Elon Musk may need to pay $40–$50 billion to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, similar to the $44 billion he spent on Twitter, analyst Dan Ives suggests. Reports indicate China might consider a sale to Musk to avert a U.S. ban over security concerns. TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, faces pressure to divest its U.S. assets. While TikTok dismisses the rumors, Musk’s strong ties with China and his social media ambitions position him as a potential buyer for this “golden asset.”

The Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok unless it severs ties with Chinese parent ByteDance, citing national security risks from its data collection practices. The ban is set to start Sunday, potentially removing TikTok from U.S. app stores. Enforcement will fall to President-elect Donald Trump, who stated, “It ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do.” While some lawmakers suggest extending the ban to allow TikTok more time to find a buyer, the app’s future remains uncertain as ByteDance has not committed to selling. TikTok has yet to comment on the ruling.

In Bangladesh, joint purchases of Family Savings Certificates are no longer allowed, and institutional funds cannot be invested in them. From now, only individual buyers, including Bangladeshi women aged 18 or above, physically disabled individuals, and men aged 65 or above, can apply. The maximum purchase limit is 4.5 million BDT per person. This new rule, effective immediately, replaces a 2012 regulation.

Tulip Siddiq, a UK Labour Party minister and the niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned following corruption allegations in Bangladesh. Elon Musk, a close ally of Donald Trump, criticized her on social media, labeling her corrupt. Siddiq, who served as the Economic Secretary in the UK Treasury, was responsible for addressing financial sector corruption. Her name emerged in a corruption case in Bangladesh, where she, along with her family members, faces accusations. Siddiq has consistently denied the allegations.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has decided to reduce the VAT rate for hotels and restaurants from 15% to 5%. This decision, confirmed by NBR Member Mohammad Belal Hossain Chowdhury, will be officially announced today. The NBR’s move follows a review of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association’s appeal. Earlier, the VAT on restaurants had been raised to 15% from 5% on January 9, alongside VAT hikes on over 100 goods and services.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced that starting February 1, 2025, all certificates, licenses, and permits for import-export goods must be submitted through the Bangladesh Single Window system, replacing traditional paper certificates. This change, impacting seven key government institutions, aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce costs, and prevent customs evasion. The system will be fully operational by March 2025, covering 19 government agencies. This initiative supports Bangladesh’s commitment to the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, ensuring a more efficient and faster import-export process for businesses.

The Rajshahi Forest Department is seeking two vloggers, Al-Amin and Tuli, for posting viral videos of eating egrets and wild ducks, violating the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. A memorandum by Youth Action for Social Change urged swift legal action and conservation measures. The vloggers face penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Authorities are preparing a case, with law enforcement tasked to locate them. Conservationists demand protecting bird habitats and preventing hunting and pollution.

The Indian rupee has reached its lowest level in two years, depreciating 0.7% in a single day to 86.7550 against the US dollar. Since December, the rupee’s value has dropped by 2%, driven by India’s slow economic growth and expectations of an interest rate cut by the central bank in February. Analysts predict further depreciation unless significant interventions are made. The decline has also strained the central bank’s reserves, highlighting broader economic challenges.

An investigation by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMU) identified 144 teachers, doctors, nurses, and staff involved in violent acts during anti-discrimination protests on August 4, 2023. Accusations include assaulting students, arson, and attempted murder. Of these, 16 were suspended for attempting to kill a student, and 23 were identified as masterminds. A case has been filed, and disciplinary actions are being pursued by both the university and law enforcement authorities.

A viral claim circulated on social media that the Bangladesh Army had seized the passports of 45 individuals, including Sarjis Alam, who were allegedly preparing to travel to Europe illegally. However, this was debunked by the fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner, which confirmed that the information was fabricated. The army confirmed that the claim was false, and no mainstream media or official reports supported the story. The rumor originated from a blog website and spread through social media.

Southern California authorities have imposed a nightly curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in fire evacuation zones to prevent looting amid ongoing wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Thousands remain under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County, where six wildfires have claimed six lives and destroyed numerous structures. After 20 looters were arrested, the County has enlisted 400 National Guard members to assist local police with traffic control and infrastructure protection. Officials vow to safeguard residents affected by the devastation and displacement caused by the fires.

The interim government has approved a 3% hike in supplementary duty on mobile services, raising it from 20% to 23%. This increase will further reduce the value of mobile recharges, leaving users with only 43.7 BDT worth of service per 100 BDT recharge. The move has sparked criticism from consumer rights groups, citing rising costs as a barrier to internet accessibility and technological progress. Mobile and internet subscriber numbers have already declined significantly due to escalating costs.

Social media has been rife with rumors of an attack by student groups Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Dhaka University, allegedly injuring over a hundred, including the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, during a DUCSU election dispute. These claims surfaced after a verbal altercation on January 2. The international fact-checking group, Rumor Scanner, reported these rumors on January 4. Even former State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat sought to verify these claims on social media.

The image claiming 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest' is fake, created using AI.

Recently, various platforms on the internet have been circulating an image claiming it shows 'Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest'. However, the image is not real; it has been created using artificial intelligence (AI).

On Saturday (January 4), this was reported by the international fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner.

The organization clarified that the viral image of Messi with Argentina's flag on Mount Everest is not real; instead, it was created using artificial intelligence or AI technology.

Eight individuals were arrested in connection with a robbery at businessman Abu Bakar’s house in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Among the arrested, five are dismissed members of various forces, while the remaining three are civilians. RAB recovered seven lakh taka along with a gold bracelet and ring. The robbery, which took place around 3:30 AM on Friday night, involved thieves posing as joint force members, looting 7.5 million taka and 70 bhori of gold. CCTV footage has been seized, and a case was filed by the victim, who is in the land and construction material business.