United News of Bangladesh

Citrus trees can thrive indoors during winter in colder regions if they receive proper care, sufficient sunlight and suitable growing conditions. While these subtropical and tropical plants can tolerate lower temperatures than many people expect, prolonged freezing conditions require them to be moved indoors. Unlike citrus growers in warmer regions, who can leave their trees outside throughout winter, gardeners in places such as New York often need to grow them in containers and move them indoors as temperatures drop. Meyer lemon and Ponkan mandarin trees, for example, can remain healthy and produce fruit indoors with the right winter care. Ensure adequate sunlight Citrus trees need plenty of light during winter. A well-draining potting mix specially prepared for citrus plants is recommended to maintain healthy roots and prevent waterlogging, particularly when the plants require less water during colder months. The sunniest location in the house is usually the best place for indoor citrus trees. South- or southwest-facing windows are ideal because they receive substantial sunlight. If natural light is insufficient, gardeners can use full-spectrum grow lights positioned above the plants for 10 to 12 hours daily. Keep pets away from citrus trees Citrus trees can be toxic to both cats and dogs, making it important for pet owners to keep them out of animals' reach. One possible solution is to cover the plants with a mesh bag fitted with a drawstring. This allows sunlight to reach the trees while preventing pets from chewing their leaves. However, mesh coverings may slightly reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the plants. Proper watering, fertilising and maintenance Indoor citrus trees should be kept away from cold drafts, radiators and forced-air heating vents. Sudden temperature changes and dry indoor air can stress the plants and cause their leaves to fall. A relatively cool room is generally better than an excessively warm environment. Maintaining humidity at around 50% is also beneficial. If indoor air becomes too dry, a humidifier can be placed nearby. Alternatively, the pot can be positioned on a shallow tray containing pebbles and water. Although citrus trees do not become fully dormant during winter, their growth slows considerably. Therefore, watering should be reduced, keeping the soil only slightly moist. Gardeners should allow the top one or two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Watering can be increased when new growth appears in spring. Fertiliser should be applied once a week from spring through September. However, feeding should be stopped completely during winter. Regularly inspect the leaves for pests, particularly their undersides, where spider mites, scale insects and aphids commonly gather. If pests are detected, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used according to the product instructions. Gradually move trees outdoors in spring When temperatures become suitable again, citrus trees can be moved outdoors. Around late May, they should initially be placed in a shaded location before being gradually exposed to direct sunlight over approximately one week. This gradual transition helps the plants adjust to outdoor conditions and reduces the risk of stress caused by sudden changes in sunlight. Although indoor citrus trees may not produce as much fruit as those grown in warmer climates, proper winter care can still result in a rewarding harvest of fresh lemons and mandarins, suitable for making juice, desserts and homemade pies.

Finding the perfect gift for the holiday season can be challenging, but some innovative products stand out by offering practical solutions to everyday problems in unexpected ways. From smarter car diagnostics and multifunctional power tools to advanced pet feeders and sleep accessories, these eight creative gift ideas are designed to make daily activities easier, more convenient and enjoyable. Car diagnostics at your fingertips For car enthusiasts and drivers who want to understand their vehicle better, the Sparq AI OBD2 Scanner offers a handy solution. The Bluetooth-enabled device plugs directly into a vehicle and connects to a free app that explains 50,000 diagnostic codes in simple language. It also provides vehicle health checks, explains dashboard warning lights, helps investigate unusual noises, monitors tyre tread and reviews vehicle history. When repairs are needed, the app