United News of Bangladesh

Thailand, famously known as the “Land of Smiles,” continues to captivate visitors with its scenic beauty, warm hospitality, and rich cultural traditions — complemented by some of the world’s most celebrated cuisine. The island province of Phuket, one of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, is now drawing record numbers of tourists as the high season begins this month. According to Banyan Group Residences, a leading luxury property developer, the tropical island has also become a prime choice for Britons seeking a second home or planning to relocate abroad. Offering an attractive mix of affordability, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Phuket’s cost of living is 50–70% lower than in major UK cities, while private healthcare costs up to 80% less. The island also boasts international hospitals and British-curriculum schools, making it ideal for retirees, families, and digital nomads. With its year-round sunshine and warm sea temperatures, Phuket provides a sunny alternative to the UK’s cold winters. Its strong expat community, convenient travel links, and relaxed visa policies add to its appeal. In 2024 alone, around 250,000 British travellers visited the island, many exploring long-term property opportunities. Real estate opportunities Phuket’s real estate market offers a wide range of options — from beachfront villas to modern condos. The Laguna Phuket development, a 1,000-acre resort by Banyan Group, includes seven hotels, an 18-hole golf course, restaurants, spas, and the country’s largest beach club, RAVA. Over 5,000 luxury homes are already part of the project, with more underway, such as the sustainable Laguna Lakelands and the high-end Banyan Tree Beach Residences. Underwater sculpture park turns art into coral reef off Miami Beach Compared to the UK, Phuket’s property market offers strong value — a £750,000 investment can buy a 213 sq m luxury home on the island, versus only 33 sq m in London. Foreign investors make up over 60% of condo buyers, with British nationals among the top ten. Property values typically rise 5–10% annually, ensuring solid long-term returns. Banyan Group: redefining luxury living The Banyan Group, known globally for its Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, ranks as Asia’s leading and the world’s fifth-largest developer of branded residences. Homeowners benefit from flexible ownership models, rental management by Banyan’s five-star hospitality team, and extensive after-sales services — including 24/7 concierge and property management. With its seamless buying process and resort-style amenities, Banyan Group makes owning a home in Phuket a gateway to sunshine living — where every day feels like a holiday. Source: AP 

Buckingham Palace will stage the largest-ever exhibition of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion next year, showcasing around 200 items — including many never publicly displayed — to mark what would have been her 100th birthday, officials announced Tuesday. The exhibition, titled “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” will run from April 10 to October 18, 2026, and will feature the monarch’s iconic gowns, including her wedding and coronation dresses, as well as opulent outfits worn during state occasions over her historic 70-year reign. Elizabeth, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96, was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, and her wardrobe is considered one of the most important archives of 20th-century British fashion. She would have celebrated her centenary on April 21, 2026. Highlights include a tulle bridesmaid dress worn by an 8-year-old Princess Elizabeth in 1934, along with many couture creations by her most influential designer, Norman Hartnell. Hartnell designed some of the queen’s most memorable looks, including the apple-green gown she wore at a 1957 state banquet for U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a pastel blue gown for her sister Princess Margaret’s wedding in 1960, as well as her wedding and coronation dresses. Visitors will also see items from the queen’s private wardrobe, ranging from riding outfits and Harris tweed jackets to raincoats, headscarves, design sketches, and fabric samples that offer insight into the process behind dressing the monarch. A notable piece is a transparent raincoat by Hardy Amies from the 1960s, designed to display Elizabeth’s vibrant daywear to crowds regardless of the weather. The exhibition will also feature creations by contemporary British designers Erdem Moralioglu, Richard Quinn, and Christopher Kane, reflecting the queen’s enduring influence on modern fashion. “Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe is one of the most significant living archives in modern fashion history,” said Kane. “Her garments tell the story of Britain and its changing identity through fashion and provide a masterclass in silhouette, construction, symbolism, and restraint.” Tickets for the exhibition will go on sale Tuesday.   Source: AP

