United News of Bangladesh

Painted birds have begun appearing across the worn walls of Wang Tong Village, a quiet corner of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, turning abandoned homes into a trail of murals that spotlight both neglected places and the remarkable journeys of migratory species. The project was conceived by Dominic Johnson-Hill after an ornithologist neighbor told him about the Amur falcon, which travels from Manchuria and stops in Lantau before continuing across Myanmar, India and Madagascar to South Africa. Johnson-Hill said the story changed how he saw the birds around him, not as permanent residents but as passing visitors. Inspired, he looked at an empty house beside his own and imagined a red-billed blue magpie stretching across its wall, an idea that grew into what is now known as the Flock Project. To translate the concept into art, Johnson-Hill brought in British muralist Rob Aspire, widely known as “The Birdman,” who is recognized for detailed and expressive bird paintings. The first mural was followed by more. A year later, Aspire returned to paint seven additional works. Egypt’s Siwa Salt Lakes: why you float instead of sinking Each bird was selected to match the surroundings through ecology, appearance or symbolism. A kingfisher appears near a stream where fishing has been banned, while a Swinhoe’s white-eye blends into walls close to trees where its call can still be heard. Most of the paintings sit on abandoned houses, with one exception on Sunset Peak. There, at 868 meters above sea level, a long-tailed shrike is painted onto the rooftop of a 90-year-old stone home overlooking the mountains. The project aims to gradually place more of Hong Kong’s native and migratory birds into view, integrating them into overlooked corners of the island as though they have always been part of the landscape. The murals have started drawing hundreds of visitors, many from the city’s dense urban centre, who walk village trails in search of the painted birds. On weekends, some leave chalk arrows to guide others, turning the paths into a kind of informal treasure hunt. Organisers say building attention and appreciation can be a first step toward conservation. Bali named world’s top travel destination for 2026 by TripAdvisor Johnson-Hill has also created an online map for visitors and is considering the next phase, which will depend on whether new sites become available and whether conditions allow additional birds to be painted. As the story suggests, birds come and go, and so do people. Villages may empty out, but their walls remain, now carrying painted birds and the memories they leave behind. 

The Siwa Salt Lakes in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis are known for their striking turquoise water and for a rare experience: in many of the pools, it is extremely difficult to sink. Unlike some viral travel locations that disappoint in real life, these desert pools often look much like the photos shared online. Located near Egypt’s border with Libya, the pools are shaped by the area’s geology and by salt extraction. As minerals are excavated from dried salt lakes, some basins later fill naturally with water from underground springs. In the intense desert climate, water evaporates quickly, leaving behind very high concentrations of mineral salts. That salinity makes the water denser, creating strong buoyancy, so swimmers tend to float on the surface soon after entering. Some accounts say salt levels in certain pools can rise to extremely high concentrations — far higher than seawater — which further increases buoyancy and makes sinking unlikely. Beyond their appearance, the Siwa lakes are also linked to the oasis’s long history. Reports note archaeological finds in the region dating back thousands of years. Locally, salt and salt-rich materials have traditionally been used in construction, including in structures such as the historic Shali Fortress. Bali named world’s top travel destination for 2026 by TripAdvisor Today, salt taken from the lakes and ponds is used in a range of products and in wellness practices. Many visitors and locals believe the mineral-rich water can help with skin and sinus problems, though these claims are largely based on tradition and personal experience. Visitors are commonly advised to be cautious: avoid getting the water into your eyes and avoid shaving right before swimming to reduce irritation. Why Mount Damavand, Asia’s tallest volcano, is so famous To reach the lakes, travelers typically book day tours from Cairo or Alexandria or use local transport such as tuk-tuks for shorter trips. Alongside floating in the salt pools, tourists often visit Cleopatra’s Pool, the Oracle Temple, the Shali Fortress area and the Mountain of the Dead tombs. Siwa became more accessible after a highway opened in the 1980s, bringing the once-isolated oasis onto Egypt’s travel map.   #With inputs from  NDTV

Legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani devoted his life to creating outfits that celebrated women’s beauty and dignity, his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti said on Tuesday, following the designer’s death at the age of 93. Speaking to journalists outside Valentino’s headquarters in Rome, Giammetti said the designer always believed fashion should enhance women rather than overshadow them. “He often said, ‘It’s not my fault, I just love beauty,’” Giammetti said. “From a creative point of view, he taught us to respect women.” Valentino, who founded his fashion house in 1960, dressed some of the world’s most famous women, including Elizabeth Taylor, Nancy Reagan, Sharon Stone and Julia Roberts. He was known for creating iconic red-carpet looks and for his signature shade, widely known as “Valentino red”. Giammetti said Valentino’s lasting legacy was the belief that fashion exists to embellish, not to ridicule. His business partner’s vision and craftsmanship helped turn the Valentino label into one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands. Valentino’s body will lie in state from Wednesday at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation, next to the designer’s historic atelier in central Rome. On Tuesday, admirers gathered outside the foundation, laying red roses in tribute. Among them was 21-year-old fashion student Luca Bonilli, who said Valentino had been a source of inspiration. “It is a great loss. Even for those who are not deeply interested in fashion, he was an important figure,” Bonilli said. Valentino’s funeral will be held on Friday at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs in the Italian capital.   With inputs from NDTV

