United News of Bangladesh

A high-profile espionage case involving two men accused of spying for China collapsed after prosecutors could not obtain government evidence classifying China as a national security threat, the UK’s director of public prosecutions (DPP) said. Charges against Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33—both of whom deny the allegations—were dropped last month, drawing criticism from ministers and MPs. DPP Stephen Parkinson said the Crown Prosecution Service sought additional government evidence for months, but witness statements failed to meet the legal threshold required for prosecution under the Official Secrets Act. The men had been accused of passing sensitive information between December 2021 and February 2023. Under the law, espionage convictions require proof that the information was useful to an enemy, defined in a precedent earlier this year as a nation deemed a threat to UK national security. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer noted the government could only rely on prior assessments, which described China as an “epoch-defining challenge.” Former officials and security experts criticized the collapse, calling it a “muddle” and highlighting concerns over the government’s handling of national security prosecutions.   Source: BBC

Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal–organic frameworks — molecular structures capable of trapping gases and storing them in ways that could help solve some of the world’s toughest environmental challenges. An expert compared their discovery to Hermione Granger’s enchanted handbag from the “Harry Potter” series — small on the outside but surprisingly spacious inside. These frameworks can capture carbon dioxide from the air or extract water from arid environments, offering new possibilities in combating pollution and resource scarcity. “The frameworks are small on the outside but very large on the inside,” said Olof Ramström, a member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. Working independently but building on each other’s research since 1989, the three scientists created a new class of materials that can be customized for specific functions. “Metal–organic frameworks have enormous potential, bringing previously unforeseen opportunities for custom-made materials with new functions,” said Heiner Linke, chair of the Nobel Committee. The committee noted that these frameworks could also be used to remove “forever chemicals” — known as PFAS — from water, which are notoriously persistent pollutants found in soil, air, and waterways. Hans Ellegren, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the chemistry prize in Stockholm. Robson, 88, is affiliated with the University of Melbourne; Kitagawa, 74, with Kyoto University; and Yaghi, 60, with the University of California, Berkeley. “I’m deeply honored and delighted that my long-standing research has been recognized,” Kitagawa said in a phone interview. Robson told the Associated Press he was “very pleased and a bit stunned” by the recognition. The Nobel awards in medicine and physics were announced earlier this week. The award ceremony will be held on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.

Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi have been awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their pioneering work on the development of metal–organic frameworks. Hans Ellegren, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the chemistry prize in Stockholm on Wednesday. It was the third Nobel Prize revealed this week. The Nobel announcements will continue with the literature prize on Thursday, followed by the Peace Prize on Friday and the economics prize next Monday. Three scientists share 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for groundbreaking immune system discoveries The award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896. Nobel, a Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite, established the prestigious prizes. Earlier this week, the 2025 Nobel season began with the medicine prize awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance. On Tuesday, the physics prize went to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis for their groundbreaking research on quantum tunneling, which enhances digital communications and computing. Since 1901, a total of 116 chemistry prizes have been awarded to 195 individuals. Last year’s chemistry prize went to David Baker, a biochemist at the University of Washington, and to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper of Google DeepMind for developing powerful techniques to decode and design novel proteins using artificial intelligence — a breakthrough with the potential to revolutionize drug and materials development.  

Around 900 hikers, guides, and support staff stranded by a powerful snowstorm on the Chinese side of Mount Everest over the weekend have been brought to safety, Chinese state media reported late Tuesday. The storm hit the area on Saturday night, cutting off access to a campsite located at an altitude of over 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). According to local authorities, about 580 hikers and more than 300 guides, yak herders, and other workers were trapped when the storm struck. Around 350 of them managed to descend by noon Monday, while the remaining groups were rescued by Tuesday. Several hikers reportedly suffered from hypothermia. The official Xinhua News Agency said rescue teams reached about a dozen affected hikers with food, medicine, heating equipment, and oxygen supplies before escorting them to safety. The scenic Mount Everest area has since been temporarily closed to visitors. The storm occurred during China’s weeklong National Day holiday, which ends Wednesday. Meanwhile, in neighboring Nepal, a South Korean climber died in a weekend storm near the summit of Mera Peak, a 6,476-meter (21,250-foot) Himalayan mountain located south of Everest, local authorities said. Source:AP

