The interim government of Bangladesh has issued new regulations eliminating the requirement for prior approval from authorities such as RAJUK and NHA for the transfer, sale, donation, or mortgage of residential plots and flats. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works published the gazette notification on November 10, making the rules effective immediately. The reform aims to simplify services, reduce bureaucratic delays, and curb corruption in property ownership transfers. Under the new rules, property owners will no longer need approval from the leasing authority for ownership changes, though permissions will still be required for changes in land use or plot amalgamation. A transfer fee of 2% for developed plots or buildings and 5% for land-only transfers will apply. Owners must submit transfer records to the leasing authority within 90 days, with penalties for delays. The lease term will automatically renew after 99 years. However, existing approval requirements remain for non-residential properties and disputed or government-linked plots.

Xiaomi has cautioned that smartphone prices could increase next year due to a sharp rise in global memory chip prices, driven by soaring demand for chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Major manufacturers like Samsung are prioritizing high-speed memory production for AI applications, reducing output for mobile chips and tightening supply. Xiaomi President Lu Weibing said the company expects greater cost pressure in the coming year, noting that even higher retail prices may not fully offset production expenses. Despite modest sales growth of 0.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, Xiaomi’s revenue of 113.1 billion yuan fell slightly short of analyst expectations, and its Hong Kong-listed shares dropped 2.81% on the announcement. However, the company’s net profit surged 80.9% to 11.3 billion yuan, supported by new ventures in electric vehicles, AI, and other emerging technologies, which now account for a quarter of total revenue.

South Korean children’s content company Pinkfong, creator of the viral 90-second video 'Baby Shark', has grown into a $400 million enterprise after its stock market debut. The video, released in June 2016 under CEO Kim Min-seok’s approval, became the most viewed content on YouTube with over 16 billion views. Pinkfong’s shares rose 9% on their first trading day, raising about $52 million. Originally founded in 2010 as SmartStudy with just three employees, the company shifted focus to younger audiences, producing simple, educational content that led to Baby Shark’s global success. While the song remains a key revenue driver, accounting for about one-fourth of earnings, new franchises like Bebefinn now contribute around 40%. Analysts note that Pinkfong must prove its growth extends beyond Baby Shark. CEO Kim says the company plans to use IPO funds to expand its film and character lineup and evolve into a technology-driven content creator leveraging data insights.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has launched a comprehensive e-Services Management System to deliver all quality-related services online. The initiative, inaugurated at BSTI’s Tejgaon headquarters, aims to make certification and licensing processes more efficient and transparent. Supported financially by the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) project and technically by Orange Business Development Ltd, the system allows clients to apply for product quality certificates, halal certification, metrology licenses, packaging approvals, and testing reports through a single digital platform. Users can submit applications, make payments, and track inspection and certification progress online. BSTI officials can also verify applications, issue inspection reports, collect samples, and grant licenses digitally. The platform is expected to enhance service accessibility, reduce processing time, and promote digital transformation within Bangladesh’s industrial and trade sectors.

Japan’s economy faces mounting pressure as China urges its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. The advisory has led to mass cancellations of Japan-bound flights and a sharp decline in tourism-related bookings. Tokyo-based East Japan International Travel Service, which mainly serves Chinese group tourists, reports losing about 80% of its bookings for the rest of the year. Tourism contributes roughly 7% to Japan’s GDP, with Chinese and Hong Kong visitors accounting for about one-fifth of all foreign tourists. Analysts at Nomura Research Institute estimate potential losses of around 2.2 trillion yen ($14.23 billion) if the boycott continues. More than ten Chinese airlines have refunded tickets through December 31, with around 500,000 cancellations already reported. The diplomatic standoff has also affected cultural exchanges, with Chinese authorities suspending Japanese film releases and Japanese celebrities publicly reaffirming support for the One-China policy to avoid backlash.

Two judges of the 74th Miss Universe competition resigned just three days before the final event, citing concerns over transparency and fairness. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch announced his resignation on Instagram, claiming that an unofficial jury had already selected 30 finalists from 136 contestants without the presence of the official eight-member panel. He alleged that some members of this informal group had personal ties with certain contestants. Shortly after Harfouch’s resignation, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing personal reasons. The Miss Universe Organization denied the allegations, clarifying that no external group was involved in the evaluation process. They explained that Harfouch may have confused the 'Beyond the Crown' initiative—an independent social program with its own committee—with the main competition’s judging process. The final event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand, on November 21.

A fishing trawler named FB Raisa brought in an exceptional catch of 200 maunds of hilsa from the Bay of Bengal, landing at the BFDC Fish Landing Center in Patharghata, Barguna. The fish, caught about 70 kilometers off Kuakata on November 17, were sold for Tk 52 lakh at Tk 26,000 per maund. The trawler, carrying 17 fishermen, had struggled for days with poor catches before this haul of nearly 18,000 hilsa weighing around 300–400 grams each. The sudden abundance has brought relief and happiness to the fishermen, who had been facing financial hardship. Local fish traders and the Barguna Trawler Owners’ Association expressed satisfaction, attributing the improved catch to government efforts to curb illegal wooden trawling, which they believe has helped restore fish stocks in the Bay.

