Italy’s data protection watchdog said Friday it has fined OpenAI 15 million euros ($15.6 million) after wrapping up a probe into the collection of personal data by the U.S. artificial intelligence company's popular chatbot ChatGPT. The country’s privacy watchdog, known as Garante, said its investigation showed that OpenAI processed users’ personal data to train ChatGPT “without having an adequate legal basis and violated the principle of transparency and the related information obligations towards users”. OpenAI dubbed the decision “disproportionate” and said it will appeal. “When the Garante ordered us to stop offering ChatGPT in Italy in 2023, we worked with them to reinstate it a month later,” an OpenAI spokesperson said Friday in an emailed statement. “They’ve since recognized our industry-leading approach to protecting privacy in AI, yet this fine is nearly 20 times the revenue we made in Italy during the relevant period.” Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities as Teamsters seek labor contract OpenAI added, however, it remained “committed to working with privacy authorities worldwide to offer beneficial AI that respects privacy rights.” The investigation, launched last year, also found that OpenAI didn’t provide an “adequate age verification system” to prevent users under 13 years of age from being exposed to inappropriate AI-generated content, the watchdog said. The Italian authority also ordered OpenAI to launch a six-month campaign on different Italian media to raise public awareness about ChatGPT, specifically in regard to data collection. The booming popularity of generative artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT has drawn scrutiny from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. Regulators in the U.S. and Europe have been examining OpenAI and other companies that have played a key part in the AI boom, while governments around the world have been drawing up rules to protect against risks posed by AI systems, led by the European Union's AI Act, a comprehensive rulebook for artificial intelligence.

Thousands of workers, including teachers, healthcare professionals, and sanitation staff, staged an eight-hour general strike across Italy on Friday, protesting against stagnant wages, rising living costs, and declining public services.  The strike, organized by Italy’s largest trade unions, targeted Premier Giorgia Meloni’s budget policies, which unions claim underfund crucial sectors such as education and healthcare. Protesters also called for a fairer distribution of private sector profits to workers.  “These demonstrations are not just a message for the government,” said Maurizio Landini, leader of the CGIL trade union, during a rally in Bologna. “They are directed at business leaders and managers who have enjoyed unprecedented profits in recent years.”  The industrial action disrupted various services, including education, healthcare, and transportation. ITA Airways canceled several domestic and international flights, while schools and hospitals faced significant slowdowns. Although unions planned an eight-hour strike, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini restricted it to four hours in the transportation sector.  This marks Italy’s first general strike since November last year. However, unions risk penalties for involving sectors like healthcare and justice, which have already faced strikes. Italy’s railway sector, which has seen recent labor actions, was exempted from Friday’s strike.  Italy’s healthcare system, particularly in the under-resourced southern regions, has been grappling with severe staffing shortages. Many healthcare workers have sought jobs abroad due to inadequate salaries, leaving existing staff to manage increased workloads. “Low wages are driving people away. We often have to work double shifts just to maintain basic care levels,” said Anna Salsa, a member of the UIL healthcare union, during a protest in Rome.  Amazon India workers strike on Black Friday for better pay Rising grocery prices have further strained households, with consumer group Codacons reporting an additional annual cost of €238 ($251) for a family of four in 2024.  Despite starting salaries comparable to other European nations, Italy’s wage growth lags, resulting in a median annual salary of €35,000 ($37,000), one of the lowest among G7 countries, noted labor expert Maurizio Del Conte.   

