India
Microsoft unveils strategic AI vision for India; here are the details
Microsoft has announced a comprehensive strategy to spearhead the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in India, aiming to empower AI developers and secure its position as the country's most trusted AI partner.
During a keynote in Bengaluru, CEO Satya Nadella outlined the company's mission to democratize AI access, stating, "AI for everyone. We want to be India's most trusted partner for that," as reported by NDTV. This initiative underscores Microsoft's commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the AI domain.
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As part of its commitment, Microsoft plans to provide AI training opportunities to 2 million individuals in India by 2025. This initiative will particularly focus on individuals in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as well as rural areas, aiming to promote equitable socio-economic development across the country. Nadella highlighted the importance of collaboration between India and the United States in establishing AI regulations and laws to guide this technological progression.
Reflecting on the evolution of chat-based AI technologies like GPT, Nadella celebrated the historical advancements in computing and expressed the goal of creating machines that can understand human users to facilitate natural conversations on a variety of subjects, including sports.
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Microsoft's strategy involves leveraging a neural engine for digitizing and processing data to analyze vast information sets and identify patterns. The company anticipates that AI will significantly contribute to economic growth, especially through initiatives like Microsoft Copilots. This new venture is set to be promoted through an extensive marketing campaign, aiming to solidify Microsoft's role in the AI landscape.
Moreover, Microsoft is investing in the development of AI infrastructure, including model training and inference capabilities. Nadella boasted about possessing some of the most advanced big models, such as variations of GPT, and detailed an ambitious plan for expanding the company's AI capabilities.
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FM Hasan seeks early conclusion of Teesta deal, renewal of Ganges Water sharing treaty with India
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday (February 07, 2024) emphasised on early conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement aiming to strengthen water cooperation between Bangladesh and India.
He also stressed the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty that will expire in 2026.
The issue of border killings was discussed during his bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on his maiden bilateral trip to India as the foreign minister.
Both sides agreed to enhanced cooperation between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) and using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero.
Foreign Minister Mahmud requested his Indian counterpart to withdraw tariff and non-tariff barriers for Bangladesh's exports, as well as ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh for maintaining price stability, especially during Ramadan.
Mahmud is visiting India from 6 to 9 February 2024 at the invitation of the External Affairs Minister of India.
Our discussions today will strengthen Bangladesh-India Maitri, says Jaishankar welcoming FM in New DelhiThe two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction on the excellent bilateral relation that exists between Bangladesh and India.
They discussed key areas of mutual interests, expressing a commitment to strengthening collaboration across various areas.
They stressed the need for deeper and high quality cooperation in various sectors especially trade and commerce, connectivity, power, defence and security cooperation and water.
Both the foreign ministers agreed to collaborate further each other at sub-regional, regional and multilateral platform.Mahmud thanked India for their cooperation and continued support in various sectors which resulted in a remarkable year of 2023 in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
He noted that a number of projects in promoting power sector cooperation and establishing connectivity were inaugurated by the two prime ministers.
Political stability, peace must for development and progress: Hasan Mahmud says in DelhiThe Indian External Affairs minister congratulated the Bangladesh Foreign Minister for conducting a very good and successful elections held last month.
Dr Jaishankar emphasised on regional connectivity and power sector cooperation.
He appreciated the government of Bangladesh under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for socio-economic advancement during last 15 years.
The minister noted that Bangladesh and India should work together to fulfill the aspiration of the peoples of both countries.
He stressed devising ways and means of fast tracking LoC projects.Both the foreign ministers discussed in details the evolving situation in Myanmar and its impact on the regional stability and repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh to Myanmar.
Bangladesh’s foreign minister reiterated for India's support in the early repatriation of Rohingya refugees.Both the foreign ministers expressed commitment to further enhance their collaboration to promote sub-regional cooperation within the framework of BIMSTEC, IORA and BBIN. The foreign minister invited the External Affairs Minister of India to Dhaka for the next Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) Meeting at his earliest convenience.Earlier, Mahmud paid tribute to the memories of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
He met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and visited Bangabandhu Media Centre at the Press Club of India.
FM Hasan, Jaishankar discuss scope of future engagement in line with "Smart Bangladesh 2041" and "Viksit Bharat 2047"
Foreign Minister says will discuss Rohingya repatriation issue with India during his visit
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday (February 06, 2024) said that the Rohingya repatriation issue will be discussed with India during his first bilateral visit to New Delhi apart from discussion on overall bilateral issues.
He mentioned that Myanmar is a neighbouring country for both Bangladesh and India.
Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister said Bangladesh has been seeking India's support regarding the Rohingya repatriation. "So, overall this issue will be discussed," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last September where the Rohingya issue was discussed.
