United News of Bangladesh

The surge in AI (artificial intelligence) has revolutionized content creation, blurring the lines between what is genuine and what is computer-generated. As this technology becomes more sophisticated, the challenge of distinguishing between real and AI-generated content intensifies. This distinction is increasingly vital for maintaining credibility in the media. This article presents proven and reliable techniques for accurately identifying AI-made images. Proven Strategies to Identify an AI-generated Image Analyzing Image Details AI-crafted visuals often exhibit subtle, yet telling inconsistencies. For instance, textures might appear unnatural or overly smooth, while object alignments can seem off, forming a sense of visual distortion. Common issues include strange artifacts around edges or repetitive patterns uncommon in real-world photography. Additionally, aspects like hair, hands, or reflections are often areas where AI struggles to replicate natural accuracy. Discrepancies that hint at artificial creation can be detected more readily by closely analyzing these details. Read more: How Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Healthcare? Metadata Examination Genuine photographs typically contain detailed metadata, including camera model, lens type, exposure settings, and even GPS coordinates. Algorithmically designed images, however, often need more comprehensive data. Instead, metadata might show signs of image-editing software or specific AI tools used in the design process. For example, metadata may include software names or unusual data entries that deviate from standard photographic metadata. Scrutinizing these elements often discerns whether the image was taken with a camera or generated through AI. Understanding AI Art Styles Recognizing digitally fabricated images often involves understanding their distinct artistic styles. These computer-programmed arts often follow distinct patterns, including surreal elements, exaggerated forms, and strikingly vibrant color schemes. The configurations always stand apart from conventional photography. Read more: Ai and Future of Content Writing: Will Artificial Intelligence replace writers? For instance, AI might produce images with inconsistent lighting or shadow effects, or details that appear overly smooth or enhanced. Familiarity with these stylistic traits and digital quirks are poised as major indicators for simulated fabrication. Reverse Image Search Submitting an image to a reverse search engine allows users to uncover its online appearances, including potential sources and related visuals. This method can reveal if a picture is linked to known AI databases or if it has been flagged as computer-generated in other contexts. Furthermore, reverse searches can uncover if the image has been used or modified in various locations. This assessment assists in verifying if the work is original or not. Read more: Top Home Electronics in Bangladesh for 2024: Simplify Your Life with These Smart Devices Checking for AI-made Elements Examining specific elements within an image can expose a lack of authenticity. For example, unnatural lighting and shadow effects generally do not match the real-world light sources in the scene. AI may struggle with accurate light source placement, leading to inconsistent or unrealistic shadowing. In addition, synthesized imagery might feature unusual combinations of objects or scenarios that defy logical consistency, such as items appearing in impractical or improbable arrangements. Spotting these discrepancies helps determine if an image is created by AI rather than being a genuine photograph. Summing Up Detecting AI-generated images requires a keen eye and a strategic approach. Analyzing subtle inconsistencies in visual details and verifying metadata can reveal digital origins. Distinctive AI styles and reverse image searches help track image sources. Finally, assessing lighting and object placement ensures natural accuracy. With advancing AI technology, identifying these features is essential for ensuring the authenticity and credibility of visual media. Read more: AI & Future of Jobs: Will Artificial Intelligence or Robots Take Your Job?

The internet shutdown on July 18 during the student protests was ordered by the then State Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), according to preliminary findings by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. In a statement on Wednesday, Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Emdadul Haque said that on July 18, internet services were suddenly cut off by upstream International Internet Gateway (IIG) providers without prior notice to ISPs. The shutdown's cause has since been clarified by a government investigation, which found that the decision to suspend internet services was made under the direction of the former ICT and Telecommunications State Minister and the NTMC. The shutdown was executed through the International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) providers and the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL), which operate above the ISP layer and are directly linked to the IIGs. “When the internet was cut off that day, various media outlets reached out to us for an explanation since we lead broadband internet services. I mentioned that we could not provide internet service because our IIG was not supplying bandwidth,” Haque explained. “Perhaps my statement was misinterpreted in some quarters, and for that, I am genuinely sorry. Such activities are indeed regrettable, but the real reasons have now been made clear to everyone.” Haque further emphasized the impact of the internet shutdown, saying, “As a businessman and an ordinary internet user, I demand compensation for the financial losses our industry suffered due to the shutdown. The damage inflicted on all sectors in Bangladesh by this internet blackout is irreparable. As a concerned citizen, I urge the current and future governments to never again resort to shutting down the internet under any circumstances. The internet is synonymous with freedom of speech, and we must ensure that this freedom is never compromised.”

