United News of Bangladesh

When Zohran Mamdani launched his groundbreaking bid for New York City mayor, his campaign visuals — bright blue signs with bold orange lettering — quickly became one of the race’s most talked-about features. From Queens to the Bronx, the “Zohran for New York City” signs stood out from traditional red, white, and blue campaign designs. While many saw the color scheme as a nod to Bollywood posters and Mamdani’s Indian roots, designer Aneesh Bhoopathy said the inspiration came from something much closer to home — the colorful visual language of New York’s bodegas, yellow cabs, and hot dog stands. “The design was meant to feel like New York itself — energetic, diverse, and alive,” said Bhoopathy, a Philadelphia-based designer who had previously worked with Mamdani and the Queens chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. A bold, nostalgic look that resonated The campaign’s bold colors and vintage font — echoing hand-painted signs and comic book covers — offered a striking contrast to more conventional political branding. The look even influenced Mamdani’s main rival, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who later switched to a blue-and-orange color palette featuring the Statue of Liberty’s crown — also the colors of the Knicks and Mets — after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Mamdani, soon to become New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, is the son of Columbia University scholar Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, best known for Monsoon Wedding. Design experts said the campaign’s aesthetic did more than just look good — it told a story about the city itself. “It reflects the working-class fabric of New York — the bodegas, taxi cabs, and halal carts that sustain it,” said David Schwittek, a digital media professor at Lehman College. Gavan Fitzsimons, a marketing professor at Duke University, said the retro tone likely evoked nostalgia among voters: “It felt like a throwback to a time when politics seemed less divisive and more hopeful.” Some US states introduce gun safety lessons for schoolchildren A new visual language for progressive politics Analysts also drew parallels to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 campaign, which used bright colors and upward-slanting lettering inspired by labor movement posters and Mexican Lucha libre flyers. Richard Flanagan, a political science professor at the College of Staten Island, said both campaigns used design to connect heritage, community, and movement politics. While experts say it’s too early to tell whether Mamdani’s visuals will reshape campaign aesthetics nationally, his team’s work has already sparked copycat designs and viral fan-made merchandise — including the “Hot Girls for Zohran” line worn by model Emily Ratajkowski. “The playfulness of his branding made people want to be part of it,” said NYU marketing professor Court Stroud. “It turned campaign design into a shared identity.” Design with meaning Media scholar Lisa Burns of Quinnipiac University noted that most candidates still rely on the “safe” red, white, and blue palette — but Mamdani’s success may inspire more risk-taking. “In a sea of sanitized political messaging, Mamdani’s visuals stand out because they mean something,” said Schwittek. “They reflect who he is and where he comes from.” Designer Bhoopathy agreed, saying the campaign’s energy matched the candidate’s own Source: AP 

Traveling across the ocean doesn’t get much smoother — or more stylish — than catching a ride on a whale, at least if you’re a remora. Marine researchers studying humpback whales off Australia have filmed remarkable footage of these so-called sucker fish clinging to their massive hosts, peeling away just before the whales breach, and then expertly reattaching as the animals crash back into the sea. The precision is astonishing — like synchronized swimmers or Olympic gymnasts sticking a landing. Remoras, or Remora australis, spend nearly their entire lives attached to whales or other large sea creatures. Using a suction-like disc on their heads, they create a vacuum seal that allows them to hang on tightly while feeding on scraps of skin and parasites — a convenient arrangement for both species. Whale Cameras Reveal Ocean Hitchhikers The extraordinary scenes were recorded unintentionally by Olaf Meynecke, a marine scientist from Griffith University’s Whales and Climate Research Program. Meynecke had attached suction-cup cameras to humpbacks during their annual migration from Antarctica to Australia’s Queensland coast. Instead of just whale behavior, his footage showed entire schools of remoras — sometimes 50 or more — jockeying for position on the same patch of skin where the cameras were mounted. “Whenever the whales breached or made sudden moves, the sucker fish reacted almost instantly,” Meynecke said. “They seemed to know exactly when to let go before the whale hit the surface, and then reattached within seconds once it was back underwater.” A Sticky but Strained Relationship While remoras are harmless and even help whales by eating parasites, Meynecke believes some whales find their clingy companions irritating. “In some cases, we saw whales with lots of remoras repeatedly breaching, even when no other whales were nearby,” he said. “It looked like they were trying to shake them off — almost checking afterward to see if they had fewer attached.” The Mystery of the Journey Each year, about 40,000 humpbacks travel along Australia’s so-called “humpback highway,” migrating between Antarctica and Queensland — a round trip of roughly 10,000 kilometers (6,000 miles). But how long their remora passengers stay aboard remains unclear. “I suspect most remoras detach at some point in temperate waters,” Meynecke said. “But where do they go after that? Do they find other hosts until the whales return?” When separated from whales, remoras often latch onto other large sea animals — such as manta rays, dolphins, or even scuba divers — much to the divers’ frustration. “They’re not easy to shake off,” Meynecke joked.