Studying abroad offers more than academic growth; it immerses students in diverse cultures, broadening their worldview. They meet people from different backgrounds, forming friendships and professional networks. Italy stands out as a destination that embodies these experiences, with its vibrant history, culture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Students go to Italy not only for its world-class education, but also for the chance to live in a culturally rich environment. This article provides a detailed guide on applying in Italy for bachelor's, master's, and PhD, covering key aspects such as study costs, student visas, scholarships, and benefits. What Makes Italy a Top Destination for International Students? Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest universities, renowned for centuries of academic tradition and continuous development of their educational systems. These institutions are highly respected in global academic forums, with several ranked in the prestigious QS World Rankings: Politecnico di Milano (123), Sapienza University of Rome (134), and the University of Bologna (154). According to Global PEO (Professional Employer Organization) Services and Forbes, the country, a member of the EU (European Union) also boasts the third-largest economy in Europe and ranks ninth globally. This economic strength provides abundant opportunities for internships, on-the-job training, and industrial placements in various sectors. While Italian is the primary language, the growing importance of English in academic settings has contributed to the increasing number of international students. Cities like Milan, Rome, and Turin are among the most student-friendly in Europe, offering an ideal environment for higher education. Beyond academics, Italy’s appeal extends to its rich cultural heritage and tourism. As ranked by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Italy holds the 4th position in global tourism. The country thrives with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (59), including 53 culturally significant sites and 6 of outstanding natural beauty. Read more: Higher Studies in England: Application, Study Cost, Scholarship, and Other Scopes Top Universities and Popular Courses in Italy Top 10 Italian Universities - Politecnico di Milano- Sapienza University of Rome- University of Bologna- University of Padua- Politecnico di Torino- University of Milan- University of Naples Federico-II- University of Pisa- University of Florence- University of Turin Popular Courses Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Business and Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Hospitality and Tourism, Medicine, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Political Science, etc. Read more: How to Register for TOEFL Exam in Bangladesh? How to Apply for Admission in Italian Universities Like other Schengen countries, Italy follows a two-semester education system. The first admission season, Fall, begins its application process between November and April. Courses typically start in late September or early October, after all applications are received from April to July. During this period, leading universities admit the maximum number of students across various courses. The Spring admission season accepts applications between July and September, with courses beginning between October and December. Admissions are finalized between February and March, and the courses commence afterward. In Italy, each educational institution requires separate applications through its own web portal. Specific deadlines, required documents, and application costs are detailed on the university websites. It’s important to note that only one course can be applied for at each university. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s in Romania: Application Process, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Pre-enrolment Pre-enrolment is a crucial step in the admission process for Italian educational institutions. It is a prerequisite for applying to any course. Students must apply by registering on the Universitaly portal (https://universitaly-private.cineca.it/index.php/registration/firststep). At this stage, students should research the website of their preferred university and contact admission officers to gather all relevant information and instructions. After that, all required documents must be uploaded to the Universitaly portal for the chosen study program. Once the pre-enrollment online application is completed, the university will begin preparing the offer letter. During this time, students will be instructed to pay the study fee. Typically, this fee is charged in three installments throughout the academic year. The first installment is paid at the time of admission, and subsequent installment dates are notified by the respective universities. Read more: How to Register for IELTS Exam in Bangladesh Documents Required for Admission Application - Completed online application form- A valid passport- Documents of Previous Educational Qualifications:- High school diploma or equivalent certificate and academic transcript for undergraduate programs- Graduation certificate and academic transcript for postgraduate programs- Postgraduate certificate and academic transcript for doctoral programs- A minimum score on the language proficiency test:IELTS: 6 or TOEFL iBT: 59 for undergraduate programsIELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79 for master’s programsIELTS: 7 or TOEFL iBT: 96 for Ph.D. programs- Study Fee Payment Receipt: A minimum of 1 installment out of three. In most cases, the amount is between 120 and 180 Euros, equivalent to BDT 15,862 to 23,793 (1 Euro = BDT 132.18).