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ASEF Executive Committee Meeting Held in Singapore
Rtv News
24 Nov 2024, 15:23
Photo: Collected
The Executive Committee Meeting of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) concluded in Singapore on 22 November 2024 with a renewed commitment to further collaboration between the countries from the two continents, Asia and Europe.
The Director-General, Regional Organizations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Md. Rais Hasan Sarower, NDC, as the current chair of the ASEF Board of Governors, led the discussion.
In addition to discussions on a wide range of administrative and financial matters, the executive body also provided directives to enhance the visibility of the organization and recommended exploring new funding mechanisms and ensuring data privacy and strategic upgrades to make ASEF more meaningful for member states.
The meeting also approved a project proposal for women, peace, and security training proposed by the Government of Latvia.
To complement the ASEM process, in February 1997, the 1st ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting welcomed the establishment of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). Based in Singapore, ASEF provides opportunities for Asians and Europeans to exchange ideas and collaborate, and achieve innovative and substantive solutions for common global challenges.
Bangladesh has been the Chair of the ASEF Board of Governors for the first time since January 2024 and the term will end in December 2024.
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India Lights Up for Diwali Amid Festive Traditions
Millions across India are celebrating Diwali, known as the festival of lights and one of Hinduism’s most cherished events.
The annual celebration usually occurs between October and November, though the exact date shifts each year due to the Hindu lunar calendar.
This year, Diwali falls on Thursday, though some regions will observe it on Friday.
On this day, people light oil lamps and candles to represent the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
In preparation for the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned and organized, new clothes are purchased, and friends, family, and neighbors exchange sweets and gifts.
Many people create rangoli, intricate patterns made with colorful powders, outside their doors to invite luck and positivity.
Families also worship Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, on Diwali, leaving windows and doors open and lighting lamps to guide the goddess into their homes.
Fireworks are traditionally part of Diwali festivities, but in recent years, several state governments have restricted or banned them as northern states struggle with intense air pollution.
In Delhi, firecrackers are completely banned, while states like Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka permit their use only during specific hours on Diwali evening.
(Source: BBC News)
Bangladeshi Muaz Wins First Place in Turkey’s International Quran Competition
Hafeez Muaz Mahmud from Bangladesh has secured first place in the 9th International Hifzul (Memorization) Quran Competition held in Turkey. This victory marks Bangladesh’s second time achieving the top honor in this prestigious competition, with the previous win occurring in 2016.
On Wednesday, October 30, after the local Dhuhr prayer, Muaz received the honorary crest and award from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In the selection round of the competition, organized under the supervision of the Islamic Foundation at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, Muaz outperformed hundreds of talented Hafeez participants across the country. This achievement led to his selection as the sole representative from Bangladesh in the International Hifzul (Memorization) Quran Competition in Turkey.
Additionally, on August 21 of this year, Bangladesh secured first place among 123 countries in the 44th International Hifzul (Memorization) Quran Competition held in Mecca. At that time, Hafeez Muaz Mahmud won first place in the 15 'Para' category.
Hafeez Muaz is a student in the Kitab department at Markazu Faizil Quran Al-Islami, located in Mirpur-1, Dhaka. After completing his memorization of the Quran from this institution, he is now pursuing higher studies in the Kitab department.
Babu Kamruzzaman Honored as ERF Journalist of the Year
Babu Kamruzzaman, a Special Correspondent at News24 Television, has been awarded the prestigious ERF-Nagad Best Reporting Award 2023 for his exemplary journalism focused on the private sector. His investigative report, "Grey Workers Life in Green Factories," sheds light on significant industry challenges, earning him this top accolade.
The award ceremony was held on November 5 at Dhaka's Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, where Md. Kamruzzaman received his award and honorary check from distinguished figures Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic and Commerce Adviser, and Dr. Ahsan H Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank.
This year, the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) reviewed 168 submissions spanning print, online, and television media, with Kamruzzaman’s report selected as one of 17 noteworthy pieces. His impactful reporting continues to drive critical conversations within Bangladesh's economic landscape.
Originally from Pathorer Char, Jamalpur, Kamruzzaman has gained widespread recognition as the host of prominent talk shows on News24 TV. Over his career, he has been honored with several awards, including the ActionAid Youth Journalism Award, the AmCham Frontline Journalism Award, and the ERF-BCCCI Award.
Expressing his gratitude, Kamruzzaman remarked, “This award is a powerful acknowledgment of the dedication of economic journalists. It encourages me to further push boundaries in this field.”
The Happiest and Unhappiest Countries in The World
The residents of Finland are officially the world's happiest people in 2024, according to a report from the United Nations and Oxford University.
The Scandinavian country topped the World Happiness Report, which includes 143 countries, for the seventh year in a row.
Famed for saunas and reindeer, the country has a population of approximately 5.6 million.
At the other end of the scale, Afghanistan came last in the ranking.
Meanwhile, happiness levels in the UK appear to be dropping as the country fell to 20th place – down from 19th in 2023. The United States has fallen out of the top 20 for the first time, a decline largely due to dissatisfaction among younger Americans.
Methodology
For the report, researchers surveyed over 100,000 people in more than 140 countries between 2021 and 2023 through the Gallup World Poll. Participants were asked to evaluate their happiness on a scale from 0–10, with 10 representing "the best possible life for them."
