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.

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.