United News of Bangladesh

Queues stretching beneath I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid have long been a defining part of a visit to the Louvre, rivaling even the draw of the Mona Lisa. Now, the world’s most visited museum is raising the cost of entry for many travelers as it seeks funds to address mounting challenges—from overcrowding and security needs to labor unrest and the fallout from October’s high-profile theft of the French Crown Jewels. The museum was forced to close again on Monday following a staff walkout. Beginning Wednesday, the Paris landmark will implement a two-tier pricing system, increasing ticket prices for most non-European visitors to 32 euros ($37), up from 22 euros ($26). The overnight rise amounts to a 45% increase. The new rate applies to visitors from most countries outside the European Union, including the United States, which traditionally accounts for the largest share of foreign visitors to the museum. The decision has drawn criticism from French labor unions, who argue that the move runs counter to the Louvre’s universal cultural mission. Who still gets free entryAccording to the museum, the higher fee will be charged to visitors who are neither citizens nor residents of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway. The Louvre has long struggled with surging visitor numbers, an aging facility, recurring strikes and escalating security and maintenance costs—pressures faced by many of France’s major museums. France’s CGT Culture union has condemned the tiered pricing system, saying it turns cultural access into a “commercial product” and creates unequal access to national heritage. However, the Louvre notes that several groups will continue to enjoy free admission, including visitors under 18 and certain young residents of European countries. The previous ticket increase took effect in January 2024, when standard admission rose from 17 euros to 22. Impact of the Crown Jewels theftEven before the Oct. 19 daytime robbery that saw French Crown Jewels worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million) stolen from the Louvre, discussions were underway about raising fees for visitors from outside Europe. The swift heist intensified concerns over the protection of priceless cultural treasures and fueled debate over how major museums should finance necessary upgrades—and whether tourists should shoulder more of the cost. The Louvre has not explicitly linked the ticket increase to the theft. By comparison, standard entry to Rome’s Colosseum, including the Forum and Palatine Hill, costs 18 euros ($20), while adult admission to Athens’ Acropolis stands at 30 euros ($33). Repeated labor unrestThe museum has repeatedly faced public disruptions due to internal tensions. In June, an unannounced strike by gallery attendants, ticket sellers and security personnel delayed the museum’s opening, leaving thousands of visitors waiting outside beneath the pyramid. Staff members say mass tourism has overwhelmed the institution, pointing to excessive crowding, staff shortages and worsening working conditions. Paris showcases royal jewels as city still reels from Louvre heist By December, unions said the jewel theft and the deteriorating state of the historic former royal palace had elevated their long-standing concerns into a national issue. Louvre employees have since voted to continue striking until they see what they consider meaningful reforms.         

The US was poised for a banner year in 2026, celebrating the centenary of Route 66, the 250th anniversary of independence, and co-hosting the FIFA World Cup. But political developments under President Donald Trump are prompting tourists to reconsider travel plans. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump’s administration has imposed tariffs on allies, threatened to annex Canada, detained foreign visitors at the border, and launched mass deportations. Plans to screen tourists’ social media accounts have also been floated. As a result, several nations issued travel warnings, and international visitor spending in the US fell sharply—an estimated $12.5 billion loss in 2025, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Nearly half of travelers surveyed said they were less likely to visit the US because of Trump. Trump’s recent actions abroad—airstrikes in Caracas, capturing Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, renewed talks over Greenland, and threats to Cuba, Iran, Colombia, and Mexico—are extending travel concerns beyond the US. Prospective visitors to Greenland and Cuba report hesitancy, citing safety concerns and uncertainty about potential conflicts. Tour operators note immediate impacts in Cuba, while bookings to Colombia and Mexico remain largely unaffected. Travel agencies emphasize the role of official government guidance. British tour operators, for instance, will not send clients to countries flagged as unsafe by the Foreign Office, and travel insurance is often voided if guidelines are ignored. Some tourism officials see a silver lining. Greenland, for example, could leverage the heightened media attention to raise global awareness of its culture, nature, and history. In Iran, long-standing US policies and perceptions, rather than recent rhetoric, are the main factors affecting tourism. For now, the travel industry is navigating a climate where perception is key, and the perceived risks of visiting the US or other targeted countries may outweigh the rewards. With inputs from BBC

