United News of Bangladesh

Zhang Tong, 36, oversees his family farm along the Yellow River in Shandong Province, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. Unlike past generations of farmers, Zhang relies on drones, smart machines, and precision irrigation to manage his 300-hectare wheat fields. A sleek silver drone maps the plots, plans spraying routes, and checks for water stress, while snake-like pipes deliver water and fertilizer directly to plant roots, reducing water use by nearly 30 percent. “The pipes work like the fine blood vessels of the human body,” Zhang explained. Since starting his farming career in 2019, Zhang has embraced automation. Intelligent seeders planted his entire farm in a month, while a fertilizer blender adjusts nutrients based on soil tests. Driverless harvesters and unmanned scout vehicles monitor crops and control pests. These innovations have pushed his annual wheat yield to 3,000 tonnes. Across China, agriculture is undergoing a similar transformation. In the south, rice seedlings grow in climate-controlled facilities, while winter wheat in the north thrives under drone-guided care. The centuries-old image of farmers with oxen and hoes is giving way to high-tech operations powered by AI, robotics, and data-driven planning. Zhang is also experimenting with soybean-corn intercropping and custom seeders to optimize harvest timing. Researchers like Feng Lingyang of Peking University support farmers by using computer vision, machine learning, and gene editing to improve crop yields and create new revenue streams. China produced a record 715 million tonnes of grain last year. Under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), the country aims to increase production to 725 million tonnes, focusing on stabilizing rice and wheat while expanding corn and soybean output. Experts say technology will be key to achieving these goals. On a neighboring farm, over 500 sensors track soil moisture, temperature, and wind across 660 hectares. Yu Long, general manager of Jinan Chengfa Agricultural Technology Co., said the goal is to cut grain loss by 5 percent, raise yields by 15 percent, and reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. “We are installing water-saving sprinklers and larger harvesters to further minimize losses,” he added. The fields along the Yellow River reflect a new era of Chinese farming, where science and machinery are transforming how the nation feeds its 1.4 billion people.

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, stands as a vital natural barrier along the coast, protecting millions of people from cyclones, storm surges, and rising sea levels. Often likened to a nurturing mother, this unique ecosystem not only endures harsh environmental conditions but also shields vulnerable communities from the increasing threats of climate change. Beyond its protective role, the Sundarbans supports rich biodiversity and sustains local livelihoods, making its preservation crucial for both people and nature. Recently, I have been to the Sundarbans with my grandsons, Tanzif and Tawfeeq, and their parents, Shahrin and Asif, and came back on the 26th instant. It took me quite a while to convince my daughter that it’s much more rewarding to visit the Sundarbans than Cox’s Bazar! I was referring to her perceptions of people who have visited the Sundarbans. I was wondering what the Sundarbans meant to our younger generations and discovered Samia Jahan Shefa ([email protected]), a student of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, between her lines. Samia, on June 3, 2024, wrote to the editor of the Financial Express: “The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is like our mother who endures adversity but protects us. It safeguards the coastal areas, offering protection from Nature's fury. In recent memory, two of the deadliest super cyclones—Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009—hit the coastal areas of Bangladesh. After these devastating cyclones, other severe storms made landfall, including Fani and Bulbul in 2019, Amphan in 2020, and Yaas in 2021. Each time, the protective Sundarbans played the role of a saviour against Nature's ferocity. It was no different at the time of Remal. The Sundarbans, our first line of defence against natural disasters, once again safeguarded the nation from Cyclone Remal. It saves us but pays a heavy price in terms of the forest's ecosystem, wildlife, and biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the forest sacrifice their lives to save us. ……………….. If the Sundarbans survive, Bangladesh will survive, as it takes care of us. But who will take care of it? Bangladesh aims to be a developed country by 2041. What will be the condition of the Sundarbans then? Will it become a scapegoat for ‘development’? We don't want a developed Bangladesh at the cost of destroying our ‘saviour mother,’ the Sundarbans.”  

