United News of Bangladesh

Toshifumi Suzuki, the Japanese businessman credited with building the global 7-Eleven convenience store empire, has died at the age of 93. Suzuki, honorary adviser to Seven & i Holdings, died of heart failure at his home in Tokyo on May 18, the company announced Monday. He was best known for establishing Japan’s hugely popular 7-Eleven convenience store business, known locally as “conbini.” The stores became an essential part of daily life in Japan, offering quick meals, drinks, snacks and services such as ATM access, utility bill payments and document copying. Today, 7-Eleven operates more than 80,000 stores worldwide and remains Japan’s largest convenience store chain. The business began in Japan in 1973 through a franchise agreement with the American 7-Eleven chain. The first Japanese outlet opened a year later. When the U.S.-based Southland Corp., the original founder of 7-Eleven, faced financial trouble in the 1990s, the Japanese company bought a majority stake. In 2005, the American business became a fully owned subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings. In recent years, Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard, which operates the Circle K convenience store chain, attempted to acquire Seven & i Holdings. However, the company withdrew its takeover effort in 2024, citing difficulties in negotiations. Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1932, Suzuki graduated from Chuo University in Tokyo. Before entering the convenience store business, he worked at Ito-Yokado, a major Japanese retail chain also owned by Seven & i Holdings. During his long career, Suzuki expanded the company’s business by adding banking services and overseeing the acquisition of Barney’s Japan in 2015. The group also brought department store chains Sogo and Seibu under its umbrella. Suzuki became president of 7-Eleven Japan in 1978 and was widely credited with changing shopping habits in Japan. Convenience stores in the country later became leaders in adopting modern retail technology. The company said funeral services are being held privately with family members. It also requested that no flowers or condolence gifts be sent. A public memorial service will be announced later. Suzuki is survived by his wife and two children.  

Japanese climber Naoko Watanabe, who has successfully climbed all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, says mountaineering is not only about breaking records but also about enjoying adventure, meeting people and experiencing different cultures. The 44-year-old climber is also the first woman to summit K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, three times. Despite her achievements, Watanabe describes herself as an ordinary person who happened to set records while climbing the Himalayas during her holidays. She said mountain climbing gives her peace of mind and helps her escape the pressures of Japan’s highly demanding and conformity-driven society. Watanabe is now preparing for another trip to Nanga Parbat in June. Known as the “killer mountain,” Nanga Parbat is the world’s ninth-highest peak and one of her favorite destinations. This time, she plans to travel with a group of amateur trekkers, most of whom will remain at the base camp instead of attempting the summit. Watanabe said she wants people to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without feeling pressure to reach the top. According to her, climbers should move at their own pace, take photographs, relax and enjoy conversations with Sherpa guides rather than focus only on hard climbing. Born in 1981 in Onojo City in southern Japan, Watanabe developed a passion for adventure at an early age after joining a children’s adventure club encouraged by her mother. She began climbing mountains at the age of three and later joined expeditions in China, Mongolia and Pakistan during her childhood. Watanabe originally worked as a nurse and used her income to support her climbing activities. After becoming a full-time hospital nurse in 2009, she struggled to balance work and mountaineering and later switched to temporary nursing jobs to allow more time for climbing. She said her medical background has helped her during difficult situations on mountains, especially when making quick decisions related to health and weather conditions. During her first attempt to climb Mount Everest in 2011, Watanabe turned back just 150 meters below the summit because of worsening weather and concerns about oxygen supply. She later lost her eyesight temporarily and developed pneumonia, but safely returned. Two years later, she successfully climbed Everest despite strong winds. In October 2024, Watanabe became the first Japanese woman to summit all 14 mountains higher than 8,000 meters after climbing Mount Shishapangma. Earlier in July 2024, she set another record by becoming the first woman to reach the summit of K2 three times, an achievement recognised by Guinness World Records. Watanabe says she plans to continue climbing simply because it makes her happy. She added that if she eventually climbs Himalayan mountains around 100 times, that could become her own unique record.

Giant inflatable artworks have turned parts of The Hague into a colourful open-air art space, with oversized installations appearing in parks, waterways, buildings and even a train station. At the centre of the Dutch city, a 7-metre (23-foot) inflatable stew pot floats in a small lake in front of the Mauritshuis museum, which houses famous works including *Girl with a Pearl Earring*. The installation is part of the monthlong “BlowUp Jubilee” art exhibition featuring 24 inflatable pieces across the city. The project was curated by Mary Hessing, who said the aim was to make art accessible to everyone while showcasing the city itself. “I really wanted to show the area and show art to everybody,” she told The Associated Press. The exhibition grew out of renovation work that began in 2021 on the Binnenhof complex, which includes the Mauritshuis and the Dutch parliament building. As the historic 13th-century site was closed to the public, the city began hosting public art events in surrounding areas. The first “BlowUp Art” exhibition was held in 2022 with works from six artists. Later editions added more inflatable installations, and this year’s jubilee version brings back earlier pieces along with new creations. Among them is a work by 21-year-old artist Eugenie Boon from Curaçao, titled *Koncha pa dilanti*, inspired by an island board game and scenes from everyday life. British artist Steve Messam has also contributed with a large red spiky installation called *Crested*, placed atop a parking garage between old buildings in a tree-lined street. “The idea was that this piece would hold its own amongst this wonderful architecture that we see around us,” Messam said. The BlowUp Jubilee exhibition will run until June 21.

Cleaning chores such as sweeping, mopping and decluttering may offer mental health benefits by promoting mindfulness, reducing stress and creating a sense of achievement, according to psychologists and Zen practitioners. During spring cleaning season, many people see household chores as exhausting or stressful. However, experts say repetitive physical activities can help regulate emotions and calm the mind. A popular Zen saying states, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Zen apprentices, known as “unsui” monks, spend much of their daily routine cleaning and organizing spaces. “We sweep dust to remove worldly desires. We scrub dirt to free ourselves of attachments," wrote Shoukei Matsumoto, a Buddhist monk from Kyoto, Japan, in his book A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind. “The time we spend carefully cleaning out every nook and cranny of the temple grounds is extremely fulfilling.” Clinical psychologist Holly Schiff said repetitive chores can soothe the nervous system because they are predictable and structured. “Repetitive, physical activities like cleaning can be regulating for the nervous system because they're predictable, structured, and give a clear sense of completion,” she said. Schiff added that seeing immediate results from cleaning can provide satisfaction that many emotional or mental tasks do not. Experts advise people who dislike cleaning to focus less on finishing tasks quickly and more on the process itself. Paying attention to sensory details such as movement, rhythm or water temperature can make cleaning feel more meditative. “If you slow it down and focus on the sensory aspects of it, it can start to function more like a mindfulness exercise," Schiff said. Matsumoto described cleaning as a form of “Habitat Care,” explaining that it strengthens the relationship between people and their surroundings. “In our practice, we don't see cleaning as a chore to control the environment. Instead, we view it as ‘Habitat Care,'” he said. He also encouraged people not to seek perfection in cleaning. “Peace is found not in the final ‘tidy state,'" he said, "but in the humble, ongoing act of emptying the space and our minds.” According to Schiff, feelings of overwhelm often come from thinking about the entire task at once rather than starting with one small action. “Just choose one surface, one task, or one room for starters,” she suggested. Matsumoto said a clean environment can create a feeling of calm even after the person who cleaned it has left. “In a clean space, even if the person who cleaned it is not there, we can feel their consideration and awareness,” he said. “This awareness creates a sense of peace and safety, similar to why sacred spaces like temples feel different from the busy streets.” Source: NDTV

The ongoing Iran war is putting the United Arab Emirates’ long-standing reputation as a safe haven for business and tourism under growing pressure. For decades, the UAE has promoted itself as a stable destination for international companies and investors in a region often marked by conflict. But the war has brought missile and drone attacks, disrupted oil exports and sharply reduced tourism, raising concerns about the resilience of its economic model. The UAE, a close ally of the United States and Israel, has faced more Iranian missile and drone attacks than any other country during the conflict. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, has significantly reduced the Emirates’ crude oil and natural gas exports. The Gulf nation has responded by accelerating plans to build a second pipeline to bypass the strait and recently decided to leave the OPEC oil alliance to allow greater long-term production. Although the United States and Israel launched the war, the UAE has become deeply involved because of its strategic location across the Gulf from Iran. A drone strike on Sunday targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant in western Abu Dhabi, highlighting the security risks the country continues to face. Officials said there was no radiation leak and the plant remains operational. Despite these challenges, the UAE’s large financial reserves have helped prevent major job losses and discouraged foreign companies from leaving. However, analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could damage the country’s carefully built image as a stable and reliable place to do business. The UAE has taken an increasingly tough stance against Iran, accusing it of threatening regional security and warning that it reserves the right to respond diplomatically or militarily. “The UAE will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The country’s foreign policy has become more assertive in recent years under President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose leadership has shaped the UAE’s growing role in regional conflicts, including in Yemen. The war has also hurt sectors beyond energy. Tourism and business events, which account for more than 12% of the UAE’s economy, have been hit hard. More than 70 scheduled events have been postponed or cancelled since the conflict began in February, according to Northbourne Advisory, a Qatar-based communications firm. Hotel occupancy in Dubai has fallen sharply, with some estimates suggesting rates could drop to as low as 10% in the second quarter, compared with about 80% before the war. Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest for international travel, has restored most of its flight schedule, but recurring missile and drone alerts continue to unsettle businesses and travelers. Even so, Dubai is trying to project a sense of normalcy. The city hosted a shortened version of its annual Art Dubai exhibition over the weekend, where artists said cultural events remain important despite the surrounding conflict. “Life doesn’t stop in a world war,” Beirut-based artist Alfred Tarazi said. “We can only counter a narrative of violence with culture.”

