United News of Bangladesh

Robot dogs fitted with lifelike silicone heads resembling famous personalities such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso are drawing attention at a Berlin museum, where they wander around and occasionally “produce” printed images captured earlier through built-in cameras. The unusual installation is part of an interactive exhibition by American digital artist Mike Winkelmann, widely known as Beeple, currently on display at the Neue Nationalgalerie. Each robot dog generates images that reflect the artistic or personal style of the figure it represents. For example, the Picasso-inspired dog creates Cubist-style visuals, while the Warhol version produces pop art-like images. The concept highlights how artificial intelligence can reshape reality based on different perspectives. According to the exhibition organisers, the project explores how algorithms and technology platforms increasingly influence the way people see the world. Beeple said that in the past, artists like Picasso and Warhol shaped public perception through their work. Today, he argues, that influence has shifted to powerful tech leaders who control algorithms determining what people see online. He warned that such control gives immense power to a few individuals, allowing them to make sweeping changes without going through political or institutional processes. Some of the robot dogs also feature Beeple’s own likeness. Curator Lisa Botti said the exhibition focuses on the growing impact of artificial intelligence, adding that museums provide a space for society to reflect on these changes. The installation, titled “Regular Animals,” was first introduced at the Art Basel Miami Beach 2025. Beeple, a graphic designer from South Carolina, is known for his “everyday” project, where he has created and shared a digital image daily for years. His work has gained global recognition, making him one of the most valuable living artists, alongside David Hockney and Jeff Koons. In 2021, auction house Christie's sold his digital collage “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” for more than $69 million, marking a major moment for digital art and NFTs. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are digital certificates stored on blockchain technology that verify ownership of digital items. They have become increasingly popular as part of the broader rise in cryptocurrencies. At Art Basel, Beeple even distributed the images produced by his robot dogs to visitors, sometimes including QR codes that provided access to free NFTs, effectively allowing recipients to own and potentially profit from his digital creations.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has spoken candidly about his personal life, past relationships and regrets, saying he now feels “complete” with his partner Gauri Spratt. In a recent interview with Navbharat Times, Aamir reflected on his relationships, children and personal growth, sharing that he is currently in a peaceful and happy phase of life. “I am very lucky that I met Gauri, and our relationship started together. She is great, I feel at peace with her. Although my relationship with (ex-wives) Kiran (Rao) and Reena (Dutta) was also very deep, but things didn't work out. When you asked, I felt that I am very blessed that Gauri entered my life. We are very happy together. Mujhe lagta hai ab mai jaake mukammal hua hu (I feel complete today),” he said. The actor also spoke about learning from mistakes and personal evolution, saying self-awareness has helped him grow both as a person and as an artist. “I am the way I am. Every person makes mistakes in their life; no one is perfect. If you understand and accept your mistake, it doesn't make you small. Even I am learning from my own life and mistakes. I will always try not to repeat those mistakes, and I grow as a person, and as an actor. This will only happen if I understand and admit my mistakes. I am a very straightforward man, whatever I feel, I say,” he added. Aamir further described his biggest regret as not spending enough time with his close family and relationships, admitting that work had dominated most of his life for decades. “The one mistake that I have already started rectifying is not giving enough time to my closed ones and relationships. I was only addicted to work, filmmaking, and acting for 30-35 years. I got a chance to examine my life again during the COVID pandemic. I wasn't able to work at that time, then I realised that I had lost many things and this time would not come again,” he said. Aamir was earlier married to Reena Dutta, with whom he has two children, Ira and Junaid. The couple divorced in 2002. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005, and they separated in 2021. They continue to co-parent their son Azad. #From NDTV

