British businesses have suffered £44 billion in revenue losses due to cyberattacks over the past five years, with 52% of private companies experiencing at least one incident. Email compromises (20%) and data theft (18%) were the most common attacks. Despite the threat, only 61% use anti-virus software and 55% have firewalls. The findings come from a YouGov survey of 905 IT decision-makers, commissioned by insurance broker Howden.READ FULL
Violent clashes erupted in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area as students from Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul Government College attacked Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College. The incident is linked to earlier protests over the death of Mollah College student Avijit at Dhaka National Medical College Hospital. Students wielded sticks and iron rods, vandalizing property and engaging in chase and counter-chase. Police are working to control the situation.READ FULL
India secured a commanding 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test match in Perth. Led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, who took 8 wickets in the match, India bowled out Australia for 238 in their second innings. Despite Travis Head’s resilient 89 and Mitchell Marsh’s 47, Australia couldn’t chase the massive target of 534. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant 161 and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 in India’s second innings set up the win.READ FULL
Trump nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as US attorney general after Matt Gaetz withdrew his candidacy amid sexual misconduct allegations. Bondi, who defended Trump during his first impeachment trial, replaces Gaetz, who faced opposition from fellow Republicans and allegations of sexual contact with a minor. Trump praised Bondi as an “AMERICA FIRST Fighter” who will refocus the DOJ on “fighting Crime and Making America Safe Again.”READ FULL
Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed 52 people Thursday, including civilians, with attacks hitting east Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, south Lebanon, and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah retaliated by launching its deepest attack on Israel in over a year, targeting the Hatzor air base near Ashdod. The conflict, which escalated into war in September, has killed over 3,500 Lebanese and 52 Israeli soldiers since October 2023.READ FULL
SpaceX’s Starship launched its sixth test flight in Texas, with President-elect Donald Trump joining Elon Musk to witness the event. Unlike last month’s successful catch, the Super Heavy booster made a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The launch demonstrated the fastest turnaround between test flights for the world’s most powerful rocket. The mission included testing new heat shield materials and carried a stuffed banana payload. The upper stage aimed for Indian Ocean splashdown.READ FULL
Rafael Nadal’s professional tennis career came to an end as Spain was eliminated by Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. The 38-year-old, 22-time Grand Slam champion, lost his singles match 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp. Although Carlos Alcaraz won his match against Griekspoor, the Dutch team secured victory in the deciding doubles rubber. Nadal, who hadn’t played since July, was emotional during what proved to be his final professional match.READ FULL
Boeing announces first wave of layoffs, affecting 2,199 jobs in Washington state, with additional cuts in Oregon, Colorado, and South Carolina. The cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce global workforce by 10%. The aviation giant, which employs 170,000 people worldwide, will begin permanent layoffs from December 20, following recent production issues and a 50-day strike.READ FULL
US imposes sanctions on Israeli settler group Amana and its subsidiary for supporting unauthorized outposts and enabling violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The Treasury Department’s measures block Americans from transactions with Amana and freeze its US assets. UK and Canada have also sanctioned the group. The action reflects growing international concern over settler violence in the occupied territory.READ FULL
ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has launched a new share buyback program valuing itself at $300 billion, a 12.9% increase from December 2023. The company is offering to purchase shares at $180.70 each, up from $160 previously. Despite strong revenue growth of $110 billion, ByteDance faces challenges in the US, where a new law requires it to sell TikTok’s US assets by January 19, 2024, or risk a ban.READ FULL
Eight people were killed and 17 injured in a mass stabbing at Wuxi Vocational Institute of Art and Technology in China’s Jiangsu province. The suspect, a 21-year-old student who failed his graduation exams, was arrested after attacking people at the school to “express his anger.” This incident follows recent violent episodes in China, including a fatal hit-and-run in Zhuhai that killed 35 people and injured 43 others.READ FULL
“Gladiator II” premieres in Bangladesh today, ahead of its November 22 US release. Directed by Ridley Scott, the $310 million sequel follows Lucius’s story years after the original film, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington. The film features notable scenes, including an intense rhino battle. The original “Gladiator” (2000) earned $465 million worldwide and won five Oscars, including Best Picture.READ FULL
