United News of Bangladesh

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

Jiro Ono, the globally acclaimed sushi master who held three Michelin stars for more than a decade and became the world’s oldest chef to do so, has served royalty, world leaders and inspired an award-winning documentary. Yet even at 100, he is not prepared to fully step away from his craft. “I want to continue for another five years,” Ono said last month, as he received a congratulatory certificate and gift ahead of his milestone birthday on Japan’s “Respect for the Aged Day.” When asked about the secret to his longevity, he answered simply, “Working.” Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, who visited to offer congratulations, heard Ono admit he no longer comes to the restaurant daily, “but even at 100, I try to work if possible. The best medicine is work.” Ono, founder of the famed Sukiyabashi Jiro — a 10-seat sushi bar tucked in a basement in Tokyo’s Ginza district — celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday. He joins the ranks of nearly 100,000 centenarians in one of the world’s fastest-aging nations. Born in Hamamatsu in 1925, Ono began his culinary training at age 7 in a local inn restaurant, moved to Tokyo, and became a sushi chef at 25. He opened Sukiyabashi Jiro in 1965 and has spent decades pursuing absolute excellence. “I still haven’t achieved perfection,” he said in the 2012 documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” “I will keep climbing toward the summit, but no one knows where the summit is.” Film director David Gelb described Ono as both a master and a father figure to those around him. Initially intimidated by his legendary standing, Gelb was quickly won over by Ono’s humor and warmth. He recalled shooting footage of an octopus being massaged for an hour and Ono joking that he worried the movie might become unbearably boring. Ono’s devotion to regular customers is unwavering. Even when Japan’s government requested a table for former U.S. President Barack Obama and then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014, he declined at first because every seat was booked. The visit was rescheduled later that evening. Ono remembers Obama enjoying the sushi “and I was happy.” His son and head chef Yoshikazu said Obama smiled and winked as he tasted medium fatty tuna. Doctors prescribe time outdoors to boost mental and physical health Sukiyabashi Jiro earned three Michelin stars in 2007 and retained them until 2019, when Ono was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest three-star head chef at 93 years and 128 days. The restaurant was later dropped from the guide after limiting reservations to regulars or those booked through top hotels. In recent years, Ono prepares sushi only for select guests as his hands have grown less steady. But his ambition remains strong. After hearing news of Japan’s oldest man passing away at 113, Ono remarked that 13 more years sounded achievable. “I will aim for 114,” he said. “I value my life so that I can continue working for a long time,” he added. He avoids alcohol, walks regularly and maintains a healthy diet. Asked about his favorite sushi, he instantly named three classics: tuna, gizzard shad and saltwater eel. Gelb said Ono’s enduring passion is inspirational. “It’s amazing that this tradition continues and he’s still going strong at 100,” he said, delivering birthday wishes in Japanese. Source: AP 

