United News of Bangladesh

The 82nd Venice Film Festival wrapped up Saturday after 10 days of premieres and red carpets. Beyond the stars and awards, the event can also be told through numbers — from record ovations to pricey cocktails. 4,580: Films submitted for consideration, including 1,936 feature films. Submission costs 200 euros ($234) each. To qualify, a film must have been completed after Sept. 7, 2024, and make its world premiere at Venice. 21: Films in the main competition. That’s just over 1% of the features submitted. Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Bother won the Golden Lion. 7: Members of the main jury, chaired by U.S. director Alexander Payne. 22 minutes: Length of the longest standing ovation, for Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. 1932: Year the festival was founded. 65: Countries represented in the lineup. 156 minutes: Longest runtime of a competition film, Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin. 90 minutes: Shortest runtime, for The Voice of Hind Rajab. ‘Colour Rhymes’ at AFD brings children’s imaginations to life 10,000: Estimated turnout at a Gaza anti-war march held during the festival. 2: Lifetime achievement Golden Lions, awarded to actor Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. 5,370 dollars: Cost of a one-night stay at Hotel Cipriani, a celebrity favorite. 34 euros: Price of the “Buonanotte” cocktail at the Cipriani, invented with George Clooney. 2:3:1: Campari spritz ratio — Campari, prosecco, soda water — the unofficial festival drink. 4.5 km: Distance from Venice’s Piazza San Marco to the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido, the festival hub. 71 feet: Lowest depth of the Venetian Lagoon, crossed daily by stars and guests on water taxis. 1,032: Seats in the Sala Grande, the main theater for premieres and awards. 44: Suggested font size for subtitles at Venice screenings. Non-Italian films must have Italian subtitles, and Italian films must have English subtitles. Source: Agency 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated a three-day art exhibition titled ‘Colour Rhymes’ on Thursday at its La Galerie in Dhanmondi, showcasing the imagination, innocence, and wonder of childhood through the expressive works of young artists. Organised by Painting Workshop–Dhanmondi and coordinated by artist Sarah Jabin, the exhibition features a vibrant collection of paintings created by children. The event aims to nurture their creative expression while inviting audiences to step into the unique world of their dreams and reflections. Each artwork is accompanied by the child artist’s own description, providing a direct glimpse into their thoughts. In one such piece, 'Dancing with the Rain', a young participant wrote, “I jump in puddles and the rain claps for me,” turning a rainy day into a joyful symphony. Another painting, 'Ice Cream Sadness', reflects a moment of disappointment with the words: “I request my father to give me an ice cream. He replied that I will catch a cold and that’s why he didn’t buy me ice cream.”

Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who defined understated elegance and built a $10 billion global fashion empire, has died at 91, his fashion house confirmed. Armani passed away at home in Milan. Known for his timeless suits, soft fabrics, and muted tones, he revolutionized fashion in the 1970s with his relaxed yet sharp silhouettes, worn from Hollywood red carpets to Wall Street boardrooms. His designs became symbols of power and style, from the iconic “power suit” for women to Richard Gere’s look in American Gigolo. Over five decades, Armani expanded beyond clothing into accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, furniture, hotels, restaurants, and even sports, owning basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. By 2023, his empire employed more than 9,000 people with over 600 stores worldwide. Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani co-founded his label in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti, starting with just $10,000. He never sold or merged his company, always remaining in control. Known as “Re Giorgio” (King George), Armani was celebrated not only for his fashion but also for philanthropy, including AIDS awareness and refugee support. Armani, who had no children, is survived by close family, including his niece Roberta, a key figure in his company. Plans to mark the 50th anniversary of his fashion house at Milan Fashion Week were underway at the time of his passing.   End/AP/UNB/SS

Taking your furry friend on holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning, it can turn into an adventure filled with wagging tails and lasting memories. Whether you’re eyeing a beach escape, a quiet cabin, or a city break, a pet-friendly trip is more achievable than you think. Start by choosing the right destination — coastal towns, countryside retreats, and national parks are often ideal but always check local pet policies as some areas restrict pets seasonally. Accommodation is equally important: many hotels, rentals, and campgrounds welcome pets, but be sure to confirm size limits, fees, or special rules. Packing smart goes beyond food and a leash — include collapsible bowls, treats, a favorite toy or blanket, sunscreen for sunny spots, and a pet first-aid kit. Travel comfort matters too: take regular breaks on road trips, never leave pets unattended in cars, and review airline or train policies before booking. Safety should come first. Keep ID tags updated, carry vaccination records, and consider calming aids if your pet is uneasy in new environments. Once you arrive, explore pet-friendly activities like dog parks, beaches, or cafes. Always respect local etiquette by cleaning up after your pet and following leash rules. Finally, don’t forget rest time — pets tire just like humans. Allow breaks for them to recharge so both of you can truly enjoy the holiday. With the right preparation, your trip can be smooth, safe, and filled with happy memories for you and your four-legged travel buddy. Source: With inputs from NDTV  

