United News of Bangladesh

Initial findings from the investigation into last month’s Air India crash suggest that the aircraft’s engines lost power shortly after takeoff due to the fuel control switches being turned off. According to a report released Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, one of the pilots was recorded asking the other why the fuel had been shut off during the plane’s final moments. The second pilot responded that he had not done so. The crash occurred on June 12, when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India went down in the city of Ahmedabad. At least 260 people, including 19 on the ground, were killed. Only one passenger survived, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history. The report is based on data retrieved from the aircraft’s black boxes — which include both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the flight data recorder (FDR). What Are Black Boxes?Black boxes are essential devices that help investigators piece together the sequence of events leading to an airplane crash. Despite the name, they are painted bright orange to help locate them easily among debris, especially in difficult terrain or ocean crashes. They are typically placed in the tail of the aircraft, as it is often the most structurally resilient part during a crash. Role of the Cockpit Voice RecorderThe CVR captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot conversations, radio transmissions, engine sounds, and alarms. These recordings can reveal crucial details such as warning signals, engine behavior, and crew interactions. Experts transcribe the audio with great precision, a process that can take up to a week. Role of the Flight Data RecorderThe FDR tracks critical flight information, including altitude, speed, and direction — among at least 88 key metrics that modern aircraft are required to monitor. Some newer systems can log over 1,000 parameters, such as wing flap positions or smoke alarm activations. Using this data, investigators can create a 3D computer model of the flight's trajectory and systems' behavior. Origin of the Black BoxThe invention of the black box is credited to two innovators. In the 1930s, French engineer François Hussenot created a system to record flight data on photographic film. Later, in the 1950s, Australian scientist David Warren developed the concept of a cockpit voice recorder while studying the mysterious crash of the Comet, the world’s first commercial jetliner. Warren built a prototype in 1956, but widespread adoption took several years. Why Is It Called a “Black Box”?The term "black box" may come from Hussenot’s original light-sealed film recorder. Others believe the name stuck because the devices often turn black when scorched in crashes. Despite being bright orange for visibility, the term “black box” persists, partly due to the mystery and intrigue it evokes in the wake of aviation disasters.

The latest iteration of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok 4, is drawing attention for an unusual feature: before answering some questions, it checks what Musk himself has said on the topic. Developed by Musk’s AI venture xAI and released on Wednesday night, Grok 4 appears to incorporate its creator’s opinions into its responses, particularly on controversial subjects such as geopolitics, race, gender, and politics. This behavior has raised eyebrows among AI researchers and transparency advocates. Simon Willison, an independent AI researcher, called the behavior “extraordinary.” In his tests, Grok searched Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for the billionaire’s comments on controversial issues — including the conflict in the Middle East — even when the prompt did not mention Musk. “Currently looking at his views to see if they guide the answer,” Grok told Willison during one session. xAI has not released a technical document — known as a system card — detailing how Grok 4 works, a standard practice in the AI industry. Nor has the company responded to media inquiries about the chatbot’s design. Musk’s xAI removes offensive Grok posts following antisemitic remarks Built using extensive computing infrastructure in Tennessee, Grok 4 is Musk’s attempt to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini with a so-called "reasoning model" that displays its thinking process before answering. Experts suggest Grok’s behavior might stem from built-in system prompts or internal alignment with Musk’s publicly stated values. “It seems that Musk’s effort to create a maximally truthful AI has somehow led to it believing its own values must align with Musk’s own values,” said Tim Kellogg, principal AI architect at Icertis. The model’s lack of transparency is especially troubling for critics like University of Illinois computer science professor Talia Ringer, who earlier criticized Grok’s antisemitic content. Ringer believes Grok may be interpreting user queries as requests for xAI’s or Musk’s opinion rather than providing an independent answer. While Grok 4 is performing well in benchmarks, experts warn that surprises — such as seeking Musk’s input or making offensive comments — could deter developers and users seeking reliable tools. Source: Agency 