Consumers are increasingly turning to sustainable toilet paper, seeking options made from recycled fibers or alternative materials. Traditional toilet paper relies on trees, energy-intensive manufacturing, and chemicals that can harm the environment. Experts say switching to recycled content can have a significant impact: the Environmental Paper Network estimates that if every American used one roll of recycled toilet paper, more than 1 billion gallons of water and 1.6 million trees could be saved. Toilet paper made from postconsumer recycled fibers—recycled from paper products already used—is the most sustainable option. Labels from the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative indicate adherence to scientifically verified sustainability practices. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) also ranks brands annually, with top performers in 2025 including Aria, Green Forest, Natural Value, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods 365, all made entirely from recycled materials. While bamboo and other fast-growing alternatives are marketed as eco-friendly, studies show that production methods, especially energy sources like coal in China, can offset environmental benefits. Experts recommend focusing on recycled-content paper, ideally produced with low-impact energy. Bidets offer another way to reduce toilet paper use. By rinsing with water, bidets can significantly cut paper consumption, making them a highly sustainable alternative. Simple attachments cost around $30, while advanced seats with heated water and air dryers can exceed $600. Although sustainable toilet paper often costs more, growing demand could lower prices over time through economies of scale. Experts emphasize that consumer choices send a strong signal to manufacturers to expand environmentally responsible options, making sustainable hygiene products more widely accessible.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 10 (Xinhua/UNB) — Two giant pandas from China, named “Chenxing” and “Xiaoyue,” made their first public appearance in Malaysia on Saturday. A milestone moment: Indonesia’s first giant Panda cub revealed The panda pair, which is on loan to Malaysia, was formally introduced to visitors during a special ceremony at the Giant Panda Conservation Center at Zoo Negara, the country’s national zoo. The debut followed a period of quarantine and adjustment to their new environment. Meet Jia Jia and De De, Hong Kong's first locally born giant pandas Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the event as the guest of honor, alongside senior government officials and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. Giant Panda "Yi Yi" celebrates second birthday in Malaysia

A wave of wintry weather swept across New England on Wednesday, bringing a mix of snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain that led to hazardous driving conditions and widespread school closures, while forecasters warned of additional storms later in the week. Rain, snow and slush coated roads across the region, prompting dozens of school districts to either close or delay opening. Although snowfall totals were expected to be modest, officials said icy roads made it too dangerous to operate school buses safely. Some areas saw around a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation—enough to create slick and dangerous conditions, though slightly below levels typically associated with widespread power outages. Even so, several thousand customers lost electricity, mainly in Maine, with hundreds more affected in Massachusetts. School officials cited safety concerns as the main reason for closures. Administrators at Maine Regional School Unit 21 in Kennebunk said icy conditions along both morning and afternoon bus routes posed risks to students and staff. All six New England states were placed under winter weather advisories by the National Weather Service, which also issued hazardous outlooks for northern regions that may face more severe winter storms in the coming days. Forecasters warned that heavy rain followed by falling temperatures could further worsen road conditions later in the week. Transportation officials in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts reported numerous crashes and vehicles sliding off roads, though no serious injuries had been reported by late Wednesday morning. Several regional airports, including Boston’s Logan International Airport, were forced to deice aircraft due to the snow and ice. In parts of southern Maine, winter weather advisories were issued even though snowfall was expected to reach only about two inches. Meteorologists said the combination of freezing rain, sleet and snow justified the warnings. Another weather system is forecast to bring rain late Friday into Saturday, followed by a chance of snow extending into Sunday. Patriotic crystal ball to light up Times Square on New Year’s Eve as US 250th anniversary begins Officials said such mixed winter precipitation significantly worsens travel conditions, even when snow totals remain relatively low.

