United News of Bangladesh

Sonam Kapoor’s signature sense of style is not limited to the red carpet — it also defines the elegant London home she shares with her husband, businessman Anand Ahuja. Celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most fashionable stars, Sonam has built a strong design identity over the years, and that aesthetic is clearly reflected in their thoughtfully curated residence in London. As she turned 41, a closer look at her home reveals a warm, art-filled space shaped with personal touches and global influences. Located in Notting Hill, West London, the home opens into a cosy living room designed for comfort and gatherings. The space features deep forest-green wall panelling paired with cream wallpaper decorated with subtle nature-inspired patterns. Velvet sofas add a soft, luxurious feel, while a chandelier casts a warm glow, making the room suitable for both relaxed reading afternoons and evening get-togethers. The décor carries a classic charm, with ornate silver frames placed across side tables and rich wooden flooring layered with a Persian rug. Colourful seating, including red and yellow sofas, along with a decorative fireplace, adds character and frames family moments in the space. The couple’s bedroom continues the home’s nature-inspired theme, with softer tones and organic textures. A wooden and rattan headboard sits against wallpaper featuring leafy patterns, creating a calm and restful atmosphere. Fresh flowers, framed photographs and carefully placed artwork add a personal touch, while a large art piece near the bed completes the design. The dressing room stands out with hand-carved doors made by Mumbai artisans, adorned with antique floral panels sourced from Paris, according to *Architectural Digest*. In the dining area, a sunflower-yellow accent wall sets a bright tone, complemented by curated artworks and a large window that fills the space with natural light. A rectangular dining table sits at the centre, paired with a sideboard for silverware, while the table décor echoes the artistic elements of the room. With inputs from NDTV

Sweden, once seen as a global leader in digital education, is set to ban mobile phones in schools from the upcoming academic year, joining a growing international trend to reduce screen use in classrooms and encourage more traditional learning methods. Since 2023, Sweden’s center-right government has promoted policies aimed at increasing reading time and reducing screen exposure, particularly for younger children. The strategy places greater emphasis on books and conventional teaching materials instead of digital devices. According to Joar Forsell, chairman of the Swedish parliament’s education committee, authorities have noticed a decline in reading and writing skills, especially among younger students. “We are moving away from screens because we believe books and traditional learning methods are better for children,” Forsell said. Sweden’s decision reflects a broader global reassessment of technology in education. After years of investing in laptops, tablets and learning apps, many countries are now questioning whether excessive screen use is helping or harming students’ learning. Parents, teachers and education officials in many places are calling for fewer digital distractions in classrooms. Several Nordic countries are taking similar steps. Denmark is considering restrictions similar to Sweden’s, while Finland introduced a law last year limiting mobile phone use in schools. Countries including Spain and South Korea have also introduced measures ranging from classroom phone bans to limits on screen-based homework. In the United States, the Los Angeles Unified School District has announced plans to restrict screen use for younger students, introduce daily limits on screen time and review educational technology contracts. Despite being home to technology giants such as Spotify and Ericsson, Sweden is now encouraging schools to reduce students’ dependence on screens. The government has also allocated 555 million Swedish krona (about $59 million) this year to help schools purchase textbooks and teachers’ guides. The shift follows concerns about declining reading performance. According to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 24.3% of Swedish ninth-grade students failed to reach a basic level of reading comprehension, only slightly better than the European Union average of 26.2%. Magnus Haake, an associate professor of cognitive science at Lund University, said physical learning materials engage more parts of children’s brains and can improve learning outcomes. Beyond schools, Sweden’s public health agency is also encouraging parents to set a good example by creating screen-free areas at home. At Malmö Borgarskola high school, mobile phones are already banned during lessons. Students place their phones in a storage box before class and collect them afterward. Seventeen-year-old student Melina Sallahi said the policy helps students stay focused. “When you have a phone, there is always something to check. It becomes a distraction,” she said. Her classmate Vasilije Stjepanovic agreed, noting that games and social media can easily draw students’ attention away from lessons. Although students are provided with laptops, Deputy Headmaster Patrik Sander said teachers now encourage limited use of computers unless they are needed for specific classroom activities. “We have learned that writing by hand with a pencil helps students remember better,” Sander said. The government has already reduced the role of digital tools in early childhood education. Since last year, children under the age of two have been limited to non-digital learning materials such as books, while preschools are no longer required to use digital learning tools. A revised curriculum that places greater emphasis on books is expected to be introduced in 2028. However, not everyone supports the move away from digital learning. Industry group Swedish Edtech Industry argues that digital skills will be essential for most future jobs and warns that reducing technology use in schools could leave young people less prepared for the workplace. Peter Carlsson, CEO of Malmö-based startup Imvi Labs, said some digital tools are valuable, particularly for students with reading difficulties or other learning challenges. “Good technology can make teaching more effective,” he said. Still, many students at Malmö Borgarskola appear unconcerned about losing digital learning opportunities. As they prepared for end-of-year exams using textbooks, several said they learn more effectively from printed materials. “Everyone already uses digital devices in their free time, so I do not think schools need to teach that,” said Melina Sallahi. Another student, Aslan Özhan Kilicasan, summed up the view shared by many of his classmates: “We learn much more easily when we use books.”

