi Hasan, assistant director of the Bangladesh Land Port Authorities at Burimari.
Hezbollah attacks 9 Israeli military sites with rockets
Lebanon’s Hezbollah claimed it launched rockets and weaponized drones at nine Israeli military sites in a coordinated attack, escalating hostilities on Lebanon’s southern border. The attacks were in retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander. Hezbollah said it fired volleys of rockets and launched its largest drone attack to date, targeting Israeli military locations and headquarters. The escalation comes after Hezbollah lost over 300 fighters in recent Israeli strikes.
Mutual Trust Bank signs deal with D Money Bangladesh
Mutual Trust Bank PLC (MTB) launched a new partnership with D Money Bangladesh Ltd for a range of digital services. The inauguration ceremony was held at MTB Centre in Gulshan, Dhaka, attended by top officials from both organizations, including MTB Managing Director and CEO Syed Mahbubur Rahman and D Money Bangladesh Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Arif Hossain.
Rishad and Fizz took game away from Netherlands: Shakib
Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan credited the bowling efforts of Rishad Hossain (3/33) and Mustafizur Rahman (1/12) for their 25-run victory over the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup. Despite scoring an unbeaten 64, Shakib praised the bowlers for defending Bangladesh’s total of 159/5, with Rishad’s double strike and Mustafizur’s economical spell proving crucial in the win.
9 out of 10 children in Bangladesh face violent discipline at home
According to new UNICEF data, 9 out of 10 children in Bangladesh face violent discipline at home, affecting over 45 million children. UNICEF, in partnership with ministries, is working to create a violence-free environment for families and children through initiatives like Sports for Development and Child Protection Community Hubs, which have prevented over 1,000 child marriages in 2023.
New schedule for metro rail from June 19
The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a new metro rail schedule effective after Eid-ul-Azha. The service will run from 7:10 am to 7:30 pm, with reduced timings on public holidays. Carrying rawhide and cooked meat will not be allowed. While no fare hike decision has been made yet, an increase is likely after June 30. Currently, the metro rail carries around 325,000 passengers daily.
Wildfire burning near Twin Lakes doubles in size, now at 413 acres
A wildfire burning near Twin Lakes in Colorado has grown to 413 acres, doubling in size since Tuesday. Evacuation and pre-evacuation orders remain in place for the Interlaken area and surrounding areas. The fire is burning in a popular hiking and camping zone about 12 miles south of Leadville. Multiple agencies are battling the blaze, which started on Tuesday afternoon from an unknown cause. Authorities have closed some trails, roads, and dispersed camping areas, prioritizing public and firefighter safety in the difficult terrain. Flames crown in treetops at the Interlaken fire near Twin Lakes on June 11, 2024.
Biden, Zelensky to sign 10-year U.S.-Ukraine security deal at G-7 summit
President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelensky plan to sign a 10-year security agreement committing the U.S. to provide Ukraine with military assistance, even if Donald Trump wins the next election. The legally binding deal aims to help develop Ukraine’s armed forces against Russia but does not guarantee NATO membership. Officials hope it transcends U.S. political divisions, although any president could withdraw from the executive agreement. The pact follows months of negotiations after Ukraine’s path to NATO stalled.
US expands Russia sanctions, targets chips sent via China
The U.S. dramatically expanded sanctions on Russia, targeting China-based companies selling semiconductors to Moscow and threatening foreign financial institutions dealing with Russia’s war economy with losing U.S. access. It also targeted Russia’s financial infrastructure, including the Moscow Exchange, which suspended dollar and euro trading. The moves aim to undercut Russia’s military capabilities as G7 leaders prepare to discuss further support for Ukraine at an upcoming summit. AP
Moscow stock exchange stops trading in dollars and euros
Amidst the U.S. introducing new sanctions targeting Russia’s financial infrastructure, the Moscow stock exchange announced it will halt trading in dollars and euros from June 13. The move comes as G7 leaders prepare to gather in Italy, with priorities including boosting Ukraine support and weakening Russia’s war efforts. While dollar and euro transactions will continue over-the-counter, the U.S. has sanctioned over 4,000 Russian entities since the war began, aiming to restrict money and arms flow to Moscow.Copyright Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP
Felt good working with Tahsan after so long: Mithila
Acclaimed actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila is set to star in the upcoming web series “Baaji,” reuniting with actor Tahsan Khan after a long hiatus. Directed by Arifur Rahman, the cricket-themed series will release on Chorki during Eid-ul-Azha. Mithila’s Bengali films “Kajolrekha” and “Aranyar Prachin Probad” continue to screen across theatres. She plans to spend the Eid holidays in Dhaka and Kolkata, splitting time between the two cities with her family. Photos: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed
Green Field Factory, Shah Muhammad Mohshin Khan Mausoleum win RIBA award
Two Bangladeshi architectural projects, the Green Field Factory in Rangpur by Nakshabid Architects and the Shah Muhammad Mohsin Khan Mausoleum in Manikganj by Sthapotik, have won prestigious RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2024. The rug factory embraces natural environments for employee wellbeing, while the mausoleum uses dappled light and curved brick walls to create a contemplative space. Photo: Collected
UP chairman arrested over assaulting cops in Gazipur
A UP chairman, MA Jalil, and his associate, Faiz Uddin, were arrested from Kapasia, Gazipur, for assaulting police officers. They intervened when police tried to remove an unauthorized cow market set up by Jalil’s nephew and snatched him from police custody, leading to their arrest for non-compliance with a court order. MA Jalil. Photo: Collected
Truck, easy-bike collision leaves 2 dead in Dinajpur
Two people were killed and two others injured in a tragic collision between a truck and an easy-bike (battery-run vehicle) in Dinajpur’s Phulbari upazila. The deceased were an unidentified female passenger and the easy-bike driver. The accident occurred when the vehicles collided head-on, and the truck driver and helper fled the scene.
