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North Korea vows response to South's 'psychological warfare'
Deutsche Welle
10 Jun 2024, 15:31
Image: Yonhap News Agency/REUTERS
In a tit-for-tat move, South Korea restarted loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border with the North in response to Pyongyang's trash-carrying balloons.
Kim Yo Jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister warned the South created a "prelude to a very dangerous situation."
It comes as South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts of anti-North Korean propaganda in border regions on Sunday in response to an ongoing campaign of sending trash balloons southwards.
North Korea then sent out another wave of 300 balloons filled with trash overnight.
More than 1,000 balloons carrying garbage bags containing waste paper, cigarette butts, and even excrement have landed in northern provinces of South Korea in recent weeks.
"I sternly warn Seoul to immediately cease its dangerous activities that would further provoke a crisis of confrontation," Kim said in a statement published by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency.
"If the ROK simultaneously carries out the leaflet scattering and loudspeaker broadcasting provocation over the border, it will undoubtedly witness the new counteraction of the DPRK," she added.
Psychological warfare continues
Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Kim's comments represented a heightened verbal threat from North Korea.
"(We) don't think that they could provoke us that easily," Lee said during a briefing Monday.
The tit-for-tat balloon blitz began in mid-May when activists in the South, including North Korean defectors, sent numerous messages containing anti-Kim propaganda and flash drives of K-pop music northwards.
Seoul's broadcasts include world news and information about democratic and capitalist society with a mix of popular K-pop music. The sound of the loudspeakers is believed to travel more than 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) into North Korea.
Tensions between the two nations have been on the rise following South Korea's presidential election in 2022, which ended with right-wing leader Yoon Suk Yeol taking office. Yoon is seen as pursuing a tougher line on North Korea compared to his predecessors.
In recent years, North Korea has ramped up weapons testing, including missile and satellite launches. Last week, Pyongyang fired a barrage of missiles into the sea simulating an attack on South Korea. Some experts have speculated North Korea would continue to escalate tensions until the US presidential election this November.
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Indonesian woman found dead inside giant python
The woman from South Sulawesi province failed to return home. Her whole body was found fully clothed in the huge belly of a 5-meter-long snake. Incidents involving pythons — ones considerably larger, swallowing humans whole are rare but do occur in Indonesia.
A woman was killed by a 5-meter (16-foot) python in central Indonesia after it swallowed her whole, local media reported Saturday.
The 45-year-old, from Kalempang village in South Sulawesi province, had told her husband on Thursday she was going to sell chilies to a collector.
When she failed to return, her husband and relatives initiated a search, village head Suardi Rosi told the Detik.com news website.
The next morning, a python was discovered near the woman's abandoned belongings, the report said.
Along with some villagers, the husband of the woman — identified only as Farida — killed the snake and cut it open.
Python with large belly cut open
Earlier, her husband "found her belongings... which made him suspicious. The villagers then searched the area. They soon spotted a python with a large belly," said Suardi.
"They agreed to cut open the python's stomach. As soon as they did, Farida's head was immediately visible."
Farida was found fully clothed inside the snake.
While such incidents are considered extremely rare, a number of people have died in Indonesia in recent years after being swallowed whole by pythons.
Last year, an 8-meter python was killed by residents in Southeast Sulawesi's Tinanggea district after it was found strangling and eating one of the farmers in a village.
In 2018, a 54-year-old woman was found dead inside a 7-meter python in Southeast Sulawesi's Muna town.
A farmer in West Sulawesi went missing a year earlier. He was found having been eaten alive by a 4-meter python at a palm oil plantation.
Innovative Assessment Day: 'IUS' Department of English
The University of Scholars' Department of English, a pioneer of introducing new ideas to nurture their students, held an "Unlocking Potential" Assessment Day on June 5th, 2024, incorporating outcome-based evaluation. This innovative initiative aimed to ignite the potential of its students and build well-rounded professionals for the future.
