United News of Bangladesh

Finland has been ranked as the world's happiest country according to the World Happiness Report 2025. For the eighth consecutive year, this Nordic country is at the top of the happiness rankings in the annual report published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.  People's responses regarding assessing their personal lives were used to determine the rankings of each country. The study was conducted in collaboration with the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and the analytics company Gallup. Read more: How to Recognise Your Emotional Red Flags According to researchers, several characteristics that affect happiness aside from income and health seem surprisingly straightforward: having a social support system, eating meals with people, and having a large household. According to the survey, for instance, the happiest households are those with four to five members in Mexico and Europe.

Amadou Ndiaye carefully traced his fingers over bumps on a sheet of paper, interpreting the world he can no longer see. Two centuries have passed since the invention of braille, a tactile writing system that has revolutionized the lives of blind and partially sighted people, providing them with a means of literacy and independence. “Braille has allowed me to live my life,” said Ndiaye, a social worker in Mali who lost his sight as a child. “Before, people wondered: Here is someone who can’t see—how will he manage? How will he fit into society?” Mali, a West African nation with a population exceeding 20 million, has long faced challenges in integrating blind and partially sighted individuals. According to the eye care charity Sightsavers, an estimated 170,000 people in Mali are blind. At 47, Ndiaye was fortunate to attend the blind institute in Mali, where he learned braille, telling himself, “Everything others do, I can do too.” He later went on to attend university. He explained that braille enabled him to pursue his main passion: playing the guitar, which also highlights the importance of touch. “Every pressure on the strings, every movement of my fingers on the neck, becomes a living note full of meaning,” Ndiaye shared. The guitar plays a vital role in Mali's griot tradition, a form of storytelling through music. Musicians have adapted the guitar to mimic sounds of traditional string instruments like the kora. Artists such as Ali Farka Touré have blended Malian melodies with blues, creating a soulful and captivating sound that has earned global recognition. Malian musical duo Amadou and Mariam ignited Ndiaye’s love for the guitar when he was a boy. “One day, near a photography studio, I heard their music coming through the window, which inspired me to explore this world,” he recalled. Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, known as "the blind couple from Mali," gained international fame in the 1990s for their fusion of traditional Malian music, rock, and blues. Bagayoko lost his vision at 16, while Doumbia went blind at 5 due to untreated measles. They met at Mali's institute for the blind, where Doumbia was learning braille and teaching dance and music. At such institutes, braille has helped students overcome challenges like slower reading and writing skills. With braille, students can take the same exams as others, paving the way for employment opportunities, said Ali Moustapha Dicko, a teacher at the capital’s institute for the blind. Dicko, who is blind, uses a special typewriter to create braille texts for his students. However, he noted that his students still face challenges. “We are facing a shortage of teaching materials,” Dicko explained, adding that he only has one braille reading book for his entire class of dozens of students. But advancements in technology give hope to some blind and partially sighted people, suggesting that educational obstacles may continue to decrease. “There’s software, and phones that speak, so many things are vocal,” said Bagayoko of the musical duo. “This helps us progress.” However, Moussa Mbengue, Sightsavers' Senegal-based program officer for inclusive education, pointed out that such technological advances do not match the breakthrough braille represented 200 years ago. “It cannot replace braille. In my view, technology complements braille,” he said.

A Dutch "fish doorbell" has unexpectedly become an online sensation, blending slow TV with environmental activism. In the central Dutch city of Utrecht, a "fish doorbell" has been installed at a river lock to assist migrating fish. Viewers of a live stream from an underwater camera can alert authorities when they spot fish as they journey to shallow spawning areas. By clicking a button, viewers send a screenshot to organizers, who notify a water worker to open the lock, allowing the fish to pass through. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has attracted millions of viewers globally, offering a unique mix of slow TV and ecological engagement. While the live feed often shows murky water with occasional bubbles, fish are more likely to appear as the water warms. Without intervention, native freshwater species like bream, pike, and bass may get stuck behind the lock and become vulnerable to predators, as the lock is rarely opened for boats during spring. The concept was created by ecologist and concept developer Mark van Heukelum, who has been pleasantly surprised by the global response. "I think the combination of a good cause, a beautiful story, and a simple idea has sparked all this attention," he said. Anna Nijs, an ecologist with the Utrecht municipality, was also taken aback by the worldwide popularity of the project. "We receive a lot of fan mail from people who find the slow TV calming," Nijs said, adding, "They also appreciate the chance to contribute to the cause."

