Chinese tech giant Baidu announced a 50% year-on-year increase in revenue from its artificial intelligence (AI) operations, even as its core advertising business experienced a slowdown during the third quarter. The company revealed that sales from AI-related cloud infrastructure, applications, and marketing services reached 10 billion yuan, marking the first time Baidu disclosed detailed figures for its AI segment. Chief Financial Officer He Haijian described the AI business as providing a 'solid foundation for sustainable long-term growth,' emphasizing its growing importance to Baidu’s overall strategy. The disclosure is expected to give investors a clearer view of how Baidu’s investments in AI are driving its future growth, signaling a strategic shift toward technology-driven revenue streams amid a challenging advertising environment.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Europe to strengthen its digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on technology from the United States and China. Speaking at the European Summit on Digital Sovereignty in Berlin, Macron said Europe must avoid becoming a 'vassal' to foreign tech powers and instead develop its own technological solutions. He emphasized the need for a 'European preference' in public procurement and policy, mirroring how China and the US prioritize their domestic industries. Macron’s remarks were made alongside other European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as part of a broader effort to promote homegrown innovation and ensure Europe’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. The French leader also urged a shift in the EU’s legislative approach to better support European tech companies and reduce external dependencies.

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 15 militants belonging to the India-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij group in two separate counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operations, conducted on November 15 and 16 in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan, were based on intelligence reports. In the first raid in Dera Ismail Khan’s Kalachi area, 10 militants, including senior commander Alam Mehsud, were killed. A second operation in Datta Khel, North Waziristan, eliminated five more militants. Security forces continue to pursue others who fled the scene. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister congratulated the forces, calling the elimination of India-supported terrorists a matter of national consensus. The government uses the term ‘Fitna-al-Khawarij’ to refer to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The development follows a recent suicide bombing in Islamabad claimed by the TTP that killed 12 and injured 27.

A parked car was set on fire by unidentified miscreants in Dhaka’s Agargaon area late Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in front of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board building. According to Fire Service duty officer Rafi Al Faruq, two units from the Mohammadpur Fire Station were dispatched to the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control. Authorities have not yet determined the extent of the damage or the motive behind the attack. No casualties were reported, and an investigation is expected to follow to identify those responsible. The fire service confirmed that the situation was contained shortly after their arrival, preventing the flames from spreading to nearby vehicles or structures.

A group of 20 students from Charfassion, Bhola, have undertaken a long march toward Dhaka’s Setu Bhaban to press for five key demands, including the construction of the Bhola-Barishal bridge. On the eighth day of their journey, they reached the Padma Bridge after walking and swimming across rivers for a total of 255 kilometers. However, bridge authorities have not granted them permission to cross the Padma Bridge on foot. In response, the participants declared their intention to swim across if necessary. Their other demands include residential gas connections in Bhola, establishment of gas-based industries, a public university, and sustainable embankments. One participant, identified as Moinuddin, has been hospitalized due to illness. The marchers plan to stage a sit-in at Setu Bhaban in Dhaka until their demands are addressed, expressing frustration over the government’s unfulfilled promises of visible progress on the bridge project.

Bangladesh secured a historic football victory over India after 22 years, with Sheikh Morsalin scoring the decisive goal. The match carried emotional and political undertones, as fans displayed a tifo reading 'From Teesta to Felani, how many more victims?', referencing long-standing border and water disputes between the two nations. Chants like 'Dhaka, not Delhi!' echoed throughout the stadium, reflecting national pride and frustration over unresolved bilateral issues. Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan had promised to fight for every inch, and his team delivered on that vow. India, desperate to win, brought back retired star Sunil Chhetri and fielded Ryan Williams without FIFA clearance, but their efforts fell short. The victory not only ended a long drought but also symbolized Bangladesh’s growing confidence and unity both on and off the field.

Bangladesh secured a historic 1-0 victory over India, marking their first win against the neighbors in 22 years since 2003. The match, held in Bangladesh, saw strong performances from the home side, particularly from defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who played a crucial role in maintaining the lead. Indian coach Khalid Jamil expressed deep disappointment after the loss, emphasizing that hard work determines success in football and dismissing any notion of bad luck. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s overall team effort, noting that their counter-attacks were decisive. The match also witnessed tense moments, including a scuffle between players following a foul by Tapu Barman, resulting in yellow cards for Tapu and India’s Nikhil Poojary. Despite the heated exchanges, Jamil downplayed the incident, saying such physical and emotional moments are part of football. The result highlights Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness in South Asian football.

Pakistan began their tri-nation T20 series campaign with a solid win over Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi. After losing the toss, Zimbabwe batted first and posted 147 runs for eight wickets, despite a strong start of 72 runs in eight overs. Ryan Bennett top-scored with 49 off 36 balls, while captain Sikandar Raza added 34. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Nawaz with two wickets, restricted Zimbabwe effectively. In reply, Pakistan faced early pressure at 54 for four but recovered through a 61-run fifth-wicket stand between Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. Fakhar scored 44 off 32 balls, while Usman remained unbeaten on 37. Mohammad Nawaz contributed a quick 21 off 12 balls to seal the victory with four balls to spare. The win gave Pakistan a strong start in the tri-series, boosting their confidence ahead of upcoming matches.

