United News of Bangladesh

Punch, the orphaned monkey at a Japanese zoo who won hearts around the world by cuddling an orangutan plush toy, is celebrating his first birthday on Sunday with thousands of birthday messages from admirers. Although Punch no longer carries the toy and now happily plays with other monkeys, he remains one of the biggest attractions at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden. Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth a year ago, likely because she was exhausted. Zoo keepers hand-raised him and gave him a stuffed orangutan to help him develop the gripping skills newborn macaques need to survive. Now fully grown into an active young monkey, Punch blends in with about 50 other monkeys in the enclosure. Still, visitors continue to flock to see him. According to zoo director Takashi Yasunaga, Punch has received around 2,500 birthday cards and messages from supporters in Japan and abroad. Many of them are displayed at a special birthday exhibition inside the zoo, where visitors can also watch videos showing Punch's journey from his first days. Yasunaga said the past year had been unforgettable for the zoo staff, recalling how two keepers devoted themselves to caring for Punch during the hot summer when he was born. After six months of special care, Punch joined the monkey enclosure in January. Adjusting to life with the other monkeys was not easy, but it was during this period that he became an internet sensation. In February, photos of Punch hugging his plush toy after being pushed away by other monkeys went viral on social media, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the zoo, about half of them from overseas. Supporters rallied behind him using the hashtag #HangInTherePunch, inspired not only by his adorable appearance but also by his determination to earn acceptance from the other monkeys. Among those visiting the birthday exhibition was Kumi Ishizawa from Kobe, who said she first discovered Punch on social media while recovering from an illness. "He inspired me," she said. "I kept telling myself I would get better and come to see Punch. Now I've finally made it, and I'm so happy." Another fan, Yeye Lights, who has lived in Ichikawa for years, said she had never visited the zoo until her daughter in the Philippines introduced her to Punch online. She has since become a regular visitor and even bought an annual pass. "I have a cake for Punch-kun and I'm celebrating with my friends," she said, while thanking the two keepers who raised the young monkey.

Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp, historic porcelain production sites in eastern China and expanded tidal flats in western South Korea were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List on Saturday during a UN committee meeting in Busan. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee is continuing its meeting through Wednesday to review dozens of other nominations, including France's D-Day landing beaches, Greece's Mount Olympus and the ancient Japanese capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara. The Okefenokee Swamp, one of the world's largest freshwater ecosystems, is known for its extensive wetlands, rich biodiversity and its role as the source of two major rivers. According to UNESCO, its largely untouched peat beds contain a 5,000-year record of environmental changes, making it both an important natural habitat and a valuable site for climate and environmental research. The World Heritage recognition places the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge alongside well-known US landmarks such as the Grand Canyon. However, some local residents had opposed the nomination, expressing concerns that the designation could lead to greater UN involvement in managing the area. "We accept this inscription not as a finish line, but as a commitment to keep the Okefenokee wild, resilient and thriving for generations to come," said Kim Bednarek, executive director of the nonprofit Okefenokee Swamp Park, which worked with the US government on the site's nomination. The committee also approved the expansion of South Korea's World Heritage-listed "getbol" tidal flats by adding four more coastal wetlands in Seosan, Goheung, Muan and Yeosu. UNESCO first listed four South Korean tidal flats in 2021 because of their rich biodiversity and their importance as resting grounds for migratory birds. South Korea's Foreign Ministry said the expanded listing highlights the importance of international cooperation in protecting the Yellow Sea ecosystem and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a major migratory bird route stretching from the Arctic through Asia to Australia and New Zealand. UNESCO also added the historic porcelain production sites in Jingdezhen, China, to the World Heritage List. The sites document the development of handcrafted porcelain production from the 10th to the 19th centuries and showcase innovations that helped establish Jingdezhen as one of the world's leading centers of fine porcelain. Its famous blue-and-white porcelain became a global symbol of Chinese craftsmanship, UNESCO said.