A fascinating ecological study has revealed that hyenas are playing an unexpected role in urban waste management in the Ethiopian city of Mekelle, where they help process nearly 5,000 tonnes of organic waste every year. The study, led by wildlife ecology expert Gidey Yirga, found that hyenas and other scavengers significantly reduce the city’s waste burden, contributing to cleaner surroundings and potentially lowering public health risks. According to the research, spotted hyenas account for about 90 percent of this natural waste-processing activity, consuming discarded organic material that would otherwise accumulate in urban areas. Dr Yirga told CNN that this system benefits both humans and animals, noting that scavengers feed on waste while helping remove materials that could otherwise spread disease, including anthrax and bovine tuberculosis. Public health experts say the role of scavengers in removing decomposing animal remains may help reduce exposure to dangerous pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium bovis, Salmonella, Clostridium and Brucella species. By quickly consuming carcasses, hyenas may also limit insect breeding, foul odours and environmental contamination, indirectly reducing the risk of disease transmission to livestock, wildlife and humans. Some experts also suggest there may be environmental benefits. Kapil Bhatia, founder of sustainable fashion brand UNIREC, noted that reducing organic waste in landfills could lower methane emissions, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. However, experts caution against viewing wildlife as a replacement for formal waste management systems. Medical professionals also warn that scavengers themselves can carry pathogens in saliva, faeces and fur, and increased human interaction with wild hyenas may raise the risk of bites or disease transmission. While the human–hyena relationship in Ethiopia presents a striking example of ecological balance, experts emphasise that it cannot replace structured urban waste management systems, which remain essential for long-term public health and environmental safety. #From Indian Express

As summer temperatures rise, people can escape the heat indoors, but garden plants have to endure it on their own. Many flowers struggle in extreme heat, becoming dry, weak or failing to bloom altogether. However, choosing the right plants can help gardens stay colourful and healthy even during long, dry spells. Container plants are usually the most vulnerable because they depend entirely on regular watering and nutrients. Even after a morning watering, pots can dry out quickly under strong sun. In contrast, well-established heat- and drought-resistant plants develop deeper roots, allowing them to access moisture from the soil and survive with less care. Gardeners have plenty of resilient flowering options to choose from. Coneflowers (Echinacea), hardy in zones 3–9, are among the most reliable summer bloomers once established. They require little maintenance after their first season and continue producing flowers throughout the hot months. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are equally tough and pair well in the same garden beds. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are known for their bright red, yellow and orange blooms that spread across garden beds, creating a vibrant “blanket” effect even in intense heat. Zinnias also perform well in hot conditions, although they can sometimes be affected by powdery mildew in humid weather. Moss rose (Portulaca) is a low-growing, drought-resistant plant with succulent-like leaves that store water, making it highly adaptable to dry heat. Other hardy options include stonecrop (Sedum), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and ice plant (Delosperma), though ice plant should be avoided in some regions where it is considered invasive. Lantanas are another strong performer, producing clusters of multicoloured flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They bloom from late spring until frost and are valued for both beauty and pollinator support. Several other sun-loving plants also thrive in high temperatures. Petunias, including varieties such as Supertunia and Tidal Wave, are known for their resilience. Petchoas, a hybrid of petunias and calibrachoas, handle heat well but may need deeper watering during extreme conditions. Cosmos are light, airy plants with daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, orange and yellow. Sunflowers are naturally suited to full sun and require little introduction. Marigolds remain one of the most reliable summer flowers, available in shades of orange, yellow and copper-red, with newer cream-coloured varieties also emerging. A new compact African marigold variety called Lana Lace, featuring crisp cream blooms, is expected to reach garden centres in 2027.

