United News of Bangladesh

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency-linked firms deepened a nearly two-month decline on Monday, mirroring a wider sell-off in tech stocks that many analysts view as overpriced. Bitcoin dropped 5.6%—after tumbling nearly 12% earlier—ending the day just above $85,000. The world’s most heavily traded cryptocurrency has fallen about 33% since hitting a record high of $126,210.50 on Oct. 6, according to Coinbase. Its earlier surge from April had tracked the stock market and benefited from a shift toward more crypto-friendly sentiment in Washington. Companies tied to digital asset trading or that rely heavily on bitcoin holdings were hit hard in Monday’s decline. Coinbase Global fell 4.8%, Robinhood slid 4.1%, and bitcoin miner Riot Platforms lost 4%. Strategy, the largest “bitcoin treasury” firm that raises capital solely to buy bitcoin, dropped 3.3%. The company holds 649,870 bitcoins—worth about $55.7 billion as of 4 p.m. ET Monday. Strategy now predicts bitcoin will finish the year between $85,000 and $110,000, revising down its Oct. 30 target of $150,000. American Bitcoin, a company partly owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., plunged 15.6% and has shed nearly 47% of its value since Sept. 30. Other ventures linked to Donald Trump have also slid. The World Liberty Financial token, $WLFI, has fallen to roughly $4.14 billion in market value from more than $6 billion in mid-September, per coinmarketcap.com. Meanwhile, the Trump-themed meme coin, $TRUMP, trades at $5.70—far below its $45 price in the run-up to Trump’s inauguration. Spot bitcoin ETFs, which allow investors to gain bitcoin exposure without holding the asset directly, saw record outflows in November. Morningstar Direct reports investors withdrew $3.6 billion from these funds—the biggest monthly drop since they debuted in January 2024. Bitcoin futures have slumped nearly 24% over the past month, while gold futures are up about 7%. Analysts cite multiple forces behind the crypto slump, including a broader “risk-off” tone pushing investors toward safer assets like gold and bonds. Deutsche Bank noted that institutional selling, profit-taking by long-term holders, and a more hawkish Federal Reserve have added to the pressure. Uncertainty due to slow-moving crypto regulation has also weighed on sentiment. “While volatility is expected, the current conditions show that Bitcoin’s role in diversified portfolios is being tested—and it remains unclear whether this is a brief pullback or the beginning of a longer downturn,” Deutsche Bank analysts wrote. Regulatory developments have been mixed. The industry gained some momentum in July when Trump signed a law establishing basic rules and consumer protections for stablecoins. But a broader bill that would define the crypto market’s structure is stalled in the Senate, despite being a key priority for an industry that heavily backed Trump and his allies.

Major retailers and tech giants are rolling out new or upgraded artificial intelligence tools for the holiday shopping rush, aiming to make gift buying easier for customers and capture a bigger portion of online sales. AI-powered shopping is still in its early phase, but the tools launched by Walmart, Amazon and Google go far beyond the basic chatbots seen in previous years. These new assistants offer personalized recommendations, track prices and even place orders through open-ended conversations with shoppers. These features complement updates from platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. One of the season’s most notable releases came from Google, which introduced an AI agent capable of calling local stores to check whether an item is in stock. Salesforce estimates that AI will shape about $73 billion, or 22%, of global sales between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after, said Caila Schwartz, the company’s director of consumer insights. That’s up from $60 billion last year and includes everything from AI-generated gift suggestions to product research done with ChatGPT. Even with these advances, AI’s overall influence on holiday shopping remains “fairly limited,” said Brad Jashinsky, senior retail analyst at Gartner. Many retailers still lack strong tools, and some shoppers are hesitant to use them. “The more retailers launch these tools, the better they get, and the more consumers get comfortable,” he said. “But it takes time for behavior to change.” Here are three ways AI is set to shape holiday shopping in 2025: 1. Moving beyond the search bar AI is helping shoppers find