can also help users assess whether repair estimates are reasonable. The device costs $129. A multifunctional 3-in-1 drill Dremel's compact Blueprint DD-12V-S1 combines a power drill and driver with an integrated stud finder and a detachable, self-adhesive line laser featuring a bubble level. Its 12V brushless motor is supported by an LED light for working in dimly lit spaces and locating dropped drill bits. A battery indicator also helps users keep track of charging needs. The product is priced at $99, although prices may vary by retailer. Metal containers safe for microwave use Using metal cookware or aluminium foil in microwave ovens has traditionally been discouraged because of the risk of sparks and fire. As a result, most people rely on glass, ceramic or plastic containers for heating food. Genicook's microwave-safe stainless-steel containers offer an alternative. Designed with smooth, rounded edges to prevent sparking, they are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. The three-piece set includes containers with capacities of 3.4 cups (0.8 litres), 5.1 cups (1.2 litres) and 7.6 cups (1.8 litres). Each comes with a leak-proof tempered-glass lid featuring silicone vents. The set costs $54.99. A pet feeder that recognises individual animals Managing feeding routines can be difficult for households with multiple pets, particularly when animals try to eat from one another's bowls. The Surefeed microchip pet feeder addresses the problem by recognising individual pets through their microchips. Its battery-operated feeding unit opens its protective cover only when the designated pet approaches and closes automatically when the animal moves away. The system helps prevent dogs from eating cats' food or one cat from consuming another's meal. It is priced at $199. A smarter way to reseal food bags Traditional chip clips and rubber bands can close opened food packets but may not provide an airtight seal to preserve freshness. The handheld Magic Reseal magnetic heat sealer offers a more effective alternative. The USB-C rechargeable device features six sealing modes and can seal up to 300 bags of chips, cereals, coffee, frozen food and other products on a single charge. Users simply press the device against the open edge of a bag, slide it along the opening and wait a few seconds for an airtight seal. It also features a built-in cutter for opening or reopening packets. A magnet on its back allows it to be attached to a refrigerator for convenient access. Available in white and blue, the device costs $49.99. Turn almost any surface into a speaker The Anything Speaker is a compact, portable audio device weighing less than 3 ounces (85 grams) and measuring roughly the diameter of a silver dollar. Unlike conventional Bluetooth speakers, it uses bone-conduction technology to generate and amplify sound through vibrations. With an attached suction cup, or the included magnet or adhesive strip, users can attach it to surfaces such as doors, windows, tables, boxes, guitars, pianos and mirrors. The connected surface then produces 360-degree, omnidirectional audio streamed from a smartphone. A USB-C charging cable is included. The device comes in Aerospace Aluminum and Onyx Black finishes and costs $49.99. A sleep mask designed for side sleepers The Manta Sound Sleep Mask is designed particularly for people who sleep on their sides, combining light-blocking features with Bluetooth audio. It has adjustable C-shaped eyecups that sit flat against the temples to improve comfort while blocking 100 percent of light. Its breathable knit-mesh material adds to comfort during sleep. The mask also features adjustable, ultra-thin Bluetooth speakers measuring 0.2 inches (5 millimetres), offering up to 24 hours of playback at full volume on a single charge. It is also machine-washable and priced at $159. Keeping an eye on babies while driving Parents travelling with infants often rely on rearview or additional mirrors, or install separate baby cameras and monitors to keep an eye on children in the back seat. The BubbaSafe Baby View camera offers another option by connecting directly to a vehicle's Apple CarPlay screen. Mounted behind the front seat, the camera wirelessly transmits 1080p video to the car's display. Parents can view the footage in standard, split-screen or picture-in-picture modes, with infrared night vision available for low-light conditions. The camera comes in Cat, Dog and Panda designs and costs $208.