Thailand, famously known as the “Land of Smiles,” continues to captivate visitors with its scenic beauty, warm hospitality, and rich cultural traditions — complemented by some of the world’s most celebrated cuisine. The island province of Phuket, one of Thailand’s most sought-after destinations, is now drawing record numbers of tourists as the high season begins this month. According to Banyan Group Residences, a leading luxury property developer, the tropical island has also become a prime choice for Britons seeking a second home or planning to relocate abroad. Offering an attractive mix of affordability, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Phuket’s cost of living is 50–70% lower than in major UK cities, while private healthcare costs up to 80% less. The island also boasts international hospitals and British-curriculum schools, making it ideal for retirees, families, and digital nomads. With its year-round sunshine and warm sea temperatures, Phuket provides a sunny alternative to the UK’s cold winters. Its strong expat community, convenient travel links, and relaxed visa policies add to its appeal. In 2024 alone, around 250,000 British travellers visited the island, many exploring long-term property opportunities. Real estate opportunities Phuket’s real estate market offers a wide range of options — from beachfront villas to modern condos. The Laguna Phuket development, a 1,000-acre resort by Banyan Group, includes seven hotels, an 18-hole golf course, restaurants, spas, and the country’s largest beach club, RAVA. Over 5,000 luxury homes are already part of the project, with more underway, such as the sustainable Laguna Lakelands and the high-end Banyan Tree Beach Residences. Underwater sculpture park turns art into coral reef off Miami Beach Compared to the UK, Phuket’s property market offers strong value — a £750,000 investment can buy a 213 sq m luxury home on the island, versus only 33 sq m in London. Foreign investors make up over 60% of condo buyers, with British nationals among the top ten. Property values typically rise 5–10% annually, ensuring solid long-term returns. Banyan Group: redefining luxury living The Banyan Group, known globally for its Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, ranks as Asia’s leading and the world’s fifth-largest developer of branded residences. Homeowners benefit from flexible ownership models, rental management by Banyan’s five-star hospitality team, and extensive after-sales services — including 24/7 concierge and property management. With its seamless buying process and resort-style amenities, Banyan Group makes owning a home in Phuket a gateway to sunshine living — where every day feels like a holiday. Source: AP 

South Florida is welcoming a new fleet of cars — but these won’t clog traffic or add to commutes. They’re made of marine-grade concrete and rest beneath the ocean surface off South Beach. In late October, crews submerged 22 life-sized car sculptures several hundred feet off the Miami coastline as part of “Concrete Coral,” a project by the nonprofit REEFLINE to create an underwater sculpture park that doubles as a human-made coral reef. Funded in part by a $5 million Miami Beach city bond, the installation will soon be seeded with 2,200 native corals grown in a local lab. REEFLINE aims to raise $40 million to expand the project into an 11-phase underwater art corridor stretching along the city’s seven-mile (11-kilometer) shoreline. “I think we are making history here,” said REEFLINE founder Ximena Caminos. “It’s a one-of-a-kind, pioneering reef that brings science and art together.” Designed by artist Leandro Erlich, the submerged cars will soon become home to thriving coral and marine life, said Colin Foord, who heads REEFLINE’s coral lab. “Nature’s going to take back over, and we’re helping by growing the soft corals,” he said. Future phases will include “Heart of Okeanos,” a massive sculpture modeled after a blue whale’s heart by Petroc Sesti, and “The Miami Reef Star,” a large star-shaped installation by artists Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre. Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner said the project will also boost local jobs and eco-tourism through snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding tours. “Miami Beach is a global model,” Meiner said. “We’re setting the blueprint for other cities to follow.” City strolls can be as beneficial as nature walks, say researchers REEFLINE also offers hands-on education programs, inviting volunteers to plant corals alongside scientists and take part in monthly conservation activities through a floating marine learning center. Caminos said while the project cannot solve major environmental challenges like climate change or sea level rise, it can inspire awareness and collaboration. “We can show how creatively and collaboratively we can tackle man-made problems with man-made solutions,” she said. Source: AP

