China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation recently hosted an open day event at Mongla Port in Bangladesh, showcasing their advanced trailing suction hopper dredger "Xin Zi Lang 5".  The event, started on Tuesday aimed to raise awareness about marine engineering and share technology with the local community. Over 400 people participated, including Mongla Port Authority officials, students, and teachers from Khulna University of Engineering and  Technology (KUET), and local primary and secondary schools.  Attendees were given tours of the dredger, learning about its operation and the importance of dredging projects in maintaining smooth waterway access for commercial vessels. The "Xin Zi Lang 5," one of the most advanced dredgers in Bangladesh, arrived in 2021 and has already removed over 2.4 million cubic meters of dredged sand, ensuring the navigability of the Pussur Channel for commercial vessels of the Mongla Port, Dr AKM Anisur Rahman, member (Engineering) chief guest of the programme said. Since 2018, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has played a significant role in maintaining Mongla Port. They've completed multiple dredging projects, ensuring smooth passage for commercial vessels, Sheikh Sowkat Ali, project director of the “Inner Bar Dredging of Mongla Port Channel’  said.  Students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) were particularly excited about the event.  Asked about their impressions, students of KUET said they are excited to visit the largest and most advanced dredger working in the country. Professor Shahjahan from KUET also acknowledged CCECC for its commitment to knowledge sharing. He highlighted the company's ongoing support for academic forums and research collaborations at the university. “The event focused on CCECC's dedication to social responsibility in Bangladesh. They actively create job opportunities for local communities, participate in educational charity initiatives, and collaborate with universities on technological exchange programs” Steven Guo, project manager of CCECC said. Through proper business practices and social contributions, CCECC has earned a strong reputation in the Bangladesh market, Steven Guo, manager of the project said.  These efforts have made CCECC a responsible and valuable partner in Bangladesh's economic and social progress, he added.  

Technology is always changing, and 2023 will be no different. There are a number of new and exciting technologies that are emerging this year, which have the potential to change the way we live and work. Here are some cutting-edge technological developments to keep an eye on in 2023: Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and it is only going to become more powerful in the years to come. AI is already being used in a wide variety of applications, from healthcare to transportation to customer service. In 2023, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI, such as self-driving cars, AI-powered doctors, and personalized product recommendations. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): VR and AR are two of the most immersive and engaging technologies available today. While AR superimposes digital data onto the actual world, VR allows users to experience a completely virtual world. Although these technologies are still in their infancy, they have the power to fundamentally alter the way we interact with the world. In 2023, we can expect to see more VR and AR applications in gaming, education, and training. 5G: The fifth generation of cellular networks, or 5G, promises to be significantly quicker and more responsive than 4G. This will enable new and innovative applications, such as real-time streaming of high-definition video, remote surgery, and self-driving cars. 5G is still in its early stages of deployment, but it is expected to become widespread in 2023. Quantum computing: A novel approach to computing known as quantum computing is built on the ideas of quantum mechanics. Problems that are impossible for conventional computers to solve can be handled by quantum computers. In 2023, we can expect to see the first commercial quantum computers emerge. These computers will have a profound impact on a wide range of industries, from drug discovery to financial trading. Blockchain: A distributed ledger technology called blockchain is employed to securely and openly record transactions. Blockchain is best known for its use in cryptocurrencies, but it has a wide range of other applications. In 2023, we can expect to see more businesses adopt blockchain technology for applications such as supply chain management, identity verification, and voting. The newest technological developments to watch in 2023 include just a few of these. We may anticipate seeing even more ground-breaking and disruptive inventions emerge in the years to come as technology continues to advance. How these technologies will impact our lives The latest technology trends have the potential to impact our lives in a number of ways. For example, AI could be used to automate tasks, improve healthcare, and personalize our experiences. VR and AR could be used to create more immersive and engaging learning experiences, or to provide remote assistance for technicians. 5G could enable new forms of entertainment, such as real-time streaming of high-definition video. And quantum computing could revolutionize the way we solve complex problems. It is still too early to say exactly how these technologies will impact our lives, but it is clear that they have the potential to change the world in a profound way. We can expect to see more and more of these technologies emerge in the years to come, and it will be exciting to see how they shape our future.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with President of Zanzibar Hussein Ali Mwinyi on Wednesday and also witnessed the signing of the agreement on setting up of IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar. Jaishankar is on a four-day official visit to Tanzania, where he is set to hold high-level talks and co-chair the 10th Joint Commission Meeting with his counterpart, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a release. Following his meeting with the President of Zanzibar, Jaishankar tweeted, "Delighted to meet President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Appreciated his strong commitment to stronger India-Zanzibar partnership. Our development partnership and defence cooperation are domains with which he is closely associated."Jaishankar also witnessed the signing of agreement of setting up of IIT Madras in Zanzibar. The President of Zanzibar and his ministers were also present during the occasion. To strengthen the education ties between the two countries, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is opening its first-ever overseas campus in Tanzania's Zanzibar in October 2023 with a batch of 50 undergraduate students and 20 master's students, The Citizen reported. The new IIT campus will be set up in Zanzibar under the name IIT Madras at Zanzibar. Zanzibar will be one of three campuses outside of India, with the others located in Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. "Witnessed the signing of the agreement on setting up of @iitmadras Zanzibar campus. Appreciate President @DrHmwinyi gracing the occasion, as also the presence of his Ministers. This historic step reflects India's commitment to the Global South," Jaishankar tweeted. India and Tanzania share close and friendly relations. In strengthening the education ties between the two countries, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will open its first-ever overseas campus in Tanzania's Zanzibar in October 2023 with a batch of 50 undergraduate students and 20 master's students, The Citizen reported. The new IIT campus will be set up in Zanzibar under the name IIT Madras at Zanzibar. Zanzibar will be one of three campuses outside of India, with the others located in Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. During the visit, Jaishankar also called on the top leadership of the East African country and also attended a reception onboard Indian Naval Ship Trishul. India and Tanzania also saw the second edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between the two countries, which was held in Arusha on June 28 and 29, earlier this year. 