Jewellery brand SHREE Jewellers has shared details of the custom-made gold jewellery created for actress Rashmika Mandanna's wedding to actor Vijay Deverakonda, saying the entire design process took around 10 months. Rashmika and Vijay tied the knot in Udaipur on February 26, 2026. While their wedding photos drew widespread attention online, the bride's elaborate gold jewellery also became a major talking point. In an interview with NDTV, SHREE Jewellers said the project involved months of planning, design discussions, customisation, production and fitting sessions before the final look was completed. Rashmika's bridal jewellery featured 11 handcrafted gold pieces, including a layered choker, traditional harams, statement jhumkas, a jada billa (hair ornament), champasaralu, hathphool, mathapatti, nose pin, bangles, bajuband, waist belt and anklets. According to the jeweller, the collection was inspired by the grandeur of South Indian architecture. The bridal look was designed to reflect the image of a goddess, while Vijay's jewellery was created to give him the appearance of a royal king. Among the standout pieces was a layered Lakshmi rani haar featuring multiple strands, four paisley-shaped pendants and a Goddess Lakshmi motif at the centre. Rashmika also wore a gold pendant choker decorated with gold pearls and a large central pendant, along with intricately designed peacock jhumkas featuring twin peacock motifs. Another highlight was an ornate gold jada hair accessory with sculpted gold work and cascading chains designed to complement her hairstyle. Sharing images of the bridal jewellery on Instagram, SHREE Jewellers said each piece reflected tradition and craftsmanship, describing the collection as a tribute to heritage. The jeweller also designed Vijay Deverakonda's wedding jewellery, which featured motifs of elephants and tigers symbolising wisdom and strength, along with floral patterns and traditional Nakshi engraving. His jewellery included gold ear studs, a short necklace, a long necklace, a wrist cuff, an arm cuff, ankle kadas and a ring worn on his little finger. Source: NDTV

Hawaii has increased the minimum legal age for riding in the open bed of a pickup truck from 12 to 16, as growing traffic and faster roads have raised safety concerns over a long-standing island tradition. Riding in the back of pickup trucks has long been a common sight across Hawaii, particularly in rural communities, where many people see it as part of the islands' unique lifestyle and culture. For Kimeona Kane, a Native Hawaiian from Waimanalo on Oahu, riding in truck beds was a regular part of childhood, whether heading to sports practice or travelling around town. "It's Hawaii culture," Kane said, explaining that the tradition reflects the islands' multicultural history rather than Native Hawaiian customs alone. However, he now allows his family to ride in truck beds only on quiet back roads, citing increased traffic and higher-speed roads across Oahu. After years of debate, state lawmakers passed legislation this spring raising the minimum riding age to 16. Democratic Gov. Josh Green signed the bill into law last month. Green, who is also a physician, has witnessed the dangers firsthand. In 2023, he stopped to help a 25-year-old man who was thrown from the bed of a pickup truck following an accident. At the time, Green said he would prefer that no one ride in truck beds because passengers should always be protected by seat belts. Despite the safety risks, many residents continue to view riding in truck beds as an important part of island life. Richard Landford Jr., an 80-year-old resident of Waianae, recalled riding in the back of farmers' pickup trucks in his youth. Although he acknowledges that modern roads are much faster and more dangerous, he believes truck beds should still be available for transporting passengers in rural areas. "You drive to almost any church out here in the rural area, you'll see people in the back of trucks," he said. Kane said the practice dates back to Hawaii's plantation era, when workers from countries including the Philippines, China, Japan, Portugal and Puerto Rico often travelled together in pickup trucks while working on sugar and pineapple plantations. Even today, some families rely on truck beds because their pickup trucks do not have enough seats inside the cab, said state Representative Darius Kila. Still, Kane follows strict safety rules, such as preventing passengers from sitting on the tailgate or on raised seats like coolers or chairs. Some farmers have already moved away from the practice. Dean Okimoto, chief operating officer of Nalo Farms, said the company now uses passenger vans equipped with seats and seat belts to transport workers. "I wouldn't chance putting people in an open truck," he said, adding that he supports a complete ban. The push for tighter rules gained momentum after a woman died earlier this year after being thrown from the bed of a pickup truck following a rear-end collision on a Honolulu freeway. Kila, who introduced the legislation, said lawmakers tried to strike a balance between preserving a tradition many residents value and improving road safety. He had originally proposed broader restrictions, including banning truck-bed passengers on certain highways, but strong public opposition led to a narrower measure. Under the new law, people aged 16 and older may ride in a truck bed only if there is no available seat inside the vehicle. The law also includes exemptions for farm work, parades and emergency situations. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 29 US states and the District of Columbia have laws restricting passengers in pickup truck beds, although most allow exceptions for specific situations. David Kidd, the institute's vice president of vehicle research, said riding in open truck beds is highly dangerous because passengers have no seat belts or other safety protections. He welcomed Hawaii's new law as a positive step and said it could gradually change public attitudes. Kila believes Hawaii may eventually ban truck-bed passengers altogether, although he expects such a move would face resistance before gaining wider public acceptance.