United News of Bangladesh

As escalating border violence between Thailand and Cambodia forced residents to evacuate, many attempted to bring their animals along. For those who couldn’t, Thai authorities stepped in to care for the pets left behind. Thailand’s Livestock Department instructed local branches to create safe zones for animals whose owners were displaced. Several provinces along the border, including Surin, responded by setting up temporary shelters. In Surin, the Livestock Breeding and Research Center transformed its front area into a makeshift pet shelter, placing cages under cover to house animals. As of Sunday, five dogs and two cats were staying there, though the center can accommodate up to 20 animals. Center director Sornchai Kongsook said pet owners can leave their animals at no cost, but they must visit daily to care for them. “We’ve opened this space for cats and dogs that people couldn’t bring to evacuation centers,” he explained. “Some owners have moved to hotels that don’t allow pets.” Though the shelter has yet to receive any livestock, Sornchai said farm animals are welcome. Authorities are also distributing food to cattle and buffalo left in evacuated zones. Many rural residents in the northeast are farmers and often own livestock, which now roam mostly empty fields. The cross-border clashes that began last week have claimed dozens of lives and forced thousands to flee. Among the evacuees was schoolteacher Wilawan Duangvao, who had to leave her dogs—Khawtom and Khaitun—at the Surin shelter after being ordered to evacuate from Prasat district. She returned the next day to check on them. As she approached their cage, the dogs barked and wagged their tails in excitement. Wilawan tearfully cuddled Khawtom, a 2-year-old shih tzu-poodle mix, while Khaitun, a mix of American bully and Thai street dog, stood eagerly on his hind legs. Leaving them behind was a painful choice, Wilawan said, but staying at home was no longer safe. “Our house has no water or electricity. I was afraid they’d be traumatized if left alone,” she said. Now, she’s helping take care of evacuees at her school, which has been turned into a temporary shelter that doesn’t permit pets. She expressed deep gratitude to the officials who stepped in. “I’m incredibly thankful,” Wilawan said. “Everyone has been so kind. They welcomed my dogs and asked for nothing in return. I’m truly relieved.”  

New York Zendo Shobo-ji was quiet on a Saturday morning in late June, far removed from the muted hum and chatter that lingers in Lenox Hill, in Upper Manhattan, even on rainy summer days. Inside, a small group of young adults sat zazen as an ordained member of the Triratna order led them through a mindfulness meditation. “Be aware of the sounds around you, the quality of the air,” the practice leader said. As if on cue, a bird began cooing in the temple’s garden. The fact that everyone in attendance was on the younger side was by design: The practice is part of the Young Buddhist Initiative, a program designed to help those age 35 and underexplore Buddhist teachings and meditation — no experience needed. Previous sessions have covered topics such as mindfulness, the three poisons (greed, hatred and delusion, the root mental states that Buddhists say cause human suffering) and the meaning of enlightenment. The initiative is run by the Triratna Buddhist Community of New York and New Jersey, part of the international Triratna Buddhist Community founded in 1967 by Sangharakshita, the British spiritual teacher born as Dennis Lingwood. “Triratna” refers to the Three Jewels or Three Refuges of Buddhism: the Buddha, Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings) and Sangha (the Buddhist community). The fellowship describes itself as bringing Buddhist traditions into the modern world in a way that suits contemporary lives. In the United Kingdom, young people’s retreats can attract more than 100 attendees; in the United States, it’s just getting started. While the New York-area branch doesn’t have a permanent headquarters, it runs regular Zoom events as well as in-person meetings and retreats at various locations, such as New York Zendo Shobo-ji. Ananta, who goes by a single name and is CEO of the nonprofit Karuna USA, led the recent day’s practice, guiding the meditation from awareness of one’s breath, body and surroundings to a reflection and discussion on recent actions that participants felt either proud of or guilty about — not to be deemed morally good or bad but to reflect on and let go. Blood sugar monitoring devices gain fans, experts advise caution “Experiences are preceded by mind, led by mind, and produced by mind,” he read from the Dhammapada, a collection of the Buddha’s sayings. “If one speaks or acts with an impure mind, suffering follows even as the cart wheel follows the hoof of the ox … If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows like a shadow that never departs.” The Young Buddhist Initiative began out of a desire to create a nurturing space where young people could support each other in their spiritual practice. Ananta came across Buddhism at age 18 through a meditation group at his university in London and knows the value of having a cohort of like-minded peers. “There are people like you who also have spiritual aspirations andare interested in leading a particular lifestyle. That can be very supportive.” Tamojyoti, an ordained member of the Triratna community who goes by a single name, agreed. “We just have a different consciousness than young people. And I think maybe why those young people groups work so well is because that consciousness can flourish,” she said. One of the attendees at the session, Kizzy Joseph, a 28-year-old therapist from Brooklyn, was seeking to have conversations about spirituality with people in her age group and had been looking for Buddhist spaces across the city. Most groups she found took a too-intellectual approach to Buddhism, skewed older or were predominantly white. Headed to her first meeting with the Young Buddhist Initiative, Joseph feared she would be the only Black person in the room. “To my happy surprise, there were three other women of color and another person of color — I think they identify as nonbinary. I was really surprised by how diverse the space was.” According to the 2023 PRRI Census of American Religion, the average age of a U.S. Buddhist is 52, but survey numbers come with the caveat that gathering statistics about Buddhists is difficult, as many people, like Joseph, engage in Buddhist beliefs and practices without formally identifying as Buddhist. Protestant by birth, Joseph became unhappy with the rigid religious structure she was raised in and began exploring different approaches to spirituality in her teens. She feels a “gentle calling”toward Buddhism and finds it less forceful than the faith of her childhood, but doesn’t defineherself as a Buddhist. In her personal life, she also practices ancestor veneration and Reiki. Still, the Young Buddhist Initiative provides something that she hadn’t found in other spaces: a feeling of connectedness and emotional safety. “It’s first and foremost about creating an environment where people of all ages, including younger people, feel comfortable and welcome. One of the things I’m noticing is that we have a number of transgender people that are young, and so I think it feels almost like the environment is open and welcoming for everyone,” said Michael King, a 58-year-old New Yorker who has been attending Triratna meetings and practices for four years. (Despite its name, New York’s Triratna practice attendee ages typically range from 40 to 60, hewing closely to PRRIs national average.) The group tries its best to cultivate that environment. Those in attendance at the late June session spoke quietly but frankly about fights in personal relationships or embarrassing moments at work, receiving acceptance, not judgement, in return. A break for tea and cookies in the temple’s kitchen made room for casual conversation. When it was time to discuss karma and hypothetical moral situations, we were reminded that it’s not about a strict binary of “good” or “bad,” but “skilled” or “unskilled”: that is, aligned with Buddhist precepts and leading to either happy or unhappy results. The five precepts of Buddhism — abstaining from killing living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication — were also interpreted through a modern lens. Alcohol, for example, was considered not to be bad if used moderately; on the other hand, mindlessly scrolling through social media could become a form of intoxication. The group discussed white lies, supporting friends and power dynamics, never landing on an answer that was considered universally correct. Tea-loving Nepal is developing a taste for coffee For Tamojyoti, Buddhism can provide a way to transform the anxiety that many young people feel in response to the state of the world into action. “Young people want to stand for something, and Buddhism is all about your truth, your values, interconnection, compassion.” “If we’re going to change the way this world is operating, it’s going to happen through young people,” King said, expressing a desire for young people to come to the Dharma and make an impact. “I think a lot of people in my generation have wanted to live more of a Dharmic life, meaning that we’re pulling away from those structures. But those structures can’t change unless we’re in there changing them.”

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), small devices that track blood sugar levels around the clock, are becoming increasingly popular beyond their traditional use by people with diabetes. However, experts warn that healthy individuals may not benefit much from monitoring their blood glucose continuously. The devices, about the size of two stacked quarters, are worn on the upper arm or stomach and measure glucose in the fluid under the skin. They send readings every few minutes to an app or display, helping users track how food and activity impact blood sugar. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently praised CGMs as tools to help Americans take control of their health by making informed decisions about diet and lifestyle. Cardiologist reveals 6 morning habits that keep heart strong CGMs have proven lifesaving for the more than 38 million Americans with diabetes—a condition where blood sugar remains high due to insufficient insulin or resistance. For people without diabetes, blood sugar typically rises and falls normally after meals, and fluctuations are not cause for concern. Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrine specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, cautions that CGMs can be “notoriously inaccurate” and may cause users to misinterpret normal blood sugar changes, potentially creating unnecessary anxiety. The devices became available over the counter in the US last year and cost about $100 per month. They have gained traction among consumers curious about their health, driven by marketing from health influencers and apps like Noom. Experts say CGMs are most useful for people with diabetes or risk factors such as obesity, prediabetes, or a family history of the disease. For healthy individuals, the benefits are unclear, and interpretation of the data is not standardized. Before using a CGM, experts advise considering the purpose and expected outcome of the monitoring.