- CV- Statement of Purpose- Multiple motivation letters- Medical Certificate and Health Insurance- GMAT or GRE test results (for master’s programs)- Portfolio (for applicants in creative fields)- Research Proposal (for Ph.D. programs)- Contact information for the supervising professor and a consent form for supervision of the - student’s research- Summary of relevant publications (if applicable)- Evidence of work experience – for some selected programs- Additional documents may be required depending on the university, course, and program. Read more: Studying for Bachelor’s Degree in Hungary: Cost, Scholarships, Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students How to Apply for a Student Visa in Italy Students wishing to study long-term in Italy must apply for a Type-D visa, also known as a national visa, which allows for stays exceeding 90 days. This visa is valid for the entire duration of the selected full-time study program. Bangladeshi students can apply for a Type-D visa through VFS (Visa Facilitation Services), the global partner of Italian immigration. Access the application form via the following link for download: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/italy/bangladesh/english/pdf/visa-d-long-term.pdf After filling out the form, it must be printed, signed manually, and submitted to the VFS center along with the relevant documents. Read more: Study in France: Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students Documents Required for Visa Application - Fully completed and manually signed National (Type-D) Visa Application Form- Two recent color photographs:Photographs must be in ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) format (size 4 x 3.5 cm), taken on a white background, and no older than 6 months.- Original valid passport and photocopy of each page:The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of arrival in any Schengen country and must have at least two blank pages.- Proof of pre-enrollment at an Italian university or AFAM Institute (Institute of Fine Arts, Music, and Dance) (only for pre-enrollment): Admission and study costs must be mentioned.- Admission offer letter from the Italian university.- Proof of applicant's financial solvency:- The student’s personal bank statement from any bank in Bangladesh for the last 6 months.- Proof of financial resources if sponsored:The sponsor’s bank statement from any bank in Bangladesh for the last 6 months.Proof of family relationship with the sponsor (the sponsor must be related by blood or marriage).Proof of financial resources is required even if the student has been awarded a scholarship.- IELTS Certificate (minimum score 6) as proof of English language proficiency. The certificate must be issued no more than two years before the visa application date.- Proof of student residence in Italy:Apartment purchase or rental agreement, orResident statement from an Italian citizen or a foreign citizen with a permanent residence permit in this country. The identity card of the person signing the statement must be attached.- Advance air ticket booking details.- Travel Insurance: Coverage of EUR 30,000 (BDT 39,65,486), including medical fees, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.- Marriage certificate (if married), divorce certificate (if divorced), or death certificate of spouse (if widowed or surviving spouse). Read more: Staying Safe When Studying Abroad: Essential Considerations Visa Application Submission and Biometric Registration An online appointment does not require submitting visa-related documents at VFS. However, the application process must be initiated by completing the link form at https://vfsforms.mioot.com/forms/CFNC/.  The appointment date will be sent to the candidate’s email address provided in the form. A printout of this email must be brought when visiting the VFS center. Italy VFS Center Addresses in Bangladesh: Dhaka: Nafi Tower (4th & 5th Floor), 53, South Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212.Chattogram: World Trade Center Chattogram, (5th Floor), 102/103 Agrabad C/A, Commerce College Road, Chattogram-4100.Sylhet: 4th Floor, Nirvana Inn Complex, Ramer Dighir Par, Mirzajungal Road, Sylhet-3100. Applicants must attend the VFS center between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for submission. On the appointment day, biometric registration will be completed, which involves taking a photograph and scanning all ten fingerprints. In some cases, an interview may be conducted. Once the process is completed, the candidate will receive an acknowledgment letter or receipt upon payment of any incidental expenses, including the visa fee. Read more: Where to Learn the French Language in Dhaka Visa Processing Time and Incidental Costs A study visa typically takes a minimum of 21 calendar days to process. However, delays may occur due to document verification or other reasons. As per Italy's VFS website, the Type-D visa fee is EUR 50 (BDT 5,750). The VFS global service charge is EUR 38 (BDT 4,370), and an additional bank draft charge of BDT 270 applies. Visa Processing Status and Collection The status of the visa application can be tracked via the VFS web portal during the verification process. To track the application, visit this link:https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/IzcvBCb/70NmWcryI2n01dau+KWr9vOycRn8+9h+u8XIqecwY3I+ZSwJbdFTpO9OZlVSATCCz354s5WEZMMYrE=Applicants must enter their last name and reference number, which can be found on the receipt issued by VFS. You can also inquire about the visa status by calling +8809606777666. Once the visa is approved, the candidate will be notified via phone. After receiving confirmation, the passport with the visa can be collected from the VFS center. The original receipt or acknowledgment letter and a national identity card must be presented during collection. Read more: Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests

The validity of applicants’ Nulla Osta on the day of receiving their appointment booking email will be frozen and will not expire if the email was sent during its validity, according to an update for Italy work visa applicants in Bangladesh. Applicants who submitted incomplete or incorrect Nulla Osta will not receive an appointment, but an email suggesting they contact their employers for clarification," said VFS Global on May 20. Measures on long-term visas to be taken after Indian elections: Nanak No other means of booking appointments is in place. "The process is absolutely free of cost, and applicants receiving any contrary information are requested to report it to VFS Global and the Embassy of Italy," said the VFS Global.