Bitcoin reached a new record high on Friday, climbing above $118,000 for the first time as investor interest in cryptocurrency remains strong — fueled by growing inflows into spot bitcoin ETFs and pro-crypto sentiment from former President Donald Trump. Data from CoinMarketCap shows bitcoin peaked at $118,856 early Friday before dipping slightly below the $118,000 mark in the afternoon. Despite the minor decline, it remained near its record, up roughly $8,000 from a month ago and more than double its value from a year earlier. The surge comes as spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which launched last year, have brought broader access to crypto investing. Analysts point to a wave of investment into these funds as a key driver of bitcoin’s recent momentum. A weakened U.S. dollar and the crypto-supportive stance of Trump’s administration have further helped push prices higher. In a major development for crypto regulation, the U.S. Senate recently passed the GENIUS Act — legislation aimed at regulating stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency typically tied to the U.S. dollar. The bill, which stands for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins, sets out consumer protections and regulatory frameworks for the asset. The House is expected to take up the bill next week as part of a broader push to legitimize and regulate digital assets. This rapid legislative action follows a 2024 election season in which the cryptocurrency industry emerged as one of the largest political donors in the U.S. Once skeptical of digital currencies, Trump has since become a vocal supporter of the industry. During his 2024 campaign, he championed crypto and has since sought to expand his family’s involvement in the space. This week, Trump Media & Technology Group filed documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a new “Crypto Blue Chip ETF,” expected to launch later this year. Bitcoin’s rise is happening alongside ongoing economic uncertainty, including global instability driven by Trump’s reintroduced tariffs targeting major trade partners. Citi analysts noted that bitcoin has bounced back in step with macroeconomic developments, crediting the Trump administration’s policy shifts and increasing ETF investments for the recent price rally. Supporters often refer to bitcoin as “digital gold” — a potential hedge against volatility. Still, many remain cautious, citing the cryptocurrency’s past price swings and vulnerability to broader market shifts. In April, bitcoin briefly dropped below $75,000 following a widespread market sell-off triggered by Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement — marking its lowest point since before his 2024 election win. While bitcoin has more than recovered since then, its history of extreme volatility remains a key concern for investors. The lesson: crypto gains can be swift, but losses can come just as fast.

Global Citizen, the international advocacy group fighting to end extreme poverty, is shifting its strategy towards engaging cities as it seeks to overcome political gridlock that has slowed global policy action. Since 2008, Global Citizen has worked with governments and private entities to drive funding for global aid efforts, including polio eradication. But co-founder Simon Moss said on Thursday that local leaders are now playing a greater role in addressing crises traditionally tackled by national or international bodies. “You can often make more progress working with people in a city who live the reality every day,” Moss said. “It’s sometimes easier than waiting for politicians in national capitals, where big-picture decisions are increasingly stalled.” This city-centric approach emerged from conversations with partners across major African and North American urban centers. Hosting its first U.S. conference outside New York in Detroit, Global Citizen spotlighted a city undergoing revitalization after decades of population decline and industrial downturn. The group is responding to U.N. projections that over two-thirds of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050 — a trend that could deepen urban poverty if not addressed through inclusive local policies. Is Outlook down? Thousands of users report issues accessing their email To prevent marginalized communities from missing out on technological advances, Global Citizen launched a new partnership to make AI more accessible. Goodera, a company promoting corporate volunteering, aims to train 10 million people in AI literacy by 2030 — half of them underserved women and youth. During a panel, billionaire Mark Cuban praised AI tools like ChatGPT for helping small businesses thrive, calling it a game-changer. Ghana’s youth minister George Opare Addo noted how farmers are already using AI to improve yields, but said young people must also be empowered as creators of technology. EU launches voluntary AI code of practice to help businesses navigate new rules Other discussions emphasized the cultural role of food, art, and sports in strengthening community bonds. From celebrity chefs to poets and athletes, panelists highlighted how cities must preserve their identity through the voices of those who’ve long shaped them. Source: Agency 

Several thousand Microsoft Outlook users ran into issues with the email platform Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with some reporting problems like loading their inboxes or signing in. Microsoft 365’s status page first said that it was investigating an issue with Outlook on Wednesday night, and later shared it was deploying a fix. But affected systems aren’t fully back online yet — with the company noting that it encountered a problem with its initial remedy. “We identified an issue with the initial fix, and we’ve corrected it,” Microsoft 365 Status wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Thursday morning. “We’re continuing to deploy the fix, and we’re closely monitoring the deployment to ensure no further issues are encountered.” Microsoft did not immediately provide more information about what had caused the outage. A spokesperson for Microsoft had no further comment when reached by The Associated Press on Thursday. As of around 11:30 a.m. ET, more than 2,770 users worldwide had reported issues with Outlook, formerly also Hotmail, to outage tracker Downdetector.