South Florida is welcoming a new fleet of cars — but these won’t clog traffic or add to commutes. They’re made of marine-grade concrete and rest beneath the ocean surface off South Beach. In late October, crews submerged 22 life-sized car sculptures several hundred feet off the Miami coastline as part of “Concrete Coral,” a project by the nonprofit REEFLINE to create an underwater sculpture park that doubles as a human-made coral reef. Funded in part by a $5 million Miami Beach city bond, the installation will soon be seeded with 2,200 native corals grown in a local lab. REEFLINE aims to raise $40 million to expand the project into an 11-phase underwater art corridor stretching along the city’s seven-mile (11-kilometer) shoreline. “I think we are making history here,” said REEFLINE founder Ximena Caminos. “It’s a one-of-a-kind, pioneering reef that brings science and art together.” Designed by artist Leandro Erlich, the submerged cars will soon become home to thriving coral and marine life, said Colin Foord, who heads REEFLINE’s coral lab. “Nature’s going to take back over, and we’re helping by growing the soft corals,” he said. Future phases will include “Heart of Okeanos,” a massive sculpture modeled after a blue whale’s heart by Petroc Sesti, and “The Miami Reef Star,” a large star-shaped installation by artists Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said the project will also boost local jobs and eco-tourism through snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding tours. “Miami Beach is a global model,” Meiner said. “We’re setting the blueprint for other cities to follow.” City strolls can be as beneficial as nature walks, say researchers REEFLINE also offers hands-on education programs, inviting volunteers to plant corals alongside scientists and take part in monthly conservation activities through a floating marine learning center. Caminos said while the project cannot solve major environmental challenges like climate change or sea level rise, it can inspire awareness and collaboration. “We can show how creatively and collaboratively we can tackle man-made problems with man-made solutions,” she said. Source: AP

Dr Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist, has shared three easy-to-prepare drinks that he often recommends to his patients suffering from fatty liver disease — a growing health concern linked to poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol or processed food intake. In a short video posted on Instagram on Sunday, Dr Sethi highlighted that while medical treatment and lifestyle changes remain essential for managing fatty liver, simple dietary additions can also make a significant difference. 1. Beetroot juice Dr Sethi said beetroot juice is rich in betalains — antioxidants that protect liver cells and reduce fat buildup. He advised moderation due to its natural sugar content, suggesting one glass a few times a week to support liver health. 2. Coffee Coffee, he noted, can lower the risk of fatty liver and liver fibrosis. Dr Sethi recommended choosing organic coffee without sugar, adding that natural sweeteners like honey, monk fruit, or stevia can be used — but without erythritol additives. 3. Green tea Green tea, he said, contains catechins such as EGCG that have been shown to improve liver enzymes and reduce fat accumulation. Drinking a few cups weekly can help maintain liver function while providing a mild caffeine boost. “These drinks are backed by science and clinical experience. They can help reduce liver fat, improve digestion, and support overall liver health,” Dr Sethi wrote in his post. He added that maintaining liver health does not require complicated detox regimens or expensive supplements. “Sometimes, the simplest daily choices — like what you drink — can make the biggest impact,” he said. Source: NDTV

Britain’s monarchy, long shaped by its sensitivity to public opinion, is once again facing turbulence following the downfall of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles III on Thursday stripped his younger brother of both his princely title and his official residence, marking the monarch’s strongest effort yet to distance the royal family from Andrew’s links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows years of damaging scandals involving Andrew and reflects Charles’ attempt to protect the institution from further controversy. Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had been convicted more than a decade earlier. The British monarchy — officially known as the House of Windsor — has survived multiple crises over the past century that have tested its endurance and public legitimacy. Wartime backlashAccording to George Gross, a royal historian at King’s College London, the last comparable precedent to Andrew’s removal dates back to World War I. The 1917 Titles Deprivation Act allowed Britain to revoke titles from royals who had sided with Germany. The royal family’s German roots ran deep through Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. When war broke out in 1914, members of the extended royal family found themselves on opposite sides. In 1917, King George V renamed his lineage the House of Windsor and removed titles from nobles deemed enemies of Britain, including Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale. According to the House of Commons Library, it remains the only instance of such a measure in modern history. The abdication crisisA similar constitutional shock came in 1936 when King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. At the time, the Church of England barred remarriage after divorce, making the union politically and religiously untenable. Edward abdicated that December, saying in a radio address he could not continue “without the help and support of the woman I love.” His decision forced a redefinition of royal duty and ushered in a new era of service and restraint under his brother, King George VI — later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. Edward and Wallis, later titled the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, spent most of their lives abroad amid suspicion of Nazi sympathies. King Charles III strips Prince Andrew of titles to safeguard the monarchy Diana’s deathThe 1997 death of Princess Diana, Charles’ ex-wife, became another defining moment. Her fatal car crash in Paris at age 36 stunned the world and exposed a rift between public mourning and the royal family’s private silence. As crowds gathered and tributes filled the palace gates, the queen remained at Balmoral with her family. Under mounting public pressure and guidance from then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, she delivered a televised address praising Diana and acknowledging the nation’s grief, calling her “an exceptional and gifted human being.” Harry’s riftMore recently, Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties with his wife Meghan in 2020 — and their subsequent criticism of the institution in interviews, documentaries, and his memoir Spare — intensified scrutiny of the family. Harry’s lawsuits against British tabloids and his failed attempt to regain police protection further strained relations with the palace. A brief meeting between Harry and his father in September marked their first in more than a year, though it lasted less than an hour. A monarchy under strainAmid these ongoing tensions, Andrew’s exile represents the latest test of a centuries-old institution constantly balancing tradition and accountability. As King Charles seeks to protect the monarchy’s reputation, the challenges — from historical scandals to modern controversies — continue to shape how Britons view their royal family. Source: AP 