items faster with fewer clicks. ChatGPT now generates personalized buying guides using product pages, reviews, prices and a user's past activity. The feature works well for complex items such as electronics or detailed categories like beauty and sports gear. Amazon’s AI assistant, Rufus, remembers personal details shared earlier — such as a customer saying they have four children who enjoy board games — and uses browsing history and reviews to tailor suggestions. Google’s AI Mode search tool now understands detailed natural-language questions. For example, shoppers can describe the type of sweater they want, when and where they plan to wear it, and receive refined suggestions from Google’s 50 billion product listings. The tool also generates comparison charts for prices, features and reviews, reducing the need for manual filtering. Walmart’s AI assistant Sparky offers recommendations by occasion and summarizes user reviews. Target has added an AI gift finder in its app that uses prompts like the recipient’s age or hobbies. 2. Improved price tracking tools Price tracking features are expanding beyond long-standing services like CamelCamelCamel and Honey. Amazon has introduced a 90-day price history tracker and budget-based price alerts. Google upgraded its basic tracker to allow filters such as size and color, while Microsoft’s Copilot has released its own tracker. Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer at Publicis Groupe, expects the new tools to push retailers to stay competitive. “Many shoppers who never used price alerts before will start to discover them,” he said. 3. New ways to complete purchases Tech companies are racing to enable seamless AI-driven checkout without requiring shoppers to visit retailer websites. OpenAI now offers instant checkout for items recommended by ChatGPT. Shoppers can buy products from Etsy sellers and select Shopify brands including Glossier, Skims and Spanx. A partnership between OpenAI and Walmart will let ChatGPT users shop nearly Walmart’s entire online catalog through instant checkout, except for fresh food. The system currently supports only single-item purchases. Target’s integration with ChatGPT allows shoppers to fill a cart with multiple items — even fresh food — but payment must be completed through the Target app. Companies are also experimenting with autonomous AI agents that can make purchases independently. Amazon is testing an “auto buy” feature through Rufus, where the assistant completes a purchase once a tracked item reaches a shopper’s preferred price. Customers are notified afterward and can cancel within a limited time. Google’s price tracker includes a “buy for me” function that automatically pays through Google Pay when the price matches the shopper’s conditions, currently available for select merchants like Wayfair, Chewy and Quince. Google has also expanded its automated calling tool, allowing AI to phone local stores on behalf of users to check for inventory. The system discloses it is an AI caller, and stores can opt out. The feature currently focuses on toys, beauty products and electronics. Walmart and Target have not said whether they plan to adopt similar tools. END/UNB/FH/1829 Hrs  

When the temperature starts to drop across Bangladesh, many people, especially children and elderly people, suffer from cold-related illnesses. A warm and cosy room can prevent such infections. That is why a room heating machine becomes essential during the cold months. Nowadays many reputed brands like Walton, Vision, Miyako, and several others offer quality room heaters under 10,000 Taka. This guide highlights ten popular models that can bring warmth, safety, and value to your home.  10 Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within BDT 10000 . Zaiko Ceramic Room Heater (1890) 2200 watts The Zaiko Room Heater 1890, priced at BDT 10,000, is a solid pick for anyone looking to stay warm during Bangladesh’s chilly winter months. Its 2200W PTC ceramic heating warms up quickly, and the LED display plus remote control make it easy to adjust from anywhere in the room.  The wide oscillation and temperature control help spread heat evenly, while the auto shut-off adds peace of mind. With its sleek black tower look and a 1-year service warranty, it is a dependable option for everyday comfort.   Read more: Popular Home Geysers (Water Heaters) Available in Bangladesh in 2025-26 Xiaomi Mijia Electric Heater Fan 2000W The Xiaomi Mijia Electric Heater Fan (2000W) is a stylish and efficient heating option. With graphene rapid heating, 70° oscillation, and intelligent thermostat control, it ensures quick and even warmth across rooms up to 1,400 sq. ft.  