United News of Bangladesh

Tesla’s stock surged more than 7% in premarket trading on Monday as CEO Elon Musk disclosed the purchase of over 2.5 million shares worth about $1 billion. According to a regulatory filing, Musk bought the shares on Friday at varying prices, a move analysts say signals his confidence in the company’s future. The development comes as Tesla prepares for a crucial shareholder vote on a proposed pay package for Musk, which could potentially make him the world’s first trillionaire if a series of highly ambitious performance targets are met over the next decade. Under the plan, Musk would be awarded shares equal to up to 12% of Tesla in 12 separate tranches if the company achieves milestones including sharp increases in car production, share price and operating profit. The payout, entirely in stock rather than cash, would represent one of the most outsized executive compensation deals in U.S. history. To unlock the first tranche — equal to 1% of Tesla — Musk would need to lift the company’s valuation to $2 trillion, roughly double its current market capitalization, while meeting other operational goals. Securing the full package would require Tesla to reach a market value of $8.5 trillion, more than twice the worth of Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company today. The ambitious proposal comes amid mounting challenges for Tesla. Sales have plunged this year, partly due to backlash over Musk’s close alignment with President Donald Trump, while competition from Detroit automakers and Chinese electric vehicle producers has intensified. Investors have also expressed concern about Musk’s frequent involvement in Washington politics, where he has emerged as one of the most visible members of the Trump administration, particularly in efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting is scheduled for November 6, when the pay package will be put to a vote.  

In a move sending shockwaves through Silicon Valley, OpenAI is shutting down operations for an entire week. Officially, the company cites employee burnout as the reason. However, the timing raises serious questions, especially as Meta aggressively courts OpenAI’s top talent with eye-popping offers. To many, the break feels less like a wellness initiative and more like a defensive response in the intensifying battle for AI expertise. Why is OpenAI shutting down?According to OpenAI, the week-long pause is intended to help employees recover after enduring relentless, months-long stretches of 80-hour work weeks. The decision comes amid mounting internal concerns over burnout, fatigue, and declining morale across teams. Yet, the timing of the break coincides with Meta's aggressive efforts to poach OpenAI staff, leading many to suspect the shutdown is as much about damage control as it is about employee well-being. New interstellar comet to make a distant flyby of Earth, NASA says Meta’s aggressive talent poachingMeta is making no secret of its recruitment ambitions. Reports suggest the company is offering signing bonuses as high as $100 million to attract leading AI researchers and engineers, particularly those trained at OpenAI. Several former OpenAI employees have already migrated to Meta’s FAIR division and its newly revitalized AGI research teams. With OpenAI staff grappling with exhaustion and feelings of being undervalued, Meta's lucrative offers are proving hard to resist — and Meta is fully aware of the opportunity. Internal response at OpenAILeaked internal memos from OpenAI's Chief Research Officer Mark Chen and CEO Sam Altman reveal the company’s growing unease. Chen admitted to heightened anxiety within teams and encouraged staff to "reconnect with the mission." Meanwhile, Altman has reportedly pledged to revamp compensation packages, improve internal recognition, and called for unity to resist external recruitment pressures. However, many insiders feel these promises have come too late, and Meta's offers are simply too enticing. Risks and growing fearsThere is widespread concern that Meta will use OpenAI's shutdown week to accelerate its recruitment efforts, potentially blindsiding the company. While OpenAI’s technical teams are expected to rest, Meta's recruiters remain active. Only OpenAI’s executive leadership will continue working during the break — a clear sign that management views the situation as more than a routine wellness measure. Meta’s new cloud processing feature raises privacy concerns for Facebook users Broader implications for OpenAI and the AI industryThis shutdown exposes two escalating issues: the unsustainable working conditions at AI labs racing toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and the fierce competition for elite talent. For OpenAI, the pause marks both a moment of vulnerability and a critical cultural inflection point. How the company navigates this period could not only determine its future but also influence the broader trajectory of the AI industry itself.   #With inputs from Hindustan Times  