Actress Deepika Padukone made her first public appearance after announcing her second pregnancy, as she was seen with husband Ranveer Singh at Mumbai airport. The couple, who shared the news on April 19 through a joint social media post, kept a low profile during the brief outing and did not interact with photographers. Deepika opted for a comfortable look, wearing a loose blue co-ord set with a button-down shirt and straight trousers, paired with yellow sneakers. She carried a black handbag and kept her hair neatly tied back. Ranveer followed closely behind in a casual outfit featuring an oversized white T-shirt and baggy cargo jeans, along with sunglasses and a crossbody bag. He was seen assisting Deepika as she stepped out of the car and walked beside her into the airport. Earlier, the couple announced their second pregnancy through a post showing their daughter holding a positive pregnancy test kit. Deepika and Ranveer got married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy, in ceremonies reflecting their respective cultural traditions. They first met while working on the film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and later made their relationship public before tying the knot. They welcomed their first child, daughter Dua, in September 2024. Source: NDTV

Veteran Indian photographer Raghu Rai, considered a pioneer of photojournalism in India, died on Sunday after battling cancer for two years. He was 83. His son said Rai was first diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and had recovered after treatment. However, the disease later spread to his stomach and, more recently, to his brain, along with other age-related complications. Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang, now in Pakistan, Rai went on to become one of the most respected photographers in India and internationally. He began his career in the mid-1960s and later joined ‘The Statesman’as a staff photographer. In 1976, he left the newspaper to work as a freelance photographer. From 1982 to 1992, he served as Director of Photography at ‘India Today’. He was also a jury member of the World Press Photo from 1990 to 1997. Rai was mentored by renowned French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who was impressed by his work and recommended him for membership in Magnum Photos in 1977, one of the world’s most prestigious photography organisations. His work is widely seen as a visual record of modern India. He captured some of the most powerful images of the Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. He also photographed prominent figures such as Mother Teresa and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Rai received several honours during his career, including the Académie des Beaux-Arts Photography Award in 2019, one of the top global recognitions in the field. In 2017, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. With inputs from NDTV

Members of the screenwriters’ union in the United States have overwhelmingly approved a new four-year contract with Hollywood studios and streaming platforms, marking a smooth and quick negotiation process compared to previous disputes. Union leaders said about 90 percent of members voted in favour of the agreement reached between the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. With the deal finalised, studios are now expected to begin contract talks with actors and directors. Union officials highlighted improvements in health benefits as a key achievement. “In the face of industry slowdown and rising healthcare costs, writers secured a deal that puts our Health Fund on a stable path and builds on gains from the 2023 strike,” said Michele Mulroney, president of WGA West. The agreement also includes increases in minimum pay, especially for comedy and variety writers, along with higher residual payments when their work is re-aired. The producers’ group welcomed the approval, saying the agreement reflects cooperation that supports both writers and the long-term stability of the industry. The deal was reached on April 4, about three weeks after negotiations began, a much faster process than the prolonged and tense talks in 2023 that led to major strikes by writers and actors and halted much of Hollywood production. Meanwhile, actors represented by SAG-AFTRA are still negotiating their own contract. Talks have been ongoing for about a month and are expected to resume on Monday after a short break. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin earlier said there are signs that studios are willing to work together more cooperatively. The Directors Guild is scheduled to begin its contract negotiations on May 11.

The trailer for the second season of Citadel has been released, with the new instalment set to premiere on Prime Video on May 6. The action-packed preview of the spy drama, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, was unveiled on Tuesday, confirming the return date of the series. The show follows elite agents Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh, played by Madden and Chopra Jonas, along with Bernard Orlick, portrayed by Stanley Tucci. The trio were once part of a powerful global agency that was destroyed by Manticore, a shadowy network backed by influential families. According to the official synopsis, a new and dangerous threat forces the former operatives back into action. They must assemble a team of skilled recruits and carry out a worldwide mission to stop a conspiracy that could have far-reaching consequences. The upcoming season will see the return of cast members Lesley Manville and Ashleigh Cummings. New additions to the cast include Jack Reynor, Matt Berry and Lina El Arabi, along with Merle Dandridge, Gabriel Leone and Rayna Vallandingham. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and AGBO, the series is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot and Scott Nemes. David Weil serves as showrunner, director and executive producer, while Joe Russo and Greg Yaitanes also direct and executive produce the series. #From NDTV

