Travelling is an exciting adventure that exposes us to new cultures, cuisines, and experiences. However, amidst the excitement, one must be vigilant about food safety to ensure a healthy trip. Food poisoning can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. In this article, we will delve into useful tips to safeguard the tourists against food borne illnesses while on the move. Practical Ways to Prevent Food Borne Illness While Travelling Research Local Cuisine Before journey, travellers need to delve into the local culinary scene and customary food safety protocols of their destination. This preliminary research equips them to make the right decisions about dining options. Understanding the local food landscape helps to anticipate what is in store and make choices that align with your own preferences and safety. It ensures a more enjoyable and worry-free gastronomic experience. Choose Reputable Restaurants It is better to select well-established, reputable restaurants renowned for their commitment to hygiene and patron safety. These dining venues adhere to rigorous cleanliness standards. This certifies a secure and pleasant dining environment. By choosing such establishments, a traveller not only guarantees a delightful culinary experience but also prioritises his or her health and well-being. In this case, the traveller knows that the food served is prepared and handled with the highest regard for safety and quality. Read more: 7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach Avoid Street Vendors with Poor Hygiene Indulging in street food is tempting, but be discerning—steer clear of vendors with questionable hygiene. Instead, one may opt for those who maintain visible cleanliness and serve a steady stream of customers. Prioritising hygiene in street food adventures makes sure a safer culinary experience. It allows one to relish local flavours without compromising well-being during travels. Drink Bottled Water In certain regions, it is always suggested to opt for bottled water to guarantee safe consumption. It is safe to prioritise bottles with an unbroken seal, verifying their authenticity. This cautious approach ensures traveller’s hydration is clean and secure. It safeguards their health during travels. They should always try to make an informed choice to keep themselves refreshed and well, no matter where they go. Wash Fruits and Vegetables Thoroughly Before consuming raw fruits and vegetables, it is essential to wash them meticulously with clean water. This process helps eliminate any potential contaminants, including dirt, pesticides, or bacteria. It guarantees that what one eats is fresh, safe, and free of harmful substances. Taking this simple precaution significantly contributes to a healthy and enjoyable dining experience. Read more: Upset Stomach Remedies: What to eat, drink and avoid

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a traveller's paradise. This city offers a perfect blend of rich cultural experiences and excellent shopping opportunities. The city is known for its diverse markets and traditional bazaars that showcase the unique essence of Nepali culture. When in Kathmandu, shopping becomes an integral part of the travel experience, and it is worth exploring the local markets to find extraordinary items. Best Souvenirs to Buy in Kathmandu On the bustling streets of Kathmandu, travellers can discover a captivating array of souvenirs. Each one encapsulates the rich culture and traditions of Nepal. Pashmina shawls are a must-buy, renowned for their luxurious softness and warmth. Made from the fine wool of Himalayan goats, they embody not only exquisite craftsmanship but also symbolise Nepali elegance. For adventure enthusiasts and trekkers, Kathmandu stands as a hub for top-quality trekking gear.  Moreover, immersing yourself in the local culture becomes possible through unique items like ayurvedic soaps, Tibetan juniper incense, and handicrafts made from natural fibres and intricately hand-carved woodwork. These items showcase Nepal's artistry and add a touch of its heritage. Read more: 8 Best Winter Travel destinations in Bangladesh Tea and coffee in Nepal have distinct flavours and are delightful purchases. It is perfect as either a personal indulgence or a thoughtful gift. The markets in Kathmandu offer a stunning variety of jewellery, ranging from traditional silver pieces to modern designs. These jewelleries provide a perfect piece to adorn yourself or a loved one.  Lastly, for culinary enthusiasts, spices from Kathmandu are a must. From fiery chilli to aromatic herbs, these spices add a dash of Nepali flavour to your cooking. Additionally, Gurkha knives (Kukri) and honey sourced from skilled honey hunters in the Nepali mountains are distinctive souvenirs, reflecting Nepal's rich heritage. Each unique item you purchase will not only serve as a reminder of your time in Nepal but also contribute to supporting local artisans and preserving Nepal's cultural heritage. Read more: Best Hotels and Resorts in Kuakata

Marking the occasion of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launched a day-long art camp titled "Unnoyoner Charushilpa" with the participation of prominent artists on the Academy's open premises on Thursday. The art camp was inaugurated by Cultural Affairs secretary Khalil Ahmed who joined the inauguration ceremony of the camp as the chief guest. Emeritus Professor and eminent artist Hashem Khan was present as the special guest. Also read: BSA opens painting exhibition marking PM Sheikh Hasina's 77th birthday The programme was presided over by BSA’s director general Liaquat Ali Lucky. BSA secretary Salahuddin Ahmed and BSA Fine Arts Department director Syeda Mahbuba Karim were also present at the ceremony. The day-long art camp was coordinated by artist-educator Anisuzzaman, assistant professor of the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. Also read: Over 1100 video contents are published on govt’s achievements to mark PM Hasina’s birthday

Bangladesh being on the tropical spectrum of the climate, experiences a moderate winter season. Apart from the northern regions of the country, the mild winter season makes for a perfect time to go for a vacation and explore the diverse landscape of the country. With that said, here are the 8 top popular tourist destinations in Bangladesh for spending winter vacation.  Top Place to Visit in Bangladesh During Winter  Saint Martin’s Island  One of the prime attractions of winter travel is Saint Martin’s island. This Bea coral island is situated in the south of Bangladesh off the coast of Cox’s Bazar. The ship operation to St. Martin remains closed from April to October. It begins in early November and runs through March for the winter and spring seasons.  Every year, millions of tourists flock to the island to experience the serene landscape and the blue lagoon all around. Getting to St. Martin Island is also easy. There are direct bus services from Dhaka to Teknaf. From Teknaf, there is an abundance of ships and launches going to St. Martin. It takes about two and a half to three hours by ship to get to the island.  Read more: Bandarban Tourist Spots – Best Places to See and Craziest Things to Do To protect the biodiversity and environment of this coral island, the government of Bangladesh has taken some initiatives. Tourists are required to take permission before visiting this island. Make sure to take ample winter clothes as nights can get pretty cold. Take note of the tides to experience the unobstructed beach along the coast of the island.  Kuakata  Kuakata is famous for being the only place in Bangladesh where one can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. Often referred to as the “Daughter of the Sea”, Kuakata is comparatively less crowded than Cox’s Bazar during the peak travel season.  Read more: Best Places for Honeymoon in Bangladesh

A visiting group of art educators representing the School of Design at Yunnan Arts University in China visited the Atelier71 and Gallery Cosmos, the printmaking studio and artistic space of the Cosmos Foundation, at Cosmos Centre in the capital’s Malibagh. During the studio and gallery tour on Monday, the art educators explored the gallery and atelier and visited the rich collection of artistic pieces, including paintings, artworks, books, and sculptures. Also read: Two-day exclusive art camp ‘Splendours of Bangladesh’ concludes at Gallery Cosmos Later, the Cosmos Foundation hosted a dinner event in honour of the visiting Chinese art delegates. Cosmos Atelier71 and Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet greeted the Yunnan University art educators and exchanged artistic visions with each other, while Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury guided the studio and gallery tour, sharing the artistic initiatives. Six educators represented the Design School of Yunnan Arts University at the tour, including Wan Fan, dean of the Design School; Chen Jun, deputy director of the Visual Communication Department; Zou Zhou, director of the Environment Design Department; Peng Yao, director of the Costume Design Department; Liu Enpeng, deputy director of the Digital Media Department; and Zhang Linyi, assistant professor of Product Design. Bangladeshi artist Mong Mong Sho, lecturer of the Watercolour Department, Fine Art Faculty at Yunnan Arts University, led the studio and gallery tour for the Chinese art delegates. Also read: 'BRAVEHEART’: Gallery Cosmos pays rich artistic tribute to Bangabandhu

Jamuna Television’s senior reporter Shakil Hasan and filmmaker Masudur Rahman have been conferred with the first-ever 'Mishuk Munier Smrity Puroshkar' (commemorative award) on Sunday. In honour of the late eminent Bangladeshi journalist and educator, the award was handed to the winners in two categories.  A visit to remember: Rahul Ananda welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at his home Shakil Hasan was named winner in the audio-visual category for his investigative report on the illegal encroachment in Lawachara National Park, while Masudur Rahman received the award for his film “Unrecognised”.  On Sunday night, the award ceremony was held at the National Museum’s Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium. The event was organized by Lily-Munier Smrity Raksha Trust and was attended by freedom fighter, filmmaker and cultural activist Nasiruddin Yousuff, and noted filmmaker Morshedul Islam. ‘The Reflection of Endless Mystery’: Nabaraj Roy's first solo exhibition opens at AFD Presided over by the advisor of the trust and cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar, the event was moderated by actress Tropa Majumdar and the winners were announced by Dhaka University professor of mass communication and journalism department, Gitiara Nasreen.  Shedding light on Mishuk Munier’s life and works at the ceremony, Nasiruddin Yousuff said, “Mishuk Munier was a revolutionary broadcast journalist who made a strong impact with Ekushey Television that changed the landscape for broadcast journalism in the country. Simultaneously, he was a prolific educator both in and outside of his classes.” 7 best books on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Award recipient journalist Shakil Hasan said, “I attempted to show what occurred and where it happened, through my report. I did that by delving deeper and deeper into that realm and utilising my personal integrity, and I am truly happy to receive this accolade named after the great broadcast journalist Mishuk Munier.” The awardees were selected by a five-member jury board consisting of renowned educator, communication expert and editor of the daily Ajker Patrika Professor Dr Golam Rahman, director and screenwriter Shamim Akhtar, Chief Executive Officer of Global Television Syed Ishtiaque Reza, head of the Department of Media and Communication at Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) Zakir Hossain Raju and Dr Gitiara Nasreen.  