After collecting feedback from bicyclists and other stakeholders across four cities in Bangladesh, India and Ghana, a new study shows policymakers devising ways to cut emissions in their countries must meet people where they are and not rely on the same policies that have worked in richer countries. In many high-income countries, bicycling on city streets is becoming more common— being promoted and invested in both for its health benefits and its benefits to our environment and climate. The new study published in Nature Cities shows that policies that address the needs of bicyclists are far less common in low- and middle-income countries. Read More: Europa likely unsuitable for life despite hidden ocean, study finds This, despite the fact that 49 of the top 50 countries with the most polluted air are located in the Global South and 82 percent of CO2 emissions over the remainder of the century are projected to occur there. The study evaluates the current state of bicycling in the Global South and what can be done to increase its use as a tool for reducing emissions and improving air quality. “There is enormous potential for bicycling to be used as a way to reduce harmful pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in low- and middle-income countries,” says Kavi Bhalla, one of the study’s co-authors and an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division. “But just because certain policies work to boost bicycling in cities in the United States or Europe doesn’t mean the same policies will be successful in countries in the Global South, where the context is much different. Our study digs into that local context so policymakers can better design policies to fit their local needs.” Read More: Rising medicine prices threaten healthcare for marginalised communities, warns study Bhalla and his co-authors including those from Bangladesh studied bicycling in four similar low- and middle-income cities: Delhi and Chennai (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), and Accra (Ghana). The locations they chose are all rapidly densifying and expanding cities with flat terrain, heterogeneous traffic, and marked by very hot summers and seasonal flooding. The authors gathered both “in the moment” feedback and interview testimony from more than 550 bicyclists and other stakeholders. They discovered that bicycling is a mode of everyday transportation for some. But the typical rider was a low-income man cycling a long distance to work each day, with fewer low-income women also riding bicycles to travel shorter distances and on quieter neighborhood roads. But the conventional belief was, once someone could afford an automobile, they would no longer use a bicycle. Those who did bicycle faced harsh and risky road conditions. Along with needing to cope with extreme heat, heavy rains and flooding, they also needed to navigate roads that were built to accommodate high-speed automobiles. In the few areas where separated bicycle lanes existed, they were often either blocked by parked cars or vendors, taken over by motorcyclists escaping roadway traffic, or built in affluent neighborhoods where few people actually bicycle. It is of little surprise that roadways were built without bicyclists in mind. Planning documents rarely acknowledged that people bicycled at all, and when they did it was often in reference to recreational use within beautification projects. Additionally, the responsibility of bicycling infrastructure is spread among many different agencies, while bicycle distribution policies were aimed at improving access to school for low-income girls. Bicycling cultures persist despite these barriers, sustained by informal and precarious support systems. Non-profit organizations provide tools like air pumps and water at basic public comfort stations. Meanwhile, small street-side bicycle repair shops, often no more than footpath stalls, provide maintenance and sell second-hand bicycles. Yet, many have downsized over the past decade and must regularly negotiate with police and regulatory authorities simply to continue occupying public space. “What we saw was not a lack of bicycling, but a lack of institutional support,” says Rahul Goel, one of the study’s co-authors and an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. “Bicycling continues largely because of informal systems that keep bicycling viable from day to day. These systems are essential, yet they are increasingly fragile and invisible to policymakers, even as motorized traffic and regulatory pressures make cycling harder to sustain.” Drawing on this analysis, the study concludes that large-scale increases in bicycling could meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from the transport sector in low- and middle-income countries. However, rather than importing models from high-income settings, the authors argue that policies should start by addressing the everyday needs, constraints, and risks experienced by current bicyclists. “If we begin by making bicycling safer and more workable for those who already rely on it, we can create conditions that make bicycles a viable option for many more people and help prevent a shift toward private motor vehicles as incomes rise,” says Smruthi Bala Kannan, who led the work as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Chicago before joining the Madras Institute of Development Studies as an Assistant Professor. Read More:  Bangladesh solar power projects fail to draw investors for rigid terms: Study