Controlled via the Mi Home app, it offers multiple modes and smart safety features. Weighing only 2.3 kg and priced at BDT 9,600, this compact heater combines performance and convenience, backed by a 7-day seller warranty.  Rowa Ceramic Room Heater 2000-Watt - 1591 The Rowa Ceramic Room Heater 2000W (Model 1591), priced at BDT 8,000, is an excellent choice for homes seeking efficient and stylish warmth. Featuring automatic overheat protection, variable thermostat control, and 90° oscillation, it ensures safe and even heating across the room.  Its lightweight 2 kg design and durable metal-plastic build make it both portable and sturdy. Backed by a 12-month service warranty, the Rowa 1591 offers reliable, energy-efficient comfort for cold winter days.  Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in November 2025 Walton WRH-PTC302W Priced at BDT 7,500, this wall-mounted PTC ceramic room heater is another excellent mid-range option for household uses. It offers dual heating modes, fan mode, temperature control, and wide-angle oscillation for balanced warmth.  Convenience features like a 24-hour timer, weekly program, LED display, and window-open function make it highly user-friendly. With enhanced safety through overheat protection and child-lock, it delivers reliable performance and modern functionality within budget. Conion BE-1200N Room Heater The Conion BE-1200N Room Heater is a dependable winter essential for Bangladeshi homes. Its 1000W–2000W heat power, automatic oscillation, and thermal cut-out protection ensure efficient and safe heating for bedrooms or living rooms.  Designed with a VDE round plug, portable handle, and power indicator, it offers both convenience and reliability. Backed by a 1-year service warranty, it is priced at BDT 7,200. This heater provides excellent value for households seeking steady warmth within budget.  Read more: Top Home Electronics in Bangladesh: Simplify Your Life with These Smart Devices Vision Room Comforter - Wall Mount 873279  The VISION Room Comforter Wall Mount is also a stylish and efficient heating solution. With dual heating powers (1000W/2000W), a PTC ceramic element, and remote control, it ensures customisable warmth and safety.  Features like a 24-hour timer, child lock, and overheat protection make it family-friendly, priced at BDT 5,900. The wall-mount design saves space, while the LED display and glass panel add elegance. Backed by a 1-year service warranty, it is perfect for modern households.  Red Swiss Ceramic Portable Room Heater with Thermostat and Oscillation 2000W The Red Swiss Ceramic Portable Room Heater (2000W) is a powerful and stylish tower heater ideal for Bangladeshi homes. With PTC ceramic heating, fast warm-up, and oscillation, it heats rooms quickly and evenly, priced at BDT 5,900.  Safety features like tip-over and overheat protection make it family-friendly, while its quiet 35 dB operation ensures peaceful use. Offering an adjustable thermostat and fan/warm/hot modes, this compact floor-mounted heater delivers excellent performance within budget.  Read more: CCTV Camera Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Miyako Electric Room Heater PTC-602 The Miyako PTC602 Electric Room Heater is a reliable and efficient heating option for Bangladeshi households. With fan, warm, and hot modes, a PTC ceramic heating element, and overheat protection, it ensures safe and consistent performance. Its 70° oscillation and automatic thermostat help distribute heat evenly across the room.  Weighing just 2 kg, it is highly portable and convenient, priced at BDT 5,710. Backed by a 6-month service warranty, it offers solid value within budget.  RAF 2000W Portable Ceramic Room Heater with Thermostat The RAF 2000W Portable Ceramic Room Heater is a stylish and efficient heating option for Bangladeshi homes. With rapid ceramic heating, auto oscillation, and an adjustable thermostat (50°F–99°F).  Priced at BDT 5,650, it ensures personalised comfort. Safety is enhanced through overheat and tip-over protection and V0 flame-retardant materials. Its touch control and 3D realistic flame add a modern touch, making it both functional and visually appealing. A great value pick for winter warmth.  Read more: Top Smart TV Picks: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide in Bangladesh NOVA Remote Control Room Heater NH-1202A The NOVA NH-1202A Fan Heater, priced at BDT 5,250, is a practical and budget-friendly heating option. With 2000W power, dual heat settings (1000W/2000W), and cold/warm/hot wind modes, it offers versatile use throughout the year.  