Juventus confirm Thiago Motta as their new coach
Juventus appointed Thiago Motta as their new head coach on a four-year deal, replacing the sacked Massimiliano Allegri. Motta previously managed Bologna, guiding them to Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta was named as the new head coach of Monza, replacing Raffaele Palladino. Thiago Motta. Photo: X
New Zealand face early exit after West Indies defeat
Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 68 lifted West Indies to 149/9 after a poor start. Their bowlers then contained New Zealand to 136/9 to secure a 13-run victory in the T20 World Cup. Alzarri Joseph took 4/19 as West Indies completed their third straight win to reach the Super Eight phase. The defeat leaves New Zealand needing a miracle to progress, facing elimination if Afghanistan beats Papua New Guinea on Thursday. PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Sanjoy Somadder to adapt Humayun Ahmed’s fiction into film
The Bangladesh government has allocated grants to support 20 full-length films for 2023-24, including Tk 75 lakh each for 16 films and Tk 50 lakh each for 4 films. Additionally, a short story by celebrated writer Humayun Ahmed titled “Lobh” will be adapted into a film directed by Sanjoy Somadder and produced by Pinky Akhtar, receiving a Tk 75 lakh grant. Somadder expressed excitement about adapting Ahmed’s work, aiming to make a mark on world cinema. Photos: Collected
England coach hopes Hazlewood’s comments were tongue in cheek
England coach Matthew Mott hopes Josh Hazlewood’s comments about Australia potentially securing only a narrow win over Scotland to eliminate England from the T20 World Cup were made in jest. Hazlewood had suggested Australia could “just knock it around and drag it out” against Scotland. Mott believes Hazlewood was likely joking, given his “dry sense of humor.”
More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimage
Over 1.5 million foreign Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage starting Friday. Saudi officials expect the pilgrim count to exceed last year’s 1.8 million, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Among them are 4,200 Palestinians from the West Bank, but none from Gaza due to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
Xylitol, a common sugar substitute, found to be associate with “cardiovascular risk,” per new study
A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found that xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, may be associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. The study suggests that consuming high levels of xylitol can enhance platelet reactivity and thrombosis potential, potentially raising the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by nearly twice in those who consume the highest amounts.
Plant-based ultra-processed foods linked with higher risk of cardiovascular disease
New research suggests that plant-based ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 7% compared to unprocessed plant-based foods, despite being marketed as healthy alternatives. The study, involving over 118,000 people, highlights the importance of reducing ultra-processed food consumption and promoting minimally processed plant-based diets for better health outcomes. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Forty Indians among 49 dead in Kuwait block fire
A deadly fire at a residential building in Kuwait’s Mangaf city killed at least 49 people, including 40 Indians from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The blaze broke out on Wednesday, engulfing the building where many migrant workers resided. Authorities accused property owners of violating building standards, leading to the tragedy. Indian PM Modi expressed condolences, and efforts are underway to identify victims and repatriate bodies.
South Africa records first death from mpox
South Africa has reported its first confirmed death from mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. A 37-year-old man died after being hospitalized in Gauteng province. The health minister said all five severe mpox cases recorded in the country this year required hospitalization, suggesting local transmission. He urged those with suspected symptoms to seek medical attention, as the viral infection can be severe for immunocompromised individuals. Mpox spreads through close contact and causes fever, rash, and other flu-like symptoms.
Tiger mosquitoes blamed for spread of dengue fever: ‘Most invasive species’
An invasive mosquito species called “tiger mosquitoes” (Aedes albopictus) has spread to 13 EU countries, blamed for the rise of dengue fever cases across Europe. Experts warn these aggressive mosquitoes can survive in cooler climates and transmit dengue virus, a potentially severe illness. Climate change and increased travel are facilitating their spread. Personal protection, mosquito control measures, surveillance and awareness are urged in high-risk areas.
Apple seems to have persuaded OpenAI to work for exposure
At WWDC 2024, Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT’s GPT-4o model into iOS 18 and other operating systems for AI-powered features like Siri assistance and writing tools – without any payment to OpenAI. Apple sees giving OpenAI exposure to its massive user base as valuable compensation. The company also aims to offer other AI models like Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude in the future. Apple.