The European Union on Thursday unveiled a voluntary code of practice for general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to help thousands of companies across the 27-member bloc comply with the EU’s upcoming AI Act. The code is designed to guide businesses in meeting the EU’s landmark AI regulations, approved last year and being implemented in phases. It focuses on three key areas: transparency requirements for AI developers, copyright protections, and ensuring the safety and security of advanced AI systems. While not legally binding, the code supports the AI Act, whose rules on general-purpose AI—such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT—are set to come into effect on August 2. Enforcement by the EU’s AI Office, however, will not begin for at least another year. The AI Act categorizes AI use based on risk, banning the most dangerous applications and imposing varying levels of oversight on others. Companies found in violation could face fines of up to €35 million (around $41 million), or 7% of their global revenue. Musk’s xAI removes offensive Grok posts following antisemitic remarks Some major tech firms, including Meta, have voiced opposition, calling the regulations impractical. U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned earlier this year that overregulation could stifle innovation. Meanwhile, more than 40 European companies—including Airbus, Mercedes-Benz, Philips, and AI startup Mistral—have called for a two-year delay, citing overly complex and unclear rules that could hinder Europe’s competitiveness. But Brussels appears determined to move forward. “This is an important step toward making AI in Europe both innovative and safe,” said EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen.

Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, announced on Wednesday that it is removing inappropriate content posted by its chatbot Grok, which recently made antisemitic statements — including praise for Adolf Hitler. Grok, created by xAI as a response to what Musk has called "woke" AI models like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is intended to offer a less politically filtered experience. Musk stated last Friday that Grok had received a major upgrade and users “should notice a difference.” However, since that update, Grok has posted antisemitic content, including repeating the trope that Jews control Hollywood and denying such comments were connected to Nazism. In one post, it even seemed to glorify Hitler. The posts, which have since been deleted, were widely shared via screenshots. After backlash, Grok retracted one of its statements, calling it an “unacceptable error from an earlier model version” and strongly condemning Hitler and Nazism as genocidal and horrific. In a post early Wednesday, Grok’s account acknowledged the situation, saying, “We are aware of recent posts made by Grok and are actively working to remove the inappropriate posts.” xAI further stated that it’s working to prevent hate speech from appearing in Grok’s responses by enhancing content moderation and training the model with the help of user feedback from X (formerly Twitter). Talia Ringer, a computer science professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said the issue may stem from a “soft launch” of Grok 4, the latest version of the chatbot, which Musk released later on Wednesday. However, she expressed concerns that the model isn’t ready for public use and likely requires retraining. She noted that minor fixes like tweaking prompts or adding filters won’t fully address the problem. Despite the controversy, Musk went ahead with the launch of Grok 4.0, making bold claims that it operates at a postgraduate level in every subject. He acknowledged, however, that it still lacks common sense and hasn’t yet made original discoveries — though he suggested that may come soon. The Anti-Defamation League condemned Grok’s recent behavior, calling it “irresponsible, dangerous and antisemitic,” warning that such content only serves to promote existing hate online. Musk responded to the backlash by suggesting that users were intentionally manipulating Grok into making controversial statements. “Grok was too compliant to user prompts. Too eager to please and be manipulated,” he said on X, promising that improvements are underway. In addition to the antisemitic remarks, Grok also faced legal backlash abroad. A Turkish court banned the chatbot after it reportedly made vulgar comments about President Erdogan, his mother, and other public figures. Polish officials similarly criticized Grok for offensive remarks about their politicians, with Poland’s digital minister saying he would report the chatbot to the European Commission for potential fines under EU digital safety regulations. Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said this case illustrates how AI-driven hate speech, if unchecked, could pose serious societal risks. In Turkey, the government cited threats to public order as the reason for banning Grok, with the country’s telecommunications authority ordered to enforce the block. This isn’t the first time Grok has drawn scrutiny. Earlier this year, it repeatedly brought up South African racial politics and conspiracy theories about “white genocide,” even in unrelated conversations. xAI later attributed that issue to an “unauthorized modification.”