Britain’s monarchy, long shaped by its sensitivity to public opinion, is once again facing turbulence following the downfall of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles III on Thursday stripped his younger brother of both his princely title and his official residence, marking the monarch’s strongest effort yet to distance the royal family from Andrew’s links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move follows years of damaging scandals involving Andrew and reflects Charles’ attempt to protect the institution from further controversy. Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, had been convicted more than a decade earlier. The British monarchy — officially known as the House of Windsor — has survived multiple crises over the past century that have tested its endurance and public legitimacy. Wartime backlashAccording to George Gross, a royal historian at King’s College London, the last comparable precedent to Andrew’s removal dates back to World War I. The 1917 Titles Deprivation Act allowed Britain to revoke titles from royals who had sided with Germany. The royal family’s German roots ran deep through Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. When war broke out in 1914, members of the extended royal family found themselves on opposite sides. In 1917, King George V renamed his lineage the House of Windsor and removed titles from nobles deemed enemies of Britain, including Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale. According to the House of Commons Library, it remains the only instance of such a measure in modern history. The abdication crisisA similar constitutional shock came in 1936 when King Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. At the time, the Church of England barred remarriage after divorce, making the union politically and religiously untenable. Edward abdicated that December, saying in a radio address he could not continue “without the help and support of the woman I love.” His decision forced a redefinition of royal duty and ushered in a new era of service and restraint under his brother, King George VI — later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. Edward and Wallis, later titled the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, spent most of their lives abroad amid suspicion of Nazi sympathies. King Charles III strips Prince Andrew of titles to safeguard the monarchy Diana’s deathThe 1997 death of Princess Diana, Charles’ ex-wife, became another defining moment. Her fatal car crash in Paris at age 36 stunned the world and exposed a rift between public mourning and the royal family’s private silence. As crowds gathered and tributes filled the palace gates, the queen remained at Balmoral with her family. Under mounting public pressure and guidance from then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, she delivered a televised address praising Diana and acknowledging the nation’s grief, calling her “an exceptional and gifted human being.” Harry’s riftMore recently, Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties with his wife Meghan in 2020 — and their subsequent criticism of the institution in interviews, documentaries, and his memoir Spare — intensified scrutiny of the family. Harry’s lawsuits against British tabloids and his failed attempt to regain police protection further strained relations with the palace. A brief meeting between Harry and his father in September marked their first in more than a year, though it lasted less than an hour. A monarchy under strainAmid these ongoing tensions, Andrew’s exile represents the latest test of a centuries-old institution constantly balancing tradition and accountability. As King Charles seeks to protect the monarchy’s reputation, the challenges — from historical scandals to modern controversies — continue to shape how Britons view their royal family. Source: AP 

Sotheby’s has announced the auction of a solid gold toilet, described as the world’s most valuable lavatory. The piece, titled “America”, was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and is both a fully functional toilet and a sculpture. The auction, scheduled for November 18 in New York, will start at roughly $10 million, reflecting the value of the 101.2 kilograms (223 pounds) of gold used to make it. Sotheby’s calls the work an “incisive commentary on the collision of artistic production and commodity value.” Cattelan, known for provocative works like the duct-taped banana “Comedian” and the kneeling Hitler sculpture “Him”, said “America” satirizes extreme wealth. The artist noted, “Whatever you eat, a $200 lunch or a $2 hot dog, the results are the same, toilet-wise.” Doctors prescribe time outdoors to boost mental and physical health Two versions of the toilet were made in 2016. The one being auctioned has been privately owned since 2017. Its counterpart was displayed at the Guggenheim Museum, where visitors could book a three-minute session to use it. That version was also shown at England’s Blenheim Palace in 2019 but was stolen shortly after. The toilet will be on display at Sotheby’s New York headquarters from Nov. 8. Visitors can view it up close, but it will not be functional this time. Source: AP

