United News of Bangladesh

When faced with overwhelming bureaucracy in Poland, Magdalena Kujawińska and her Colombian fiancé Heinner Valenzuela turned to Denmark for a simpler solution — and tied the knot in a 10-minute ceremony at Copenhagen’s historic City Hall. “We realized that it’s not that easy to get married in Poland,” said Kujawińska. The couple, who reside in Krakow, struggled with document delays, especially the certificate of non-marriage from Colombia, which expires in three months and couldn’t arrive in time. Instead, they turned to an online wedding planner who helped them secure approval to wed in Denmark within just four days. Copenhagen has become a magnet for international couples — mixed-nationality and same-sex alike — earning the nickname “Las Vegas of Europe” for its streamlined wedding procedures. According to Anita Okkels Birk Thomsen, head of the marriage office at Copenhagen City Hall, the capital hosted around 8,000 weddings last year, 5,400 of which involved couples with no Danish residency — nearly double the number from five years ago. But the popularity comes with a downside. Local couples are finding it harder to secure ceremony slots. Tea-loving Nepal is developing a taste for coffee “The significant rise in foreign couples getting married in the capital poses challenges for Copenhagen-based couples,” said Mia Nyegaard, the city official in charge of culture and leisure. Starting late October, City Hall will reserve 40% of wedding slots for residents. However, ceremonies via private registrars will not be affected. City lawmakers will also explore additional measures to relieve pressure on wedding services after the summer break. Denmark’s appeal lies in its liberal marriage laws. It was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex civil unions in 1989 and legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. The requirements are simple: no birth certificate or proof of single status is needed in most cases. Applications cost 2,100 kroner (about $326) and, if approved, couples receive a certificate within five working days. All that's typically required is a valid passport — and a visa, if necessary. “We get that thing like, ‘Are you sure we do not need a birth certificate?’ And we go, ‘Yes,’” said Rasmus Clarck Sørensen, director of Getting Married in Denmark, an online wedding planning company. His firm helped over 2,600 couples last year through its €875 ($1,014) “Complete Service” package. For Kujawińska and Valenzuela, Denmark offered more than convenience — it fulfilled a long-delayed dream. “It means a lot for us because we’ve been waiting a lot for this,” said Kujawińska. “We’re really happy.” Source: Agency 

