Abu Dhabi-based company LOOD has launched 'Heli,' the UAE’s first hybrid autonomous cargo aircraft, marking a major milestone in the nation’s aviation and logistics innovation. Witnessed by Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the maiden flight took place during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely by Emirati engineers, Heli is built for medium-range heavy cargo operations with a 700-kilometre range and a 250-kilogram payload capacity. The aircraft uses a hybrid propulsion system that combines electric motors for vertical takeoff and an internal combustion engine for horizontal flight, optimizing efficiency and range. LOOD CEO Rashid Matar Al Mannaei described Heli as a step toward sustainable and autonomous air logistics, capable of connecting ports and industrial zones without traditional airports. The project underscores the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in intelligent air mobility solutions.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s worsening banking sector, burdened by soaring non-performing loans (NPLs). During a meeting with Bangladesh Bank officials, the IMF recommended merging or liquidating banks whose default loan ratios exceed 30%. Currently, 16 banks fall into this category, five of which are already in the process of merger. Following the IMF’s advice, Bangladesh Bank held a meeting with managing directors of 47 banks, instructing them to take urgent measures to reduce NPLs by December through rescheduling, legal action, or other means. The IMF also questioned delays in publishing accurate NPL data and sought explanations for the rising defaults. The crisis stems from years of mismanagement and corruption, prompting the central bank to initiate reforms, including relaxed rescheduling and write-off policies to stabilize the sector.

Microsoft is developing a global network of interconnected data centers, dubbed 'superclusters', to support the next generation of artificial intelligence models that will use hundreds of trillions of parameters. The initiative began last October by linking data centers in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, and Atlanta, Georgia, enabling them to function as a single high-performance computing unit. The company aims to expand this model worldwide, using high-speed internet connections to integrate multiple centers for large-scale AI training. These facilities, called 'Fairwater', employ direct-to-chip liquid cooling to minimize water use. Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich said the company’s goal is to scale AI infrastructure across multiple centers for efficiency and flexibility. Analysts note that this approach will allow Microsoft to optimize data center locations based on cost, climate, and energy availability.

Sony has reported selling 3.9 million PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles during the third quarter of this year, covering July to September. Since its launch in 2020, total PS5 sales have reached 84.2 million units globally. The company noted a significant rise in demand following the release of the new video game 'Ghost of Yotei,' which sold 3.3 million copies in just one month. Additionally, Sony’s PlayStation Network has surpassed 110 million monthly active users, reflecting continued growth in its digital gaming and media ecosystem. The strong sales performance underscores Sony’s dominance in the console market and the sustained popularity of its gaming platform.

In Mymensingh’s Bhaluka upazila, over 336 acres of farmland have remained uncultivated for more than 15 years due to severe water pollution caused by industrial waste from nearby textile and dyeing factories, including Multazim Mill and Experience Textile Mill. Farmers report that the contaminated water has destroyed crops, killed aquatic life, and caused skin diseases. A government investigation confirmed the damage, estimating total losses at around Tk 33.28 crore, and recommended that the two mills compensate affected farmers. However, the factories have yet to pay. Local authorities say discussions with mill management are ongoing, while environmental officials note that the mills’ effluent treatment capacity is inadequate and waste is being discharged indiscriminately into nearby water bodies.

The long-neglected Kurigram-Chilmari road in northern Bangladesh remains in disrepair despite a major renovation project launched by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in early 2024. The 12-kilometer road, vital for connecting several upazilas to Rangpur, was allocated about Tk 14.5 crore for widening and reconstruction. However, with only six weeks left before the project deadline, nearly 90% of the work remains incomplete. Locals allege that the contractor, Khairul Kabir Rana, abandoned the site after digging trenches along the road, leaving it unsafe and unusable. The neglected condition has caused frequent accidents, especially at night, and led residents to stage protests demanding action. LGED officials say repeated notices have been issued to the contractor and warned of punitive measures if the work is not completed on time.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that Bangladesh’s inflation will remain elevated through the current fiscal year, reaching an average of 8.8% in 2025–26, up from 8.2% previously projected. The IMF expects inflation to gradually decline to 5.5% by 2026–27 if monetary tightening continues. Following a 13-day mission in Dhaka, IMF mission chief Chris Papageorgiou praised Bangladesh’s progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability but warned of challenges from weak tax revenue, financial sector vulnerabilities, and persistent inflation. The IMF recommended maintaining a tight monetary policy until inflation falls to 5–6%, strengthening tax administration, reforming subsidies, and expanding social safety nets. It also urged faster action on climate financing and credible strategies to resolve banking sector weaknesses. The next loan review for Bangladesh’s $5.5 billion program is expected by May next year after the new government takes office.

