United News of Bangladesh

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali believes that while young people today can form relationships more easily than previous generations, many are struggling with a growing sense of loneliness and a search for deeper emotional connections. Speaking to NDTV India during promotions for his upcoming romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga, Ali said modern relationships often begin quickly but become difficult to sustain. "The tragedy with this generation is that they reach their destination very quickly," he said, explaining that many young people expect relationships to be effortless once they find a partner. However, he noted that challenges often emerge after that point. According to Ali, today's youth are lonelier than earlier generations and are increasingly looking for meaning and stronger emotional bonds in their lives. He said his new film explores this longing for lasting love and stability, adding that many young people admire the kind of romance associated with earlier generations. Actor Vedang Raina, who stars in the film, agreed with the filmmaker's observations. He said he personally desires the type of love portrayed in the movie and believes many people of his generation feel the same way. Raina noted that social media and dating apps have changed the way relationships develop, but many young people still dream of old-fashioned romance, including handwritten love letters and subtle expressions of affection. He said there is a growing nostalgia among young people for deeper, more meaningful relationships, despite living in a highly connected digital world. Directed by Ali, ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah. The romantic drama is scheduled to be released in cinemas on June 12, 2026.

The enormous earnings of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continue to highlight the vast financial gap between elite athletes and ordinary professionals. According to estimates, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward earns around $200 million a year from his club contract in Saudi Arabia alone. In Bangladeshi currency, that amounts to roughly Tk 2,400 crore annually, or about Rs 1,600-1,700 crore in Indian currency. Based on a season of around 55 matches for club and country, Ronaldo earns nearly Rs 30 crore every time he steps onto the field. That means a single 90-minute match brings in more money than many companies spend on salaries in an entire year. The comparison becomes even more striking when measured against the income of an average professional. Someone earning Rs 12 lakh a year would need around 2,500 years of work to make what Ronaldo earns from just one match. Ronaldo's wealth extends far beyond his football salary. His estimated net worth is believed to exceed $1 billion, with some estimates placing it at around $1.2 billion, or roughly Rs 10,000 crore. The fortune has been built through more than two decades of top-level football, including club salaries, bonuses, sponsorship agreements, image rights, business investments and income from his massive social media presence. Using the same comparison, a professional earning Rs 12 lakh annually would need more than 83,000 years of income to accumulate wealth equal to Ronaldo's current net worth. Even over a 40-year career, such an employee would earn only a tiny fraction of Ronaldo's fortune. Matching his wealth would require more than 2,000 full working lifetimes. The figures underline the extraordinary financial rewards available at the highest level of global sport, where a single match can generate earnings that would take ordinary workers thousands of years to achieve. Source: NDTV

Colombian superstar Shakira once again stole the spotlight at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, but her latest anthem ‘Dai Dai’ has already drawn inevitable comparisons with her legendary 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with thousands of fans gathering to witness the grand opening show. Shakira headlined the ceremony alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, delivering the first live performance of ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song. The performance featured high-energy choreography, vibrant visuals, colourful dancers and a giant World Cup trophy prop, with Shakira showcasing her trademark stage presence and dance moves. While the show received strong praise from fans, it quickly sparked debate online over whether ‘Dai Dai’ could ever match the cultural legacy of ‘Waka Waka’, which became one of the most iconic World Cup songs in history. Social media users were quick to draw comparisons. Many argued that ‘Waka Waka’ had already cemented itself as the “ultimate World Cup anthem,” with one user writing that although ‘Dai Dai’ is “beautiful,” it can never replace the 2010 hit’s global impact. Others, however, noted that the comparisons themselves highlight Shakira’s rare dominance in World Cup music, pointing out that she also delivered another global hit with ‘La La La (Brazil 2014)’. They said few artists have managed to produce multiple iconic tournament anthems. While ‘Dai Dai’ continues to gain traction across streaming platforms, ‘Waka Waka’ remains a global cultural phenomenon more than a decade after its release. The song’s official music video has crossed 4.5 billion views on YouTube, compared to 126 million views for ‘Dai Dai’, underscoring the enduring legacy of Shakira’s 2010 anthem. With inputs from NDTV