The luxury watches in ‘Dhurandhar 2’ are more than just accessories they reflect the personalities, power, and worlds of the characters. From rugged field-ready timepieces to high-end statement pieces, each watch is carefully chosen to convey style, status, and intention. Hamza Ali Mazari’s collection spans extremes. For high-power moments, he sports the ‘Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126503’, a 40 mm two-tone Oystersteel and yellow gold chronograph with a golden dial, tachymeter bezel, and 72-hour power reserve. Priced around Rs 18–22 lakh, it signals wealth and authority, even if it slightly predates the film’s timeline. On the battlefield, he switches to the ‘Casio G-Shock GA-100-1A1’, a shock-resistant, water-resistant, analog-digital watch built to endure extreme conditions, priced at Rs 7,500–9,500. A simpler G-Shock variant also features in his rotation, highlighting the character’s mix of practicality and occasional flair. Jameel Jamali favors the ‘Rolex Day-Date ‘President’, a pure power watch crafted from 18 ct yellow gold, with a fluted bezel, President bracelet, and day-date display. Marketed at Rs 44 lakh+, it mirrors Jameel’s flashy and authoritative persona, symbolizing influence and prestige. Uzair Baloch, meanwhile, opts for functionality over flash with the ‘Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000-1A3’, designed for harsh environments. Shock-proof, mud-proof, water-resistant up to 200 metres, and featuring a compass and thermometer, this watch, priced around Rs 70,000–75,000, fits the chaotic, survivalist edge of Uzair’s world. Whether it’s Rolex luxury or G-Shock toughness, ‘Dhurandhar 2’ uses watches to deepen character storytelling. Each wrist accessory becomes a statement—highlighting status, personality, and the tension between glamour and grit. Source: NDTV

Dhaka University Mime Action (DUMA), one of Bangladesh's most celebrated cultural organizations, is set to make history with its first-ever performance in Europe. Ubaidullah Ridwan, President of DUMA, has been invited by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Warsaw to perform mime at the National Day Reception on March 26, 2026, commemorating Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The event will take place at 18:00 hrs at the Ratuszowa Hall, Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw. In its official invitation the embassy highlighted that distinguished performances like DUMA’s would strengthen artistic and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Poland. This milestone underscores DUMA’s role in advancing mime as a medium of artistic expression in Bangladesh. Over the years, the troupe has staged performances addressing human rights, social justice, and awareness campaigns, earning recognition both domestically and internationally. The performance will showcase the richness of Bangladeshi artistic heritage on the international stage and celebrate 55 years of Bangladesh’s nationhood, DUMA said in a statement. Through this landmark cultural presentation, DUMA aims to carry the pride of Bangladesh’s independence and its cultural legacy to Europe, marking a notable achievement for Bangladeshi performing arts.

Vast peach orchards in northern Greece have turned bright pink as thousands of visitors gather to witness the region’s annual blossom season, creating a scenic spring attraction. Every year, blooming peach trees spread like a pink blanket across the plains around Veria, drawing tourists mainly from across Greece and increasingly from other European countries. “It’s something people should see at least once in their lives because the area is so large,” said Gianna Pilitsidou, president of the Veria Tourism Club. She noted that the plains, covering about 170 square kilometres, become entirely pink during peak bloom. To celebrate the season, the tourism club has been organising activities such as photography tours, cycling events and exhibitions of local farm products. Over two recent weekends, thousands of visitors walked through the flowering orchards near Veria, located about 72 kilometres west of Thessaloniki. Visitors from abroad also joined the celebrations. Dutch travel blogger Wesley van Eijk said he wanted more people to discover lesser-known destinations like Veria, while German tourist Andrea Lachnit described the blossoms as “stunning and heavenly.” Local farmers say the event helps promote their produce and supports the region’s economy. Hotel operators also reported a noticeable rise in visitor numbers. Peach blossoms in the Veria region typically appear between mid-March and mid-April, marking one of Greece’s most colourful spring attractions.

A lush, beautiful garden is a common dream, but experts say the secret to achieving it starts below the surface with healthy soil. While many gardeners focus mainly on plants, a garden depends on a strong foundation. Soil is not just dirt; it is a living system filled with nutrients, organic matter and countless organisms such as bacteria, fungi, insects and worms. A 2023 study published in the ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’ says soil may contain about 59% of all life on Earth, making it the most biodiverse habitat. These organisms play a vital role by controlling harmful pests, turning organic material into natural fertilizer and improving air flow and drainage in the soil. Maintaining soil health is therefore essential for a successful garden. Before planting, experts advise checking soil structure. Sandy soil drains water too quickly, while clay soil holds too much moisture both can harm plant growth. To improve soil quality, add 3–4 inches of compost, leaf mold or well-rotted manure and mix it gently into the top 6–12 inches. However, avoid over-tilling, as it can damage beneficial organisms, increase erosion and bring weed seeds to the surface. In later seasons, simply spread organic matter on top and let it break down naturally. Testing soil pH is also important, as different plants grow best within specific pH ranges. Gardeners can use simple home test kits and adjust levels with lime or sulfur if needed. It is also useful to check key nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to guide fertilizer use. Experts stress that building healthy soil takes time. Slow-release fertilizers and organic materials are better long-term choices than quick chemical fixes, which should be used only in urgent cases. Gardeners are also advised not to walk on planting areas, as compacted soil limits air and water flow and restricts root growth. Leaving soil bare can lead to erosion, nutrient loss and weed growth. Instead, plant ground cover or apply organic mulch such as bark, straw or dry leaves. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate temperature and reduce weeds, but it should be kept away from plant stems to prevent rotting. Jessica Damiano, a gardening writer for The Associated Press, shares regular tips in her award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.

