The European Space Agency's telescope Gaia has discovered two streams of stars that helped form our galaxy more than 12 billion years ago. The European Space Agency (ESA) has gathered unprecedented insights into the history of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The ESA's space telescope Gaia revealed two ancient streams of stars that wove together and merged with the Milky Way early in its existence. Researchers were examining data collected by Gaia when they came upon the streams, which they named Shakti and Shiva — a divine couple from Hindu philosophy who Hindus believe united to create the universe. "Revealing more about our galaxy's infancy is one of Gaia's goals, and it's certainly achieving it," Timo Prusti, project scientist for Gaia at the ESA, said. "We need to pinpoint the subtle yet crucial differences between stars in the Milky Way to understand how our galaxy formed and evolved. This requires incredibly precise data — and now, thanks to Gaia, we have that data." Ancient star streams show Milky Way's growth Astronomers believe Shakti and Shiva are so old they likely formed before the oldest parts of our galaxy's spiral arms and disc. The stars that make up the two streams in space are 12 to 13 billion years old, and each stream contains the mass of about 10 million Suns. The star streams lie towards, but not directly at, the Milky Way's heart. Gaia gathered data from this area in 2022 and found the region to be filled with the oldest stars in the entire galaxy. "The stars there are so ancient that they lack many of the heavier metal elements created later in the Universe's lifetime," said Hans-Walter Rix, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. Rix was a co-author of the study that presents the results of Gaia's exploration, published in the journal Nature on Thursday. "Until now, we had only recognized… very early fragments that came together to form the Milky Way's ancient heart," Rix said. "With Shakti and Shiva, we now see the first pieces that seem comparably old but located further out. These signify the first steps of our galaxy's growth towards its present size." Rix's colleague and co-author Khyati Malhan pointed out how much the Milky Way has changed in the billions of years since Shakti's and Shiva's stars were born, and how the researchers hadn't been expecting to clearly see any structures from that time. "But the unprecedented data we're getting from Gaia made it possible." Shakti and Shiva part of the Milky Way's birth The two streams Gaia discovered are similar but not identical. Shakti's stars orbit a little further from the Milky Way's center and in more circular orbits than Shiva's. Scientists today think that the Milky Way formed when multiple long, irregular filaments of gas and dust coalesced billions of years ago in space, forming stars and wrapping together to spark the birth of our galaxy. It seems that Shakti and Shiva were part of this process. The ESA said it hopes that future Gaia data releases will reveal more details.

The book arrived in my notice quite lately. Published by the Bangladesh Supreme Court Lawyers Association a a part of commemoration of 'Mujibbarsha', there is no doubt that 'A Superhero of the History' was published in continuation of the clamor of publication about Bangabandhu across the country. The compiled writings are heartwarming indeed. It became a unique book in the crowd of thousands of useless writings occupying the publication industry.   The current learned attorney general A. M. Amin Uddin is in the editorial board of the compilation. Other associates are Md. Moniruzzaman, Imtiaz Farooq, Bakir Uddin Bhuiyan, Md. Humayun Kabir and Mohammad Moshiur Rahman. All of them are the then leaders of the Supreme Court Bar Association and renowned lawyers as well.  But we all have a regret. That is, the amount of work being done on Bangabandhu is unorganized and inadequate compared to what is needed. The universities also did not come forward with much interest in such research oriented works. Although 'Bangabandhu Chair' has been established in various universities, the hostels have been named. Even many buildings in the country have been named after Bangabandhu. Once an essayist lamented, 'Bangabandhu is limited only to bridges, hostels, roads, buildings, universities, museums. But beyond these, he is the whole of Bangladesh. He is mixed in every dust of every inch of this country.' This is the real Bangabandhu, his true identity.  It cannot be denied that Bangabandhu's life and work have not been compiled even today. As there was no analysis or research on Bangabandhu's overall life and activities, his philosophy, doctrine, governance. Although there was much criticism on the political part of the program of his second revolution, there was not the least discussion or criticism on its economic, social program. His vision remained unchallenged. None of his colleagues, followers - came forward to shed light on the matter. Rather, he remained silent for fear of being criticized by the detractors. No significant research has been done on the program of the Second Revolution.  