A heartwarming showcase of creative expression by the children of Peace Home, a shelter operated by the NGO LEEDO (Local Education and Economic Development Organisation), was held on Saturday morning at the Liberation War Museum, highlighting a powerful fusion of art and literature, imagination, and social engagement. Organised jointly by the Liberation War Museum and LEEDO, the event featured artworks developed during a series of creative workshops led by young artist and curator Rupakalpa Chowdhury, drawing inspiration from Begum Rokeya's iconic feminist utopian story Sultana’s Dream. The programme featured the screening of the award-winning documentary Where the Kids Have No Name by Dutch filmmaker Jamillah van der Hulst, which offers an unflinching portrayal of the lives of Dhaka’s street children. The event began at 10:30 am at the museum’s lounge and main auditorium, opening with a moment of silence and a special condolence message from Peace Home’s children in remembrance of the victims of the recent Milestone School tragedy. Tropa Majumdar moderated the event, which included remarks from LEEDO’s Executive Director Forhad Hossain, who emphasised the importance of nurturing creativity and self-expression among marginalised children. LEEDO Peace Home Manager Sohel Rana and member Jasmin Akhter presented an overview of its activities and creative initiatives through a PowerPoint presentation.

Coffee has not traditionally been popular in Nepal. The Himalayan nation is both a major tea producer and a heavy tea consumer. Morning greetings typically begin with “have you had your tea?” rather than “how are you.” In Nepal, tea — usually sweetened and served with milk in hot glass tumblers — holds deep cultural value, much like rice. It's present in homes, meetings, and social gatherings across the country. However, an increasing number of Nepalis are embracing coffee, as modern cafes begin to populate city streets and small towns. Coffee culture began in the 1990sOne Kathmandu café is credited as the starting point. Entrepreneur Gagan Pradhan launched Himalayan Java as a single café in an alley. Today, it has grown into a chain with 84 outlets nationwide. Pradhan estimates Nepal now has about 7,000 cafes, although international coffee giants like Starbucks have yet to enter the market. “There are tea shops all over the country, but their setup remains traditional,” Pradhan said. “When it comes to coffee, we — investors and entrepreneurs — focus seriously on every aspect: equipment, lighting, furniture, and locations.” Simple Tsukudani recipe: A traditional japanese side dish to enjoy with hot rice Tea stalls typically serve basic milk or black tea, while coffee shops offer menus with 10–15 hot and cold drink options, he added. Pradhan noted that cafés require relatively low initial investment, are easy to operate — even by single individuals or families — and customers are willing to pay a premium for coffee. Even in Nepal’s eastern mountain regions known for tea, coffee plantations are now emerging alongside them. Coffee: A costly but aspirational beverageNepal reflects a broader regional trend where tea-drinking cultures in Asia are seeing a surge in coffee consumption, driven by middle-class consumers seeking new experiences and global influences. Coffee is considered a luxury in Nepal. A cup at Himalayan Java costs around $2 — enough to buy an entire meal at a local eatery or five cups of tea. Yet, cafes remain full, especially with office workers on breaks and students studying. “Initially, people in Nepal saw coffee as a symbol of elevated lifestyle,” said social worker and regular café visitor Deep Singh Bandari. “But many developed a genuine liking for its taste and continued drinking it.” Nepal’s domestic coffee production is growingWhile much of Nepal’s coffee is still imported, local cultivation is expanding in the same eastern regions known for tea. Data from Nepal’s National Tea and Coffee Development Board shows the country produced about 400 tons of coffee in the fiscal year 2021–22 — a small amount compared to 26,000 tons of tea — but rapid growth is expected. “People across age groups in Nepal have taken to coffee,” said Pradhan. “The number of coffee drinkers is increasing every day, and this trend will only continue.” Source: Agency

Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered what may be one of the world’s oldest burial sites. Human remains estimated to be around 100,000 years old were discovered in carefully arranged positions within a cave in central Israel, suggesting early evidence of funerary rituals. The discoveries at Tinshemet Cave, documented in a recent academic journal, support earlier findings from other sites in northern Israel and provide new insights into the origins of human burial customs. Archaeologists are particularly interested in items found near the bodies—such as ochre fragments, animal bones, and basalt stones—which they believe were likely used in ceremonial practices, hinting at early forms of spirituality and beliefs in an afterlife. “This marks a significant turning point for our species,” said Yossi Zaidner, co-director of the Tinshemet excavation and professor of archaeology at Hebrew University. “It’s the earliest clear evidence of such behavior.” Since 2016, researchers have unearthed five human remains at the site, dated between 110,000 and 100,000 years old. The bodies were positioned in a fetal pose—a known burial practice—and accompanied by objects that lacked practical use, suggesting symbolic or ritual purposes. A Key Site in Human Evolution Nestled in the hills of central Israel, Tinshemet Cave—now home to fruit bats—has become a vital location for understanding human evolution during the Middle Paleolithic period, which spans from about 250,000 to 30,000 years ago. Findings published in Nature Human Behavior in March include two nearly complete skeletons and three skulls with additional bones and teeth, as well as over 500 pieces of red and orange ochre. These pigments were created by heating iron-rich rocks and indicate a capacity for symbolic or decorative behavior. Zaidner emphasized the complexity of the findings: “We’re seeing behaviors here that go beyond basic survival.” Excavation work, conducted mainly during summers, is a slow process involving detailed documentation and removal of each artifact. One human skull is still partially embedded in rock and may take years to fully unearth. According to Christian Tryon, a University of Connecticut professor and Smithsonian research associate who was not involved in the project, the site’s conditions—including ash from ancient fires and the area’s unique limestone—have helped preserve the remains remarkably well. In one skeleton, even the interlaced fingers beneath the head were clearly visible. Shedding Light on a Mysterious Past Tinshemet’s discoveries reinforce earlier evidence from other Israeli sites like Skhul and Qafzeh Caves, which were excavated under less rigorous methods decades ago. Tryon noted that the new findings provide stronger, more accurate dating and context. This supports the idea that burial practices were becoming increasingly common during this time, reflecting a shift in how early humans treated their dead. While some researchers suggest burial customs may have begun even earlier—possibly with the Homo naledi species in South Africa around 200,000 years ago—many remain skeptical due to lack of conclusive evidence. A Crossroads of Ancient Peoples Israel's geographic location once served as a passage between Neanderthals in Europe and Homo sapiens in Africa. The remains from Tinshemet are still being studied to determine whether they belonged to Neanderthals, early modern humans, or a hybrid group. Zaidner explained that the region’s diverse early populations likely exchanged knowledge and developed shared customs, such as jewelry and body painting—early signs of social identity and group belonging. Israel Hershkovitz, co-director of the excavation and a physical anthropologist at Tel Aviv University, said the emergence of burial sites also marked a symbolic claim to territory. “It’s a declaration: this land belongs to my ancestors,” he said—an idea that still resonates in cultural practices today.        

Scattered across forests worldwide, an imaginative collection of towering wooden trolls crafted from trash is quietly encouraging humans to adopt more sustainable ways of life. Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, along with his team, has constructed 170 large troll sculptures using reclaimed materials like wooden pallets, discarded furniture, and old wine barrels. Since launching the “Trail of a Thousand Trolls” project 12 years ago, Dambo’s creations have appeared in more than 20 countries and 21 U.S. states. Every year, the team builds about 25 new trolls, some reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in height. “I believe we can create anything from anything,” said Dambo, speaking from his farm near Copenhagen. “We’re overwhelmed with waste, but one man’s trash truly can be another’s treasure.” A special exhibition titled “Trolls Save the Humans,” featuring six of the sculptures, is currently on view at Filoli, a historic 650-acre estate filled with gardens and forests located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “They remind us of our connection to nature and the earth,” said Jeannette Weederman, who visited the site with her son in July. Each troll has a unique character and story. At Filoli, Ibbi Pip builds birdhouses, Rosa Sunfinger plants flowers, and Kamma Can creates jewelry from garbage. CRC Group launches ultra-luxury housing project ‘The PERIDONA’ in Dubai “These trolls all have tales to tell,” said Filoli CEO Kara Newport. “They encourage visitors to imagine their own stories and reconnect with the natural world around them.” The trolls, as envisioned by Dambo, are skeptical of humans due to their environmental destruction and wastefulness. These mythical beings, with lifespans stretching thousands of years, have seen the damage wrought by human civilizations. However, the younger trolls featured at Filoli hold a more hopeful outlook. They believe they can teach humans to care for the planet before it’s too late. “They want to save the humans by showing them how to live in harmony with nature,” said Dambo, 45, who is also a poet and former hip-hop artist. “They hope to keep humans from being devoured by the older trolls.” Gen Z’s Royal Obsession: Why 'Princess Treatment' is trending — and stirring debate Dambo’s trolls are tucked away in diverse natural landscapes—from forests and mountains to jungles and grasslands—across Europe, North America, Australia, Chile, and South Korea. Most sculptures are built on-site using locally sourced materials, with support from volunteers and skilled artists. “My exhibitions now attract 4.5 million visitors globally each year, and they’re all made from trash with the help of volunteers,” said Dambo. “It’s a powerful demonstration of why we should rethink waste and embrace recycling.” Source: Agency 