Plenty of ebooks are available online for purchase or free download, and you don't need a dedicated ebook reader to enjoy them. Simply use an ebook reader app on your phone or tablet. Whether you're reading Mobi, EPUB, or PDF files, there's an ebook app that suits your needs. Let’s learn about some of the best eBook Reader Apps for mobile devices. Top Apps for Android, and iOS to Read eBooks on Screen Google Play Books & Audiobooks Google Play Books & Audiobooks, developed by Google LLC, is a popular reading app with a 4.3-star rating on Google Play and a 4.5-star rating on the App Store. The app is free to download, with no subscription required to purchase books. It offers millions of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and manga. Features include offline reading, customisable reading settings, syncing across devices, and the ability to organize your library into shelves. The app size varies with the device, requiring Android 16.0 and iOS 16.0 or later, with an 82.4 MB download size on iOS. Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka Barnes & Noble NOOK The Barnes & Noble NOOK app is a free digital reading platform offering access to over 4 million eBooks, comics, manga, and magazines, along with 300,000 audiobooks. Developed by Barnes & Noble, the app is available on both Android and iOS. On Google Play, it has a 3.2-star rating, while on the App Store, it holds a 4.7-star rating and needs iOS 14.0 or later. The app size is 162.3 MB on iOS. Features include customizable reading and listening experiences, syncing across devices, and family profiles for shared access. Kobo Books The Kobo Books app, developed by Rakuten Kobo Inc., offers a comprehensive reading experience with a 4.0 rating on Google Play and a 4.5 rating on the App Store. Free to download, it provides access to over 6 million eBooks and audiobooks. In-app purchases range from BDT 5.00 to BDT 110,000.00. Read more: 10 Best Audiobook Apps for Android, iOS The app is compatible with Android 8.0+ and iOS 16.0+, with a download size of 97 MB for Android and 174.1 MB for iOS. Features include customizable reading settings, audiobook playback, multi-device sync, and support for multiple languages. Libby Libby, the Library App, developed by OverDrive, Inc., is a free, highly-rated app for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks from libraries It boasts a 4.3 rating on Google Play and a 4.8 rating on the App Store. The app is lightweight, with a download size of 3 MB on Android and 11.2 MB on iOS. Compatible with Android 7.1+ and iOS 10.0+, Libby allows users to browse, borrow, and read or listen to titles offline, sync reading positions across devices, and even send eBooks to Kindle (U.S. only). The app offers adjustable text settings, a versatile audiobook player, and easy library card management. Read more: Top 10 Wallet Apps to Organize Finances FBReader FBReader, developed by FBReader.ORG Limited, is a versatile and free eBook reader that supports a range of formats including ePub, PDF, Kindle azw3, and more. It has a 4.2 rating on Google Play and a 3.4 rating on the App Store.

The government is considering forming an independent media commission, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam said on Sunday. The adviser said this while exchanging views with journalists  at his Secretariat office. "We have primarily thought about an independent media commission. We will determine its framework through discussions with journalists. We aim to take these initiatives based on feedback from the journalist community," the advisor said on the first day in charge of the ministry. Nahid  further mentioned that the ministry would soon decide about the films that were not released due to non-clearance of the Censor Board. "We will quickly reorganise the Censor Board making decisions based on logical reasoning," he added. He requested the media to limit the coverage of his photos, saying, "I have been trying to stay out of the spotlight for the past few days." When asked about cases being filed allegedly out of personal vendettas, he said, "We have instructions to ensure that no action is taken against those who were not involved in crimes. If cases are filed, they will be handled based on clear investigations. The Ministry of Law has been given specific instructions in this regard." Regarding the long-pending Journalist Protection Act, Nahid  acknowledged its delay and assured that he would address it. On the investigation into the murders of journalists Sagar and Runi, he said that the government is seeking a swift resolution, emphasising that there would be no delay or deception in this matter. The adviser also mentioned that the government is considering structural reforms across all ministries to achieve long-term benefits. This includes discussions on revising various laws, addressing journalists' salaries, and modernising institutions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. When asked about corruption within the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) and the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), Nahid  emphasised that there should be no place for corruption or favouritism. "We must ensure that these institutions operate with complete impartiality," he asserted. Nahid remarked that the greatest strength of the media is its impartiality. He expressed concern that, similar to the political divide between the Awami League and BNP, the media also appears divided along partisan lines. He urged journalists to avoid such divisions and to speak for the people from a neutral standpoint.

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?