Museums are increasingly playing a vital role in connecting people with different civilizations, allowing visitors to explore the history, culture and traditions of distant countries without leaving their own cities. From ancient Cambodian artifacts in Beijing to royal treasures from Kuwait in northwest China, museums across the country are attracting growing numbers of visitors eager to learn about other cultures and gain deeper cultural experiences. At the Meet You Museum in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone, an exhibition featuring 122 artifacts from the National Museum of Cambodia is giving Chinese visitors a rare opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Angkor civilization. The exhibition, which opened on May 1, will continue until August 30. Li Duo, who has a master's degree in archaeology, said the exhibition offers a chance to closely experience another great civilization and better understand its history and achievements. “Being able to encounter another major civilization without traveling abroad shows the true value of museums,” she said. The exhibition combines historical artifacts with modern technology. According to Wang Haixuan, vice president of the Beijing Zhongchuang Tourism & Culture Group, digital displays recreate the engineering wonders of Angkor Wat, while interactive systems allow visitors to engage with characters from ancient myths. The museum has also organized exhibitions on other ancient civilizations, including a popular Egyptian exhibition last year. “Our aim is to provide opportunities for people to learn about cultures from around the world,” Wang said, adding that such exhibitions are especially popular among young people, families and museum enthusiasts. He described museums as bridges linking the past with the present and connecting China with the wider world through cultural exchange and dialogue. According to China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, the country had 7,188 registered museums by the end of 2025, with more than 91 percent offering free admission. Together, they welcomed around 1.56 billion visits last year. Across China, both public and private museums are increasingly hosting international exhibitions, bringing global cultures closer to domestic audiences. At the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou, visitors can explore "Golden Dust of Time: Exhibition of the Royal Collection From Kuwait," which features 130 groups of artifacts from the Kuwaiti royal collection, including gold ornaments, sculptures and ceremonial vessels. Liu Chunxia, a tourist from Guangzhou, said the exhibition helped her gain a deeper understanding of Kuwaiti history and culture despite never having visited the country. “These artifacts show the artistic skills, beliefs and lifestyles of people who lived thousands of years ago,” she said. Experts say the growing popularity of such exhibitions reflects a rising demand among Chinese visitors for cultural and educational experiences as living standards improve. Ban Rui, director of the Gansu Provincial Museum, said museums are evolving from institutions focused mainly on local history into platforms that encourage exchanges between civilizations. Organizing international exhibitions often involves high costs and complex logistics, including transportation, insurance and promotion. To overcome these challenges, many museums are increasingly working with state-owned enterprises and private-sector partners to expand access to overseas exhibitions. This year alone, Chinese museums have hosted exhibitions from countries including Italy, the Czech Republic, Syria, Britain, Greece and Kuwait. Shanghai is also preparing to launch a major exhibition titled "Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" in July. The 16-month exhibition at the Shanghai Museum will showcase the history and culture of ancient American civilizations and continue the museum’s efforts to introduce world cultures to Chinese audiences. At the same time, Chinese cultural heritage is reaching wider international audiences. The culture of Dunhuang, famous for its historic Mogao Grottoes, has become an important part of China's cultural exchanges abroad. Through digital technology, reconstructed caves and immersive exhibitions, audiences in countries such as France have been able to experience the beauty of Dunhuang's art and history. Chai Qilin of the Dunhuang Academy said overseas visitors have shown strong interest in Chinese cultural exhibitions and often express a desire to see more similar events. “These exhibitions help people gain a deeper and more direct understanding of Chinese culture,” he said. The Shanxi Museum has also expanded its international presence, partnering with museums in countries including the United States, Australia, Russia, France, Greece and Mexico since 2012. According to Zhang Huiguo, deputy director of the museum, ancient Chinese bronze and jade artifacts have attracted significant attention abroad because of their unique craftsmanship and cultural significance. The museum also uses interactive displays and immersive technologies to explain traditional Chinese architectural techniques and ancient bronze-making methods, making Chinese culture more accessible to international audiences. In Mexico, museum experts highlighted similarities and differences between traditional Chinese silver craftsmanship and local silver-making traditions, helping visitors better understand both cultures. Zhang said China's growing international influence has helped increase global interest in Chinese culture, from traditional Hanfu clothing and Chinese cuisine to exhibitions showcasing the country's long history and cultural heritage. “International exhibitions are not only about promoting cultural diversity,” he said. “They are also about strengthening cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges around the world.”

While the United Arab Emirates is known for its dazzling skylines and brightly lit cities, one remote desert area is helping residents reconnect with the night sky. The Al Quaa Desert, located about 100 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi, has emerged as one of the country's darkest locations, offering visitors a rare chance to view the Milky Way with the naked eye. Volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group regularly organize stargazing trips to the desert, where participants can observe stars, meteors and the galaxy far from the light pollution that dominates much of the UAE. According to a 2016 study, nearly all UAE residents are unable to see the Milky Way from their homes due to artificial lighting from roads, buildings and urban developments. The country ranks among the world's most light-polluted nations. During a recent excursion, families and astronomy enthusiasts gathered under the desert sky, using telescopes and mobile phones to capture images of the galaxy. As the moon set, the Milky Way gradually became visible, drawing excitement from participants. Dubai Astronomy Group General Manager Sheeraz Awan said stargazing helps people appreciate their place in the universe and reconnect with a tradition that once guided Bedouins across the desert. Despite growing urbanization, Al Quaa remains a haven for astronomy lovers, providing a glimpse of the night sky largely hidden from view in the UAE's modern cities.

China is strengthening conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, also known as the golden monkey, in Mount Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in southwest Guizhou Province. Deep inside the misty mountains, veterinarian Yang Wei has spent the past six years closely working with the rare primates, building a strong bond while helping improve their chances of survival. The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a nationally protected species and is listed as critically endangered, with its entire wild population — estimated at around 850 — living in the Fanjingshan area. After completing his studies, Yang returned to his hometown in 2020 and now leads the monkey research centre under the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Administration. He said his goal is to protect the rare species found only in his region. At the centre, Yang and his team have improved care for rescued monkeys by designing enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitat. As a result, all rescued monkeys under their care have survived so far. The team has also enhanced nutrition and care for pregnant monkeys. While females in the wild usually give birth every three years, those under scientific care at the centre are now producing healthy offspring every two years. Currently, nine monkeys — including rescued and centre-born individuals — are being cared for at the facility. Protecting monkeys in the wild remains a major challenge, but authorities are increasingly using technology to monitor and safeguard them. Surveillance systems, infrared cameras, drones and regular patrols are being used to track their movements and prevent poaching. In addition, 14 ecological corridors have been built along roads around the mountain to ensure safe movement of monkeys between feeding and resting areas, while reducing human interference. These measures are already showing positive results. Increased monkey activity has been recorded, with cameras capturing groups moving freely through the forest and using the newly built corridors. Forest ranger Li Jiuhua said he has noticed a rise in the number of monkeys and other wildlife in recent years. He added that sightings of multiple monkey groups in a single day are becoming more common. China is also expanding similar conservation efforts nationwide to protect biodiversity and promote environmentally sustainable development. Thousands of ecological protection projects have been implemented in recent years, with more planned in the future. Locally, authorities have invested over 46 million yuan to build a new conservation centre for the monkeys. The facility, which began trial operations in April 2026, includes enclosures, a veterinary hospital, laboratories and food preparation areas. Officials say the new centre will focus on breeding, research and education, while also aiming to involve more experts and share conservation knowledge globally.

Jim Henson's Creature Shop, the famed workshop behind many iconic children’s characters, has opened its Queens studio to public tours for the first time, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the art of puppet-making. Founded by Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, the studio has long operated behind closed doors, crafting puppets, costumes and props by hand. The newly launched 80-minute Saturday tours, priced at $150 per person, allow guests to meet puppet builders, watch live puppetry demonstrations and take photos with well-known characters. Creative supervisor Jason Weber said the tours aim to spotlight the highly skilled artisans behind the productions. Workshop director Melissa Creighton added that every creation is custom-made and handcrafted. The tour begins in a specially designed exhibit room featuring props and characters, including Oscar the Grouch in his trash can, a throne from The Dark Crystal and Junior Gorg from Fraggle Rock. The workshop, located in Queens since 2009, is currently producing costumes and props for several projects, including a new “Fraggle Rock” musical near Times Square. Past productions include Five Nights at Freddy's, Where the Wild Things Are and the TV sitcom Dinosaurs.