An amateur historian has uncovered new evidence that a prominent historical figure associated with one of New York's most popular beaches may have helped notorious English pirate Capt. Henry Every escape authorities after a massive raid on an Indian treasure ship more than three centuries ago. James Bailey, who attracted attention five years ago after discovering ancient coins believed to be connected to Every, says colonial-era documents point to Thomas Jones, the namesake of Jones Beach State Park, as a possible accomplice of the infamous pirate. Jones Beach, one of New York's most visited state parks after Niagara Falls, attracts millions of visitors each year. Bailey said his latest research suggests that Jones played a significant role in what could be considered one of the largest robberies in the history of piracy. His investigation focuses on the 1695 attack on the Ganj-i-Sawai, a royal Indian treasure ship travelling through the Red Sea. Historical accounts say Every and his crew tortured, killed and sexually assaulted passengers and crew members during the raid, triggering international outrage and one of the earliest major international manhunts. Although several members of the pirate crew were eventually captured and executed, Every and many of his associates disappeared. They are believed to have fled to different parts of Europe and the American colonies. According to Bailey, depositions from associates of Every and other historical records suggest that Jones acted as a getaway operator, helping the pirates avoid authorities after they seized gold and silver worth tens of millions of dollars. Additional documents indicate that New York's colonial governor later investigated Jones over suspected links to piracy, even after he had established himself as a wealthy businessman involved in whaling on Long Island's coastal barrier island. Mystery surrounding Jones' past Bailey's findings, which he hopes to publish, offer further insight into the controversial history of Jones, whose possible involvement in piracy has long been mentioned in local historical accounts. John Hanc, author of Jones Beach: An Illustrated History, said Bailey's research sheds light on an aspect of Jones' past that has never been fully established in local history books. Jones previously served as a major in the English military before moving to the American colonies. He initially settled in Rhode Island and later became a prominent businessman and landowner in New York. He owned thousands of acres across Long Island, which was largely rural at the time. However, questions about the source of his wealth continued long after his death in 1713. His deteriorating mansion was associated with ghost stories and strange occurrences before being demolished in the early 19th century. His grave was also repeatedly disturbed by treasure hunters searching for hidden riches before his remains were moved to a family burial ground behind a nearby church. A family history published in 1906 by one of his descendants rejected the allegations, describing the pirate stories as malicious rumours and unlikely inventions. Was Jones involved in piracy? Historians say Jones' possible involvement in piracy cannot be dismissed entirely because he had previously worked as a privateer. Meagan Schulman, a doctoral candidate at Fordham University specialising in 17th-century piracy, explained that privateers were sailors authorised by the English crown to attack commercial vessels belonging to rival countries during wartime. However, when conflicts ended, such authorisation was withdrawn. Those who continued attacking ships could then be regarded as pirates. Schulman noted that privateers and pirates often carried out similar activities, although their legal status depended on whether they had government backing. After allegedly helping Every and his associates escape, Jones briefly returned to Rhode Island, according to documents cited by Bailey. In 1696, his father-in-law, wealthy New Yorker Thomas Townsend, reportedly gave Jones and his wife a substantial piece of land along Long Island's southern coast, according to property records. Bailey believes the land provided Jones with an opportunity to establish a new life while British authorities continued searching New England for Every and his associates. Jones subsequently built a home, raised a family and developed his business interests on Long Island. However, his suspected pirate connections resurfaced in 1698, when New York's colonial governor Richard Coote investigated allegations of piracy. In a report based on witness statements, Coote described how a barrel of money had been transported from New York City to Long Island and delivered to Jones' residence. Jones, whom the governor described as a former pirate, denied having any knowledge of the money. Piracy and colonial-era wealth Although Bailey's research presents an intriguing possibility, historians have cautioned against treating the findings as definitive proof. Richard Blakemore, a maritime history professor at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, said the evidence was compelling but noted that Thomas Jones was a relatively common name, making it difficult to establish the individual's identity conclusively. Kevin McDonald, a history professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles who has written about piracy during the colonial period, said the alleged connection highlights how piracy helped generate wealth for influential families in northeastern America. Blakemore also noted that pirates were not necessarily social outcasts, as commonly portrayed in popular culture. Historical evidence suggests that piracy was closely connected to the social and economic structures of early British colonies.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) is set to organise a special cultural programme featuring artists with special needs titled ‘Bismoyer Ovijatri, Kanoner Kokil’ on Monday. The programme will begin at 6 pm on November 2 at the National Music and Dance Centre auditorium under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, will attend as the chief guest, while ministry secretary Yasmin Begum will be present as the special guest. Professor Dr Aleya Parvin of the Department of Political Science at Government Music College will deliver the keynote address. The programme will be chaired by Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, joint secretary and acting director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The cultural segment will feature a series of group dance performances, solo songs and recitations by artists and performers from different organisations and institutions. The programme will open with a group dance performance of ‘Mon Amar Deho Ghori Shondhan Kori’ by SWID Bangladesh, choreographed by Reshmi Abedin. This will be followed by a solo rendition of ‘Alga Koro Go Khopar Badhon’ by Sujan Rahman, district cultural officer of Chuadanga. Laboratory Model School will present the group dance ‘Ei Rangamatir Pothe Lo’, choreographed by Amit Hasan. Sharmin Akter Shiku and Sayma Sharmin Ima will perform the solo songs ‘Amar Moner Koner Baire’ and ‘Amar Hiyar Majhe Lukiye Chile’, respectively. Expression Welfare Society will present the group dance ‘Bihur E Logon Modhur E Logon’, choreographed by Rafia Khandaker. The programme will also feature a solo song by Shanto Rahman and a solo recitation by Shahin Reza Russell. The event will conclude with a group dance performance of ‘Ay Tobo Sohochori Haat-e Haat-e Dhori’ by Wills Little Flower School, choreographed by Hasan. The programme will remain open to all.

