Tesla shareholders are voting on a record $56 billion pay package for CEO Elon Musk and a plan to move the company’s legal headquarters to Texas. Musk claims the votes are “currently passing by wide margins,” but a court previously blocked the pay deal, ruling it was unfair. The non-binding revote faces legal uncertainties. Business reporter.
Food companies like Shepherd’s Grain are using AI software like ClimateAi to get localized weather forecasts and advice on optimal planting/harvesting times, helping mitigate climate change risks. AI is also helping breed more resilient crops faster by accelerating plant phenotyping and analyzing genomic data. With rising populations and climate threats to food security, AI could be key for developing hardier crop varieties.
Apple briefly surpassed Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company on Wednesday, fueled by investor excitement over its announced AI features in the upcoming iOS 18. However, Microsoft regained the top spot by the end of the trading day, with a narrow lead in market capitalization over Apple.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police warned that action will be taken against any transport service collecting extra fares from passengers during the Eid journey. Guidelines were provided for vehicles transporting cattle ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Long-haul buses must use designated terminals, not overload passengers or goods. Surveillance teams, including mobile courts, will monitor bus terminals to prevent undue fare collection. Vehicles carrying cattle must use approved markets and display stickers for priority movement.
Police in India’s Jammu and Kashmir blamed Pakistan for a spurt in militant attacks that killed 12 people and injured dozens over the last three days, weeks after general elections. Pakistan denied such claims, saying it only provided political and diplomatic support to the insurgency. The attacks, including on Hindu pilgrims, prompted criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government by opposition parties, demanding action against the perpetrators and talks with Pakistan to resolve the long-standing issue.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced government grants for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. 20 full-length films received a total of Tk 14 crore, while 6 short films were granted Tk 1.2 crore. The grants aim to support films promoting independence, the liberation war, humanistic values, and artistic creativity. Films directed by renowned directors like Piplu R Khan, Nargis Akhter, and Manoj Pramanik secured funding in various categories.
Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd has signed an agreement with Edison Real Estate Ltd, a subsidiary of Edison Group. Under the deal, Edison Real Estate will integrate Berger Paints’ products in its residential and commercial projects. Berger will provide a comprehensive range of paint and coating solutions for Edison’s initiatives. The partnership aims to enhance the aesthetic and functional value of Edison’s developments while utilizing Berger’s advanced and environment-friendly paint technologies.
During interrogation, accused Siyam Hossain revealed that Bangladeshi MP Anwarul Azim Anar was smothered with a pillow at a flat in New Town, Kolkata. A woman, allegedly the girlfriend of prime accused Akhtaruzzaman, aided in strangling Anar. His body was dismembered, with parts dumped in New Town, Bagjola canal, and near the Bangladesh border. The CID recovered human bones near a canal after questioning Siyam and is searching for remaining body parts.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, expects Inter Miami to be his last club but is not ready to retire yet. Despite having a contract until 2025, the 37-year-old plans to continue playing. Messi became a legend at Barcelona and recently won the World Cup with Argentina. He aims to play in the 2026 World Cup while enjoying his time at Inter Miami, where his presence has significantly raised the profile of MLS.
According to a new study, utilizing unallocated khas lands in Dhaka division for solar power generation can meet 26% of the capital’s electricity demand. Additionally, utilizing 10% of waterbodies for floating solar plants and 10% of rooftops for solar panels can meet the entire country’s energy needs. The study, conducted by BELA and CLEAN, highlights Bangladesh’s potential to achieve its 100% renewable energy target by 2050 through effective land and resource utilization.
A tragic incident occurred in Patuakhali’s Sadar upazila, where Adhara Chowdhury Mohona, an 18-year-old HSC examinee, lost her life after her scarf got entangled in the wheel of a battery-run auto-rickshaw. The accident happened when she was on her way to a restaurant. Despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors pronounced her dead. The family received her body, and no complaint was filed regarding the incident.