Toshifumi Suzuki, the Japanese businessman credited with building the global 7-Eleven convenience store empire, has died at the age of 93. Suzuki, honorary adviser to Seven & i Holdings, died of heart failure at his home in Tokyo on May 18, the company announced Monday. He was best known for establishing Japan’s hugely popular 7-Eleven convenience store business, known locally as “conbini.” The stores became an essential part of daily life in Japan, offering quick meals, drinks, snacks and services such as ATM access, utility bill payments and document copying. Today, 7-Eleven operates more than 80,000 stores worldwide and remains Japan’s largest convenience store chain. The business began in Japan in 1973 through a franchise agreement with the American 7-Eleven chain. The first Japanese outlet opened a year later. When the U.S.-based Southland Corp., the original founder of 7-Eleven, faced financial trouble in the 1990s, the Japanese company bought a majority stake. In 2005, the American business became a fully owned subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings. In recent years, Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard, which operates the Circle K convenience store chain, attempted to acquire Seven & i Holdings. However, the company withdrew its takeover effort in 2024, citing difficulties in negotiations. Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1932, Suzuki graduated from Chuo University in Tokyo. Before entering the convenience store business, he worked at Ito-Yokado, a major Japanese retail chain also owned by Seven & i Holdings. During his long career, Suzuki expanded the company’s business by adding banking services and overseeing the acquisition of Barney’s Japan in 2015. The group also brought department store chains Sogo and Seibu under its umbrella. Suzuki became president of 7-Eleven Japan in 1978 and was widely credited with changing shopping habits in Japan. Convenience stores in the country later became leaders in adopting modern retail technology. The company said funeral services are being held privately with family members. It also requested that no flowers or condolence gifts be sent. A public memorial service will be announced later. Suzuki is survived by his wife and two children.  

Japanese climber Naoko Watanabe, who has successfully climbed all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, says mountaineering is not only about breaking records but also about enjoying adventure, meeting people and experiencing different cultures. The 44-year-old climber is also the first woman to summit K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, three times. Despite her achievements, Watanabe describes herself as an ordinary person who happened to set records while climbing the Himalayas during her holidays. She said mountain climbing gives her peace of mind and helps her escape the pressures of Japan’s highly demanding and conformity-driven society. Watanabe is now preparing for another trip to Nanga Parbat in June. Known as the “killer mountain,” Nanga Parbat is the world’s ninth-highest peak and one of her favorite destinations. This time, she plans to travel with a group of amateur trekkers, most of whom will remain at the base camp instead of attempting the summit. Watanabe said she wants people to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without feeling pressure to reach the top. According to her, climbers should move at their own pace, take photographs, relax and enjoy conversations with Sherpa guides rather than focus only on hard climbing. Born in 1981 in Onojo City in southern Japan, Watanabe developed a passion for adventure at an early age after joining a children’s adventure club encouraged by her mother. She began climbing mountains at the age of three and later joined expeditions in China, Mongolia and Pakistan during her childhood. Watanabe originally worked as a nurse and used her income to support her climbing activities. After becoming a full-time hospital nurse in 2009, she struggled to balance work and mountaineering and later switched to temporary nursing jobs to allow more time for climbing. She said her medical background has helped her during difficult situations on mountains, especially when making quick decisions related to health and weather conditions. During her first attempt to climb Mount Everest in 2011, Watanabe turned back just 150 meters below the summit because of worsening weather and concerns about oxygen supply. She later lost her eyesight temporarily and developed pneumonia, but safely returned. Two years later, she successfully climbed Everest despite strong winds. In October 2024, Watanabe became the first Japanese woman to summit all 14 mountains higher than 8,000 meters after climbing Mount Shishapangma. Earlier in July 2024, she set another record by becoming the first woman to reach the summit of K2 three times, an achievement recognised by Guinness World Records. Watanabe says she plans to continue climbing simply because it makes her happy. She added that if she eventually climbs Himalayan mountains around 100 times, that could become her own unique record.