Valentino Garavani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer whose glamorous gowns dressed generations of royals, first ladies and Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 93. The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation said in a statement posted on social media that the designer died at his residence in Rome on Monday. No cause of death was disclosed. Universally known simply as Valentino, he was famed for his high-glamour creations, often in his signature shade of “Valentino red”, and remained a dominant force on international runways for nearly half a century. “Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision,” the foundation said. Adored by generations of royals, first ladies and movie stars, Valentino dressed icons ranging from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Julia Roberts to Queen Rania of Jordan and Diana, Princess of Wales. He once said, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.” Although Italian-born and based in Rome, Valentino regularly unveiled his collections in Paris, establishing himself as a global symbol of elegance and timeless style. Tributes poured in from across the fashion world. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “an indisputable maestro of eternal style and elegance of Italian high fashion.” Designers, supermodels and celebrities also expressed their sorrow, hailing him as a master of his craft. Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera in northern Italy, Valentino trained in Milan and Paris before founding the Valentino fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959 with his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti, who managed the business side of the empire. His career spanned from the early 1960s to his retirement in 2008, during which he became the designer of choice for red-carpet events, dressing Oscar winners including Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett. Valentino’s empire later expanded into ready-to-wear, menswear and accessories, and the brand was sold in 1998 for an estimated 300 million dollars. He continued designing for another decade before stepping down. A public viewing will be held at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation on Wednesday and Thursday, while his funeral is scheduled for Friday in central Rome.

Bali has been crowned the world’s best travel destination for 2026 in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best, beating a list of global favourites including London, Dubai, Hanoi, Paris and Rome. The ranking is based on the volume and quality of traveller reviews collected throughout 2025, reflecting feedback from real visitors across the globe. Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the recognition highlights the island’s enduring appeal despite challenges such as waste management, traffic congestion and fluctuations in visitor numbers. “Bali has secured the highest position in the world, proving that these issues cannot weaken its standing as a top global destination,” he said in Denpasar, according to Antara. Why Mount Damavand, Asia’s tallest volcano, is so famous Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the award shows continued confidence among international travellers. “Being chosen as the world’s best destination by TripAdvisor proves that Bali remains a major magnet for global tourism,” he said in a statement. TripAdvisor described Bali as a “living postcard”, known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and historic World War II shipwrecks. Along with the top global ranking, Bali also earned several other honours. It was ranked first among the best honeymoon destinations, placed in the top 10 for cultural destinations and solo travel, and listed among the world’s top 20 trendiest cities. The island is popular for its diverse attractions, from the green rice terraces and art markets of Ubud to the calm beaches of Seminyak and Nusa Dua. Adventure lovers often hike Mount Batur for sunrise views, while visitors explore iconic temples such as Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. Greenland in winter and summer: A land of ice, adventure, and stunning landscapes Snorkelling and diving hotspots like Amed and Nusa Penida also draw travellers with their clear waters, coral reefs and rich marine life. With its blend of natural beauty, culture and relaxation, Bali continues to attract travellers from every corner of the world.   #With inputs from NDTV

A new app in China, bluntly named “Are You Dead?”, is taking the country by storm, offering young people who live alone a way to check in with friends or relatives and confirm they are alive. The app costs 8 yuan (about $1.10) per check-in. Developed by three young Chinese in their 20s, the app has quickly become the most downloaded paid app on China’s Apple App Store. It is also gaining popularity in countries like Singapore, the Netherlands, Britain, India, and the United States. The app’s simplicity—a single button to send a proof-of-life alert—is aimed at those who live far from family and struggle with loneliness. Developer Ian Lü, 29, said it especially suits introverts who find it “unrealistic to message people every day just to tell them you’re still alive.” China’s rapid urbanization has left more than 100 million single-person households, as young adults move to cities for work and education, often far from parents and grandparents. Users like Yuan Sangsang, 38, see the app as a way to reassure relatives in the event of an unexpected death, while others enjoy it as a humorous social check-in. The app has sparked discussions around cultural taboos: the word “death” is largely avoided in Chinese society. Following public pressure, the developers briefly pulled the app from the App Store and proposed a new name, “Demumu”, though they later decided to crowdsource another name, offering a reward of 666 yuan ($96) for suggestions. Commentators say the app’s popularity reflects a mix of practical concern and the desire to feel seen and understood in a fast-paced, isolating society.  

