United News of Bangladesh

Popular young content creator Kaarina Kaisar was taken to Chennai by an air ambulance on Monday night for advanced treatment after being placed on life support due to serious liver complications. In a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon, her father, former national footballer Kaisar Hamid, wrote: “Last night, my daughter Kaarina Kaisar was taken abroad by jet air ambulance for advanced treatment.” He said Kaarina was accompanied by her mother, Lopa Kaisar, while her two brothers, Mustafa S. Hamid and Sadat Hamid, travelled as liver donors. Kaisar Hamid requested everyone to pray for his daughter. Kaarina suffered liver failure on Friday (May 8) and was later placed on life support. Family sources said she had been unwell for several days. After being admitted to hospital, doctors reportedly found an infection and confirmed that she had contracted Hepatitis A.

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has arrived at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, turning heads with a sleek monochrome outfit. For her arrival, Bhatt opted for a tailored blazer featuring puffed shoulders and a cinched waist, paired with matching slim-fit trousers. She completed the look with accessories from Gucci. The actress, who made a notable debut at the festival in 2025, is expected to walk the red carpet again this year. She will also attend the opening ceremony on May 12 as India’s global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. Bhatt was earlier seen departing from Mumbai in the early hours of Monday, heading to the French Riviera for the prestigious event. Source: NDTV

Actor Trisha Krishnan has expressed happiness over Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, saying she is “very happy” and congratulating him on the milestone. Trisha was among the earliest guests to arrive at the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, where Vijay officially assumed office as Chief Minister. Speaking briefly to media at the venue, she said, “Very happy, congratulations.” Riteish Deshmukh dismisses Rs 100 crore budget buzz around ‘Raja Shivaji’ Her presence at the event attracted significant attention, with videos and photographs of her arrival widely circulating on social media. She was seen wearing a seafoam-green saree, complemented by a neatly tied bun adorned with a white gajra. Vijay and Trisha are among the most popular on-screen pairs in Tamil cinema, having worked together in several hit films including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi, and most recently Leo. In recent months, the two actors have also been the subject of frequent online speculation regarding their personal relationship. Despite ongoing rumours, neither Vijay nor Trisha has publicly addressed the claims. Their close friendship has long been discussed on social media, with some users suggesting a romantic link between them. The speculation resurfaced after details from Vijay’s divorce filings became public, with sections of social media again linking him with Trisha. Some political figures have also referred to the alleged relationship while criticising Vijay. Source: NDTV

The densely populated capital of Bangladesh has once again topped the list of cities with the worst air quality in the world. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Dhaka was recorded at 174 at 10:20 am on Monday India’s Delhi, Uzbekistan's Tashkent and Vietnam's Hanoi ranked second, third and fourth respectively, with AQI scores of 153, 147 and 145. An AQI reading between 101 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, particularly for sensitive groups. A reading between 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, while 301 to 400 is classified as ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI is used by government agencies to report daily air quality and inform the public about pollution levels and possible health impacts. In Bangladesh, the index is calculated based on five major pollutants — particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with severe air pollution, with conditions typically worsening in winter and improving during the monsoon season. Air pollution remains one of the leading global health risks. Exposure to polluted air increases the risk of heart disease, chronic respiratory illness, lung infections and cancer, according to multiple studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes around seven million premature deaths worldwide each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

    Katy Perry is set to perform at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12 ahead of the United States’ opening match of the FIFA World Cup, organizers announced Friday. The performance will be part of special pregame entertainment planned across the three host countries for the expanded 48-team tournament. The ceremony before the U.S. faces Paraguay will also feature performances by rappers Future and Rema, singers Lisa, Tyla, and Anitta, along with DJ Sanjoy. In Mexico, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11 will include performances by Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Belinda, J Balvin, and the bands Los Ángeles Azules and Maná. Canada’s first World Cup game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto’s BMO Field will feature Canadian stars Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, William Prince, and Nora Fatehi, as well as Elyanna, Vegedream, and DJ Sanjoy. FIFA said all opening ceremonies are expected to begin 90 minutes before kickoff.    

Malayalam film actor Santhosh K Nayar died in a road accident in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala early Tuesday. His car collided with a van in the early hours. His wife, who was travelling with him, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, reports NDTV. Santhosh K Nayar, who made his film debut with the 1982 movie Ithu Njangalude Katha, appeared in more than 100 films over his career. He was widely recognised for his roles portraying villains as well as comic characters. Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram, he hailed from an educated family. His father, C N Kesavan Nair, was a retired headmaster, while his mother, P Rajalakshmiamma, was a retired teacher. During his college years, he was actively involved in politics. Although his sisters pursued careers in medicine as gynecologists, he chose acting as his profession. He also shared a close association with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, as both studied at MG College. Santhosh pursued a degree in Mathematics, while Mohanlal studied Commerce. In interviews, he often recalled their college days, noting that despite being of similar age, Mohanlal became his senior after Santhosh temporarily left his studies to pursue engineering before completing his degree later. His final on-screen appearance was in Mohaniyattam, which is currently running in theatres. The film, released on April 10, serves as a sequel to Bharathanatyam and is set to stream on Netflix from May 8. Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the film follows the story of Sasidharan Nair’s family caught in a tense situation. The cast also includes Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinay Forrt and Jagadish.  

Legendary singer of Bangladesh Runa Laila was honored with the prestigious “Minar-e-Delhi” Award at the Delhi International Film Festival. The event was held held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts on May 4. She also shared the stage with legendary Indian singer Usha Uthup. The evening reached a magical high when both icons performed ‘ Ishtishoner ralgarita’ together, creating a truly unforgettable and emotional moment.