Sonam Kapoor’s signature sense of style is not limited to the red carpet — it also defines the elegant London home she shares with her husband, businessman Anand Ahuja. Celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most fashionable stars, Sonam has built a strong design identity over the years, and that aesthetic is clearly reflected in their thoughtfully curated residence in London. As she turned 41, a closer look at her home reveals a warm, art-filled space shaped with personal touches and global influences. Located in Notting Hill, West London, the home opens into a cosy living room designed for comfort and gatherings. The space features deep forest-green wall panelling paired with cream wallpaper decorated with subtle nature-inspired patterns. Velvet sofas add a soft, luxurious feel, while a chandelier casts a warm glow, making the room suitable for both relaxed reading afternoons and evening get-togethers. The décor carries a classic charm, with ornate silver frames placed across side tables and rich wooden flooring layered with a Persian rug. Colourful seating, including red and yellow sofas, along with a decorative fireplace, adds character and frames family moments in the space. The couple’s bedroom continues the home’s nature-inspired theme, with softer tones and organic textures. A wooden and rattan headboard sits against wallpaper featuring leafy patterns, creating a calm and restful atmosphere. Fresh flowers, framed photographs and carefully placed artwork add a personal touch, while a large art piece near the bed completes the design. The dressing room stands out with hand-carved doors made by Mumbai artisans, adorned with antique floral panels sourced from Paris, according to *Architectural Digest*. In the dining area, a sunflower-yellow accent wall sets a bright tone, complemented by curated artworks and a large window that fills the space with natural light. A rectangular dining table sits at the centre, paired with a sideboard for silverware, while the table décor echoes the artistic elements of the room. With inputs from NDTV

Sweden, once seen as a global leader in digital education, is set to ban mobile phones in schools from the upcoming academic year, joining a growing international trend to reduce screen use in classrooms and encourage more traditional learning methods. Since 2023, Sweden’s center-right government has promoted policies aimed at increasing reading time and reducing screen exposure, particularly for younger children. The strategy places greater emphasis on books and conventional teaching materials instead of digital devices. According to Joar Forsell, chairman of the Swedish parliament’s education committee, authorities have noticed a decline in reading and writing skills, especially among younger students. “We are moving away from screens because we believe books and traditional learning methods are better for children,” Forsell said. Sweden’s decision reflects a broader global reassessment of technology in education. After years of investing in laptops, tablets and learning apps, many countries are now questioning whether excessive screen use is helping or harming students’ learning. Parents, teachers and education officials in many places are calling for fewer digital distractions in classrooms. Several Nordic countries are taking similar steps. Denmark is considering restrictions similar to Sweden’s, while Finland introduced a law last year limiting mobile phone use in schools. Countries including Spain and South Korea have also introduced measures ranging from classroom phone bans to limits on screen-based homework. In the United States, the Los Angeles Unified School District has announced plans to restrict screen use for younger students, introduce daily limits on screen time and review educational technology contracts. Despite being home to technology giants such as Spotify and Ericsson, Sweden is now encouraging schools to reduce students’ dependence on screens. The government has also allocated 555 million Swedish krona (about $59 million) this year to help schools purchase textbooks and teachers’ guides. The shift follows concerns about declining reading performance. According to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 24.3% of Swedish ninth-grade students failed to reach a basic level of reading comprehension, only slightly better than the European Union average of 26.2%. Magnus Haake, an associate professor of cognitive science at Lund University, said physical learning materials engage more parts of children’s brains and can improve learning outcomes. Beyond schools, Sweden’s public health agency is also encouraging parents to set a good example by creating screen-free areas at home. At Malmö Borgarskola high school, mobile phones are already banned during lessons. Students place their phones in a storage box before class and collect them afterward. Seventeen-year-old student Melina Sallahi said the policy helps students stay focused. “When you have a phone, there is always something to check. It becomes a distraction,” she said. Her classmate Vasilije Stjepanovic agreed, noting that games and social media can easily draw students’ attention away from lessons. Although students are provided with laptops, Deputy Headmaster Patrik Sander said teachers now encourage limited use of computers unless they are needed for specific classroom activities. “We have learned that writing by hand with a pencil helps students remember better,” Sander said. The government has already reduced the role of digital tools in early childhood education. Since last year, children under the age of two have been limited to non-digital learning materials such as books, while preschools are no longer required to use digital learning tools. A revised curriculum that places greater emphasis on books is expected to be introduced in 2028. However, not everyone supports the move away from digital learning. Industry group Swedish Edtech Industry argues that digital skills will be essential for most future jobs and warns that reducing technology use in schools could leave young people less prepared for the workplace. Peter Carlsson, CEO of Malmö-based startup Imvi Labs, said some digital tools are valuable, particularly for students with reading difficulties or other learning challenges. “Good technology can make teaching more effective,” he said. Still, many students at Malmö Borgarskola appear unconcerned about losing digital learning opportunities. As they prepared for end-of-year exams using textbooks, several said they learn more effectively from printed materials. “Everyone already uses digital devices in their free time, so I do not think schools need to teach that,” said Melina Sallahi. Another student, Aslan Özhan Kilicasan, summed up the view shared by many of his classmates: “We learn much more easily when we use books.”