Researchers also evaluated six factors that could explain different levels of happiness in each country:
Social support
GDP per capita
A healthy life expectancy
Freedom to make life choices
Generosity
Perception of corruption
The happiest countries in the world
This year, the 10 happiest countries in the world were:
1. Finland (Score: 7.741)
2. Denmark (Score: 7.583)
3. Iceland (Score: 7.525)
4. Sweden (Score: 7.344)
5. Israel (Score: 7.341)
6. Netherlands (Score: 7.319)
7. Norway (Score: 7.302)
8. Luxembourg (Score: 7.122)
9. Switzerland (Score: 7.060)
10. Australia (Score: 7.057)
According to USA Today, the top 10 countries in the happiness ranking have largely remained the same over time, with Nordic countries near the top. Finland has also ranked first in happiness for seven years in a row.
The least happy places to live, the majority from Africa
Unsurprisingly, many countries impacted by war or political turmoil reported low – or falling – happiness levels.
Ukraine came 105th in the ranking, down from 92nd in 2023. Meanwhile, Russia was placed 72nd, down two places from the previous year.
Across all regions, negative emotions were more prevalent in female respondents.
The unhappiest countries in the world
This year, the 10 unhappiest countries in the world were:
1. Afghanistan (Score: 1.721)
2. Lebanon (Score 2.707)
3. Lesotho (Score: 3.186)
4. Sierra Leone (Score: 3.245)
5. Congo (Kinshasa) (Score: 3.295)
6. Zimbabwe (Score: 3.341)
7. Botswana (Score: 3.383)
8. Malawi (Score: 3.421)
9. Eswatini (Score: 3.502)
10. Zambia (Score: 3.502)
When conducting the research, scientists asked tens of thousands of participants about various factors contributing to a person’s overall well-being.
These included earnings, health, kindness, freedom to do as they pleased, and perceived levels of government corruption.
Based on these answers over three years, each country was given a happiness score from zero to 10 – with Finland scoring 7.74 and Afghanistan receiving 1.72.
For context, the UK’s score came in at 6.72.
The research also reported an increase in what it described as ‘benevolence’ following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rolls-Royce Enters EV Market with High-End Electric “Spectre”
Rolls-Royce has launched its first all-electric vehicle, the “Spectre,” marking its entry into the electric car industry with a luxurious $420,000 price tag, placing it among the elite in EVs.
The Spectre is powered by two high-performance electric motors, delivering 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Despite its size and weight, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, providing impressive power for a luxury EV.
It offers a range of around 266 miles per charge, with a particularly quiet ride—a unique touch compared to typical EV sounds under acceleration.
Engineered for smooth handling, the Spectre features cutting-edge steering and braking systems, rear-wheel steering, and a 360-degree camera for easy maneuvering.
Inside, it includes a top-tier infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 16-speaker audio setup for an immersive experience.
World Pneumonia Day Today
Today is World Pneumonia Day, observed across the country on Tuesday, November 12. This year’s theme is “Let’s Become Active Partners in the Fight to End Pneumonia.” Various government and non-government organizations have planned activities to mark the day.
According to statistics from the Directorate General of Health Services, 216,426 children have been diagnosed with pneumonia in Bangladesh over the first ten months of this year, averaging 709 cases per day. Last year, 204,412 children were affected by this disease, nearly all of whom had reportedly received government vaccinations for pneumonia prevention.
Pneumonia is a severe inflammatory disease of the lungs, especially affecting children and the elderly during colder months. Doctors indicate that factors like malnutrition, air pollution, lack of vaccination, and insufficient antibiotics make children more susceptible to pneumonia. However, it can also affect healthy young adults.
Pneumonia usually occurs when bacteria such as Streptococcus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infect the lungs, causing them to swell and fill with pus or fluid, reducing oxygen intake and making breathing difficult, leading to inflammation.
To prevent pneumonia, it’s important to wash hands regularly, take personal care, eat balanced meals, avoid smoking, and refrain from sneezing or coughing in front of others. Covering the mouth with a hand or tissue while sneezing or coughing is also recommended.
One major complication among pneumonia patients is low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), which is a preventable cause of death, particularly among children. Experts advise that ensuring sufficient oxygen supplies in district and sub-district hospitals could reduce mortality by addressing this deficiency among children with pneumonia.
New AI Tool Uses Microorganisms to Track Recent Locations
Researchers have unveiled an innovative AI tool that can pinpoint recent locations by examining microorganisms collected from a person’s body. Published in Genome Biology and Evolution, the study shows that each environment hosts unique microbial communities, which act like "microscopic fingerprints" with distinct geographical signatures.
By analyzing these microbes, the tool can determine if someone has recently visited places like beaches, train stations, or parks.
Developed at Lund University in Sweden, this tool—unlike traditional GPS—relies on the Microbiome Geographic Population Structure (mGPS) model. It leverages AI to examine microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, which differ by location and leave clues about where a person has been.
According to researcher Eran Elhaik, “By tracing where your microorganisms have been, we can track disease spread, identify infection sources, and even aid criminal investigations.”
To train the AI, scientists gathered extensive microbiome data from diverse environments, including urban and soil samples across 18 countries and marine samples from nine water bodies.
Remarkably, the mGPS tool accurately identified the city source for 92% of urban samples. It even distinguished samples from two Hong Kong subway stations only 564 feet apart, though accuracy was lower in London, potentially due to the Underground’s less maintained stations.
This advancement opens doors to applications in medicine, epidemiology, and forensics, with accuracy expected to improve as more data is gathered.