As Israel marked the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attacks with memorial events, large-scale demonstrations erupted across the Muslim world, with protesters condemning the ongoing war in Gaza that has devastated the enclave and inflamed tensions across the Middle East. In Indonesia, more than 1,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched toward the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, denouncing Israel’s blockade of Gaza and calling for the release of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained after attempting to breach the blockade last week. Chanting “Free, free Palestine” and waving Palestinian flags, protesters demanded an end to Israel’s two-year military campaign in Gaza. Authorities deployed over 1,000 police officers to secure the embassy during the rally. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel and has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. The October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 others kidnapped, most of whom have since been released in ceasefire deals. In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, flattened large parts of Gaza, and displaced nearly 90% of the enclave’s two million residents. International organizations say Gaza is now facing famine conditions. The conflict has also spread beyond Gaza, drawing Israel into clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and militant groups in Iraq and Syria—all backed by Iran, which suffered major losses during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June. In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned pro-Palestinian university protests planned on the attack’s anniversary, calling them “un-British.” Writing in The Times, Starmer warned that such demonstrations risk fueling hate speech and antisemitism. “This is not who we are as a country,” he said. “It’s un-British to show so little respect for others—and that’s before some begin chanting hatred toward Jewish people again.” Starmer’s comments came amid heightened tensions following a deadly terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester, where two people were killed and three seriously wounded. British authorities have since tightened security around synagogues and are considering new police powers to limit repeated protests that disrupt communities. In Istanbul, Turkey’s Tourism and Culture Ministry announced that the historic Galata Tower would be illuminated in the colors of the Palestinian flag to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Turkish authorities also canceled a planned concert by British pop star Robbie Williams on Tuesday night, citing security concerns.

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico announced Tuesday that his government has approved an agreement with the United States to construct a new nuclear reactor, marking a major step in the country’s energy expansion plan. Speaking at an annual nuclear conference in Bratislava, Fico said the multi-billion-euro project will add a reactor with an output exceeding 1,000 megawatts at the existing Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant in western Slovakia. The new unit will be fully owned by the Slovak state, he said. Fico did not specify when the agreement would be formally signed. However, his government had earlier approved plans for a 1,200-megawatt unit at the same site, operated by the state-dominant utility Slovenské Elektrárne. The total cost of the project is estimated at up to €15 billion (about $17.5 billion). While Slovakia initially planned to select a builder through an open tender, the government has since shifted to direct negotiations with U.S. company Westinghouse Electric. Slovakia relies heavily on nuclear energy, generating over 80% of its electricity from two existing nuclear plants. The move aligns with a broader regional trend, as several Central and Eastern European nations ramp up nuclear projects to secure energy independence and reduce carbon emissions. Neighboring Czech Republic recently signed a contract with South Korea’s KHNP to construct two additional reactors, while Poland has partnered with Westinghouse to build its first-ever nuclear power plant. In Hungary, Russian energy firm Rosatom is set to expand operations with two new reactors.

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics on Tuesday for their pioneering research into quantum mechanical tunneling. Clarke conducted his work at the University of California, Berkeley; Martinis at the University of California, Santa Barbara; and Devoret at both Yale University and UC Santa Barbara. “To put it mildly, it was the surprise of my life,” Clarke told reporters at the announcement by phone after being told of his win. He paid tribute to the other two laureates, saying that “their contributions are just overwhelming." “Our discovery in some ways is the basis of quantum computing. Exactly at this moment where this fits in is not entirely clear to me.” Speaking from his cellphone, Clarke said: “One of the underlying reasons that cellphones work is because of all this work’’ Nobel in Medicine awarded to 3 scientists for immune tolerance research The Nobel committee said that the laureates' work provides opportunities to develop “the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors.” “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology,” said Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics. It is the 119th time the prize has been awarded. Last year, artificial intelligence pioneers John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton won the physics prize for helping create the building blocks of machine learning. On Monday, Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for discoveries about how the immune system knows to attack germs and not our bodies. The Nobel announcements will continue with the Chemistry Prize on Wednesday and the Literature Prize on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be revealed on Friday, followed by the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on October 13. October 4 in history: Sputnik launch sparks Space Age, notable events and birthdays The official award ceremony will take place on December 10, commemorating the 1896 death of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist and inventor of dynamite who established the prizes. Each Nobel Prize includes a prestigious title and a monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to nearly $1.2 million.