As the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds dissolve, the Metaverse is poised to redefine interaction, innovation, and digital enterprise. This immersive ecosystem demands more than imagination—it requires a sharp command of next-generation technical capabilities. Let’s explore the most demanding tech skill set to drive success in the metaverse by 2030. 10 In-demand Tech Skills to Succeed in the Metaverse Economy . Advanced Programming Core programming languages like C++ and C# form the foundation of Metaverse development. C++ offers low-level memory control ideal for performance-intensive virtual environments, while C# is essential for scripting within Unity-based projects. Read more: 7 Warning Signs Social Media Is Affecting Your Child’s Mental Health These languages power avatars, object behaviours, and backend logic across immersive platforms. Demand for developers fluent in these software continues to grow, especially in  - Game studios- Simulation platforms- Enterprise metaverse projects Platforms such as Codecademy, Coursera, and Microsoft's Learn portal offer structured pathways for mastering these programming languages. VR/AR Software Development Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) development rely heavily on engines like Unity and Unreal. Unity supports rapid prototyping and cross-platform deployment, whereas Unreal excels in high-fidelity rendering. These tools are used to build interactive training simulations, virtual showrooms, social spaces, and metaverse gaming worlds. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in April 2025 VR/AR developers are in high demand across industries, from healthcare to education and retail. Learning paths include - Unity Learn- Unreal Online Learning- XR (Extended Reality) boot camps that offer hands-on experience in creating real-time, interactive 3D applications 3D Modeling and Animation Creating realistic avatars, environments, and dynamic objects in the Metanetwork hinges on expert-level 3D modelling and animation. These skills bring digital worlds to life, enhancing immersion and interaction. Artists and technical animators use tools like Blender, Autodesk Maya, and Cinema 4D to produce characters, textures, and visual effects. Read more: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Review: What’s New As per Horizon Grand View Research, the global 3D animation market reflects this booming demand. The market already generated USD 25,259.6 million in 2024 (over BDT 30,077 crore) and is projected to hit USD 51,028.6 million (more than BDT 60,760.7 crore) by 2030. The CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is 12.3%. Career opportunities span gaming, virtual production, fashion tech, and education. Skill acquisition is accessible through platforms like CG Spectrum, Udemy, and Skillshare. Blockchain Engineering and Smart Contract Development Decentralisation in metaplatforms depends on blockchain frameworks, where smart contracts automate transactions, ownership, and governance. Engineers proficient in Solidity (Ethereum), Rust (Solana), and Web3.js are driving the development of digital assets, token economies, and interoperable virtual platforms. Read more: Best Free Blockchain Development Courses in 2024 Applications range from NFT marketplaces to decentralised identity systems and virtual land registries. As enterprises and startups scale blockchain-based metaverse ventures, skilled developers remain in high demand. Learning can begin through free resources like - CryptoZombies- Moralis Academy - MIT's blockchain curriculum Practical GitHub contributions and hackathons further solidify expertise. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Implementation AI and machine learning technologies shape intelligent behaviours across Metaverse systems-—from NPCs (non-player characters) to personalised content delivery. These implementations enhance realism, automate moderation, and enable user-specific interactions. Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Neural networks, NLP (Natural Language Processing), and computer vision are increasingly integrated into Metaverse platforms. The aim is to interpret human gestures, speech, and decision-making patterns. The job market favours ML engineers, AI specialists, and data scientists with domain knowledge in immersive systems. Gaining proficiency involves mastering Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, with structured learning paths on platforms like - DeepLearning.AI- Fast.AI- Google’s ML Crash Course Read more: 10 Best Alternatives to Skype in 2025 Real-Time Computer Graphics and Rendering Visual immersion in the Metaverse relies on advanced real-time graphics and rendering techniques. These enable high-quality visuals without compromising performance. This includes mastering shaders, ray tracing, and optimisation algorithms. Applications extend across gaming, virtual architecture, simulation training, and digital twin environments. Research and Markets (The World's Largest Market Research Store) report shows a significant expansion in the global computer graphics market. It rose from USD 221.80 billion in 2023 (more than BDT 264101.5 crore) to USD 238.19 billion in 2024 (over BDT 284462.8 crore). Now it is projected to reach USD 372.42 billion (above BDT 443447.6 crore) by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.68%. Learning pathways include NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute, Unity and Unreal Engine tutorials, and university-led graphics courses. Read more: Which phones are getting One UI 7 first and when Network Infrastructure and Cloud Computing Architecture The scalability and responsiveness of the Metaspace depend heavily on robust network infrastructure and distributed cloud systems. Skills in building and managing cloud-native applications and latency-optimised networks are critical for delivering seamless virtual experiences. Technologies like Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud play central roles in hosting real-time environments and data-heavy simulations. Professionals with cloud certifications and networking expertise are in high demand across sectors such as - Gaming- Virtual conferencing- Enterprise XR platforms Practical skills can be developed through vendor-specific training programs (like AWS Certified Solutions Architect). Read more: Top 10 Holy Quran Apps on iOS and Android in Ramadan 2025 Cybersecurity for Virtual Environments With rising interoperability and digital asset transactions, the metaverse