United News of Bangladesh

China has introduced a new K-visa program aimed at attracting skilled professionals in science and technology, in a move seen as a direct challenge to the United States’ dominance in recruiting global tech talent. For Indian IT expert Vaishnavi Srinivasagopalan, who has worked in both India and the U.S., the K-visa could open new career opportunities in China. “It’s like China’s version of America’s H-1B visa,” she said, adding that the new pathway makes working abroad easier for people like her. Beijing unveiled the K-visa last month as part of a broader push to strengthen its innovation base and close the talent gap with the U.S. Unlike China’s existing R-visa, the K-visa doesn’t require applicants to have a job offer before applying, making it more flexible and appealing to international professionals. The rollout comes amid tightening U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, including sharply increased H-1B visa fees, which have made the U.S. less attractive to many foreign students and workers. Tech giants woo millions of Indians with free AI tools to tap future market Experts say Beijing is seizing the moment to project itself as an open destination for skilled workers and investors. “China sees the U.S. immigration squeeze as a golden opportunity to welcome global talent,” said Barbara Kelemen of Dragonfly, a security intelligence firm. However, the move has stirred debate at home, where youth unemployment remains high. Some young Chinese job seekers fear foreign professionals might add to the competition. Despite these concerns, analysts say China’s efforts to lure overseas experts reflect its determination to lead in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and robotics. Source: AP 

Global tech companies are offering premium artificial intelligence (AI) tools to millions of Indians for free, viewing it as a long-term investment in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Starting this week, millions of Indian users will get a year of free access to ChatGPT’s new low-cost “Go” chatbot. The move follows similar offers from Google and Perplexity AI, which recently tied up with leading Indian telecom operators to distribute their AI services. Perplexity partnered with Airtel, India’s second-largest mobile network, while Google joined hands with Reliance Jio, the country’s biggest operator, to offer free or discounted AI tools bundled with monthly data packs. Analysts say these offers are not acts of generosity but calculated efforts to build user habits and loyalty in a massive market. “The plan is to get Indians hooked on generative AI before asking them to pay for it,” Tarun Pathak, an analyst at Counterpoint Research, told the BBC. India’s open and competitive digital market, unlike China’s tightly controlled environment, makes it an attractive testing ground for global tech firms. With over 900 million internet users — most under 24 — and some of the world’s cheapest data, India provides scale, youth, and diversity that help train AI models more effectively. “AI use cases from India will serve as valuable examples for the rest of the world,” Pathak added. “The more first-hand data companies gather, the better their generative AI systems become.” However, experts have raised privacy concerns. “Most users have always been willing to give up data for convenience or something free — that will continue,” said Delhi-based technology writer Prasanto K. Roy. “This is where the government must step in.” India currently lacks a dedicated AI law, though the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023 provides a broad framework for data and privacy regulation. The act has not yet been implemented, and its detailed rules remain pending. Mahesh Makhija, technology consulting leader at Ernst & Young, said that once enforced, the law could become “one of the most advanced from a digital privacy perspective.” For now, India’s flexible regulatory climate allows OpenAI, Google, and others to roll out free AI services — a strategy difficult to replicate in regions like the European Union or South Korea, where strict rules on transparency and data use apply. Experts say India must strengthen user awareness and regulatory safeguards but without stifling innovation. “We need light-touch regulation for now,” Roy said, “but that must evolve as potential harms become clearer.” Industry observers believe these free offerings mirror India’s earlier digital revolution driven by cheap internet data. Even if only a small fraction of users later subscribe to paid versions, companies could still gain millions of paying customers. “Even if just 5% of free users convert to paid subscribers, that’s still a huge number,” Pathak said.   With inputs from BBC