123 more Myanmar security forces including army men make their way into Bangladesh: BGB
With regard to the regional situation, Modi expressed appreciation of the burden shouldered by Bangladesh in hosting over a million persons displaced from the Rakhine State in Myanmar, and conveyed India's constructive and positive approach to support solutions towards safe and sustainable repatriation of the refugees.
Since the Foreign Minister will have a meeting with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, the current security situation in Myanmar is likely to be discussed in the context of regional issues, said a diplomatic source.
The foreign minister is going to India tonight (Tuesday) and is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishanka on Wednesday.
The foreign minister is likely to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will have a separate meeting with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during his stay in New Delhi.
He will also pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the iconic Rajghat.
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He is likely to attend a seminar, too.
Asked about BNP's comment that the Myanmar BGP members are entering Bangladesh and the conflicts are spilling into Bangladesh territory due to the government's “lenient foreign policy,” Hasan said BNP leaders were "speaking the language of the insane."
"BNP thought that the foreign countries will not welcome the new government of Bangladesh after the polls, but now that all are welcoming and expressing their interest to work with us, BNP is speaking the language of the insane," he said.
Though the Foreign Minister will go to New Delhi directly, he will return to Dhaka via Kolkata on Friday night (February 9), a senior official told UNB.
In Kolkata, he will attend a "meet the press" event and a reception, to be hosted by the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.
Earlier, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, said issues of mutual interest including trade, connectivity and energy cooperation, people-to-people contacts and regional cooperation will be discussed between the two sides at the bilateral meeting to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.
Asked whether the Teesta water-sharing issue will be discussed in the meeting, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they expect the issue would be discussed.
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Raining Grammys for India: AR Rahman, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan in one epic selfie
In a landmark achievement for Indian music, the celebrated band Shakti, featuring the legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, clinched the Best Global Music Album award for their latest work, “This Moment,” at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Shortly after the ceremony, musical icon AR Rahman, who was in attendance, shared a moment of pride on social media, posting a selfie with Shakti’s acclaimed members – Mahadevan, Hussain, and Selvaganesh.T
op Grammy Award winners of 2024
Rahman’s post, filled with joy, praised their remarkable success: “It’s raining Grammys for India…Congrats Grammy winners #ustadzakirhussain (3 Grammys) @shankar.mahadevan (first Grammy) @selvaganesh,” capturing the celebratory spirit of the moment.
In an additional feather in their cap, Zakir Hussain, along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, also received the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for their collaborative piece, “Pashto.” This composition further earned accolades as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, highlighting the diverse talents within the Indian music scene.
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Ricky Kej, an Indian music composer and Grammy laureate himself, extended his congratulations via a heartfelt video of Shakti's acceptance speech, emphasizing the brilliance of these musicians and their contribution to India's global recognition in music. Kej’s enthusiastic post on X celebrated the band’s victory: “SHAKTI wins a Grammy!!! Through this album 4 brilliant Indian musicians won Grammys!! Just amazing. India is shining in every direction…”
This year’s Grammy success for Shakti and its members adds to a growing list of international accolades for Indian artists, including AR Rahman’s dual Grammy wins in 2010 for his work on “Slumdog Millionaire”.
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BSF regrets recent border killing, says Foreign Ministry
India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has officially regretted the recent border killing and expressed willingness to address the border issues through joint efforts.
The BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will also work together to prevent any such incident in the future.
BSF hands over body of BGB member after two days of killing
Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, made the remarks over the death of Sepoy Mohammad Raisuddin while replying to a question at the weekly briefing on Thursday.
Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud will visit India from February 7 to 9 as part of his first bilateral visit at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, Dr S Jaishankar.
BGB personnel shot in BSF firing dies in India
Asked whether the Teesta water-sharing issue will be discussed in the meeting, the foreign ministry spokesperson said they expect the issue would be discussed.
“In the upcoming visit, there will be a comprehensive discussion on various issues existing between Bangladesh and India. We are also expecting discussion on the Teesta water sharing agreement,” said the MoFA Spokesperson.
BSF hands over bodies of 2 Bangladeshi youths it shot dead after 15 days
She said it cannot be said at this moment whether the issue of China's proposed project on Teesta will be discussed.
“If India wants to know anything from us in this regard, then we will consider the matter,” she added.
Seheli Sabrin said issues of mutual interest including trade, connectivity and energy cooperation, people-to-people contacts, regional cooperation, connection will be discussed between the two sides to further strengthen Bangladesh-India relations.
Asked whether he will have a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud recently said, “It is too early to say.”
Jaishankar, earlier, invited his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Hasan Mahmud to visit New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma extended the invitation on behalf of the Indian External Affairs Minister.
The Foreign Minister embarked on a multilateral tour to Uganda last month to attend the NAM Summit.