On the other hand, many books on Bangabandhu's life and work are available in the market. Most of the authors are anonymous. Many books are not even worth touching. Unfortunately, real  Bangabandhu is absent in those writings. No evaluation, no analysis. After reading many books, it seems that those should be discarded. Those who were companions of Bangabandhu did not come forward to write memoirs. The politicians created by him have also shown miserliness in this regard. If they had written, then a lot of information about Bangabandhu and contemporary history would have been available. And because it did not go away, unnecessary lies about Bangabandhu have increased. He has been the victim of propaganda the most. But end of the day he has come out as an enlightened person, the best son of the Bengali nation.  Everyone should read the memorial book 'Itihaser Mahanayak' to know the enlightened and greatest Bengali father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In this book Bangabandhu's daughter Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangabandhu's other daughter Sheikh Rehana wrote two memoirs. The country's best jurists, well-known judges and a number of famous intellectuals of the country have contributed in this anthology; through which the life and works of the Father of the Nation have been truly glorified. The writings will be very useful for those who will do classical research about him in the future. Others who wrote in this memorial book: Justice Iman Ali, Justice Md. Nuruzzaman, Justice Obaidul Hasan, Md Nurul Islam Sujan MP, Sh Rezaul Karim MP, Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas, Md Mahbub Ali MP, Justice M Inayetur Rahim, former Law Minister Abdul Matin Khasru, Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Yusuf Hossain Humayun, Abdul Baset Majumder, Syed Rezaur Rahman, Dr. Harun-ur-Rashid, Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman, AAMS Arefin Siddique, Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Harun Habib, Kashem Humayun, Mohammad Manjurul Islam, Md. Moniruzzaman, Imtiaz Farooq, Md. Bakir Uddin Bhuiyan, Md. Humayun Kabir and Md. Moshiur Rahman. Apart from this, several chapters dealing closely with Bangabandhu's life and politics have been inserted, which will be very essential for the readers. For example, a chapter has been inserted on what prominent citizens of the international arena have commented on Bangabandhu. The books written by Bangabandhu are also included. There is also a chapter on Bangabandhu's speech in Bengali to the United Nations General Assembly. 130 pages beyond the main article are filled with such rare discussions. That is why the book is different from other publications. Another notable aspect is the important inclusion of photographs from various periods along with a brief biography of the Father of the Nation.  The Supreme Court Bar Association has performed a national duty by publishing this memorandum. In the crowd of thousands of cheap books, a thoughtful book is the hope of the age. This is one such publication. But there are some limitations about the book. It is not a very accessible book. Although the publication was administered Pathak Samabesh, any interested reader will not find the book in market. Only Supreme Court lawyers can collect the book. I hope that the respected editorial board will try to overcome these limitations of the book in the next edition and make it more universal and accessible.   Anisuzzaman Sohel, a prominent painter of the country, designed the cover of the 'A Superhero of the History' memorial book. He deserves special thanks.   Author: Supreme Court lawyer, former banker and filed first complaint against Bangabandhu's killers

Pop superstar Taylor Swift is now the first performer to win Grammy award for fourth time by taking home the honor for 'Midnights' in Los Angeles. The history was made when the 2024 Grammy Awards have awarded the biggest prize of the night. The 34 year old pop superstar won album of the year for "Midnights," and set another record on Sunday (Feb 4) by winning the Grammy award making a women dominated pop music industry. The pop superstar said that she was thrilled by receiving the honor. "It makes me so happy," she said while receiving the award. "All I want to do is keep doing this." she added. After winning the award Swift says, " I want to tell you a secret which I have been keeping away from you for the last two years. My new album comes out on 19th April and It’s named ‘The Tortured Poets Department.’

