United News of Bangladesh

Time moves a tad faster on the moon. Now an international group of astronomers has joined calls to give the moon its own clock so that future space missions can keep track of minutes on the celestial body. The International Astronomical Union voted Thursday encouraging space organizations across the globe to collaborate on a timekeeping standard for the moon, where one day lasts 29.5 Earth days. “That’s the crux of our resolution: to work together to establish this standard time,” U.S. Naval Observatory’s Susan Stewart said this week at the group's conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Stewart helped propose the resolution. The moon has less gravity compared to Earth, so time ticks by about 58.7 microseconds quicker every day. As more countries and private companies set their sights on future lunar missions, astronomers want to ensure perfect synchrony with a unified clock. Currently, a moon mission runs on the time of the nation that's operating the spacecraft. The European Space Agency pushed last year for the creation of a lunar clock. And earlier this year, the White House directed NASA and other agencies to cobble together an initial idea by the end of the year with a final plan due by the end of 2026. Astronomers are still in the early days of determining exactly how lunar time will tick, said Bijunath Patla, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “I think that the community has realized that this needs to be done,” Patla said. “And this is the beginning.”

Women’s safety remains one of the most concerning issues even in 2024. WHO estimates that globally, around one in three women (30%) has faced some form of violence in their lifetime. This begs the question, what’s the solution to such a persistent social problem? Considering the need, personal safety apps have become an effective way to ensure safety in every situation. Here’s a list of the best personal safety Android and iOS apps for women in 2024.  Built-in Native Safety Features in iOS and Android Beyond the need for apps, iOS and Android have several built-in features to ensure safety while alone or traveling. But it's more streamlined in iOS as different Android manufacturers have different take on the safety approach. With iOS, there’s the “Share My Location” option which will continuously share your location to the trusted contacts. You can even choose the duration of the share as per your preference. There is also the option of SOS emergency calling. It can be easily activated by pressing the power button and any of the volume buttons together. iOS 17 and above also has the “Check In” feature where you can set a destination before traveling. The feature will notify your trusted contacts once you have safely reached your destination.  Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps Android also has a location-sharing feature through Google Maps. Most Android versions also implement emergency calling though the activation process differs from one to another.  Best Free Personal Safety Android and iOS Apps for Women  While the native features come in handy, they can’t always ensure your safety. Besides there may be situations where you’re not in a state to make a proper emergency call. Here’s a list of specialized apps designed for safety with some added features that can be a great alternative to native options.  My SafetiPin My SafetiPin (https://safetipin.com/my-safetipin-app/) is a free personal safety app designed for women. Beyond the basics of personal safety, My SafetiPin brings something that’s not usually seen on other safety apps. And that’s its surrounding audit feature. Read more: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary With My SafetiPin, you can simply upload a picture of the area you’re in and get a safety score based on previous experiences of other users. You can also contribute to making the audit more robust by sharing your experience in a certain place.  The app can also guide you through a safe route, let you know about the nearby emergency services, and share your live location with your friends and family.  You can download My SafetiPin on both Android and iOS platforms.  Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka

Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has said that action will be initiated against officials involved in internet shutdown during recent student protests. He said this on Sunday while talking to journalists on the first day of his office at the Secretariat.  Nahid emphasized that those responsible for the internet shutdown during the protests will face consequences, with measures being taken as early as today. He said access to the internet is a right, so disrupting or shutting down internet services is a violation of human rights.  He also mentioned that indiscriminate internet shutdowns will no longer be tolerated. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology plans to incorporate youth participation to fulfill the aspirations of the younger generation.

Mobile internet has been shut down again on Sunday, on the instructions of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The BTRC has announced that the 4G network will remain off until further notice. During this period, only 2G services will be available for making calls. When contacted for further details, BTRC Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed declined to comment, saying that he was in a meeting. In a statement, Grameenphone said, “The authorities have shut down the mobile internet. We are in continuous communications with the relevant authorities regarding this issue.”