A fascinating ecological study has revealed that hyenas are playing an unexpected role in urban waste management in the Ethiopian city of Mekelle, where they help process nearly 5,000 tonnes of organic waste every year. The study, led by wildlife ecology expert Gidey Yirga, found that hyenas and other scavengers significantly reduce the city’s waste burden, contributing to cleaner surroundings and potentially lowering public health risks. According to the research, spotted hyenas account for about 90 percent of this natural waste-processing activity, consuming discarded organic material that would otherwise accumulate in urban areas. Dr Yirga told CNN that this system benefits both humans and animals, noting that scavengers feed on waste while helping remove materials that could otherwise spread disease, including anthrax and bovine tuberculosis. Public health experts say the role of scavengers in removing decomposing animal remains may help reduce exposure to dangerous pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium bovis, Salmonella, Clostridium and Brucella species. By quickly consuming carcasses, hyenas may also limit insect breeding, foul odours and environmental contamination, indirectly reducing the risk of disease transmission to livestock, wildlife and humans. Some experts also suggest there may be environmental benefits. Kapil Bhatia, founder of sustainable fashion brand UNIREC, noted that reducing organic waste in landfills could lower methane emissions, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. However, experts caution against viewing wildlife as a replacement for formal waste management systems. Medical professionals also warn that scavengers themselves can carry pathogens in saliva, faeces and fur, and increased human interaction with wild hyenas may raise the risk of bites or disease transmission. While the human–hyena relationship in Ethiopia presents a striking example of ecological balance, experts emphasise that it cannot replace structured urban waste management systems, which remain essential for long-term public health and environmental safety. #From Indian Express

As summer temperatures rise, people can escape the heat indoors, but garden plants have to endure it on their own. Many flowers struggle in extreme heat, becoming dry, weak or failing to bloom altogether. However, choosing the right plants can help gardens stay colourful and healthy even during long, dry spells. Container plants are usually the most vulnerable because they depend entirely on regular watering and nutrients. Even after a morning watering, pots can dry out quickly under strong sun. In contrast, well-established heat- and drought-resistant plants develop deeper roots, allowing them to access moisture from the soil and survive with less care. Gardeners have plenty of resilient flowering options to choose from. Coneflowers (Echinacea), hardy in zones 3–9, are among the most reliable summer bloomers once established. They require little maintenance after their first season and continue producing flowers throughout the hot months. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are equally tough and pair well in the same garden beds. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are known for their bright red, yellow and orange blooms that spread across garden beds, creating a vibrant “blanket” effect even in intense heat. Zinnias also perform well in hot conditions, although they can sometimes be affected by powdery mildew in humid weather. Moss rose (Portulaca) is a low-growing, drought-resistant plant with succulent-like leaves that store water, making it highly adaptable to dry heat. Other hardy options include stonecrop (Sedum), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and ice plant (Delosperma), though ice plant should be avoided in some regions where it is considered invasive. Lantanas are another strong performer, producing clusters of multicoloured flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They bloom from late spring until frost and are valued for both beauty and pollinator support. Several other sun-loving plants also thrive in high temperatures. Petunias, including varieties such as Supertunia and Tidal Wave, are known for their resilience. Petchoas, a hybrid of petunias and calibrachoas, handle heat well but may need deeper watering during extreme conditions. Cosmos are light, airy plants with daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, orange and yellow. Sunflowers are naturally suited to full sun and require little introduction. Marigolds remain one of the most reliable summer flowers, available in shades of orange, yellow and copper-red, with newer cream-coloured varieties also emerging. A new compact African marigold variety called Lana Lace, featuring crisp cream blooms, is expected to reach garden centres in 2027.

Museums are increasingly playing a vital role in connecting people with different civilizations, allowing visitors to explore the history, culture and traditions of distant countries without leaving their own cities. From ancient Cambodian artifacts in Beijing to royal treasures from Kuwait in northwest China, museums across the country are attracting growing numbers of visitors eager to learn about other cultures and gain deeper cultural experiences. At the Meet You Museum in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone, an exhibition featuring 122 artifacts from the National Museum of Cambodia is giving Chinese visitors a rare opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Angkor civilization. The exhibition, which opened on May 1, will continue until August 30. Li Duo, who has a master's degree in archaeology, said the exhibition offers a chance to closely experience another great civilization and better understand its history and achievements. “Being able to encounter another major civilization without traveling abroad shows the true value of museums,” she said. The exhibition combines historical artifacts with modern technology. According to Wang Haixuan, vice president of the Beijing Zhongchuang Tourism & Culture Group, digital displays recreate the engineering wonders of Angkor Wat, while interactive systems allow visitors to engage with characters from ancient myths. The museum has also organized exhibitions on other ancient civilizations, including a popular Egyptian exhibition last year. “Our aim is to provide opportunities for people to learn about cultures from around the world,” Wang said, adding that such exhibitions are especially popular among young people, families and museum enthusiasts. He described museums as bridges linking the past with the present and connecting China with the wider world through cultural exchange and dialogue. According to China's National Cultural Heritage Administration, the country had 7,188 registered museums by the end of 2025, with more than 91 percent offering free admission. Together, they welcomed around 1.56 billion visits last year. Across China, both public and private museums are increasingly hosting international exhibitions, bringing global cultures closer to domestic audiences. At the Gansu Provincial Museum in Lanzhou, visitors can explore "Golden Dust of Time: Exhibition of the Royal Collection From Kuwait," which features 130 groups of artifacts from the Kuwaiti royal collection, including gold ornaments, sculptures and ceremonial vessels. Liu Chunxia, a tourist from Guangzhou, said the exhibition helped her gain a deeper understanding of Kuwaiti history and culture despite never having visited the country. “These artifacts show the artistic skills, beliefs and lifestyles of people who lived thousands of years ago,” she said. Experts say the growing popularity of such exhibitions reflects a rising demand among Chinese visitors for cultural and educational experiences as living standards improve. Ban Rui, director of the Gansu Provincial Museum, said museums are evolving from institutions focused mainly on local history into platforms that encourage exchanges between civilizations. Organizing international exhibitions often involves high costs and complex logistics, including transportation, insurance and promotion. To overcome these challenges, many museums are increasingly working with state-owned enterprises and private-sector partners to expand access to overseas exhibitions. This year alone, Chinese museums have hosted exhibitions from countries including Italy, the Czech Republic, Syria, Britain, Greece and Kuwait. Shanghai is also preparing to launch a major exhibition titled "Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" in July. The 16-month exhibition at the Shanghai Museum will showcase the history and culture of ancient American civilizations and continue the museum’s efforts to introduce world cultures to Chinese audiences. At the same time, Chinese cultural heritage is reaching wider international audiences. The culture of Dunhuang, famous for its historic Mogao Grottoes, has become an important part of China's cultural exchanges abroad. Through digital technology, reconstructed caves and immersive exhibitions, audiences in countries such as France have been able to experience the beauty of Dunhuang's art and history. Chai Qilin of the Dunhuang Academy said overseas visitors have shown strong interest in Chinese cultural exhibitions and often express a desire to see more similar events. “These exhibitions help people gain a deeper and more direct understanding of Chinese culture,” he said. The Shanxi Museum has also expanded its international presence, partnering with museums in countries including the United States, Australia, Russia, France, Greece and Mexico since 2012. According to Zhang Huiguo, deputy director of the museum, ancient Chinese bronze and jade artifacts have attracted significant attention abroad because of their unique craftsmanship and cultural significance. The museum also uses interactive displays and immersive technologies to explain traditional Chinese architectural techniques and ancient bronze-making methods, making Chinese culture more accessible to international audiences. In Mexico, museum experts highlighted similarities and differences between traditional Chinese silver craftsmanship and local silver-making traditions, helping visitors better understand both cultures. Zhang said China's growing international influence has helped increase global interest in Chinese culture, from traditional Hanfu clothing and Chinese cuisine to exhibitions showcasing the country's long history and cultural heritage. “International exhibitions are not only about promoting cultural diversity,” he said. “They are also about strengthening cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges around the world.”

While the United Arab Emirates is known for its dazzling skylines and brightly lit cities, one remote desert area is helping residents reconnect with the night sky. The Al Quaa Desert, located about 100 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi, has emerged as one of the country's darkest locations, offering visitors a rare chance to view the Milky Way with the naked eye. Volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group regularly organize stargazing trips to the desert, where participants can observe stars, meteors and the galaxy far from the light pollution that dominates much of the UAE. According to a 2016 study, nearly all UAE residents are unable to see the Milky Way from their homes due to artificial lighting from roads, buildings and urban developments. The country ranks among the world's most light-polluted nations. During a recent excursion, families and astronomy enthusiasts gathered under the desert sky, using telescopes and mobile phones to capture images of the galaxy. As the moon set, the Milky Way gradually became visible, drawing excitement from participants. Dubai Astronomy Group General Manager Sheeraz Awan said stargazing helps people appreciate their place in the universe and reconnect with a tradition that once guided Bedouins across the desert. Despite growing urbanization, Al Quaa remains a haven for astronomy lovers, providing a glimpse of the night sky largely hidden from view in the UAE's modern cities.

China is strengthening conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, also known as the golden monkey, in Mount Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in southwest Guizhou Province. Deep inside the misty mountains, veterinarian Yang Wei has spent the past six years closely working with the rare primates, building a strong bond while helping improve their chances of survival. The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a nationally protected species and is listed as critically endangered, with its entire wild population — estimated at around 850 — living in the Fanjingshan area. After completing his studies, Yang returned to his hometown in 2020 and now leads the monkey research centre under the Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve Administration. He said his goal is to protect the rare species found only in his region. At the centre, Yang and his team have improved care for rescued monkeys by designing enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitat. As a result, all rescued monkeys under their care have survived so far. The team has also enhanced nutrition and care for pregnant monkeys. While females in the wild usually give birth every three years, those under scientific care at the centre are now producing healthy offspring every two years. Currently, nine monkeys — including rescued and centre-born individuals — are being cared for at the facility. Protecting monkeys in the wild remains a major challenge, but authorities are increasingly using technology to monitor and safeguard them. Surveillance systems, infrared cameras, drones and regular patrols are being used to track their movements and prevent poaching. In addition, 14 ecological corridors have been built along roads around the mountain to ensure safe movement of monkeys between feeding and resting areas, while reducing human interference. These measures are already showing positive results. Increased monkey activity has been recorded, with cameras capturing groups moving freely through the forest and using the newly built corridors. Forest ranger Li Jiuhua said he has noticed a rise in the number of monkeys and other wildlife in recent years. He added that sightings of multiple monkey groups in a single day are becoming more common. China is also expanding similar conservation efforts nationwide to protect biodiversity and promote environmentally sustainable development. Thousands of ecological protection projects have been implemented in recent years, with more planned in the future. Locally, authorities have invested over 46 million yuan to build a new conservation centre for the monkeys. The facility, which began trial operations in April 2026, includes enclosures, a veterinary hospital, laboratories and food preparation areas. Officials say the new centre will focus on breeding, research and education, while also aiming to involve more experts and share conservation knowledge globally.