President Donald Trump stirred confusion about childhood vaccines in social media posts following changes to U.S. federal recommendations. On Monday, the Trump administration took the unusual step of reducing the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all children. Previously, the government broadly advised immunizations against 11 diseases, plus additional vaccines that are now categorized for at-risk children or recommended through “shared decision-making” with a healthcare provider. Leading medical organizations, however, continue to endorse prior schedules, saying no new scientific evidence supports the change and warning that conflicting guidance could leave children vulnerable to preventable illnesses. Trump tweeted that “America will no longer require 72 ‘jabs’” for children and posted a graphic comparing U.S. vaccination numbers to a European country that supposedly gave 11 shots. Both claims were misleading. According to federal records, the U.S. childhood vaccination schedule previously covered routine protection against 18 diseases, with doses spread across different ages. The total number of injections a child received varied depending on factors such as combination shots, brand differences, and the child’s starting age. Excluding annual flu vaccines and COVID-19 shots, most children received about three dozen injections. Under the new schedule, children receiving only the recommended-for-all vaccines would get roughly 23 injections, covering diseases like measles, whooping cough, polio, chickenpox, and HPV. Contrary to Trump’s claim, no child was ever required to receive 72 injections. While states mandate certain vaccines for school enrollment, these requirements are narrower than the prior federal schedule and allow exemptions in many cases. Medical experts say clear communication is crucial to avoid public misunderstanding and maintain trust in vaccination programs.

Every January, the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin hosts a remarkable winter tradition. Despite the city - capital of Heilongjiang province—already being blanketed in ice, artists flock here from near and far to create even more, competing to craft the year’s finest ice sculpture. The result is enchanting. Illuminated from within, the sculptures transform parts of the city into a magical, almost cinematic landscape, reminiscent of a festive holiday show. Visitors, often traveling long distances, bundle up to experience the spectacle. 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts In images captured by Associated Press photographer Ng Han Guan on Saturday, an ice sculptor readies his piece for the festival’s competition, while spectators approach the glowing icy steps of a towering obelisk adorned in yellow and purple lights. The festival continues through mid-February, and for the adventurous, it even offers the chance to swim among the ice.