The assessment day featured two key components: psychometric testing and behavioral interviews. The psychometric tests, conducted by qualified professionals, offered a standardized approach to evaluating students' cognitive abilities, personality traits, and learning styles. This data provides a valuable starting point for identifying areas where students can excel and areas where additional support may be beneficial.
Following the testing, students participated in behavioral interviews with esteemed faculty members from the English Department, including Amena Parvin Tisha, Syeda Nowshin Anjum Hoque, Fariha Sharmin, Alia Rawshan, Umme Shifati Islam, Mr. Ridwan Arif, Ms. Shama-E-Shahid, Mr. Mostofa Asif, and Mr. Altap Hossen. These interviews delved deeper into students' academic goals, motivations, and previous experiences. This one-on-one interaction allowed faculty to provide personalized feedback and guidance, helping students navigate their academic journey effectively.
“The assessment day provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with our students on a deeper level,” said Associate Professor Md. Sajjad Hossain,Department of English. “By understanding their individual strengths and challenges, we can tailor our curriculum and support services to ensure their success. This will be particularly important as we equip them with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.”
Looking ahead, the department plans to utilize the assessment results to develop targeted workshops and seminars that address the specific needs of their students. These sessions will focus on areas such as digital literacy, media analysis, and intercultural communication – all essential skills for navigating the complex and interconnected world of the 21st century.
The Department of English at the University of Scholars is committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for its students. Through initiatives like this assessment day, the department empowers students to reach their full potential and achieve academic success, preparing them to become well-rounded graduates who can confidently tackle the challenges of the 21st century. The University of Scholars is committed to building professionals who are not only academically strong but also possess the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to thrive in today's dynamic world.
Actor Jibon opens up about Coca-Cola ads
Like other countries of the world over the Palestine-Israel issue, the general public of Bangladesh has called for a boycott of the soft drink brand Coca-Cola as well. Recently, there has been a storm of discussion and criticism in social media about an advertisement of this soft drink in Bangladesh.
Actors Sharaf Ahmed Jiban, Shimul Sharma, Abdullah Al Sentu and others performed as models in the advertisement.
Along with the boycott of Coca-Cola, netizens have also threatened to boycott the ad performers.
Actor Jibon finally opened up about working in this advertisements. On Monday (June 10) night, he claimed in a post on his Facebook ID that he did not do anything on behalf of Israel.
Here is the actor life post for the readers –
'I am known to everyone as a producer and actor. I have been involved in production and acting for the past two decades. In personal life I always stood against any aggression about human rights and always respected your feelings and opinions.
Recently Coca-Cola Bangladesh hired me to produce and act in one of their commercials. I have presented only the data provided by them in the work. Since the ad aired, I have noticed a lot of mixed reactions from you and with all due respect I would like to reiterate that work is only a part of my professional life. I have not taken Israel's side anywhere here and I have never been on Israel's side. My heart has always been, always to be on the side of justice and humanity.'
Meanwhile, after the post, there was a storm of comments in the comments box. There has been a mixed reaction from fans to common people.
Malawi vice president among 10 killed in plane crash
Malawi Vice President Saolos Chilima has been killed in a plane crash. Nine other people on board also lost their lives.
A large search operation was launched after the plane carrying the Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima (51) unfortunately failed to land at Mzuzu International Airport on June 10.
The country's government confirmed the matter in a statement on Tuesday (June 11), according to the media Times Now. Earlier, the plane carrying Chilima was reported missing.
A senior military official said they believed the plane crashed in the forest of Chikangawa. But it has not yet been found. The president's office later said it had crashed and killed all on board.
The commander of Malawi's defence forces, Paul Valentino Phiri, said on Tuesday (June 11) that dense jungle and foggy weather were hampering rescue efforts.
The plane was reported missing on Monday, but it crashed on Tuesday. He was on his way to attend the funeral of late cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara on Monday (June 10). But on the way, he himself was the victim of the accident and he himself was killed.