Mercedes has denied rumors of Lewis Hamilton’s early departure before joining Ferrari next year. The team’s engineering director revealed they’ll use the final three races of 2024 as testing opportunities for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli’s benefit. With Mercedes trailing behind Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull, Hamilton’s chances of securing a final win or podium with the team appear unlikely before 18-year-old Antonelli takes his seat in 2025.READ FULL
The “Dhaka Retro” concert, featuring iconic ’90s bands Nagar Baul, Ark, Miles, and Dalchhut, along with popular artists Jon Kabir, Oni Hasan, and Drockstar Shuvo, is set for today at Senaprangan, Dhaka. Originally planned for October 18 at Dhaka Arena, the event was rescheduled due to security concerns. The concert starts at 5 PM, with tickets priced at Tk 2,400 (VIP) and Tk 1,400 (General).READ FULL
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered mass production of suicide attack drones after witnessing successful tests. The drones, designed to hit both land and sea targets, were demonstrated by North Korea’s Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex. Experts suggest the technology may be linked to North Korea’s alliance with Russia, with the drones resembling Israeli and Russian models. This development follows recent tensions with South Korea and continued missile testing despite UN sanctions.READ FULL
At least 12 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a civil defence facility in Lebanon’s Douris area near Baalbek on Thursday. Among the dead were eight civil defence personnel. This was the second Israeli attack on a health emergency facility in less than two hours, following an earlier strike that killed Hezbollah-affiliated rescuers, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.READ FULL
Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani for over an hour on Monday in a secret location, reportedly trying to ease US-Iran tensions ahead of Trump’s presidency. Sources described the meeting as “positive,” with Iran’s ambassador requesting US sanctions relief. The meeting suggests Trump’s potential openness to diplomacy with Iran, despite his previous “maximum pressure” policy during his last term.READ FULL
The ICC is in talks with several cricket boards that have not paid prize money from the 2022 T20 World Cup to players. The World Cricketers’ Association raised concerns over non-payment and “threatening” behavior by some boards. The ICC is working to ensure players receive their full prize money. The WCA also launched a Global Player Hardship Fund to support international cricketers in need.READ FULL
Bangladesh’s government has expressed concern to India over former PM Sheikh Hasina’s frequent political statements from Delhi, where she fled on August 5 after Awami League’s fall following mass protests. The foreign ministry has urged Indian authorities through their High Commission to restrain her. Additionally, a Bangladesh mission official in Geneva was recalled home following an incident involving Law Adviser Asif Nazrul’s harassment at the airport. UK’s Indo-Pacific Under Secretary will visit Bangladesh November 16-17.READ FULL
Scientists predict Earth’s gravity could trigger “astroquakes” on asteroid Apophis during its close approach in 2029. The asteroid, nicknamed “God of Chaos” and roughly the size of the Empire State Building, will pass within 19,000 miles of Earth. Research led by Johns Hopkins University suggests these tremors could alter the asteroid’s surface and rotation. While impact risk is negligible, NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission will study any changes during the flyby.READ FULL
A rare 37-carat square emerald, originally commissioned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan from Cartier in 1960, sold for nearly $9 million at Christie’s Geneva auction, becoming the world’s most expensive emerald. The brooch, which features 20 marquise-cut diamonds, surpassed the previous record held by Elizabeth Taylor’s Bulgari emerald. The historic piece has passed through notable owners including Nina Dyer, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston.READ FULL
British author Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize for her novel “Orbital,” a 136-page story following six astronauts contemplating Earth from the International Space Station over a single day. The novel, which earned Harvey a £50,000 prize, is the first space-set book to win the Booker and the second-shortest winning novel. Harvey was among a record five women shortlisted for this year’s prize, marking her first win after 15 years of writing.READ FULL
South Korean actor Song Jae-rim, 39, was found dead in his Seoul residence on November 12, 2024, with a two-page note discovered at the scene. Originally a model for major fashion brands, Song transitioned to acting in 2009 and gained fame through dramas like “Moon Embracing the Sun” and “We Got Married.” His final roles included performances in “Queen Woo” and “My Military Valentine” in 2024. A funeral is scheduled for November 14 at Yeouido St Mary’s Hospital.READ FULL
In a tragic incident in Zhuhai, China, a car plowed into pedestrians, killing 35 people and injuring 43 others. According to local police, the attack occurred at the Zhuhai Sports Centre, where people were exercising. The police have described the incident as a “serious and vicious attack.” The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to provide assistance to the victims and their families.READ FULL
