United News of Bangladesh

Famous Indian actress and lawmaker Jaya Bachchan recently stirred debate after suggesting that the internet is a key factor behind anxiety among today’s youth, a claim her daughter Shweta disagreed with. In a previously aired episode of her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda's podcast, What The Hell Navya, the eminent actress raised concerns about Gen Z's mental health, blaming their constant dependence on digital validation. She said young people today often feel pressured to respond quickly to calls and messages and constantly seek approval from what they see online, which she believes is a key factor in increased stress and anxiety. “You get your validation from the internet. Are you saying the right thing? Are you looking okay? All of this adds to your stress,” Jaya remarked. She also added that terms like “anxiety attack” were not common and were unheard of during her youth and even well into her middle age. Group art exhibition ‘AESTHETE’ underway at Alliance Française de Dhaka However, Jaya's daughter, Shweta Bachchan, offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that anxiety isn't a new phenomenon due to the internet. It was a problem even in the earlier times that’s more openly spoken now. The exchange has sparked wider conversations and generational views around mental health and digital life.   

Thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Thursday to celebrate the first birthday of Moo Deng, a beloved baby pygmy hippopotamus who has taken social media by storm. The zoo, located about two hours from Bangkok, kicked off a four-day birthday celebration with free entry for children under 12. The festivities drew huge crowds, with zoo officials confirming that more than 12,000 people visited on the first day. Fans Fly in from Around the World Among Moo Deng’s global admirers was Molly Swindall from New York, who flew to Thailand just to attend the event. “I had a few days off work and thought, ‘Why not?’ Even if it’s only for 30 hours, it’s worth it to see Moo Deng,” she said. Swindall was seen handing a breakfast tray to Moo Deng’s keeper, which the hippo shared with her mother, Jona. The baby hippo remained calm in her pond as visitors took pictures and sang “Happy Birthday.” A cake made of fruits and vegetables was placed beside her enclosure, adding to the festive mood. “She’s my happy pill, my energy pill, my curing pill—she’s my vitamin!” said Thea Chavez, who came from Houston, Texas. Jennifer Tang, who traveled from Malaysia, said, “Whenever I’m stressed at work, I just look at Moo Deng’s photos. My entire office knows I’m here—they gave me a week off!” Birthday Auctions and Fan Activities To mark the occasion, the zoo held online auctions featuring Moo Deng’s photos, footprints, and feeding bowls, raising funds to support animal care. Sponsorship of her birthday cake was auctioned off for 100,000 baht (around $3,065). From Viral Star to Symbol of Conservation Moo Deng rose to fame soon after birth thanks to her keeper, Atthapon Nundee, who regularly shares heartwarming videos of her on social media—from playful biting to belly rubs. Her name, “Moo Deng,” which means “bouncy pork” in Thai, was chosen through an online poll. It follows the zoo’s naming theme, matching her siblings Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork), and another resident hippo named Kha Moo (stewed pork leg). Though the zoo experienced a surge in visitors after Moo Deng's birth, the current turnout has normalized to around 2,000 visitors on weekdays and 5,000 on weekends—roughly half of the earlier peak, said zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy. “Moo Deng is more than just a social media star—she’s a voice for endangered wildlife,” Narongwit said. “She’s helping people understand the vital role zoos play in conservation.” The 800-hectare zoo houses more than 2,000 animals and runs breeding programs for several endangered species, including the pygmy hippopotamus, which is native to West Africa and critically threatened due to poaching and habitat loss. Only 2,000–3,000 are estimated to remain in the wild.

Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former TV anchor Lauren Sánchez tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Venice, Italy, reportedly spending tens of millions of dollars for their extravagant 3-day celebration. The grand affair, which concluded on Saturday, June 28, drew an A-list guest list, including tech mogul Bill Gates, media icon Oprah Winfrey, and other high-profile figures, turning the historic Italian city into the backdrop of one of the most talked-about weddings of the year. The festivities — spread over three lavish days — came with all the trimmings of extreme wealth: luxury yacht arrivals, grand canal parades, and Sánchez reportedly donning multiple designer outfits by Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, and Bottega Veneta, with her wedding dress alone drawing headlines for its mermaid-style silhouette. While the exact expenditure remains undisclosed, estimates suggest Bezos, the world’s third-richest person, spared no expense for the occasion. Bezos-owned Washington Post cuts more jobs Reuters earlier reported that Venice regional governor Luca Zaia initially pegged the cost between 20 and 30 million euros ($23 million to $34 million). However, the figure reportedly surged to between 40 and 48 million euros ($46.5 million to $55.6 million) after heightened security concerns prompted a last-minute change of venue, according to USA Today. But as the couple reveled in their Dolce Vita-inspired celebration, hundreds of Venetians marched through the city's narrow streets Saturday chanting, “Kisses Yes, Bezos No” and “No Bezos, No War.” Banners decried the spectacle as an affront to Venice's residents, who grapple daily with overtourism, sky-high housing prices, and worsening climate-driven floods. “We are here to disrupt the parties of these rich people, who grow richer by exploiting others, while our city faces decay,” said protester Martina Vergnano. Organizers claimed their protests forced the relocation of Saturday’s final party to the historic Arsenale, a medieval shipyard, away from its initially planned venue. The city’s mayor and officials defended the wedding, calling it part of Venice's centuries-old tradition of welcoming emperors, popes, and now billionaires. In a gesture seen by many as damage control, Bezos donated €1 million ($1.17 million) each to three organizations working to protect Venice’s environment, according to local research association Corila.  

As the conflict in Sudan grinds on, millions are battling severe food shortages, forcing many to survive on wild plants and weeds. With little else available, families boil these in salted water to stave off hunger. One retired schoolteacher, 60, expressed his gratitude through poetry, praising a plant called Khadija Koro as “a balm in times of fear” that kept him and others alive. Speaking under the condition of anonymity due to security concerns, he is one of nearly 25 million Sudanese now suffering from acute food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The ongoing war, which began in April 2023 between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has devastated the country. More than 20,000 people have died, nearly 13 million have been displaced, and the conflict has sparked what aid agencies are calling the world’s largest hunger emergency. Once considered a global agricultural hub, Sudan now struggles with surging food prices, diminished farmland, and obstructed aid routes. Regions such as Darfur, Kordofan, and the Nuba Mountains are particularly affected, with access severely restricted for aid organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council. In areas like North Darfur, some residents have reportedly resorted to chewing on coal to quell hunger pains. On Friday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Sudanese military leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan to agree to a week-long ceasefire in El Fasher to allow humanitarian access. While Burhan consented, it remains unclear if the RSF will reciprocate. The retired teacher said that although occasional aid offers brief relief, it is insufficient. His wife and children, living in Obeid, also face high food costs and limited availability. Due to blocked roads and security risks, he is unable to travel to join them. His irregular income from training jobs barely covers essential needs, allowing him to send only around $35 a week to support his family. In other conflict-affected regions, such as South Kordofan, residents say living conditions are dire. Hassan, a resident of Kadugli, described the area as a “prison for civilians,” citing the collapse of food distribution, health care, and basic services due to the RSF siege. He also spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns. Local and international humanitarian groups have reportedly been banned in some conflict zones. With access to food, water, and medicine cut off, desperate civilians are turning to wild vegetation for survival. World Food Programme spokesperson Leni Kinzli confirmed that parts of Khartoum, Gezeira, and much of Darfur are at risk of famine. The WFP assists over 4 million people monthly, with 1.7 million in areas classified as high risk. Despite government claims that famine is not present, the situation remains bleak. Ongoing fighting between government forces, RSF, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has made it nearly impossible for aid to reach many regions. In South Darfur’s Nyala region, civilians are attempting to grow crops, but violence and resource shortages hinder agriculture. Displaced resident Hawaa Hussein said she and her family of eight receive food parcels every two months but often rely on community support to meet their needs. "It’s hard to eat when your neighbor is starving," she said. At El Serif camp, where nearly 49,000 displaced people now live, only about 5% of food needs are being met, according to camp leader Abdalrahman Idris. More than 5,000 new arrivals have come since the war began, many fleeing violence in the capital. Further north, in Zamzam camp near El Fasher, famine and violence have created catastrophic conditions. An aid worker, who fled the camp recently, reported that basic goods are unaffordable — sugar sells for 20,000 Sudanese pounds (roughly $33), and soap for 10,000 pounds (about $17). Several vulnerable residents, including the elderly and pregnant women, have reportedly died due to hunger and the lack of medical care. Describing the camp as “a place where people wait to die,” the aid worker said the humanitarian situation continues to worsen. Still, the retired teacher clings to hope, ending his poem with these lines:“When people clashed and death filled the city squares, you, Koro, were a symbol of life and a title of loyalty.”

Olga Michael, a Yup’ik woman from a remote Alaska Native village, has been declared the first female Orthodox saint from North America, honoured for her compassion, humility, and lifelong service to others. Known as a midwife, mother of 13, and spiritual guide to many, Olga lived her entire life in Kwethluk, a small village of around 800 people in southwestern Alaska. As the wife of an Orthodox priest, she was also regarded as a "matushka," or spiritual mother within her community. Following her death from cancer in 1979 at age 63, stories of her kindness and devotion spread across Alaska and beyond, with many reporting visions and dreams of her, even among those who never met her. She has now been officially canonised as "St. Olga of Kwethluk, Matushka of All Alaska" after a grand ceremony in her home village. "She was just my mom," said her daughter, Helen Larson, reflecting on the outpouring of reverence for her late mother. "But now, she belongs to everyone — she’s everybody's helper." A significant moment for the Church The sainthood of St. Olga holds special meaning for both women and Indigenous communities, particularly in an Orthodox tradition historically led by men. 18th century wooden boat discovered off an old Croatian port Metropolitan Tikhon, head of the Orthodox Church in America, called her canonisation a reminder that "the path to holiness is open to everyone — male or female, rich or poor, young or old." Carrie Frederick Frost, a scholar on women in Orthodoxy, noted that St. Olga's sainthood is especially meaningful because she was a layperson, mother, and grandmother — not a martyr or a nun like many other female saints. Her reputation as a source of comfort for women experiencing abuse, miscarriage, or loss reflects her deep empathy, shaped by her own hardships, including losing five of her children during their early years. A historic canonisation ceremony Hundreds gathered for St. Olga's glorification ceremony, with visitors travelling from across Alaska and beyond. Some arrived by motorboat from nearby communities, while others flew in from distant states and countries, journeying along the Kuskokwim River, vital to the Yup’ik people's subsistence traditions. Metropolitan Tikhon led the ceremonies, greeted by villagers as chants and incense filled the air under Alaska's solstice sun. Inside the small Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, hymns in the Yup’ik language celebrated her life, with many worshippers crowding inside, while others stood outside to listen. Prayers hailed her as a healer of the wounded, a protector of mothers, and a comforter to those suffering heartbreak. Afterward, many approached her open casket to pay their respects. A family's reflections For relatives like Wiz Ruppert, who returned to Kwethluk for the occasion, St. Olga’s sainthood felt both surreal and fitting. "She was always so kind and generous," Ruppert recalled. Larson, her daughter, remembered how people would visit their home seeking advice or comfort. “I’d watch them arrive, heavy with sorrow, and leave lighter after tea and conversation,” she said. Alaska’s unique place in Orthodoxy Alaska holds deep roots in Orthodox Christianity, dating back to Russian missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, many Orthodox priests in Alaska, including more than a dozen from Kwethluk, are of Native heritage. Health tips: eat these four foods regularly to keep blood pressure under control St. Olga is the third Alaska Native saint, a reflection of the church's integration with Indigenous communities. A debate over her resting place Her remains were exhumed in late 2024 and now rest in Kwethluk’s church, where pilgrims can visit. Though there were initial discussions about relocating her relics to Anchorage, village residents opposed the move, wishing to keep their spiritual mother close. Kwethluk, only accessible by river or air, is expected to become a significant pilgrimage destination. Plans are underway to build a new church and cultural centre in her honour. Celebrating faith in their own language During the glorification, visitors were hosted by local families and shared meals featuring traditional Alaska Native foods like walrus meat and smoked fish. For many, the ceremony marked a spiritual milestone. "Today, we sang hymns for a Yup’ik woman, in our language, about a life we understand," said Nicholai Joekay of Bethel, who knew St. Olga's family. "Today, God felt closer to all of us," he added. Source: With inputs from agency     

A sunken 18th-century boat has been discovered by chance near the majestic stone walls of Croatia's medieval city of Dubrovnik. Ivan Bukelic was working on a water pipeline in Dubrovnik's old port back in April when he found a wooden structure buried in the seabed. “I can now say I discovered a boat at the Old Town Dubrovnik,” Bukelic, who is a diver and undersea builder from Dubrovnik, said, reports AP. He added the vessel was some 60-80 centimetres (23-31 inches) under the sea bottom. A key trade port in the Adriatic Sea in medieval times, Dubrovnik has been declared a UNESCO protected heritage site. It attracts huge crowds of tourists, especially during the summer, and is also known as a filming site for HBO’s Game of Thrones series. South Korea's last circus ‘Dongchoon’ holds up as it marks centennial The remains of the boat in Dubrovnik's old port have been protected for further examination. “We still cannot speak of the type of vessel or its dimensions but we can say for certain, based on the results of radiocarbon analysis that it was from late 18th century,” marine archaeologist Irena Radić Rossi said. Radić Rossi said the aim is to continue with the research in cooperation with Croatia's Ministry of Culture: “We must protect it for the future.”

With recent layoffs across tech firms, media outlets, and even government agencies, concerns over job security are understandably on the rise. Losing a job can be overwhelming, with effects that ripple through your personal, emotional, and financial life. But experts say there are practical steps you can take to reduce stress and stay focused on your next move. “A layoff can feel deeply personal, but it’s not a reflection of your worth or contributions. In the U.S., our work is so closely tied to our identity,” said financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin. Here’s what experts suggest to help you manage both your finances and emotional wellbeing after losing a job: Pause to process your emotions Job loss often triggers a mix of emotions — from anger and sadness to shock or even relief. Experts say it’s important to acknowledge these feelings before jumping into your next steps. “Acknowledge and normalize that they're going to feel a range of emotions, whether it's anger or sadness,” Bryan-Podvin explained. Giving yourself time to sit with those emotions can help you approach your next steps with more clarity. Assess your financial position The first practical step is reviewing your finances, said career coach Marlo Lyons. Revisit your budget to identify areas where you can cut expenses, at least temporarily. If your employer offered a severance package, understand how long that money will support you. It’s also important to apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible, Lyons advised. The payout may not match your previous salary, but it can help cover essential expenses during your job search. The U.S. Labor Department offers resources on how to apply. Your job doesn’t define you Being laid off can damage self-esteem, but Bryan-Podvin encourages people to list the qualities that contribute to their value beyond work — what she calls a “non-financial asset list.” “If I were doing a non-financial asset list on myself, I might say I’m a pretty good partner and a fun aunt,” she shared. How to stay safe during heat waves – and heat stroke warning signs to watch for This simple exercise, she said, reminds people that their self-worth extends far beyond their paychecks. Rework your spending habits According to Jesse Mecham, founder of the budgeting app YNAB, job loss requires a more intentional approach to every dollar you spend. “In a layoff, it becomes even more imperative that you treat every dollar with more attention than you have in the past,” Mecham said. His advice: Assign every dollar a specific job — whether it’s rent, groceries, or building savings. Bryan-Podvin added that adjusting your lifestyle should come with some self-compassion. Budgeting cuts can affect enjoyable activities, but remind yourself this is temporary. Be cautious with credit cards Relying too heavily on credit to get by during unemployment can backfire, experts warn. “If getting a new job takes them a little longer than they thought, that credit card has just become an anchor for them,” Mecham said. Instead of using credit to maintain your usual spending habits, focus on cutting costs wherever possible. Use community resources Look for community aid programs that can provide relief during tough times. Food banks, utility assistance, and temporary hardship programs can help bridge the gap, Bryan-Podvin noted. The government’s USA.Gov website includes a benefits finder to help identify programs you may qualify for. Indians mark International Yoga Day with mass sessions Job hunt with intention When you’re ready to job search, Lyons suggests taking a moment to reassess your professional goals. If you plan to stay in the same field, make sure your resume highlights what you can bring to future employers, not just what you’ve done in the past. “You want to show the employer what you can do, what unique value you can bring to that particular job that no other candidate can bring because of your previous experience,” Lyons explained. Networking is also key. Reach out to past colleagues via LinkedIn, attend industry events, or earn new certifications to enhance your profile, she added. Stick to a daily routine Creating structure in your day can ease anxiety and help you stay motivated, Bryan-Podvin said. She recommends setting aside specific times for meals, exercise, and job searching. Without a routine, unemployment can feel disorienting, especially if the layoff was unexpected, she added. Bryan-Podvin also emphasized the importance of avoiding isolation and leaning on friends, family, or support groups for encouragement during this period.

Every spring for about two weeks, the strong, sweet aroma from my two lilac bushes by the front gate draws compliments from mail carriers, delivery folks, and anyone passing by. On breezy days, the scent drifts to the front door or even inside if the windows are open. Few flowers can match that level of fragrance. Some never had it, and others have lost it over time due to breeding efforts focused on size, appearance, resilience, and disease resistance — often at the cost of scent. Today, many carnations, violas, and even some modern roses lack the fragrance they once had. But if you're looking for flowers with a truly captivating scent, there are still great options that will delight your senses. How to pick the most fragrant flowers Not all lilacs smell the same. One of the most fragrant varieties is the dwarf Korean lilac, Syringa meyeri ‘Palabin’, which thrives in zones 3–7. Other strongly scented choices include Syringa x Josee (zones 2/3–9), Syringa vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ (Beauty of Moscow, zones 3–7), and Syringa vulgaris ‘President Lincoln’ (zones 3–7). For a memorable, sweet scent and striking blooms, consider magnolias. The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is known for its large, fragrant flowers and grows well in zones 7–9. The sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), which is more cold-tolerant, suits zones 5–10. Another option is the Texas lilac, or chaste tree (Vitex), which blooms in midsummer with purple flowers and a pleasant aroma. It’s best for zones 6–9. Old-fashioned roses — the heirloom varieties untouched by modern breeding — may only bloom once per year, but their deep, classic rose fragrance makes them worth growing. Look for types in the tea, gallica, damask, and alba groups for the most powerful scent. Among vines, star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) is a standout. This evergreen vine produces starry white flowers with a heady fragrance and is perennial in zones 7–10. In colder areas, grow it in a large container that you can move indoors for winter. Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is unrelated but equally fragrant. For early spring fragrance, plant Dutch or common hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) in the fall near your entrance (zones 4–8). Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) — unrelated to edible peas — are beloved annuals with an intensely sweet aroma. Other fragrant annuals include heliotrope (a tender perennial in zones 9–11) and flowering tobacco (Nicotiana), though scent strength can vary by variety. When choosing plants, follow your nose!   

Melissa Hortman, once a teenager making chili cheese burritos and later a powerful Democratic leader in Minnesota’s deeply divided Legislature, is being remembered for her compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public service following her tragic death. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot early Saturday at their home in suburban Brooklyn Park in what authorities have described as targeted political violence. Their deaths came just hours after attending a major Democratic event in Minneapolis. A lifelong resident of the Minneapolis area, Hortman pursued her higher education at Boston University before returning to Minnesota for law school. She began her career as a volunteer lawyer combating housing discrimination and entered politics in 2004 when she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Over the years, she rose to prominence and helped pass significant liberal legislation, including a 2023 initiative providing free lunches to public school students. As House Speaker, she played a pivotal role in breaking a recent budget deadlock after the chamber became evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. Known for her bipartisan negotiations, Hortman cast the decisive vote last week to pass a contentious budget bill, despite Democratic opposition to a provision ending state health coverage for undocumented adult immigrants by 2026. "I know that people will be hurt by that vote," she admitted emotionally, while stressing the need for compromise. Galapagos tortoise turns 135 and celebrates first Father’s Day at Zoo Miami Beyond politics, Hortman was active in community service. She and her family volunteered with Helping Paws, an organization training service dogs for veterans, and she served on the board of a nonprofit that provides car repairs for low-income residents. A photo shared by Helping Paws shows Hortman smiling with Gilbert, a golden retriever trained and adopted by her family. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a close ally, paid tribute to her friend on ABC’s "This Week," calling her “a true leader” and “such a decent person.” U.S. Senator Tina Smith echoed those sentiments, noting the personal loss felt by the political community after seeing Hortman at Friday’s party dinner named after Minnesota icons Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale. In a separate but possibly linked incident, state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded at their home in nearby Champlin. Both are recovering after surgery. Outside the Minnesota State Capitol, mourners have set up a memorial for Hortman and her husband, leaving flowers, flags, candles, and handwritten notes of gratitude for her service — one simply read, “You changed countless lives.” Before her political rise, Hortman’s résumé included stints as a taco maker, caterer, and auto parts store runner. She earned degrees in philosophy, political science, and law, and later obtained a master’s in public administration from Harvard. Her husband, Mark, held a physics degree and an MBA, and co-founded a consulting firm after a career in the auto parts industry. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity. The couple is survived by their adult son and daughter. “We remember Melissa for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world better,” Helping Paws wrote in a tribute on social media. Source: With inputs from agency 

The oldest animal at a South Florida zoo marked a major milestone on Sunday, celebrating both his 135th birthday and his first Father’s Day. Goliath, a 517-pound (234-kg) Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, recently became a father for the first time, zoo officials announced. “Goliath is my hero, and I believe he’ll soon inspire many others!” said Zoo Miami spokesperson Ron Magill in a statement. “He shows us that with determination, anything is possible—never give up!” Out of eight eggs laid on January 27, one successfully hatched on June 4. This marks not only Goliath’s first baby, but also the first Galapagos tortoise ever hatched at Zoo Miami. These tortoises, once devastated by human impact and invasive species in the Galapagos Islands, still face modern threats such as climate change and habitat destruction. Records show Goliath hatched on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos sometime between 1885 and 1890. The island chain lies near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, west of mainland Ecuador. Goliath was brought to the Bronx Zoo in 1929 and relocated to Zoo Miami in 1981. Although he has previously mated with several females, he had never fathered a baby until now. The mother of the hatchling, Sweet Pea, is estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old. Zoo staff report that both tortoise parents are doing well in their exhibit, while the hatchling is healthy and being kept in a separate area. In the wild, hatchlings are not cared for by their parents.