Strolling through a leafy park or along a forest trail is often seen as the ultimate stress reliever. The crunch of fallen leaves, the sound of a rushing stream, and the gentle rustle of trees all combine to calm the mind. But could a walk through busy city streets offer similar benefits? Researchers say yes — if you know where and how to walk. While nature walks are widely known to lower stress, improve focus, and promote mental well-being, new studies suggest that walking in urban environments can also provide meaningful psychological benefits. The key, experts say, lies in paying attention to your surroundings and finding elements that engage your senses. Whitney Fleming, an environmental psychology researcher at Bangor University in Wales, said people shouldn’t underestimate the value of urban greenery. “Look at the green,” she said. “Most cities have greenery. No matter where you are, you can find a nice tree.” Walking itself is a powerful form of moderate exercise that can help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia, depression, and certain cancers, she added. But being mindful of nature — even in small doses — can amplify those benefits. Fleming’s research found that people who noticed plants while walking felt significantly less anxious and more positive than those focused on man-made surroundings. “Having natural elements to look at in cities is really important because you can still receive benefits even when not in a purely natural setting,” she said. Other researchers argue that urban environments, too, can nurture mental well-being. Cesar San Juan Guillen, a social psychology professor at the University of the Basque Country in Spain, said earlier studies often unfairly compared peaceful nature scenes with stressful cityscapes. His research compared visitors to a green urban park with those spending time in a lively plaza featuring a historic church, playground, and cafes. Both groups reported improved focus and fewer negative emotions, but those in the busier plaza felt even more energized and relaxed. Historic city centers, cemeteries, and places with sweeping views can spark what psychologists call “soft fascination” — a gentle, restorative form of attention. “This type of involuntary attention may be more effective at helping people recover from mental fatigue caused by work or study,” San Juan Guillen said. Urban design also plays a role in how people experience city walks, said Tristan Cleveland, an urban planning consultant with Canadian firm Happy Cities. His research shows people tend to walk faster past blank walls and are less likely to stop and chat. To get the most out of a city walk, Cleveland recommends routes that evoke interest and pleasure — what he calls the “first kiss test.” “If it’s a place you’d take someone on a date, it’s probably the right kind of place for a walk,” he said. Annabel Abbs-Streets, author of The Walking Cure and 52 Ways to Walk, agreed, saying moments of joy can be found anywhere — from the historic streets of Dubrovnik to the peaceful cemeteries of London. “It’s not that green is good and gray is terrible,” she said. “They’re just different — and sometimes that difference itself can be good.” Source: AP

Sotheby’s has announced the auction of a solid gold toilet, described as the world’s most valuable lavatory. The piece, titled “America”, was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and is both a fully functional toilet and a sculpture. The auction, scheduled for November 18 in New York, will start at roughly $10 million, reflecting the value of the 101.2 kilograms (223 pounds) of gold used to make it. Sotheby’s calls the work an “incisive commentary on the collision of artistic production and commodity value.” Cattelan, known for provocative works like the duct-taped banana “Comedian” and the kneeling Hitler sculpture “Him”, said “America” satirizes extreme wealth. The artist noted, “Whatever you eat, a $200 lunch or a $2 hot dog, the results are the same, toilet-wise.” Doctors prescribe time outdoors to boost mental and physical health Two versions of the toilet were made in 2016. The one being auctioned has been privately owned since 2017. Its counterpart was displayed at the Guggenheim Museum, where visitors could book a three-minute session to use it. That version was also shown at England’s Blenheim Palace in 2019 but was stolen shortly after. The toilet will be on display at Sotheby’s New York headquarters from Nov. 8. Visitors can view it up close, but it will not be functional this time. Source: AP