Mexico's streets are adorned with bright orange marigolds, flickering candles and people wearing makeup resembling elegant skeletons known as catrinas as the country celebrates its annual Day of the Dead festival. The celebrations begin in October and reach their peak on Nov. 1 and 2, when people believe the spirits of deceased family members return temporarily to the living world to reunite with their loved ones. Although the exact origin of the tradition remains unknown, it is rooted in agricultural beliefs dating back to Mexico's pre-Hispanic period. Catholic customs were later incorporated following the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the festival features large-scale parades along Mexico City's main avenues. Streets, shops and markets are decorated with orange Mexican marigolds, locally known as cempasuchil, whose bright colours are believed to guide the souls of the dead back to earth. Bakeries also display traditional pan de muerto, or bread of the dead. Families prepare special altars at home in memory of deceased relatives, placing photographs, food, sweets and mezcal as offerings. On the night of Nov. 1, families across the country gather in cemeteries to honour and reconnect with their departed loved ones, continuing a tradition observed for centuries. However, as the festival and Mexico's capital have attracted growing international attention, popular destinations such as Oaxaca and Michoacan have faced challenges linked to overtourism. In Mexico City, some residents have questioned an annual parade featuring floats decorated with catrinas. The procession was originally created for the 2015 James Bond film Spectre and later became part of the city's official celebrations, despite not being an established element of the traditional festival. Meanwhile, authorities on Janitzio, a small island in Lake Patzcuaro in the central state of Michoacan, barred tourists from entering its cemetery for the first time this year. The island's Day of the Dead celebrations were recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The decision followed a report by the community council that overcrowding had contributed to the collapse of damaged tombs, crosses and sections of the cemetery's boundary wall. Under the new restrictions, only local families and friends of people buried in the cemetery will be permitted to enter.

Music once echoed through Kabul's streets, filling cafes, restaurants and homes across the Afghan capital. But under Taliban rule, those sounds have largely disappeared, forcing musicians to abandon their professions and practise their art in secrecy. Since 2022, the Taliban authorities, who returned to power in 2021, have enforced a nationwide ban on playing and listening to music. Only religious vocal chants without instrumental accompaniment are permitted. The restrictions are enforced by the morality police under the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. "Music is forbidden in Islam," ministry spokesperson Saif ul Islam Khyber said, arguing that it encourages sinful behaviour. He added that people were not allowed to listen to music or record songs and musical compositions. Following the Taliban takeover, many musicians fled Afghanistan, while others sent their instruments abroad or concealed them to prevent their destruction. Kucha-e-Kharabat, a historic neighbourhood in Kabul known for its musical heritage, has also lost much of its identity. Former music shops now sell groceries, clothing and household products instead of musical instruments. Despite the restrictions, some musicians remain determined to preserve Afghanistan's musical heritage. Occasionally, they bring out their hidden instruments and perform privately, despite the risk of arrest. In a small house in Kabul, one musician keeps three hand-carved rubabs, a traditional Afghan string instrument. He occasionally takes one out and plays it, determined not to let the instrument or the country's musical traditions disappear. "As long as I am alive, I will continue to play," he said, adding that even if he has to perform secretly, he will not allow the rubab to fall silent. A Kabul-based singer shares the same determination, saying that music remains alive in people's hearts even when public performances are prohibited. Both musicians spoke anonymously because of fears of arrest. Before the Taliban takeover, the singer regularly performed at concerts and celebrations. He has since hidden his rubab, harmonium, flute, tabla and keyboard. He described covering his instruments with a tarp as an emotionally devastating experience, saying music had given him purpose, recognition and a livelihood. Sometimes, he stands beside his concealed instruments and cries, asking their forgiveness because he can no longer play them. Musicians face financial hardship The restrictions have also pushed musicians into severe economic difficulties. The rubab player previously taught at a music school and operated a traditional instrument shop inherited through his family. After the Taliban returned to power, he sent many instruments abroad, hid the rest and closed his business. He said his family had earned around 