In separate road accidents across Bangladesh, a total of 5 people were killed and 4 injured. In Bagerhat, a car crashed into a tree, killing 2 and injuring 3. In Thakurgaon, a motorcycle-car collision resulted in 1 death and 1 injury. In Sirajganj, 2 people died when their motorcycle crashed into construction equipment. Local authorities have responded to the incidents and initiated investigations.READ FULL
Elite Hitech Industries has launched a new model of eco-friendly air conditioners, R290, in Bangladesh. The R290 uses a hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, aligning with global environmental goals. The launch was supported by the Ministry of Environment, UNDP, and GIZ. Experts praised the company’s commitment to sustainable cooling technology, highlighting its contribution to the industry’s shift towards environmentally-friendly practices.READ FULL
Bitcoin surged to $89,637 in Asian trading hours, marking a 25% increase since November 5, primarily driven by Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. election. Trump’s vocal support for cryptocurrencies and promises to make the U.S. a global crypto hub have boosted investor confidence. Bitcoin has emerged as a top market performer post-election, alongside Tesla, whose shares have jumped nearly 40% under the new Trump administration.READ FULL
Singapore-China joint venture Chic Wings (BD) Lingerie Co Ltd will invest $18 million to establish a garment factory in Bepza Economic Zone, Mirsharai. The factory will produce 30 million pieces of undergarments annually and create 3,000 jobs for Bangladeshis. A signing ceremony was held at Bepza Complex in Dhaka. The company joins 35 other firms who have agreed to invest in the zone, bringing total proposed investment to $868.5 million.READ FULL
A deadly shooting at Los Cantaritos bar in Queretaro’s historic district, Mexico, left 10 people dead and at least seven injured on Saturday. According to security chief Juan Luis Ferrusca, four gunmen with long weapons arrived in a pickup truck to carry out the attack. One suspect has been arrested, while the attackers’ vehicle was found abandoned and burned. Queretaro, typically considered safer, is experiencing violence amid Mexico’s ongoing drug-related crime wave.READ FULL
Bangladesh witnessed 443 road accidents in October 2024, resulting in 469 deaths and 837 injuries, reports Road Safety Foundation. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 41.79% of fatalities with 196 deaths. The highest accidents occurred in Dhaka Division (131 incidents, 144 deaths), while Chattogram district recorded 34 accidents with 39 deaths. Additionally, four maritime accidents caused seven deaths, and 21 railway incidents resulted in 18 fatalities during the same period.READ FULL
Taliban administration officials will attend the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking their first participation in a major UN climate event since taking power in 2021. Though not formally recognized by UN member states, officials from Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency were invited as observers by Azerbaijan. Afghanistan, severely affected by climate change with recent floods and droughts, faces international isolation due to Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights.READ FULL
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 14 Palestinians, including women and children, in Gaza overnight. Strikes hit tent shelters in Khan Yunis and a school-shelter in Gaza City. The Israeli military claims to have eliminated dozens of fighters in northern Gaza and Rafah. The ongoing conflict has killed at least 43,508 people, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry figures backed by UN.READ FULL
Canadian authorities are on high alert at the US border, anticipating a potential surge in migrants following Donald Trump’s election promises of mass deportation. Officials report increased US Google searches about moving to Canada. While Canada has plans to manage the situation, they’re also reducing immigration targets. Border patrol is being strengthened with additional personnel, cameras, and drones along the 8,891km border.READ FULL
The US Justice Department has charged Iranian national Farhad Shakeri (51) for allegedly plotting to assassinate Donald Trump on IRGC’s orders. Two New York residents, Carlisle Rivera and Loadholt, were also charged for helping Shakeri target an Iranian-American activist, believed to be Masih Alinejad. Shakeri, currently believed to be in Iran, was tasked with the assassination plan on October 7, 2024. Rivera and Loadholt remain in custody awaiting trial.READ FULL
Two motorcyclists, Md Moktar (28) and Md Rubel (36), died instantly when their motorcycle crashed into a lamp post on the Chattogram Elevated Expressway in the EPZ area around 1:00am today. Both victims were residents of Sadarghat area in Chattogram. Fire station team leader Noor Hossain from CEPZ confirmed the incident, and the bodies were subsequently transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for further procedures.READ FULL
The UN has condemned the high civilian death toll from Israel’s war in Gaza, with women and children comprising nearly 70% of the thousands killed. The report details violations of international law that could amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possibly genocide. It highlights the failure to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid during the conflict.READ FULL