For 27-year-old Amanda Porretto, starting a family is far from certain. As the average age of first-time mothers in the U.S., she feels social pressure from her family — especially her father, who wants grandchildren — but she’s unsure about bringing a child into a world threatened by climate change. “Some people think it's bad not to have a child,” said Porretto, who works in advertising. “I just don’t think I need to bring more people into a world where there’s already so much to fix.” An increasing number of young Americans share Porretto’s hesitation. Studies show that concerns about global warming and its future effects — from extreme weather to resource scarcity — are influencing decisions about parenthood. A 2024 Lancet study found that most people aged 16 to 25 were “very” or “extremely” worried about climate change, and more than half said it made them hesitant to have children. A Pew Research Center report from last year found that adults under 50 without children were four times more likely than older adults to cite climate change as a reason for delaying or avoiding parenthood. Another study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this year found over half of respondents said climate concerns made them question having kids. Climate impact of having childrenThe link between parenthood and climate change extends beyond fears for children’s safety to concerns about their carbon footprint. “Having a child is by far, by orders of magnitude, the most carbon-intensive decision a person can make,” said Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance, a nonprofit focused on human environmental impact. Johns Hopkins bioethics professor Travis Rieder calls this effect a “carbon legacy.”“You’re not just engaging in carbon-expensive activities like buying a bigger house or car,” he said. “You’re also creating someone who will have their own carbon footprint — and possibly more children — for generations.” Quantifying a child’s environmental impact is complex, he noted, as it depends on factors like lifestyle and wealth. For instance, data from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research show that, per capita, the average American emits over 12 times more carbon than the average person in Ghana. Global warming reshapes extreme rainfall, snowfall across Northern Hemisphere: Study Why it’s a difficult conversationDespite its large impact, procreation is rarely discussed as a climate issue. Experts say this is because pregnancy is typically seen as a time for celebration, not criticism, and because such discussions often evoke controversial debates about overpopulation from the 1970s that were tied to racism and eugenics. Climate factors into personal decisionsFor some, like 43-year-old writer Ash Sanders, climate change was central to her decision not to have children — though life took a different turn. When she unexpectedly became pregnant, she felt pressured by her Mormon upbringing and her partner to keep the baby. She later chose an open adoption. “I feel guilt for bringing her into the world,” Sanders said. “She’s happy and amazing, but I still feel guilt all the time.” Juan Jaramillo, a marine biologist, said environmental concerns influenced his decision as a teenager in the 1970s to never have children. “Pollution and other issues were already serious back then,” he said. “It just didn’t make sense to me.” For Rieder, who has studied the ethics of reproduction and climate, the issue was deeply personal. “Having children is meaningful and important — but also carbon expensive,” he said. “The question is how to balance those two truths.” For him, that balance meant having one child. Source: AP 

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan expressed pride and emotion over his grandson Agastya Nanda, who will make his film debut in Ikkis. The trailer of the Sriram Raghavan-directed movie was released on Tuesday to a positive response. Amitabh Bachchan took to X to share a heartfelt note about Agastya’s milestone. He wrote, “Agastya! I held you in my hands when you were born… today you play in theatres all over the world. You are SPECIAL. All my prayers and blessings to you… may you bring glory to your work and pride to the family.” Agastya’s father, industrialist Nikhil Nanda, also expressed his pride on Facebook. He said, “Watching the trailer of Ikkis, I felt immense pride – as a father and as an Indian. Agastya’s portrayal of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (PVC) is a moving tribute to courage and our nation’s spirit. Wishing Agastya, Sriram Raghavan, and the Ikkis team every success.” Produced by Maddock Films, Ikkis features a stellar cast including Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in December 2025.   Source: NDTV