South Korean police Tuesday said they seek an arrest warrant for Bang Si-Hyuk, Hybe chairman and BTS agency head, over alleged investor fraud exceeding $100 million. Police said they asked prosecutors for court warrant as probe expands. Bang is accused of misleading investors in 2019 by saying Hybe would not list, prompting share sales to a private fund before IPO. Authorities suspect a 200 billion won ($136m) side deal granting him 30% IPO profit share. His lawyers said he regrets the arrest move despite full cooperation, and denies wrongdoing. He is barred from leaving Korea since August.The case hits Hybe as BTS returns after four-year military hiatus. The group held comeback shows in Seoul, Goyang and Tokyo, and will tour US starting Tampa, Florida. Deepika continues filming action scenes during pregnancy for RaakaBang founded Hybe (Big Hit) in 2005 and built it into a K-pop giant, later buying Ithaca Holdings for $1 billion in 2021, managing Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Hybe includes Seventeen, Le Sserafim and Katseye. The company also faced dispute between Bang and producer Min Hee-jin over Ador and NewJeans in 2024; court ordered NewJeans to honor contract until 2029 according to officials and court rulings the investigation remains ongoing at this stage police said report adds.

The Russian House in Dhaka inaugurated a Film Festival dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of the China–Russia Strategic Partnership, with its opening ceremony held at the campus of R. P. Shaha University (RPSU). The event brought together approximately 250 students and faculty members, marking a vibrant beginning to the festival aimed at fostering cultural dialogue and enhancing international understanding through cinema. The programme commenced with an opening session featuring welcome addresses by Professor Dr. Manindra Kumar Roy, Vice-Chancellor of RPSU, Alexandra Khlevnoy, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, and Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. In her remarks, Ms. Khlevnoy highlighted the historical significance of the Russia–China Strategic Partnership, tracing its development over the past three decades and emphasizing its foundation in mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for a multipolar world. She also noted the strengthening partnership between Russia and Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of energy, education, and cultural exchange.  A special address was delivered by Li in the form of a video message, underscoring the importance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people engagement. Following the formal session, attendees enjoyed screenings of the films “Red Silk,” a Russian feature reflecting rich cultural values and storytelling traditions, and “I Am What I Am,” a Chinese animated film celebrating perseverance, identity, and self-discovery. The festival reflects a continued commitment to strengthening cultural ties and promoting mutual understanding among nations through the universal language of cinema.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have revealed that they are expecting their second child together. Along with the announcement, they shared a sweet glimpse of their daughter, Dua, who was born in September 2024. The couple posted jointly on Instagram, where the image featured little Dua holding a positive pregnancy test kit. Deepika kept the caption minimal, adding just two evil eye emojis. Deepika and Ranveer tied the knot on November 14, 2018, in an elaborate wedding ceremony at Lake Como. The celebrations included two traditional ceremonies honoring Deepika’s Konkani roots and Ranveer’s Sindhi heritage. Their relationship began while filming Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013, followed by a private engagement in 2015 before they went public with their marriage. The couple welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024. Speaking about motherhood at the WAVES 2025 summit, Deepika shared how becoming a parent transformed her outlook on life. She described the experience as deeply emotional and grounding, shifting her focus from personal ambition to caring for her child and being more present in everyday moments. She has also expressed a desire to give her daughter a normal upbringing, away from constant public attention. On the professional front, Ranveer is enjoying the continued success of Dhurandhar 2, while Deepika has a busy lineup ahead. She will appear alongside Shah Rukh Khan in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, and will also star with Allu Arjun in AA22xA6. Source NDTV  

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman is expecting her third child at the age of 44, her first with partner Tanguy Destable. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Portman said she feels “very grateful” about the pregnancy and described it as both a privilege and a miracle. She added that she and Destable are very excited about welcoming their child. Portman already has two children 14-year-old son Aleph and 9-year-old daughter Amalia with her former husband Benjamin Millepied. The couple divorced in 2024. Her publicist, Keleigh Morgan, confirmed the pregnancy but did not provide further details. Speaking about her personal experience, Portman said she grew up understanding how difficult pregnancy can be, as her father worked as a fertility doctor. She noted that while having a child is a joyful experience, it is not always easy for many people, and she wants to remain mindful of that. She also said she is feeling physically well and has more energy than she expected