The launch of a new Swatch model triggered chaotic scenes in several cities around the world, highlighting the growing influence of “drop culture,” where limited-edition products attract huge crowds and are quickly resold at much higher prices. In Paris, police used tear gas to control crowds. In Milan, a fight broke out. Long overnight queues were seen outside Swatch stores in London, Singapore and New York City. At the center of the frenzy is the Royal Pop, a colorful pocket watch developed in collaboration with luxury Swiss brand Audemars Piguet. The watch sells for about $400, but many buyers were hoping to resell it online for thousands of dollars. Listings quickly appeared on eBay, with some asking more than $4,000. Pierre-Yves Donze, a professor at Osaka University Graduate School of Economics, said many buyers appeared more interested in making money than in collecting the watch. “People wanted to profit from reselling the product rather than buying it because they liked the brand,” he said. Swatch said there is no shortage of the Royal Pop and urged customers not to panic. In a statement, the company said problems occurred at around 20 of its 220 stores worldwide because some shopping centers were not prepared to handle such large crowds. Swatch said the Royal Pop has generated more than 11 billion views on social media since its launch. The company compared the excitement to the launch of the MoonSwatch in 2022, a collaboration with sister company Omega, which also drew massive crowds. Swatch has long been known for creating excitement around its products. Since its founding in the 1980s, the company has successfully marketed stylish and affordable watches to consumers worldwide. Over the weekend, stores in London, several other UK cities, France and the Netherlands were forced to close because of security concerns. In France, police used tear gas grenades and spray to disperse crowds outside Swatch stores in Paris, Lyon and Montpellier. Swatch France said several stores were closed temporarily to ensure public safety. The company assured customers that the Royal Pop will remain available in stores for several months.   Unlike many product launches, the watch was sold only in physical stores and not online, a decision that critics said contributed to the chaos by attracting resellers eager to make quick profits. Some injuries, arrests and property damage were reported. Fashion commentator Odunayo Ojo said most major brands now release limited products online to avoid safety risks. “Swatch should have known what could happen,” he said. By Monday, crowds had largely disappeared as customers were told new shipments of the Royal Pop were on the way.

In Argentina’s capital, an unusual annual event is giving unwanted laboratory rats and mice a second chance at life. At “Ratapalooza” in Buenos Aires, animal lovers gather to adopt rodents that were bred in research facilities and are no longer needed for scientific studies. The event is organised by Team Ratas, a volunteer group dedicated to rescuing and rehoming lab rats and mice that would otherwise be euthanised. During the fair-like event, visitors can meet adoptable rats, learn how to care for them and buy rat-themed items such as mugs, stickers and keychains. The proceeds help cover veterinary treatment and food costs for the animals. María Gabriela Aponte, one of the adopters, said many people have misconceptions about rats. “Rats are very intelligent and affectionate animals,” she told The Associated Press while holding one of her adopted pets. According to Team Ratas, anyone wishing to adopt must have a large cage, enrichment toys, access to a veterinarian experienced in exotic animals and enough time to spend with the pets each day. A growing rescue movement The initiative began in 2016 when founder Dominique Verdier adopted two rats from a university laboratory that no longer needed them. Since then, Team Ratas has built a network of about 90 foster homes in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. The group works with 11 laboratories and animal facilities and has rescued more than 8,000 rodents over the past decade, placing around 3,000 in permanent homes. The organisation has also attracted a large online following, with more than 60,000 followers on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Challenging the stigma around rats Verdier said pet rats are often misunderstood and unfairly associated with disease. She stressed that laboratory rats are healthy because they are raised in controlled environments and have no contact with wild rodents. “They do not transmit diseases,” she said. Silvina Diaz, who studies rats and mice at the University of Buenos Aires, supports the adoption effort. “It is wonderful that these animals can go to families that will give them a good life,” she said. Despite occasional criticism on social media, Verdier says she remains committed to the cause. “Some people think it is silly,” she said. “But I have been doing this for 10 years, and it continues to grow.”