In Nilphamari’s Saidpur, Bangladesh, potato farmers and traders are facing severe financial losses as market prices have plummeted far below production costs. Despite storing around 90,000 tons of potatoes in 11 cold storages with hopes of earning fair prices, demand has sharply declined, forcing many to sell at Tk 10–12 per kilogram, while production and storage costs reach Tk 20–25. Some farmers, unable to recover expenses, are feeding potatoes to cattle. Compared to last year, prices have dropped by more than half, leaving both farmers and cold storage owners struggling. Many traders have yet to release their stock due to the low market rate. Farmers are urging the government to increase market monitoring, offer incentives, and explore export options to stabilize prices. Agricultural officials report that 9,300 hectares have been planted with potatoes this season, and new crops are expected soon, which may provide some relief if prices improve.

Authorities from Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company conducted a raid in Sonargaon municipality’s Khasnagar and Bhabanathpur areas of Narayanganj, disconnecting illegal gas connections at two unauthorized lime and casting factories. The operation, led by Senior Assistant Secretary Milton Roy from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, took place from morning to noon on Tuesday. Factory owners fled upon learning of the raid. Officials said the factories had been illegally using gas worth around 2 million taka per month. Acting on secret information, a mobile court demolished the factories using excavators and seized pipes and other equipment used for the illegal connections. Titas Gas officials stated that the illegal operations had been running under political protection since August 5 and vowed to continue similar drives to prevent theft of government resources.

A wild elephant was found dead after being electrocuted by an illegal electric trap in a paddy field near Rahmaniapara, West Khayrati, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, late Monday night. Forest officials recovered the carcass on Tuesday morning following reports from locals. According to Ukhiya Range Officer Md Abdul Mannan, the elephant, estimated to be 40–45 years old, bore burn marks consistent with electrocution. Locals said elephants increasingly enter villages due to food shortages in nearby hills, leading residents to install electric fences for protection. This practice has resulted in several elephant deaths. Forest officials confirmed that the carcass was buried after a post-mortem examination, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death. According to the Forest Department, five wild elephants have died in the Ukhiya-Teknaf region since January 2024, highlighting the growing tension between human settlements and wildlife in the area.

Elite force RAB-11 has arrested top-listed criminal Rakib, also known as Gui Rakib, from his home in Rupganj, Narayanganj. The 24-year-old suspect faces at least 20 cases, including charges of murder, robbery, and illegal arms possession. During the early morning raid on November 18, RAB recovered a single-barrel gun, eight rounds of bullets, and nine cartridges. According to RAB, Rakib had recently been involved in extortion and a shooting incident on October 18, when a businessman named Lokman Hossain was shot in the leg after refusing to pay extortion money. Rakib and his associates had earlier demanded Tk 500,000 and threatened to shut down the victim’s business. Following the arrest, RAB handed Rakib and the seized weapons over to Rupganj police for further legal action. Authorities said the arrest is part of an ongoing drive to curb organized crime in the region.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar has congratulated the Bangladesh national football team for their historic 1–0 victory over India in the third-round return leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers. In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, Parwar described the win as a proud moment for the nation, noting that it marked Bangladesh’s first victory over India in 22 years. He praised the players, coaching staff, and team management for their dedication and performance, emphasizing that the triumph demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing footballing strength and confidence. Parwar expressed hope that this success would inspire renewed enthusiasm in the country’s sports sector and encourage greater interest in football among the youth. He also extended prayers and best wishes for the team’s continued progress and future international achievements, urging them to maintain their winning momentum.

Bangladesh secured a historic 1-0 victory over India in football, marking their first win against the neighboring nation since 2003. The result sparked widespread celebration across the country. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman congratulated the national team through a Facebook post on Tuesday, praising their discipline, unity, and belief. He highlighted Morsalin’s early goal and the team’s relentless spirit as symbols of hope for the future of Bangladeshi sports. Rahman described the players as inspirations for the youth and ambassadors of the nation’s sporting culture. Expressing optimism, he said Bangladesh’s sports sector has a bright future where talent will flourish and the national flag will soar higher. His message resonated with fans who viewed the victory as a moment of national pride and resurgence in football.

Bangladesh secured a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over India in an Asian Cup qualifying match held at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Sheikh Md Morsalin scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, assisted by Rakib Hossain. Although both Bangladesh and India were already eliminated from contention for the main round, the home side celebrated the win enthusiastically, with players including Rakib, Morsalin, Jamal, and Hamza joining in post-match celebrations. After five matches, Bangladesh accumulated five points, while India managed only two. In the same group, Singapore qualified for the Asian Cup main stage after defeating Hong Kong 2-1, taking their tally to eight points. Bangladesh will play their final qualifying match against Singapore on March 31 next year.