For the first time, a consignment of bean produced in Chattogram’s Sitakunda upazila has been exported to Italy, raising hope among farmers of the upazila which is already famous for vegetable production. Farmers and agriculture officials said Sitakunda upazila is known for production of variety of vegetables including beans. Beans are seen on vast lands on both sides of the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, on cropland, land alley, on both sides of the railway tracks, fallow land, embankments and even in hill slopes, they said. Read more: Prospects of Safe Broiler Chicken Farming The beans produced here are usually supplied to different parts of the country and this is the first time that this bean has been exported to Italy. Farmers said that although raw beans are sold in winter, dry bean seeds are sold throughout the year. Upazila Agriculture Officer said Md Habibullah said the soil of Sitakunda is suitable for bean cultivation and bean cultivation is more profitable than Boro paddy. “As a result, bean has been cultivated on 2,650 hectares of land in this upazila. This year, 47,000 metric tons of beans worth over Tk 100 crore will be produced.” Read more: Youth's success in orange farming sparks an agricultural trend in Kurigram

In an era marked by financial unpredictability, nations worldwide are increasingly anchoring their economic stability in gold reserves. Even after the gold standard was abandoned in the 1970s, gold's role in bolstering a country's economic health remains significant, according to NDTV. Woman arriving from Dubai arrested with over 8 kg gold at Dhaka airport Top 10 Countries by Gold Reserves 1. United States: Leading the pack, the US boasts 8,1336.46 tonnes of gold 2. Germany: Close on the heels with 3,352.65 tonnes 3. Italy: Securing third place with 2,451.84 tonnes. 4. France: Holding the fourth position with 2,436.88 tonnes. 5. Russia: Completing the top five with 2,332.74 tonnes, as reported by Forbes. Notably, China, an emerging economic powerhouse, ranks sixth with 2,191.53 tonnes, highlighting the shift in global economic dynamics. Switzerland, Japan, India, and the Netherlands round out the top 10, each maintaining significant reserves between 1,040 to 612.45 tonnes of gold. Gold worth Tk 7-cr seized at Airport; 4 held Why Do Countries Stockpile Gold? Gold's primary appeal lies in its ability to act as a dependable value store, ensuring economic stability during tumultuous times. Despite moving away from the gold standard, many countries view substantial gold reserves as crucial for currency stability. Diversification of assets is another compelling reason. Gold serves as a physical, tangible asset, offering a buffer against other asset value fluctuations. Its inverse relationship with the US dollar enhances its appeal, especially as a hedge in volatile markets. 4.5kg gold recovered from Biman flight at Ctg airport Gold also plays a vital role in international trade and finance. Some nations use it to balance trade deficits or as collateral for loans, thereby boosting their global economic standing. In crises, gold emerges as a safeguard against economic downturns and geopolitical tensions, protecting economies from inflation and currency devaluation. As central banks reaffirm the importance of gold, these gleaming assets continue to shape the economic futures of countries worldwide, the report concludes. Where was the CCTV camera? Investigators wonder about missing gold at Dhaka Airport customs

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will start operating Dhaka-Rome flights from March next year, Biman MD and CEO Shafiul Azim said today (December 21, 2023). He was speaking at the ATJFB dialogue, organised by the Aviation and Tourism Journalist Forum of Bangladesh, at the Biman Training Centre in Dhaka. All Biman employees to get 5% allowance as ‘special incentive’ Mohammad Salahuddin, director (marketing) of Biman, said, "We discontinued the Dhaka-Rome flight after 2009. Now it will be resumed, for which GSA has been appointed, and ground-handling has been finalised.” “We can operate direct flights to Rome, Italy or via another country. We are studying it. It will take 9-10 hours for the direct flight to reach Rome,” he said. Biman commences flights on Dhaka-Chennai route For possible transition points, he mentioned Kuwait or Dubai. However, nothing is finalised, he said. ATJFB President and Special Correspondent of BSS, Md Tanzim Anwar, moderated the dialogue. ATJFB General Secretary and Bangla Vision Special Correspondent Ziaul Haque Sabuj delivered the welcome speech. London-bound Biman makes emergency landing in Sofia to save ailing passenger Senior officials of Biman and ATJFB members were present in the dialogue.