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday highlighted the success of the new Trump Accounts programme, saying more than 7 million accounts have already been opened for children and describing it as a major investment in their future. However, some parents who enrolled their newborns say they are still waiting to receive the promised $1,000 government contribution. Speaking at a rally at a Georgia high school, Trump said the accounts would help children get "a really fair shot at the American dream." "The government is finally giving money back to our children," he told supporters. The tax-advantaged savings accounts became available on July 4. Children under 18 are eligible to open an account, while babies born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028 automatically qualify for a $1,000 deposit from the US Treasury to start their savings. According to the Treasury Department, most families receive the government contribution within one or two days of opening an account. But a small number of parents have reported delays. Once established, Trump Accounts can receive additional contributions from parents, relatives, friends and employers. Some wealthy donors have also pledged financial support. The money is invested by private firms in stock market index funds and cannot be accessed until the child turns 18. Withdrawals are limited to approved purposes such as higher education, starting a business or buying a home. At Wednesday's rally, Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson pledged to seek matching state funding for every eligible child. He said that if lawmakers reject the proposal, he would personally contribute the additional $1,000. Supporters say the programme will encourage more Americans to build long-term wealth through stock market investments and expand financial opportunities for future generations. However, some families have experienced delays in receiving the initial government payment. Masaki and Kristina McLellan of Bergen County, New Jersey, said they signed up for a Trump Account for their daughter Maya, who was born in March, after deciding the $1,000 incentive outweighed their initial concerns that the programme was politically motivated. Masaki McLellan said he applied on July 6. After his first application was rejected, he contacted the programme's customer support and the account was activated. Although he was initially told the funds would arrive within 10 days, he was later informed it could take up to four weeks. Kristina McLellan said she was disappointed by the delay but noted that Maya already has other long-term investments, including a college savings plan and a custodial brokerage account. "We definitely want to give her options for her future and make sure she can choose what she wants to do," she said. The Treasury Department described the McLellans' case as uncommon, saying only a small fraction of applicants require customer assistance. Officials said the waiting period is comparable to routine government processing, such as issuing tax refunds. While most deposits are completed within one or two days, families are sometimes given a longer estimated processing period as a precaution. The department said the accounts provide all families—not just wealthy households—with an opportunity to invest in their children's future. It also recently launched an initiative allowing child welfare agencies to open accounts for children in foster care. Treasury officials said nearly one million families signed up each month before the programme officially launched, calling Trump Accounts the most successful government-backed savings initiative in US history. Trump described the programme as one of the most significant elements of his signature tax-and-spending package, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The programme comes as Trump and fellow Republicans face increasing scrutiny over the economy ahead of the midterm elections. An AP-NORC poll conducted in June found that only 33% of US adults approved of Trump's handling of the economy, with inflation remaining a key concern despite his campaign promise to reduce living costs. Trump Accounts resemble "baby bond" programmes introduced by several Democratic-led states and cities to reduce wealth inequality. Unlike those programmes, which often target low-income children, the Trump Accounts are open to families across all income levels. Critics argue the initiative offers little immediate help to families raising young children and note that the Republican legislation establishing the accounts also reduced funding for programmes such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provide assistance to many low-income families.

The Louvre Museum has reopened its historic Apollo Gallery to visitors for the first time since last year's high-profile theft of the French crown jewels. The gallery no longer displays the royal jewels and other valuable treasures, as the museum has restored the space to its original 17th-century ceremonial purpose. The Louvre has also strengthened security by installing additional surveillance cameras and new anti-intrusion systems following the robbery. During the heist, thieves broke into the Apollo Gallery through a window and stole French crown jewels worth about 88 million euros (around $102 million). The theft took less than eight minutes and exposed major security weaknesses at the world-famous museum. The security upgrades are part of the Louvre's long-term "Louvre New Renaissance" renovation programme, launched last year. The project, estimated to cost up to 800 million euros (about $933 million), aims to modernise the museum, reduce overcrowding and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031.