10,000 afghanis ($150) daily through music teaching and instrument sales. Today, he earns barely 100 afghanis ($1.50) a day working as a labourer. The closure also deeply affected his father, who died of a heart attack shortly afterwards. The musician believes his father never recovered emotionally from losing the family business. Meanwhile, the singer remained unemployed for two years before friends helped him establish a small business. Secret performances become increasingly risky Initially, some musicians continued performing at underground gatherings despite the ban. However, growing surveillance and the threat of arrest have made such events increasingly dangerous. The singer said government agents were actively searching for musicians involved in secret performances. He has not attended any underground musical gathering for four years, fearing imprisonment and worrying about his young children. The rubab player also stopped performing secretly after authorities raided a gathering where he had played. The morality police reportedly learned about the event after an attendee took photographs and sent them to officials. Several participants were arrested, although he managed to escape. Musicians fear loss of cultural heritage Beyond the financial consequences, musicians fear that Afghanistan's traditional music could gradually disappear if younger generations cannot learn and practise it. The rubab player learned the instrument from his father and now hopes to pass the skill on to his eldest son. He said preserving the family tradition was essential, describing it as a legacy passed down from his grandfather to his father and then to him. The singer, however, believes Afghanistan's musical identity cannot be erased despite the restrictions. "No one can ever truly separate music from Afghan society," he said, comparing their connection to that between a fingernail and flesh.

For more than six decades, striped bass fishing has been a major passion for Bill Jakob. He still remembers spending entire nights casting into the rough waves off Montauk and returning with eight or nine fish weighing up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) each. However, after years of intensive fishing, those large catches gradually became less frequent. "I was part of the problem in those years. I operated party boats, and we caught fish recklessly without considering the consequences," said Jakob, president of the Montauk Surfcasters Association on the eastern tip of Long Island. Like Jakob, an increasing number of fishermen are concerned that the golden days of striped bass fishing may be disappearing. The fish are no longer appearing in the numbers they once did, while finding younger striped bass has also become increasingly difficult. Scientists studying the species say these concerns are justified, pointing to prolonged overfishing as one of several contributing factors. Regulators reported last week that striped bass have experienced eight consecutive years of poor reproduction in their most important breeding ground, the Chesapeake Bay. Their population has also declined across much of the Atlantic coast. Scientists have raised concerns about several additional threats, including rising water temperatures, reduced river flows, drought, pollution and potentially increased predation by seals and sharks. These challenges have raised questions about whether stricter fishing restrictions alone would be sufficient to restore the population. The decline of striped bass, important predators that help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling smaller fish populations, could also have serious economic consequences, putting an $8 billion fishing industry and tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

The Vatican has opened an exhibition celebrating the popemobile, the special vehicle that has helped popes meet and connect with Catholic faithful around the world for nearly a century. The Vatican Museums presented a preview of the exhibition, titled “A Century of the Popemobile,” on Wednesday. The display features eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles used by popes since 1930 and officially opened to visitors on Thursday. Pope Leo XIV, who has a keen interest in cars, also met senior Mercedes-Benz executives and thanked the company for its longstanding partnership with the Holy See. The Chicago-born pope said developments in car technology had gone hand in hand with changes in how popes travel. “Over the decades, the popemobile has evolved from a means of transportation into an instrument of encounter, enabling the pontiff to draw closer to the faithful during pastoral visits and public celebrations,” Leo said. He added that the company's work had supported the Church's mission of reaching people with messages of faith, hope and charity. The oldest vehicle in the exhibition is a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 presented to Pope Pius XI on May 23, 1930. It features a luxurious armchair covered in silk brocade, along with finely crafted wooden and metal fittings. The vehicle was specially designed and built for papal use, making it different from