Vilija Blinkeviciute, 64, is poised to become Lithuania’s next prime minister as her Social Democratic Party leads in the elections. A veteran public servant and European Parliament member, she has built her reputation advocating for social issues over several decades. The former Minister of Social Security and Labor (2000-2008) is known for increasing pensions and benefits. Her party is favored to win enough seats in Sunday’s second round to replace the ruling conservatives.READ FULL
Russia’s defense ministry reports intercepting 51 Ukrainian drones across several regions, with 18 shot down in Tambov region and 16 near Belgorod. Other drones were intercepted in Oryol, Briansk, Lipetsk, Voronej, and Kursk regions. The incident is part of ongoing drone warfare between the two nations, with Ukraine targeting Russian infrastructure in response to Russian bombardments of Ukrainian territory.READ FULL
Thailand plans to introduce e-visa service for Bangladeshi ordinary passport holders in early 2025, announced by Thai Consular Department Director-General Ambassador Worawoot Pongprapapant. The service, already available in 69 embassies worldwide, will allow online visa applications. Additionally, medical travelers can apply for the five-year Destination Thailand Visa. A visa exemption agreement for government passport holders between Bangladesh and Thailand will be effective from December 19.READ FULL
A fatal collision between a cargo truck and a passenger bus in northern Mexico has claimed 19 lives and left six injured. The accident occurred when a corn container fell from the truck, causing the bus with 25 passengers to overturn on the Zacatecas-Aguascalientes highway. The bus was traveling from Tepic to Ciudad Juarez. Mexican authorities, including army and National Guard, were deployed to the scene. Traffic accidents in Mexico have increased since 2020.READ FULL
The Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s coordinator Abu Mohammad Raihan has announced a Tk 1 lakh reward for catching armed BCL cadres in Cumilla area and handing them over to police. The announcement, made via Facebook, refers to an August 5 incident where BCL activists allegedly attacked students and civilians with firearms. The post has gone viral on social media, and Raihan has confirmed the bounty offer to The Daily Star.READ FULL
Ekushey Padak laureate Abul Hayat’s autobiography “Robi Poth” is set to launch on November 2 at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The book release event, organized by the Actors’ Association, will feature critic Syed Manzoorul Islam as chief guest. Additionally, Hayat stars in a new web-film “Ondhokarer Gaan,” directed by Vicky Zahed, where he plays a wealthy father. The veteran actor expresses his intention to be more selective with future projects.READ FULL
The historic Kalurghat Bridge in Chattogram has reopened to traffic today after completing renovation works that began in August last year. The Tk 43 crore project by Bangladesh Railways had temporarily disrupted the daily commute of 22,000-25,000 people, who relied on ferry services during the closure. Built in 1931 as a rail bridge and modified for vehicles in 1962, the bridge is a crucial crossing over the Karnaphuli river. ECNEC has approved plans for a new bridge.READ FULL
A recent survey reveals that while 51% of Bangladeshi journalists personally use AI tools, only 20% of newsrooms have institutional AI integration. ChatGPT leads with 78% usage among AI tools, followed by Grammarly and Google Translate. The study, “Media Metamorphosis: AI and Bangladeshi Newsrooms 2024,” surveyed 53 journalists from 25 news outlets. Key challenges include resistance to technological change, lack of understanding, and ethical concerns. The assessment recommends developing guidelines and modernizing journalism education.READ FULL
Former President Donald Trump arrived three hours late to a Michigan rally after recording a three-hour podcast with Joe Rogan in Texas, causing many supporters to leave the cold outdoor venue. Trump apologized to the remaining crowd, blaming the delay on the podcast interview. Earlier that day, his rival Kamala Harris attended an event with Beyoncé in Houston focusing on abortion rights. In the Rogan podcast, Trump discussed various topics including UFOs and Taiwan.READ FULL
A suicide bomber on a motorbike rickshaw attacked a checkpoint near Mir Ali in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing eight people, including four police officers, and wounding five others. The attack, claimed by “Aswad ul-Harb,” comes amid rising insurgency since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan saw 29 suicide attacks in 2023, its deadliest year in a decade.READ FULL
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued warnings to 124 Hajj agencies that have not registered any pilgrims for Hajj 2025, stating they may face administrative action. Out of 891 approved agencies, these 124 have been directed to complete registrations immediately. The preliminary registration period, which began on September 1, will continue until November 30, with Hajj packages to be announced on October 30.READ FULL
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicts light to moderate rain with gusty winds in Khulna, Rajshahi, and Rangpur divisions, with scattered showers in Barishal, Mymensingh, and Dhaka divisions over the next 24 hours. Cyclone Dana, now a land depression over north Odisha, is weakening. The forecast indicates mainly dry weather with partly cloudy skies in the following 48 hours, with slight temperature rises expected.READ FULL