A pilot project to treat wastewater on a small scale using Japanese technology known as Johkasou wastewater treatment tanks was started in the capital yesterday. The new technology can address wastewater issues with its ability to treat wastewater at the household level. The project implemented by the Bhutan Toilet Organisation in collaboration with the Thimphu Thromde aims to tackle wastewater issues in the country.  The pilot project installed the first Johkasou wastewater treatment tanks in two households in upper Motithang. The installation works took two days to complete. The pilot initiative started when JOYLET Japan introduced the tanks and by sponsoring of six tanks, along with technical support for installation and maintenance. According to the Bhutan Toilet Organisation, the Johkasou wastewater tanks will serve as an option for households whose wastewater overflows into nearby streams, which will help reduce wastewater-related environmental pollution. “These Johkasou tanks can treat the wastewater itself, which is similar to the septic tank. We keep our septic tanks underground, however, in Japan, the wastewater in the septic tanks gets treated and comes out as clean water. So, we are working on this pilot project to see the results of the technology in our country,” said Chablop Passang Tshering, Executive Director. He added that the resulting treated water from the Johkasou tanks is suitable for washing clothes and gardening purposes. “Since it is a Japanese technology, we are facing issues with the workmanship while installing. And we are worried that the people might dump even solid waste, which will damage the tank.” The executive director added that the cost of the tanks remains a challenge with the tanks costing around 120,000 ngultrum each. However, he said that the tanks are beneficial in the long run allowing households and communities to independently manage their wastewater. According to the Bhutan Toilet Organisation, the JOYLET Japan is exploring funds to give more tanks to Bhutan, while also considering setting up a factory to manufacture the tanks in the country to make it affordable. The initiative also received support from the GEF Small Grants Programme, UNDP Bhutan, and the Government. Source: thebhutanlive.com

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the US next week will be an opportunity to elevate India-US commercial and strategic technology partnerships, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has said. Modi will be welcomed as a State Guest in Washington DC on June 22 by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. He will address a joint session of the US Congress on the same day. The President and the First Lady will also host Modi at a State Dinner later in the day. Raimondo, speaking on the visit at the annual India Ideas Summit of the US-India Business Council, said, "This will be an opportunity to elevate our governments' commercial and strategic technology partnerships, including in defence, semiconductor supply chains, clean energy and space." A great advocate of India-US relationship, Raimondo said she and Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal are focused on the development and security of critical and emerging technology. "Semiconductors are essential to this effort and the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) that Minister Goyal and I signed in March will bring our two sides closer together as we both respond to the urgent need to create stronger and more secure semiconductor supply chains," she said. During the commercial dialogue, the two nations also announced a new working group that will leverage the two countries' robust trade and investment relationship and the shared spirit of entrepreneurship to promote innovation and grow jobs, especially in emerging technologies. "We're aiming to lift-up and connect our dynamic innovation ecosystems, address regulatory hurdles to cooperate and further bolster our shared vision of an elevated strategic technology partnership," Raimondo said. Observing that the US is working with India as part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), she said it is the administration's overarching framework for deepening economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. "Last month, we announced the substantial conclusion of a first-of-its-kind international agreement on supply chains. Through the proposed agreement, the IPEF partners will seek to increase the resilience, diversity, and security of our supply chains through individual and collective actions," Raimondo said. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta on Friday launched three online services offered by the Department of Science and Technology of the state, said an official statement. Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary, Science and Technology was also present for the launch. The services include Sponsored Research & Extension Programme, Support for Innovation & Patent Filing scheme, and Science Talent Promotion Scholarship Scheme. "All these schemes are offered by the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC) and are primarily meant for inculcating the scientific culture among students/scientific community in particular and common masses in general", reads the statement. Chief Secretary stressed the need for scientific solutions to various issues of local importance such as waste management, biomass energy, plastic to fuel stressing need to run a waste to wealth campaign. He complimented the Science & Technology Department for establishing Industrial Biotechnology Parks, Sub Regional Science Centre, and instructed for establishment of various Centre of Excellences across UT of Jammu & Kashmir. He enjoined upon the Department to collaborate with other departments for innovative solutions to problems faced by people in their day to day life. "Science and Technology should contribute to ease of living. Our focus should be on innovations for larger public interest so that the knowledge actually gets transferred from lab to land", he said. The chief secretary also took stock of various schemes of Science & Technology Department including Jammu Smart City Mission, Jammu Solar City Mission, PM-KUSUM, Rooftop Solar Power Plant Mission and focused on the need to increase the demand of solar energy within the UT of J&K. On the occasion it was given out that the Sponsored Research & Extension Programme envisages that the research proposals/scientific surveys should be invited through open advertisement from the Scientists/professors/ academicians/scholars/research etc, get it evaluated by the Scientific Advisory Committee(SAC)/ Technical Committee (TC) constituted by the Government for furnishing of recommendations and then should be provided with the financial support for carrying out the research on the local specific issues. Later the outcome/recommendation of these research projects/surveys are forwarded to the line departments for implementation. Regarding the Support for Innovation & Patent Filing scheme it was said that the JKST&IC provides financial support (seed money) to the innovator/ institution working on novel ideas for development of prototype. The scheme is aimed at the promotion of Innovations and encouragement of local youth for their pursuits in different fields of Science & Technology. As far as Science Talent Promotion Scholarship Scheme is concerned it aims at encouraging the students to pursue Science subjects in their higher classes. The scholarships are provided to the meritorious students at 10+2 up to PG levels for a period of 2, 3 and 2 years respectively at each level. The three online schemes/services detailed above being implemented in the online mode now are also RAS integrated therefore open for public feedback. Post launch of these services, the Department of Science & Technology will be e-Governance Complaint as envisaged under the 'Digital J&K' mission of the UT. Giving details about the performance of the Department it was said that a total of 2169 works have been completed under different schemes during 2022-23 out of 2400 works taken in hand. Moreover, the ST & IC has registered an expenditure of nearly 99.8% of its funds released for the previous financial year. Commissioner Secretary IT and other senior officers of IT department were also present during the inaugural function.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has completed the transfer of technology (ToT) of a novel free-space optical communication system to the telecom industry. The advanced communication system uses wavefront modulated light beams for wireless error-free data transmission through free space rather than through optical fibre. Prof Bosanta Ranjan Boruah has developed the technology Department of Physics, IIT Guwahati, and Dr Santanu Konwar, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Abhayapuri College, Assam. The technology has been granted with US patent 10,673,525 dated June 2, 2020, Japanese patent JP, 6998868 dated Dec 23, 2021, and Korean patent 10-2483858 dated Dec 28, 2022.   Regarding the technology transfer, Prof. Bosanta Ranjan Boruah said, "Free space optical communication is likely to play a crucial role in the coming days both in the case of indoor applications and outdoor especially in the defence sector.We will look forward to meeting the challenges as our technology is adapted to serve society." The research team has experimentally demonstrated the distortion-free transmission of text messages and images in a laboratory environment, even in turbulence and outside the laboratory. The communication system can thus be used for high-speed and secured communication between two remote sites in the line of sight with virtually no possibility of any unauthorised interception. Speaking on occasion, Hardik Soni, CTO and Co-Founder of Nav wireless Technologies Pvt. Ltd., said, "NavTech is the pioneer and leading technology company in India researching Optical Wireless technologies – LiFi | FSO, developing applications, and manufacturing LiFi & FSO products and solutions. We are glad to join hands with one of India's premier technology institutions to develop Optical Wireless technology further." Source:Gplus

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today urged the developed countries to transfer latest technology to check human trafficking as it is a trans-boundary crime while traffickers may possess better technology than it is available in a particular country.    "The developed country and the international partners need to ensure smooth transfer of the latest technological innovations to the developing countries to effectively combat the human trafficking in persons," he said. The foreign minister was speaking at the national consultation on 'Combating Human Trafficking in the Context of Technology Use and its Abuse', organized by the Public Security Division and the Bangladesh UN Network on Migration at a city hotel.  Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and high government officials as well as representatives from foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations were also present.  Dr Momen said Bangladesh missions abroad are engaged to create awareness among the expatriates to help them not to fall victims to human trafficking. "We remain vigilant to protect our citizens from falling victims to trafficking - fraudulent and forced labour - in any forms," he said.   The foreign minister said his ministry launched a dynamic mobile application named DUTABASH to provide consular and welfare services at home and abroad.  In case of emergency support, he said a citizen can press the SOS button for 3 seconds and an emergency support request will be forwarded to a Bangladesh Mission with his or her pre-registered information.  He said any incident of human trafficking abroad can also be reported through hotline numbers as all missions abroad have a dedicated hotline number, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  Momen said the foreign ministry conducts rescue operations and arranges the repatriation of the victims of trafficking in person in coordination with the missions abroad and relevant government agencies.  He informed that, since September 2021, the government has repatriated around 2500 victims of trafficking.  Regarding awareness building, he referred to the recent town hall meeting held by MOFA in Shariatpur and similar programme in Sylhet; and informed that MOFA will hold such awareness building activities in other districts too.  The foreign minister reiterated Bangladesh government's 'zero-tolerance' policy against human trafficking, and emphasized the need of having latest modern technology by the law enforcers to combat human trafficking.  Recalling that the government stopped high-speed internet facilities in Rohingya camps to reduce human trafficking and other trans-boundary crimes, he said, however, this has to be reopened as per the demand of western countries.  Depicting Bangladesh's ratification of a number of international instruments on human trafficking as well as enacting necessary national laws, he said, the government is serious about its international commitments and national obligations related to combating human trafficking.  Momen underscored the need to have a comprehensive view on illegal migration and human trafficking and said that the existing economic disparity among developed and developing countries is indeed the root cause of large scale unsafe and irregular migration.  "Therefore, we all, especially the developed countries, come forward with adequate resources, not only advice, to help reduce the gap of economic disparity and job opportunity between the rich and poor countries," he said.   The foreign minister urged the developed nations to become more humane to all migrants, and to work closely with developing countries to enhance safe and orderly migration.  Source: BSS AH

The prevailing son preference attitude in Bangladesh, and the consequent undervaluing of women and girls have the potential to significantly affect the country’s social and demographic scenario in the coming days unless these issues are addressed proactively with accelerated efforts.   This concern was expressed at a workshop where experts said that although Gender Biased Sex Selection is not prevalent in Bangladesh at this point, the situation could turn into an alarming concern in view of the grave situation created out of rampant use of sex detection technology, which has been the case in some of the neighbouring countries.   Low fertility, a skewed sex ratio at birth and use of sex-detection technology – the three preconditions of Gender Biased Sex Selection, which might translate into an alarming decrease in female to male ratio, as explained by demographers- are prevailing in Bangladesh.   A 2019 study, conducted by the University of Dhaka, found that about 28 per cent of women from a representative sample had a son preference for their first child, while 24 percent of men had the same.   The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Bangladesh in collaboration with Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD) organised the two-day ‘Orientation Workshop for Media on the Positive Portrayals of Women and Girls in Bangladesh’ at Brac CDMA in Rajendrapur, Gazipur on June 20-21.   Md. Zashim Uddin, Director General of the Mass Communication Department of Government of Bangladesh, who was present as the Chief Guest in the closing session of the workshop said, “Much of the credit behind the significant advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh goes to the thriving media in Bangladesh. We will accelerate our communication efforts adopting innovative approaches to address the issues of son preference and undervaluing of women and girls.”   “Despite the improvements in society, the problems of gender-based violence continue to persist. However, we are committed to building a Bangladesh that is safe and empowering for all women and girls and we will continue to strive for it,” he added.   The workshop observed that the repercussions of son preference and the consequent undervaluing of girls affects women and girls even before they are born and follows them throughout the course of their life.   More than 25 media professionals from different forms of media, including newspapers, television channels, radio stations, news agencies, online portals and advertising agencies and youth representatives, took part in the workshop. AH  

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today (Thursday) underscored the need for improved and advanced technology to promote renewable energy in the country. "There is a huge potential for solar power which is considered as Bangladesh's renewable energy. There is a lot of land needed for solar electricity which is very difficult for populated countries like Bangladesh. The improved and advanced technology is essential to generate solar power in little land. We need massive research in advanced technology innovation," he said. He said this in a programme while inaugurating 'National Solar Help Desk' as chief guest under the arrangement of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) in the capital. He said that the National Solar Help Desk will work as a One Stop Service Center to expand the roof-top solar across the country. German Development Cooperation (GIZ) has provided technical support to SREDA for the National Solar Help Desk, a press release said. Anyone can learn about National Solar Help Desk from the website: shd.sreda.gov.bd. With SREDA chairman Mohammad Alauddin in the chair, the programme was attended, among others, by Power Secretary Md Habibur Rahman, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation of German Embassy Caren Blume and Chairman of Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC) Satyajit Karmakar. Source: BSS AH