United News of Bangladesh

Colombian superstar Shakira once again stole the spotlight at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, but her latest anthem ‘Dai Dai’ has already drawn inevitable comparisons with her legendary 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with thousands of fans gathering to witness the grand opening show. Shakira headlined the ceremony alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, delivering the first live performance of ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song. The performance featured high-energy choreography, vibrant visuals, colourful dancers and a giant World Cup trophy prop, with Shakira showcasing her trademark stage presence and dance moves. While the show received strong praise from fans, it quickly sparked debate online over whether ‘Dai Dai’ could ever match the cultural legacy of ‘Waka Waka’, which became one of the most iconic World Cup songs in history. Social media users were quick to draw comparisons. Many argued that ‘Waka Waka’ had already cemented itself as the “ultimate World Cup anthem,” with one user writing that although ‘Dai Dai’ is “beautiful,” it can never replace the 2010 hit’s global impact. Others, however, noted that the comparisons themselves highlight Shakira’s rare dominance in World Cup music, pointing out that she also delivered another global hit with ‘La La La (Brazil 2014)’. They said few artists have managed to produce multiple iconic tournament anthems. While ‘Dai Dai’ continues to gain traction across streaming platforms, ‘Waka Waka’ remains a global cultural phenomenon more than a decade after its release. The song’s official music video has crossed 4.5 billion views on YouTube, compared to 126 million views for ‘Dai Dai’, underscoring the enduring legacy of Shakira’s 2010 anthem. With inputs from NDTV

What turns a song into a memorable FIFA World Cup anthem? Is it cultural representation, a catchy global hook, or a chant-friendly chorus that unites millions of fans? Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, artists who have contributed to past and present tournament songs shared their insights with The Associated Press. Among them is Colombian superstar Shakira, who is performing the official 2026 World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” alongside Afrobeats artist Burna Boy. Shakira, who previously delivered the iconic 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, said a World Cup song must reflect global emotions and connect cultures through music. She emphasized that such songs need rhythm, energy and a strong sing-along quality. According to her, a successful anthem should make people want to dance, sing together and feel emotionally united, as football itself brings together people from different backgrounds. Colombian singer J Balvin, who is part of Coca-Cola’s official World Cup 2026 track — a reworked version of Van Halen’s “Jump” featuring Travis Barker, Amber Mark and Steve Vai — said modern music demands immediate impact. He noted that listeners’ attention spans are short, making a strong opening and memorable hook essential. He added that a World Cup anthem should reflect the emotional highs and lows of football matches and match the sport’s intensity. Canadian-Moroccan artist Nora Fatehi, featured on the official World Cup album with the track “Siir, Siir” alongside Vegedream and DJ Sanjoy, said a good anthem should feel empowering. She said it should evoke a sense of victory, motivation and aspiration the moment it is heard. Meanwhile, Wyclef Jean, who co-created the 2014 World Cup song “Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way)”, said a successful anthem must energize stadiums and carry strong rhythm and melody. He stressed that while global collaboration can help, the key element is cultural energy rather than the number of featured artists. Jean added that World Cup music should transcend language barriers and focus on unity, resilience and hope, delivering an uplifting message for young people worldwide. With each edition of the tournament, World Cup anthems continue to evolve, but the common thread remains the same — music that unites fans across nations through rhythm, emotion and celebration.

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday paid tribute to two of Barcelona’s most iconic religious sites, offering prayers at a hilltop monastery in the morning and leading an evening Mass at the world-famous Sagrada Familia Basilica on the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death. The Pope began his day by visiting inmates at a Barcelona prison, continuing a tradition established by Pope Francis of meeting prisoners during overseas trips. He told the inmates that past mistakes do not define a person’s future, saying that people always have the chance to change their lives. Pope Leo is currently on a weeklong visit to Spain, where large crowds of Catholic faithful have welcomed him, reflecting the country’s enduring religious devotion despite a long period of secularisation after the end of its 20th-century dictatorship. Later in the day, the Pope was set to visit the Montserrat monastery outside Barcelona, a major spiritual site for Catalonia’s Catholics. The complex includes an 11th-century Benedictine abbey, a 16th-century basilica, and the famous Black Madonna statue. It is also home to one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs, dating back to the 13th century. The highlight of the visit is an evening Mass at the Sagrada Familia, held to mark 100 years since the death of its creator Antoni Gaudí, who died in 1926 after being struck by a tram. Construction of the basilica began during the papacy of Pope Leo XIII and has continued for more than a century. Today, it stands as one of the most visited but still unfinished monuments in the world, attracting millions of tourists each year. Gaudí, whose work is being considered for sainthood, dedicated much of his life to designing the basilica as a “stone expression” of Christian faith. The building’s façades depict major events from the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth and crucifixion, while a third façade representing his glory is still under construction. The structure features 18 towering spires symbolising Christ’s apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ himself. Last year, the central tower dedicated to Christ was completed at a height of 172.5 metres, making Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. The Pope is expected to formally consecrate the tower during Wednesday’s Mass. Inside, the basilica is designed to resemble a forest, with tree-like columns rising toward the ceiling and coloured light streaming through stained glass windows, creating a shifting play of light throughout the day. Gaudí once said nature was his greatest teacher, a philosophy reflected in the building’s design, which blends Christian symbolism with natural forms. Historians say the Sagrada Familia combines biblical themes with elements of nature to create a spiritual experience where architecture, light and symbolism come together to express faith in a unique visual form.