There is a legend that a group of Portuguese monks were sailing to Macao when their ship hit bad weather and they landed in Nagasaki, Japan, instead. That accidental encounter ended up changing Japan – and its food – forever. One thing these monks, and the many Portuguese who would come after them, brought to the country was a simple, powerful and much-loved ingredient – sugar. During the 16th century, Nagasaki, on the island of Kyushu, was the only city through which foreigners could trade with the Japanese. As a result, it developed the strongest sweet tooth. Many of Japan’s present-day favorite wagashi – sweets – have their origins on Kyushu. One of these is castella, a Portuguese-inspired pound cake. Though the style of making pound cake came via Portugal, one ingredient makes it specifically Japanese: mizuame syrup, which is made from glutinous rice. The best place to snag some for yourself is at Fukusaya. It’s a well-known cake shop chain, with the first location opening – where else? – in Nagasaki in 1624. In Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu, Fukusaya’s main branch is in the busy Akasaka neighborhood, not far from where tourists spill into the city from Hakata Station, western terminus of the Shinkansen high-speed train line. The castella here are cut into cubes, individually wrapped in colorful packaging and placed into gift boxes. Though there are occasional special flavors like sakura (cherry blossom) in the spring or chocolate around Christmas, it’s the classic castella that still sells the most, according to an Akasaka employee. Castella (kasutera in Japanese) also makes an appearance in another popular Japanese sweet, dorayaki. Here, the castella cake is thinner and made into a pancake with a layer of sweet red bean paste inside. Source: CNN

The Bangladesh Women's Cricket team kept making history in South Africa, as they registered their first victory against Proteas on their own den day when the nation was celebrating its Victory Day. In their previous eight meetings on South African soil, Bangladesh even couldn't make a minimum resistance but in the three-match ODI series opener on Saturday, they were simply relentless as they outplayed the South African Women's team by 119 runs at the Buffalo Park in East London on Sunday (Dec 17).   And that too by compiling 250-3, their highest total in ODI history, eclipsing their previous best 234-7 against Pakistan in Hamilton, 2022. "The victory is more pleasing because it came when our nation was celebrating the Victory," Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty said after her side created the history. "So obviously we want to dedicate this victory to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices to free the country from the Pakistani occupation forces during the War of Independence."   No. 3 batter Murshida Khatun was instrumental in the landmark victory, hitting a classy 100 ball-91 not out, an innings laced with 12 fours. It was the second best individual knock by a Bangladeshi batter, only behind Fargana Hoque who was so far lone centurion for the country, hitting 107 against India this year at own backyard. Murshida also had the chance to join Fargana but she missed it unfortunately. However her knock gave Bangladesh a total that was tough to handle for the South African Women's team which was eventually wrapped up for 131 in 36.3 overs.   Fargana and Shamima Sultana added 66 runs to give Bangladesh a solid start after being asked to bat first. Eliz-Mari Marx broke through with the wicket of Shamima who made 34 and then Delmi Tucker had Fargana caught by Marx for 35, leaving Bangladesh 110-2. Murshida however utilized the strong platform to good effect to keep the runs flowing with captain Joty playing to her second fiddle. Joty made 38 off 38 with five fours.   Murshida then got support from Shorna Akter who chipped-in-with with 27 not out and together they helped Bangladesh touch the milestone of 250 runs in ODI cricket for the first time. Nahid Akhter who became the first Bangladesh Women cricket to be adjudged the ICC Player of the Month of November some days ago led the bowling attack with 3-33 as South African found them in wanting right from the words go.   Sultana Khatun, Rabeya Khatun and Fahima Khatun took two wickets apiece to complement Nahid as Bangladesh achieved a big victory to make a giant step of being a big team in Women's cricket circuit. Marx was the top-scorer for South Africa with 35 while Sune Luss made 31.      The second ODI is on December 20 at Potchefstroom. Bangladesh earlier drew the three-match T20 series 1-1. Source: BSS

