United News of Bangladesh

Shouts of excitement echoed along the Seine at morning as Parisians legally plunged into the river for the first time in more than 100 years. Designated swimming areas, including two new wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis, opened to the public as part of a long-anticipated initiative to revive urban swimming in the heart of Paris. Ahead of the opening, a municipal worker cleared patches of algae from the water with a net, and soon, eager swimmers lined up with towels in hand, ready to jump in. Cheers and joyful cries filled the air as the first swimmers entered the emerald-green river. Strict safety measures were in place, including mandatory bright yellow lifebuoys for all swimmers and lifeguards stationed along the banks. The river's mild current served as a reminder that the Seine remains a bustling, living waterway. “It’s amazing to swim right in the center of the city, especially with the heatwave we’ve had,” said Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker from Paris. “I expected it to be cooler, but it’s warmer than I thought.” Can you have Mayonnaise on a weight loss diet? here's what experts say The return of public swimming follows a €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) clean-up effort linked to last summer’s Olympics. Authorities say the Seine now meets European water quality standards on most days. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who took an early swim last year, attended Saturday’s event, holding up a bottle of river water to demonstrate confidence in its cleanliness. Environmental officials confirmed bacteria levels were well within safety limits.

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), hosted the opening shows of the body puppet theatre performance Invisible Stories on Saturday and Friday at BSA Experimental Theatre Hall, drawing a captivated and enthusiastic audience. Directed by renowned French puppeteer Laurie Cannac, the intercultural production featured a powerful performance by Cannac herself alongside Bangladeshi artist Md Farhad Ahmed. Combining elements of puppetry, dance, and music, the show marked a unique Bangladesh-France collaboration in contemporary theatre. 'Invisible Stories' told the tale of two scientists in Dhaka investigating the influence of ghosts on daily life. As their obsession grows, they are overtaken by the supernatural and drawn into a surreal voyage through the haunted and mystical Sundarbans. The performance shed lights on diverse oral traditions across faiths and communities, blending folklore with modern theatrical technique. Gallery Cosmos workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate concludes Following the Dhaka shows, the production is set to tour France starting in mid-August 2025. For the international leg, performers Md Farhad Ahmed and Swatee Bhadra will represent the production in cities including Charleville-Mézières, Paris, Cluny, Dijon, and Besançon. The piece will be staged at notable venues and festivals such as the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, Théâtre Paris-Villette, and Festival Contes Givrés. Laurie Cannac, classically trained at Théâtre-Ecole du Passage, is known for her emotionally resonant and physical puppet theatre. She founded Compagnie Graine de Vie in 1997 and has led numerous intercultural collaborations. Md Farhad Ahmed, associated with Prachyanat Theatre since 2012 and Jolputul Puppets since 2014, brings his expertise in dance, choreography, and puppetry to the production. Swatee Bhadra, a fellow performing artist, joins him for the upcoming France tour. The show was free and open to all.  

A strong immune system is essential for protecting the body from viruses, bacteria, and other infections, and regular exercise plays a vital role in keeping it functioning optimally. Along with a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and stress management, physical activity helps improve blood circulation, reduces stress, enhances hormonal balance, and supports the production of immune cells, according to a report by asianetnews. Here are five effective exercises that can help boost your immunity and keep you healthy: 1. Brisk WalkingBrisk walking is one of the simplest ways to improve overall health. A daily 30-minute brisk walk raises the heart rate and improves blood circulation, helping immune cells travel more efficiently through the body to fight infections. Walking outdoors also provides fresh air and sunlight, which helps the body produce vitamin D-an essential nutrient for immune function. All you need are comfortable shoes and a safe walking route. 2. Strength TrainingStrength training exercises such as push-ups, squats, and dumbbell workouts not only build muscle but also support the immune system. These exercises help enhance metabolism and hormonal balance. Five fruits to keep hair healthy and strong Beginners can start with bodyweight exercises or light weights and gradually increase intensity, performing two to three sessions per week. This process stimulates immune cell production and improves the body's ability to fight off infections. 3. YogaThe ancient Indian practice of yoga reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. Through breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation, yoga helps lower stress hormones like cortisol, which, when elevated, can weaken the immune system. Poses such as Child’s Pose, Downward Dog, and Bridge Pose improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins and transporting immune cells. Beginners can start with simple poses at home or consider joining a class. 4. SwimmingSwimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that places minimal stress on joints while improving cardiovascular health and lung capacity. It helps reduce inflammation and releases endorphins, enhancing mood and supporting immune health. The water resistance involved in swimming also strengthens muscles and improves flexibility, making it suitable for individuals with arthritis or injuries. 5. DancingDancing is a fun and effective way to stay active, raise the heart rate, and promote blood circulation. It helps reduce stress and improve mood, both of which are important for maintaining a strong immune system. Dancing can also be a social activity that combats loneliness and depression. No formal classes are required — simply put on your favorite music and move, benefiting both mind and body.

