United News of Bangladesh

NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is gearing up for a close encounter with a small asteroid this weekend, offering scientists a glimpse into the early days of the solar system—and a test run for a bigger journey to come. Launched in 2021, Lucy is on a 12-year mission to study a total of 11 asteroids, including a rare group known as the Trojans that orbit near Jupiter. Sunday’s flyby marks the second asteroid encounter for the spacecraft and will serve as a trial ahead of its first Trojan asteroid rendezvous in 2027. AI-enabled drone deployed in Germany to accelerate wildfire detection and response   This weekend, Lucy will pass wihin 596 miles (960 kilometers) of an asteroid named Donaldjohanson, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid is roughly 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long, though its exact dimensions and shape remain uncertain—a mystery Lucy aims to help solve as it speeds by at over 30,000 mph (48,000 kph). Donaldjohanson is believed to be a fragment of a much larger object shattered in a cosmic collision around 150 million years ago. Unlike typical round space rocks, scientists suspect this one could have an unusual shape—possibly elongated like a bowling pin or snowman, similar to Arrokoth, the distant Kuiper Belt object NASA explored in 2019. There’s also a chance it could be two separate elongated asteroids. “We don’t know what to expect. That’s what makes this so cool,” said Hal Levison, the mission’s lead scientist at the Southwest Research Institute. “It’s not going to be a basic potato. We already know that.” Lucy will power up all three of its science instruments during the flyby to collect images and data. But because the spacecraft must rotate its antenna away from Earth to track the asteroid, no live communication will be possible during the encounter. Scientists at Lockheed Martin’s Mission Control in Colorado expect to begin receiving data roughly 12 minutes after it’s transmitted across the 139 million miles (223 million kilometers) separating Earth from the asteroid. Among those watching closely will be Donald Johanson, the paleontologist for whom the asteroid is named. He discovered the famous human ancestor “Lucy” in Ethiopia 50 years ago—after whom the spacecraft is named—and plans to be at Mission Control for the flyby. If all goes as planned, Lucy’s brief encounter with the asteroid will offer valuable practice and insights before it moves on to its ultimate target: the mysterious Trojan asteroids near Jupiter, remnants from the solar system’s formation more than 4 billion years ago.    

The interim government is pushing for further technological advancements at the National Board of Revenue (NBR), finding there is much ground that Bangladesh needs to make up within this specific field, even on its regional peers. It also provides the added advantage of widening the tax net, a perpetual target for tax authorities, without having to chase new taxpayers. The newest technologies are able to capture eligible payers under each category with minimum human intervention. The revenue collecting authority has taken a number of moves already to upgrade its systems, which would ultimately enhance tax collection. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, while visiting the NBR offices recently, said that revenue collection and revenue expenditure are almost satisfactory given the context of Bangladesh. “But we are still far behind regarding technological and systematic aspects,” he said. He also mentioned that the government is feeling the matter currently. “But we do not have much time (in our hand),” he added. The Finance Adviser mentioned that there is no other option to step into the modern era of revenue collection. “We have to use modern technology,” he added. In a move towards modernizing tax administration, the NBR has taken a comprehensive plan to integrate advanced technological solutions into its operations. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and taxpayer convenience, aligning with the government’s broader vision of a ‘Smart Bangladesh’. NBR to form committees to curb illegal tobacco trade, boost VAT collection The NBR’s technological inclusion strategy encompasses several key components designed to streamline processes and improve service delivery. Automated Tax Filing System: The introduction of an automated online tax filing system will enable taxpayers to submit returns electronically, reducing paperwork and processing time. By this system the NBR is hoping to get more than 14 lakhs of income tax return submission this time. E-Payment Platforms: Collaborations with mobile financial service providers, such as bKash, will facilitate electronic tax payments, making the process more accessible and user-friendly. Data Analytics and AI: The adoption of data analytics and artificial intelligence will assist in identifying tax evasion and improving compliance through predictive analysis. Digital Record Management: Transitioning to a digital record-keeping system will ensure secure storage and easy retrieval of tax records, enhancing operational efficiency. By the Alignment with National Digital Initiatives, the NBR is in line with Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive innovation. The government’s ‘Zero Digital Divide’ campaign, launched in 2022 with the establishment of the e-Quality Centre for Inclusive Innovation, aims to eradicate digital exclusion and promote the transfer of digital public infrastructure solutions to other developing countries. NBR to fully operationalise bond automation this month to boost trade efficiency The integration of mobile financial services into the tax payment system is expected to significantly enhance financial inclusion. Platforms like bKash have already revolutionized financial transactions in Bangladesh, providing services such as money transfers, bill payments, and mobile recharges. By enabling tax payments through such platforms, the NBR aims to make tax compliance more accessible, especially for individuals in remote areas. While the NBR’s technological inclusion initiative marks a significant step forward, it also presents challenges, including the need for robust cybersecurity measures, taxpayer education, and infrastructure development. Addressing digital inequality remains crucial, as disparities in access to technology can hinder the effectiveness of such initiatives. Talking to UNB, a senior official of the revenue collecting authority said that the NBR is committed to overcoming these challenges through capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with stakeholders. “By embracing technological inclusion, the NBR aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly environment, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.” NBR moves to simplify clearance system for smooth business The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set a revised target for Bangladesh to increase its tax-GDP ratio by 0.6-percentage points for the current fiscal year. Under the government's commitment to the IMF, the tax-GDP ratio is expected to increase by 0.5 percentage points each fiscal year. Currently, the tax GDP ratio of the country is one of the lowest in the world, and it is yet to reach double digit. Bangladesh's tax-to-GDP ratio currently stands at just 7.9 percent—significantly lower than neighboring countries. India’s ratio is 12 percent, Nepal’s is 17.5 percent, Bhutan’s is 12.3 percent, and Pakistan’s is 7.5 percent.

People in Oregon will be better prepared for earthquakes — particularly important in the Pacific Northwest because experts say “the big one" is coming — as an early warning system launched Thursday, the 10th anniversary of a devastating quake and tsunami in Japan.

Catherine Chen, Huawei’s Senior Vice President has recently described how technology could be used as an engine for human progress.