Rosalynn was the wife of former US President Jimmy Carter, and was known as a passionate advocate of mental health causes and women's rights. The family announced earlier this year that she suffered from dementia. Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, passed away in her home in Georgia on Sunday, the couple's non-profit announced. She was 96 years old. In a statement, the Carter Center remembered her as "a passionate champion of mental health, caregiving and women's rights." "She died peacefully, with family by her side," the statement said.  She died in the home where she lived with her husband, who is currently 99 years old. Earlier this year, the Carter family announced that Rosalynn was battling dementia and that Jimmy Carter was receiving hospice care. Jimmy Carter pays tribute to 'my equal partner' Rosalynn stood out as a first lady who was involved in policy, having advised her husband as the governor of Georgia after he was elected to the White House in 1976. "Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished," Jimmy Carter said in a statement. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me." The White House said on its website that Rosalynn "attended cabinet meetings and major briefings, frequently represented the chief executive at ceremonial occasions and served as the president's personal emissary to Latin American countries." A lifelong champion of mental health The former first lady is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, after losing a grandson in 2015. Her son Chip Carter paid tribute to her not only as a mother but as a lifelong advocate for mental health. Rosalynn continued her advocacy long after the White House through the Carter Center and as the author of books on the topic.  "Besides being a loving mother and extraordinary first lady, my mother was a great humanitarian in her own right," Chip Carter said in a statement. "She will be sorely missed not only by our family but by the many people who have better mental health care and access to resources for caregiving today."

At the tender age of 23, Shah Ifra, affectionately known as 'Kouri Mohneyuv' among the locals, has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of Kashmiri art. Hailing from the picturesque district of Srinagar, Shah Ifra's artistic journey began in 2018 when she enrolled in the esteemed art college in her hometown. In 2022, Shah Ifra graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Visual Arts Painting from the Department of Music and Fine Arts at the University of Kashmir. Since then, her creativity has been showcased in various exhibitions and art events, allowing her to make a name for herself as a talented and versatile artist. One of the notable milestones in Shah Ifra's career was her participation in the first-ever gallery exhibition at the Sher-Garhi complex in Srinagar, organized by the Gayoor Art Foundation. Her exquisite works captivated art enthusiasts and further cemented her reputation as a rising star in the Kashmiri art scene. Not content with local recognition alone, Shah Ifra's talent has garnered attention on a national level. She had the privilege of exhibiting her artwork under the Raza Foundation, representing one of the 100 young artists from across India. This exposure not only provided a platform for her unique artistic expression but also allowed her to connect with fellow creatives from diverse backgrounds. In 2020, Shah Ifra proudly participated in the renowned Kochi Biennial, a gathering of talented artists from around the world. This experience broadened her horizons, exposing her to new perspectives and artistic techniques. She cherishes the memories and friendships forged during this prestigious event, considering it a pivotal moment in her artistic development. Shah Ifra's dedication to her craft extends beyond exhibitions and events. She actively engages in art camps and workshops, eager to expand her skills and learn from established artists. One such event was the Art Camp Vitasta, jointly organized by the NZCC North Zone Cultural Center and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. This collaboration allowed her to immerse herself in an enriching environment where she honed her skills in performance art, painting, illustrations, and installations. As a figurative artist, Shah Ifra skillfully merges figures with text, imbuing her artwork with a profound storytelling quality. Her creations serve as a medium to preserve and celebrate Kashmiri culture, weaving together the rich tapestry of traditions, history, and emotions that define the region. Through her art, she aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride in her heritage, while also raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by Kashmiri society. Shah Ifra's passion and dedication to her art are evident in every stroke of her brush and every line she carefully crafts. Her distinctive artistic style and commitment to cultural preservation have earned her admiration and respect among her peers and the wider artistic community. In Shah Ifra's own words, she said, "Art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people on a deep, emotional level. Through my work, I strive to capture the essence of Kashmiri culture and share it with the world. Art allows us to communicate our stories, our struggles, and our hopes in a language that is universally understood." Shah Ifra continues to evolve as an artist, her future appears promising, brimming with potential and boundless creativity. With her unwavering determination and unwavering passion, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the art world, both locally and internationally. In a world where art has the power to bridge divides, Shah Ifra stands as a testament to the transformative and unifying nature of artistic expression.