Popular Indian crime show “CID” is set to return on Sony TV after a six-year hiatus, with original cast members Shivaji Satam and Aditya Srivastava reprising their roles. The show’s teaser has been released, with a full promo launching today. Expected to air in December, the revival brings back the beloved series that ran for 20 years (1998-2018) with 1,547 episodes. Production will begin soon.READ FULL
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at State Guest House Jamuna following his return from an 11-day official visit to North America. During the meeting, he briefed Yunus about his visits to the US and Canada, where he held discussions with UN peacekeeping officials and high-ranking military and civilian leaders, including the US army chief.READ FULL
South Korea has condemned Russia’s move to ratify a defense treaty with North Korea, urging Moscow to stop “illegal cooperation.” Ukrainian President Zelensky warns that North Korean troops could enter the conflict as early as Sunday. While North Korea denies sending weapons or soldiers, a diplomatic official suggests any troop deployment would comply with international law. South Korea is considering revising its policy on weapons supply to Ukraine.READ FULL
Israel has reportedly conducted strikes around Tehran and military bases in Iran, with Iranian state TV claiming air defense systems were activated. Iran has vowed a “proportional reaction” to what it calls Israeli aggression, while maintaining damage was limited. This follows Iran’s October 1 missile attack on Israel, which was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Both nations remain in heightened military alertness.READ FULL
MS Dhoni has been named Jharkhand’s brand ambassador for the upcoming state assembly elections. He has allowed the Election Commission to use his image to promote voter participation under the SWEEP program. The elections for 81 assembly seats will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results on November 23. BJP has allied with AJSU, JD(U), and LJP, while JMM leads the opposition alliance.READ FULL
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is reportedly staying in a secure IB safehouse in Delhi’s VVIP zone near India Gate and Khan Market, according to Hindustan Times and The Print. She has been there since August 5 after leaving Bangladesh. Multiple layers of security protect her due to death threats. Her daughter Saima Wazed, WHO’s South East Asian regional director, also lives in Delhi with security protection.READ FULL
A bus accident in Phulbari upazila of Dinajpur resulted in one youth’s death and around 15 injuries early this morning. The Nowshin Paribahan bus, heading to Ranisankail in Thakurgaon, overturned near Mirza Jute Mills area around 5:30am when the driver lost control. The driver and helper fled the scene. The injured are being treated at Phulbari Upazila Health Complex, while police are working to recover the vehicle.READ FULL
Tropical Storm Trami has claimed 66 lives in the Philippines after dumping two months’ worth of rain in just two days. The storm caused severe flooding and landslides, particularly in the Bicol region and Batangas province. Over 193,000 people were evacuated as floodwaters turned streets into rivers. President Ferdinand Marcos noted rescue efforts are hampered by accessibility issues, while many residents remain trapped on rooftops awaiting help.READ FULL
Israeli airstrikes killed three journalists at a hotel in Lebanon’s Hasbaya region early Friday morning, according to Lebanese state media. In separate strikes, Israel targeted buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs after issuing evacuation warnings for Hezbollah-linked areas. Since September 23, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 1,580 people. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports 128 media workers have died in the region since October 2023.READ FULL
Elon Musk has contributed $132 million to support Donald Trump and Republican candidates in the 2024 election, with a recent $56 million donation revealed in FEC filings. His super PAC, America PAC, is focusing on voter turnout in battleground states and has spent $105 million backing Trump. Musk’s unprecedented political involvement includes campaign rallies and potential future government role. This comes as Trump trails Harris in campaign fundraising and advertising spending.READ FULL
George Hurt from Roanoke won $1 million in the Virginia Lottery scratcher game after playing for 13 years. He opted for a lump-sum payment of $571,000 before taxes. The winning ticket was sold at 604 Minute Market on Cloverdale Road, earning store owner Timir Patel a $10,000 bonus. The Virginia Lottery notes that such bonuses help local businesses contribute to their communities.READ FULL
At the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the group’s commitment to building a democratic, multipolar world order as outlined in the Kazan Declaration. He highlighted BRICS’ openness to new members who share its values and confirmed agreement on a list of partner countries. Putin also noted that while BRICS isn’t developing SWIFT alternatives, members are increasingly using national currencies and Russia’s Financial Messaging System.READ FULL