A seemingly playful moment during a Coldplay concert has reignited global conversations around privacy in public, after a “KissCam” clip showing a startled couple quickly went viral — leading to online scrutiny, identification, and even resignation. The couple, later confirmed by tech firm Astronomer as its CEO and chief people officer, attempted to avoid the spotlight but became the focus of memes and social media sleuths. Following public backlash, the CEO stepped down over the weekend. While the incident raised questions about workplace ethics and leadership accountability, experts say it also reflects a deeper issue in the digital age: the blurring line between public and private life. WNBA stars turn heads on the Orange Carpet with dazzling fashion With cameras nearly everywhere — from smartphones to stadium jumbotrons — and the rapid spread of footage online, experts argue that the expectation of privacy in public is increasingly unrealistic. Beyond viral fame, such exposure often leads to doxing and misidentification, prompting concerns over online harassment and surveillance culture. As experts caution, the technology has evolved — but society’s ethical response has not. Source: Agency 

North India’s CRC Group on Sunday unveiled its ultra-luxury residential project, The PERIDONA, at a grand event in Dubai, marking its foray into India’s high-end housing market. Located within the Jaypee Greens Golf Course in Greater Noida, the project involves a development outlay of Rs 15 billion (excluding land cost) and aims to set a new benchmark for premium living in the National Capital Region (NCR). Spanning 3.1 million square feet, The PERIDONA will house 341 apartments, with just one apartment per floor—offering an exceptional level of privacy. The project brings together global design and architecture consultants, including Dubai’s Museum of the Future designer Killa Design, New York-based Rockwell Group, Gensler Architects, SWA Group for landscape design, and project management firm MACE. Study: US children's health worsened over past 17 years with rise in obesity Kunal Bhalla, Founder and CEO of CRC Group, said the development represents a “strategic entry” into India’s ultra-luxury housing space, focused on world-class architecture and a sustainable lifestyle. “The PERIDONA is designed to set an international standard for luxury condominiums. Many of its amenities are being introduced in India for the first time,” he said. Salil Kumar, CRC’s Director (Marketing & Business Management), said the project’s green surroundings, connectivity, and privacy features reinforce its luxury credentials. Construction is expected to begin next month. Located just 20 minutes from the upcoming Noida International Airport—set to become the world’s fourth-largest—the project is being positioned as a high-potential investment. Source: Agency 

Bangladeshi architect-artist Dristi Chakma has recently achieved international acclaim as one of her drawings was selected among the top entries from over 7,000 submissions in the Drawing of the Year Awards, and is currently being exhibited at London Creates 2025, a prestigious showcase hosted by Archisource in the UK capital. The exhibition, taking place at The Truman Brewery in London, features works from some of the world’s most prominent design studios, including Foster + Partners and RSHP. Dristi’s work stands among them—marking a significant milestone for Bangladeshi representation in global architectural illustration. In a recent Facebook post, Dristi shared her excitement, writing, “This is an absolutely proud moment for me as I’ve just stepped into London!! My drawing…has been selected as one of the top works…to be exhibited at London Creates 2025, hosted by Archisource.” She also noted the honour of having her work selected by a distinguished jury panel that includes Narinder Sagoo MBE (Foster + Partners), Jim Heverin (Zaha Hadid Architects), Will Johnston (RSHP), Sam Conway (Hayes Davidson), Eliza Grosvenor (London Festival of Architecture), and Archisource co-founders Mansel Haynes and Emily Glynn. The drawing, developed during her Master of Architecture studio ‘Art, Culture and Other Things’ at the University of Melbourne under the guidance of Samuel Hunter, was created in academic collaboration with Hrisheeta Singh. It is also featured in the Drawing of the Year 2025 publication, highlighting the best visual works of the year. Dristi Chakma studied Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and earned her M.Arch from the University of Melbourne. She currently works as an architect at VITTI Sthapati Brindo Ltd, and previously served as a faculty member at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).