A devastating fire in a workers’ accommodation building in Mangaf, Kuwait, claimed at least 41 lives on Wednesday morning. The Kuwaiti deputy prime minister blamed the tragedy on real estate owners’ greed and violations, accusing them of cramming too many workers into inadequate housing facilities. Kuwait, June 12, 2024. REUTERS
Kangana Ranaut, now a parliamentarian, advocated for an “obsessive work culture” and criticized “Monday memes.” After her Lok Sabha victory, a CISF constable struck her at Chandigarh airport over Ranaut’s farmer protest views, leading to the constable’s suspension. Meanwhile, Ranaut is gearing up for her directorial debut “Emergency,” featuring an ensemble cast including Anupam Kher and Mahima Chaudhary. Photo: Collected
An 89-year-old Japanese retiree, Tomoji Suzuki, has developed 11 free iPhone apps tailored for the elderly, crediting ChatGPT as his “programming mentor.” His latest app helps seniors remember essentials before leaving home. With Japan’s rapidly aging population, Suzuki’s apps address the specific needs of the elderly, leveraging his coding skills acquired later in life. Image: AFP
Coca-Cola Bangladesh faced backlash over an ad addressing the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement against Israel. The ad, featuring a pro-“humanity” stance, was temporarily hidden, then reinstated amid controversy. The incident highlights the effectiveness of the BDS movement in Bangladesh and the challenges brands face in navigating such sensitive issues. Visual: Fatima Jahan Ena
French Muslim basketball player Diaba Konate expressed frustration over being excluded from representing France at the Paris Olympics due to the country’s ban on religious symbols like the headscarf. Rights groups urged France to overturn such discriminatory bans, calling on the IOC to pressure authorities to ensure inclusivity and gender equality during the Games. France’s secularism laws prohibit athletes from wearing religious symbols, barring Muslim women from competing.
The body of a missing 11-year-old boy was found floating in Chaktai Khal in Chattogram’s Rajakhali area this morning. Fire Service divers recovered the body, believed to be of a street child, around 6 am after locals alerted authorities. The boy had gone missing while bathing in the canal on Tuesday. Search is ongoing for another missing boy.
A fire broke out at a garment factory’s wastage warehouse in the City Gate area of Chattogram city this morning around 10:30 am. Six firefighting engines were trying to douse the flames, according to the Divisional Fire Service and Civil Defence Headquarters’ Agrabad control room. The cause of the fire could not be immediately determined at the time of reporting.
Bhutan has revised its tourism policy for Bangladeshi tourists, reducing the Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) from USD 100 to USD 15 per day. This move aims to strengthen cultural, social, and tourism exchanges between the two countries. The revised policy allows around 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists to visit Bhutan annually, making it an attractive and affordable destination to explore its unique culture, natural beauty, and adventure activities.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been announced as India’s new army chief. Currently the vice chief of Army Staff, Dwivedi will take over from Gen Manoj C Pande on June 30. He has served in various command appointments, including as the Northern Command chief, and has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva and Ati Vishisht Seva medals.
The UN’s annual “Children in Armed Conflict” report reveals violence against children reached “extreme levels” in 2023, with a 21% increase in grave violations. The Sudanese army, Rapid Support Forces, Hamas, and Israeli army were blacklisted. Over 30,000 violations were verified, including 5,301 killings and 6,348 injuries of children. The conflicts in Gaza and Sudan saw drastic spikes in child casualties and violations.
The World Bank has maintained its economic growth forecast for Bangladesh at 5.7% for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25, despite the government targeting a higher 6.75% GDP expansion. The projection is supported by increased private consumption due to easing inflation and a pick-up in investment. However, input shortages, import restrictions, and high non-performing loans in the banking sector remain challenges for the economy.
A four-year-old child in West Bengal, India, was infected with the H9N2 bird flu virus after exposure to poultry. The child was hospitalised for severe respiratory issues and recovered after three months. This is the second human case of H9N2 bird flu in India, with the first reported in 2019. The World Health Organization warns of potential sporadic human cases due to the virus’s prevalence in poultry.