New research from William & Mary graduate student Bryce Donaghue suggests that solar farms can support local ecosystems if managed with biodiversity in mind. Donaghue studied bat activity around solar panels and found that vegetation supporting pollinators attracted more insects, which in turn drew bats to feed. Traditional solar farms often have cleared or turf-covered land, limiting insect and bat activity. However, Donaghue’s preliminary data, based on over 70,000 sound recordings, indicate that pollinator-friendly habitats under and around solar panels increase bat presence. The findings could reshape how renewable energy developers design and maintain solar farms, turning them into dual-purpose sites that generate clean energy while supporting wildlife. The study highlights the potential for solar infrastructure to coexist with and even enhance local flora and fauna.

Verizon Communications plans to eliminate about 15,000 jobs, or roughly 15% of its workforce, as part of a sweeping restructuring effort, according to a source familiar with the matter. The layoffs, the largest in the company’s history, will primarily target non-union management positions, affecting more than 20% of that group. The move follows the appointment of former PayPal CEO Dan Schulman as Verizon’s new chief executive in October. Schulman has emphasized the need for aggressive cost transformation and a leaner business model amid slowing subscriber growth and rising competition from AT&T and T-Mobile. Verizon also intends to convert around 180 corporate-owned retail stores into franchised operations. The company’s shares rose 1.7% following the news, reflecting investor optimism about the restructuring’s potential to improve efficiency and profitability.

Russia’s first domestically produced AI-powered humanoid robot, named AIdol, fell during its public debut at a Moscow tech showcase, highlighting the country’s struggles in robotics amid Western sanctions. The robot, developed by startup Idol, lost balance shortly after walking onstage and was quickly removed by event staff. CEO Vladimir Vitukhin attributed the mishap to calibration issues caused by lighting interference with the robot’s stereo cameras. Despite the fall, AIdol reportedly sustained no damage and later stood upright with assistance. The robot can walk, manipulate objects, and communicate for up to six hours autonomously, with 77% of its components made in Russia. Idol aims to increase domestic content to 93% in future production. The incident underscores Russia’s lag behind global leaders like the U.S. and China in advanced robotics and AI development.

The Bangladesh government has issued a new directive prohibiting real estate developers from charging any fees during the transfer, resale, or registration of land and flats already sold under registered deeds. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works announced the decision on November 12 to reduce harassment and financial exploitation of buyers and sellers. The circular clarifies that any demand for money by developers during name transfers or approvals is illegal. Violators will face action under the Real Estate Development and Management Act, its regulations, and other applicable laws. The move aims to ensure transparency and protect property owners from undue charges often imposed by developers during subsequent ownership transfers.

Bangladesh’s Home and Agriculture Adviser, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that the country’s law and order situation remains normal, with no major disturbances reported. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Thursday, he said minor incidents were promptly addressed and there is no cause for concern regarding banned political groups. On the agricultural front, he expressed optimism about a bumper Aman rice harvest this season, noting that prices have been fixed at Tk 34 per kg for paddy, Tk 49 for atap rice, and Tk 50 for parboiled rice. He added that vegetable production is strong and prices remain stable, though potato farmers have suffered losses and will receive incentives. He also confirmed that onion imports are unnecessary due to sufficient domestic supply.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will release the sixth installment of its loan to Bangladesh after discussions with the country's newly elected government, according to Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Speaking after a meeting of the Food Planning and Monitoring Committee, he said an IMF mission will visit Bangladesh in February to assess the situation before making a decision. The government has agreed to the IMF’s proposal to delay the disbursement until after the review. The IMF has advised Bangladesh to increase revenue collection, strengthen social safety nets, and continue banking sector reforms. Dr. Ahmed added that the current administration will prepare a comprehensive package for the next government covering IMF loan terms, reform conditions, and pay commission issues.

A Bangladeshi robotics team named 'Team BengalBoat' is set to represent Bangladesh at the prestigious 'RoboBoat 2026' competition in Florida, USA, organized under the supervision of the US Navy. The team, comprising 34 members including mentors from KUET and RUET, has developed an autonomous surface vehicle named 'Tori 1.0'. The innovation aims to highlight Bangladesh’s growing technological capabilities and its potential in the blue economy. Ahead of the competition, a robotics workshop was held at Victoria High School in Sreemangal with participation from 200 students, focusing on hands-on learning about circuits, sensors, and autonomous navigation. The initiative reflects the increasing interest of Bangladeshi youth in robotics and marine technology, with hopes of positioning the country as a future leader in ocean-based innovation.

Scientists have warned that multiple geomagnetic storms are striking Earth this week, following several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) classified the event as a G4-level geomagnetic storm, indicating severe intensity. The storms have already caused temporary radio blackouts in parts of Africa and Europe and may disrupt satellite communications and power grids. However, they have also produced spectacular aurora displays visible across regions of the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. The solar activity is part of the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle, currently at its peak, which has led to frequent auroral sightings in recent months. While not directly harmful to humans, such storms can interfere with GPS navigation, aviation communication, and satellite operations.