Features like an adjustable thermostat, overheat protection, safety fuse, and a carry handle ensure convenience and safety. Though non-remote, its durable build and efficient performance make it a dependable winter companion.  Miyako 4-in-1 Electric Room Heater YAS-1418 The Miyako 4-in-1 Electric Room Heater (Model YAS-1418) is a compact and efficient option for Bangladeshi homes. Priced at BDT 4,700, it features fan, warm, and hot modes, along with overheat protection and PTC ceramic heating elements, and it delivers safe and reliable warmth.  Its 70° oscillation and adjustable thermostat ensure even heat distribution. Weighing only 2.5 kg, it is easy to move and ideal for small rooms. Backed by a 6-month service warranty, it offers excellent value for money.  Read more: Freezer Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Final Words Choosing the right room heater within a 10,000 Taka budget is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of efficient and reliable models available in Bangladesh. Whether you need wall-mounted, ceramic, fan-based, or smart heaters, each option offers solid performance and safety features. These room heating appliances ensure warm, comfortable winters without overspending—making them excellent value for any household. 

Mexico announced plans Wednesday to construct what it says will be Latin America’s most powerful supercomputer, aiming to boost the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities and vastly expand its data processing capacity. The supercomputer, named “Coatlicue” after the Mexica goddess regarded as the earth mother, is expected to be seven times more powerful than the current regional leader in Brazil, according to José Merino, head of Mexico’s Telecommunications and Digital Transformation Agency. President Claudia Sheinbaum, an academic and climate scientist, said the project’s location has not yet been finalized, but construction is slated to begin next year. She emphasized that the initiative will enable Mexico to fully leverage AI and process massive datasets that are currently beyond the country’s computational reach. Mexico’s existing top supercomputer operates at 2.3 petaflops—capable of performing 2.3 quadrillion calculations per second. By contrast, Coatlicue is projected to reach 314 petaflops, a transformative leap in computing power for the nation. The government frames the project as a strategic investment in technology infrastructure, ensuring Mexico remains competitive in emerging AI research and other high-performance computing applications.  

Airbus and European aviation regulators announced Friday that airlines must install a software update on Airbus A320 aircraft after a JetBlue plane experienced a sudden altitude drop last month. The required fix could lead to some delays as Thanksgiving travelers head home. Airbus said its investigation into the JetBlue incident found that strong solar radiation can corrupt essential flight-control data on A320-series jets. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a directive ordering carriers to apply the software correction, warning that it could cause temporary disruptions to flight schedules. American Airlines, which operates roughly 480 aircraft in the A320 family, said 209 of its planes need the update. Most will be fixed by Friday, with the remaining few completed on Saturday. The airline anticipates some delays but aims to avoid cancellations, emphasizing that passenger safety comes first. Delta expects fewer than 50 of its A321neo jets to be affected. United said only six aircraft in its fleet require the update and any resulting flight impacts should be minimal. Hawaiian Airlines reported that none of its planes are affected. Mike Stengel, an aviation industry consultant with AeroDynamic Advisory, said the update can usually be completed between flights or during overnight maintenance. He acknowledged the poor timing but noted that the software patch only takes a few hours to install. The JetBlue incident occurred on Oct. 30 during a flight from Cancun to Newark, forcing the aircraft to divert to Tampa, Florida, after at least 15 passengers were injured and taken to hospitals. Airbus, headquartered in France and registered in the Netherlands, is one of the world’s largest aircraft makers alongside Boeing. The A320 family—whose updated version is known as the A320neo—is the main competitor to Boeing’s 737 and is currently the world’s best-selling single-aisle jet, according to Airbus.

A crew of three from the United States and Russia began their long-duration mission on the International Space Station (ISS) after launching Thursday aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft was sent into orbit at 2:27 p.m. local time from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, which Russia operates under lease. On board were NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov. The capsule successfully docked with the ISS at 5:34 p.m. The team will remain on the orbiting laboratory for roughly eight months. According to NASA, both Williams — a physicist — and Mikaev — a military aviator — are making their first journey to space. Kud-Sverchkov is on his second mission. They join the station’s current occupants: NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim; Japan’s Kimiya Yui; and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov, Alexei Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov. China launches Shenzhou 22 to support return of Astronauts left without backup craft NASA said Williams’ main responsibilities will include conducting scientific experiments and technology demonstrations that support future deep-space missions and offer benefits for people on Earth. Roscosmos reported Thursday evening that the newly arrived crew was “in good health” following the flight. However, engineers inspecting the Baikonur launch pad after liftoff found “damage to several components.” The agency noted that assessments were underway but added that replacement parts were available and repairs would be completed soon. Source: AP 

The European Space Agency said Thursday it would increase its budget for the next three years to almost 22.1 billion euros ($25.6 billion). Ahead of two-day agency conference starting Thursday in the German city of Bremen, ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher had expressed concern that Europe could be left behind in space travel if it didn't invest more money, German news agency dpa reported. On Thursday, Aschbacher thanked ESA's 23 European member states for their contributions. “I think the message that Europe must catch up and get involved in order to literally give wings to Europe’s future through space travel was taken very seriously by our ministers,” he said. Germany, one of ESA's main financial contributors, said it plans to significantly increase its budget for the agency to more than 5 billion euros. “Last time it was just under 3.5 billion, this time we have set ourselves a target of 5 billion,” German Space Minister Dorothee Bär said at a meeting of the agency's ministerial council. On the sidelines of the meeting, Aschbacher also said that ESA was hoping that a European could fly to the moon in the future as part of the U.S. space agency NASA's Artemis program, dpa reported. “I have decided that the first Europeans to fly on a lunar mission will be ESA astronauts of German, French, and Italian nationality," Aschbacher said, according to dpa. ESA also signed a letter of intent with Norway to advance the prospect of a new ESA Arctic Space Centre to be hosted in the country's northern city of Tromsø. “The Arctic is an important scientific ecosystem as well as being significant economically and geopolitically,” ESA said in a statement, adding that space-based technologies can help monitor climate change, support sustainable development, civil safety and security and regional energy management. ESA is an intergovernmental organization including 23 European member states with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability.  

Australia confirmed Wednesday that its upcoming ban on social media accounts for children under 16 will roll out next month as planned, even as a rights group launches a legal fight against the landmark law. The Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project announced it has filed a constitutional challenge in the High Court targeting the legislation, which is set to come into force on Dec. 10 and would bar Australians under 16 from creating accounts on designated social media platforms. Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged the legal action while telling Parliament the government would not back down. “We will not be intimidated by Big Tech or by court challenges. We stand firm on behalf of Australian parents,” Wells said. Digital Freedom Project president John Ruddick, a New South Wales state MP from the Libertarian Party, criticized the law as overreach. “Monitoring children’s online activity is the most important parental duty today. We don’t want that handed over to the government or unelected officials,” Ruddick said. He added that the ban infringes on young people’s right to political expression. The case is being led by Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis Solicitors on behalf of two 15-year-olds. Spokesperson Sam Palmer said it was unclear whether the group would seek an injunction to pause the law before the hearing. Meanwhile, Meta has already started notifying thousands of Australian users believed to be under 16, urging them to download their data and remove their accounts from Facebook, Instagram and Threads ahead of the deadline. Mobile internet shutdowns spark rising public frustration across Russia Under the new rules, Meta’s platforms, along with Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube, must take reasonable measures to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services or face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million). Malaysia has announced a similar plan to restrict social media access for children under 16 beginning in 2026. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the policy aims to protect minors from threats such as cyberbullying, fraud and sexual exploitation. The government is reviewing Australia’s model and may incorporate ID card or passport-based age verification. Source: AP