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

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

Winning the Miss Universe Kerala 2026 title may have brought her recognition, but for 19-year-old law student Kaziah Liz Mejo, her greatest achievement is overcoming years of self-doubt and insecurity. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Kaziah said she struggled with confidence for years and was unhappy with many aspects of herself. “For years, I didn't have a single unfiltered picture of myself. I was insecure about my looks, my personality and almost everything else,” she said. The beauty queen said building confidence was a gradual process that involved working on her communication skills, personality, appearance and overall self-development. According to her, one idea played a major role in changing her mindset: “fake it till you make it.” “The biggest change came when I started intentionally working on myself. I convinced myself that I was the most confident person in the room and walked onto stages with that belief. At first, others believed it, and eventually I believed it too,” she said. Kaziah, who hails from Mavelikkara in India's Kerala state, said her interest in beauty pageants began after watching Harnaaz Sandhu win the Miss Universe crown in 2021. “That was the first Miss Universe competition I watched. I didn’t know much about pageants at the time, but seeing India win after so many years inspired me,” she said. Harnaaz Sandhu ended India’s 21-year wait for the Miss Universe title in 2021. Before her, India’s previous winners were Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. Responding to the perception that beauty pageants focus only on physical appearance, Kaziah said the experience offers valuable life lessons. “Pageantry is often misunderstood. It is not only about beauty. Whether you win or lose, it helps you discover yourself, find your voice and build confidence. It has taught me resilience, discipline and personal growth,” she said. Kaziah is now preparing to compete in the Miss Universe India competition, hoping to take the next step in her pageant journey.

As the world observes World Food Safety Day, health experts are urging people to follow safe food handling practices and avoid common misconceptions that can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. Food safety plays a crucial role at every stage of the food chain, from production to consumption. However, several myths about storing, preparing and eating food continue to mislead people. Here are 10 common food safety myths and the facts behind them: Myth 1: You can tell whether food is safe by its smell or appearance Fact: Not always. Many harmful bacteria and microorganisms do not change the smell, taste or appearance of food. Food that looks normal can still cause illness. Myth 2: Leftover food can stay out for several hours Fact: Cooked food should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator and eaten within three to four days. If they will not be eaten soon, they should be frozen. Myth 3: Food is safe to eat if picked up within five seconds after falling on the floor Fact: The popular "five-second rule" is a myth. Germs can transfer to food immediately after it touches the floor. Myth 4: Kitchen cloths and sponges are harmless Fact: Dishcloths and sponges can carry dangerous bacteria and spread contamination around the kitchen. Experts recommend disinfecting them regularly or boiling them in water. Myth 5: Raw poultry should be washed before cooking Fact: Washing raw chicken or other poultry can spread bacteria to hands, kitchen surfaces, utensils and nearby food. Proper cooking is enough to kill harmful microorganisms. Myth 6: Food poisoning happens only a few hours after eating contaminated food Fact: Symptoms can appear within hours, days or even weeks, depending on the bacteria, virus or parasite involved. Myth 7: Frozen food can be safely thawed on the kitchen counter Fact: Thawing food at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. Experts advise thawing food in the refrigerator or in cold water instead. Myth 8: Organic fruits and vegetables do not need washing Fact:All fruits and vegetables, including organic produce, should be washed thoroughly with clean water to remove dirt, bacteria and pesticide residues. Myth 9: Foodborne illness only causes an upset stomach Fact: While many cases are mild, some foodborne infections can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and even life-threatening conditions. Myth 10: Hand sanitizer replaces handwashing Fact: Hand sanitizer can reduce germs, but it is not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water, especially before handling or eating food. Health experts say following proper hygiene and food safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne diseases and help protect families from preventable illnesses. With inputs from NDTV