Around 491,000 air tickets for flights from China to Japan have been cancelled following Beijing’s travel advisory urging citizens to avoid Japan. The cancellations, which surged over the weekend, affected more than 80 percent of scheduled flights on Sunday and over 75 percent on Monday, according to aviation analyst Li Hanming. He noted that cancellations were 27 times higher than new bookings, reflecting widespread safety concerns among Chinese travelers. Airlines have responded by offering full refunds for Japan-bound flights. The sudden drop in demand could cost airlines billions of yuan in lost revenue and may force short-term capacity adjustments if diplomatic tensions persist. Analysts compared the scale of cancellations to the early 2020 period when Covid-19 outbreaks caused a sharp decline in air travel during the Lunar New Year holiday. The situation underscores how geopolitical strains can rapidly disrupt regional travel and aviation markets.

Meta has won a landmark antitrust case brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which sought to force the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the FTC failed to prove Meta currently holds monopoly power in social networking. The decision contrasts with recent rulings against Google, which was found to have monopolized search and advertising markets. The FTC argued Meta maintained dominance through anticompetitive acquisitions and policies, citing CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s 2008 remark that it was 'better to buy than compete.' However, the court found that the social media landscape has evolved significantly since the FTC filed its 2020 lawsuit, with TikTok emerging as a major rival. Meta welcomed the ruling, saying it reflects the intense competition it faces. Analysts noted that while the verdict is a major victory, Meta still faces upcoming regulatory challenges, including trials over social media’s impact on children’s mental health.

A new documentary titled 'Crisis-Struggle-Success' focusing on BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to premiere online on Thursday, November 20. The film, produced under the supervision of Ashiq Islam, senior assistant press secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, explores various aspects of Rahman’s life and political journey. It features commentary and discussions from politicians, academics, journalists, students, lawyers, judges, human rights activists, and artists, reflecting on his past, present, and future roles in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The documentary also highlights Rahman’s contributions to democracy and human rights advocacy in the country. Created to mark his birthday, it includes reflections on his political struggles, sacrifices, and vision for Bangladesh. Several prominent journalists were involved in the production, according to an official press release issued on Wednesday.

An analysis released at the Cop30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, suggests that adhering to three major climate commitments—tripling renewable energy capacity, doubling global energy efficiency, and significantly reducing methane emissions—could prevent nearly 1°C of additional global warming this century. The Climate Action Tracker coalition estimates that achieving these goals could lower projected warming from 2.6°C to about 1.7°C, aligning more closely with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. Among G20 nations alone, these measures could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 billion tonnes by 2035, cutting the rate of global heating by one-third in the next decade. However, experts warn that implementation remains uncertain, particularly regarding methane reductions, as many countries underreport emissions and face pressure from fossil fuel industries. The Cop30 summit is focusing on translating existing pledges into action and developing a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, though resistance from major petrostates remains a challenge.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a new directive prohibiting cash-based dollar transactions in an effort to stabilize the rupee and prevent excessive dollar outflows. Under the new rules, banks and exchange companies must transfer foreign currency directly into customers’ accounts instead of providing cash. Individuals without foreign currency accounts will no longer be able to purchase cash dollars. The SBP stated that the move aims to promote a cashless economy and ensure transparency in foreign exchange dealings. Exchange companies clarified that the decision will not affect travelers or those buying dollars for legitimate purposes, though buyers must provide proof of need. Additionally, transactions between customers and exchange companies are now limited to USD 500 unless verified for higher amounts. The new policy is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to strengthen its financial system amid ongoing currency pressure and foreign exchange challenges.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has made online submission of income tax returns mandatory for all individual taxpayers for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with the deadline set for November 30. Over one million taxpayers have already submitted their e-returns through the NBR’s digital system. Exceptions apply to senior citizens aged 65 or above, physically challenged or special-needs taxpayers, Bangladeshi citizens residing abroad, legal representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. Those facing registration issues can apply to submit paper returns with approval from tax authorities. The NBR has extended the application deadline for such cases to November 15. To facilitate the process, the NBR has launched training programs, a call center, and online support for resolving technical issues. Taxpayers can file returns, receive submission slips instantly, and print tax certificates directly from the e-return system, ensuring a faster and paperless filing experience.

Starting November 25, Dhaka Metro Rail passengers will be able to recharge their permanent travel cards online from home, eliminating the need to queue at stations. The new service, jointly introduced by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), will initially be available through a link on the DTCA website. A mobile app is expected to launch next month to further simplify the process. Users can recharge using various online payment systems such as credit cards, bKash, Nagad, and Rocket. Both MRT Pass and Rapid Pass cards will be eligible for online recharge, though single-journey cards must still be purchased at stations. After recharging online, passengers must update their cards by tapping them on an Add Value Machine (AVM) at any station. The system is operated by private firm DataSoft and aims to save passengers time, reduce hassle, and improve metro service efficiency.

A massive fire has engulfed more than 170 buildings in a coastal city in southern Japan, according to the country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The blaze began around 5:40 p.m. local time on Tuesday and continued burning through the night, leaving homes reduced to rubble. Authorities reported that one person remains missing, though no casualties have been confirmed so far. Approximately 175 residents from the city of Oita, located about 770 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, have taken shelter in emergency evacuation centers. Local media footage showed thick black smoke rising from the mountainous area as the fire spread to nearby forested slopes. Prime Minister Takaiichi stated on social media that a military firefighting helicopter was dispatched at the request of the Oita Prefecture governor. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and firefighting efforts are ongoing to bring the situation under control.