Online booking systems have turned once-complicated air flight arrangements into seamless digital experiences. All Bangladeshi airlines now operate official websites for ticketing convenience. A major leap forward has been the rise of flight search engines that integrate nearly all airlines under one virtual platform. Let’s explore some renowned international flight booking sites leading the country’s air travel revolution. Some Popular Sites for Booking International Air Flights from Bangladesh Here are some renowned websites where people can book air flights depending on their schedule, requirements, and budget plans.  Biman Bangladesh Airlines Link: https://www.biman-airlines.com/ The state-owned airline introduced its online seat booking system in 2010. Through its official website, passengers can effortlessly complete the entire ticketing process from home. This includes selecting the destination, date, and class and providing detailed traveller information such as email address and mobile number. Payment can be made through digital banking or any preferred mobile payment platform. Upon successful payment, an e-ticket is sent directly to the passenger's email. For added convenience, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also offers a mobile application, Biman App, available for any smartphone users. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BimanAirlines.Biman&hl=en&gl=US Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/biman/id6444130555 Read more: Online Ticket Booking in Bangladesh: Websites for Buying Train, Bus, Launch, Air Tickets Shohoz Link: https://www.shohoz.com/ A reliable platform for e-tickets across international and domestic transport, Shohoz has built a strong presence. Since its inception in 2014, it has brought buses, trains, launches, and flights under a single digital platform. On the Shohoz website, users can specify departure date, destinations, and travel dates separately for each transport mode. After completing payment via mobile wallet or bank card, users receive a link to download their ticket, either via email or SMS. The entire process is mobile-friendly, allowing seamless booking directly from a smartphone. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shohoz.rides Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shohoz-app/id1354321445?ls=1 ShareTrip Link: https://sharetrip.net/ What began as a small Facebook page named Travel Booking BD in 2013, with a focus on selling plane tickets, evolved into ShareTrip the following year. ShareTrip became the country’s first platform to offer online ticketing for both domestic and international flights through a unified system. In addition to its website, ShareTrip provides dedicated apps for Android and iPhone users. All platforms feature real-time fare listings for available flights. Customers typically receive their e-ticket via email within one to two days after completing payment. It depends on the working day, weekend, or public holidays.  Booking requires account registration, and the account can later be used to manage cancellations or rescheduling requests. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sharetrip&hl=en  IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sharetrip-flight-shop-voucher/id1469335892 GoZayaan Link: https://gozayaan.com/ Among Bangladesh’s foremost online travel agencies (OTAs), GoZayaan has been facilitating domestic and international air ticketing since 2017. Beyond e-ticketing, the platform also offers services related to hotel bookings, tour packages, and visa assistance. To place a booking, users must first create an account, which grants access to flight updates and ticket management. The website features both flight search and fare comparison tools across multiple airlines. With support for nearly all major mobile wallets and banking systems, the platform is easily accessible to a wide range of users. In addition, dedicated mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android users. IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gozayaan/id1635126688 Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gozayaan.app&hl=en Read more: Air ticket syndicate back in Bangladesh as fares rise defying govt order Wego Link: https://www.wego.com.bd/ Founded in 2005, Wego is a dynamic multinational travel platform representing over 30 nationalities. Along with domestic routes, the company offers international flights with great deals on preferred airlines. A standout feature is Wego’s direct airline comparison tool, which lets users evaluate multiple carriers in real time. In addition, the platform integrates Airalo, its exclusive eSIM service, for effortless mobile connectivity abroad, as well as e-visa solutions for select destinations. Beyond flights, Wego is a proud partner of Airbnb. They operate ShopCash, a rewards platform for shoppers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With the advantage of multiple payment methods, customers conveniently afford this world-class service.  Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wego.android&hl=en IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/wego-flights-hotels-booking/id751096907 US-Bangla Airlines Link: https://usbair.com/ With its inaugural flight launched on the Dhaka-Jashore route, US-Bangla Airlines began operations on July 17, 2014. It has since expanded its reach to major cities across Asia and the Middle East. The airline offers its frequent flyers the Sky Star Program, allowing passengers to accumulate Sky Star Miles. These can later be redeemed for flight tickets or other exclusive rewards. The website is known for its visually engaging interface and clear navigation. The platform also supports a wide range of payment options, making the entire booking experience accessible. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stsbd.fahim.usbangla&hl=bn&gl=US iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/us-bangla-airlines/id1519327703 Amy Link: https://www.amybd.com/ Since its establishment in 2015, Amy has earned a reputation as a trusted all-in-one travel platform. They streamline everything from flight bookings to hotel reservations and Umrah packages. Amy’s real-time booking system ensures instant confirmation via SMS and email, giving travelers peace of mind. With its advanced flight search, schedule updates, and price comparison features, users stay fully informed at every stage. The platform accepts a wide range of local and international banking cards and supports the most popular mobile financial services. They also offer a suite of smart tools, including the Amy Flight Tracker, live airport flight screens, and Amy Chat. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amybd.amy IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amy-bd/id1482481770 Read more: Why Are We Asked to Put Our Phones on Airplane Mode During Flights? Buy Tickets Link: https://buytickets.com.bd/ On August 19, 2018, Buy Tickets, an initiative of Airspan Ltd., began its domestic and international air ticketing operations. Today, it holds a notable position in Bangladesh’s growing travel sector. Like other leading OTAs, Buy Tickets offers a user-friendly interface for effortless flight booking. Customers receive their e-tickets via SMS or email after completing payment. The platform currently supports Android users through its dedicated mobile app. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buytickets.bd&hl=en Firsttrip Link: https://firsttrip.com/ As an initiative of US-Bangla Airlines, Firsttrip has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s leading OTAs. It fuses travel and technology to streamline flight bookings and adapt to evolving traveller expectations. Functioning as a comprehensive flight search engine, it allows users to reserve tickets on the most prominent and trusted carriers. Each carrier covers both international and domestic routes. Their standout features are Open Flight Tracker, an intuitive interface, and flexible payment choices across mobile wallets and banking platforms. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firsttrip.user IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firsttrip/id6462388200 Final Words These popular international flight booking sites of Bangladesh reshape the experience of travelling abroad with ease, speed, and reliability. Biman Bangladesh and US-Bangla Airlines reflect the country’s aviation pride. Wego, Shohoz, ShareTrip, and Amy have emerged as trailblazers in the country’s flight search engine space. The latest OTAs, GoZayaan, Buy Tickets, and Firsttrip, blend modern travel tech with user-centric features. Altogether, these platforms reflect the evolving travel industry, where digital innovation meets global connectivity.

A big bowl of steamed clams and juicy-crisp corn is summer eating at its finest. The combination is fresh, sweet and briny, almost like a chowder made for eating with your fingers. In this recipe from our cookbook “ Milk Street 365: The All-Purpose Cookbook for Every Day of the Year,” we finish the clams and corn with a small measure of crème fraîche (or whole-milk yogurt); the briny-sweet liquid released by the clams becomes a subtly creamy broth that’s as delicious as the clams themselves. Fennel perfumes the broth with anise-like notes. Scrub the clams well before cooking and be sure to dispose of any with cracked or damaged shells. Give any clams with open shells a gentle tap and toss if they do not close within a few seconds. If you can, use corn kernels cut from freshly shucked ears (you’ll need two good-size ears to get the 2 cups kernels called for in the recipe), but frozen corn works in the off-season. When buying corn, look for bright green husks and supple silk, and avoid ears small brown holes in the husk. To easily remove kernels from the cob, place the ear flat on the cutting board and slice, rotating as needed. Avoid these 5 common mistakes for a perfect fruit salad Serve with oyster crackers, or with crusty bread for mopping up the broth. Steamed Clams with Corn, Fennel and Crème Fraîche Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium fennel bulb, halved, cored and thinly sliced 1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced 2 teaspoons fennel seeds Kosher salt and ground black pepper 2 cups corn kernels 2 pounds hard-shell clams (about 1½ inches diameter), such as littleneck or Manila, scrubbed ¼ cup crème fraîche OR plain whole-milk yogurt Directions: In a Dutch oven, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the fennel, onion, fennel seeds and a pinch of salt, then cook, stirring, until the vegetables are lightly browned. Stir in the corn and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and add the clams. Cover and cook over medium, stirring once or twice, until the clams have opened. Stir once more, then remove and discard any clams that haven’t opened. Off heat, stir in the crème fraîche and ½ teaspoon pepper. Season with salt. Optional garnish: Hot sauce OR chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley OR lemon wedges OR a combination.

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