For 27-year-old Amanda Porretto, starting a family is far from certain. As the average age of first-time mothers in the U.S., she feels social pressure from her family — especially her father, who wants grandchildren — but she’s unsure about bringing a child into a world threatened by climate change. “Some people think it's bad not to have a child,” said Porretto, who works in advertising. “I just don’t think I need to bring more people into a world where there’s already so much to fix.” An increasing number of young Americans share Porretto’s hesitation. Studies show that concerns about global warming and its future effects — from extreme weather to resource scarcity — are influencing decisions about parenthood. A 2024 Lancet study found that most people aged 16 to 25 were “very” or “extremely” worried about climate change, and more than half said it made them hesitant to have children. A Pew Research Center report from last year found that adults under 50 without children were four times more likely than older adults to cite climate change as a reason for delaying or avoiding parenthood. Another study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this year found over half of respondents said climate concerns made them question having kids. Climate impact of having childrenThe link between parenthood and climate change extends beyond fears for children’s safety to concerns about their carbon footprint. “Having a child is by far, by orders of magnitude, the most carbon-intensive decision a person can make,” said Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance, a nonprofit focused on human environmental impact. Johns Hopkins bioethics professor Travis Rieder calls this effect a “carbon legacy.”“You’re not just engaging in carbon-expensive activities like buying a bigger house or car,” he said. “You’re also creating someone who will have their own carbon footprint — and possibly more children — for generations.” Quantifying a child’s environmental impact is complex, he noted, as it depends on factors like lifestyle and wealth. For instance, data from the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research show that, per capita, the average American emits over 12 times more carbon than the average person in Ghana. Global warming reshapes extreme rainfall, snowfall across Northern Hemisphere: Study Why it’s a difficult conversationDespite its large impact, procreation is rarely discussed as a climate issue. Experts say this is because pregnancy is typically seen as a time for celebration, not criticism, and because such discussions often evoke controversial debates about overpopulation from the 1970s that were tied to racism and eugenics. Climate factors into personal decisionsFor some, like 43-year-old writer Ash Sanders, climate change was central to her decision not to have children — though life took a different turn. When she unexpectedly became pregnant, she felt pressured by her Mormon upbringing and her partner to keep the baby. She later chose an open adoption. “I feel guilt for bringing her into the world,” Sanders said. “She’s happy and amazing, but I still feel guilt all the time.” Juan Jaramillo, a marine biologist, said environmental concerns influenced his decision as a teenager in the 1970s to never have children. “Pollution and other issues were already serious back then,” he said. “It just didn’t make sense to me.” For Rieder, who has studied the ethics of reproduction and climate, the issue was deeply personal. “Having children is meaningful and important — but also carbon expensive,” he said. “The question is how to balance those two truths.” For him, that balance meant having one child. Source: AP 