Colombian pop icon Shakira delivered a huge free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with city officials estimating a turnout of around 2 million people. The show followed similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which also attracted massive crowds to the famous shoreline. Shakira’s concert is part of her ongoing “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album. Taking the stage at about 11 p.m., more than an hour behind schedule, Shakira was greeted by loud cheers as drones illuminated the sky with the message “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese. Reflecting on her early career, the singer recalled first visiting Brazil nearly 30 years ago as a teenager with dreams of performing for local fans. “And now look at this. Life is magical,” she told the audience. During the performance, she delivered a series of hits including “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” before closing with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” a track released after her separation from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. She also highlighted themes of resilience, telling the crowd that women grow stronger and wiser through challenges. Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, said the concert made history, noting the massive turnout and referencing Shakira’s hit song “She Wolf.” Experts say Shakira’s enduring popularity in Brazil dates back to the 1990s, helped by cultural similarities between Brazil and her home country, Colombia. Fans at the event expressed deep admiration, with many describing her as a symbol of Latin strength and identity. Some attendees also noted that performances by artists like Shakira and Bad Bunny reinforce a shared Latin American cultural identity beyond the United States. Large crowds began gathering early Saturday to secure spots, while street vendors sold food, drinks, and even items like sandbags to help spectators get a better view near the stage, set up opposite the iconic Copacabana Palace. City officials say the free concert is part of a broader effort to boost the local economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations, and June’s Saint John’s Day events. According to estimates, the event could generate around 777 million reais (about $155 million) through increased tourism and spending in local businesses. Data from previous years also show a significant rise in visitors during similar events. Travel platform Airbnb reported a surge in bookings ahead of the concert, with visitors arriving from across Brazil, Latin America, and European cities. For many fans, the concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some traveling long distances just to attend.  

Colombian pop icon Shakira is set to perform a free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with Brazilian authorities expecting around 2 million people to gather at the famous seaside venue. The show comes after similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which drew huge crowds to the beach. Shakira’s concert is part of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album. Speaking to Brazil’s TV Globo, Shakira said the Copacabana show could be the biggest of her career. She described performing on the beach as a lifelong dream, calling it a “magical place,” and noted that she learned Portuguese before English. Music experts say Shakira’s strong connection with Brazilian fans dates back to the 1990s, when she first performed in the country. Felipe Maia, an ethnomusicologist at Paris Nanterre University, said cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil helped her build a lasting bond with audiences. He added that Saturday’s concert reflects that long-standing relationship. Fans have already begun arriving early to secure good spots. Vendors lined the beach selling snacks, drinks and even items like toilet paper and sandbags to help people get a better view of the stage, set up near the Copacabana Palace hotel. Street vendor Simone Paula da Cunha, who came a day early to sell drinks, said she also hoped to watch the performance live. Despite being tired, she said she has been a fan of Shakira since her early days. Entertainment on the beach will begin in the afternoon with DJs, while Shakira is expected to take the stage at 9:45 p.m. local time for a performance lasting about two hours. Another DJ will perform afterward to help manage the crowd as they leave. City officials say the free concert is part of efforts to boost Rio’s economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations and the June Saint John’s Day events. Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere said such events help create jobs, generate income and strengthen the city’s identity. He added that the financial return from the concert could be up to 40 times the city’s investment. According to estimates by City Hall and Riotur, the show could generate about 777 million reais, or roughly $155 million, driven by increased spending in hotels, restaurants and shops. Officials also noted a sharp rise in tourist arrivals during similar events in previous years. Data shows visitor numbers grew significantly in early May in 2024 and 2025 compared to 2023. Airbnb said bookings have increased ahead of the concert, with visitors expected from across Brazil, Latin America and cities such as Paris and London. Wanderson Andrade, an architect who traveled from central Brazil for the show, said he had missed the chance to see Shakira last year and was determined not to miss this one. “Today is a dream come true,” he said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, for the first time, introduced rules addressing the use of artificial intelligence in films for the 2027 Oscars, while also expanding eligibility for international entries. Announcing updated guidelines on Friday, the Academy said AI tools will not be banned but stressed that human creativity must remain central to any film’s eligibility. Under the new rules, the use of AI “neither helps nor harms” a film’s chances of getting nominated. However, voters will consider how much human input was involved in the creative process when selecting nominees and winners. “Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Lynette Howell Taylor, adding that the organisation will continue reviewing its approach as technology evolves. In acting categories, only performances clearly carried out by human actors, with their consent, will be eligible. The Academy said it will review cases involving AI-generated performances individually. The rules are stricter for writing categories, stating that screenplays must be written by humans to qualify. Academy CEO Bill Kramer said the updates reflect ongoing changes in filmmaking and the growing influence of AI across the industry. The Academy also announced major reforms to the international feature film category, which has long faced criticism over fairness and political influence. Films that win top awards at major festivals — including the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival and key prizes at Toronto International Film Festival — will now be eligible for Oscar consideration even if they are not officially submitted by their home countries. Additional qualifying festivals include Berlin International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. This change means films like ‘It Was Just an Accident’ by Iranian director Jafar Panahi could qualify based on festival success rather than national selection. The Academy also said international films will now be recognised by their titles rather than the countries submitting them, with awards presented directly to filmmakers. Directors’ names will be included on Oscar plaques. In another change, actors will now be allowed to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category for different performances in the same year, aligning with rules already applied in other categories. The organisation also clarified rules for original songs, saying tracks used in end credits must begin before the credits roll and overlap with at least the final 15 seconds of the film to qualify. Officials said the updates are part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Oscars and reflect the increasingly global and technology-driven film industry.