Across the globe, working on online platforms redefines lifestyle by flexibility, mobility, creativity, and independence. To accommodate this shift, many nations are now offering digital nomad visas that legitimise remote work while ensuring local compliance. European countries have positioned themselves at the forefront of this trend by creating pathways for gig workers. Let’s take a look at the top 10 European destinations welcoming global professionals under digital nomad visas in 2026. 10 Best European Countries for Digital Nomad Visas in 2026 . Spain For those planning to live in Spain while working remotely, this visa allows foreigners to become legal residents without switching their professional base. The applicant must be employed by or offer freelance services to companies located outside Spain. They have to use only digital and telecommunication systems to carry out their work. Self-employed professionals can, however, take up local projects, as long as those assignments do not exceed 20% of their total workload. Eligibility requires either a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputed university or college or a proven three-year track record in the applicant’s current field. To qualify, applicants must earn at least EUR 2,763 monthly, equivalent to BDT 3,92,512 (EUR 1 = BDT 142.06).  Read more: China’s K Visa For Bangladeshi Professionals: Eligibility, Application Process, Fees Italy The remote working framework attracts skilled remote professionals who wish to combine career flexibility with Italy’s distinctive work-life balance. It opens a path for non-EU citizens to live amidst Italian culture while maintaining employment abroad. Candidates are required to present an accredited university or college degree of no less than three years and demonstrate notable achievement in their respective fields, proving their ability to work independently. A minimum of six months’ documented experience in telecommuting areas such as digital marketing, design, or writing is mandatory. Since the visa prohibits employment with Italian-based companies, all professional ties must remain outside the country. Moreover, applicants must maintain an income of not less than EUR 2,006 per month (BDT 2,84,973). Iceland Home for digital nomads, Iceland offers a temporary visa to live and work remotely for either 90 or 180 days. The longer duration applies to applicants who submit their request from their home country rather than from within Iceland. Read more: Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students To be eligible, the applicant must be from a nation with a Schengen visa-waiver agreement and should not have held an Icelandic long-term visa in the past 12 months. The visa is strictly for short-term remote work, meaning the holder cannot plan to settle permanently. Applicants must show proof of a minimum monthly income of EUR 6,750 (BDT 9,58,905). Romania Remote professionals who plan to work while living in Romania can apply for a digital nomad visa that remains valid for one year, with the option to renew it for another year. Eligibility depends on being employed by or providing services to a company based abroad. Candidates also need to maintain an average income at least three times higher than Romania’s gross monthly salary. Proof of earnings of no less than EUR 3,700 (BDT 5,25,622) over the previous six months is required. Portugal Cross-border freelancers from outside the EU or EEA can work remotely from Portugal under a visa category, which comes in two forms: short-stay and long-stay. Both follow similar procedures, but the timeframes differ. The short-stay version lasts up to a year and cannot be renewed or converted into a residence permit. The long-stay alternative, however, grants an initial two-year residence permit, extendable for another three years. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online After five years of living in the country, one may apply for permanent residency or citizenship. To qualify, professionals need to show a monthly income of a minimum of EUR 3,480 (BDT 4,94,369). Hungary Through the White Card, Hungary has a visa program for self-sufficient professionals or entrepreneurs. This immigration framework lets them live in the country for up to 12 months while continuing to work for companies abroad. Eligibility rests on proving foreign employment or ownership of a business outside Hungary, along with a steady income of at least EUR 3,000 (BDT 4,26,180) per month. Unlike other countries, the programme is designed for independent workers only, meaning spouses or dependants cannot be included in the same application. Croatia Freelancers and independent workers looking to base themselves in Croatia can obtain a permit valid for up to one year. Once it expires, they must wait six months before applying for another.  Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh To qualify, proof of a minimum monthly income of EUR 2,540 (BDT 3,60,833) is required, ensuring sufficient financial stability during their stay. Employment with Croatian companies is not allowed, as the visa is strictly for those working for foreign employers or clients. Greece For online platform-based gig workers, Greece offers a one-year visa, with the option to extend it for up to three years. Applicants need to show verified remote employment or freelance contracts with clients based outside Greece. The minimum monthly income requirement stands at EUR 3,500 (BDT 4,97,210). Open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens, the programme excludes anyone working for Greek companies. Estonia The online workforce can be based in Estonia for up to 12 months, but this permit is limited to professionals whose main employer lies outside the country. While visa holders may collaborate with Estonian companies, their primary work relationship must remain abroad. Read more: How to Become a Virtual Assistant: Ultimate Career Guide The visa cannot be extended, nor does it lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Applicants must show proof of earning at least EUR 4,500 (BDT 6,39,270) per month to qualify. Malta Independent professionals looking for a remote working opportunity can apply for Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit to work remotely. The programme covers individuals employed by companies registered outside Malta, shareholders, or business operators representing foreign entities. Even they can be self-employed professionals providing services to clients based abroad. Only non-EU and non-EEA citizens are eligible, and their required monthly income is set at a baseline of EUR 3,500 (BDT 4,97,210). Initially granted for one year, the permit can be renewed up to three additional times, allowing a total stay of four years. Giveaway Several countries in Europe are granting digital nomad visas in 2026. Among them, the above-mentioned 10 European countries offer comparatively wider scopes to global remote talents. Spain, Italy, and Iceland stand out for their clear structures, blending work flexibility with scenic living. Romania, Portugal, and Hungary shape appealing mid-term options, balancing income standards with accessibility. Croatia, Greece, Estonia, and Malta complete the list with distinct, short-to-extended visa frameworks. Altogether, these policies mark an ambitious shift empowering freelance professionals to work without borders. Read more: Which Outsourcing Skills Could Be Replaced by AI?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has opened its first major exhibition on ancient Egypt in more than ten years, drawing huge crowds eager to reconnect with the gods and goddesses of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Titled “Divine Egypt,” the show explores how ancient Egyptians represented their deities across 3,000 years of history — from massive limestone statues to delicate golden figurines. Featuring more than 200 objects, including 140 from the Met’s own collection, the exhibition runs through January. Curator Diana Craig Patch said the show aims to reveal how gods shaped the Egyptians’ understanding of life, death, and meaning — challenges that still resonate today. European Commission fines Gucci, Chloé, Loewe for price-fixing Highlights include sculptures of Amun-Re and King Tutankhamun, depictions of Horus and Hathor, and a golden statuette of Amun once owned by Lord Carnarvon. The exhibition concludes with the triad of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, symbolizing eternal life. “It’s really about life,” Patch said. “Even in overcoming death, the Egyptians believed it was about living forever.” Source: AP 