At least 41 killed in Kuwait building fire
A fire broke outin a building fire in the Mangaf area of Kuwait’s Ahmadi Governorate. At least 41 people were killed. Many more people were injured in the incident.
The news agency Anadolu reported this information on Wednesday (June 12). However, separate Reuters reports put the death toll in the fire at least 35.
Anadolu says the death toll from the fire in southern Kuwait has risen to at least 41. After the fire, the death toll was initially said to be more than 30, but later the number increased to 41, according to the Home Ministry of Kuwait.
Government officials said the fire broke out in the six-storey building in the Mangaf area in the early hours of Wednesday local time. Local authorities received information about the fire at around 6 am, said security forces official Major General Eid Rashed Hamad.
In an interview with Kuwaiti state television, a senior police commander said, 'The building that caught fire was used for workers. Many workers were asleep at the time of the fire. Dozens of workers were rescued. But unfortunately, many people died in the fire.'
BTS star Jin completes army service in South Korea
The K-pop star has wrapped up mandatory 18 months of military service. BTS bandmates J-hope, V, RM, Jungkook and Jimin celebrated Jin's release with a cake.
K-pop star Jin, who is part of the popular BTS group, completed mandatory military service In South Korea on Wednesday after 18 months of duty.
The 31-year-old is the oldest BTS member and the first of the popular boy band to have completed the mandatory national service, which resulted in the group taking a break in their music career.
In South Korea, it is compulsory for men under 30 to serve in the military for a duration of 18 to 21 months.
Teary-eyed Jin walks out of the military base
Jin walked out of the military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, wearing uniform and a black beret. He hugged his colleagues at the base as he appeared in front of his fans who were waiting for him outside.
Colorful banners were hung outside the military base with one reading: "Worldwide handsome Seok-jin! Congratulations on your discharge."
"I cried during the ceremony," Jin said later during a livestream which garnered over 3 million views on the Weverse fandom platform.
"But it was so fun for the last year and six months. It's such a relief. I met so many amazing people," he added, sending regards to his colleagues at the military base.
His band members J-hope, V, RM, Jungkook and Jimin took the day off from their duties and presented Jin with a giant bouquet of flowers.
RM, greeted Jin with a saxophone to play the group's hit single "Dynamite."
They also posted a picture of the band on X, formerly Twitter, celebrating Jin's discharge with a cake.
Jin's completion of service comes just ahead of the 11th anniversary of the band's launch.
Four members of the band are yet to complete their military duty. The band is expected to reunite in 2025.
Adults turn to 'Dumbphones' to curb social media
Adults and teens are ditching their smartphones in favor of simpler 'dumbphones' to escape the addictive pull of social media.
According to research by the UK's Ofcom, almost a quarter of five- to seven-year-olds also have their own smartphone now.
'FoMO'- Many people familiar with this word nowadays. It means- fear of missing out. It is a thought when one begins to think that everyone else is enjoying, rejoicing and being happy except him. And this 'FoMO' can happen not only to adults but also to children. But more participation in social media is increasing the fear of 'FoMO' among them.
Apart from this, various information is continuously displayed on the smartphone screen throughout the day. And a part of the young generation thinks that this huge amount of information is making life boring. And for this reason, they tend to buy dumbphones instead of their smartphones.
Scientists say, excessive use of smartphone making people stupid, antisocial and sick. Smartphones try to disrupt our attention through constant notifications, updates.
As a result, fatigue decreases at the end of the day. On the other hand, smartphones are being used for various tasks of the day including news sources, GPS navigation, payments, etc from the same device. No one could reach the end despite scrolling all day through Facebook and Instagram on the smartphone. This is why they keep moving from one app to another. According to scientists, this is the reason why people's mental connection has decreased a lot.
And this is the reason why many people are now leaving the expensive smartphone and going back to the old phones.