Mayonnaise is widely loved for its creamy texture and ability to enhance the flavour of burgers, pizzas, and pasta dishes. But is it suitable for a weight loss diet? Nutritionist Amita Gadre recently shared her views on the health effects of mayonnaise through her official Instagram page. Is Mayonnaise Good for Weight Loss?According to Amita, mayonnaise should be consumed with caution. “You could be serving up high cholesterol on a plate by eating mayonnaise,” she explained. One tablespoon (15 grams) of mayonnaise contains approximately 8 grams of fat, making it more than 50% fat. Despite this, mayonnaise is often treated like ketchup or a harmless bread spread. Amita cited the example of a burger, stating that “the deep-fried patty, cheese, and mayonnaise together amount to more than 25 grams of fat in one serving — that’s the total recommended daily fat intake.” Is It Okay to Eat Mayonnaise Occasionally?While it is acceptable to have mayonnaise occasionally, portion control is essential. Those managing weight or health conditions should limit mayonnaise consumption to special occasions or opt for healthier alternatives. Health tips: eat these four foods regularly to keep blood pressure under control What Are Some Healthy Alternatives to Mayonnaise?For those looking to replace mayonnaise in their meals, Amita suggests: ·         Avocado spread ·         Greek yoghurt ·         Hummus ·         Mustard or vegan mayonnaise Is Mayonnaise Bad for Heart Health?Yes, excessive mayonnaise intake can negatively affect heart health. Its high fat and calorie content may contribute to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased risk of heart disease. Experts recommend enjoying mayonnaise in moderation. What Happens When You Stop Eating Mayonnaise?Cutting mayonnaise from your diet may bring positive changes. Reduced calorie and fat intake can support weight loss, while lower saturated fat consumption may help improve heart health by decreasing cholesterol levels. Some individuals may also notice improved digestion and reduced bloating. Now that you know the truth about mayonnaise, health experts encourage mindful consumption to stay fit, healthy, and happy. Source: NDTV

The annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest returns Friday, and legendary competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut is back in the lineup, seeking his 17th championship. The 41-year-old from Westfield, Indiana, missed last year’s event due to a contractual dispute with plant‑based meat maker Impossible Foods. Chestnut says he and Nathan’s have since resolved their differences, clearing the way for his comeback. Chicago’s Patrick Bertoletti, who claimed the men’s crown in Chestnut’s absence, enters as the defending champion on Coney Island’s famed Riegelmann Boardwalk. On the women’s side, Tampa’s 39‑year‑old Miki Sudo is favored to defend her title and chase an 11th win after setting a women’s record of 51 hot dogs last year. First held in 1972, the contest stages competitors in front of Nathan’s original Coney Island restaurant, drawing crowds—many sporting foam hot dog hats—to watch eaters consume as many buns and wieners as possible in 10 minutes. Dunking hot dogs in water to soften them is encouraged, adding to the spectacle. Avoid these 5 common mistakes for a perfect fruit salad Fifteen men from the U.S., Australia, the Czech Republic, Canada, England and Brazil will compete, while the women’s field of 13 features all American entrants. Chestnut holds the event record of 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, set in 2021, and has amassed 16 Mustard Belts. Last July 4, rather than compete, he ate 57 hot dogs in five minutes during an exhibition with U.S. troops in El Paso, Texas. “I’m thrilled to be back at Coney Island,” Chestnut told The Associated Press last month. He noted he never endorsed Impossible Foods’ vegan products in commercials and that Nathan’s is the only hot dog company he’s partnered with—an oversight he said he should have clarified sooner. Source: Agency 