is a prime target for cyber threats. Cybersecurity experts who understand virtual environments are essential to defend decentralised systems and protect digital identities. Key focus areas include encryption protocols, zero-trust architecture, threat modelling for XR platforms, and blockchain forensics. Learning pathways include certifications such as - CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)- CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) Security+- Labs from platforms like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and Cybersecurity Virtual Labs. Read more: Top 10 Best Offline Android Games Under 200MB for Low-End Phones Data Analytics and Big Data Engineering Decision-making within the metaplatforms hinges on vast, real-time data-—from user interactions and movement patterns to asset performance and behavioural analytics. Big data engineering enables the structuring, processing, and querying of these large-scale datasets. On the other hand, analytics transforms raw information into strategic insights. Use cases span immersive retail analytics, virtual ad targeting, and optimisation of interactive environments. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, job disruption may impact 22% of global roles by 2030, but 170 million new jobs are expected to emerge. Skills in SQL, Hadoop, Spark, and tools like Tableau or Power BI are highly sought after.  Learning can be accelerated through platforms like DataCamp, edX, and IBM’s data engineering pathways. Read more: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Review: A True MacBook Competitor or Just Hype? UX/UI Design Designing for spatial computing demands a unique approach to user experience and interface layout. UX (User Experience) / UI (User Interface) professionals must account for 3D space, movement, gesture control, and device-specific constraints. Applications include virtual marketplaces, training environments, and social hubs. Skilled designers with knowledge of the following software become increasingly valuable: - Figma- Adobe XD- 3D prototyping tools like ShapesXR and Gravity Sketch Learning resources include Coursera’s AR/VR design courses, Meta Spark tutorials, and HCI (Human-Computer Interaction)-focused design programs. Read more: Avro Keyboard: Groundbreaking Journey of a Bangla Typing Software by Mehdi Hasan's Team Bottom Line These 10 in-demand skills define the future-ready toolkit for thriving in the evolving Metaverse landscape. From advanced programming and VR/AR software development to 3D modelling, blockchain engineering, and AI/ML implementation, technical fluency fuels innovation. Real-time graphics, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity safeguard interactive ecosystems, while big data analytics and UX/UI design shape user engagement and decision-making. Mastery of these hard skills ensures adaptability and relevance as virtual experiences grow central to global interaction, commerce, and collaborative creation by 2030. Read more: How to Verify If Your Smartphone is Truly Brand New and Never Used Before

  Despite the passage of time, Gates still cherishes the groundbreaking code he printed on a teletype machine—a piece of work that, though rudimentary compared to modern artificial intelligence, played a crucial role in launching Microsoft in April 1975. The company, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, marks its 50th anniversary on Friday. In a blog post, the 69-year-old Gates reminisced about how he and his late high school friend, Paul Allen, embarked on a mission to build the world’s first “software factory.” Their journey began after reading a January 1975 Popular Electronics article about the Altair 8800, an early minicomputer powered by a small chip from Intel, which was relatively unknown at the time. Inspired by the article, Gates—then a freshman at Harvard—and Allen contacted Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), the company behind Altair. They assured its CEO, Ed Roberts, that they had developed software to operate the hardware. However, there was one major problem: the code they promised had yet to be written. To meet the challenge, the duo turned to BASIC, a programming language created at Dartmouth College in 1964. They had to make it compatible with the Altair despite not having a prototype of the machine. After two months of intense work and little sleep, Gates completed the program, which became the Altair’s first operating system. “That code remains the coolest I’ve ever written,” Gates noted in his blog post, which also includes an option to download the original program. This code laid the foundation for a company that revolutionized personal computing, introducing software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as the Windows operating system, which continues to dominate the PC market. “That was the revolution,” Gates said in an accompanying video. “That was the moment that brought personal computing to life.” Gates’ reflection on this milestone is part of a broader wave of nostalgia as he approaches his 70th birthday in October. This year, he released a memoir detailing his early life as a misunderstood child with few friends. He also marked the 25th anniversary of the philanthropic foundation he established after stepping down as Microsoft’s CEO in 2000. While Microsoft initially struggled post-Gates, it has flourished under current CEO Satya Nadella, now boasting a market value of around $2.8 trillion. In his memoir, Gates also revisited his complex relationship with Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs, whose company will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. “Fifty years is a long time,” Gates reflected. “It’s incredible that the dream became a reality.”