Israel’s military has announced the killing of Mohammad Abu Itiwi, a Hamas commander who allegedly participated in the October 7 attacks while also working for UNRWA since July 2022. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and UNRWA, which previously fired nine staff members for possible involvement in the October 7 attacks. UNRWA, which provides aid to Palestinians across multiple regions, has faced increased scrutiny and calls for disbandment from Israel.READ FULL
During her recent visit to Mumbai, Priyanka Chopra discussed the key differences between working in Bollywood and Hollywood in a Forbes India interview. She highlighted Hollywood’s extensive paperwork and strict scheduling, contrasting it with Bollywood’s more flexible ‘jugaad’ approach. The actress, who misses Bollywood’s dancing and lip-syncing, is set to appear in upcoming Hollywood projects “Heads of State” and “The Bluff.”READ FULL
A Dhaka court has sent 26 students to jail following their protest at the secretariat demanding HSC result re-evaluation. They were charged with attempted murder after being detained yesterday along with 28 others, who were later released to their guardians. The protest, led by students who failed or performed poorly in HSC exams, took place at the Education Ministry building, where police and army personnel dispersed the demonstrators.READ FULL
Air Astra, Bangladesh’s newest airline, has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) within two years of starting operations. IATA represents 330 airlines from 120 countries, covering 80% of global air traffic. CEO Imran Asif called it a significant milestone, emphasizing their commitment to world-class service. The airline currently operates 13 daily flights from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, and Saidpur using four ATR 72-600 aircraft.READ FULL
Swiggy has launched a new ‘Swiggy Seal’ badge feature to help customers identify restaurants that maintain high food hygiene and quality standards. According to CEO Rohit Kapoor, the initiative aims to build trust and encourage partner restaurants to improve their practices. The blue seal badge, visible on restaurant menu pages, is awarded based on 7 million verified customer reviews from the past six months and can be revoked if standards drop.READ FULL
Internal pressure is mounting for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, with 24 Liberal MPs reportedly signing an agreement calling for him to step down by October 28. During a three-hour caucus meeting on Wednesday, about 20 MPs urged Trudeau to resign before the next election. The crisis deepened following strained India-Canada relations over Trudeau’s allegations about India’s involvement in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing.READ FULL
Two attackers launched a deadly assault on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) headquarters near Ankara, killing five people, including four employees and a taxi driver, and injuring 22 others. The attackers, who were later neutralized, were captured on video firing assault rifles and causing an explosion. Turkey’s Interior Minister suggested the attack was likely carried out by Kurdish militants, while President Erdogan condemned it as a “heinous” attack on Turkey’s defense industry.READ FULL
During a recent performance at Madison Square Garden in New York, Billie Eilish suffered a fall on stage, resulting in a severe bruise which she later shared on social media. The 22-year-old singer is currently touring to promote her third studio album “Hit Me Hard And Soft,” released on May 17. Her upcoming world tour includes multiple shows in the UK and Europe in 2025, with performances scheduled in London, Glasgow, Manchester, and Dublin.READ FULL
Mexican troops killed 19 suspected Sinaloa cartel members in a firefight near Culiacan after being attacked by over 30 people. The violence follows the July arrest of cartel co-founder Ismael Zambada in the US, which sparked a war between his faction and the sons of “El Chapo” Guzman. The deceased were reportedly linked to Zambada’s group. Mexico has seen over 450,000 drug-related murders since 2006.READ FULL
Cyclone Dana has formed in the Bay of Bengal and is moving towards India’s Odisha and West Bengal, with possible landfall between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. The storm could affect Bangladesh’s Sundarbans region and may intensify into a severe cyclone. Maritime ports have been advised to hoist distant warning signal no 2, while fishing boats are instructed to stay near the coast. Increased rainfall is expected across Bangladesh tomorrow.READ FULL
Netflix has shut down its AAA game development studio, Blue, just three years after entering the gaming industry. The studio, established in 2022 under former Overwatch producer Chacko Sonny, never released a game. While Netflix continues to focus on mobile gaming and has acquired several studios, the closure of Blue suggests a potential shift away from AAA game development ambitions.READ FULL
Law enforcement has heightened security around Bangabhaban, the president’s residence in Bangladesh, following student protests demanding President Sahabuddin’s resignation. On Tuesday, around 300-400 protesters attempted to breach barricades, leading to clashes with security forces that left three people injured. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has issued a five-point demand with an ultimatum by Thursday. As of Wednesday morning, heavy security presence continues, though no protesters were seen.READ FULL