Earthquake alerts on smartphones offer crucial warnings mere seconds before the shaking begins, providing vital time to seek immediate safety. Utilizing advanced technology to detect seismic activity, these alerts help minimize injuries and save lives. Enabling this feature ensures preparedness and swift response during an earthquake, making it an indispensable tool for personal safety. Here's a step-by-step guide on activating the earthquake warning system on smartphones. How to Turn On Earthquake Alerts on Android Phones Prerequisites Before proceeding, it is necessary to ensure that both mobile data and Wi-Fi are enabled to access the internet. Additionally, the phone's location services must be activated to receive accurate alerts based on the right direction. Enabling of the Alarm Locate and tap the settings icon on the home screen. Scroll down to select the 'Safety and Emergency' option. Once inside, find the 'Earthquake Alerts' option, where the switch can be toggled to activate the alert on the device. Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Generally, these steps are almost the same for most phones that support the Google Play Store or Android model. Additional Features On the same screen, there is a small feature titled 'Demo' that simulates the smartphone's alert during an earthquake. It includes sounding an alarm, displaying earthquake magnitude and distance, and providing immediate action recommendations. Furthermore, following the 'Demo' option, there is another feature called 'Learn Earthquake Safety Tips'. It redirects to Google search and automatically displays safety information without requiring a search query to be typed. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Alternative Access for Some Devices Some Android phones may not have the 'Safety and Emergency' option in 'Settings'. In that case, the feature can be found in 'Location'. That is, after turning on the phone's location, it doesn’t need to go back to the settings. On the 'Location' screen, scroll further down to find the direct 'Earthquake Alert' option. Device Compatibility These steps are generally applicable to Android devices using Android 5 (Lollipop) and above. Versions below Android 12 may have slight variations in enabling the alarm. Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe How to Turn on Earthquake Alarm on iPhones Apple device users should navigate to the phone's 'Settings', then select 'Notifications'. From there, scroll down on the new screen to locate 'Emergency Alerts'. Activating this option toggles the earthquake alarm. How the Alert System Works Google's Earthquake Alarm system operates by leveraging the accelerometer sensors present in Android smartphones to detect seismic activity. These sensors can detect both surface vibrations and movements within structures, providing real-time earthquake data. Data Collection and Processing When Earthquake Alarm is enabled on an Android device, the accelerometer continuously monitors for seismic tremors. Upon detecting vibrations indicative of an earthquake, the smartphone immediately sends this data to Google's central server. Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World The server aggregates data from multiple smartphones in the affected area. By analyzing the timing and intensity of tremors reported by these devices, the system determines the occurrence, magnitude, and epicenter of the earthquake. Alert Distribution Upon processing the seismic data, Google's server promptly sends alerts to Android devices located within the affected region. These alerts are crucial for providing timely warnings to users, allowing them to respond swiftly to potential seismic hazards. There are two types of warning signals sent on earthquake levels: Be Aware Signals This signal is triggered for earthquakes with a magnitude up to 4.5 on the Richter scale. It notifies users through subtle vibrations, adjusted volume levels, and 'Do Not Disturb' settings on their phones. Read more: Post-Earthquake Cautions: Do’s & Don’ts Take Action Signals When the earthquake magnitude exceeds 4.5, this warning is activated. The alert occupies the entire screen of the smartphone, overriding 'Do Not Disturb' settings to ensure immediate attention. The notification sound is prominently activated to alert users to take necessary precautions. Summing Up Activating earthquake alarms on smartphones, compatible with Android and iPhones, requires an active internet connection and enabled location services. Using accelerometer data ensures timely warnings, empowering users to respond effectively during seismic events. These alerts underscore the importance of technology in enhancing safety and disaster preparedness worldwide. Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted?