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among senior members of the British royal family who attended the wedding of Charles’ nephew Peter Phillips on Saturday, dressed in formal attire including hats, tailcoats and elegant dresses. Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, the King’s sister, married Harriet Sperling, a nurse working for Britain’s National Health Service, in a church ceremony held in the village of Kemble in southwestern England. Manish Malhotra to debut at Paris Haute Couture Week 2026 More than 100 guests attended the ceremony, including Prince William, Princess Catherine, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and other members of the royal family. The bride wore a high-neck lace gown designed by Emilia Wickstead for the occasion. Phillips, 48, is the son of Princess Anne and her former husband Mark Phillips. He is the eldest grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the first cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry. He was previously married to Autumn Kelly, with whom he has two children. His engagement to Sperling was announced last year. Well-wishers cheered as the bride and royal family members arrived at the venue. After the ceremony, guests held umbrellas in heavy rain as rose petals were thrown over the couple while they exited the church.

More than 300 scholars, researchers and cultural figures from around 70 countries gathered in northwest China's ancient Silk Road city of Dunhuang this week to discuss how Chinese culture and ideas can help address some of the world's growing challenges. The Third World Conference of Sinologists, which concluded on Thursday, focused on the theme "Pooling Wisdom of Civilizations to Jointly Address Challenges of Our Times." Participants said increasing global conflicts, economic inequality and declining trust among nations have sparked renewed international interest in Chinese culture, philosophy and approaches to development. Among the attendees was German traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner Joel Mikael Walker, who has spent more than a decade studying in China. Speaking at the conference, he said Chinese philosophy had changed his understanding of the world. Walker said concepts such as yin and yang taught him that differences and conflicts do not always have to lead to confrontation and can instead be resolved through dialogue and balance. Many speakers noted that sinology, traditionally the study of Chinese language and culture, is increasingly moving beyond academic research and becoming part of everyday cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. The choice of Dunhuang as the venue carried special significance. Located on the ancient Silk Road, the city served for centuries as a meeting point for trade and cultural exchange between East and West. It is also home to the world-famous Mogao Grottoes, which contain hundreds of ancient caves, sculptures and murals dating back more than 1,600 years. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome Wirtu said the Silk Road was not only a route for trading goods but also a channel for sharing ideas and cultures among different civilizations. Several participants pointed to a growing curiosity about China among younger generations, particularly in Europe and other Western countries. Ingar Solty said many young people are becoming interested in Chinese lifestyles, wellness practices and cultural traditions. Similar views were expressed by Sebastien Joseph Roland Perimony, who said more young Europeans now see China as a country associated with innovation, development and stability. Speakers also argued that Chinese philosophical traditions, shaped by thinkers such as Confucius and Lao Tzu, offer ideas that remain relevant in today's world, including harmony, respect, humility and coexistence. Mohamed Rasheed said these values could help address growing tensions and divisions across the globe.Wirtu said China's development model, which combines economic growth with social and cultural progress, could provide useful lessons for other developing countries seeking modernization. Meanwhile, Sira Abed Rego said international dialogue and cultural exchange are becoming increasingly important as geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to rise. She said China has contributed to global cooperation by promoting multilateralism, mutual respect and trust among nations, adding that efforts to study languages, translate cultures and promote understanding help reduce barriers and support peace. Participants agreed that greater exchanges among civilizations and cultures remain essential to addressing shared global challenges and building a more peaceful future.

A simple daily walk may be one of the most powerful habits for long-term health, according to a US-based heart specialist. Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, says walking regularly can strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, reduce stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. In a video shared on Instagram, London explains that even moderate walking can make a meaningful difference to overall health. “It’s super simple, but it’s really powerful,” he says. “It decreases cardiovascular risk, controls blood pressure, controls blood glucose, and helps control weight.” He notes that the benefits of walking increase with frequency and duration, but even small amounts of daily movement are effective in improving health outcomes. Key benefits of walking London highlights several health benefits linked to regular walking: Longevity: Walking is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. “More is better, but even modest amounts move the needle,” he says. Heart and metabolic health:Regular walking helps manage blood pressure, blood sugar levels and body weight, supporting overall heart and metabolic health. Brain health and mood:Walking is also linked to better mental well-being, including reduced stress, improved mood and a lower risk of cognitive decline. Beyond physical health:London also points to less measurable benefits, such as spending time outdoors and having space to think. “Some of the best ideas come during a walk,” he notes. Experts say walking remains one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise, offering benefits for both physical and mental health when done consistently. Source: NDTV