China was an early proponent of a ceasefire in Gaza and has called for wider talks on resolving the Palestinian question. But analysts say the situation is complicated, and it’s not clear what Beijing expects to achieve, and how it can get there. Beijing has been a supporter of the Palestinians since the Mao era and long called for a two-state solution, but it is increasingly close to Israel, and is presenting itself as a neutral party that holds steadfast to a noninterference principle. Beijing is also trying to build on its minimal but growing influence in the Middle East, where it has major economic interests, and also presenting itself as a leader of the global south, and furthering its anti-US agenda. A week on from the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel, in which 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed, China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, called for a global peace conference and accused Israel of going “beyond the scope of self defence” in its bombing of Gaza. On 16 October, Xi Jinping called for a ceasefire “as soon as possible, to avoid the conflict from expanding or even spiralling out of control and causing a serious humanitarian crisis”. China – which this month became chair of the UN security council – was one of 120 nations to vote for a general assembly ceasefire resolution, and sent a Middle East special envoy, Zhai Jun, to the region. “Rhetorical support for the Palestinians alongside most of the Arab and Muslim world is relatively cost-free to offer (and frankly, a fair slice of the western world too is very concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supports a two-state solution),” said Rorry Daniels, the managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute. “But anything more creates a tricky set of consequences that I would assume China seeks to avoid.” The conflict comes at a time when Beijing is seeking to grow its influence in the Middle East – a region where it has historically not had significant clout – by building on its involvement in brokering a deal earlier this year to normalise relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy in east Asia at King’s College London, who attended a recent security forum in Beijing, said there were signs Beijing was leaning on Iran to prevent further escalation of the conflict as a step towards ceasefire. “They’re trying to use their acquired influence in the region to see if they can target a fragile and fast evolving situation in a way that allows them to claim – if a victory comes around – that they were part of the solution not the problem.” Raymond Kuo, a political scientist at the Rand Corporation, said Beijing still didn’t have strong enough influence in the deeply complex region to effect a real solution. “Beijing might want to act as a mediator, but will it actually put skin in the game, including financial assistance, political pressure, and security support or even guarantees, especially given the region’s complexity? I’m doubtful, especially since it hasn’t been involved thus far.” Analysts also linked China’s response to its ongoing rivalry with the US, which is a major supporter of Israel and voted against ceasefires at the UN, and its wish to be seen as the more responsible global superpower. “This is an opportunity to support Beijing’s wider ‘wolf warrior’ narrative of blaming bad things happening internationally on the US,” said Kuo. Daniels said: “China sees a high priority in the international landscape as preserving its reputation as the leader of the developing world. I think China wants to position itself as a champion of any country or people oppressed by the broader coalition of US allies and partners, as well as a fair broker for dispute settlement and resolution.” The issue has also allowed Beijing to push back on ongoing accusations about its own human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. On 30 October, China’s embassy in France tweeted a composite image of intact buildings in Xinjiang and a destroyed neighbourhood in Gaza. Tuvia Gering, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies’ Israel-China Policy Center in Tel Aviv, said the pictures were designed to say, “We, the Chinese, care about the Muslims. What [the west] is saying about us is blatant lies.” Among Chinese people there is deep distress over the thousands of people being killed in Israeli strikes. One woman in Beijing tells the Guardian that she and her compatriots sympathise with Palestine because the situation reminds them of the Japanese occupation of China during the second world war. The conflict has also seen antisemitic discourse rise in China, on social media, and from official voices. While antisemitism has long existed in China, and flourished in particular in nationalist corners of the internet, analysts note that Beijing’s refusal to condemn Hamas for the 7 October attacks have emboldened a Chinese influencers to voice antisemitic tropes more vigorously. This content has been allowed to flourish on China’s tightly controlled social media, indicating at least a tacit tolerance for racist content. Hashtags that use antisemitic tropes have had tens of millions of views. Antisemitism in China rises every time there is a conflict involving Israel, said Gering. “But this is on steroids. This is as fast as I’ve ever seen it.” The tone of online discourse was set by state media and official