A chilling wave of sexual violence is engulfing Bangladesh, leaving a trail of shattered lives and sparking nationwide outrage. The recent, horrific rape and subsequent death of eight-year-old girl in Magura has become a stark symbol of a deepening crisis, igniting a fierce debate about the safety of Bangladesh’s women and children. More than 17 million Eid holidaymakers expected to depart Greater Dhaka While the government has responded to the escalating public outcry with promises of swift investigations and trials – 15 days for probes, 90 days for conclusions – the grim statistics paint a picture of a society struggling to protect its most vulnerable. Figures from the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveal a disturbing reality: 401 women fell victim to rape and gang rape in 2024 alone, with a shocking number murdered or driven to suicide in the aftermath. The early months of 2025 offer no respite, with dozens more cases reported in January, February and March -- many involving children. Experts fear these numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, with societal stigma and fear contributing to significant underreporting. Amidst this atmosphere of fear and anger, a question hangs heavy in the air: can modern technology, particularly the proliferation of mobile applications, offer a tangible solution in preventing these heinous crimes? While no technological fix can address the deep-rooted societal issues that fuel sexual violence, a growing number of experts believe that harnessing the power of digital tools could provide a crucial layer of defence for potential victims. Professor Dr Md Mesbahuddin Sarker, from Jahangirnagar University's Institute of Technology, is among those who see potential in this approach. "We have reached a point where relying solely on existing laws is insufficient," he argues. "Modern technology, including mobile apps and the Internet of Things, presents a vital opportunity to empower individuals and potentially deter perpetrators." Several such applications have already emerged in Bangladesh, each offering a unique set of features designed to enhance safety. The 'Anti-Rape Device,' conceived in January 2020, is a discreet wearable that can be triggered to send an immediate distress signal to the police. Eid sales expected to hit Tk 2 lakh crore reinforcing its economic might Meanwhile, 'Joy,' launched in 2018 by A2I and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, provides a platform for reporting violence and seeking help. 'Bachao,' introduced in January 2022, leverages GPS technology to connect users in danger with a network of pre-selected contacts and emergency services at the press of a 'Rape Alert' button. The 'Alley' app, a champion of a university software exhibition, boasts a 'Danger Mode' that automatically alerts trusted individuals and emergency numbers if it detects signs of distress through movement or sound in potentially risky environments. However, the promise of these technological interventions is tempered by significant challenges. Professor Sarker points out the critical issue of accessibility, with some apps requiring paid subscriptions, potentially excluding those most in need. More fundamentally, there is a stark lack of public awareness. Ruhi, a university master's student, expressed surprise when asked about these safety apps. "I didn’t know about them," she admitted. "I’ve never heard of them before." This sentiment was echoed by Sathi Akter, a 38-year-old WASA employee and mother. "What are you talking about? I don’t know anything about them," she said, highlighting the urgent need for greater dissemination of information. "My daughter is) l14. It’s important for us to know about these things so that we can raise awareness for ourselves and our children." Even the police, while acknowledging the potential of these tools, reveal the early stages of their integration. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman highlighted the recent launch of the 'HELP' app, specifically designed for women on public transport. "Through this app, women can immediately report harassment or sexual assault in moving buses or other public transport using their smartphone and internet connectivity," he explained. But, he recognised that they were yet to see any successful distress signals through the app. DMP's cybercrime department, under Deputy Commissioner Md Shahjahan, reiterated that their actions are primarily driven by formal complaints. "We take action based on complaints from victims. They need to formally report incidents for us to proceed," he stated, confirming that no complaints had yet been received through the safety apps. Manikchhari College buckling under pressure as exam chaos grows The road ahead for leveraging technology in the fight against sexual violence in Bangladesh is fraught with both opportunity and obstacles. While these apps offer a glimmer of hope by empowering individuals with tools for immediate assistance and potential deterrence, their true impact hinges on widespread awareness, affordability, and seamless integration with law enforcement and support services. Experts stress that technology alone cannot eradicate the deeply ingrained societal issues that fuel this violence. Public education campaigns, robust policy support, and ongoing technological enhancements are crucial to ensure these digital tools genuinely reach and help those in danger. Ultimately, the fight against this "shadow pandemic" requires a multi-pronged approach, where technology acts as a vital component within a broader societal commitment to safety, equality, and justice for all women and children.