The reported unmasking of elusive street artist Banksy has sparked renewed debate over whether anonymity is essential to his artistic and commercial appeal. For decades, Banksy’s identity has remained one of the art world’s most enduring mysteries, adding to the intrigue of his politically charged works seen across major cities and conflict zones. A recent report by Reuters has reignited speculation, prompting mixed reactions among fans and experts. Many admirers expressed disappointment, arguing that revealing the artist’s identity diminishes the mystique surrounding his work. Some compared it to exposing a magic trick, saying the secrecy was part of the experience. Banksy, widely believed to be Bristol-born Robin Gunningham, emerged from a tradition of street artists who used anonymity as a form of resistance. His works often address themes such as inequality, war and state power. However, art dealers and analysts say the value of his work is unlikely to decline. They argue that collectors are drawn more to the message and cultural impact of the art than to the identity of the artist. Experts also note that Banksy’s identity has long been an open secret in art circles, with previous media reports and investigations pointing to similar conclusions. Despite the controversy, his work continues to resonate globally, from public murals to high-profile auction pieces. As debate continues, many believe Banksy’s legacy will ultimately rest not on who he is, but on what his art represents.

Experts say simply counting calories is not enough to maintain a healthy weight, as factors like meal timing, eating speed, and food type also play a crucial role. Research shows that consuming most calories earlier in the day, slowing down while eating, and focusing on minimally processed foods can help the body manage energy more efficiently. The way food is chewed and metabolized, as well as differences in gut microbiomes, further influence calorie absorption. Sarah Berry, professor of nutrition at King’s College London, said individual responses to food can vary widely, highlighting the importance of “eating smarter” rather than relying solely on calorie counting. Experts advise a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, and low in processed sugar, salt and fat, combined with mindful eating habits, to support long-term health.   With inputs from BBC

Japan has officially marked the start of its cherry blossom season, with the first blooms confirmed in three cities, government observers said Monday. Officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) verified the flowering of the Somei Yoshino variety at designated benchmark trees in Kochi in the southwest, and Gifu and Yamanashi in central Japan, after at least five blossoms were observed on each tree — the threshold for declaring the season open. Kochi recorded the earliest bloom for the third consecutive year, arriving six days ahead of the average, while Gifu and Yamanashi saw blossoms nine days earlier than usual, according to the JMA. Shinobu Imoto of the Kochi Meteorological Agency attributed the early flowering to lower winter rainfall and extended sunshine hours. Cherry blossoms, known as “sakura,” typically peak between late March and early April, coinciding with the beginning of Japan’s academic and business year. During this period, people gather under the blooming trees for walks and picnics. However, in recent years, popular viewing spots have faced issues such as littering and noise due to overtourism. Sakura have remained a central symbol in Japanese culture for centuries.

A new wave of allergy treatments is giving hope to millions suffering from hay fever, with immunotherapy showing promise not just in relieving symptoms but in potentially “training” the body to resist seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, affects over 400 million people worldwide and can lead to chronic respiratory issues, ear infections, and even asthma. Experts say the condition is often underestimated, with many patients only receiving temporary symptom relief rather than preventative care. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), delivered through sublingual tablets or injections, gradually desensitises the immune system to specific allergens such as grass, ragweed, or dust mites. Daily sublingual tablets started 8–16 weeks before allergy season and continued for three years can significantly reduce symptoms and may prevent the development of asthma in children. Clinical trials show long-term benefits lasting years after treatment ends. For patients who cannot undergo immunotherapy or have severe asthma, biologics offer an alternative, targeting the immune system to reduce inflammation, though they are costly and do not provide lasting remission. Other strategies to manage hay fever include using nasal sprays with both antihistamine and corticosteroid, taking second-generation oral antihistamines, and reducing exposure to pollen through measures such as keeping windows closed, using air purifiers, wearing masks outdoors, and showering before sleep. Experts emphasise that hay fever should not be trivialised. Effective, safe, and increasingly accessible treatments are available, and early intervention can greatly improve patients’ quality of life.   With inputs from BBC