Hai Robotics, a global leader in intelligent warehouse automation systems for inventory storage and order fulfillment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Gwee as the new Regional Head for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). With over two decades of experience in material handling and warehouse logistics, Gwee brings a wealth of technical and strategic expertise to further expand Hai Robotics' footprint in the region. Previously serving as the Project Implementation Director at Hai Robotics in SEA (Singapore), Gwee successfully led his team in deploying over 200 HaiPick robotic units, consistently surpassing project goals and ensuring high customer satisfaction. His technical background, combined with over a decade of leadership experience, makes him the ideal candidate to lead operations, drive growth, and deliver high-impact automation solutions in the ANZ market. Thomas‘ diverse career experience includes key roles at Crown Equipments and SSI Schaefer, where he honed his expertise in automated storage, order fulfillment, and end-of-line system integration. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the rapidly transforming logistics ecosystem in ANZ. I’m thrilled to embark this journey with the team and bring cutting-edge automation technology to shape the future of intelligent warehousing across this region,” said Thomas Gwee, Regional Head – ANZ, Hai Robotics. “Thomas has consistently delivered high-performance results in some of our most complex deployments in Southeast Asia. His leadership, customer-focused mindset, and deep technical understanding make him uniquely qualified to scale our operations in ANZ,” said Nathan Zeng, President of SEA, ANZ, and South Korea, Hai Robotics. With rising demand for automated solutions across Australia and New Zealand, Hai Robotics continues its commitment to bring world-leading technologies and local expertise to empower businesses across retail, logistics and manufacturing verticals. About Hai Robotics Hai Robotics is a leading global provider of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), delivering unparalleled system flexibility and maximizing operational efficiency for facilities of all sizes and conditions. Hai developed a modular approach to automation called HaiPick Systems. By integrating advanced robotic equipment and software with nearly any industry-standard racking and storage materials, Hai Robotics delivers tailored automation solutions that can be easily modified even after implementation. HaiPick Systems reduce warehouse storage footprints by up to 75% while increasing storage density and vertical capacity to over 39 feet (12 meters). They achieve 99%+ order pick accuracy, provide a 4x boost in efficiency, 3x daily throughput, and eliminate the need for human travel in order picking. With 1,300+ projects implemented across 40+ countries, supported by 8 global offices and 60+ partners, Hai Robotics ensures reliable local support worldwide.  

On the eve of the second anniversary of the Gaza war, Israeli and Hamas representatives have begun indirect negotiations at an Egyptian resort, discussing a U.S.-proposed peace initiative aimed at ending the long-standing conflict. The talks, held over several hours on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, revolve around a plan introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Major sticking points remain, including Israel's insistence on Hamas disarming and questions about who will govern Gaza moving forward. Trump has suggested that a resolution in Gaza could set the stage for broader peace in the Middle East. Despite Trump’s call for Israel to halt its bombing campaign, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, reportedly killing at least 19 people in the past day, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. An Egyptian official familiar with the discussions said Monday's session concluded with plans to resume on Tuesday. He noted that both sides had reached preliminary agreement on the first stage of the deal — which involves a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Crucial Egypt-mediated talks between Israel and Hamas underway Israel's team is led by senior negotiator Ron Dermer, with adviser Ophir Falk also attending. Hamas is represented by senior official Khalil al-Hayyah. According to Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News, the process began with Hamas meeting Arab mediators, who later met with the Israeli delegation. U.S. figures including envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are also expected to join the negotiations, Egyptian media reported. Hamas stated that talks will address an initial ceasefire phase involving a partial Israeli withdrawal and an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. This peace initiative gained momentum after both Israel and Hamas expressed conditional support for elements of the U.S. plan. Under its terms, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are thought to be alive—within three days, disarm, and relinquish control of Gaza. Israel and Hamas head to Egypt for ceasefire and hostage deal talks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the discussions should last only a few days, though Hamas leaders warned more time may be needed to recover the remains of some hostages trapped under rubble. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised Trump’s role in seeking peace, emphasizing the importance of the long-standing U.S.-led peace efforts in the region, dating back to the 1970s. He spoke during a televised address marking the anniversary of the 1973 war with Israel, which resulted in Egypt regaining the Sinai Peninsula. U.S. Presses for Ceasefire The U.S. has made it clear that continued Israeli airstrikes must stop to facilitate the release of hostages. While Israel says it is largely complying, its military claims ongoing strikes are defensive in nature. Nonetheless, dozens of Palestinians have reportedly been killed since Saturday night. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that in the last 24 hours, 19 people were killed—including two seeking aid—and 96 were injured. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas attack, the Palestinian death toll has reached 67,160, with nearly 170,000 wounded. The ministry, part of the Hamas-led government, is considered the most reliable source for casualty data by the UN and other observers. During the initial October 7 attack, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and kidnapped 251. Many hostages have since been released through ceasefire deals. Meanwhile, families of the remaining Israeli hostages have nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his efforts toward ending the war and securing the hostages' release. They expressed renewed hope that peace may soon be possible. At a memorial in Nir Oz Kibbutz for those killed on October 7, Daniel Lifshitz—whose family members were taken hostage—emphasized that the priority should be the immediate release of all captives. He acknowledged the difficult compromises Israel might make but said, “We cherish life, and in Trump we trust to make it happen.” Gaza Families Mark Grim Anniversary In Gaza, families of children born on the day the war began had hoped to mark their second birthdays with joy, but instead remain surrounded by violence and displacement. Many now live in dire conditions, lacking sanitation, food, and medical care. Amal al-Taweel and her husband, Mostafa, had their son Ali after years of trying. Now, they live in a tent, far from the peaceful life they imagined for him. “He never got to experience what a safe, loving home feels like,” she said. Vatican Calls for Proportionality As the war's anniversary approaches, the Vatican condemned the October 7 attacks on Israel as an “inhuman massacre,” while also criticizing Israel’s extensive bombing of Gaza. It called on nations to halt arms shipments to Israel and urged respect for the principle of proportionality in warfare. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, stated: “Even in legitimate defense, proportionality must be maintained. A spiral of hatred will only lead to destruction.”