Weighted vests are becoming a popular accessory in gyms and on jogging tracks, promoted as tools to strengthen bones, boost performance and even accelerate weight loss. But fitness experts caution that while they can be useful, the benefits may be overstated. The vests, which add resistance through removable weights, can make everyday exercises more challenging without altering routines. “People start to realize how good it feels to work just a little bit harder and smarter,” said Jessie Syfko of Life Time gyms. Research suggests that for healthy adults, adding about 10% of body weight to a vest may improve agility, speed and athletic performance. However, studies show limited effects on weight loss or bone density, especially in older adults. A delicious guide to frozen drinks this summer Experts warn against overloading: starting with 5–10% of body weight is safest. Heavy vests can strain joints, disrupt posture and cause injuries. Pregnant women, seniors and those with heart, lung or spine conditions should consult a doctor before use. “When used correctly, a weighted vest can be a good tool in your fitness toolbox,” said Jeff Monaco, a strength coach at the University of Texas. Source: Agency 

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted again on Tuesday, spewing lava up to 330 feet (100 meters) from its summit crater, marking its 32nd eruption since December when the current activity started. Lava has remained confined within the summit crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Eruptions began at the north vent of Halemaumau Crater after midnight, with lava fountains starting at 6:35 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. By mid-morning, lava was also flowing from the south vent and a third vent between them. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes globally, is on Hawaii Island, roughly 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Honolulu, located on Oahu.

Nigeria has imposed a temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts, a key ingredient in cosmetic products, as part of a strategy to strengthen its domestic processing industry and increase its share of the global skincare market. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the six-month ban, which will be reviewed afterward. The goal, he said, is to shift Nigeria from being an exporter of raw materials to a major producer of refined shea butter, oils, and other skincare derivatives. Nigeria joins several other West African nations, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, which have also restricted shea nut exports in recent years. "This isn’t about blocking trade but about adding value," Shettima explained. He said the move is intended to secure raw materials for local manufacturers, increase income, and create jobs for rural communities. Shea nuts, when processed, produce shea butter, widely used in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers."It's a crucial ingredient for skincare, especially as people seek non-toxic products," said Zainab Bashir, a dermatologist based in Abuja. Although Nigeria supplies about 40% of the global raw shea nut output, it holds just 1% of the $6.5 billion global market for finished shea-based products, according to Shettima. This policy follows the recent launch of a large shea butter processing facility in Niger State, which officials described as among the biggest in Africa. Government officials believe the export ban could generate $300 million in short-term revenue, with projections reaching $3 billion by 2027 if sustained. However, some analysts say the ban needs to be accompanied by greater investment in domestic processing.Ikemesit Effiong, an analyst at SBM Intelligence, said the policy implies the government sees a supply shortfall, but that simply banning exports may not guarantee that raw shea nuts will stay in the country for local use. The ban also appears to clash with President Bola Tinubu’s pro-market stance. Since taking office, Tinubu has eliminated fuel and electricity subsidies, floated the national currency, and reversed previous import bans, signaling support for a more open economic approach.

With summer holidays in full swing, many travelers are heading to hot and sunny destinations — and taking their electronic devices along. But phones, tablets and other gadgets are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Southern European nations like Spain, Italy and Greece have been baking under soaring temperatures, while forecasters have issued repeated heat advisories across the United States, particularly in the Southeast. Here’s what device makers and experts say about keeping your electronics cool: What heat does to a phoneMost devices work best within a specific temperature range. Apple says iPhones and iPads are designed for use between 32-95 degrees Fahrenheit (0-35 degrees Celsius). In very hot conditions, Apple warns, battery life may be permanently shortened. Phones also tend to warm up during wireless charging, large downloads, video streaming or other power-intensive tasks. Samsung notes this is normal and does not affect long-term performance. What happens if it gets too hotIf a phone becomes uncomfortably hot, Samsung recommends stopping use immediately. An overheating iPhone will display a warning message until it cools down. Android devices show a similar alert, dimming the screen, closing apps and pausing charging. Eco-Friendly Online Shopping: What You Need to Know What not to doExperts advise against leaving devices in hot cars or in direct sunlight for long. Apple also warns against using features like GPS navigation, graphic-heavy games or the camera in high heat. Google, maker of Pixel phones, cautions against running resource-heavy apps while charging in hot weather. How to keep your gear coolThe most effective solution is to turn off the device completely. “Even background processes can generate heat,” said experts at British electronics chain Currys. “A full shutdown helps it cool faster.” Removing protective cases can also help, since they trap heat. Devices should be kept out of direct sunlight and placed somewhere cool — like an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan. But avoid overdoing it. “Never put your device in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can cause water damage,” Currys warned. Source: Agency 