pronouncements, he said. Much of the online discussion focuses on the destruction wrought by the conflict. But some of the commentary also uses antisemitic tropes to make points that serve Beijing’s geopolitical interests, such as challenging the US’s dominance on the world stage. In an article published on 14 October, Luo Yuan, a retired major general in the People’s Liberation Army, wrote that Israel was a “pawn” planted in the Middle East to execute American interests in the region. Some tropes have been combined with other recent nationalistic campaigns. On 11 October, one influencer with 2.5 million followers wrote that Jewish people financed Tepco, the Japanese company responsible for discharging wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant – a highly contentious issue in China. Associating Jews with the issue is “like a modern blood libel of the Jews as the well-poisoners”, said Gering. Many of the comments below are explicitly antisemitic, with references to Hitler and Judas. According to Weibo’s community guidelines, users are prohibited from posting “harmful content”, but antisemitic comments remained online weeks after being posted. Source: The Guardian 

Even after 75 years of independence, the wound of partition is still open and it still hurts the Sikh men as well as women, who lost their families and homes in Sheikhupura district in Pakistan, reported Khalsa Vox. Sheikhupura, a city in the Pakistani province of Punjab, was earlier a non-Muslim stronghold and only 20 percent of Sikhs resided there. However, the town considered them to be the most important and formidable community in the district. Hence, even after the announcement of the Mountbatten Plan of Partition of India, Hindus and Sikhs did not evacuate the area as it was considered to be safe. On August 24, 1947, a curfew was imposed as a non-Muslim’s house was set on fire at night. The people who tried to douse the blaze were shot by the Military, according to Khalsa Vox. This incident was just the beginning of what next was coming. Following that day, the curfew was again imposed at 2 pm and all petrol pumps were asked to give petrol to local authorities due to an ‘unforeseen emergency’. Qazi Ahmad Shafi, the magistrate led the Military from one end of the town to the other. They killed all men and old women along their way, abducting young girls, looting properties and setting non-Muslim houses and shops on fire. In the New Ihatas locality, men and women were forced to stand in queues and then the young girls were chosen and distributed among Muslim men in front of their brothers, husbands and fathers. Whereas men who tried to object in between were shot dead, Khalsa Vox reported. Moreover, People who were settled in the refugee camp in a rice factory in Sheikhupura were mass murdered by Sten and Bren guns. However, men and women were bifurcated, following which women were demeaned and ‘examined vulgarity’ and men were shot dead without a blink. These episodes of bloodshed continued for two to three days and only 1500 non-Muslims remained alive out of 15000. Even after that, brutality did not stop and it was still going on. Former Prime Minister Jinnah falsely assured them of safety and protection, however, on Aug 27, 1947, they faced betrayal and brutishness, reported Khalsa Vox. On that same day, a gang of men, including most of the Muslim League members and Muslim National Guard and some constables were armed with rifles .303 (Lee-Enfield) and Sten guns. They started attacking and killing non-Muslims rampantly, leaving no one, neither young nor old. Adding to the brutality, people’s eyeballs were scraped out and some of them were maimed and thrown alive in Deg Nala. Moreover, the government school principal of Sharaqpur Tek Chand Nanda was executed on the road in front of everyone. Infants were thrown out against the wall and some were even slaughtered into pieces, according to Khalsa Vox. Meanwhile, out of around one thousand non-Muslims, merely 71 managed to escape. However, the bloodshed continued and streets were littered with bloodied bodies. However, before all these happened, Mohammad and Gurpreet used to play marbles in their gully. Faiza and Sukhjeet celebrated Lohri together. But now, suddenly, a line has been drawn which has brought hatred, brutality and helplessness. This line has made Mohammad and Gurpreet enemies. Whereas, Faiza and Sukhpreet jumped into wells to save themselves from being ravaged by savages, reported Khalsa Vox.

Fargana Pinky, became the first centurian for Bangladesh Womens' Cricket at Mirpur Sher-e Bangla Stadiam on Saturday. She made the three digits score, 107 runs by playing 156 balls on the 3rd One day match against India. Team Bangladesh also made a record. Nigar Sultana's team did 225/4 at 50 over. Earlier, Rumana Ahmed and Salma Khatun were the joint highest individual scorer for Bangladesh with 75 runs. Bangladesh won the rain-hit first ODI by 40 runs before India leveled the series with massive 108-run victory in the second game.  