Inside his shop in Srinagar, tailor Farooq Ahmad Shaksaaz presses a button on his vintage 1970 Sharp cassette player. With a familiar clack, the machine comes to life, crackling for a moment before the soulful voice of Ghulam Ahmad Sofi fills the air, singing about divine love and longing for the creator. Shaksaaz inherited his deep appreciation for Kashmir’s Sufi music from his grandfather, along with a carefully preserved collection of cassette tapes from the 1970s. As he sews, he immerses himself in the melodies, belonging to a niche yet devoted group of listeners who insist that cassette tapes offer the purest experience of Kashmir’s spiritual music. In Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sufi music—rooted in the teachings of local and Central Asian Muslim saints—has long been a source of solace, offering spiritual guidance and a refuge from the region’s frequent unrest. For decades, the hum of cassette players has carried the mystical poetry of Sufi saints and the sounds of traditional Kashmiri instruments like the sarangi and santoor. Even today, many Sufi music gatherings in the region are recorded exclusively on cassette tapes, a format that flourished between the 1970s and 1990s. Although digital versions of the music are increasingly accessible, many Kashmiris argue that nothing compares to the authenticity of cassette tapes. ‘Hajong’: Aslam Molla’s first solo photography exhibition to be held Friday “There is something sacred about pressing the play button on a cassette player,” said Abdul Ahad, a carpet weaver. “For me, it’s like listening to the voices of spiritual guides.” During the cassette era, local record labels released some of the most treasured Sufi music albums. While the format has declined, devoted fans still bring tape recorders to Sufi gatherings, where digital recorders are often unwelcome due to concerns that they distort the distinct sounds of traditional instruments. “Tapes give a smooth and rich sound,” said Abdul Hamid Khan. “You can hear each instrument clearly, something modern players fail to capture.” However, as tapes degrade and more music shifts to digital platforms, maintaining the cassette-listening tradition has become increasingly difficult. Many families have been forced to part with their tape players due to mechanical failures, while others struggle to preserve their cherished collections—some holding rare, irreplaceable recordings passed down for generations. To protect these musical treasures, some enthusiasts have started digitizing old recordings. Only a few shops in Srinagar still sell tape recorders or blank cassettes, and finding spare parts or repair technicians has become a challenge. A handful of mechanics in the Kashmir Valley continue to restore vintage cassette players, keeping the tradition alive. Mohammad Ashraf Matoo, a self-taught repairman, has dedicated years to fixing decades-old machines from brands like Sharp and Kenwood, despite the dwindling supply of spare parts. He salvages components from broken players and even manufactures some parts himself to meet demand. Depending on the brand and condition, a fully restored tape recorder sells for anywhere between $150 and $850. Maiden cultural event in 17 years, Sufi Fest enlivens Ahsan Manzil For Shaksaaz, holding onto cassette tapes is more than just nostalgia—it’s a mission to preserve Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual heritage. “It’s a bridge to our past,” he said. “A way to stay connected to our roots in an increasingly digital world.” Source: With input from agency

With the rising incidents of violence against young girls to aged women, learning self-defense has become essential. Dhaka hosts several martial arts training centers where girls and women can learn practical techniques of judo, karate, kung fu, etc. These disciplines are effectively aligned with real-life self-defense scenarios. Let’s take a closer look at the leading institutes that provide a supportive environment for women to learn essential safety skills. Top 10 Martial Arts Training Centers for Women in Dhaka . KO Fight Studio The Bangladesh branch of the world-renowned Karate Organization, ShinKyokushinKai, operates under the name of this institute. The training center prioritizes mastering the Japanese Kyokushin Karate style. Shihan Abdullah Mohammad Hossain, a 4th Dan black belt (4th degree black belt holder), is the organization’s executive director and head instructor. KO Fight Studio’s curriculum includes master striking, escape techniques, and de-escalation skills, all of which are crucial for real-life situations. The sessions span a minimum of 8 weeks, consisting of 16 classes, each lasting 2 hours. The admission fee is BDT 2,000, with a monthly fee of BDT 4,000. Address: Level-4, Building No. 19-20, Road-113/A, Gulshan (next to Shahabuddin Medical) Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/KOFSDhaka/ Read more: Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know About Their Color and Significance Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School This school focuses on the traditional Chinese martial arts of Wushu and Kung Fu, with an emphasis on modern adaptations such as Sanda, Taolu, and Wing Chun. The school was founded by Master Abdullah Al Monsur, a highly skilled martial artist. Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School offers training in striking, grappling, weaponry, and hybrid martial arts. Students are taught techniques from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, Kenpo, judo, Aikido, Sumo, and wrestling, alongside weapons training in Kendo, fencing, and Iaido. The courses emphasize physical strength, mental health, focus, and discipline. An online option for Kung Fu classes is also available for students participating from home. Main Branches: Bhaban-58, Road-5, Block-F, Aftabnagar, Badda. Additional branches are located in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Bashundhara, and Uttara. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wushubd Sobhan Karate Academy Catering to trainees aged 5 to 65, this academy boasts a membership where over 80% are women. The training features the globally recognized Shotokan Karate style. The admission fee is BDT 5,000 for all, while the monthly fee is BDT 3,000 for students and BDT 4,000 for professionals. Sobhan Karate Academy features a specialized 9-month defensive tactics course, which costs BDT 40,000, including the admission fee. The initial month’s fee is BDT 10,000 for students and BDT 11,000 for professionals. Address: Russian Cultural Center, House No. 510, Road 7, Dhanmondi Website Link: https://www.sobhankarateacademy.com/ Read more: Best Martial Arts for Women: Know the purposes, risks, requirements Martial Art BD This training institute is led by internationally certified experts, including Sensei Nazmun Sahadath. He is a 4th Dan and national karate judge affiliated with the Bangladesh Karate Federation. Martial Art BD offers programs in general karate and bodybuilding, promoting long-term health. Updated details about course schedules and fees are available on its website. Website Link: https://martialartbd.com/ Address: 15/G Jigatola, Dhanmondi, (Sundarban Courier Building). Additional branches are located in Lalmatia and Shonir Akhra. HORDE MMA & Martial Arts Academy Founded by 4th Dan Black Belt holder Sensei Kim Yanez, HORDE MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) & Martial Arts Academy specializes in combining karate with kickboxing. It incorporates the world-famous No-Gi Submission Grappling technique to overcome the opponent. Classes are offered from 9 AM to 8 PM, and course details can be obtained through their Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/HordeMMA/Main Branch Address: House-34, Sonarganj Janpath, Sector-11, Uttara, (Opposite Zamzam Tower) Read more: Best Martial Arts For Fitness Martial Arts Stars Academy Established in 1992, Martial Arts Stars Academy focuses on Judo, Karate, and Jiu-Jitsu, with defensive weapons training as part of the curriculum. Head coach Shamsher Alam, a national referee, is affiliated with both the Bangladesh Judo and Karate Federations. Trainings are conducted in two batches: one starting at 6 AM and the other at 4:30 PM. Address: Bari-13, Road-14, Block-D, Section-6, Mirpur. Practice Venue: Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium, Mirpur. Visit their Facebook page for further information on course fees. Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/p/Martial-Arts-Stars-Academy-100062993752856/ Jacky Martial Art Academy The institute was initiated in 1990 by Kamal Uddin Jacky. A gold medalist from Korea and extensively trained in Japan, Jacky is now a 7th Dan Black Belt Athlete. Jacky Martial Art Academy is renowned for its black belt course lasting two years. The curriculum includes karate, kung fu, judo, taekwondo, chain stick, and long stick training. The monthly fee for the course is BDT 1,000. Additionally, a separate batch for girls is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon. Address: Chandan Kotha Center, Shahid Faruk Road, Nabi Nagar, West Jatrabari, Dhaka Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/JackyMartialArtAkademy Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do Founded in 1999, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do is a prestigious karate school in the country. The head coach is sensei Abdul Shukkur Ali Shikder. The school has a branch in Gulistan and multiple locations across Rampura and Banasree. Training at the National Sports Council Building in Gulistan is held from 7 AM to 9 AM. On the contrary, classes at the Rampura and Banasree branches are typically conducted from afternoon to evening. More details on the curriculum, admission, and course fees are available on their official Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/bangladeshwadokaikaratedo Contact Address: 377/1, East Rampura, D.I.T Road, Rampura. Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh The Korean defensive combat style Chang Moo Kwan Taekwondo is widely appreciated all over the world. Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh serves as the official representative of this discipline in the country. The institute conducts training programs five days a week, from 4 PM to 7 PM (except Friday and Saturday). Comprehensive details on admission and courses are accessible through their official Facebook page. Page link: https://www.facebook.com/royaltkdbangladesh Address: House No. 77/B, 7A Dhanmondi. Read more: 7 Types of Strength Training And Their Benefits Shotokan Karate Bangladesh Originating in Japan, Shotokan is one of the world-famous styles of self-defense. It is also widely practiced in karate clubs in Bangladesh. Approved by the National Karate Federation, Shotokan Karate Bangladesh proudly carries the spirit of Shotokan. The center offers courses on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Morning classes are from 8 AM to 9:30 AM, and afternoon classes are held from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. Course fees and other relevant details can be found on their Facebook page. Link: https://www.facebook.com/shotokankaratebangladeshAddress: 8/C, West Chowdhury Para, Dhaka. Summing Up These self-defense training institutes in Dhaka, dedicated to empowering women, present a unique approach tailored to their distinct martial arts styles. KO Fight Studio, Sobhan Karate Academy, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do, and Shotokan Karate Bangladesh emphasize traditional karate training. Chinese Kung Fu & Wushu School preserves the essence of Wushu, while Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh is dedicated to Taekwondo. Horde MMA & Martial Arts Academy blends karate with kickboxing, whereas Martial Arts Stars Academy integrates judo and karate. Jacky Martial Art Academy provides a well-rounded approach, incorporating multiple disciplines. Martial Art BD combines personal protection techniques with bodybuilding programs. Beyond physical strength, these institutes foster mental resilience, making self-security a holistic practice for women. Read more: Homemade Pepper Spray for Self-Defense: Ingredients, process, efficiency, precautions

  Limiting daily television viewing to one hour or less may help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, even in individuals with a high genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes, according to new research. The study, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association, is among the first to explore how genetic susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes interacts with TV-watching habits in relation to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. "Type 2 diabetes and sedentary behaviors, including prolonged sitting, are key risk factors for ASCVD," said lead author Dr. Youngwon Kim, a professor at The University of Hong Kong’s School of Public Health. "Since TV viewing makes up a significant portion of daily inactivity, it has been consistently linked to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis," Kim noted. "Our study highlights the potential role of reducing TV time in preventing ASCVD, particularly in those with a strong genetic predisposition for diabetes." ASCVD encompasses heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, leading to complications such as reduced quality of life, arterial procedures, amputations, and premature death. Researchers analyzed genetic, lifestyle, and medical data from 346,916 adults in a large UK-based biomedical database. The participants, with an average age of 56, were monitored for nearly 14 years. During this period, 21,265 individuals developed ASCVD. To assess genetic risk, researchers calculated polygenic risk scores—an assessment combining 138 genetic variants linked to Type 2 diabetes. Participants were categorized as having a low, medium, or high genetic risk for the condition. Their TV habits were also self-reported, dividing them into groups watching one hour or less daily and those watching two or more hours. Only 21% of participants limited their TV time to one hour or less. Those watching two or more hours daily faced a 12% higher risk of developing ASCVD, regardless of their genetic risk for diabetes. However, individuals with medium or high genetic risk did not show an increased likelihood of developing ASCVD if they restricted their TV time to one hour or less per day. Interestingly, people with a low genetic risk for diabetes who watched at least two hours of TV daily had a slightly higher 10-year ASCVD risk (2.46%) compared to those with a high genetic risk who limited their TV time (2.13%). "This suggests that reducing TV time could be a key behavioral strategy for preventing ASCVD in those with a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes," said study co-author Dr. Mengyao Wang of The University of Hong Kong. Wang emphasized that encouraging people—especially those at high genetic risk—to minimize TV time and adopt healthier habits could significantly improve heart health. Dr. Damon L. Swift, an associate professor at the University of Virginia’s department of kinesiology, who was not involved in the study, supported these findings. "This research underscores the impact of lifestyle choices on health," Swift said. "It adds to growing evidence that reducing sedentary behavior, such as TV viewing, can be an effective intervention for improving cardiovascular health—particularly for those at an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes, who already face a higher likelihood of developing heart disease."        