President Donald Trump is set to promote his administration's Trump Accounts program during a visit to a high school in Georgia on Wednesday, even as some parents say they are still waiting for the promised $1,000 government contribution for their newborns. The Trump Accounts, launched on July 4, provide a $1,000 government-funded investment for every child born during Trump's second term. The tax-advantaged accounts were introduced under Trump's signature One Big Beautiful Bill and can be opened for any child under the age of 18. According to the US Treasury Department, about 6.5 million accounts have been opened so far. Of those, around 1.5 million belong to children born between 2025 and 2028 who qualify for the $1,000 government deposit. Supporters say the programme will help more Americans build wealth by encouraging investment in the stock market from an early age. Once the accounts are opened, parents, relatives, friends and employers can add money. The funds are invested in stock market index funds managed by private firms. The money cannot be withdrawn until the child turns 18 and can then be used only for approved purposes, such as higher education, starting a business or buying a home. However, some parents say they have not yet received the promised government deposit. Masaki and Kristina McLellan of New Jersey opened a Trump Account for their daughter Maya, who was born in late March. Although they were initially hesitant because they viewed the programme as politically motivated, the $1,000 incentive convinced them to sign up. Masaki McLellan said he applied on July 6. His first application was rejected, but the account was activated after he contacted the programme's customer service hotline. He was initially told the government contribution would arrive within 10 days but was later informed it could take up to four weeks. Kristina McLellan said she was disappointed by the delay, although the family has already opened other investment accounts for their daughter, including a college savings plan and a custodial brokerage account. "We definitely want to give her options for her future and make sure she can choose what she wants to do," she said. The Treasury Department described the delay as part of the normal processing period, similar to waiting for a tax refund. It said most families receive the government contribution within one or two days, but officials provide a longer estimate to account for possible processing delays. The department said the programme allows families of all income levels to invest in their children's future and claimed it has become the most successful government-backed savings programme in US history, with around one million new sign-ups each month before its official launch. Trump's visit to Georgia comes as he and fellow Republicans face growing scrutiny over the economy ahead of the midterm elections. An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted in June found that only 33% of US adults approved of Trump's handling of the economy, one of his lowest ratings during his second term. Trump Accounts resemble the "baby bonds" programmes introduced in some Democratic-led states and cities to reduce wealth inequality among children. However, unlike many of those programmes, Trump's initiative is available to families regardless of income. Critics argue the accounts provide little help during a child's early years, when families are most vulnerable to poverty, homelessness and food insecurity. They also point out that the legislation creating the programme reduced funding for several programmes widely used by children, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Thousands of winter sports lovers travel to the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho every year, making it one of southern Africa's most unusual tourist destinations. Thanks to its high altitude and rugged mountains, Lesotho is the coldest country in Africa. During the winter months from June to August, temperatures in the highlands can drop to minus 8 degrees Celsius. The country's Afriski Mountain Resort, located about 3,200 metres above sea level in the northern Maluti Mountains, is the only fully operational ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. Spread across 17 hectares, the resort has welcomed skiers and snowboarders for the past 25 years. Tourism contributes around 7% of Lesotho's $2.6 billion economy, and Afriski plays an important role by attracting visitors and creating jobs. The resort also uses artificial snow machines to keep its slopes open throughout the Southern Hemisphere's winter. Visitors mainly from South AfricaAlthough U.S. President Donald Trump joked in 2025 that Lesotho was a country "nobody has ever heard of," the kingdom of 2.3 million people has been drawing growing numbers of tourists. In 2024, it celebrated 200 years since the founding of the Basotho nation and 58 years of independence from Britain. Most visitors drive from neighbouring South Africa, while others arrive through the airport in the capital, Maseru. Afriski CEO Theo Ferreira said nearly 70% of visitors come from South Africa, with the rest mainly from Lesotho and other southern African countries. The resort employs 227 full-time and seasonal workers, most of them Basotho nationals, while around 30 South Africans work mainly as ski instructors. Afriski can accommodate 420 overnight guests, with nearby towns such as Butha-Buthe and Mohlokong providing extra lodging during the busy season. The resort recorded more than 1,400 visitors on its busiest day this year, while the 2025 record exceeded 1,600 visitors. Because snowfall can be unpredictable, the resort depends on artificial snow to keep skiing conditions suitable throughout winter. A different side of AfricaKnown mainly for wildlife safaris and scenic coastlines, southern Africa is not usually associated with skiing. But Afriski has helped introduce winter sports to many first-time visitors. Janko Smits, a student from Cape Town, said the resort was an excellent place to learn skiing despite a few hard falls at the beginning. Another first-time visitor, Thato Ramaphoko from Pretoria, said it was surprising to experience snow in Africa, where many people expect only sunshine and deserts. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy local food, Maluti Lager beer and the colourful Basotho blanket, one of Lesotho's best-known cultural products.