Popular political accounts on X with names like @TRUMP_ARMY and @MAGANationX often appear to be run by passionate American supporters of former President Donald Trump. Their profiles feature Trump’s image, U.S. flags and rally scenes — and they post relentlessly about U.S. politics. But a new update to X has shown that many of these high-profile accounts are actually operated from regions including South Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. Over the weekend, X introduced a feature allowing users to see the region an account is based in. Researchers and online investigators quickly discovered that numerous influential pro-MAGA accounts with large followings are administered outside the United States, renewing worries about potential foreign involvement in American political discourse. NewsGuard, a misinformation-monitoring group, found that several accounts that appeared to be run by politically engaged Americans were instead based overseas. Many of these accounts had spread misleading or divisive narratives, such as unsubstantiated claims that Democrats bribed moderators at a 2024 presidential debate. How the new feature works Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, announced the launch of an “About This Account” tool that shows the region or country associated with an account. Users can see this information by clicking on the signup date. Some users in countries with restrictive speech environments can opt to show only a broader region, such as “South Asia” instead of a specific country. Bier said the tool would soon be “99.99% accurate,” though this has not been independently verified. VPNs and proxy servers can still obscure a user’s true location, and some profiles carry disclaimers indicating that the displayed location may be unreliable. Experts say the tool is useful but not foolproof. “Location data will always need to be used cautiously,” said Alexios Mantzarlis of Cornell Tech, noting that misinformation persists across platforms despite similar features elsewhere. Mobile internet shutdowns spark rising public frustration across Russia Accounts drawing attention Several of the accounts identified had supported conservative figures such as the late activist Charlie Kirk and members of the Trump family. One account, @BarronTNews_, appears to be based in “Eastern Europe (Non-EU),” despite listing “Mar A Lago” as its location. It has more than 580,000 followers and claims to be an independent fan account. NewsGuard also reported cases of misinformation circulating about the feature itself — including fake screenshots falsely suggesting that certain American users were posting from abroad. Motives behind the accounts vary. Some might be linked to state-backed influence efforts, but experts say many are likely financially driven, using viral political content to generate engagement. Mixed reactions The new transparency tool has drawn a divided response from users. Some welcomed the added insight, while others argued it infringes on privacy. “Isn’t this kind of an invasion of privacy?” one user asked. “No one needs to see this info.” Source: AP 

China on Tuesday launched the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to provide a safe return option for three astronauts on its Tiangong space station after their original craft was deemed unfit for use. Shenzhou 22 successfully docked with Tiangong the same day and will serve as the return vehicle for the crew that arrived on November 1, though they are not scheduled to come home until 2026. The move follows an incident earlier this month involving the Shenzhou 20 mission. That crew’s return to Earth was delayed by nine days after their spacecraft suffered window damage. They ultimately came back aboard the newly arrived Shenzhou 21, which had ferried their replacements to the station. While the Shenzhou 20 astronauts landed safely, the damage meant the new three-member team stationed at Tiangong had no emergency return craft available until Shenzhou 22’s arrival. According to state broadcaster CCTV, the damaged Shenzhou 20 capsule will be brought back to Earth later for inspection, as it no longer meets safety requirements for crewed reentry. Mobile internet shutdowns spark rising public frustration across Russia China has been steadily expanding its space program with continuous missions to Tiangong, which was built after Beijing was barred from participating in the International Space Station due to U.S. security concerns over China’s military-run space program. Tiangong — meaning “Heavenly Palace” — welcomed its first crew in 2021 and is smaller than the ISS, which has been in orbit for 25 years. Source: AP