As global mobility has become a form of financial strategy, citizenship-by-investment programmes are drawing attention beyond the super-rich arena. More nations now offer cost-effective routes to second homes. It allows investors to expand their portfolios geographically while unlocking visa-free access and new business opportunities. These programmes merge lifestyle flexibility with long-term economic security, often for far less than expected. Here’s a list of the cheapest golden visa programmes in 2026. 7 Easiest Countries to Buy Citizenship in 2026 . Nauru Titled the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, Nauru has shaped its Citizenship by Investment initiative. Through this programme, investors obtain a stable second citizenship and contribute to Nauru’s climate resilience and long-term growth. The Nauruan passport, respected for its political neutrality, serves as a safeguard during times of global uncertainty. It grants visa-exempt access to 88 strategic destinations, including the UAE, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. To qualify, investors must contribute a minimum of USD 130,000 (BDT 1,59,29,953, with USD 1 = BDT 122.54). Families can apply together, including spouses, dependent children, parents, and even siblings, for additional fees. Read more: Digital Nomad Visas in Europe in 2026: Top 10 European Countries Importantly, contributions are made only after government approval, ensuring financial protection for applicants. Nauru imposes no restrictions on dual nationality, allowing new citizens to retain their existing passports. Dominica When it comes to the most efficient and affordable citizenship programmes, the Caribbean nation of Dominica shines with flexibility. The application process stands out for its speed and the absence of residence requirements, making it highly appealing to global investors. Applicants may choose between contributing to the Economic Diversification Fund or investing in government-approved real estate projects. Each option requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 (BDT 2,45,07,620). Holding Dominican citizenship opens entry upon arrival or visa-free entry to 142 destinations, a network that covers key business and leisure hubs across the globe. The programme also accommodates family inclusions, like spouses, unmarried dependent children under 31, and parents or grandparents over 65 for extra fees. Read more: China’s K Visa For Bangladeshi Professionals: Eligibility, Application Process, Fees North Macedonia Europe’s most affordable golden visa pathway is the investment migration framework of the Republic of North Macedonia. A North Macedonian passport allows visa-on-arrival or open-border travel to 125 nations, among them the Schengen Area, Türkiye, and Hong Kong. The investment threshold begins at EUR 200,000 (approximately BDT 2,83,96,000), which must be maintained for at least a two-year commitment to a private investment. Applicants may include their spouses and accompanying children below 18, with extended fees. However, spouses can secure citizenship one year after the main applicant’s approval. Antigua and Barbuda Known for its competitive and flexible citizenship programme, Antigua and Barbuda offers several routes to citizenship. Among them, a contribution to the National Development Fund remains the most budget-friendly at USD 230,000 (BDT 2,81,83,763). The passport grants entry without a visa or on-arrival visa to about 150 destinations, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Europe’s Schengen Area. The programme accommodates a wide family circle: spouses, dependent children under 31 (along with their own spouse and children), parents, and grandparents aged 55 or above. Even unmarried siblings of either the main applicant or their spouse can be included, all with additional fees. Read more: Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students A modest requirement applies – citizens must spend at least five days in the country within the initial five-year period post-citizenship. St Lucia  For those pursuing global access through a straightforward process, St Lucia offers one of the Caribbean’s most efficient citizenship-by-investment programmes. It grants permanent citizenship without any residency or visit obligations, making it particularly convenient for international investors. Holders of a St Lucian passport enjoy visa-free or on-the-spot visa entry to over 146 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area. A minimum investment of USD 240,000 (BDT 2,94,09,144) is required as a contribution to the National Economic Fund. The application can extend to include a spouse, children under 31, siblings below 18, and parents aged 55 or above, subject to extra charges. St Lucia imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship, and the investment funds are safeguarded – only payable once the application receives approval from the government. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online St Kitts and Nevis Among the longest-running citizenship programmes in the region, St Kitts and Nevis continues to stand out for its extensive travel privileges and family-friendly provisions. Its passport provides visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt access to 156 destinations worldwide, with citizenship rights extending to future generations through descent. The entry-level investment starts from USD 250,000 (BDT 3,06,34,525) through the Sustainable Island State Contribution – one of several available options. Applicants can include a spouse, accompanying children below 30, and parents over 55 for added expenses. No residence or minimum stay is required, and dual citizenship is fully permitted, allowing individuals to maintain their existing nationality. Türkiye With its seamless application process and no residency requirement, Türkiye has built one of the most sought-after citizenship-by-investment programmes worldwide. Turkish citizens enjoy open-border or entry-upon-arrival access to 111 destinations, including Singapore and Japan. Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh Among the available investment routes, real estate stands out as comparatively lower, requiring a minimum of USD 400,000 (BDT 4,90,15,240), which must be maintained for at least three years. The programme extends full citizenship rights to the applicant’s spouse and children under 18. Over to You The cheapest countries for citizenship by investment programmes reveal how strategic planning can open global doors without extravagant spending. Comparably, Nauru remains the most cost-efficient, while Türkiye ranks as the costliest in this lineup. North Macedonia leads as Europe’s lowest-entry option, with Dominica positioned mid-range – closely followed by Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis. Eventually, securing citizenship through investment has become a strategic move to diversify assets and safeguard one’s legacy for generations. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet?