United News of Bangladesh

In a quiet forested area on the outskirts of Kinshasa, a rare sanctuary is giving orphaned bonobos a second chance at life as poaching continues to threaten one of humanity’s closest relatives. At the Lola ya Bonobo centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo, caregiver Micheline Nzonzi gently held a one-year-old bonobo, feeding and comforting the fragile orphan she will help raise for the next several years. “Without me, without us, these bonobos cannot survive,” said Nzonzi, who has worked as a foster mother for 24 years. “They survive thanks to human affection.” The sanctuary is the world’s only facility dedicated to orphaned bonobos, many of whom are rescued from poachers or taken from households where they were illegally kept after being captured for bushmeat. Although bonobos are legally protected, hunting continues in parts of the Congo Basin, where demand for wild meat remains high. Conservation workers say bonobos often fetch higher prices because of their symbolic value as great apes. “We are educating people not to kill bonobos,” said Arsène Madimba, an educator at the sanctuary. “They cannot be kept as pets and cannot be eaten. Because of poaching, orphaned bonobos are traded across the country.” Bonobos raise their young for four to five years, making their population slow to recover. Conservation experts warn this leaves them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting pressure. Last year, Congolese authorities floated the idea of “bonobo credits,” a scheme similar to carbon credits that would reward communities for protecting forests. The plan has yet to be implemented. Experts also point to cultural differences in attitudes toward primate meat in the region, which continue to fuel illegal trade despite bans intended to stop it. Inside the sanctuary, dozens of adult bonobos live alongside 11 young ones, each assigned to a human foster mother who cares for them until they are strong enough to join larger social groups. In rare cases, some bonobos may eventually return to the wild after years of rehabilitation. Scientists estimate that only about 20,000 bonobos remain in the wild today, down from around 100,000 in the 1980s, a sharp decline driven mainly by the bushmeat trade. Known for sharing nearly 99 percent of human DNA, bonobos are considered among the closest living relatives of humans. They are also noted for their peaceful social behavior and female-led groups. Despite protections, illegal trade continues in markets around Kinshasa, where wildlife meat is still sold secretly, including primates in some cases. Sanctuary workers say rescued babies often form strong emotional bonds with caregivers, recognizing them individually. During feeding time, bonobos gather excitedly, sometimes even showing gestures interpreted as gratitude.

The United States is experiencing what researchers describe as a “reading recession,” with student reading performance continuing to fall nationwide even as some districts show local improvements, according to a new analysis. At a classroom in Modesto, California, teacher Nancy Barajas uses an unusual pre-test routine — dimming the lights, playing music and letting her sixth graders dance under a disco ball — to boost confidence before exams. The approach appears to be working locally. Schools in Modesto have recorded steady gains in both reading and math scores in recent years, though overall performance remains below grade level. However, national data paints a more concerning picture. A study by researchers from Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth examined state test scores for grades three to eight across more than 5,000 school districts in 38 states, compiled into a national Education Scorecard. The findings show that only five states and the District of Columbia recorded meaningful improvement in reading between 2022 and 2025. Overall, students remain about half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading benchmarks, with only marginal gains in math. The decline in reading achievement, experts say, began well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress shows falling reading scores for eighth graders since 2013 and for fourth graders since 2015. Harvard professor Thomas Kane, who helped develop the Education Scorecard, said the pandemic worsened a longer-term decline, describing it as “a mudslide that followed seven years of steady erosion in achievement.” Researchers point to several possible causes, including increased screen time and reduced recreational reading among children, as well as weaker accountability systems in schools. Despite the national trend, some states — including Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana — have shown progress after adopting “science of reading” methods that emphasize phonics-based instruction over older approaches that relied more on context-based guessing. Several states have also introduced dyslexia screening, teacher training programs and instructional coaching to improve literacy outcomes. However, the reforms have not guaranteed success everywhere, with some states still seeing declines. In Modesto, schools have revamped reading instruction during and after the pandemic, while also expanding support for English learners and investing in teacher training programs, including a phonics-based initiative known as LETRS. The district reports gains equivalent to roughly 18 weeks of additional learning in math and 13 weeks in reading, though overall achievement remains low. Other districts have also seen improvement by focusing on attendance. In Detroit, Michigan, increased school attendance combined with literacy reforms has helped boost performance, though scores still lag behind national averages. The district, once the subject of a lawsuit over the right to read, used settlement funds to expand learning support and improve school services. In some schools, additional staff now provide small-group instruction, while attendance officers actively follow up with absent students to keep them in class. In the southern United States, several states have led reforms in reading and math instruction. Louisiana and Alabama are among the few states where math scores have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Louisiana is also the only state to exceed its 2019 reading average. Alabama’s phonics-based reading reforms have contributed to notable gains, later expanded into broader math reforms requiring standardized instruction and regular student assessments. Despite improvements in some regions, educators and researchers say nationwide recovery remains uneven. They stress that sustained investment, consistent instruction and stronger accountability will be needed to reverse the long-term decline in reading performance.

The Iroquois Steeplechase in Tennessee opened Saturday with its traditional foxhound parade, as more than 20 trained hounds ran across the turf course to kick off the 85-year-old horse racing event before the main competitions for major purses began. While jockeys and horse owners competed on the grass track with hurdles for a total purse of $730,000, spectators cheered, took photos and recorded videos as the foxhounds led the opening spectacle of the day. 400-year-old ‘Hamlet’ thrives in TikTok era, from Taylor Swift to Oscars The foxhounds, specially trained to run alongside horses and hunters, were guided by huntsmen and whippers-in tasked with keeping them on course despite distractions from thousands of spectators, loudspeakers and tailgating food in the infield. Charles Montgomery, a master and huntsman with the Mells Foxhounds, recalled a hound that once strayed into beer tents and enjoyed the attention so much that she repeated the behaviour the following year and was later excluded from the race. Founded in 1941 as a Works Progress Administration project, the Iroquois Steeplechase is one of the premier American steeplechase events and is closely tied to fox hunting traditions from the British Isles, where horses were trained to jump obstacles while hunting. Trustee Stephen Heard said many fox hunting horses are former steeplechase runners. About 25,000 spectators attend, creating challenges for dogs adjusting to noise, smells and distractions.Handlers use experienced hounds to guide younger ones, while GPS collars ensure safety if dogs stray. Despite the pressure, organizers say the hounds enjoy the event and help showcase hunting traditions.

This year’s edition of the Venice Biennale opened Saturday under intense political tension and public protest, making it one of the most disputed editions in recent memory. The event began without awarding its traditional Golden Lion prizes after the jury resigned in protest over the participation of Israel and Russia. The departing jury argued that countries facing investigations by the International Criminal Court over alleged human rights violations should not take part. Critics, however, questioned why the United States was not included in that stance. British artist Anish Kapoor referred to the ongoing atmosphere as one shaped by “hate and war.” Instead of a formal jury selection, visitors to the Biennale’s Giardini and Arsenale venues will choose the winning national pavilion and best artist in the central exhibition through anonymous online voting inspired by the Eurovision system. Winners will be revealed on the exhibition’s closing day, Nov. 22. The opening was accompanied by demonstrations and unrest. Protesters opposing Israel’s participation clashed with police on Friday, while feminist activists from Ukraine and Russia gathered earlier in the week at the Russian Pavilion. Palestinian groups also held memorials for artists killed in Gaza. Koyo Kouoh’s “In Minor Keys” Highlights Marginalized VoicesThe central exhibition, titled In Minor Keys, opens with a large red feathered sculpture inspired by New Orleans Black Masking traditions rooted in African heritage. The exhibition centers on overlooked and minority perspectives. Curated originally by the late Koyo Kouoh — the first African woman selected to lead the Biennale’s main exhibition — the show features 110 artists and collectives. After Kouoh’s death last year, five co-curators completed her vision. Co-curator Marie Helene Pereira said Kouoh believed in creating spaces where all artists could be seen and appreciated. Lubaina Himid Examines Migration and BelongingAt the British Pavilion, Lubaina Himid presents Predicting History: Testing Translation, a collection of vividly colored paintings exploring the experience of settling in unfamiliar places. One work depicts two architects debating whether to create a lasting monument or build something temporary that allows escape if needed. Himid, born in Zanzibar and raised in Britain, uses the exhibition to reflect on identity, migration and adaptation. Vatican Pavilion Offers Reflection Through Music and NatureThe Vatican’s contribution transforms the Mystic Gardens near Venice’s main railway station into a contemplative space focused on spirituality and peace. Visitors wander through vineyards and herb gardens while listening through headphones to reinterpretations of music by medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen, reimagined by artists including Brian Eno and Patti Smith. Rev. Ermanno Barucco described the installation as an invitation for visitors to reconnect with themselves through music and reflection. Austrian Pavilion Pushes Boundaries With Provocative PerformancesThe Austrian Pavilion, created by artist Florentina Holzinger, quickly became one of the Biennale’s most talked-about attractions. One performance features a naked woman suspended from a bell tower, while another shows a nude rider circling on a Jet Ski inside a water tank — a commentary on Venice’s transformation into an overcrowded tourist destination. Another installation includes a woman submerged in filtered wastewater from nearby toilets, part of the exhibition titled Seaworld Venice. Israeli Pavilion Promotes Dialogue Over BoycottRomanian-born Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru created an installation centered on themes of compassion, resilience and coexistence. Water slowly drips into a pool in timed intervals symbolizing spiritual concepts from Jewish mysticism. Locks engraved with the phrase “Love thy neighbor as thyself” hang around the pavilion, accompanied by the message “This too shall pass.” Fainaru criticized the jury’s decision to exclude Israel from awards consideration, calling it discriminatory and arguing in favor of dialogue rather than boycotts. Estonian Pavilion Celebrates Everyday FeminismIn the Estonian Pavilion, artist Merike Estna will continue painting a large mural throughout the Biennale inside a former church that now serves as a community gymnasium. Her evolving artwork emphasizes the repetitive, often unrecognized labor traditionally associated with women. Curator Natalia Sielewicz described the project as a representation of everyday feminism and the ongoing work of sustaining both life and society.

More than 400 years after its creation, Hamlet is enjoying renewed global popularity, appearing across film, theatre, music and social media. A National Theatre production starring Hiran Abeysekera is running at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, while a London-set film adaptation features Riz Ahmed. Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins has also drawn attention on TikTok with performances of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy. The play’s influence extends further. The film “Hamnet,” inspired by its origins, won Jessie Buckley an Oscar, while Taylor Swift topped the Billboard chart with a song linked to Ophelia. Eddie Izzard is touring a solo stage version worldwide. Huge ice block, rising costs fail to stop Everest climbers this season New interpretations continue to emerge, including productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Teatro La Plaza, the latter featuring actors with Down syndrome. Scholars say the play resonates today due to its exploration of anxiety and moral uncertainty. Filmmaker Aneil Karia has also reimagined the story in modern London, reflecting contemporary political unease. Directors and performers say the enduring appeal of “Hamlet” lies in its adaptability, with each new production offering fresh meaning for modern audiences.

Hundreds of climbers are preparing to scale Mount Everest despite the danger posed by a massive unstable ice block on the route and rising travel and permit costs. About 464 climbers, along with a similar number of Nepali guides, are now at Everest base camp waiting for the short period of favorable weather expected this month to begin their climb to the world’s highest peak, which stands nearly 8,850 meters high. Climbers started arriving at the 5,300-meter-high base camp last month. However, their progress was delayed for more than two weeks because of a huge unstable block of ice, known as a serac, hanging dangerously above the main climbing route. The elite “Icefall doctors” assigned by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee usually complete the climbing route by mid-April by fixing ropes and placing aluminum ladders over deep crevasses. This year, however, the route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall was only opened on April 29. The committee also warned climbers that the cracked serac could collapse at any moment and urged expedition teams to be extremely careful. The newly prepared route passes below the unstable ice block, which remains a major concern for climbers and guides. The Khumbu Icefall is considered one of the most difficult sections of the Everest climb because of its constantly moving glacier, deep crevasses and massive hanging ice formations, some as large as 10-story buildings. A similar falling serac triggered a deadly avalanche in 2014 that killed 16 Nepali guides and workers. Veteran mountain guide Lukas Furtenbach, who is leading a large expedition team this year, said the risk is serious. “Anyone who says they are not concerned is either inexperienced or not paying attention,” he said from base camp. He added that this year’s route is more exposed and difficult than last year’s in some sections because climbers must pass under unstable ice formations. To reduce risk, Furtenbach said his team is carrying lighter loads, limiting time spent in dangerous areas and relying heavily on experienced Sherpa guides for safety decisions. Other expedition companies are also warning climbers to move carefully, especially during warmer afternoon hours when melting ice increases the risk of collapse.   António Guterres visited Nepal’s mountains in 2023 and warned about the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers caused by climate change and global warming. Despite concerns over safety, the Iran conflict and rising travel expenses, climbing activity remains strong this season, according to expedition organizer Ang Tshering Sherpa. He said the number of climbers from the United States and Europe has dropped, while more climbers from Asian countries are joining Everest expeditions. China has closed the northern route to Everest this year, forcing all climbers to attempt the ascent from Nepal’s southern side. Thousands of climbers have successfully reached Everest’s summit since it was first conquered on May 29, 1953, by New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay.

Tucked away in Kerala’s Malappuram district, the quiet village of Kodinhi appears like any other rural settlement at first sight. But a closer look reveals an unusual pattern that has long fascinated visitors and researchers alike — an unusually high number of twins. Over the years, Kodinhi has gained global recognition as India’s “Twin Town”, where nearly 20 percent of the population are twins. In a country that generally records one of the lowest twin birth rates in the world, the village stands out as a rare demographic mystery. The village has recently returned to online attention following a widely circulated advertising campaign by e-commerce platform Flipkart. The campaign creatively builds on Kodinhi’s identity, imagining a world where everything comes in pairs, using the village’s real-life phenomenon as a metaphor for “double” value and offers. The concept has been widely appreciated on social media, with users praising its humour and originality. One user commented, “Very creative, with genuinely good jokes. They hit a home run with this concept.” A village defined by twinsKodinhi’s statistics remain extraordinary. In a community of around 2,000 families, there are an estimated 400 to 550 pairs of twins. The twin birth rate is reported at 42 to 45 per 1,000 births, far higher than India’s national average of about 4 to 9 per 1,000. What makes the phenomenon more striking is its consistency. The trend has continued for at least six to seven decades, with new twin births recorded every year. Locals also note a curious pattern — women born in Kodinhi who move elsewhere after marriage reportedly still give birth to twins, adding further intrigue to the mystery. Scientific mystery remains unsolvedDespite repeated studies by Indian and international researchers, the reason behind Kodinhi’s unusually high twin birth rate remains unclear. Scientists have explored possible environmental influences, including water composition and diet, but no consistent factor has been identified. Unlike some regions such as Nigeria’s Igbo-Ora, where specific dietary habits are linked to twin births, Kodinhi shows no such clear correlation. Genetics has also been considered a possible explanation, but researchers have yet to identify any specific gene responsible for the high rate of twins. Studies have also ruled out pollution, chemicals, lifestyle factors, and supernatural explanations suggested in local folklore. Despite the lack of scientific consensus, the phenomenon continues. A community that embraces its identityMany residents view twins as a blessing and attribute the phenomenon to divine favour. These beliefs coexist with ongoing scientific curiosity about the village. To better document and support this unique identity, locals formed the Twins and Kins Association (TAKA) in 2008. The group helps track twin births, supports families, and collaborates with researchers studying the phenomenon. #From NDTV

A rare “rainbow cloud” phenomenon captivated residents in Indonesia last week, with videos and photos quickly spreading across social media. The unusual sight sparked widespread curiosity, as users debated whether it was a natural occurrence, a symbol of good fortune, or something more mysterious. The iridescent clouds were seen over parts of Bekasi and Bogor, including Jonggol, where footage showed patches of sky glowing in shades of pink, green and blue. The clips drew millions of views, with many describing the scene as “breathtaking” and “otherworldly.” However, not everyone was convinced. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of the visuals, while others speculated about alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories. The authenticity of the viral videos could not be independently verified. According to local reports, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the phenomenon is both real and natural. Officials explained that it is linked to atmospheric optics. The vibrant colours are caused by cloud iridescence—often referred to as “rainbow clouds” or “fire rainbows.” This occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny, evenly sized water droplets or ice crystals in thin clouds, bending and separating light into different colours to create a shimmering effect. Online, the videos attracted significant engagement, generating tens of thousands of views and thousands of reactions. Many users praised the striking visuals, while others remained skeptical or offered alternative interpretations of the phenomenon. Source NDTV

Croatia is preparing for its busy summer tourism season, but rising fuel prices and global tensions linked to the Iran conflict are creating uncertainty for the industry. Dubrovnik’s historic old town is already crowded with visitors from around the world, usually a sign of a strong season ahead. But officials say this year’s outlook is less predictable. Tourism is a key pillar of Croatia’s economy, heavily reliant on foreign visitors. While arrivals have increased so far, authorities warn that higher fuel costs could push up airfares and slow travel demand in the coming months. Miro Draskovic, head of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, said the US market remains stable, but some Australian tourists are facing difficulties travelling to Europe. “The situation is very challenging, and we are monitoring developments closely every day,” he said. Despite concerns, early indicators are positive. Dubrovnik Airport reported a 13 percent increase in passenger numbers during the Easter period compared to last year. The city remains lively, with busy streets and tourist boats along the coast. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its medieval architecture, seaside setting and historic landmarks. Its popularity surged further after being featured in the television series “Game of Thrones.” However, the city could be more vulnerable than other parts of Croatia if the fuel crisis worsens, as about 80 percent of its visitors arrive by air. Airport spokesperson Marina Ruso Mileusnic said officials are approaching the upcoming season with caution, despite connections to around 70 global destinations. Forecasts remain mixed. Earlier in April, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol warned Europe could face a major jet fuel shortage within weeks. But this week, EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said there is no clear evidence of such shortages and encouraged people to continue planning holidays. Some travellers are already adjusting. Singapore-based businessman Ramon Padiernos said he had to switch airlines due to the Middle East situation but still travelled to Dubrovnik. “People may feel the impact of higher oil prices, but most still go ahead with their travel plans,” he said. Beyond tourism, the energy crisis has also pushed up inflation in Croatia, which reached 5.8 percent in April, among the highest in the European Union. Croatia welcomed nearly 22 million tourists last year. Out of about 110 million overnight stays in 2025, Dubrovnik alone accounted for more than 4 million, according to official data. Draskovic said hopes remain that conditions will stabilise soon. Until then, he said authorities will continue working day by day to ensure the best possible tourism season.

China’s southern island province of Hainan has recorded strong growth in offshore duty-free shopping over the past 15 years, with total sales reaching 286.4 billion yuan, according to local customs authorities. The sales volume includes around 347 million items since the policy was introduced in April 2011 to boost tourism and consumer spending. Over the years, the policy has been revised and improved several times to expand its scope and attract more shoppers. At present, Hainan has 12 offshore duty-free stores operating across the island, reflecting the steady expansion of the programme.