The rapid evolution of technology has allowed everyone access to an unprecedented world of knowledge, but it has also paved the way for a rise in network-based crimes, or cybercrimes, many of which are centered around the internet.  In Bangladesh, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Telegram have become increasingly instrumental in facilitating criminal activities, ranging from identity theft and fraud to online gambling and blackmail. As more people turn to the internet for communication and business, criminals have seized the opportunity to exploit these platforms for nefarious purposes.  The most common cybercrimes in Bangladesh today include identity hacking, fake account creation, online multi-level marketing scams and gambling. Blackmailing on Social Media One of the most distressing types of cybercrime is blackmailing.   Shobha (not her real name), 25, experienced this firsthand when she was in a long-distance relationship with a man she met on Facebook. What began as friendly exchanges soon escalated into inappropriate requests for revealing photos during video calls. Shobha, trusting the man, complied. But soon after, his behaviour took a dark turn. He began demanding large sums of money and when she refused, he threatened to publish her photos and videos online.  AI now capable of self-replication; scientists fear ‘red line’ crossed The situation left her traumatised, but with the help of a senior mentor and the Cyber Crime Department in Bangladesh, Shobha was able to have the images removed from the man's account. However, the emotional scars of the incident remained long after. Fraud Through Fake Facebook Pages Another rampant issue is online fraud, particularly through fake Facebook pages. Anik (a pseudonym), for example, ordered a pair of branded shoes from a seemingly trustworthy Facebook page that featured glowing reviews and a large following.  The page required advance payment, which Anik made in good faith. However, weeks passed, and the shoes never arrived. Despite multiple attempts to contact the seller, Anik was left empty-handed and out of pocket. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident—many victims fall prey to similar scams daily. Honey Trap Targeting Young Men Perhaps one of the most concerning cybercrimes that has gained traction in recent years is the “honey trap.”  Deputy Commissioner Md Najmul Islam, former Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), explained that this scam typically begins on Facebook, then shifts to WhatsApp, where video calls are made.  The scammer, posing as a woman, will engage the victim in conversation and eventually ask them to make video calls in private settings like bathrooms. The ultimate goal of the scam is to extort money by threatening to release compromising videos of the victim.  The perpetrators often operate from outside Bangladesh, with many cases originating from India.  The mental and emotional toll on victims has been devastating, with some driven to extreme measures, including suicide, due to the relentless blackmailing. Trump signs executive order on developing artificial intelligence 'free from ideological bias' Growing Online Gambling  In recent years, online gambling has become a dangerous addiction, especially among the youth in Bangladesh.  The lure of quick earnings, combined with the easy accessibility of gambling platforms via smartphones, has made it a serious problem.  Deputy Commissioner Shahjahan Hossain of the Cyber Crime Division of DMP pointed out that while laws to prevent public gambling exist, their enforcement remains weak. “We lack specific legislation addressing cyber gambling. However, combating these issues is a priority under the government’s new initiatives,” he said. The dangerous allure of online gambling is further exacerbated by the lack of regulation, which has led to widespread addiction and financial loss among young people. Instagram: A Hotbed for Harassment  Social media platforms like Instagram have also become breeding grounds for cybercrimes.  Najmul Islam explained that one of the most common offenses on Instagram is cyberstalking. Perpetrators use the platform to harass individuals, sometimes by exploiting the personal information they find on victims' profiles to locate and intimidate them in real life. Another prevalent crime on Instagram is fraud, where criminals use the platform to advertise fake products or services. These fraudulent ads often lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting users. Motive Behind Cybercrimes The driving force behind most of these cybercrimes is the desire to make or extort money. Whether through blackmail, fraud, or online gambling, the perpetrators are motivated by financial gain, often at the expense of innocent individuals. Top Free Prompt Engineering Courses Online in 2025 A Call for Tougher Laws As these cybercrimes continue to escalate, experts are calling for stronger laws and more robust enforcement.  The government of Bangladesh has made strides in addressing cybercrime through new initiatives, but the complexity and ever-evolving nature of these crimes make it a constant battle. Cybercrime may have its roots in technology, but its impact is very real—affecting victims emotionally, financially and psychologically, experts said.  