In Senegal, elite sheep take center stage in a dazzling beauty contest where their elegance is met with cheers, music, and fireworks. These striking animals—especially the prized Ladoum breed—are symbols of prestige, paraded in an open arena to the excitement of an enthusiastic crowd. Known as the "Ferrari" of sheep, Ladoums are showcased in one of the country’s most celebrated annual events, competing across three categories: adult male, adult female, and young/promising. Judges score each sheep based on traits like size, beauty, horn shape, height, and skin texture. Winners take home cash and food prizes. This year’s top male, Prive, is just 19 months old but estimated to be worth over $100,000. “It feels amazing to be here,” said his breeder, Isaiah Cisse, as he lovingly prepared Prive for his moment in the spotlight. Unlike common sheep used for food and religious sacrifice, the Ladoum are luxury livestock—bred over years to represent wealth and social status. These animals can fetch prices as high as $70,000 or more, far surpassing the $250 typical for ordinary sheep, and they attract buyers globally. Weighing up to 400 pounds and standing about 4 feet tall, Ladoums are admired for their impressive size, spiraled horns, and gleaming coats. As the competition took place in Dakar, each sheep was guided onto a stage to be evaluated, accompanied by live Assiko music and chants praising the animals. “You won’t find sheep like these anywhere else,” said judge Elhadji Ndiaye. “Ladoum are truly unique.” Young breeders are also making their mark. Twenty-two-year-old Musa Faye named his sheep Diomaye, after the country’s president, and is already preparing for future competitions. “I play with him and spend a lot of time training,” Faye said. “I know he’ll win next time.” The event also showcased up-and-coming enthusiasts like 12-year-old Ibrahim Diagne, who dreams of entering the contest one day. “My parents love this, and now I do too,” he said. Sheep rearing in Senegal is a longstanding tradition passed down through families, often seen as more than just a livelihood—it's a cultural legacy. That legacy continues for breeders like Maniane Ndaw, whose young sheep Alou won Best Junior Male this year—following in the footsteps of his champion father. “It brings me so much joy,” Ndaw said. “It proves the strength of the bloodline.”  

Fruit salad may seem like one of the easiest dishes to prepare, but even the simplest recipes can go wrong if not done carefully. While many people consider it just a side dish, for others, fruit salad serves as a quick, refreshing comfort food, often included in weight loss diets. From lunch to dinner, a bowl of seasonal fruit salad can be both healthy and satisfying. Salads can be prepared using vegetables, fruits, or a mix of both. But for those who prefer a bowl of only fruits, there is more to it than just chopping and mixing.  Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. And while making a fruit salad is simple, it is equally easy to make mistakes that affect taste and texture. Here are five common fruit salad mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Skipping Seasonal Fruits Can Ruin the Taste One of the biggest mistakes is ignoring seasonal fruits. Seasonal produce offers natural sweetness, better texture, and enhanced flavour, elevating the overall taste of your salad. Additionally, seasonal fruits are often more affordable. Choosing fresh, in-season fruits from your local vendor will make a noticeable difference. 2. Adding Fruits You Do Not Enjoy Eating Just because an online recipe features kiwi or papaya doesn’t mean you have to include them. If there are fruits you dislike, there is no need to force them into your salad. A customised fruit salad that reflects your preferences will always taste better. Use only the fruits you enjoy eating. Don't store these foods at the bottom of the fridge; here's why 3. Choosing the Wrong Combination of Fruits Not all fruits work well together. Some are too watery, others oxidise quickly, and some lose their structure after cutting. Avoid overripe or excessively juicy fruits if you want to maintain good taste and texture. Aim for a balance with options like apples, bananas, grapes, and watermelons — they hold their shape, taste great, and provide a pleasant mix of crunch and softness. 4. Overloading with Too Many Fruits While using a wide variety of fruits might sound appealing, it can cause flavours to clash and the salad to become soggy, especially if watery fruits dominate. Stick to a few varieties and balance them with different textures. Adding seeds or nuts can enhance both flavour and crunch. 5. Pre-cutting Fruits Long Before Serving Although cutting fruits in advance may seem convenient, it leads to oxidation, making them look unappetising and dull. To maintain freshness and vibrant colour, cut fruits just before mixing the salad. Also, avoid chopping fruits into very small pieces, as they lose their structure and can turn mushy. A good fruit salad should appear fresh and visually appealing. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can ensure your homemade fruit salad not only looks inviting but also tastes delicious. There is no need to complicate the process — just avoid these common mistakes. Source: NDTV

Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former TV anchor Lauren Sánchez tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Venice, Italy, reportedly spending tens of millions of dollars for their extravagant 3-day celebration. The grand affair, which concluded on Saturday, June 28, drew an A-list guest list, including tech mogul Bill Gates, media icon Oprah Winfrey, and other high-profile figures, turning the historic Italian city into the backdrop of one of the most talked-about weddings of the year. The festivities — spread over three lavish days — came with all the trimmings of extreme wealth: luxury yacht arrivals, grand canal parades, and Sánchez reportedly donning multiple designer outfits by Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, and Bottega Veneta, with her wedding dress alone drawing headlines for its mermaid-style silhouette. While the exact expenditure remains undisclosed, estimates suggest Bezos, the world’s third-richest person, spared no expense for the occasion. Bezos-owned Washington Post cuts more jobs Reuters earlier reported that Venice regional governor Luca Zaia initially pegged the cost between 20 and 30 million euros ($23 million to $34 million). However, the figure reportedly surged to between 40 and 48 million euros ($46.5 million to $55.6 million) after heightened security concerns prompted a last-minute change of venue, according to USA Today. But as the couple reveled in their Dolce Vita-inspired celebration, hundreds of Venetians marched through the city's narrow streets Saturday chanting, “Kisses Yes, Bezos No” and “No Bezos, No War.” Banners decried the spectacle as an affront to Venice's residents, who grapple daily with overtourism, sky-high housing prices, and worsening climate-driven floods. “We are here to disrupt the parties of these rich people, who grow richer by exploiting others, while our city faces decay,” said protester Martina Vergnano. Organizers claimed their protests forced the relocation of Saturday’s final party to the historic Arsenale, a medieval shipyard, away from its initially planned venue. The city’s mayor and officials defended the wedding, calling it part of Venice's centuries-old tradition of welcoming emperors, popes, and now billionaires. In a gesture seen by many as damage control, Bezos donated €1 million ($1.17 million) each to three organizations working to protect Venice’s environment, according to local research association Corila.  

Getting thick, black, and luscious hair requires more than just external hair care. Regular use of hair masks, herbs, and a healthy lifestyle can work wonders, according to a report by asianetnews. Apart from maintaining hair hygiene, including certain fruits in your diet can help promote healthy hair growth. Some fruits are not only beneficial for overall health but also play an important role in improving hair quality. Here are five fruits that experts recommend for maintaining healthy hair: Amla This fruit is considered a powerhouse of nutrients for both hair and eyes. Rich in Vitamin C, amla strengthens hair roots and helps reduce hair fall. It can be consumed directly or its juice can be applied to the hair for better results. What you need to know about regularly consuming olive oil Papaya Both ripe and unripe papaya are good for hair health. Papaya contains folate, which makes hair smooth and shiny, activates hair follicles, and helps fight dandruff. Guava Guava is widely known for strengthening teeth and preventing diseases. It also contains riboflavin, a nutrient that promotes hair growth and helps reduce hair fall. Banana Bananas are great for hair and overall health. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, bananas support hair growth. Experts say you can also prepare a banana hair mask to improve hair texture. Orange Rich in Vitamin C, oranges strengthen hair roots and promote hair growth. Including oranges in your daily diet is recommended for maintaining healthy hair. Experts suggest that combining these fruits with regular hair care routines and lifestyle changes can significantly improve hair health.

The three-day unique art workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques ‘Alchemy of Light’ concluded on Sunday at Gallery Cosmos, shedding the spotlight on these two alternative photographic printmaking processes, each with unique characteristics and applications. Led by acclaimed artist and educator Juton Chandra Roy, Lecturer at the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, the workshop brought together 10 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds: Rashed Sukhon, Naznine Akter, Alia Kamal, Farhana Islam, Sheikh Nahid Hasan, Sharmin Rahman Khan, Sumaita Afrin Shupty, Arup Mandal, Shuvra Talukder, and Bristy Pathan. The concluding day was graced by Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean, Vice President of the Cosmos Group and Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and UNB Nahar Khan, and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professors Dr Anisuzzaman Anis and Dr Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, among others. 'Alchemy of Light': Gallery Cosmos hosts workshop by Juton Chandra Roy “Since the inception of our Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, a number of art enthusiasts from home and abroad have joined to learn, practice and showcase their artistic power on a regular basis. We organize multiple unique art events and artistic ventures in a calendar year, and this special workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques under the title ‘Alchemy of Light’ by acclaimed artist Juton Chandra Roy have been a priority project for us,” Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet said on the occasion. “Talented artists from diverse background across the nation joined this workshop including prominent artists-art educators such as Professor Anis, Bishwajit Goswami and others; and they all have enthusiastically learned these relatively new artistic methods together in this workshop, and we will showcase the artworks from the workshop in a future exhibition soon,” she added. While exploring the workshop, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean praised the initiative, saying it was “very innovative” to organize such a workshop. “From my perspective, it’s particularly commendable as it uses natural colours—creating a dialogue between art and ecology. With this initiative, you are touching something deeply connected to that link. Our imagination in art comes from nature, and it’s important to strengthen that bond,” he told UNB.