Five civil society groups filed a High Court petition challenging Kenya's mandatory housing levy. The organizations argue the 1.5 percent salary deduction violates constitutional provisions and unfairly targets workers. Kenya Human Rights Commission leads the coalition seeking to suspend what they consider an illegal and discriminatory tax. The petition describes the measure as socially retrogressive.
Economic data supports their position as construction sector performance declined 0.7 percent in 2024. Cement consumption dropped 7.2 percent while steel imports fell 12 percent, contradicting government job creation claims. Employment in construction shrank 4.2 percent during this period. The petition raises concerns about political...
Fracture Sounds delivers Majestic Brass Soloists as the fourth addition to their Kontakt Player series. The library captures solo trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba performances while serving dual purposes as both a follow-up to Brass Band Soloists and a companion to the broader collection. Musicians gain access to 30 different playing techniques with eight detailed legato variations. Advanced features provide Smart Legato functionality for live performance optimization and Instrument Placement technology that positions sounds within studio environments using impulse responses.
The software offers velocity-triggered tongue legato notes and Classic Legato mode with adjustable transition speeds. Composers can utilize legato repeats...
HoRNet Plugins delivers version 1.1.3 of their opto compressor software HA2A. The company provides this upgrade at no cost to existing users. Apple Silicon processors receive dedicated AAX format compatibility through this release. Mac users operating M1, M2, and M3 hardware can bypass Rosetta translation requirements when working with Pro Tools.
ARM-based Mac systems experience enhanced CPU performance following the update implementation. Plugin loading speeds accelerate within Pro Tools environments. The software company targets professional audio production workflows with these technical improvements. Musicians and producers gain streamlined access to the compression tool across modern Apple hardware configurations.
UVI launches Augmented Choirs, a vocal library that combines traditional choir recordings with contemporary sound manipulation techniques. The software provides musicians with access to over 500 vocal sources, categorized into 20 distinct genres. Professional studios and concert halls provided recording venues for the authentic choir performances. The company designed hybrid textures and synthetic vocal elements to expand creative possibilities.
Musicians receive 800 presets created by UVI sound designers alongside a four-layer engine that supports extensive modulation capabilities. The software supports various musical applications, ranging from film scoring to contemporary songwriting, across multiple genres. Effects processing and...
AudioKit Pro launches a virtual analog synthesizer application for iOS devices called VIRAL SYNTH T2x. The software draws inspiration from the Virus TI2 synthesizer series while maintaining complete independence from Access. The company emphasizes that their product operates as an original instrument rather than a hardware clone. The application ships with more than 500 factory presets for immediate use.
The synthesizer engine supports 64 voices and offers advanced sound manipulation capabilities. Musicians gain access to multiple effect processors, three low-frequency oscillators, and independent filtering for each voice. The software provides comprehensive MIDI compatibility and built-in recording functionality. Users can purchase...
IK Multimedia launches ReSing, an artificial intelligence application that transforms amateur vocal recordings into professional performances. The software analyzes basic vocal tracks and replaces them with high-quality voice models created from recordings of real artists, who provided their consent through signed agreements.
Users can modify vocal energy and tone while blending different models to create unique hybrid voices. The program features built-in processing tools for dynamics, equalization, reverb, and pitch correction. Artists can develop custom voice models through local computer processing, with results protected against unauthorized external use.
The technology extends beyond vocals to instrument sound replacement with...
India accumulated 202 runs for five wickets during their twenty-over innings against Sri Lanka at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday. The contest served as a meaningless fixture since both India and Pakistan had already secured spots in Sunday's championship match. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka chose to field first after winning the coin toss. India rested key players Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube while giving opportunities to Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.
Abhishek Sharma delivered a magnificent 61-run performance, establishing him as the tournament's leading scorer across all Asia Cup editions. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 49 runs while Sanju Samson contributed 39 runs to the total. The team achieved the...
Dhaka Division demolished defending champions Rangpur Division by 71 runs during National Cricket League T20 action at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Ariful Islam remained unbeaten on 59 while Mosaddek Hossain contributed an undefeated 64 as Dhaka reached 171 for three wickets. Rangpur collapsed to 100 all out within 17.1 overs despite contributions from Naeem Islam who scored 26 runs and Abu Hashim who managed 25. Taibur Rahman captured three wickets to seal Dhaka's dominant performance.
Rajshahi Division achieved an eight-wicket triumph against Khulna Division during the second match at the same ground. Khulna recovered from a disastrous 13 for three start through a partnership between Soumya Sarkar and Afif Hossain...
Singapore boxing champion Arvind Lalwani praised Bashundhara Sports City facilities during his coaching workshop. The Olympic bronze medalist and former national team leader described Zulcan Indoor Arena as superior to venues worldwide. Lalwani expressed amazement that even Singapore lacks comparable training infrastructure. His two-day program targets institutional boxing coaches across Bangladesh.
The September 26-27 workshop operates from morning until evening sessions. Participants demonstrate enthusiasm for learning from the experienced boxing legend. A Filipino combat instructor highlighted the exceptional training environment and Lalwani's expertise. The program features professional development opportunities for local coaching...