As social media platforms continue to play a significant role in daily life, it is crucial for both the public and the authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in combating these modern-day crimes, sufferers said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the world needs right policies and institutions to help young women choose a career in science and technology. “We need more women and girls in science for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. We must have the right policies and institutions for young women to choose a career in science and technology,” she said. The prime minister said this in a video statement that was played in the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. She mentioned that it is important that women in science are promoted to leadership positions. PM Hasina hails January-7  election as the freest since 1975  “In Bangladesh, I personally commit to advancing the work of our women scientists through recognition and incentives,” she said. The prime minister mentioned that the government is digitally empowering thousands of women and girls across the country. “I feel delighted to see their vibrant presence in the digital marketplace. We offer dedicated training for young women to help them grow as IT freelancers. I wish to see our young people with disabilities transform their lives through digital inclusion,” she said. Hasina said that the government is expanding technical and vocational education for women to help them prepare for the future of work. ISRO Chandrayaan-3: 9 Women Scientists Who Led India’s Moon Landing “We have made it mandatory for all high school graduates to get an education in science and ICT,” she said. The premier said that in the past the number of female students in higher education, especially in science and technology, was not satisfactory. However, she said, the participation of women in science education has improved significantly in recent years due to our concerted efforts. She mentioned that in public universities of Bangladesh, about 40 percent of total students are female, while in private universities, their percentage is 30. Women should be proud of PM Hasina for her capability, leadership: India's President “We make sure that women get preference in the research and innovation grants we offer. Our young girls need to be prepared to realise our vision of a ‘Smart Bangladesh’,” she added, PM Hasina vowed to always remain devoted to women's and girls’ education in science and technology. According to the United Nations a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Dr Gawsia and Dr Senjuti from Bangladesh among top 100 Asian scientists Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. It said that gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well. On 14 March 2011, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report at its fifty-fifth session, with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education, training and science and technology, and for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. On 20 December 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, in which it recognised that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Read more: Bangladeshi imaging scientist Nayma shines on global stage

The year 2023 has been monumental in the realm of health and medical science. As we continually strive to overcome health challenges, the relentless pursuit of medical advancements has yielded significant breakthroughs. These innovations not only promise enhanced healthcare but also showcase the power of science in improving lives globally. In this article, we delve into the top eight medical breakthroughs of 2023, each a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the scientific community. The Biggest Medical Breakthroughs of 2023 A Leap Forward in Alzheimer’s Disease Management In a ground-breaking development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Leqembi, a monoclonal antibody, in July 2023. This medical breakthrough targets the core cause of Alzheimer's disease – the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques, formed by abnormally proliferating proteins, disrupt neural synapses and cause memory loss. Leqembi intervenes by inhibiting plaque formation, thus preserving cognitive function. A pivotal study revealed that administering Leqembi early could delay severe Alzheimer’s progression by up to 30 years, marking a significant stride in medical science. Read more: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety Advancing Brain Science with Comprehensive Mapping In a collaborative effort, an international team of over 20 scientists achieved a significant medical breakthrough by mapping the brain of a fruit fly, a process that spanned five years. This achievement surpasses previous efforts which were limited to simpler organisms with fewer synapses. The complexity of the fruit fly’s brain, comprising around 3000 neurons and half a million synapses, parallels aspects of machine learning mapping, hinting at broader applications in understanding complex brains and advancing AI technologies.