Programming has become a crucial skill worldwide, and top international universities now offer free, high-quality courses online. These programs provide expert-led training, real-world projects, and certificates—all accessible from home. Whether you are a beginner or upskilling, these free online programming courses are your gateway to tech success.  8 Free Online Programming Learning Courses in World’s Best International Universities . Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by University of Michigan  If you are just getting started with coding, Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by the University of Michigan is hands down one of the best free courses available online. Hosted on Coursera and taught by Dr. Charles Severance (aka Dr. Chuck), this course has attracted over 3 million learners, making it one of the top online courses ever created. What makes this course a standout is its absolute beginner-friendliness. You do not need any prior programming knowledge—not even complex math skills. If you can do basic arithmetic, you are good to go. Dr. Chuck breaks down core concepts with crystal-clear explanations and a down-to-earth teaching style that resonates with learners of all ages.  Read more: Jack Dorsey’s Bitchat: Revolutionizing Messaging Without the Internet The course begins with foundational programming topics using Python 3, covering everything from installing Python to writing your first program, understanding variables, using conditionals and loops, defining functions, and working with user input. This course is included in the broader Python for Everybody Specialization, but you can audit the first course entirely for free. It comes with a free textbook, interactive assignments (if you opt for the paid track), and a strong support community. It is a perfect first step into the world of coding.  Computing in Python I: Fundamentals and Procedural Programming by Georgia Institute of Technology Computing in Python I is a highly acclaimed beginner-level course offered by the Georgia Institute of Technology on edX, taught by the renowned educator Dr. David Joyner. Designed for those with little to no programming background, this course uses Python as its teaching language while covering the fundamental principles of computer science and procedural programming.  It is part of the Introduction to Python Programming Professional Certificate. With over 250,000 enrollments, it has earned a strong reputation for its excellent instructional design and clarity. Read more: 10 Essential Tech Skills for Thriving in the Metaverse by 2030 The course is structured into seven key chapters, each focusing on a foundational concept in programming. It starts with computing basics, helping learners understand how computers process code and interpret instructions. F rom there, students learn the basics of programming, including how to write and execute code, followed by an introduction to debugging. As the course progresses, learners dive into procedural programming, learning how to write sequences of code to solve problems efficiently. Other important modules include variables and data types, logical operators for making decisions, and mathematical operations to perform complex calculations in Python. The course includes short video lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice exercises. It is completely free to audit, making it an excellent starting point for anyone serious about building a solid foundation in programming.  Programming Languages, Part A by University of Washington Programming Languages, Part A by the University of Washington, available on Coursera, is a top-tier intermediate course that dives deep into the foundational concepts of programming languages, with a focus on functional programming.  Read more: Does Everyone Need to Learn Programming? The Truth About Coding in The Age of AI Taught by Professor Dan Grossman, this course emphasizes writing robust, reusable, and elegant code by exploring the core ideas common to all programming languages. While Python is often a starting point for many learners, this course introduces you to SML, Racket, and Ruby, teaching not just syntax but how languages truly “fit together.” The syllabus is structured across four main sections. You will begin by setting up your development environment and completing a warm-up “Homework 0.” Then, the core content kicks off with sections focused on SML fundamentals, higher-order functions, recursive logic, pattern matching, closures, type inference, and module systems.  Each section includes lectures, graded assignments, and thought-provoking readings. The final week features an exam summarizing Part A. Though challenging, this course offers immense value and is highly rated for its academic rigor and clarity. It is ideal for learners looking to elevate their programming understanding beyond the basics.  Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose by Princeton University Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose, offered by Princeton University on Coursera, is a highly comprehensive and beginner-friendly introduction to programming using Java. It is taught by esteemed professors Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne.  Read more: 10 Most Prestigious Global Programming Contests The course is designed not only to teach Java syntax but to equip learners with core computational thinking and problem-solving skills applicable across all modern programming environments. It is suitable for first-year college students and motivated high schoolers, requiring no prior coding experience.  The syllabus is robust and thoughtfully structured. It begins with basic programming concepts such as variables, loops, conditionals, and arrays. Then it progresses to input/output operations and graphical programming, enabling students to create animations and visual representations. The course also dives into modular programming, recursion, and performance analysis.  Advanced topics include object-oriented programming, abstract data types, and the creation of custom data types—culminating in projects like visualizing the Mandelbrot set. The final module introduces learners to a broad overview of programming languages and paradigms. All materials and exercises are freely accessible, though there is no certificate offered. This course not only teaches Java but also lays a solid foundation.  An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1) by Rice University An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1), offered by Rice University on Coursera, is an engaging and project-driven course designed for absolute beginners. Taught by a team of expert professors—Joe Warren, Scott Rixner, John Greiner, and Stephen Wong—this course helps learners build simple, interactive applications using Python 2.  Read more: How to Become a Programmer: An Ultimate Guide While it requires only basic high school math as a prerequisite, it challenges students to actively apply what they learn by creating games and interactive tools. The course is structured across five weeks, starting with statements, expressions, and variables, followed by lessons on functions, logic, and conditionals.  By week two, students dive into event-driven programming, mastering the use of local and global variables. Week three introduces graphical elements with canvas drawing and timers, leading to the creation of a digital stopwatch. The final week covers lists, keyboard inputs, and motion modeling, culminating in the development of a Pong game clone. With a hands-on browser-based tool called CodeSkulptor, learners write and run code directly online. The course blends theoretical learning with real-world practice, making it one of the most effective and enjoyable free programming courses for beginners.  Programming Fundamentals by Duke University Programming Fundamentals by Duke University, available on Coursera, is a top-rated beginner course that focuses on the core principles of problem-solving and algorithm design using the C programming language. Designed for learners with no prior programming experience, the course teaches a structured and highly effective approach called the Seven Steps, which helps students break down and solve any programming problem logically and efficiently. Read more: Game-based Programming: Best Coding Games for Children The course begins with an Introduction to the Seven Steps problem-solving process, using sequences and visual patterns to develop algorithmic thinking. In the Reading Code module, learners are trained to simulate and trace code by hand, enhancing their ability to write accurate and efficient programs.  The Types module dives into data types and their binary representations, helping students understand how computers interpret and store data beyond just numbers. The final Project module challenges learners to create and test their own sorting algorithm, reinforcing all the programming and problem-solving concepts learned. Taught by professors Andrew D. Hilton, Genevieve M. Lipp, and Anne Bracy, this course is part of the Introductory C Programming Specialization and is completely free to audit, making it a valuable resource for any aspiring programmer.  Introduction to Programming with MATLAB by Vanderbilt University Introduction to Programming with MATLAB, offered by Vanderbilt University on Coursera, is an ideal course for engineers, scientists, and professionals with little to no prior programming experience. This beginner-friendly course uses MATLAB not just as a tool, but as a gateway to understanding core computer science and programming concepts. MATLAB’s intuitive syntax and powerful capabilities make it a perfect choice for solving complex problems with concise, readable code—especially in scientific and engineering fields. Read more: What is the Best Programming Language to Learn First? The course starts by introducing the MATLAB environment and how to use it as an advanced calculator. Learners then progress to working with matrices and operators, which are central to MATLAB’s functionality. Next, it covers functions, promoting modular and reusable coding practices.  The Programmer's Toolbox module explores built-in functions, debugging techniques, and random number generation. The course also delves into selection structures (like if-statements), loops (for and while), and data types including strings, structs, and cells. Finally, it teaches file I/O operations, enabling interaction with text, binary, and Excel files. Taught by Akos Ledeczi, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Robert Tairas, the course includes a free MATLAB Online license during enrollment and blends practical assignments with theoretical learning. JavaScript Basics by University of California, Davis JavaScript Basics, offered by the University of California, Davis on Coursera, is an excellent entry-level course for learners who have basic knowledge of HTML and CSS but want to add interactivity to their web pages using JavaScript.  Read more: Free Online Basic Programming Courses for Beginners Taught by William Mead, this course introduces the foundational concepts of JavaScript, the language that powers over 97% of websites today. It is part of the JavaScript for Beginners Specialization and is ideal for those looking to transition from static to dynamic web development. The course begins with an introduction to JavaScript’s syntax, variables, and arrays, and covers how JavaScript evolved into the powerful language it is today. In the second module, learners explore logical flow control structures, such as conditionals and loops, and write custom functions.  The third module dives into DOM manipulation, event handling, and variable scoping, teaching how to create dynamic, interactive user experiences. The final module focuses on hands-on projects like a slideshow, distance converter, and a vacation destination list app. Read more: How to Use ChatGPT and Other AI Tools to Improve Your IELTS Writing and Speaking Preparation With 30 practice challenges, graded quizzes, and real-world projects, this course helps learners develop practical coding skills and is one of the best free-to-audit resources for learning JavaScript fundamentals.  In a Nutshell These top-tier free courses deliver expert instruction, hands-on practice, and foundational knowledge using Python, Java, JavaScript, MATLAB, C, and more—making them perfect for beginners and professionals alike to build real-world programming skills from the world’s best educational institutions.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has directed all mobile phone operators to provide 1GB of free Internet to users on 18 July, in observance of "Free Internet Day." The decision was made during a BTRC meeting on Tuesday, 8 July, chaired by the commission’s vice chairman, according to the BTRC order. As per the directive, the BTRC approved this initiative following instructions from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, aimed at reflecting public aspirations and promoting digital freedom. To ensure smooth implementation, operators have been instructed to notify users in advance via SMS and to extend full cooperation in observing the day. The order included a sample SMS message: “No one will take away the freedom to use the internet. On the occasion of July Uprising Day, you will receive 1GB of data on 18 July, valid for 5 days.”

A “click-to-cancel” rule, which would have required businesses to make it easy for consumers to cancel unwanted subscriptions and memberships, has been blocked by a federal appeals court just days before it was set to go into effect. The Federal Trade Commission's proposed changes, adopted in October, required businesses to obtain a customer's consent before charging for memberships, auto-renewals and programs linked to free trial offers. The FTC said at the time that businesses must also disclose when free trials or other promotional offers will end and let customers cancel recurring subscriptions as easily as they started them. The rule was set to go into effect on Monday, but the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said this week that the FTC made a procedural error by failing to come up with a preliminary regulatory analysis, which is required for rules whose annual impact on the US economy is more than $100 million. Impostor uses AI to pose as Rubio, contact US and foreign officials The FTC claimed that it didn't have to come up with a preliminary regulatory analysis because it initially determined that the rule's impact on the national economy would be less than $100 million. An administrative law judge decided that the economic impact would be more than the $100 million threshold. The court decided to vacate the rule. “While we certainly do not endorse the use of unfair and deceptive practices in negative option marketing, the procedural deficiencies of the Commission's rulemaking process are fatal here,” the court wrote. The FTC declined to comment on Wednesday.