Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has issued warnings for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods, and hail expected to hit several regions over the weekend. The most intense weather is forecast for Jazan, while Asir, Al Baha, and Mecca will experience moderate to heavy thunderstorms. Lighter rain is expected in Najran, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Medina. Strong surface winds and dust storms may reduce visibility, and fog could develop overnight in southwestern and eastern areas. Maritime conditions are also set to worsen, with waves reaching up to 2.5 meters in the southern Red Sea and 1.5 meters in the Arabian Gulf. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert, avoid flood-prone zones, and follow official weather updates as unstable seasonal patterns persist.

Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief artificial intelligence scientist and a pioneer in deep learning, is reportedly preparing to leave the company to start his own AI-focused venture, according to the Financial Times. LeCun, who joined Meta in 2013 to lead its Facebook Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) unit, is said to be in early talks to raise funds for the new startup. His planned departure comes as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg restructures the company’s AI initiatives under a new division called Superintelligence Labs, led by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI. LeCun, a Turing Award winner and professor at New York University, is known for inventing convolutional neural networks, a foundational technology in modern AI. Meta has recently pledged to invest $600 billion in U.S. AI infrastructure over the next three years.

Bangladesh has introduced a simplified online process that allows citizens to verify land ownership using only the owner’s name. Through the government website eporcha.gov.bd or the mobile app ‘ekhatian’, users can check land records by selecting the relevant division, district, and mouza, then entering the owner’s name. The system displays details such as plot numbers and land area if records exist. If no results appear, searches can be conducted using the plot number. Users can also obtain a certified copy of the land record online for a fee of 100 taka, payable via mobile banking. Authorities advise verifying all documents directly at the land or registry office before finalizing any property transaction to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud.

Bangladesh is set to launch a landmark digital transformation of its land registration system, bringing all deeds registered since 1908 into a centralized online platform by 2025. The initiative aims to eliminate corruption, prevent land fraud, and make property records easily accessible to owners worldwide. Through this system, landowners will be able to search, verify, and download their deeds online for a nominal government fee. Missing records from 1947 and 1971, lost during wartime, will require owners to submit copies for inclusion. Legal experts say the move will end long-standing bribery practices at registry offices and ensure transparency in land ownership. The government will introduce a dedicated website for online verification and certified digital copies, which will be legally valid even if original documents are lost.

Bangladesh has introduced a comprehensive online land mutation (name transfer) system to make property ownership transfers more transparent and accessible. Citizens can now apply for mutation through the land.gov.bd portal, completing registration, document submission, and fee payment digitally. Three types of mutation are available: joint ownership, individual ownership after partition, and automated mutation, which is being piloted in 21 upazilas. The process includes verification, hearings, and issuance of the final record (khatian). Applicants can track progress online and pay fees via mobile wallets or internet banking. Authorities advise citizens to use their own mobile numbers, verify land boundaries, and remain alert to fraudulent fee demands. Appeals are allowed if applications are rejected, ensuring a structured legal remedy. The initiative aims to reduce corruption, disputes, and dependency on intermediaries.

The United States has decided to stop producing the one-cent coin, known as the penny, ending a tradition that began in 1793. The final batch will be minted at the Philadelphia Mint, marking the end of over 230 years of continuous production. Although pennies will remain legal tender, their circulation is expected to decline as businesses adjust prices to round figures. The Treasury Department estimates the move will save about $56 million annually, as each penny currently costs around four cents to produce. The decision follows the growing dominance of digital transactions and the declining practical use of small coins. However, analysts warn that consumers may face an additional $6 million in annual costs due to price rounding. Attention is now turning to the nickel, which costs nearly three times its face value to manufacture.

The United Arab Emirates has taken a major step toward futuristic urban mobility as Dubai successfully tested a passenger air taxi capable of carrying four people. Built in collaboration with US-based Joby Aviation, the electric, noise-free aircraft flew from Margham to Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum Airport). It can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h and cover 160 km on a single charge. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) informed Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who praised the innovation. Authorities plan citywide trial flights before launching the service to the public next year. Skyports Infrastructure is already building the first vertiport near Dubai International Airport. The initiative is part of broader transport projects, including metro expansion, new roads, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance urban mobility.

Veteran Bangladeshi actor Hasan Masud, known for his roles in television dramas and films, remains under treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka after suffering an ischemic stroke and a mild heart attack on October 27. Despite two weeks of medical care, his condition has not yet fully stabilized, and doctors continue to monitor him closely. The actor’s family and hospital authorities have maintained privacy regarding his exact health status. Hasan Masud had recently returned to acting with the TV series 'Tel Chhara Parota' after a long hiatus, but shooting has been suspended due to his illness. Fans and colleagues have expressed concern and wished him a speedy recovery. The Actors’ Association stated that he will need more time to recover completely.