In recent years, several earthquakes have devastated different parts of the globe. Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement along tectonic plates within the surface of earth. These movements release energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the earth's surface to shake. These geological events disrupt lives and economies, standing as stark reminders of the need for earthquake preparedness. Let's take a look at the top earthquake-prone countries across the world and understand their vulnerabilities. The World's 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries Japan Japan occupies a precarious position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc characterized by fault lines and volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean basin. This is the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine, Okhotsk, and Eurasian. The primary reason behind Japan's seismic vulnerability is the collision and subduction of these tectonic slabs. The Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges. Read more Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 19,759 lives. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, measuring magnitude 7, caused about 273 fatalities.

Thriving for healthy living and aspiring for an extended life is a common pursuit. People often wonder if there are places where this aspiration transforms into reality. The Blue Zones concept seems to make that imagination come true. This article is going to decode the mysteries of living longer, healthier lives. Let’s try to hold the key to unlock an exceptional sense of well-being. What is the Blue Zone?  The origins of the Blue Zone concept can be traced back to the inquisitive demographic research of Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain in 2004. Their discovery led them to Sardinia's Nuoro Province, a place so abundantly endowed with male centenarians that it earned the name. This initial revelation stirred the curiosity of explorer Dan Buettner, prompting him to unveil four additional zones of wonder. These regions each offer a distinct blend of factors contributing to the prolonged, vibrant lives of their inhabitants. Read more: 13 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites Blue Zone Locations around the World Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy Sardinia, a rugged island off the Italian mainland, where the concept of Blue Zones first took root. This remarkable enclave boasts a population where men live almost as long as women, an unusual occurrence when compared to most other regions worldwide. The diet here consists mainly of whole grains, vegetables, beans, dairy products, and limited meat consumption. Their lifestyle encourages daily chores and walking, as Sardinia is a mountainous island. Many traditional shepherds still can be found walking over five miles. Read more: Superfood Moringa Powder: Know Its Health Benefits, Side Effects Sardinians also enjoy local wine, as part of their social tradition, called Cannonau or grenache. Strong family and community ties are central to their way of life, with multiple generations often residing in the same household. In Sardinia, it's about living better and cherishing family above all else.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returned home early Thursday after a three-day visit to Italy during which she attended the UN food system summit. A regular flight of Qatar Airways, carrying the premier and her entourage members, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 01:50am. Earlier, the she departed from Rome Fiumicino Airport at 09:45am local time (01:45pm BST). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to Rome on June 23 to attend the United Nations Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) at the invitation of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres. PM leaves Rome for home after Italy visit The summit was held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome on July 24-26 with the theme “Sustainable Food Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity: Diverse Pathways in a Shared Journey”. The prime minister delivered her address at the opening ceremony of the conference as a special guest speaker, addressed its plenary session titled “Food Systems and Climate Action” and opened Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room at the FAO headquarters on July 24. Besides, Hasina held a bilateral meeting with her Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal at newly opened Bangladesh-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Room in the FAO headquarters on the sideline of the UN Food Systems Summit. BNP wants to destabilise the country, not election: PM Hasina says in Rome Three Italian Ministers -agriculture minister Francesco Lollobrigida, interior minister Matteo Piantedosi and justice minister Carlo Nordio met her at FAO headquarters. FAO Director General Qu Dongyu, President of International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) Alvaro Lario and World Food Programme (WFP) executive director Cindy Hensley McCain separately met her on the same day. On July 25, Hasina held a bilateral meeting with her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni. Two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)- “Cooperation in the Field of Energy” and “Cultural Exchange Programme” were exchanged between Bangladesh and Italy in the presence of the two leaders. Italian PM stresses legal migration of workers from Bangladesh The premier attended the “Conference of Bangladesh Envoys in Europe,” which was held at her place of residence with participation of Bangladeshi envoys stationed in 15 European countries. PM Hasina also addressed a community event hosted by the expatriate Bangladeshis in Italy on July 25.