Japanese lawmakers raised the age of consent from 13 to 16, marking the first change since 1907 and aligning with global norms. Lawmakers in Japan on Friday changed legislation to raise the age of consent from 13 — the lowest among developed nations — to 16. Under the stricter sex crime laws, lawmakers also broadened the definition of rape from "forcible sexual intercourse" to "non-consensual sexual intercourse." The expanded definition includes acts committed using drugging and intoxication. It also criminalized the grooming of minors. Other changes include a crackdown on "photo voyeurism," so-called upskirting, filming or photographing under a skirt without consent, and secretly filming sexual acts. Calls for change Japan's laws regarding sexual consent drew significant attention in 2019, after a string of defendants charged with sexual crimes were acquitted. It led to the Flower Demo movement, with groups of sexual violence victims and their supporters gathering once a month to demand changes to sex crime laws. Japan last revised its criminal code on sexual offenses in 2017, for the first time in more than a century, but campaigners said the reforms were insufficient. The age of consent — below which sexual activity is considered statutory rape — is 16 in Britain, Canada and most states in the US, while it is 15 in France and 14 in Germany and Italy. 'Non-consensual sexual intercourse' Another significant criticism of the old law was that it effectively blamed victims for not resisting enough. Japan has now identified eight scenarios under which rape prosecutions can be made. These include victims being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, being frightened and perpetrators taking advantage of social status. In addition, "visitation request offense" — people who use intimidation, seduction or money to coerce children under 16 to meet for sexual purposes  —  was also criminalized, and perpetrators face a prison sentence of up to a year or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,500, €3,197).

Joy of sports is not just for the youth, the District Youth Services and Sports in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, has shown by conducting events for senior citizens as part of their Sports for Seniors Sports Week. About 45 senior citizens participated in football and Tug-of-War events held at GD College Baramulla, proving that age is just a number when it comes to enjoying sports. One of the participants, Abdul Rashid, expressed his delight at being part of the event. He said, “I never imagined that I would be playing football at this age, but I am so happy that I did. It was such great fun. I am grateful to the Department of Youth Services and Sports for organising such an event.” Another participant, Zareena Begum, shared her story saying, “I used to be a basketball player when I was young, but due to my age, I had to give up the sport. However, today, I feel young again. I thank the department for making me feel that way.” The event was a reminder that everyone, regardless of their age, can benefit from participating in sports. Bilal Ahmad, the organiser of the event, highlighted this point, saying, “We organised this event to encourage senior citizens to participate in sports and show that sports can bring joy and health benefits to people across ages.” Ahmad added, “The success of this event has encouraged us to organise more such events for senior citizens and continue promoting sports as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.”

The Olympic champion revolutionized the high jump by leaping backwards to develop the "Fosbury Flop" that is now widely used by athletes. Team USA has paid tribute to an "Olympic pioneer." American high jump champion Dick Fosbury — whose unique jumping style would become the 'Fosbury Flop' — has died at the age of 76, his agent said on Monday. "It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that longtime friend and client Dick Fosbury passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning after a brief recurrence of lymphoma," Ray Schulte wrote on Instagram. "The track and field legend is survived by his wife Robin Tomasi, son Erich Fosbury and stepdaughters Stephanie Thomas-Phipps... and Kristin Thompson." Fosbury won gold in the high jump at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City with his technique of jumping back-first, setting an Olympic record of 2.24 meters (7 feet, 4 1/4 inches) and changing the sport forever. This technique is now used by all high jumpers today. Tributes flow for Olympic 'legend' Athletes and sporting officials from around the globe paid tribute to Fosbury. Team USA posted on Twitter that Fosbury was "truly an Olympic pioneer and legend." "With his groundbreaking 'Fosbury Flop' technique, Dick Fosbury not only won Olympic gold at Mexico City 1968 but also revolutionized the high jump," the team said. The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, said Forbury was "always true to the Olympic values" and "will forever be remembered as an outstanding Olympic champion. "The world legend is probably used too often," said US champion sprinter Michael Johnson on Twitter. "Dick Fosbury was a true LEGEND! He changed an entire event forever with a technique that looked crazy at the time but the result made it the standard."