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan expressed pride and emotion over his grandson Agastya Nanda, who will make his film debut in Ikkis. The trailer of the Sriram Raghavan-directed movie was released on Tuesday to a positive response. Amitabh Bachchan took to X to share a heartfelt note about Agastya’s milestone. He wrote, “Agastya! I held you in my hands when you were born… today you play in theatres all over the world. You are SPECIAL. All my prayers and blessings to you… may you bring glory to your work and pride to the family.” Agastya’s father, industrialist Nikhil Nanda, also expressed his pride on Facebook. He said, “Watching the trailer of Ikkis, I felt immense pride – as a father and as an Indian. Agastya’s portrayal of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (PVC) is a moving tribute to courage and our nation’s spirit. Wishing Agastya, Sriram Raghavan, and the Ikkis team every success.” Produced by Maddock Films, Ikkis features a stellar cast including Agastya Nanda, Dharmendra, and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in December 2025.   Source: NDTV

As global mobility has become a form of financial strategy, citizenship-by-investment programmes are drawing attention beyond the super-rich arena. More nations now offer cost-effective routes to second homes. It allows investors to expand their portfolios geographically while unlocking visa-free access and new business opportunities. These programmes merge lifestyle flexibility with long-term economic security, often for far less than expected. Here’s a list of the cheapest golden visa programmes in 2026. 7 Easiest Countries to Buy Citizenship in 2026 . Nauru Titled the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, Nauru has shaped its Citizenship by Investment initiative. Through this programme, investors obtain a stable second citizenship and contribute to Nauru’s climate resilience and long-term growth. The Nauruan passport, respected for its political neutrality, serves as a safeguard during times of global uncertainty. It grants visa-exempt access to 88 strategic destinations, including the UAE, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. To qualify, investors must contribute a minimum of USD 130,000 (BDT 1,59,29,953, with USD 1 = BDT 122.54). Families can apply together, including spouses, dependent children, parents, and even siblings, for additional fees. Read more: Digital Nomad Visas in Europe in 2026: Top 10 European Countries Importantly, contributions are made only after government approval, ensuring financial protection for applicants. Nauru imposes no restrictions on dual nationality, allowing new citizens to retain their existing passports. Dominica When it comes to the most efficient and affordable citizenship programmes, the Caribbean nation of Dominica shines with flexibility. The application process stands out for its speed and the absence of residence requirements, making it highly appealing to global investors. Applicants may choose between contributing to the Economic Diversification Fund or investing in government-approved real estate projects. Each option requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 (BDT 2,45,07,620). Holding Dominican citizenship opens entry upon arrival or visa-free entry to 142 destinations, a network that covers key business and leisure hubs across the globe. The programme also accommodates family inclusions, like spouses, unmarried dependent children under 31, and parents or grandparents over 65 for extra fees. Read more: China’s K Visa For Bangladeshi Professionals: Eligibility, Application Process, Fees North Macedonia Europe’s most affordable golden visa pathway is the investment migration framework of the Republic of North Macedonia. A North Macedonian passport allows visa-on-arrival or open-border travel to 125 nations, among them the Schengen Area, Türkiye, and Hong Kong. The investment threshold begins at EUR 200,000 (approximately BDT 2,83,96,000), which must be maintained for at least a two-year commitment to a private investment. Applicants may include their spouses and accompanying children below 18, with extended fees. However, spouses can secure citizenship one year after the main applicant’s approval. Antigua and Barbuda Known for its competitive and flexible citizenship programme, Antigua and Barbuda offers several routes to citizenship. Among them, a contribution to the National Development Fund remains the most budget-friendly at USD 230,000 (BDT 2,81,83,763). The passport grants entry without a visa or on-arrival visa to about 150 destinations, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Europe’s Schengen Area. The programme accommodates a wide family circle: spouses, dependent children under 31 (along with their own spouse and children), parents, and grandparents aged 55 or above. Even unmarried siblings of either the main applicant or their spouse can be included, all with additional fees. Read more: Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students A modest requirement applies – citizens must spend at least five days in the country within the initial five-year period post-citizenship. St Lucia  For those pursuing global access through a straightforward process, St Lucia offers one of the Caribbean’s most efficient citizenship-by-investment