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you got some sleep last night. But are you feeling rested? Experts say it's an important question to consider. Most of us spend a third of our lives sleeping, but you may need more or less than eight hours a night. Here’s what sleep scientists and doctors say about how much you really need — and whether your gender plays a role. Sleep quality over quantity Sleep is still a mystery, despite how critical it is for our health. “The reasons aren’t entirely clear, but it’s an essential thing that we all do,” said Dr. Rafael Pelayo, a sleep specialist at Stanford University. “Something remarkable happens when you sleep. It’s the most natural form of self-care that we have.” Most of the population gets between seven to nine hours — and that particular category has the lowest association with health problems, said Molly Atwood, a behavioral sleep medicine clinician at Johns Hopkins. Once people either dip into less than six hours of sleep or get more than nine hours on average, the risk of health problems inches up, Atwood said, but everybody is different. When you’re trying to figure out how much sleep you need, it’s important to think about the quality of it, Pelayo said: “What you really want to do is wake up feeling refreshed — that’s what it’s about.” “If somebody tells me that they sleep many hours but they wake up tired, something is wrong," Pelayo said. "You shouldn’t leave your favorite restaurant feeling hungry.” How much sleep we need changes The amount of sleep we need changes throughout our lives. Newborns need the most — somewhere between 14 to 17 hours. “Definitely when we’re babies and children, because we are growing so rapidly, we do need a lot more sleep,” Atwood said. The National Sleep Foundation recommends most adults between 26 and 64 get between seven to nine hours of sleep. People who are 65 and older can get slightly less, and young adults between ages 16 and 25 can get slightly more. Humans cycle through sleep stages roughly every 90 minutes. In the first portion of the night, Atwood said that more of the cycle is slow wave sleep, or deep sleep, which is essential to repairing and restoring the body. It’s also when “growth hormone” is released. In the latter hours of the night, more of the sleep cycle is spent in rapid-eye movement sleep, or dream sleep, which is important for learning and memory consolidation, or the process in which short-term memory gets turned into long-term memory. Kids get more “deep sleep,” with about 50% of the night in that realm, she said. That drops at adolescence, Atwood said, because our body doesn’t need the same kind of repair and restoration. Something else interesting happens around puberty: Gender-based differences in sleep start to crop up. Do women need more sleep than men? Research doesn’t show that women need more sleep — but women do get slightly more sleep on average than men, Atwood said. It starts at a young age. Though they have the same sleep needs, teenage girls seem to get less sleep than teenage boys, Pelayo said. Additionally, teenage girls tend to complain of insomnia more frequently. When women become first-time mothers, they often care for newborns throughout the night more frequently, which means less sleep, said Allison Harvey, a clinical psychologist and professor who studies sleep at UC Berkeley. Hormones may also impact women's sleep quantity and quality during pregnancy and menopause. “With menopause in particular, women can develop deterioration in their sleep with an increased number and duration of nighttime awakenings,” said Dr. Mithri Junna, a Mayo Clinic neurologist who specializes in sleep. Atwood said women may also need more sleep right before their menstrual cycle. “There are definitely times that your body’s telling you that you need more sleep,” she said. “It’s important to listen.” When to seek help sleeping You'll know if you’re not getting enough sleep if you're feeling grumpy, irritable and inattentive. Long-term, those minor symptoms can become serious problems — even deadly. “If you’re not getting enough sleep or you have untreated insomnia or sleep apnea, your risk of depression increases,” Atwood said. “Your risk of cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, risk of heart attack and stroke increases. Your immune system is compromised. You’re at greater risk for Alzheimer’s.” If you’re getting the recommended amount of sleep every night but still waking up feeling tired, you might consider going to your primary care physician. They can rule out other health conditions that may affect your sleep, Atwood said. But if problems persist, seeking out a sleep specialist could be helpful.