Israeli and Hamas officials launched indirect talks Monday at an Egyptian resort on a U.S.-drafted peace plan to end the ruinous war in Gaza on the eve of its second anniversary. Many uncertainties remain about the plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, including the disarmament of the militant group — a key Israeli demand — and the future governance of Gaza. Trump has indicated an agreement on Gaza could pave the way for a Middle East peace process that could reshape the region. Despite Trump ordering Israel to stop the bombing, Israeli forces continued to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing at least 19 people in the last 24 hours, the territory's Health Ministry said. An Egyptian official said talks began Monday afternoon at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the talks. The Israelis are led by top negotiator Ron Dermer, while Khalil al-Hayyah leads the Hamas delegation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said foreign policy adviser Ophir Falk would be present for Israel, but it was not clear if Dermer had arrived yet. Egypt’s state-owned Al-Qahera News television station reported that the talks began with a meeting between Arab mediators and the Hamas delegation. Mediators will then meet with the Israeli delegation, the station said. Egyptian and Qatari mediators will discuss the outcome of their meetings with both parties, before U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff joins the talks, it said. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is also expected to join the talks, Egypt’s state-run al-Ahram reported. Hamas said negotiations will focus on the first stage of a ceasefire, including the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces as well as the release of hostages held by the militants in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention. This latest push for peace comes after Hamas accepted some elements of the U.S. plan that Israel also said it supported. Under the plan, Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages — about 20 of whom are believed to be alive — within three days. It would give up power and disarm. The talks in Egypt are expected to move quickly. Netanyahu said they would be “confined to a few days maximum,” though some Hamas officials have warned that more time may be needed to locate bodies of hostages buried under rubble. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi hailed Trump’s efforts, underscoring the importance of preserving the U.S.-crafted “peace system” in the Middle East since the 1970s, which he said “served as a strategic framework for regional stability.” El-Sisi spoke in a televised address commemorating the anniversary of the start of the 1973 war with Israel that led to Egypt reclaiming the Sinai Peninsula, where Sharm el-Sheikh is located. US wants Israeli bombing to stop The U.S. has said Israel's heavy bombardment of Gaza would need to stop for the hostages to be released. Israel says it's largely heeding Trump's call. The Israeli military said it is mostly carrying out defensive strikes to protect troops, though dozens of Palestinians have been killed since the military's statement Saturday night. Gaza's Health Ministry said Monday that the bodies of 19 people, including two aid-seekers killed by Israeli strikes and gunfire, had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. Another 96 were wounded. The deaths brought the Palestinian toll to 67,160 since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, triggered the war, with nearly 170,000 wounded, the ministry said. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says more than half of the deaths were women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the U.N. and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties. Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack. Most of the largely Israeli hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages petitioned the Nobel Prize Committee to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Trump for what they called his unprecedented contributions to global peace. “At this very moment, President Trump’s comprehensive plan to release all remaining hostages and finally end this terrible war is on the table,” the families wrote. “For the first time in months, we are hopeful that our nightmare will finally be over.” In a commemoration ceremony for Israelis killed at the Nir Oz Kibbutz on Oct. 7, Daniel Lifshitz said the primary focus of talks should be the swift release of all remaining hostages. “Israel will pay painful concessions by releasing mass murderers and terrorists that killed many among our friends and families here in Israel, but we cherish life and in Trump we trust to make it happen," said Lifshitz, grandson of slain hostage Oded and released hostage Yocheved Lifshitz. 'Living in fear, war and displacement' In Gaza, families of Palestinian babies born on the day the war began hoped to celebrate their second birthday with the sound of laughter and cheers instead of the cacophony of bombs and bullets. The babies' mothers have been repeatedly displaced and live in constant fear for their safety. They also lack access to health care. Amal al-Taweel and her husband, Mostafa, had their son, Ali, after three years of trying for a child. They now live in a tent without proper sanitation, food, vaccinations or toys. “I was envisioning a different life for him … He couldn’t experience what a safe family life feels like," al-Taweel said. The Vatican marked the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks by condemning the “inhuman massacre” of innocent people in Israel and calling for the return of hostages. But it also said Israel’s razing of Gaza is itself a disproportionate massacre, and called on countries to stop supplying Israel weapons to wage the war. “Those who are attacked have a right to defend themselves, but even legitimate defense must respect the principle of proportionality,” Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said on the eve of the anniversary. “The perverse chain of hatred can only generate a spiral that leads nowhere good.”