With their glossy covers, colorful artwork and larger-than-life heroes, American comic books have remained a beloved part of popular culture for generations. Often featuring superheroes in dramatic poses battling villains, comic books may appear exaggerated and unrealistic. Yet their blend of action, fantasy and moral struggles has given them lasting appeal. Unlike Europe’s graphic novels or Japan’s manga, American superhero comics are deeply tied to the country’s culture and values. Their stories often center on themes of power, responsibility and justice. The modern superhero era gained momentum in 1961 when Marvel Comics introduced the Fantastic Four. After being exposed to cosmic rays during a space mission, the four characters gained extraordinary powers but were forced to deal with the personal costs of their transformation. That idea was carried forward by characters such as Spider-Man, Hulk and Wolverine. Their powers often isolate them, turning them into reluctant heroes struggling with personal flaws. Spider-Man’s famous message, “With great power comes great responsibility,” has become one of the defining ideas of American comics. Today, Marvel Comics and DC Comics continue to reinvent their stories to reflect changes in society. Female characters such as Gwen Stacy, Jean Grey and Susan Storm have taken on larger leadership roles. Meanwhile, Miles Morales has introduced a new generation to Spider-Man. Many iconic characters still reflect enduring tensions in American life. Batman, through his alter ego Bruce Wayne, represents loneliness and emotional distance. Captain America carries the ideals of World War II-era America while often feeling out of place in the modern world. Even villains mirror contemporary concerns. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-enemy, embodies the dangers of unchecked ambition and technological power. Though comic books are often dismissed as simple entertainment, they continue to resonate because they tell stories about identity, responsibility and the struggle to do what is right.

As many companies are requiring employees to return to the office, Dropbox says it remains committed to a remote work model that allows most of its staff to work from anywhere. The San Francisco-based Dropbox adopted a “virtual-first” model in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued with the approach after meeting all of its financial goals, according to Chief People Officer Melanie Rosenwasser. Rosenwasser told The Associated Press that the company believes flexibility has become one of the most important aspects of modern work and has helped Dropbox recruit and retain employees while reducing costs. Under the virtual-first model, employees work remotely for most of the year but meet in person at least once every quarter for strategic planning, team building and strengthening workplace relationships. Dropbox does not follow a hybrid model, which Rosenwasser said often forces workers to endure long commutes only to spend the day in online meetings. The company relies heavily on written communication and asynchronous work, allowing employees to collaborate and make decisions without needing to be online at the same time. Staff also observe four-hour “core collaboration hours” that overlap across time zones. Outside those hours, employees are free to arrange their work schedules to suit their personal responsibilities and preferences. To reduce time wasted in meetings, Dropbox only schedules meetings when there is a need to discuss, debate or decide an issue. Rosenwasser said burnout remains one of the biggest challenges of remote work because personal and professional boundaries can become blurred. To address this, the company encourages flexible workdays and has tested initiatives such as “Meet & Move,” in which employees take phone meetings while walking rather than sitting at a desk. Dropbox has also reorganized internal meetings to give workers longer blocks of uninterrupted time for focused tasks. To maintain a sense of community, the company holds quarterly off-site gatherings and sponsors optional local events for employees who live in the same cities. New employees are paired with onboarding buddies and mentors to help them adjust and build connections. Rosenwasser said the remote work model has led managers to focus more on clear goals and measurable results instead of monitoring whether employees are physically present in an office.

Seattle will create a floating fan zone and soccer field on its waterfront during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, combining the city’s maritime heritage with efforts to grow long-term interest in soccer. Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC and their partners announced the Seattle Soccer Celebration from a barge near Waterfront Park’s Pier 62 on Elliott Bay. The venue will operate from June 11 to July 6 and will host youth soccer events, public watch parties on a giant video screen, cultural programs, private events and other activities. Fans can register for ticket information through the event website. Hugh Weber, president of business operations for the two clubs, said the waterfront location will showcase Seattle’s skyline and provide visitors with a memorable introduction to the city. The floating field will serve as the symbolic 52nd mini-pitch built in Washington state through the RAVE Foundation initiative, which aims to expand access to soccer ahead of the World Cup. Other partners in the project include Friends of Waterfront Park and presenting sponsor Lenovo. Waterfront Park will also be one of Seattle’s free official FIFA fan zones during the tournament. Organizers hope the event will have a lasting impact similar to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, which significantly increased the sport’s popularity nationwide. Weber said the goal is to attract people who may not have previously followed soccer and turn them into long-term supporters after the tournament ends.