Depression among students is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. The gravity of this problem magnifies the alarming rise in dropouts from colleges, study breaks, drug addictions, even suicidal attempts among students. As parents and educators, it is essential to be proactive in addressing this crisis through understanding, support, and guidance. Let’s take a look into how to prevent depression in students. Common Reasons for Depression among Students  Depression among students can be attributed to various factors, and understanding these reasons is the first step in prevention. Here are some common causes: - High expectations and academic stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness - Loneliness and a lack of social support can make students vulnerable to depression and suicidal thoughts - Bullying, whether in person or online, can devastate a student's mental health - Drug or alcohol abuse can exacerbate depression and increase the risk of suicide - Relationship problems can be a major source of stress and anxiety for students - Conflict with their parents, siblings, or friends can make them isolated and alone - Economic constraints and worries about the future can take a toll on a student's mental health - Traumatic events during childhood, like physical or emotional abuse or loss of a parent increase the risk of depression - Mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder can trigger depression - Having certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic is a reason for depression.  Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents

Dengue, often referred to as break-bone fever, poses a considerable risk. The world has witnessed its spread as an epidemic, affecting millions globally. Amid this global health concern, some myths surrounding dengue are leading to misinformation and misguided treatment approaches. This article is going to debunk 10 myths about dengue. Let’s clear up these misconceptions about this formidable mosquito-borne disease for effective prevention. 10 Misconceptions about Dengue Dengue is Contagious Dengue primarily spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It is not a contagious disease. It is not transmitted through person to person contacts. While dengue is not typically transmitted from person to person, there are exceptional circumstances to consider. For instance, an infected pregnant mother can pass the virus to her developing fetus. Additionally, transmission via blood products, organ donation, and transfusions, while extremely rare, is not entirely impossible. Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus Dengue Prevails in Rural or Developing Areas This myth does not hold when examining the global reach of this infectious disease. Dengue is not limited to any specific geographical or economic boundaries. Dengue can occur in any country where the Aedes mosquito species are present. This includes tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, encompassing both urban and semi-urban areas. Children and Elderly Are Susceptible to Dengue It's crucial to clarify that dengue can affect individuals of all ages, regardless of their age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Dengue virus does not discriminate based on age. People of all age groups are susceptible to dengue infection, and this includes infants, children, teenagers, and adults. It's true that certain risk categories, such as children and the elderly, are more vulnerable due to their potentially weakened immune systems. However, even healthy individuals can contract dengue or develop severe symptoms. Read more: Dengue Fever: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention Any Mosquito Can Carry Dengue Virus In reality, dengue can only be transmitted through the bite of a female mosquito belonging to the Aedes Aegypti or the Aedes Albopictus species. This certain species is distinguished by its characteristic white markings on the legs. The transmission occurs when it bites an infected individual and subsequently bites a healthy and non-infected person. After an incubation period of about a week, the same mosquito can transmit the disease to another individual. It makes these particular mosquito species the primary vectors for dengue transmission. Dengue Mosquitoes Only Bite During the Day While it is true that dengue-spreading mosquitoes are more active during the daytime, their feeding habits can extend into nighttime hours. These mosquitoes are typically most active around two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. However, they have been observed biting people at night, particularly in well-lit areas. One of the risk factors for nighttime exposure to dengue mosquitoes is the presence of artificial lighting. These mosquitoes can be drawn to indoor environments, including offices, malls, indoor auditoriums, and stadiums that use artificial lights throughout the day and night. Read more: How to Protect Babies and Children from Dengue Fever