Bangladeshi model and actress Tanjia Zaman Methila has made history by ranking among the top three contestants in the ongoing Miss Universe 2025 competition, currently taking place in Pak Kret, Thailand. Representing Bangladesh, Methila secured over 192,000 votes in the ‘People’s Choice’ category, placing her third behind contestants from the Philippines and Chile. She is also performing strongly in several other categories, including first place in ‘Best National Costume’ and second in both ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Best Evening Gown’. Methila expressed her gratitude to Bangladeshi fans for their overwhelming support and said she is motivated to continue performing well. Voting continues until November 19, with the grand finale scheduled for November 21. This marks Bangladesh’s best-ever performance in the Miss Universe pageant.

A sharp drop in temperature has gripped Panchagarh district in northern Bangladesh, with the Tetulia weather station recording a minimum of 13.4°C early Thursday and humidity at 99%. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that a cold wave is likely to hit the region by the end of November as cold Himalayan winds continue to lower temperatures. Local laborers working outdoors, particularly those engaged in sand extraction from the Karatoa River, are struggling to cope with the biting cold. Residents report dense fog in the early mornings and freezing conditions until sunrise, with only slight relief during the day. Meteorologist Jitendranath Roy confirmed that temperatures have been steadily declining over recent days, signaling the onset of the season’s first cold wave.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has imposed a strict ban on the import of medicines from Pakistan, citing poor quality and frequent trade disruptions. The decision, announced by state media Alemarah News, directs Afghan traders to terminate existing contracts with Pakistani suppliers within three months and to seek alternative sources from other countries. Officials said the move aims to protect Afghanistan’s economic interests and safeguard the rights of local businesses. Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar urged business leaders in Kabul to reduce dependence on Pakistan and explore new trade routes. The ban comes amid deteriorating relations between the two neighbors. Afghanistan currently imports pharmaceuticals from Pakistan, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh, with an estimated annual import value of around one billion dollars before the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

The Bangladeshi government has decided to permit limited onion imports to stabilize prices after a sharp rise of about Tk 30 per kilogram within a month. The supply shortage emerged as the production and storage season neared its end, pushing wholesale prices in Chattogram’s Khatunganj market to Tk 100–112 per kg. Authorities say the move aims to balance market stability while protecting local farmers’ interests. The imported onions are expected to arrive within a week, though sea shipments may take up to two weeks. Bangladesh had significantly reduced onion imports in recent years, relying mostly on domestic production. However, traders warn that without immediate imports, prices could rise further before the next harvest season begins in December.

The Bangladesh government has approved the import of sugar, soybean oil, rice, and fertilizers from five countries at a total cost of Tk 998 crore. The decision was made at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Under the plan, 12,500 tons of refined sugar will be bought from Turkey, 12 million liters of soybean oil from the UAE, and 50,000 tons of parboiled rice from Singapore. Additionally, 40,000 tons of DAP fertilizer will be imported from Morocco and 40,000 tons of granular urea from Saudi Arabia. The committee also approved several other proposals, including an e-waste management plant at Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park, short-term LNG supply from Aramco Trading Singapore, and a PPP-based container terminal project at Chittagong Port with Denmark’s APM Terminals.

A Japanese consortium led by Sumitomo has expressed interest in operating and maintaining the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Japan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, conveyed this interest during a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin at the Secretariat. The envoy said the consortium is eager to begin discussions with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) as soon as possible. The commerce adviser noted that Japan’s involvement in Bangladesh’s airport infrastructure, along with progress on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), would strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties. The EPA is expected to provide duty- and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products to the Japanese market. Senior officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Japanese Embassy, and Sumitomo Corporation also attended the meeting.

Bangladesh’s capital market witnessed a significant downturn on the fourth trading day of the week, with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) seeing its benchmark index DSEX fall by nearly 1 percent to 4,825 points. Daily turnover dropped below Tk 300 crore, totaling Tk 290.14 crore, compared to Tk 339.75 crore in the previous session. Around 77.58 percent of traded securities declined in value, with major losses led by LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, British American Tobacco, Summit Power, Beximco Pharmaceuticals, and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries. All sectors recorded negative returns, with the jute sector suffering the steepest decline of 4.2 percent. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw declines, with its CSCX index down 67.83 points to 8,447 and turnover dropping to Tk 9.81 crore from Tk 26.34 crore previously.