Photographer, journalist, and theatre activist Mohammd Asadurjaman Aslam Molla’s first solo photography exhibition, ‘Hajong,’ is set to be inaugurated on Friday at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The opening of the exhibition will be joined by Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, and Mustafa Zaman, artist-art critic and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) Fine Arts Director, on Friday at 4 pm. Bangladesh’s art treasures deserve a global stage: Clare Hindle The exhibition will highlight the rich culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Hajong community, a small ethnic group residing in the northeastern regions of Bangladesh, including Sunamganj, Sylhet, and Mymensingh. The Hajongs have a unique culture and religion, closely aligned with Hinduism but centred around worshipping Shiva, their chief deity, and Aslam Molla’s work will showcase their distinct customs, including their practice of wearing ‘Paita,’ the holy thread, and their devotion to Goddess Durga and other deities. The Hajong people, who were significantly displaced during the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent, have a history intertwined with political movements, particularly the fight against the exploitation of zamindars in the Mymensingh division. Aslam Molla's exhibition will also shed light on their struggles, including their involvement with the Communist Party and the subsequent migration of around 30,000 Hajong refugees to India in 1964. Garden Gallery Cosmos welcomes Spring with daylong ‘Live Drawing, Watercolour Session & Exhibition’ Aslam Molla is currently working as a journalist at New Age. His past exhibitions include the Colombo Art Expo 2024 and the 25th National Art Exhibition in 2023, where he won the Best Award in Photography. The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, March 18, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Archaeologists in Cambodia are celebrating an unexpected find at the country’s centuries-old Angkor temple complex: the torso of a statue of Buddha that matches a head found nearly a century ago at the same site. The torso, believed to be from the 12th or 13th century, was discovered during a dig by a team of Cambodian and Indian experts last month at Angkor’s Ta Prohm temple. It was found along with 29 fragments that appeared to be part of the same statue, archaeologist Neth Simon said this week. It stands at 1.16 meters (3 3/4 feet) tall and is in the Bayon art style, associated with Angkor’s Bayon temple. “It was a big surprise when we unearthed this sculpture because all we’d found so far were small pieces,” Neth Simon told The Associated Press by phone from Siem Reap province. She described the statue’s design as displaying carved jewelry and robe and sash, with a unique left-hand gesture across the chest — “an uncommon representation in Khmer (Cambodian) art.” The statue’s presumed head was discovered at the same temple in 1927 during the French colonial era, and is currently kept at Cambodia’s main National Museum in the capital Phnom Penh. Neth Simon said the torso was found about 50 meters (yards) away from the site where the head was discovered, and that an optical electronic scan confirmed they were a match. A near-complete reconstruction of the status is possible, Neth Simon added, now that only the right hand of the statue remains missing. Her team will ask the Minister of Culture and Fine Art for approval to reattach the head and body of the sculpture to make it whole for public display. With metal detectors and patience, amateur treasure hunters unearth pieces of British history The Angkor site sprawls across some 400 square kilometers (155 square miles), containing the ruins of capitals of various Cambodian empires from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Scholars consider it to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The site is Cambodia’s most popular tourist attraction and in 2024 attracted about a million international tourists, according to Cambodia’s Tourism Ministry. The excavations aim to organize and preserve the numerous art objects scattered throughout the Ta Prohm complex, highlighting the ongoing efforts to protect and understand Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, the Apsara Authority says. Neth Simon said she would be delighted if the statue’s pieces could be reassembled after being far apart from each other for a century.

A baby sea lion, holding an artificial kelp strip, was captured on video performing intricate, rhythmic gymnastics-like movements in the waters of an aquarium in Washington state. At just 9 months old and still dependent on her mother’s milk, Pepper has become the most acrobatic sea lion at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, according to Noelle Tremonti, a staff biologist. “We often joke that she’s a ribbon dancer because her movements look so graceful and surprisingly beautiful underwater,” Tremonti said. “It makes me really happy to see her engaging with enrichment activities in such a focused way.” The mesmerizing circles, performed last month in Tacoma, Washington, located about 34 miles (55 kilometers) south of Seattle, are part of the sea lion’s enrichment exercises. The kelp strips help Pepper learn how to interact with kelp, which she would encounter in the wild, and how to explore her surroundings using her mouth, Tremonti explained. Made from durable felt material, the strip is just the right size for Pepper to grasp and manipulate. In the video, the sea lion uses her flipper to drag the strip while chasing the end, creating graceful loops, and then bites down on it. Pepper, the first sea lion born at the aquarium in its 120-year history, now weighs 74 pounds (33.5 kilograms) and recently ate her first fish, although she mostly enjoys playing with them. Her favorite pastime, however, is flipping around with the kelp strips. “She spends a large portion of her day finding new ways to play with them,” Tremonti said. “It’s really fun to watch.”