Major indices of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) continued declining for the third consecutive day after the proposed national budget unveiled capital gains tax reintroduction. The benchmark DSEX dropped 0.70% to a three-year low of 5,070 points. The DSE Brokers Association urged the government to postpone the tax move, citing eroding investor confidence and the market’s prolonged bearish trend. Investors are leaving the market due to a lack of good companies and transparency.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will remain in charge next season despite the team’s disappointing eighth-place Premier League finish. The club has entered into talks with Ten Hag over a contract extension after an end-of-season review. Although United endured a poor start, their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City influenced the decision to retain Ten Hag, who cited injuries and the development of young players as factors in the team’s struggles during his two-year tenure so far. PHOTO: REUTERS
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal defeated Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final Euro 2024 warm-up friendly on Tuesday. Joao Felix netted the opener, and Ronaldo added a brace to boost confidence for the tournament in Germany. The 39-year-old Ronaldo will be playing in a record sixth European Championship. PHOTO: REUTERS
In a historic first, India and USA will clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday in New York. While India are favorites, USA stunned Pakistan after beating Canada, making them no pushovers. India seek collective form, with Bumrah shining but Kohli, Yadav struggling. Low-scoring conditions could aid another upset by the spirited underdogs.
Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others were killed in a plane crash, President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed after search teams located the wreckage in a foggy forest. The military plane went missing on Monday after being diverted due to bad weather. Chilima, 51, was widely loved and had recently resumed duties after graft charges against him were dropped. Chakwera described Chilima as a “patriotic citizen who served with distinction.”
The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in Bangladesh approved proposals including the import of 40MW hydroelectricity from Nepal for 5 years through India at Tk 8.17 per unit. It also approved importing fertilizers like TSP, MOP, DAP, and urea from countries like Tunisia, Canada, Morocco, and Qatar under state-level agreements. Additionally, the TCB will procure lentils and soybean oil domestically through tenders. UNB
Boat services on the Teknaf-St Martin’s sea route in Bangladesh have been suspended for six days due to repeated incidents of firing from Myanmar’s side. On Tuesday, bullets were fired at a speedboat carrying tourists, although no casualties occurred. The firing is suspected to be from an armed group in Myanmar, creating panic and a food crisis on St Martin’s Island as goods transportation has been disrupted.
China has urged the BRICS nations to play a greater global role and be inclusive, amid mounting Western sanctions on Chinese companies over issues like supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Union is also set to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Tensions are escalating as the G7 plans to warn smaller Chinese banks against helping Russia evade Western sanctions.
A tragic incident occurred in Rajbari, Bangladesh, where an 18-year-old youth, Md Labib, lost his life while making a TikTok video on a railway track. Labib, who had recently passed his SSC exam, was with three friends when a train approached. While his friends managed to escape, Labib was crushed under the wheels of the Dhaka-bound Benapole Express train. The railway police recovered his body and handed it over to his family after filing an unnatural death case.
Universities and higher education institutions in India can now admit students twice a year – in July-August and January-February cycles starting from the 2024-25 academic session, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar. He stated that biannual admissions will benefit students who missed the July intake, enhance global collaborations, increase gross enrollment ratio, and align India with international education standards as envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020.
Obaidul Quader, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister of Bangladesh and General Secretary of the ruling Awami League party, left Dhaka for Singapore on Tuesday morning for a routine medical check-up. He departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8 am on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight and is expected to undergo the check-up at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore before returning home soon.
Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple devices at his companies unless Apple integrates OpenAI at the operating system level, citing security concerns. Musk, who owns Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), said visitors will have to store their Apple devices in a Faraday cage upon entry. This move comes amid Musk’s ongoing legal battle with OpenAI and his efforts to develop an alternative AI system through his startup xAI. X
Vinicius Junior welcomed the eight-month jail sentences handed to three Valencia fans for racially abusing him during a La Liga match last year. He called it a historic verdict against racism in Spanish football, while urging continued efforts to combat such incidents. La Liga and FIFA hailed the ruling as a positive step, but Brazil’s football chief deemed the punishment still mild, calling for harsher penalties for racist behavior. Photo: Reuters