Diwali, widely regarded as India’s most important festival, holds special significance for Hindus. However, it is celebrated across faiths by over a billion people in India and the global diaspora. Spanning five days, the festival features festive gatherings, fireworks, feasts, and prayer. The word “Diwali” comes from “Deepavali,” meaning “a row of lights.” During the festival, people light traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali’s date and timing Diwali is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and usually falls in late October or early November. This year, the festival is being observed on October 20. The festival’s core theme While Diwali is a major Hindu festival, it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Though origin stories vary by region and faith, the underlying theme remains the same — the victory of good over evil. In southern India, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Naraka, who had imprisoned women and tormented his subjects. In northern India, it celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana after 14 years in exile. Celebration traditions: lights, fireworks, feasts Diwali is marked by lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes, and prayer. Regional variations include: Southern India: Early morning warm oil baths, symbolizing spiritual and physical purification akin to bathing in the holy River Ganges. Northern India: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Gambling on Diwali night is a traditional practice believed to bring prosperity throughout the year. Many also purchase gold on the first day of the festival, Dhanteras, as a symbol of good fortune. Firecrackers, exchanging sweets and gifts, and creating colorful rangoli designs are common practices. While some northern states had imposed partial or full bans on firecrackers to reduce air pollution, India’s Supreme Court recently approved the sale of “green fireworks,” considered less polluting. Diwali across other faiths Jains: Observe Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Sikhs: Celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, coinciding with Diwali, to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir. Buddhists: Commemorate the day when Hindu Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the third century B.C., converted to Buddhism. New in 2025: Diwali becomes an official holiday in California On October 7, California became the third U.S. state to recognize Diwali as an official statewide holiday. The law, effective January 1, 2026, allows public schools and community colleges to close, gives state employees the option to take the day off, and grants students an excused absence for the festival. The law acknowledges that Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists as well. Pennsylvania was the first U.S. state to declare Diwali a statewide holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut earlier this year. New York City officially recognized Diwali as a public school holiday in June 2023, and several school districts in New Jersey also observe the festival with a day off.   Source: AP

On a sweltering Saturday in Texas, dozens of teachers gathered in San Antonio not for rest — but to learn how artificial intelligence could reshape classrooms. The event, led by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), is part of a new national initiative backed by Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, which are pouring millions into AI training programs for U.S. educators. Under a deal announced in July, Microsoft pledged $12.5 million, OpenAI $10 million, and Anthropic $500,000 to build AI training hubs, starting with one in New York City, to teach 400,000 educators over five years. The National Education Association (NEA), the country’s largest teachers union, struck a similar deal with Microsoft, aiming to train 10,000 teachers this year. Grammy winner Laufey debuts as children’s author with ‘Mei Mei The Bunny’ Unions say educators — not corporations — will design the training, covering AI ethics, privacy, and classroom tools. But the partnerships also give Big Tech a foothold in schools as AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft CoPilot gain traction. Teachers at the San Antonio workshop tested AI to translate texts, adapt lessons, and create storybooks, calling the tools “game-changing.” “AI is part of our world,” said trainer Kathleen Torregrossa. “We have to prepare kids for that future.” Source: AP

France’s Nobel economics laureate Philippe Aghion has credited his creative upbringing for shaping his groundbreaking ideas on innovation, growth and economic freedom. Speaking from his apartment in Paris’ Latin Quarter after being awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on Monday, Aghion reflected on his family’s influence — particularly his mother, Gaby Aghion, founder of the renowned fashion house Chloé. “I grew up with innovators. My mother invented luxury ready-to-wear,” said the 69-year-old economics professor, who shared this year’s prize with Joel Mokyr of Northwestern University and Peter Howitt of Brown University for research redefining how technological progress fuels prosperity. Aghion paid tribute to his mother’s pioneering spirit, noting that her vision transformed women’s fashion by introducing ready-to-wear luxury as a freer, more feminine alternative to traditional haute couture. “Before, there was only haute couture — luxury ready-to-wear didn’t exist,” he explained. “Through Chloé, she imagined how women could be free — they shouldn’t have to change outfits four times a day. She envisioned liberated, emancipated women.” In his Paris home, a table stacked with books on art and liberty still reflects the world of ideas that continues to inspire his work. Aghion fondly recalled growing up surrounded by artists and designers, including the late Karl Lagerfeld, who was closely associated with Chloé. “Karl used to help me with my German homework,” he said with a smile. Source: AP