Loneliness, a pervasive emotion, can cast a shadow on one's life. The ache of isolation often pushes individuals to seek solace in social interactions. Yet, embracing one's solitude is fulfilling. Learning to savor our own company is a transformative journey. It empowers us to turn loneliness into a liberating experience.  10 Tips to Love Yourself and Stay Happy Alone Avoid Comparison When one consistently measures their worth against another person's life or accomplishments, they disregard their unique journey. They should embrace individuality, appreciate the path taken, and recognize that each person's journey is distinctive.  It is important to focus on personal progress and growth. It fosters a sense of contentment and happiness in one's own narrative. So, it is best to celebrate uniqueness without seeking validation from external sources. Read more: 15 Japanese Concepts for Personal and Professional Development Disconnect from Social Media Taking a step back from social media allows individuals to reclaim their authentic selves. In this digital age, social platforms often perpetuate a distorted sense of reality. It contributes to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness.  By unplugging and refocusing on real-life connections and experiences, one can break free from the comparison trap. Try to rediscover genuine human interaction and find solace in the present moment without the pressure of online portrayals. Embrace a Peaceful Past Letting go of past burdens is a pivotal step toward finding contentment in solitude. Harboring resentment, regret, or grievances from yesterday can cloud one's present and impede personal growth.  Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career Accepting and making peace with the past, understanding that it shaped the broken person they are today, enables a lighter heart and a clearer mind. By forgiving themselves and others, they can liberate their spirit, allowing space for joy and serenity in the present. Rediscover Passions Rekindling hobbies and interests is a pathway to self-discovery and fulfillment. Often, in the hustle of daily life, personal passions take a backseat. By reigniting these flames of enthusiasm, individuals can reconnect with their true selves. Whether it is painting, writing, gardening, or playing an instrument, engaging in what once brought them joy can provide a sense of purpose and contentment in their own company.

In these busy times, when convenience often trumps nutrition, finding appealing ways to introduce healthy vegetables to kids can be a challenge. However, nutritious winter vegetables like cauliflower can also be offered to the young members of your family though healthy and appetizing recipes. We have gathered 7 delightful cauliflower recipes that can pique your child’s curiosity.  Health Benefits of Cauliflower Cauliflower, also known as Romanesco cauliflower, with its striking fractal patterns, is not only visually intriguing but also nutritionally dense. The vegetable provides vital nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and folate.  Cauliflower strengthens a strong immune system and promotes digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of this winter vegetable also helps to lose weight in a healthy way. Adding to this, cauliflower helps the human body to fight aging in a natural way.  Read more: Healthy Alternatives to Cakes and Cookies: 7 Delicious and Nutritious Swaps 7 Delicious Cauliflower Recipes for Children Cauliflower Fritters Ingredients 350 grams cauliflower (chopped into small florets), ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, zest of 1 lemon, small bunch fresh parsley (chopped), small bunch green onions (chopped), ½ cup plain (all-purpose) flour, 1 clove garlic (minced), ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 medium egg, and 3 tablespoon olive oil. Instructions First, boil the cauliflower florets for precisely 6 minutes. After draining, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and lightly crush them. Ensure it resembles small gravel-sized lumps. Add in salt, pepper, lemon zest, parsley, green onions, flour, garlic, parmesan, and egg. Using a spoon, thoroughly mix the ingredients.  Proceed to make 8-10 balls from the mixture and flatten them before placing it on a plate. Repeat this process until all the mixture is utilized. Then, in a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the cauliflower fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until a desirable brownness is achieved. Finally, arrange the fritters on a plate and serve them. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Cauliflower Cheese Egg Muffins Ingredients  350 g cauliflower florets, 5 eggs, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper, and optional baby spinach leaves. Instructions First, blitz the cauliflower until it is like fine couscous-like grains. In a bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Then, add the cheese and the prepared cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper as needed. At this stage, grease the muffin cups and carefully fill them with the egg mixture. You may decorate your muffins with spinach leaves. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the muffins for 15-20 minutes, or until they become firm and springy to the touch. Once they are done, allow the muffins to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. Read more: 5 Easy Fruit Bread Recipes Cauliflower Fried Rice Ingredients  2 ½ cups chopped cauliflower in a food processor, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion chopped, 1 cup peas and carrots (thawed), 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste), 2 eggs lightly beaten, and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional). Instructions First, rinse and chop the cauliflower into florets. In a food processor pulse the cauliflower until it is finely minced like rice in texture. Next, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add onion, peas, and carrots, sautéing them until they are tender. Now pour the beaten eggs on one side and scramble the eggs.  Ensure they are cooked before mixing them with the vegetable blend. Then incorporate the cauliflower into the mixture, and pour soy sauce over it. Stir and fry the rice and vegetable concoction until it is heated through, and the cauliflower attains the desired tenderness. For extra flavor, you can add green onions. Read more: 7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach