United News of Bangladesh

South Korean pianist Lee Hun, who suffered a devastating stroke in 2012 that paralyzed the right side of his body, has rebuilt his career as a left-hand-only performer and is now preparing for his first orchestral concert at an international festival next month. Lee, 54, said his initial concern after the stroke was whether he would walk again, not return to music. The stroke damaged about 60 percent of the left hemisphere of his brain, leaving him unable to move his right arm and leg and causing temporary aphasia. He was later brought back to South Korea in a wheelchair and could not even recognize his father upon arrival. Seeds of Sadaqah sponsors mass wedding of 126 underprivileged couples in Sylhet His recovery took a turn in 2013 when former teacher Chun Yung Hae encouraged him to explore piano pieces written for the left hand alone. Inspired, Lee resumed practice and made his formal debut in 2016 at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. Since then, he has performed widely, appeared on television and authored a memoir. Now able to walk unaided and communicate more smoothly, Lee will perform Ravel’s “Piano Concerto for the Left Hand” on May 2 at the Icheon Young-Artist International Music Festival. Despite slim medical prospects of regaining full use of his right hand, Lee remains hopeful of one day performing with both hands again.

Fatou the gorilla, the world’s oldest gorilla living in captivity, marked her 69th birthday on Monday with a special feast at Berlin Zoo, enjoying cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks and lettuce. Zoo officials said no birthday cake was served as sugar is not considered healthy for the ageing primate. Fatou, a western lowland gorilla, was brought to then West Berlin in 1959 when she was believed to be around two years old, although her exact birth date remains unknown. April 13 has been designated as her official birthday. In the wild, gorillas typically live 35–40 years, while those in captivity can live significantly longer. She became the zoo’s oldest resident in 2024 following the death of Ingo the flamingo, who was believed to be at least 75 years old and had lived at the zoo since 1955. According to Guinness World Records, Fatou is believed to have been born in the wild in western Africa before being taken by a French sailor, who reportedly traded her in Marseille to settle a bar bill. She was later sold to the Berlin Zoo by a French animal trader. Now living in a separate enclosure, Fatou prefers to stay apart from the zoo’s other gorillas in her old age. She has lost her teeth and suffers from arthritis and hearing loss. However, Berlin Zoo primate supervisor Christian Aust said she remains friendly with keepers, though still somewhat stubborn. At 69, she continues to be well cared for as staff wished her a warm “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Fatou.”

The Strait of Hormuz has been drawing global attention due to rising tensions that have disrupted shipping along one of the world’s most important oil routes. This narrow waterway carries a large share of global energy supplies, meaning any disruption quickly affects oil prices and international politics. But scientists say the existence of this critical passage is linked to an ocean that vanished millions of years ago, known as the Tethys Sea. Around 250 million years ago, Earth looked very different, with two massive landmasses, Laurasia in the north and Gondwana in the south, separated by the Tethys Sea. Over time, shifting tectonic plates reshaped the planet. The Arabian Plate gradually moved north and collided with the Eurasian Plate, causing parts of the Tethys Sea to shrink. This collision formed the Zagros Mountains in present-day Iran and squeezed the remaining water into a narrow channel, now known as the Strait of Hormuz. Today, the strait stands as a remnant of that ancient ocean, linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. The same ocean also played a key role in forming the Himalayas, located thousands of kilometres to the east. About 50 to 40 million years ago, the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate. Instead of one plate sliding beneath the other, both crumpled due to their thickness. Sediments from the floor of the Tethys Sea, including limestone and marine deposits, were pushed upward over time, creating the Himalayan mountain range. This is why marine fossils can still be found high in the Himalayas, including near the summit of Mount Everest, showing that these rocks were once part of an ocean floor. Experts say the Tethys Sea disappeared gradually over millions of years, but left behind very different features. In the west, it formed the narrow and strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while in the east, it gave rise to the world’s highest mountain range. Despite their distance, both the strait and the Himalayas share a common geological origin rooted in the same ancient ocean. With inputs from NDTV

A small town at the foot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji is facing unexpected challenges as tourists flock to see cherry blossoms and the mountain’s snow-capped peak. What began with a beautiful photo shared on social media has turned into a source of tension for locals. Visitors eager to capture the perfect shot of Mount Fuji rising behind a red pagoda quickly filled the peaceful streets of Fujiyoshida. Along with the crowds came complaints of traffic jams, litter, and some tourists entering private homes to use toilets or even relieving themselves in front yards. The situation became so severe that city officials canceled this year’s annual cherry blossom festival, originally created a decade ago to promote tourism. Masatoshi Hada, manager of Fujiyoshida’s Economics and Environment Department, said, “This area is primarily an ordinary residential neighborhood, where balancing tourism with the safety of residents’ daily life has become difficult. We decided not to promote a festival that would invite more visitors.” Even without the festival, tourists packed the town on sunny early-April days when cherry blossoms were at their peak. Narrow streets leading to Arakurayama Sengen Park were crowded as visitors lined up to film the world-famous views. In recent years, foreign tourists have exceeded 10,000 per day in the area, a number the city says has “threatened residents’ daily lives.” Overtourism is not unique to Fujiyoshida. Other popular destinations in Japan, such as Kyoto and Kamakura, have faced similar problems, including congested buses and crowded streets. Locals refer to the issue as “tourism pollution,” which has sparked wider debate as Japan seeks to balance economic growth through tourism with community well-being. The government has set a target to increase annual foreign visitors from 40 million to 60 million by 2030, even as some local communities struggle to cope. To manage crowds, Fujiyoshida increased security and restricted vehicle access to the scenic neighborhood, asking visitors to reach the park on foot. Security guard Hiroaki Nagayama said, “Some people buy food at stalls and leave litter behind. I think what’s happening here is a typical example of overtourism.” Residents also expressed mixed feelings. Ninety-three-year-old Hitoshi Mori said, “Having many visitors is good but annoying. It’s too crowded, so I can only shop once a week.” Tourists, meanwhile, continue to enjoy the views despite the crowds and strict rules. Lisa Goerdert from Paris said, “It was amazing. We had only a few minutes to take pictures, but it was worth it.” Overtourism has divided locals. Some have opened businesses like shops, food stalls, and toll parking, while others long for quiet. Masami Nakamura, a school uniform shop owner, said, “I hope tourists respect our rules and manners.” Meanwhile, hotel employee Kyoko Funakubo, who also sells Fuji-themed souvenirs, said the influx has brought new life to previously quiet streets.  

Tiny figurines peek over electrical boxes, float down drainage pipes, and hide in alley nooks, waiting for visitors willing to get on their hands and knees to discover them. Vicki Taylor carefully assembles these miniature scenes in the backroom of a theater she runs with her husband, Rick. In 2020, the couple opened the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum also called "Mississippi's Tiniest Museum"—to bring joy and draw people downtown during the COVID-19 shutdown. Today, the once gray, overlooked alley has become a lively community hub and a unique tourist attraction. "You may come feeling down, but you're going to leave excited," said Brianna Moore, a local who often brings her two sons to the free museum. "My boys love it." What began as a small window display behind Hattiesburg’s Saenger Theater has grown into a miniature wonderland. Visitors can now explore a tiny art gallery, a mini movie theater, colorful murals, a keychain and DVD exchange, a rainbow bridge for pets that have passed away, and even a motion-activated dance corner with music and disco lights. "It was just an average alley, like you see in any town," Taylor said. "It just took looking at it differently to see what it could become." Rick Taylor, executive director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, which operates the museum and theater, said the museum has drawn over 300,000 visitors since opening. According to Visit Hattiesburg CEO Marlo Dorsey, the museum has coincided with a more than 40% growth in the city’s tourism economy. Dorsey credited the rise to city efforts to promote culture, art, and recreation, including a project to paint 100 murals across Hattiesburg. Unique attractions like the Pocket Museum and the nearby Lucky Rabbit vintage store have also helped pull visitors downtown. Tony Lymon, a Hattiesburg resident since 1990 and owner of eYrthBeat Coffee Company near the museum, said he has seen a "monumental rebirth" in the downtown area over the past decade. He believes nearby attractions help bring customers to his shop. The museum has also become a platform for local artists. Gabby Smith, who painted several alley murals, said it gave her confidence to pursue art full-time. Now, she watches her children explore the alley, excitedly asking, "Mommy, did you paint that one too?" "This city believes in art and artists," said Shaw Ingram, who opened Wax Fantastic Records downtown last year. "There's nowhere else I would want to open this business." Back in her workshop, Vicki Taylor reflects on the museum’s unexpected popularity. She once feared it might fade after the pandemic, but now curates constantly changing exhibits. The effort, she said, is worth it to showcase the city she loves. "Hattiesburg is not a beach town, and it doesn't have mountains," she said. "There has to be something to make people stop off the highway."

Those unusual planters with small openings on their sides often resembling tiny buildings with windows and balconies  are more than decorative pieces. While commonly used for growing strawberries, these pots can also be used creatively for a variety of plants. Usually made of terracotta, strawberry pots are tall and urn-shaped, though shorter and wider versions are also available. The side openings are designed to hold soil and plants, allowing strawberries to grow above the ground and reducing the risk of rotting. However, gardeners can use them for much more than fruit. These pots are ideal for creating attractive and practical displays. Succulents such as hens and chicks fit well in the side pockets, offering a striking look. In colder climates, the pots can be moved indoors during winter, as long as the plants receive enough sunlight and are not overwatered. They are also perfect for a compact herb garden. Smaller herbs like parsley, thyme and mint can be planted in the lower openings, while larger ones such as rosemary or basil can be placed at the top, creating a neat and functional display. Adding small flowering plants like marigolds can enhance the look. Trailing flowers and vines, including petunias and sweet potato vines, can spill out of the openings, creating a colourful effect. Plants like nasturtiums, verbena and ivy also work well, while shade-loving varieties like caladium and coleus are good options for low-light areas. Watering all plants evenly can be challenging, but placing a perforated PVC pipe in the centre of the pot helps distribute water and nutrients effectively. Although strawberry pots come in different materials, traditional clay versions can crack in freezing weather. In colder regions, it is best to bring them indoors during winter and care for them as houseplants. Jessica Damiano is a gardening writer for The Associated Press and publishes the Weekly Dirt Newsletter.

While sugar is widely considered harmful in nutrition, some experts argue that it is often misunderstood. Nutritionist Athena recently took to Instagram, claiming, “Sugar is one of the most misunderstood substances in the health space. 'Sugar-free' recipes plague my explore page, as if removing it is the pinnacle of health.” She added in her post titled “A low-sugar diet will age you faster. And collagen powders won't fix it”, “Sugar is constantly framed as the root cause of disease. But in my view, anti-sugar is anti-life, especially the female body; particularly for those who want to be fertile, calm, nourished, and beautiful. I know that nothing makes me feel more myself than a ripe piece of fruit, a cup of tea with lots of honey, a panna cotta, cheesecake, or a big glass of chocolate milk.” To assess these claims, NDTV consulted two dermatologists, Dr Akanksha Sanghvi and Dr Bindu Sthalekar. Dr Sthalekar clarified that sugar itself is not essential for healthy skin. “What the body needs is glucose in balanced amounts, which it can derive from complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables,” she said, noting that these foods provide energy along with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that support skin health. She warned that added sugars in desserts, packaged foods, and sugary drinks offer no direct benefits to skin and should be limited to 5-10% of daily calories. Dr Sanghvi explained that while there is no scientific evidence that a low-sugar diet accelerates ageing, excessive sugar intake has clearly established negative effects. “Excess sugar binds to proteins like collagen and elastin through glycation, making them stiff and less functional. Over time, this causes visible ageing signs like fine lines, loss of elasticity, and dullness,” she said. High sugar intake can also trigger inflammation, worsen acne, disrupt hormones, and contribute to insulin resistance, which may exacerbate conditions like PCOD, irregular periods, hair thinning, and abdominal weight gain. Regarding low-sugar diets, Dr Sthalekar added, “A well-balanced low-sugar diet that reduces refined sugars but maintains overall nutrition can improve skin health, with fewer breakouts and less inflammation. However, extremely restrictive diets that cut out entire food groups or calories can harm skin, causing dryness and dullness due to nutrient deficiency.” On the relationship between sugar and collagen, Dr Sthalekar said that high sugar intake damages collagen through glycation, accelerating skin ageing, while collagen production relies more on protein, vitamin C, zinc, and overall nutrition than on sugar consumption. Signs of excessive sugar intake, according to Dr Sanghvi, include reduced skin firmness, early fine lines, dull or uneven skin tone, and increased breakouts. She also cautioned that repeated sugar spikes can lead to insulin resistance, contributing to conditions like acanthosis nigricans, which appears as dark, thickened skin in body folds. Experts agree that while natural sugars from fruits and balanced diets can be part of a healthy lifestyle, refined and added sugars offer no benefits and should be consumed in moderation to maintain overall health and skin quality.  #From NDTV

Thousands of Catholic faithful marked Good Friday across Latin America with vibrant processions and ceremonies recreating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Antigua, a historic colonial city in southern Guatemala, devotees dressed in traditional purple and white robes walked through cobblestone streets under the morning sun. Many were penitents known as “cucuruchos,” while others carried centuries-old statues of Jesus. The শহর hosts more than a dozen processions during Holy Week, set against dramatic volcanic scenery. Marcos Bautista, 63, said he has attended the annual observances since infancy. He described the experience as deeply emotional and beyond words. In Bolivia, President Rodrigo Paz joined Good Friday events in the southern city of Tarija. His participation marked a shift from past leaders, who largely avoided religious ceremonies despite Bolivia’s strong Catholic roots. In the capital, La Paz, processions featuring hooded penitents and military bands moved through the streets, with participants carrying representations of the Holy Sepulcher. Many welcomed the visible presence of authorities at the events. Although Bolivia is constitutionally secular, Catholic traditions remain influential. In some households, people observe the day by eating only fish and preparing symbolic dishes representing the apostles, though such customs have declined in recent years amid economic hardship. In Ecuador, where a large majority identify as Catholic, major cities held processions. In Quito, the “Jesús del Gran Poder” procession drew more than 150,000 people, filling the historic কেন্দ্র with prayers and chants as they accompanied an image of Jesus carrying the cross. Meanwhile, in neighboring Colombia, thousands climbed Monserrate Hill in Bogotá to attend Mass at the summit basilica. Similar reenactments of the Stations of the Cross were held nationwide. In Mexico, home to one of the world’s largest Catholic populations, observances included the “Procession of the Chained” in the town of Atlixco. Participants, some wearing chains and cactus spines as acts of penance, walked through the streets in a display of devotion and sacrifice. Attendee Marcela Ramírez described the event as both solemn and moving, calling it an act of reverence. While the proportion of Catholics in Latin America has declined in recent years, the religion remains the region’s largest. In countries such as Peru and Argentina, more than 60% of adults still identify as Catholic, according to recent surveys.  

At Greenland Girls School in Kenya, 19-year-old Valerie Wairimu barely gets a break between classes. During recess, she grabs a quick snack before heading to the school’s on-site nursery to care for her baby, Kayden, who is looked after by a team of nannies while she attends lessons. Greenland Girls School is the only institution in Kenya exclusively dedicated to teenage mothers, providing both education and child care. The school supports 310 students and more than 80 children, offering young mothers a second chance at education in an environment free from stigma. Experts consider it a model for reintegrating adolescent mothers into the school system. “When I found out I was pregnant, I didn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Wairimu, who consistently ranks near the top of her class and dreams of becoming a doctor. Founded in 2015, the boarding school has enabled hundreds of girls and young women to complete secondary education while supporting their children. Some graduates have pursued successful careers in fields such as government and medicine. The school is managed by the nonprofit organization Shining Hope for Communities, and many students attend through grants. Most students come from Kajiado County, south of Nairobi, where Greenland maintains outreach officers to identify and refer pregnant girls. The school also works with social services and is recognized by teachers across Kenya, including in more distant regions such as Wairimu’s home in western Kenya. Her grandmother had referred her to the school because her family lacked the resources to care for a newborn. Many students come from challenging circumstances, including pregnancies resulting from sexual assault or forced marriages. Paul Mukilya, the school manager, said parents are often unsupportive, and outreach officers must sometimes negotiate with community elders to allow students to attend. “Some of the challenges the students face come from family and community. Most have not been accepted as they are,” Mukilya said. “Here, we provide psychological counseling and mentorship.” In Kenya, sexual activity involving minors under 18 is illegal, but only the male partner is held criminally responsible. Teenage pregnancies frequently lead to legal proceedings, and Greenland supports students while coordinating with local authorities in cases of underage marriage. While students are in class, the school’s staff manage child care and provide guidance on parenting. Caroline Mumbai, a caregiver at Greenland and mother of two, said, “Some of the mothers see their children as a burden. We also teach them how to mother.” Making education accessible to teenage mothers remains a challenge in Kenya, a country with a rapidly growing youth population. National statistics report that over 125,000 births in 2024 involved adolescent mothers under 19. According to a 2015 Population Council study, two-thirds of teenage mothers cited pregnancy as the reason for leaving school, while research by IDinsight in 2022 showed that unintended pregnancy was the second-leading reason girls dropped out, after inability to afford school fees. In response to growing demand along Kenya’s coast, Greenland Girls School plans to open a second campus in Kilifi County. “Every girl who becomes pregnant and leaves school should be allowed to return,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa. “Special schools are critical in complementing scalable policy frameworks and helping close the education equity gap.” Students at Greenland also value the school’s stigma-free environment, which encourages learning. Mary Wanjiku, 20, whose son is nearly 18 months old, said, “People used to judge me for getting pregnant. The moment I came here, I was received with love. Now, I hope to become a lawyer.”

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Public Library has revealed a 1,000-year-old manuscript titled “Gharib Al Quran”, authored by the early scholar Abu Ubaidah Mamar Ibn Al Muthanna. The manuscript, dating to the fourth century, consists of 23 folios measuring 17 by 22 cm, reports GulfNews.  It is written in clear Andalusian script, with the names of surahs inscribed in Kufic script, and remains an unpublished work in Quranic sciences. The library said its collection includes a wide range of rare manuscripts on Quranic interpretation and linguistics, spanning several centuries. Among them are works by Abu Ishaq Al Zajjaj and Ibn Qutaybah Al Dinawari, as well as parts of Tafsir al Tabari, copied in the sixth century. The archive holds more than 185 rare manuscripts on Quranic exegesis, alongside hundreds of texts covering recitation, grammar and interpretation. The library said it aims to showcase its rare collections of manuscripts, documents, photographs, coins and artefacts, while opening new avenues for studying and engaging with heritage in its diverse forms. It also seeks to support academic research by making these rare manuscripts more accessible to scholars.