South Korean automaker Hyundai has unveiled its new electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Supernal S-A2, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States. The aircraft is designed for short-distance passenger transport within cities, capable of vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter and forward flight like an airplane. It can fly up to 1,500 feet high at a maximum speed of 120 miles per hour and cover 25 to 40 miles on a single charge. Being fully electric, it produces minimal noise and no fuel-based pollution, making it suitable for urban environments. In the context of Dhaka, the idea of air taxis is both exciting and challenging. Experts note that managing air routes, ensuring safety, and building vertiports would require significant investment and planning. Initially, such services might cater to corporate passengers or emergency needs, but as technology becomes cheaper and infrastructure develops, air taxis could evolve into a broader public transport option. The report suggests that while air taxis may not fully solve Dhaka’s traffic crisis, they could help reduce congestion and transform urban mobility in the long term.

More than 941,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have registered to vote in the 13th National Parliament election and referendum through the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app, according to the Election Commission’s website update as of Monday at 2 p.m. Among the registrants, 838,309 are men and 102,839 are women. Saudi Arabia accounts for the highest number of registrants at 176,840, followed by Qatar with 63,754, Oman with 47,069, Malaysia with 51,212, the United Arab Emirates with 31,180, and the United States with 27,088. The Election Commission has extended the registration deadline to December 31. Expatriate voters, government employees, election duty personnel, and those in legal custody can register through the app until that date. The app, launched on November 18, allows registration from 148 countries. To complete registration, expatriate voters must use a mobile number from their respective countries, as required by the Election Commission.

A truck driver was killed and four others were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a truck on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway at Amjurhat in Patiya late Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Md. Salam, 55, son of Akhtar Mia from Bogura. The injured were Jahidul Islam, 26, Jakir Islam, 30, Sakib Ul Hasan, 17, and Nasrin Sultana, 29, all from Brahmanbaria. The accident occurred when a Hanif Paribahan bus traveling from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka collided with a goods-laden truck coming from the opposite direction. According to local authorities, Salam was trapped between the two vehicles during the collision. A team from Patiya Fire Service reached the spot at around 2:20 a.m. and rescued him after a prolonged effort. He was taken to Patiya Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. The four injured were given initial treatment at the same facility before being transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Highway police later recovered both vehicles and took them into custody. Legal procedures regarding the accident are underway, officials confirmed.

A robot developed in China has set a new world record in badminton by successfully returning the shuttlecock 1,452 times in a row. The match took place in Shaoxing city of Zhejiang province, where the robot competed against several human players. The achievement marks the highest number of consecutive counter-hits ever recorded by a mobile robot without interruption. The robot was created by Zhejiang Shenzhen Kaidong Technology Company. Organizers explained that the athletic robot was built using advanced vision systems and motion control technology. The event highlighted China’s growing capabilities and potential in the field of robotics. According to the organizers, the record demonstrates the progress of Chinese engineering in developing robots capable of performing complex athletic tasks with precision and endurance.

A police constable named Robiul Islam was killed in a road accident on Monday morning in the Bhanga Pol area of the Dhaka–Khulna highway under Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj. According to the report, an unidentified bus ran over him and fled the scene. Locals rescued Robiul and took him to Muksudpur Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. He was returning home to Muksudpur on his motorcycle after completing his night duty at Narail Sadar Police Station. Robiul Islam was the son of Hiru Mia from Nowhata village in Muksudpur upazila. Muksudpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdullah Al Mamun stated that the body would be handed over to the family after completing legal procedures. The report did not mention whether the bus or its driver had been identified or apprehended following the incident.

Six people, including a two-year-old girl, were killed and three others injured when multiple gunmen opened fire on a crowded boardwalk near a popular beach in Puerto López, a tourist town on Ecuador’s southwestern coast. Police confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the attackers arrived in a van and on two motorcycles before fleeing the scene. Local media reported that this was the third deadly attack in Puerto López over the weekend, bringing the total number of deaths to nine. Police have not yet identified or arrested the shooters, but initial investigations suggest the violence may have stemmed from internal disputes among criminal groups. Ecuador, located between Colombia and Peru—two of the world’s top cocaine exporters—has seen escalating gang violence linked to Mexican and Colombian cartels. Despite President Daniel Noboa’s strict security policies, killings in public areas have become frequent. The Geneva-based Organized Crime Observatory reported a record homicide rate of 52 per 100,000 people by the end of the year.

Former minister and Jatiya Party (JP) chairman Anwar Hossain Manju has announced that he will not contest in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. He cited physical illness as the reason for his withdrawal. Manju had earlier collected nomination papers for the Pirojpur-2 constituency, which includes Kawkhali, Bhandaria, and Nesarabad, but confirmed to the media on Monday that he would not submit them. The nomination papers were collected on December 24 from the office of the assistant returning officer and upazila executive officer in Bhandaria. Senior leaders from JP’s local units and affiliated organizations were present at the time. On Sunday, a human chain was organized in Pirojpur under the banner of “Chhatra-Janata,” demanding the cancellation of Manju’s candidacy and his arrest over allegations of collaboration with the Awami League and involvement in violence during the July uprising. Anwar Hossain Manju has been elected seven times from Pirojpur-2 and has served in multiple ministries. He and Anisul Islam Mahmud recently launched a new political alliance, the National Democratic Front (NDF), comprising 18 parties, which has already announced its candidates for the election.

The Chamber Judge Court of the Appellate Division has suspended the inclusion of Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna’s name in the loan defaulter list. The order, issued on Monday by Justice Md Rezaul Haque, effectively removes any legal barrier to Manna’s participation in the upcoming election, according to lawyers involved in the case. Earlier, the High Court had rejected Manna’s writ petition seeking removal of his name from the defaulter list. The case stems from a December 10 call-back notice issued by Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited’s Bogura Barogola branch to recover Tk 38.04 crore in defaulted loans from Afaku Cold Storage Limited, a company chaired by Manna. The notice identified Manna as holding a 50 percent ownership stake, with ABM Nazmul Kadir Shajahan Chowdhury and Ismat Ara Laiju holding 25 percent each. Following the High Court’s rejection, Manna appealed to the Appellate Division, which has now stayed the earlier order, allowing him to proceed with his election plans pending further proceedings.

Tasnim Zara, who recently resigned from the NCP, is facing difficulties collecting voter signatures required to run as an independent candidate in Bangladesh’s Dhaka-9 constituency. According to election rules, an independent candidate must submit signatures or affidavits from at least one percent of the total voters in their constituency, along with other required documents. Zara began collecting signatures from Khilgaon on Sunday but reported that obtaining voter serial numbers has become nearly impossible. She stated that there are five official ways to access voter serial numbers—via SMS, online, phone calls, and QR codes—but claimed that none of these methods are currently functional. Zara alleged that the Election Commission has effectively blocked all avenues to retrieve voter numbers, and the commission’s website server remains down. She expressed concern that this situation makes it impossible to complete the required documentation. With the nomination submission deadline set for today, uncertainty remains over whether Zara will be able to gather the necessary voter serial numbers in time to qualify as an independent candidate.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir came under attack from angry Palestinians during a visit to the Bedouin village of Tarabin in the occupied Negev region of southern Palestine. The incident occurred on Sunday after Israeli forces had raided the village and arrested several Palestinians. As Ben-Gvir arrived to oversee a police operation, villagers reportedly threw stones at him, forcing him to flee the area under heavy police protection. According to Channel 14, the confrontation escalated when residents clashed with police during the minister’s visit. Social media videos showed Palestinians throwing stones at Ben-Gvir as he left the area surrounded by security forces. Israeli police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. The report, citing Middle East Eye, highlights ongoing tensions in the occupied Negev region, where Israeli security operations and Palestinian resistance frequently lead to violent confrontations.

Former Bangladesh national cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal has called on clubs and stakeholders to stand by players affected by the ongoing turmoil surrounding the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election. The dispute has disrupted Dhaka’s club cricket, with eight of the 20 first-division teams and reportedly 10 of the 24 second-division teams not participating in the league. These boycotts, mainly by clubs that refused to take part in the BCB election, have left many cricketers without playing opportunities. In an audio message, Tamim expressed concern that the growing practice of halting matches is harmful to players and their futures. He warned that the current situation could affect others in the future and estimated that around 150 players are already impacted by the first-division withdrawals. Tamim urged all parties to prioritize the interests of players over personal or institutional agendas, emphasizing that the continuity of cricket in Bangladesh must be ensured. He reiterated that his only interest is to see cricket continue in Bangladesh without players suffering losses due to political or administrative disputes.

Jagannath University authorities have instructed all general students to vacate the campus by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 29, ahead of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall student council elections. The directive was issued through an emergency notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin. According to the notice, voting for both the JAKSU and hall student council elections will take place the following day, starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. Only students whose names appear on the voter list will be allowed to enter the campus to cast their votes. The university administration stated that the decision aims to ensure a fair election process, maintain discipline on campus, and uphold overall security during the election period.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war are in their final stage. He made the remarks after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, according to Anadolu Agency. Trump said the discussions could either conclude soon or continue for a long time with heavy casualties if unresolved. Trump reiterated his claim of having ended eight wars during his presidency and described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the most difficult one yet. He emphasized that both presidents are willing to reach an agreement and that his goal is to end the war rather than set a specific timeline. Following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue the dialogue. He added that a strong security agreement is being considered, with European countries expected to play a key role in the security framework.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are cautiously working to overcome deep differences regarding the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Recent developments suggest both sides are reducing public criticism to create a more positive environment for dialogue, though major progress remains elusive. Islamabad insists Afghan soil must not be used for attacks inside Pakistan, and discreet diplomatic efforts have reportedly yielded limited progress. Mediators have encouraged both governments to tone down public rhetoric and focus on constructive engagement. Afghan religious leaders recently issued a fatwa prohibiting cross-border attacks, which Pakistan welcomed as a confidence-building measure. Soon after, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani assured that Afghan territory would not be used against any country. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised Haqqani’s remarks and emphasized dialogue over confrontation. Despite multiple rounds of talks, progress remains limited. Pakistan continues to link improved relations to concrete action against TTP, while Kabul maintains it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks. Islamabad has indicated it expects visible change within two to four weeks before reassessing its approach.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the party’s central office in Naya Paltan on Monday. Party sources said he will leave his Gulshan residence at noon and head directly to the central office. The visit is part of his review of political programs and organizational matters, according to those involved. This marks his first appearance at the central office since returning to the country after a long period of exile. Party leaders and activists have shown heightened interest surrounding his visit. Security measures have been strengthened in the Naya Paltan area ahead of his arrival, with RAB’s dog squad conducting sweeping operations in and around the office premises. On Sunday, a day before the planned visit, Tarique Rahman worked for the first time at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan following his return to Bangladesh.