As people in much of the US. pack away holiday decorations and settle back into normal routines after New Year’s, Louisiana is doing the opposite  gearing up for its most anticipated season of the year. Across the state, preparations are underway for Carnival, a festive, weeks-long celebration held before Lent. The season is marked by rich food, lavish balls and an ongoing lineup of large parades that take over city streets. Carnival is known for excess and spectacle: elaborate costumes, nonstop celebrations and countless strings of colorful plastic beads draped around revelers’ necks. It’s a time devoted to enjoyment before the more reflective period of Lent begins. Origins of CarnivalCarnival has deep roots in Christian, particularly Roman Catholic, traditions. It represents a time of eating, drinking and celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of Lent  a season of fasting and spiritual preparation for Easter. Every year, more than a million visitors join Louisiana locals in New Orleans for the world-famous festivities. But Carnival isn’t confined to the city. Celebrations take place throughout Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast, including in Mobile, Alabama, home to what is considered the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S. Similar events are also held internationally, especially in parts of Europe and Brazil. Carnival vs. Mardi GrasWhile the terms are often used interchangeably, Carnival and Mardi Gras are not the same. Carnival refers to the entire season leading up to Lent. Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is a single day that marks the final celebration before Lent begins. Mardi Gras always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday and serves as the grand finale of Carnival, offering one last chance for indulgence. Length of the SeasonCarnival officially begins on Jan. 6, known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night in the Catholic calendar. The season concludes on Mardi Gras, but the date changes each year because it depends on when Easter occurs. Mardi Gras can fall anytime between early February and early March. This year, Fat Tuesday lands on Feb. 17, making the Carnival season last 43 days. King Cake TraditionThe start of Carnival also signals the return of king cake, a beloved seasonal dessert. Bakeries known for their king cakes often draw long lines as people eagerly await the treat. The cake, typically made from sweet, brioche-style dough, is shaped like a ring and flavored with cinnamon. It’s decorated with purple, green and gold icing — the traditional Mardi Gras colors — and may be filled with fruit, nuts or cream cheese. Hidden inside is a small plastic baby figurine. Tradition holds that whoever finds it in their slice is responsible for buying the next cake or hosting the next party, keeping the celebrations going. Over time, king cake has evolved beyond tradition. Creative versions now include unconventional fillings such as boudin sausage or even sushi-inspired designs. Parades and “Throws”Carnival is perhaps best known for its spectacular parades. More than 80 parades are scheduled in and around New Orleans this season, many lasting several hours. These parades feature lively marching bands, dancers in costume and towering floats adorned with imaginative, handcrafted designs. Each parade has its own theme and personality — from all-women krewes and political satire to sci-fi themes featuring costumed characters. Some parades boast thousands of riders and dozens of floats, while others are charmingly small, with floats built from shoeboxes. Members of krewes the social organizations that organize parades — invest significant time and money preparing for the season. Their efforts are rewarded as crowds line the streets, often dressed in costumes themselves. Spectators eagerly reach for “throws,” the trinkets tossed from floats. These include beads, candy, cups and toys, along with prized items like decorated coconuts, hand-painted shoes and even glitter-covered plungers. One of the largest krewes, Endymion, estimates it distributes more than 15 million throws each year, living by its motto: “Throw ’til it Hurts.” Other Carnival TraditionsWhile parades and formal balls dominate popular images of Carnival, many communities observe unique traditions. In rural central Louisiana, people participate in the Courir de Mardi Gras, a Cajun French custom where masked revelers travel through the countryside singing, performing and asking for ingredients. They may even chase live chickens, all to gather supplies for a communal gumbo at the day’s end. Chinese Embassy holds ‘Happy Chinese New Year Festival’ Temple Fair at Gulshan Society Lake Park In New Orleans, another powerful tradition is practiced by Mardi Gras Indians — African Americans who create intricate suits adorned with beads and feathers. They parade through neighborhoods singing, dancing and drumming. This tradition dates back to at least the late 19th century and honors Native Americans who aided Black communities and escaped slaves. It also emerged during an era when segregation excluded Black residents from white-only parades.  

The nonsensical phrase “6-7” has been named the most overused and misused word of 2025, according to Lake Superior State University’s 50th annual Banished Words List. The tongue-in-cheek list, compiled from around 1,400 submissions from across the United States and several countries including Uzbekistan, Brazil and Japan, highlights words and phrases deemed “cooked” or overhyped. “6-7,” which gained popularity on social media this year, especially among Gen Z, is considered largely meaningless. Dictionary.com even selected it as its 2025 word of the year. Each number can be read as “six, seven,” or combined as 67, sometimes sparking reactions at college basketball games. Other words on the top 10 include “demure,” “incentivize,” “perfect,” “gift/gifted,” “my bad” and “reach out,” with some having appeared on past lists. David Travis, president of Lake Superior State University, said the list reflects changing trends and the influence of social media, noting that words shared via texting or posts can easily be misunderstood without tone or context. While some terms like “my bad” have lasting appeal, Travis predicted “6-7” will likely fade next year. Gen Z users, however, continue to embrace it as a playful, if puzzling, expression.

Safari Martins, known online as Chief Safro, gives haircuts using unconventional tools—including a razor-sharp shovel—at his roadside shack in Kiambu, on Nairobi’s outskirts. His unusual approach has made him one of Kenya’s most recognized barbers, with nearly one million followers each on Instagram and TikTok. Born in Rwanda, Martins began barbering in 2018 while in high school, offering trims outside classrooms with borrowed clippers. Five years later, he embraced social media, dropping traditional tools in favor of dramatic implements and creating videos that combine haircuts with African folk tales and cultural voiceovers. Customers, like Ian Njenga, pay a premium for both the haircut and a chance at social media exposure. Martins charges up to 1,500 Kenyan shillings (around $12), far above typical Nairobi rates. While social media in Kenya has grown rapidly—reaching 15.1 million users by 2025—Martins says barbers often struggle to monetize content compared to creators in gaming or lifestyle niches. “Barbers get viral but are not respected,” he says. Source: AP