Prime Minister's Advisor on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman on Sunday said the BASIS America Desk will help establish “strategic and friendly” relationships between Bangladeshi and US tech companies. “It will encourage joint research and development projects in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, and cybersecurity,” he said. Salman said BASIS must take on the role of mentoring and nurturing its member companies to ensure they conduct their businesses effectively. "We need to compete with other countries in the global market. The government is providing incentives to increase exports in this regard. Service exports are highly competitive, so maintaining quality is essential to staying ahead," he added. Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) launched the "BASIS America" desk to facilitate and strengthen ICT business collaborations between Bangladeshi ICT and software companies and their counterparts of the United States of America. The launching ceremony was held on Sunday at a hotel in the capital. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter D Haas was present as guest of honor at the ceremony. Additionally, the event was attended by officials from various embassies in Bangladesh, former presidents of BASIS, members of the executive committee, members, and senior officials from various government and private organizations. The United States is the largest export destination for Bangladeshi software and information technology products and services, accounting for about 27% of total export earnings. The BASIS America Desk will serve as a dedicated platform that showcases the latest technological advancements to American companies and investors, facilitate information exchange through seminars and B2B meetings, and organize training programs and workshops, thereby playing a leading role in enhancing the skills and knowledge exchange for BASIS members. Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President (Admin) of BASIS, said, "The primary objective of the BASIS America Desk is to create new opportunities in the US market for Bangladesh's IT sector and to expand skill development programs through technology and knowledge exchange." Additionally, he said, they aim to establish Bangladesh as a global ICT hub by building a smart economy. Ambassador Haas expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, highlighting its mutual benefits for both countries. He said BASIS America Desk represents a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between the ICT sectors of Bangladesh and the United States. "Transitioning from a closed market to an open market is more beneficial. Bangladesh can leverage AI to enhance the efficiency of its garment and software exports. However, this requires investment in human resource development and increased investment. Moreover, providing better services at a lower cost than neighbouring countries is essential. Utilizing AI solutions can help businesses expand," said the envoy. He hoped the BASIS America Desk will further enrich the export market to the USA. "I am confident that this initiative will play a vital role in strengthening bilateral trade, business expansion, and cooperation between the IT and software companies of both countries." BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed discussed the strategic vision of the BASIS America Desk and the future prospects of BASIS. He said there is no alternative to increasing foreign exchange earnings to strengthen our country's economy. "I firmly believe that the IT sector will play a crucial role in achieving this goal in the future. Through the BASIS America Desk, we aim to generate $5 billion in export revenue from the IT sector within the next 5-6 years by increasing the export of Bangladesh's IT services to the United States. To reach this goal, the BASIS America Desk will create opportunities for Bangladeshi companies to enter the US market. The BASIS America Desk is not just a platform; we are very optimistic that it will open doors of immense potential for BASIS members and Bangladeshi IT companies. Special emphasis now needs to be placed on human resource development. I firmly believe that this initiative by the BASIS America Desk will help establish Bangladesh as a strong IT hub," he said. In a video message as a special guest, State Minister for Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, "The launch of the BASIS America Desk is a significant milestone in strengthening Bangladesh's IT sector and positioning Bangladesh as a hub of information technology in the global market. By leveraging this platform, IT companies in both Bangladesh and the United States will be able to establish a strong mutual business relationship within the IT sector." At the programme, M Asif Rahman, Director of BASIS, delivered a keynote presentation. M Rashidul Hasan, Senior Vice President of BASIS also spoke. BASIS believes that through this initiative of forming the BASIS America Desk, both Bangladeshi and US IT and software companies will be able to create a business-friendly environment.  

The European Union says blue checkmarks from Elon Musk's X are deceptive and that the online platform falls short on transparency and accountability requirements in the first charges against a tech company since the bloc's new social media regulations took effect. The European Commission outlined on Friday the preliminary findings from its investigation into X, formerly known as Twitter, under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Services Act. Google falling short of important climate target, cites electricity needs of AI The rulebook, also known as the DSA, is a sweeping set of regulations that requires platforms to take more responsibility for protecting users and cleaning up their sites. Regulators took aim at X's blue checks, saying they constitute "dark patterns” that are not in line with industry best practice and can be used by malicious actors to deceive users. Future of Elon Musk and Tesla are on the line as shareholders vote on massive pay package After Musk bought the site in 2022, it started issuing the verification marks to anyone who paid $8 per month for one. Before Musk's acquisition, they mirrored verification badges common on social media and were largely reserved for celebrities, politicians and other influential accounts.

In today's fast-paced world, editing videos and reels on your smartphone is more convenient than ever. You can post videos right away while staying outdoors or attending an event. As numerous apps are available on App Store, and Google Play Store, choosing the right free or paid mobile-friendly video editing tool can be challenging. Let’s explore the top video editing apps for 2024 that cater to both Android and iOS users. 10 Best Mobile Video Editing Apps in 2024 LumaFusion LumaFusion is a popular video editing app with a 4.8/5 rating. It is a paid app, costing $29.99 as a one-time purchase. With a download size of 183 MB, this app was developed by LumaTouch LLC.  LumaFusion offers a range of professional-grade features, including keyframing, multi-track timeline editing, and advanced audio editing tools. Users can apply various filters, effects, and transitions to their videos. The app is popular among amateur and professional video editors for its comprehensive set of tools and intuitive interface, making it a powerful choice for mobile video editing on Android and iOS platforms. Read more: How to Block Ads on Android Phones in 2024 CapCut CapCut, developed by Bytedance, boasts a 4.6/5 rating. This free app offers in-app purchases and has a download size of 75 MB. CapCut is known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, making it ideal for quick video edits and social media content creation.  Its key features include color correction, background removal, and TikTok integration, which allows seamless sharing to the popular social media platform. Additionally, CapCut offers speech-to-text auto-captioning and precise speed control, making it a versatile tool for novice and experienced video editors looking for a comprehensive yet accessible mobile editing solution. Adobe Premiere Rush Adobe Premiere Rush, rated 4.5/5, is a free app with additional features available via a $9.99 monthly subscription. With a download size of 253 MB, this app is developed by Adobe Inc. It offers a streamlined version of the desktop Adobe Premiere Pro.  Read more: Best and Worst Android OS Considering Bloatware in 2024 Premiere Rush includes motion graphics templates, color correction tools, and a stock media library. It supports cross-platform editing, allowing users to start a project on their mobile device and finish on a desktop. The app is designed for social media content creators, offering easy sharing options to platforms like YouTube and Instagram, making it a versatile tool for quick and professional video edits. Videoleap Videoleap, developed by Lightricks Ltd., has a rating of 4.4/5. It offers a free trial, with subscriptions costing monthly $5.99 or a one-time purchase of $59.99. The download size is 170 MB.  Videoleap stands out for its advanced AI tools, including recoloring, voice modification, and uncropping. The app provides a powerful timeline editing feature, touch gestures for precision, and a wide range of filters and effects. Videoleap caters to professional editors and casual users, offering intuitive tools that simplify complex editing processes. It's an excellent choice for developing standard-quality videos on smartphones. Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps CyberLink PowerDirector CyberLink PowerDirector is a free app with a subscription available for $4.99 per month to unlock additional features. The app's download size is 130 MB, and it was developed by CyberLink Corp company. Its current rating is 4.3 out of 5.  It offers a comprehensive set of editing tools, including multi-track editing, chroma key, and masking. Users can also access a vast library of stock media through connections to Pexels and Pixabay. The app supports developing high-quality videos and provides a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users looking to create polished videos on their mobile devices.

Bangladesh has scored 62 out of 100 in the 2024 edition of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI). This score places Bangladesh below the average for both lower-middle-income countries, which is 64.8, and the Asia & Pacific region, which averages 77.3. In South Asia, Bangladesh’s performance is mixed compared to its neighbors. Pakistan scored 55.6, Sri Lanka 71.3, Bhutan 85.9, Maldives 81.5, and Afghanistan 33.1. Notably, India and Nepal were marked as having “insufficient data” in this year’s index. Read more: Malaysia keen on increasing investment in Bangladesh’s Telecom, ICT: Palak One of the key metrics where Bangladesh lags is universal connectivity, scoring 39.4. Internet usage among individuals stands at 38.9%, and 38.1% of households have internet access, according to ICT Development Index. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh excelled in mobile network coverage, achieving 98.5% population coverage for 3G and 4G networks. The 2024 ICT Development Index revealed an overall average score of 74.8 for the 170 economies surveyed, showing a 3.3% improvement from the previous year. Over half of the studied economies scored above 80 points, yet significant disparities remain: the lowest IDI score is 21.3, and 29 economies scored below 50 points. “Measurement is critical for achieving universal and meaningful connectivity. The journey toward a fully and meaningfully connected world is far from over, but with the right data, tools, and commitment, we can make significant strides in ensuring everyone benefits from digital connectivity, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “However, we have to recognize that each country has its own characteristics, faces its own challenges, and must follow its own development path.” Read more: Mobile phone calls drops: Govt to enforce stricter compensation, says Palak The ITU, a United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), continues to drive innovation in ICTs alongside its 193 Member States and over 900 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations.