United News of Bangladesh

Feeling like an impostor at work—doubting your abilities despite a strong track record—is common, especially among women and marginalized groups. Negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m failing” can create a cycle of self-doubt that’s hard to break. Experts say cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help by identifying harmful internal monologues and replacing them with neutral or positive perspectives. “We help people evaluate these thoughts and see how accurate they are,” said Judith Beck, president of the Beck Institute for CBT. Randolph Public Schools, near Boston, recently held a seminar teaching students to reframe negative feelings using CBT. Staff, including assistant principal Christin Brink, found the techniques valuable for themselves, too. Turn houseplants into living art with Japanese kokedama Therapists advise examining recurring negative thoughts and asking: “Is this really true?” or “What evidence supports this?” Challenging assumptions like “I’m not good enough” and identifying personal strengths can reduce impostor feelings. Creative exercises, such as rewriting or visualizing negative thoughts differently, can also help. Over time, replacing self-critical thoughts with specific positive mantras—like “I made good choices today” or “I’ll try again tomorrow”—can build confidence and reduce anxiety, allowing professionals to focus on their work and ideas. Source: Agency 

For Mia Palacio, the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina felt like losing a part of herself. In the months that followed, she withdrew from loved ones, angry that her family had no permanent home and that many others couldn’t escape. Moving between high schools only deepened her sense of isolation until, a year later, she finally sought help. Hundreds of students share Palacio’s experience of ongoing trauma. The Hawaii Department of Education estimates more than one-third of Maui students lost relatives, suffered serious injuries, or saw parents lose jobs after the fires, which killed 102 people and damaged over 3,300 properties. While many Lahaina residents are eager for normalcy, therapists warn that youth mental health struggles are intensifying. “The crisis isn’t over,” said University of Hawaii researcher Christopher Knightsbridge, explaining that children often feel numb immediately after a disaster, but years later face the long-term stress of displacement and uncertainty. On Maui, the problem is worsened by a shortage of specialists. The number of youth psychiatrists has fallen from four to two in recent years. Long waiting lists mean many students rely on telehealth or peer support instead of in-person care. “Even just to get evaluated … it’s literally months,” said senior DayJahiah Valdivia, who still struggles with anxiety whenever strong winds or small brush fires spark memories of 2023. Finding joy beyond screens: How new hobbies can reset your daily life Teachers say some students have disengaged completely, unable to focus or dropping out of in-person classes as their families shuffle between temporary housing. Nonprofits have stepped in with programs such as the Maui Hero Project, which combines outdoor activities with counseling. Yet stigma remains strong in Lahaina’s large Filipino and Latino communities, where teens report the highest rates of depression, PTSD and anxiety. The state has introduced initiatives like YouthLine, a peer-to-peer crisis support program, while young survivors such as Keakealani Cashman hope to become future mental health providers. “This horrible, horrible thing happened … but I don’t have to let it kill the rest of my life,” Cashman said. “I can really help my family, my community in school, and just make an impact in what I know how to do.” Source: Agency 

Violent protests swept across Nepal this week, as demonstrators set fire to the parliament, forced the prime minister to resign and flee the country, and torched luxury hotels in Kathmandu. The demonstrations, widely dubbed “Gen Z protests,” were fueled by public anger at the country’s wealthy elites and the stark contrast between their lavish lifestyles and widespread poverty in one of the world’s poorest nations. The capital’s skyline was engulfed in smoke when arsonists set fire to Hilton Kathmandu, the city’s tallest hotel, reducing the glass tower to a blackened shell barely a year after its opening in July 2024. Images and videos of the blaze quickly went viral on social media. Led primarily by young protesters, the unrest targeted government buildings, politicians’ residences, and symbols of elite wealth. As clashes escalated and citywide curfews were imposed, the death toll neared 51. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Attacked Nearby, the iconic Hyatt Regency Kathmandu also suffered attacks by protesters. Located on 37 acres near Boudhanath Stupa, the hotel is known for blending traditional Newari architecture with luxury. Front office manager Bhushan Rane told Reuters that the building was damaged, but no staff or guests were injured. However, a 55-year-old Indian woman from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, died while attempting to escape from the fourth floor, and her husband sustained injuries. Guests had tried to flee using makeshift ropes made of bedsheets and curtains as the building was set ablaze. The Hyatt Regency and Hilton Kathmandu both temporarily closed, posting notices on their websites advising guests to defer bookings until the situation stabilizes. Varnabas Museum Hotel Damaged Arsonists also targeted Varnabas Museum Hotel, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. Located about a kilometer from Hilton Kathmandu, the hotel was set on fire this week. Opened in February 2024, the hotel’s modern design reflects the surrounding peaks of Kathmandu, with a dining hall inspired by Everest Base Camp. Protests Against the Elite The unrest erupted after the government abruptly banned 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, prompting widespread criticism. Young protesters saw the ban as an attack on free speech and a way to silence dissent against corruption, nepotism, and the extravagant lifestyles of the elite. The movement quickly evolved into a nationwide anti-government campaign, demanding not only the lifting of the social media ban, which was soon reversed, but also greater accountability and an end to corruption. High youth unemployment and stark social inequality added fuel to the demonstrations, leading protesters to target the country’s most visible symbols of privilege: parliament and luxury hotels. Source: NDTV

During the winter of 2024, Rachel Martin realized that nearly all her free time revolved around screens. “I couldn’t really think of hobbies or things that I did that took a break from the digital world,” said the 33-year-old from Sydney, Australia. Between television, video games and digital art, Martin often spent more than 12 hours a day in front of screens. Wanting an offline alternative, she experimented with different activities before discovering journaling with fountain pens and specialty inks. “It’s quite a cool tactile experience,” she said. The hobby even introduced her to a community of fountain pen enthusiasts in her city. “It’s something that I definitely didn’t expect to love,” Martin said. “But it actually really helped me go (mostly) screen-free.” Her motivation was also health-related, as screens tend to trigger her chronic migraines. Experts say taking up a new hobby can be an effective way to reduce screen time. Enjoyable pastimes not only provide a mental reset but can also lower stress and benefit physical health. Sarah Pressman, professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, said there is no “perfect” hobby. “Having a mix of small enjoyable activities — a little bit of pickleball, cooking something new, chatting with a friend over coffee, spending some time in your garden — can have a cumulative effect on your mood and health,” she explained. Matthew Zawadzki, associate professor of psychological sciences at the University of California, Merced, suggested starting small. Even short bursts of activity lasting 5 to 20 minutes can be refreshing. “A pastime may not reset your life, but instead it’s going to reset the next hour,” he said. Trying different activities is also key, experts said. Hobbies from childhood, fitness routines, reading, volunteering or creative work can all serve as starting points. Zawadzki added: “It’s about being more intentional about how you use your time.” For those struggling to move away from screens, experts recommend keeping hobbies visible and accessible, setting clear goals and enlisting friends for accountability. Still, they cautioned against demonizing screen time altogether. Watching a movie with family or exercising while following a TV show can also have positive outcomes. “Any kind of activity has the potential to be positive,” Zawadzki noted. “But you have to optimize it a little bit to serve your goals.” Ultimately, experts said, the key is not perfection but balance. “Step one is actually experiencing that positivity when you engage in these activities,” said Gabriela Tonietto, an associate professor of marketing at Rutgers Business School. “The consequences of that are feeling more relaxed, feeling less stressed, feeling happier.”

Armen Kirakosian recalls the challenges of his early days as a call center agent nearly a decade ago: upset callers, endless menu navigation, and manually jotting down notes after every call. Now 29 and working in Athens, Greece, Kirakosian’s experience has changed dramatically thanks to artificial intelligence. He no longer has to take notes or endlessly click through systems. When a customer calls, their profile and likely issue are often already on his screen—allowing him to focus more on solving the problem. “A.I. has taken the robot out of us,” he said. Around 3 million Americans and millions more worldwide work in call centers, handling billions of customer inquiries each year—from tech support to online orders. Kirakosian is employed by TTEC, a global outsourcing firm that manages customer service operations for clients in sectors like banking and automotive. Call center jobs are notoriously stressful and repetitive, contributing to high turnover rates—about half of agents quit within a year, according to McKinsey. Many of these jobs involve "break/fix" scenarios—resolving issues with broken or malfunctioning products or services. Increasingly, the question is not whether the issue can be fixed, but whether the fix will come from a human, an AI agent, or a combination of both. AI’s Growing Role in Call Centers Artificial intelligence now handles many routine tasks in call centers. While some positions have been lost to automation, experts suggest predictions of mass job losses—up to 50% of roles—may be overstated. As customer issues become more complex, companies are still finding that human agents are essential, albeit more highly trained and specialized. Klarna, the Swedish "buy now, pay later" company, cut 700 of its roughly 3,000 customer service jobs in 2024, replacing them with AI and chatbots. While the move saved money, it also revealed the limitations of AI. For example, cases involving identity theft still required human intervention. Klarna ended up rehiring a small team of experienced agents to handle those sensitive tasks. “Our vision is that AI agents will handle most customer interactions, with fewer, better-trained, and better-paid human agents stepping in for the most complex issues,” said Gadi Shamia of Replicant, an AI firm that helps chatbots sound more natural. Customers Still Face Frustrations While AI has improved the efficiency of call centers, the customer experience isn't flawless. Most service calls still begin with interactive voice response (IVR) systems—the automated menus that ask callers to “press one for sales” or “press two for support.” These systems evolved in the 2010s to allow voice commands, but they remain frustrating for many. Customers often “zero out”—hitting the “0” key repeatedly to bypass the system and reach a human. This sometimes leads to being placed on hold or sent to the wrong department. Due to public dissatisfaction with IVR systems, U.S. lawmakers have introduced the “Keep Call Centers in America Act,” which would mandate clear paths to human agents and reward companies that keep support jobs domestic. To address these frustrations, companies are now developing AI tools that can interpret full customer requests and route them accurately—without menus. OpenAI’s upcoming “ChatGPT Agent” is an example. It can understand complex phrases like, “I need a hotel for a wedding next year and suggestions for gifts and clothes.” Real-World AI in Action Bank of America has found success with “Erica,” its AI chatbot launched in 2018. Erica now handles more advanced queries and can predict customer needs—like helping someone with repeated low balances or managing duplicate subscriptions. When Erica can’t solve an issue, it seamlessly transfers the customer to the appropriate department. According to the bank, Erica has been used more than 3 billion times and continues to take on a growing share of service tasks. TTEC’s VP of Product and Innovation, James Bednar, says AI is on track to eliminate IVR altogether. “We’re getting closer to a future where AI gets you to the right person without having to go through those frustrating menus,” Bednar said.

Taking your furry friend on holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. With some planning, it can turn into an adventure filled with wagging tails and lasting memories. Whether you’re eyeing a beach escape, a quiet cabin, or a city break, a pet-friendly trip is more achievable than you think. Start by choosing the right destination — coastal towns, countryside retreats, and national parks are often ideal but always check local pet policies as some areas restrict pets seasonally. Accommodation is equally important: many hotels, rentals, and campgrounds welcome pets, but be sure to confirm size limits, fees, or special rules. Packing smart goes beyond food and a leash — include collapsible bowls, treats, a favorite toy or blanket, sunscreen for sunny spots, and a pet first-aid kit. Travel comfort matters too: take regular breaks on road trips, never leave pets unattended in cars, and review airline or train policies before booking. Safety should come first. Keep ID tags updated, carry vaccination records, and consider calming aids if your pet is uneasy in new environments. Once you arrive, explore pet-friendly activities like dog parks, beaches, or cafes. Always respect local etiquette by cleaning up after your pet and following leash rules. Finally, don’t forget rest time — pets tire just like humans. Allow breaks for them to recharge so both of you can truly enjoy the holiday. With the right preparation, your trip can be smooth, safe, and filled with happy memories for you and your four-legged travel buddy. Source: With inputs from NDTV  

Weighted vests are becoming a popular accessory in gyms and on jogging tracks, promoted as tools to strengthen bones, boost performance and even accelerate weight loss. But fitness experts caution that while they can be useful, the benefits may be overstated. The vests, which add resistance through removable weights, can make everyday exercises more challenging without altering routines. “People start to realize how good it feels to work just a little bit harder and smarter,” said Jessie Syfko of Life Time gyms. Research suggests that for healthy adults, adding about 10% of body weight to a vest may improve agility, speed and athletic performance. However, studies show limited effects on weight loss or bone density, especially in older adults. A delicious guide to frozen drinks this summer Experts warn against overloading: starting with 5–10% of body weight is safest. Heavy vests can strain joints, disrupt posture and cause injuries. Pregnant women, seniors and those with heart, lung or spine conditions should consult a doctor before use. “When used correctly, a weighted vest can be a good tool in your fitness toolbox,” said Jeff Monaco, a strength coach at the University of Texas. Source: Agency 

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupted again on Tuesday, spewing lava up to 330 feet (100 meters) from its summit crater, marking its 32nd eruption since December when the current activity started. Lava has remained confined within the summit crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Eruptions began at the north vent of Halemaumau Crater after midnight, with lava fountains starting at 6:35 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. By mid-morning, lava was also flowing from the south vent and a third vent between them. Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes globally, is on Hawaii Island, roughly 200 miles (320 kilometers) south of Honolulu, located on Oahu.

Nigeria has imposed a temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts, a key ingredient in cosmetic products, as part of a strategy to strengthen its domestic processing industry and increase its share of the global skincare market. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the six-month ban, which will be reviewed afterward. The goal, he said, is to shift Nigeria from being an exporter of raw materials to a major producer of refined shea butter, oils, and other skincare derivatives. Nigeria joins several other West African nations, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, which have also restricted shea nut exports in recent years. "This isn’t about blocking trade but about adding value," Shettima explained. He said the move is intended to secure raw materials for local manufacturers, increase income, and create jobs for rural communities. Shea nuts, when processed, produce shea butter, widely used in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers."It's a crucial ingredient for skincare, especially as people seek non-toxic products," said Zainab Bashir, a dermatologist based in Abuja. Although Nigeria supplies about 40% of the global raw shea nut output, it holds just 1% of the $6.5 billion global market for finished shea-based products, according to Shettima. This policy follows the recent launch of a large shea butter processing facility in Niger State, which officials described as among the biggest in Africa. Government officials believe the export ban could generate $300 million in short-term revenue, with projections reaching $3 billion by 2027 if sustained. However, some analysts say the ban needs to be accompanied by greater investment in domestic processing.Ikemesit Effiong, an analyst at SBM Intelligence, said the policy implies the government sees a supply shortfall, but that simply banning exports may not guarantee that raw shea nuts will stay in the country for local use. The ban also appears to clash with President Bola Tinubu’s pro-market stance. Since taking office, Tinubu has eliminated fuel and electricity subsidies, floated the national currency, and reversed previous import bans, signaling support for a more open economic approach.

With summer holidays in full swing, many travelers are heading to hot and sunny destinations — and taking their electronic devices along. But phones, tablets and other gadgets are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Southern European nations like Spain, Italy and Greece have been baking under soaring temperatures, while forecasters have issued repeated heat advisories across the United States, particularly in the Southeast. Here’s what device makers and experts say about keeping your electronics cool: What heat does to a phoneMost devices work best within a specific temperature range. Apple says iPhones and iPads are designed for use between 32-95 degrees Fahrenheit (0-35 degrees Celsius). In very hot conditions, Apple warns, battery life may be permanently shortened. Phones also tend to warm up during wireless charging, large downloads, video streaming or other power-intensive tasks. Samsung notes this is normal and does not affect long-term performance. What happens if it gets too hotIf a phone becomes uncomfortably hot, Samsung recommends stopping use immediately. An overheating iPhone will display a warning message until it cools down. Android devices show a similar alert, dimming the screen, closing apps and pausing charging. Eco-Friendly Online Shopping: What You Need to Know What not to doExperts advise against leaving devices in hot cars or in direct sunlight for long. Apple also warns against using features like GPS navigation, graphic-heavy games or the camera in high heat. Google, maker of Pixel phones, cautions against running resource-heavy apps while charging in hot weather. How to keep your gear coolThe most effective solution is to turn off the device completely. “Even background processes can generate heat,” said experts at British electronics chain Currys. “A full shutdown helps it cool faster.” Removing protective cases can also help, since they trap heat. Devices should be kept out of direct sunlight and placed somewhere cool — like an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan. But avoid overdoing it. “Never put your device in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can cause water damage,” Currys warned. Source: Agency