standard production cars, said Sandro Barbagallo, curator of the Historical Collections Department at the Vatican Museums. He explained that the vehicles were designed to allow popes to see and be seen by crowds while travelling in safety and comfort. Later models reflected the changing needs of papal journeys, particularly the importance of interacting with the faithful and blessing babies brought to meet the pope. In 1960, Pope John XXIII received a Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet. Its removable rear side windows allowed him to reach out to people along his route, marking an important step towards more direct contact with the public. Another major development came in 1980, when Mercedes-Benz prepared a 230 G for Pope John Paul II's visit to Germany. The vehicle featured a raised, transparent dome at the rear, protecting the pope while allowing crowds to see him clearly. During his meeting with company executives, Leo also recalled the electric popemobile presented to Pope Francis, reflecting the late Argentine pope's commitment to environmental protection. “I encourage you to continue placing technological innovation at the service of human dignity, care for creation and the common good,” Leo said.

King Charles III is facing renewed pressure to address Britain’s historical role in slavery as he visits the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda over the next nine days. The British monarchy continues to face demands for an apology and reparations for the enslavement of millions of Africans who were transported to the Caribbean and North America to work for the benefit of slave owners and the British Empire. Palace officials have indicated that Charles will repeat his previous remarks describing slavery as an “atrocity that forever stains our history,” but he is not expected to issue a formal apology. Speaking at a youth rally in Nassau, the Bahamian capital, on Tuesday, the king said acknowledging the suffering and injustices of the past was the right thing to do. However, Brooke Newman, a Virginia Commonwealth University history professor and author of The Crown’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery in the Americas, said such statements would do little to address the concerns of slavery’s descendants. She argued that the approach failed to encourage dialogue and left affected communities feeling that the government and monarchy were unwilling to discuss the issue further. Royal family’s historical links to slaveryNewman’s research traces the monarchy’s involvement in slavery from the late 16th century through the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the end of slavery across the British Empire in 1833. According to her book, Queen Elizabeth I supported an expedition by sea captain John Hawkins in 1563 to capture Africans from Portuguese-controlled ports in West Africa and transport them to Spanish colonies in the Caribbean. The queen provided Hawkins with a Royal Navy warship in exchange for a share of the profits, making her the first English monarch to benefit directly from the transatlantic slave trade, Newman wrote. Nearly a century later, King Charles II granted the Company of Royal Adventurers into Africa, later known as the Royal African Company, exclusive trading rights along the West African coast. The company expanded its activities from trading gold, hides and ivory to enslaved Africans. Charles II and his brother, the Duke of York, who later became King James II, invested in the company. Growing international pressure for reparationsCalls for Britain and other countries that benefited from slavery, including the United States, Portugal and Spain, to pay reparations have intensified in recent years. In March, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for reparatory justice, including a formal apology and compensation for both the period of enslavement and its continuing consequences. The resolution highlighted lasting inequalities affecting Black communities in the Caribbean and the Americas, including reduced economic opportunities, lower incomes and shorter life expectancy. The United Kingdom abstained from the vote. Craig Prescott, a constitutional law and monarchy expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, said Charles was unlikely to apologise because he acts on behalf of the elected government rather than independently. He said the British government acknowledges slavery as a stain on the country's history but maintains that reparations will not be paid. The issue is particularly sensitive because compensation could cost Britain hundreds of billions of pounds at a time when the government is under pressure to fund public services amid rising living costs. Commonwealth relations add to the challengeCharles must also consider how his remarks will be received across the Caribbean and the wider Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries, many of which were formerly part of the British Empire. The British monarch remains head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries besides the United Kingdom. The final four days of Charles' Caribbean tour will take place in Antigua and Barbuda, which is hosting a biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders. Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caribbean Community's reparations commission and vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies, has urged the king to respond to the demands as a person rather than solely as a monarch or Commonwealth leader. Speaking ahead of the visit last week, Beckles said the wealth Charles would pass to his children and grandchildren was partly rooted in the historical exploitation and enslavement of Africans. Debate over Britain’s historical responsibilityBritain has faced similar criticism during previous commemorations of the abolition of slavery. In 2007, the country marked the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by honouring William Wilberforce and other campaigners who spent two decades persuading Parliament to outlaw the trade. However, a commemorative service at Westminster Abbey attended by the late Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and other dignitaries was disrupted by activist Toyin Agbetu, who accused the monarchy of failing to apologise. Agbetu later criticised British leaders for celebrating the abolition of the slave trade without adequately recognising the suffering caused by slavery. Newman said the challenge remained unresolved because brief acknowledgements of historical wrongdoing did not adequately examine its lasting consequences. The effects of colonialism and slavery, she argued, continue to shape present-day inequalities and cannot be addressed through a few general statements.

Flowers have held cultural and symbolic importance across the world for centuries. Lotus blossoms are sacred in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, cherry blossoms are celebrated in Japan, peonies are cherished in China, and roses are widely associated with love. However, few flowers play such a significant role in remembering the dead as marigolds, particularly on Nov. 1 and 2, when Latino communities observe Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Known in Mexico as cempasúchil, the flower's name comes from the Aztec language Nahuatl and means "flower of 20 petals." Although commonly called African marigolds, the plants are native to Mexico. Marigolds are central to the tradition of honouring deceased family members. During the celebration, families decorate altars and shrines with the flowers, candles, photographs, favourite foods and personal belongings of loved ones who have died. Their vivid orange and yellow colours, along with their distinctive fragrance, are believed to help guide the spirits of the departed back to their families. According to Flora Daily, an online news platform serving the international horticulture and flower industry, Marvel gold, Marvel orange and Marvel lemon are among the most popular marigold varieties during the holiday season. Other species and hybrids are also used to meet demand. Celebrations across the United StatesDía de los Muertos is marked through public celebrations, cultural exhibitions, performances and community gatherings across the United States. In San Francisco, the Mission District will honour ancestors and deceased loved ones on Nov. 2 through community altars, ritual dances and public processions. San Antonio hosts a celebration lasting roughly a week and ending on Nov. 2. The programme includes altars, music, dance and the Dead River Parade along the city's River Walk. The New York Botanical Garden is also hosting its annual celebration through Nov. 2, featuring live music, dance performances, interactive workshops, cultural activities, a parade and displays decorated with marigolds. Meanwhile, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is presenting its annual exhibition through Nov. 29. Tips for growing marigoldsMarigolds are low-maintenance annual plants that thrive in horticultural zones 2 through 11. They typically grow from summer into autumn, making them suitable for cultivation in the weeks leading up to Día de los Muertos. In colder regions, the first frost of the season generally kills the plants. However, they can often survive into winter in warmer climates. Marigolds grow quickly from seed and can be sown directly into garden soil in spring once the danger of frost has passed. They generally begin flowering about eight weeks after sowing. Gardeners who want earlier blooms can start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before planting them outside. Whether grown from seeds or starter plants, marigolds need a sunny location and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly during their first few weeks while becoming established, then watered when the soil dries out. Removing faded flowers encourages continued blooming and keeps the plants looking neat. Although marigolds complement seasonal decorations such as pumpkins, chrysanthemums and ornamental cabbages, their significance extends beyond autumn gardening. For those celebrating Día de los Muertos, the flowers represent an enduring connection between the living and the dead, helping families honour their ancestors and keep cherished memories alive.