The High Court has delivered order declaring the revised gazette notification illegal which was issued by liberation war affairs ministry fixing the minimum age 12 years 6 months for the freedom fighters till November 30, 1971. The High Court bench comprising Justice Sheikh Hassan Arif and Justice Razik Al Jalil passed the order on Sunday after final hearing of a writ filed by Director of Bangladesh Geological Survey Directorate Mahmud Hasan. Barrister Omor Sadat represented the writ petitioner before the court while Deputy Attorney General Mokhlesur Rahman represented the state. The High Court earlier issued the rule asking the concerned authorities to explain why the amended gazette notification shall not be declared beyond legal authority. The court had asked Liberation War Affairs Ministry, its Secretary, Joint Secretary, power and energy Secretary, finance Secretary, Jatiya Muktijoddha Command Council Director General and Director General of Department of Geological Survey to respond. Earlier in a gazette notification issued on January 17, 2018  the ministry fixed minimum age for freedom fighters at 12 years 6 months instead of 13 years. Later challenging the decision some concerned persons filed writ with the High Court challenging the gazette notification. After publishing the first gazette in 2016 it was said that the minimum age for the freedom fighters should be at least 13 years till March 26, 1971. Last year in a revised gazette notification it was said that the minimum age for the freedom fighters will be 12 years 6 months till November 30, 1971. AH

The entry level age limit for public services is not increased. The proposal placed in the parliament by independent MP Md. Rezaul Karim (Bogura-7) to turn age limit 35 years for public services was rejected on Thursday. He placed the proposal after writing- the entry level age limit for public services should be turned to 35 years. In this perspective taking floor State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said, country’s law and order situation is very good at the moment. So the youths of the country can complete their master degree within 22-23 years. So they are getting 7 years for entering in services. These seven years are enough for entry. The government thinks that considering the overall situation the entry level age and age for retirement are logical. He said, after the independence considering the situation the entry level age limit was made 27 from 25 and then it was made 30. If it is done 35 then pension related complexities will be created. The State Minister requested for withdrawing the proposal but the concerned MP did not withdraw. Placing the proposal Rezaul Karim said, in 155 countries out of 192 the entry level age limit is 55 to 59. Now there are more than 28 lakh educated jobless persons in the country. After not getting job many youths are being engaged in crimes or drugs. Considering their future the entry level age limit for public services should be made 35. Later when Deputy Speaker Advocate Md. Fazle Rabbi Mia placed the proposal for vote and it was rejected in the voice vote. AH          

The maximum age for the candidates of DUCSU and hall students’ association elections will be 30 years. Students of honors, masters as well as regular M Phil students can be the candidates in this election. Nobody aged over 30 can be a voter or candidate. The decision was taken at the syndicate meeting of the university on Tuesday evening. More decisions were taken in the meeting like evening shift students cannot be voter or candidate and voting centers will be set up in every dormitory. In the syndicate meeting DUCSU constitution, code of conduct, voter list and other issues were discussed. Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election is scheduled to be held on March 11. The university authority held discussions in several phases with the active students’ organizations. AH     

The government has issued MPO guidelines fixing the age limit 35 years for the teaching profession in private educational institutions (schools and colleges). It also kept opportunities for transfer of teachers and officials in the guidelines. The guideline was published on the website of education ministry on Thursday which was signed on June 12. It said, the age limit for teachers and officials in private educational institutions will be 35 years. But the index holders’ age limit will be relaxed for appointment in the same or higher post. The salaries provided from government part (MPO) will be given until 60 years of the teachers and officials and no reappointment or contractual appointment will be given after crossing the age of 60 years. The new guideline said, from now the MPO affiliated teachers can be transferred from one to other institution. The details are mentioned in the guideline. It also said, the teachers and officials will get higher grade salary after passing ten years tenure of satisfactory performance. They will get it after six year in the same manner. But they will not get more than two higher grade salary or time scale in their professional life. Secondary and higher education division joint secretary (secondary) Salma Jahan said, application will be received for MPO affiliation after the Eid. After verification the permission will be given. AH

Director General (DG) of Immigration and Passport Department Major General Rezwanul Masud has informed that his department has stopped approving requests for change on certain information in the passport. He said, change in the passport holder’s name, father’s name, mother’s name and age will not be allowed anymore. He said these when executive committee members of Immigration and Passport Reporters’ Forum (PIRF) made a courtesy call at his Agargaon office in the capital on Tuesday. Additional Director General Selina Banu, ATM Abu Asad and other senior officials were present at the moment. The applicants randomly apply for re-issuing passports changing their names, father’s name, mother’s name and age. As a result, they are facing problems in immigration abroad, the DG said. So, from now on, other than error corrections, no request for changes in the passport will be carried out, he added.  Rezwan Masud said, drive is underway to detain the middlemen through mobile court. There will be no need of confirmation and police report if smart card project is done. Work is underway in this regard. AH