The weeklong printmaking workshop and exhibition 'From Darkness to Light: When Guanlan Meets Dhaka' recently concluded at the Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio in the capital's Dhanmondi, with leading Bangladeshi artists praising the initiative for nurturing young talents. Eminent artist Professor Rafiqun Nabi attended the closing ceremony on Wednesday evening as the chief guest, while noted artist and freedom fighter Professor Abul Barq Alvi was present as the special guest. Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor and renowned printmaker Professor Anisuzzaman Anis, who conducted the workshop, also joined the ceremony, which was presided over by artist Ahmed Nazir Khokon, founder of the Safiuddin Shilpalay. The workshop, held from August 20 to 27 with the participation of selected students from different universities and 40 artists chosen by Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio, ended with a certificate distribution ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Rafiqun Nabi reflected on the evolution of woodcut practice in Bangladesh. Sharing his own journey as a printmaker, he said, “In the early days, there were limited opportunities for printmaking training, and we had to overcome many obstacles." "Fortunately, I learned from various workshops at home and abroad. I hope the participants of this training will continue to practice not only academically but also at home as much as possible,” Prof Nabi said. Professor Abul Barq Alvi congratulated the participants, urged them to pursue regular practice, and lauded the activities of the Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio. Trainer of the workshop, Anisuzzaman Anis told UNB, “On the occasion of master artist Safiuddin Ahmed’s birth anniversary, the Safiuddin Shilpalay has previously organized a number of artistic initiatives. I have also been part of many workshops at different places, including Cosmos Atelier-71 of Gallery Cosmos. Recently, I visited Guanlan in China, and earlier in Japan, and I studied various aspects of woodcut art." "Inspired by those experiences, I have guided 40 participants from across the country, who worked here from August 20 to 27; and I only demonstrated the techniques, but they blended their own creativity into the work, which deeply impressed me. I believe more such workshops should be held so that aspiring artists can truly benefit,” Professor Anis told UNB. Coordinator of the workshop, artist Shakil Mazumder, told UNB, “In this workshop organized by Safiuddin Shilpalay marking the birth anniversary of master artist Safiuddin Ahmed, Professor Anis Sir taught us woodcut printmaking in a very friendly way. We worked for seven days, and on the last day we arranged the closing exhibition to demonstrate the 40 artworks of our 40 participants from Dhaka and other parts of the country, and the entire workshop was free of cost.” Chair of the event and Safiuddin Shilpalay founder Ahmed Nazir Khokon thanked the esteemed dignitaries of art alongside Professor Anisuzzaman Anis and all participants before formally concluding the programme. The event was also joined by Ekushey Padak-winning artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma, DU Faculty of Fine Art teachers Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, Abdullah Al Bashir, Juton Chandra Roy, Asmita Alam Shammy, Mohammad Kamal Uddin, artist Shahanoor Mamun, and Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, among others.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka, through its Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), on Thursday organized a cultural evening titled ‘Nazrul Sandhya’ at the ICC in Gulshan to commemorate the 49th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The programme drew a large audience, including eminent artistes, cultural dignitaries, Nazrul scholars, youth delegates and art enthusiasts, who together paid homage to the 'Bidrohi Kobi' (Rebel Poet). High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his address, reflected on the multifaceted legacy of Nazrul, describing him as “an icon of the shared cultural connection between India and Bangladesh.” Recollecting Nazrul’s role in India’s freedom struggle, Verma said, “His poems stirred a subjugated nation, awakened its soul and inspired an entire country to break free of the chains of colonial oppression.” Highlighting Nazrul’s relevance in today’s world, he added, “He is an ardent symbol of youthfulness, whose appeal for inclusive, plural humanism transcends national boundaries. He is a philosopher whose message of equality and harmony continues to inspire the world — a lighthouse of our collective conscience.” In her welcome remarks, IGCC Director Ann Mary George underscored the enduring cultural bonds between India and Bangladesh. She reaffirmed IGCC’s role as a hub for cultural exchange, noting its commitment to celebrating literary and artistic figures like Kazi Nazrul Islam who embody the region’s shared heritage. The highlight of the evening was the performances by acclaimed Nazrul Sangeet exponents Dr Chanda Chakraborty and Shahid Kabir Polash, whose soulful renditions brought alive the revolutionary zeal and lyrical beauty of Nazrul’s timeless works. Dr Chakraborty, an award-winning artiste and scholar, is an Assistant Professor at Government Music College and a senior instructor at leading institutions including Bangladesh Nazrul Institute. With a Ph.D. on Nazrul’s devotional music from Dhaka University, she has performed widely at home and abroad, receiving honors such as the National Nazrul Samaj Padak (2009) and Channel i Best Performance in Nazrul Sangeet (2018). Shahid Kabir Polash, a foremost Nazrul Sangeet and classical vocalist, trained under legendary maestros Sohrab Hossain and Sudhin Das. A ‘special grade’ artiste of Bangladesh Television and Betar, he has performed on prestigious stages internationally, including Nazrul Mela in Churulia, India. He has also been recognized with awards including the Citycell-Channel i Music Award (2010). Their renditions — from fiery verses of Bidrohi to Nazrul’s devotional and romantic compositions — deeply moved the audience, reaffirming the timelessness of his art. The evening served as a solemn musical tribute to Nazrul Islam (1899–1976) — poet, musician, freedom fighter and philosopher — whose writings championed freedom, equality and communal harmony, inspiring generations and symbolizing the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India.