Bangladesh won against Afghanistan by setting a record in Test history. Bangladesh won the match by the third highest run margin in the history of Test cricket, the elite format of cricket.  In 2019, Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 224 runs margin last time. Tigers avenged their loss after four years.  With that victory, Bangladesh got the biggest win in their test history. After losing the toss, Bangladesh went to bat first. In the first innings of the match, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 382 runs for the hosts.  The maximum 146 runs came from Najmul Shanto's willow. Mahmudul Joy scored 76 runs off 137 balls. In reply, Afghanistan were bowled out for just 146 runs in their first innings. Tiger Pacers quickly took all the wickets of opposition batsmen by showing extraordinary bowling and fielding skills .  The tiger spinners also contributed to seal the victory. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam took two wickets each.  Afsar Zazai scored the highest 36 runs of the Afghan innings.  Bangladesh gets a lead 236 runs in the first innings of the match. Tigers batted brilliantly in their second innings also. Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan missing a century after being run out. The left-hander scored 71 runs off 95 balls before returning to the pavilion. Then Najmul Shanto became the second Bangladeshi cricketer after Mominul Haque to score a century in both innings in a test match.  Mominul Haque got his century after a long time. Bangladesh team announced their innings after scoring total 425 runs for four wickets.  The target for Afghanistan stand at 662 runs to win the match. In reply, Afghanistan lost two wickets in the last session the third day. They surrendered in front of the Tiger Pacers.  As a result, Afghanistan ended their innings to score only 115 runs.  So, Bangladesh won by 546 runs in the Dhaka Test. Taskin Ahmed took 4 wickets for Bangladesh in the second innings. Najmul Hossain Shanto got the man of the award.

In the early 19th century, the Sikh Empire emerged as a powerful force in the Indian subcontinent, spreading across a vast territory and leaving a legacy that would forever shape the nation's history. The Sikh Empire, under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, not only united the Punjab that was divided but also made significant contributions to India's cultural and social heritage, Khalsa Vox reported. The reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh began in 1799 when he ascended the throne at the age of 20. He was an ambitious leader who had within for a united Punjab and worked to achieve this goal. He extended his kingdom beyond Punjab and made significant inroads into Afghanistan, Kashmir, and Tibet. One of the most notable achievements of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the construction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. This temple is the holiest site for the Sikh community, attracting millions of tourists yearly. The Maharaja also commissioned the construction of several forts, palaces, and other significant structures, all of which stand as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Sikh Empire, Khalsa Vox reported. The Sikh Empire also made significant contributions to India's military history. Under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh army became one of the most formidable in the region, known for its bravery and discipline. The Maharaja employed a mix of armed forces, including Sikh cavalry, Afghan horse riders, and European mercenaries, all trained to fight in coordinated formations. Further, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a patron of the arts and literature. His court attracted some of the most talented artists, writers, and intellectuals; his court restored a cultural renaissance in Punjab, and his reign saw the rise of Punjabi literature, music, and poetry, which would continue to influence popular culture in India for generations to come, Khalsa Vox reported. However, the Sikh Empire's reign was not free from conflict and controversy. The Empire was established during political turmoil in India and faced opposition from various other regional powers, including the British East India Company. The Anglo-Sikh wars fought between 1845 and 1849 eventually led to the fall of the Sikh Empire and its annexation by the British. Despite this defeat, the legacy of the Sikh Empire lives on. Its achieve actual and military history achievement left an indelible mark on India's history and influenced the country's national consciousness. The Sikh Empire was a moment of glory in Indian history, representing the height of Sikh power and achievement, Khalsa Vox reported. The Empire marks a glorious chapter in Indian history, representing a time of outstanding achievement, cultural and social renaissance, and military might. Under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Empire made significant contributions to India's architecture, art, culture, and military history. Despite facing conflict and turmoil, the Empire's legacy inspires and influences India's national identity.