He is now visiting Brussels, Belgium to attend the 3rd EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.
Body of Bangladeshi killed by BSF returned through Lalmonirhat border
The body of a Bangladeshi youth, who was shot dead by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) along Aunghorpota border in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, was handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Sunday (January 28, 2024) night.
Patgram police station’s officer-in-charge (OC) Ferdous Wahid said Indian Border Security Force (BSF) handed over the body of Rabiul Islam to the BGB through Tin Bigha Corridor in the upazila after an autopsy in India on Sunday night.
Read: BSF hands over body of BGB member after two days of killing
Later, the body was handed over to the victim’s family, he said.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon, a flag-meeting between the border forces of the two countries was held when the BGB condemned the killing.
Rabiul, 33, son of Afzal Hossain of Dangarpara village under Dahagram union of the upazila, was gunned down by the BSF along Jashore’s Benapole border on Sunday, within a week of killing a BGB member by them.
Read more: Another Bangladeshi shot dead by BSF along Lalmonirhat border
Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya to receive prestigious Padma Shri award
Prominent Bangladeshi singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya has been named as one of the recipients of prestigious Padma Shri Award by the Indian government.
The government of India made the announcement on Thursday.
Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of India, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
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The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.
The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
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These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year.
For the year 2024, the President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below.
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The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.
BGB personnel shot in BSF firing dies in India
A member of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) who sustained injuries after being shot by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Dhannokhola border under Benapole upazila of Jashore early Monday (January 22, 2024), succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment in India, BGB said today (January 23, 2024).
The deceased, Raisuddin, 35, was posted at the BGB-49 Battalion in Jashore, said a media release signed by Lt Col Md Jamil, commander of the 49 Battalion.
According to the release, a patrol team of the paramilitary force challenged a gang of cattle smugglers when they were intruding into Bangladesh from India, adjacent to Jhelepara post area under the Benapole upazila, around 5:30 am on Monday.
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At one stage of the chase, the smugglers went back inside Indian territory, it reads, adding that BGB personnel Raisuddin got separated from the patrol team amid dense fog.
Though initially he was not found, later it was known through several sources that he was injured in BSF firing and was undergoing treatment in an Indian hospital.
Shortly after the incident, a bilateral flag meeting on commander-level was held between the BGB and the BSF, according to the release. He died while undergoing treatment in the hospital, it was confirmed.
The BGB demanded proper investigation into the incident and sent a protest note to their Indian counterparts, the press release reads.
Process is underway to bring the BGB personnel’s body back home soon, it added.
Read more: BGB's seized contraband in Dec 2023 worth over Tk 266 crore
Dense fog: Two Dhaka-bound flights land in Kolkata
Two flights carrying passengers from two Middle-Eastern countries landed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata in India instead of Dhaka due to dense fog last night.
The flights started landing in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka after 9:30 am this morning (January 14, 2024) when invisibility improved, said Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam, executive director of the HSIA.
Read more: Flyers on Indian flight stuck in Dhaka Airport for over 12 hours. Here’s why
On January 4, thirteen flights that failed to land at Dhaka airport were diverted to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Sylhet, and Chattogram international airports.
Flyers on Indian flight stuck in Dhaka Airport for over 12 hours. Here’s why
An IndiGo plane from India’s Mumbai to Guwahati had to make an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka early today (January 13, 2024).
The diverted plane landed in Dhaka at 4 am after failing to land at the Guwahati airport owing to poor visibility, reports NDTV.
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According to the airline, the passengers who are still onboard the plane have been served refreshments, and a replacement crew is being organised to transport them to Guwahati.
"IndiGo flight 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati was diverted to Dhaka, Bangladesh due to bad weather in Guwahati. Due to operational reasons, an alternate set of crew is being arranged to operate the flight from Dhaka to Guwahati. The passengers were kept informed of updates and were served with refreshments on board. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused," an IndiGo statement said.
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Several passengers resorted to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the extended wait following the unexpected reroute. Former Mumbai Youth Congress head Suraj Singh Thakur, who was on his way to Imphal to participate in the Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra, wrote on X that the passengers had been on the flight for several hours.
"I took IndiGo6E flight 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati. But due to dense fog, the flight couldn't land in Guwahati. Instead, it landed in Dhaka," he wrote.
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Another flier wrote on X that the 178 passengers had been waiting for more than four hours for another crew to fly them back to their location.
"IndiGo6E stuck inside aircraft with 178 passengers for 9 hours now, flying 6E 5319 from Mumbai to Guwahati. We made a landing in Dhaka around 4am because of lower visibility in the North East. We have been waiting for another crew for 4 hours now, can we please expedite?" He wrote.