Mountains rarely dominate headlines. They remain unchanged while empires rise and fall, borders move, and history reshapes nations. But Mount Damavand, Iran’s towering, snow-covered giant, refuses to remain merely a silent landmark. Standing at 5,609 metres, Damavand is officially Asia’s tallest volcano. Unofficially, it represents far more: a geological mystery, a cultural symbol, a mountaineer’s challenge and, more recently, a backdrop to modern conflict. Few natural monuments combine poetry, politics, science and survival so seamlessly into a single silhouette. A peak that is more than just a mountain Rising from Iran’s Alborz mountain range near the southern edge of the Caspian Sea, Damavand commands the landscape with its almost perfect cone and permanent snowcap, making it one of West Asia’s most recognisable peaks. It is Iran’s highest mountain, Asia’s tallest volcano and one of the world’s most prominent peaks. Yet its significance extends far beyond geography. Its snow-covered summit appears in poetry, folklore and even on Iranian currency. In the epic Shahnameh, Damavand is described as the prison of Zahhak, the tyrant king whose defeat symbolised justice triumphing over cruelty. Other legends place the mythical Simorgh, the bird of wisdom, atop its peak. For centuries, writers and poets have used Damavand as a symbol of resistance, endurance and national pride, a reputation so powerful that the mountain features on Iranian banknotes.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, is the world’s largest island. Nestled between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, it primarily experiences two distinct seasons: long, dark winters from October to May and bright, sunlit summers from June to August. Many also describe spring as occurring between March and May and autumn between September and October. Regardless of the season, Greenland is known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque skies, which remain a constant attraction throughout the year. According to a December 2024 report by The Guardian, 92,673 tourists visited Greenland in 2022, rising to 131,767 in 2023. A CNN report noted that the island welcomed 141,000 visitors in 2024, with figures for 2025 yet to be released. Despite past US President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring Arctic territories, Greenland remains a highly sought-after destination for travelers. Visitors are drawn not only to its dramatic scenery but also to experiences such as viewing the Northern Lights, exploring Inuit culture, witnessing the midnight sun during summer, and taking part in adventure activities. What visitors should know as Louvre ticket prices jump by 45% for many tourists Here’s a look at how Greenland appears during its winter and summer seasons. Greenland in winter For those seeking a true winter wonderland, Greenland offers a chilly paradise from October through May, with temperatures ranging from -9°C to -30°C. The northern regions experience polar nights, where the sun does not rise from November to January, while the southern areas receive some daylight. Despite the freezing conditions, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as Arctic ice tours, dog sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing. The northern polar nights also provide an opportunity to witness the aurora borealis, along with experiencing local life in small towns. Spring begins in March, bringing daylight to both northern and southern regions. With sunlight reflecting off vast expanses of snow and ice, tourists are advised to wear sunscreen and sunglasses. This season also offers unique experiences such as polar plunges into icy waters, combining winter fun with bright, photogenic landscapes. Winter storms dump snow and ice across New England Greenland in summer Though brief, summer in Greenland is enchanting, particularly north of the Arctic Circle, where the Midnight Sun keeps daylight constant for 24 hours. Temperatures are milder, ranging from 5°C to 15°C, allowing visitors to wear lighter clothing. As snow melts, it unveils cascading waterfalls, green tundra, and vibrant wildflowers. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot musk ox, whales, birds, arctic hares, and reindeer. Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and sailing through fjords, while icebergs, misty mornings, and local cuisine add to the charm of the season. Summer gradually gives way to autumn, with shorter days and the return of aurora sightings. Visitors can continue camping, water activities, and outdoor exploration as long as sunlight permits, making Greenland a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. #With inputs from NDTV

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was practiced with ritual and patience: dried roots and peels were weighed from wooden drawers, brought home and slowly boiled into a bitter brew whenever the body required healing. Today, it can be ordered iced and sipped on the commute. On Chengdu’s bustling Chunxi Road, a long established commercial district in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, an unexpected cup of coffee is reshaping perceptions. “It tastes like regular coffee at first,” said Shazia, a Pakistani student in China. “But there’s a light, lemony note at the end.” The drink, a dried tangerine peel and hawthorn Americano, comes from Tong Ren Tang, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacy with more than 350 years of history. For many visitors, the combination can seem puzzling. Why are coffee, bread and trendy tea drinks in China increasingly blended with medicinal ingredients? The shift reflects not a return to traditional treatments but changing attitudes toward health and everyday consumption. Read More: 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts Founded in 1669, Tong Ren Tang has expanded beyond clinical medicine into lifestyle retail. Through its youth-focused sub-brand, Zhima Health, it now offers coffee, tea, baked goods and bottled “wellness waters,” incorporating familiar herbs into modern café settings. The menu features items such as goji berry lattes and monk fruit Americanos. These products fall under China’s concept of “medicinal and edible homology,” where certain herbs are considered food ingredients that provide mild nourishment rather than treatment. Modern store designs and familiar flavors reduce resistance to traditional medicine. For many young consumers, the appeal lies less in proven effects than in reassurance. Health becomes a low-effort daily ritual, woven into coffee breaks and meals, as TCM finds a new role in fast-paced urban life.