Dhaka WASA, the sole government body responsible for water supply in Dhaka, has a history of increasing water prices, having raised them 14 times over the past 14 years. Despite these frequent hikes, the company continues to face financial losses. In response, Dhaka WASA is introducing a tiered pricing model designed to align water bills with residents’ financial conditions.
Under this new model, those residing in larger homes (2500+ sqft) will see different water billing rates compared to those in smaller residences (1500 sqft). This tiered approach aims to address financial disparities and ensure that water charges are more reflective of individual economic capabilities.
Economic Challenges in 2023: A Year of Decline
The year 2023 was marked by severe economic downturns in Bangladesh. With inflation reaching 9.41% and food inflation soaring to 12.5%, the economic landscape was grim. The USD/BDT exchange rate also fluctuated significantly during the latter half of the year. As a result, nearly every industry reported negative sales figures compared to the previous year.
Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism for 2024. Experts believe conditions may improve, but concrete data is still pending. The hope is that the new year will bring better economic stability and growth.
Canada’s New Student Visa Cap: What It Means for Prospective Students
Canada has announced a significant change in its student visa policy for 2024 and 2025. For the first time, there will be a cap on the number of student visas issued annually. The quota for 2024 is set at 364,000 visas, which is nearly 40% less than the number issued in 2023.
This change is expected to impact prospective students significantly. In addition, Canada is planning to alter work permit eligibility, potentially excluding bachelor and some post-grad students from qualifying for work permits. More details on these changes will be available in the coming weeks.
Jack Ma’s Unexpected Career Shift: From Tech Mogul to Farmer
In a surprising turn of events, Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, has shifted his focus from technology to farming. Once a leading figure in China’s tech industry, Ma faced government scrutiny and a temporary disappearance after making statements that displeased the authorities.
Now, Ma is immersing himself in the agricultural sector, specifically the ready meal market. This dramatic career shift marks a significant departure from his previous role and reflects the broader changes in his professional life.
Interesting Tidbits We Found Today
- Mr Beast’s debut video on X (formerly Twitter) has garnered over $250,000 USD.
- The Samsung S23 Ultra’s AI capabilities are receiving widespread acclaim.
- A new blood test for Alzheimer’s boasts a 96% accuracy rate.