programmes. It grants permanent citizenship without any residency or visit obligations, making it particularly convenient for international investors. Holders of a St Lucian passport enjoy visa-free or on-the-spot visa entry to over 146 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area. A minimum investment of USD 240,000 (BDT 2,94,09,144) is required as a contribution to the National Economic Fund. The application can extend to include a spouse, children under 31, siblings below 18, and parents aged 55 or above, subject to extra charges. St Lucia imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship, and the investment funds are safeguarded – only payable once the application receives approval from the government. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online St Kitts and Nevis Among the longest-running citizenship programmes in the region, St Kitts and Nevis continues to stand out for its extensive travel privileges and family-friendly provisions. Its passport provides visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt access to 156 destinations worldwide, with citizenship rights extending to future generations through descent. The entry-level investment starts from USD 250,000 (BDT 3,06,34,525) through the Sustainable Island State Contribution – one of several available options. Applicants can include a spouse, accompanying children below 30, and parents over 55 for added expenses. No residence or minimum stay is required, and dual citizenship is fully permitted, allowing individuals to maintain their existing nationality. Türkiye With its seamless application process and no residency requirement, Türkiye has built one of the most sought-after citizenship-by-investment programmes worldwide. Turkish citizens enjoy open-border or entry-upon-arrival access to 111 destinations, including Singapore and Japan. Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh Among the available investment routes, real estate stands out as comparatively lower, requiring a minimum of USD 400,000 (BDT 4,90,15,240), which must be maintained for at least three years. The programme extends full citizenship rights to the applicant’s spouse and children under 18. Over to You The cheapest countries for citizenship by investment programmes reveal how strategic planning can open global doors without extravagant spending. Comparably, Nauru remains the most cost-efficient, while Türkiye ranks as the costliest in this lineup. North Macedonia leads as Europe’s lowest-entry option, with Dominica positioned mid-range – closely followed by Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis. Eventually, securing citizenship through investment has become a strategic move to diversify assets and safeguard one’s legacy for generations. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet?

Halloween decorations may feature towering skeletons and front-yard zombies, but longtime gardeners say the real frights often emerge from their own backyards — through invasive plants, misplaced seeds and wildlife mischief. Many homeowners recount years-long battles with problem plantings that seemed harmless at first. One gardener said she is still haunted by mint she planted directly in the soil decades ago, which spread uncontrollably and continues to resurface despite repeated efforts to remove it. Others have found that improperly identified ornamentals — such as spreading Liriope instead of the clumping kind — can destroy nearby bulbs and perennials when removal becomes necessary. Gardeners say some blunders are self-inflicted, while others arise from plant mislabelling, overenthusiastic squirrels, or misguided advice. A couple in New York, for instance, was encouraged to scatter cayenne pepper to deter pests from their vegetable garden. They later realised they had used pepper flakes containing seeds — and soon hot pepper plants overran their beds. Wildlife-related mysteries are common too. One homeowner who couldn’t understand why ripe tomatoes kept disappearing from his vines eventually learned that landscapers were eating them while mowing the lawn. In another case, a neighbour’s running bamboo grew under a fence and punctured a backyard swimming pool. Even bird feeders can lead to chaos. A Texas gardener who hung one over newly landscaped stones said flung seeds and rainstorms quickly turned the tidy space into a patchwork of weeds. Experts warn that surprises can also arrive with pests. New York horticulture specialist Alice Raimondo recalled a homeowner bringing in decorative cones for a craft project — only to discover they were filled with live bagworms. Gardeners say the lesson is simple: even the best intentions can turn into cautionary tales, proving that nature sometimes offers a shocking trick instead of a seasonal treat.   Source: AP