Health experts say babies, toddlers and young children need outdoor play for healthy growth and development, but parents should take extra precautions to protect them during periods of extreme heat. As climate change contributes to longer and more intense heatwaves, doctors say heat-related illnesses are becoming a growing concern for children. "We've always warned parents about risks like drowning and choking, and now heat is becoming another major safety concern," said Dr. Katherine Williamson, a pediatrician at Rady Children's Health in Orange, California. Why children are more at risk Experts say young children overheat more quickly than adults because they sweat less and have a faster metabolism. Their bodies also absorb heat more easily due to a higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio. Since children often spend more time outdoors, parents should closely watch for signs of heat-related illness. For infants, fewer wet diapers or a lack of tears when crying may indicate dehydration. Doctors recommend feeding babies smaller amounts more frequently to help keep them hydrated. Tiredness, flushed skin and unusual irritability are also signs that a child may be getting too hot and needs to cool down. Ways to keep children safe Doctors recommend avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day whenever possible. Children should wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, use sunscreen and drink plenty of fluids. Water-rich fruits such as watermelon and strawberries can also help keep children hydrated. "If you feel hot, your baby is almost certainly feeling even hotter," said Dr. Debra Langlois of the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. She advised limiting the amount of time babies and toddlers spend outside during very hot weather, although she said there is no need to stay indoors all day. Avoid covering strollers with blankets Health experts warn against placing blankets or cloth covers over baby strollers to block the sun. Although it may seem helpful, coverings reduce airflow and trap heat inside the stroller, making it much hotter for the child. Instead, parents should use the stroller's built-in sunshade or canopy. They should also check metal parts of the stroller, which can become hot enough to burn a child's skin. Never leave children in a parked vehicle Doctors also stress that children should never be left alone inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time. Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, even if the windows are partly open or the vehicle is parked in the shade. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 31 children died from heatstroke in vehicles in 2025. The agency recommends placing a personal item, such as a handbag, in the back seat or putting a stuffed toy on the front passenger seat as reminders to check the back seat before leaving the vehicle. When placing a child in a parked car on a hot day, parents should also make sure the car seat and metal buckles are not too hot. Experts recommend using sunshades to keep the vehicle cooler and running the air conditioner while opening the windows briefly to help remove trapped hot air before putting a child inside.

As actress Sai Pallavi prepares for the release of Ramayana: Part 1, where she will play the role of Sita, her family home in Coimbatore has drawn attention for its simple and traditional design. The actress recently attended the Pratham Sankalp event in New Delhi ahead of the film's release later this year. Unlike the glamorous image often associated with film stars, Sai Pallavi's family residence reflects a modest lifestyle rooted in comfort and tradition. According to property platform NoBroker, the house is estimated to be worth between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore. The home focuses on warmth and practicality rather than luxury, with interiors that highlight family values and cultural traditions. The spacious living room serves as the main gathering space for the family. Designed with comfort in mind, it features classic wooden furniture and comfortable sofas arranged to encourage conversation and togetherness. Natural stone or tiled flooring adds a simple yet elegant touch to the home. The residence also reportedly includes a prayer area, comfortable bedrooms and a lush green garden, creating a peaceful environment that reflects Sai Pallavi's grounded lifestyle despite her growing success in the film industry. Source: NDTV