Instagram's recommendation algorithms linked and encouraged a "vast network of paedophiles" seeking illicit underage sexual content and conduct, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). These algorithms also marketed the sale of unlawful "child-sex material" on the network, it said. The report is based on a joint investigation by the Wall Street Journal and researchers from Stanford University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst looking into child pornography on Meta's platform. Buyers might even "commission specific acts" or organize "meet ups" on some accounts. Also read: Instagram adds new tools to help content creators earn money "Pedophiles have long used the internet, but unlike the forums and file-transfer services that cater to people who have interest in illicit content, Instagram doesn't merely host these activities. Its algorithms promote them," the WSJ report said. "Instagram connects pedophiles and guides them to content sellers via recommendation systems that excel at linking those who share niche interests." According to the investigation, Instagram users may search for child-sex abuse hashtags. According to the researchers, these hashtags directed users to accounts that offered to sell paedophilic items and even included footage of minors harming themselves. Also read: Meta brings Facebook Reels to Bangladesh Anti-paedophile campaigners alerted the corporation to accounts purporting to belong to a girl selling underage sex content. The activists got automated answers that stated, "Because of the high volume of reports we receive, our team hasn't been able to review this post." In another situation, the message advised the user to conceal the account in order to avoid viewing its material, the report said. A Meta spokesperson confirmed receiving the reports but failing to act on them, attributing the failure to a technological glitch, it also said. Also read: Instagram adds new tools to help content creators earn money The company told the WSJ that it has repaired the flaw in its reporting system and is offering fresh training to its content moderators. "Child exploitation is a horrific crime. We're continuously investigating ways to actively defend against this behaviour," the spokesperson said. Meta claims to have shut down 27 paedophile networks in the last two years and is preparing more. It also stated that hundreds of hashtags that sexualize minors, some with millions of postings, had been banned, the report concluded. Read more: Wish you could tweak that text? WhatsApp is letting users edit messages

In a stunning show of unity, parents in a town in Ireland have banded together to jointly adopt a no-smartphone code for their children until secondary school. Parents’ associations across the Irish town of Greystones have adopted the no-smartphone code for their children, the Guardian reports. “If everyone does it across the board, you don’t feel like you’re the odd one out. It makes it so much easier to say no,” said Laura Bourne, one of the parents. “The longer we can preserve their innocence, the better.” Read more: How to Break Internet Addiction? Last month, schools and parents in the town of Greystones in Ireland took the initiative out of concern that smartphones were fueling anxiety and exposing children to adult content. It is a rare occasion for an entire town to take action together on such an issue, the Guardian reports. The voluntary “Greystones Pact” is to withhold smartphones from children – at home, in school, everywhere – until they enter secondary school. Applying it to all children in the area will, it is hoped, curb peer pressure and dampen any resentment. “Childhoods are getting shorter and shorter,” Rachel Harper, the principal of St Patrick’s School who led the initiative, told the Guardian. Nine-year-olds had started requesting smartphones, she said. Read more: How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets “It was creeping in younger and younger, we could see it happening.” A town-wide policy reduces the chance of a child having a peer with a smartphone and parents can present the code as a school rule, said Harper. “They love it – now they can blame the schools.” The initiative has garnered interest from parent associations in Ireland and internationally, prompting Ireland's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, to recommend it as a national policy. Read more: Effects of Excessive Use of Smartphones “Ireland can be, and must be, a world leader in ensuring that children and young people are not targeted and are not harmed by their interactions with the digital world,” he wrote in the Irish Times. “We must make it easier for parents to limit the content their children are exposed to.” The “Greystones Pact” stemmed from children showing anxiety levels only partly attributable to Covid-era adaptation, Harper told the Guardian. Schools circulated questionnaires among parents, leading to a meeting of community stakeholders and an initiative dubbed “it takes a village”. Read more: How to entertain an unwell child without screen time Not all parents will deny their primary schoolchildren a smartphone – the code is voluntary – but enough have signed up to create a sense of critical mass, said Harper. “Hopefully down the line it’ll become the new norm,” she told the Guardian.