As winter is approaching, chilled water can cause colds and respiratory-related diseases. Using a geyser (water heater) at home can provide relief to your family members during the winter months. However, finding a standard home water heater (geyser) at a reasonable price can feel tricky. Doing market research and following customer opinions, we have picked some dependable options from reputed local and international home-electronics brands. Let’s take a look at some renowned home geyser (water heater) models available in Bangladeshi markets ranging from 10 to 60 litres, priced within BDT 15,000 in 2025-26. 11 Well-known Geyser (Water Heater) Models for Bangladeshi Homes This Winter . RFL Electric Geyser ROBAST 10L When you need a small, powerhouse geyser, the RFL Electric Geyser ROBAST 10L is here. Priced around BDT 7,400, it is a fantastic option. Its 10-litre capacity and 2000 W element heat water quickly without draining your electricity. The durable ABS body, enamel-coated tank, and insulation keep it efficient. Perfect for kitchens or small baths, it even includes an auto-stop function, temperature control, and a 2-year service warranty for peace of mind.   Midea 30-Litre Geyser (D30-15A6) The Midea 30L Geyser (D30-15A6) is a premium option for Bangladeshi households, priced at BDT 11,300. Known for its 3-layer sapphire enamel inner tank, it ensures 100% leak-proof durability and long life. With a 1500W copper heating element, polyurethane insulation, and precise thermal cut-out, it delivers efficient, safe heating.  Read more: How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain It also includes anti-dry heating protection and free installation within Dhaka city. Midea offers a 3-year heating element and 5-year body warranty, ensuring reliability and peace of mind. RFL Electric Geyser Roland 30L Digital TG The RFL Electric Geyser Roland 30L Digital TG is a popular, budget-friendly water heater in Bangladesh, priced at BDT 11,700. It offers a 30-litre capacity, 2000W power, and a smart digital LED display for easy control.  Featuring triple safety protection, an auto-stop function, and a blue diamond enamel-coated tank for durability, it ensures reliable performance. With PUF insulation for energy efficiency and a 2-year warranty, this geyser is an excellent choice for modern households seeking comfort and safety.   Walton WG-CRYSTAL 30L The Walton WG-Crystal 30L Geyser is a stylish and efficient water heater, ideal for medium-sized Bangladeshi families. With a 30-litre capacity and 2000W power, it ensures rapid and consistent heating. It is priced at BDT 13,900. The enamel-coated water tank, magnesium anode, and CFC-free polyurethane insulation provide durability and energy efficiency.  Read more: How to Identify a Genuine Pashmina Shawl Safety is ensured with thermal cut-out protection, overheat prevention, and a flow-back-proof design. Offering a 1-year warranty on main parts, spare parts, and service, it is a dependable choice for everyday comfort.  Marcel MG-Crystal 30L The Marcel MG-Crystal 30L Geyser is a reliable and energy-efficient water heater, ideal for medium-sized Bangladeshi families. Priced at BDT 13,900 and with a 30-litre capacity along with a 7.5-bar pressure rating, it ensures steady hot water flow.  The enamel-coated water tank and magnesium anode offer excellent corrosion resistance, while the CFC-free polyurethane insulation maintains water temperature longer. Equipped with overheat protection, a thermal cut-out, and a dual-colour indicator lamp, it guarantees safe operation and consistent heating for everyday household needs.  Haier 40-Litre Horizontal Geyser (ES40H-CK3) The Haier 40 Litre Horizontal Geyser (ES40H-CK3) is a durable and energy-efficient water heater, priced at BDT 11,400. It features a 40-litre capacity, 2200 W power, and a three-layer Ultra Micro Coating (UMC) tank for superior corrosion protection. The Incoloy 800 stainless steel heating element ensures 97.9% faster heating, while the magnesium rod extends tank life.  Read more: Winter Care Essentials for Pets: Keeping Your Furry Friends Warm and Healthy With TTS twin-sensor technology, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating. Designed for high-rise apartments, it withstands 8-bar pressure and includes free installation. Backed by a 4-year heating element warranty and 7-year tank warranty, this model guarantees long-lasting performance and safe, reliable comfort.  Rangs Geyser 45 Liter (Water Heater) (REG-45GL) The Rangs Geyser 45 Litre (REG-45GL) is an excellent budget-friendly choice for Bangladeshi households, priced at BDT 9,900. It offers a 45-litre capacity with a 2000W heating element and adjustable temperature control for efficient performance.  Designed with a blue diamond enamel-coated inner tank and magnesium anode, it ensures corrosion resistance and durability. The geyser includes PU insulation, child safety features, and auto-stop protection for added security. With a 2-year warranty on both the heating element and service, it is a reliable option for family use.  Gazi Geyser 45Y2B - 45 Litre The Gazi Geyser 45Y2B (45 litres) is a dependable and efficient water heater, priced at BDT 12,900, making it a great choice. With a 45-litre capacity and 2000 W power, it ensures fast heating and consistent temperature up to 75°C.  Read more: 10 Tasty Immunity Boosting Winter Soup Recipes for Children Designed with multi-directional mounting, side inlet/outlet, and IPX4 waterproof protection, it offers flexibility and safety. The adjustable thermostat and pilot lamp indicators add convenience. Backed by a 1-year warranty covering service and spare parts, it ensures comfort and peace of mind.  Vision Electric geyser Royal 50L Vertical TG The Vision Electric Geyser Royal 50L Vertical TG is a premium yet affordable choice. With a 50-litre capacity and 2000 W power, it delivers efficient heating for large families. Designed with a blue diamond enamel-coated tank, stainless steel heating element, and magnesium anode, it ensures durability and corrosion resistance.  The geyser includes triple safety protection, a thermometer display, and an auto-stop function for added convenience. Backed by a 2-year warranty, it combines performance, safety, and reliability perfectly. The geyser is priced at BDT 15,000. DEWANCO 50 Liter ABS Special Defender Geyser/Water Heater The DewanCo 50-Litre ABS Special Defender Geyser is an affordable and efficient water heater, priced at BDT 5,400, ideal for large Bangladeshi families. With a 50-litre capacity and 1500W Italian heating element, it ensures reliable heating and durability.  Read more: 10 Tasty Drinks to Boost Kids' Immunity This Winter The geyser features automatic thermal cut-off, fireproof glass wool insulation, and a rust-proof ABS body for enhanced safety. Its heavy-duty 7-bar tank maintains consistent pressure, providing warm water for up to 8 hours. Backed by a 5-year parts replacement guarantee, it is an excellent budget-friendly choice.  Shameem Tropica 67.5 Liter Standard Floor Type  The Shameem Tropica 67.5-litre standard floor-type geyser is a high-capacity, budget-friendly option for large households, priced at BDT 10,000. Featuring a silver-coated copper immersion heating element and glass wool insulation, it ensures fast, efficient heating and long-lasting durability.  The adjustable thermostat (30°–80°C) allows precise temperature control, while the pressure relief valve enhances safety. With a 1500W power rating and automatic power system, this geyser offers reliable performance and comes with a 2-year parts replacement warranty for peace of mind.  Final Words Choosing the right geyser (water heater), ranging from 10 to 60 litres, priced within 15000 taka from the Bangladeshi markets, is easier with reliable brands like Haier, Walton, Vision, RFL, Marcel, and Midea. These models combine safety, energy efficiency, and durability to meet diverse household needs, ensuring consistent hot water, long-term performance, and excellent value for your family. Read more: 10 Best Winter Teas to Fight Cold and Flu

realme’s latest budget-friendly smartphone, the C85 Pro, makes a bold statement with its combination of durability, display quality, and battery performance, setting new standards in its segment. Following its official launch on November 5, the C85 Pro positions itself as a device designed for users facing Bangladesh’s unpredictable weather, outdoor activities, or heavy daily usage. The phone succeeds the popular C75, delivering major upgrades in almost every aspect.  

Denmark’s government announced plans Friday to ban social media access for anyone under the age of 15, marking one of the toughest measures yet by a European country to shield children from harmful online content and corporate influence. Under the proposal, parents could be granted permission — after a formal assessment — to allow children as young as 13 to use social media. The government has yet to detail how the restriction would be enforced, though officials acknowledge that existing age limits on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have proven easy to bypass. Digital Affairs Minister Caroline Stage said the move aims to curb the growing risks children face in a highly digitalized world. “Ninety-four percent of Danish children under 13 have profiles on at least one social platform, and more than half of those under 10 do,” she told The Associated Press. “The amount of violence and self-harm children are exposed to online is an unacceptable risk,” Stage said. While calling Big Tech firms “some of the greatest companies in the world,” she criticized them for failing to protect young users: “They have enormous resources but are simply not willing to invest in children’s safety.” Careful Legislation and Tough Enforcement The law is not expected to take effect immediately, as lawmakers across party lines work out enforcement mechanisms. “We’ll move quickly, but we must do it right,” Stage said. “There can be no loopholes for the tech giants to exploit.” Denmark’s plan follows Australia’s 2024 legislation, which made it illegal for children under 16 to access social media and imposed fines of up to AUD 50 million ($33 million) for companies that fail to comply. Stage said Denmark will rely on its national electronic ID system, which nearly all citizens over 13 already use, and a forthcoming age-verification app. While tech companies cannot be forced to adopt the Danish app, they will be legally required to verify users’ ages. Platforms that fail to comply could face EU penalties of up to 6% of their global revenue. Protecting Children from Digital Harm The Danish government emphasized that the initiative is not meant to disconnect children from digital life, but to protect them from toxic content and online pressure. “Children and young people lose sleep, concentration, and peace of mind due to constant digital engagement,” the ministry said in a statement. “This is not a problem parents or teachers can solve alone.” Other countries have taken similar steps. China limits minors’ gaming and smartphone time, and in France, prosecutors recently opened an investigation into TikTok for allegedly promoting suicide-related content through its algorithms. The EU’s Digital Services Act, in force since 2023, already bans users under 13 from holding social media accounts, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Platforms such as TikTok and Meta (Instagram, Facebook) use AI-based facial analysis to estimate users’ ages, though the methods have been criticized as unreliable. In an emailed response, TikTok said it supports Denmark’s goals: “We have developed more than 50 safety features for teen accounts and tools like Family Pairing to help guardians manage content and screen time. We look forward to constructive collaboration on industry-wide solutions.” Meta did not respond to a request for comment. Minister Stage said Denmark has given tech companies ample time to act on child safety. “They’ve had many chances to fix this themselves,” she said. “Since they haven’t, we will now take control — and ensure our children’s digital futures are safe.”

Realme has launched its highly anticipated C85 Pro smartphone in Bangladesh, touted as the segment’s brightest and most water-resistant phone. The new device follows the legacy of the realme C75, the category's first officially waterproof smartphone. Pre-booking for the realme C85 Pro was open from November 5 to 7 at all realme brand stores and official reseller outlets nationwide. Customers who pre-book will receive exclusive gifts, including a realme bag and special offers from Banglalink, available for a limited time and subject to terms and conditions. The realme C85 Pro features an industry-leading IP69 Pro waterproof rating, capable of surviving underwater submersion for up to 60 days. The device also comes with a 7000mAh Titan Battery, supporting 10W reverse charging to power other devices on the go. The smartphone sports a 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 4000 nits peak brightness, making it the brightest in its segment. Powered by a Snapdragon processor, it offers smooth performance with AI optimization for multitasking, gaming, streaming, and photography. Additional features include AI Edit Genie and AI Outdoor Mode for effortless photo editing. The C85 Pro is available in two colors — Parrot Purple and Peacock Green — and three storage variants: 6GB + 128GB at Tk. 20,999, 8GB + 128GB at Tk. 22,999, and 8GB + 256GB at Tk. 24,999. With its combination of durability, performance, and design, the realme C85 Pro aims to provide users with a premium smartphone experience.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is one step closer to becoming the world’s first trillionaire after shareholders overwhelmingly approved a massive pay package valued at up to $1 trillion, contingent on him meeting a series of ambitious performance goals over the next decade. At Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas, more than 75% of voters backed the compensation plan — a striking show of confidence in Musk even as the electric carmaker battles declining sales, shrinking profits and growing competition. “Fantastic group of shareholders,” Musk said after the vote, urging them to “hang on to your Tesla stock.” The approval underscores investors’ enduring faith in Musk’s ability to engineer turnarounds like the one that transformed Tesla from a struggling startup into one of the world’s most valuable companies. Still, critics warn the reward is excessive and risky given Musk’s erratic behavior and political ventures. The board’s plan ties the payout to steep milestones, including boosting Tesla’s market capitalization nearly sixfold and delivering 20 million electric vehicles over ten years. Musk must also deploy one million humanoid robots, a vision he describes as a “robot army.” If he meets those targets, Musk could eclipse industrialist John D. Rockefeller, whose fortune is estimated at $630 billion in today’s dollars. Forbes currently values Musk’s wealth at around $493 billion. Opposition came from major investors, including CalPERS and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, along with watchdog groups Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, who called the package excessive. Musk lashed out, branding them “corporate terrorists.” Elon Musk launches Grokipedia as rival to Wikipedia Supporters argue the deal aligns Musk’s incentives with Tesla’s long-term growth and its expansion into artificial intelligence. “This AI chapter needs one person to lead it, and that’s Musk,” said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. “It’s a huge win for shareholders.” Tesla shares climbed in after-hours trading before closing nearly flat at $445.44. Musk claimed the vote was about influence, not money, saying it would double his stake in Tesla to nearly 30%, giving him more control over its AI-powered future. Shareholders also approved a measure allowing Tesla to invest in Musk’s AI startup, xAI, while rejecting a proposal to make it easier for minority shareholders to sue the company. Source: AP 

OpenAI is facing seven lawsuits claiming ChatGPT drove people to suicide and harmful delusions even when they had no prior mental health issues. The lawsuits were filed Thursday in California state courts allege wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter and negligence. Filed on behalf of six adults and one teenager by the Social Media Victims Law Center and Tech Justice Law Project, the lawsuits claim that OpenAI knowingly released GPT-4o prematurely, despite internal warnings that it was dangerously sycophantic and psychologically manipulative. Four of the victims died by suicide. The teenager, 17-year-old Amaurie Lacey began using ChatGPT for help, according to the lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court. But instead of helping, “the defective and inherently dangerous ChatGPT product caused addiction, depression, and, eventually, counseled him on the most effective way to tie a noose and how long he would be able to "live without breathing.'” “Amaurie’s death was neither an accident nor a coincidence but rather the foreseeable consequence of Open AI and Samuel Altman’s intentional decision to curtail safety testing and rush ChatGPT onto the market,” the lawsuit says. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Another lawsuit, filed by Alan Brooks, a 48-year-old in Ontario, Canada, claims that for more than two years ChatGPT worked as a “resource tool” for Brooks. Then, without warning, it changed, praying on his vulnerabilities and “manipulating, and inducing him to experience delusions. As a result, Allan, who had no prior mental health illness, was pulled into a mental health crisis that resulted in devastating financial, reputational, and emotional harm.” “These lawsuits are about accountability for a product that was designed to blur the line between tool and companion all in the name of increasing user engagement and market share,” said Matthew P. Bergman, founding attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center in a statement. OpenAI, he added, “designed GPT-4o to emotionally entangle users, regardless of age, gender, or background, and released it without the safeguards needed to protect them.” By rushing its product to market without adequate safeguards in order to dominate the market and boost engagement, he said, OpenAI compromised safety and prioritized “emotional manipulation over ethical design.” In August, parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT coached the California boy in planning and taking his own life earlier this year. “The lawsuits filed against OpenAI reveal what happens when tech companies rush products to market without proper safeguards for young people,” said Daniel Weiss, chief advocacy officer at Common Sense Media, which was not part of the lawsuits. “These tragic cases show real people whose lives were upended or lost when they used technology designed to keep them engaged rather than keep them safe.”  

North Korea has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s latest sanctions over alleged cybercrimes funding its nuclear weapons program, warning that Washington’s “hostile” actions will never succeed in forcing Pyongyang to change course. In a statement issued Thursday, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Un Chol accused the United States of harboring “wicked hostility” toward his country and said Pyongyang would take “appropriate countermeasures” in response. The remarks followed the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement Tuesday of sanctions on eight individuals and two companies, including several North Korean bankers, for allegedly laundering proceeds from cyberattacks. According to the Treasury, North Korea’s state-backed hackers have stolen more than $3 billion — mostly in digital assets — over the past three years to fund its weapons programs. It said Pyongyang relies on an extensive network of banks, shell companies, and representatives operating in countries such as China and Russia to move illicit funds gained through IT fraud, cryptocurrency theft, and sanctions evasion. Despite President Donald Trump’s stated interest in restarting dialogue with Kim Jong Un, nuclear talks have remained frozen since their 2019 collapse over disagreements on easing sanctions in exchange for denuclearization steps. Nvidia partners with South Korea to strengthen AI infrastructure Kim Un Chol said the new sanctions show Washington’s “unchanging hostility” toward the DPRK and that its pressure tactics “will never alter the current strategic balance or our national stance.” Since the breakdown of talks with Trump, Kim Jong Un has deepened ties with Russia, supplying weapons and troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine while positioning North Korea as part of a broader front against the U.S.-led West. Source: AP 

Australia has added Reddit and livestreaming platform Kick to the list of social media networks that must ban users under 16 from holding accounts, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced Wednesday. The two platforms join Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube in facing the world’s first legal requirement to block children below 16 starting December 10. Companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million). “We’ve made it clear to the platforms that there’s no excuse for failing to enforce this law,” Wells told reporters in Canberra. “Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling precision. We’re simply asking them to use that same technology to keep children safe.” Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who will oversee enforcement, said the list of restricted platforms would evolve as new technologies emerge. The nine platforms currently covered meet the government’s definition of services whose “sole or significant purpose” is enabling online social interaction. Who is Zico Kolter? Carnegie Mellon professor leading OpenAI’s powerful AI safety panel Inman Grant said her office would work with researchers to assess how the ban affects children’s behavior — including sleep patterns, physical activity and social interaction — and monitor any unintended consequences. Australia’s move has drawn global attention. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a U.N. forum in New York in September that she was “inspired” by Australia’s “common-sense” approach. However, critics argue the law could undermine user privacy by requiring all users to verify their age. Over 140 Australian and international experts last year urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to drop the proposal, calling it “too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively.” Source: AP