United News of Bangladesh

As temperatures drop and daylight fades early, my mind turns to the firepit corner of my garden — a simple setup with eight colorful Adirondack chairs arranged around a stacked stone hearth. In the growing season, the space is framed by low-maintenance plants like button bush, hydrangeas, hosta, clumping Liriope, and coleus. Simplicity is key. What matters most is the feeling it evokes: comfort, serenity, and a place to unwind. Gardens serve as sanctuaries, offering a refuge to lower stress and catch our breath, and studies show that the types of plants aren’t crucial — just being in the space is restorative. A few easy steps can give yourself this gift of peace: a chair, some unfussy plants, and attention to small details. Year-round enjoyment is a bonus. Sights, sounds, and scentsConsider next year’s garden now. Tall native grasses sway with calming rhythm, fragrant flowers such as lilacs, jasmine, sweet peas, and old garden roses fill the air, and simple additions like a windchime or tabletop water bubbler can enhance tranquility. Even small spaces can work: tuck a chair under a shade tree, hang a basket, or line a balcony with potted annuals, then take a few minutes to breathe and be present. Wild entertainmentNature can provide entertainment too. A birdfeeder, birdbath, and pollinator-friendly plants offer lively distractions as birds splash and bees and butterflies flit from flower to flower. Create a habitDevelop a ritual that draws you to your sanctuary daily — an afternoon tea, reading mail, or journaling. For me, it’s morning walks in the garden with coffee and pruners, or sitting on the porch in crisp air. Later, I’ll plan next spring with seed catalogs and highlighter, and on mild winter evenings, I’ll gather around the firepit under a blanket. Simplicity is the secret — a small, thoughtful space can provide relaxation throughout the year. Source: AP 

From gingerbread and mulled wine to the scent of pine and fir, familiar aromas help define the holiday season. To recreate those festive moods, many people light candles, burn incense or use fireplaces at home. While these practices can add warmth and comfort, experts caution that moderation is key to protecting indoor air quality. All flames release chemicals and tiny particles that can irritate the airways or contribute to longer-term respiratory problems if exposure is high, health specialists say. Still, there’s no need to abandon seasonal traditions altogether, according to Dr. Meredith McCormack, director of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University’s medical school. “Clean air is fragrance free,” McCormack said, noting that enjoying holiday scents occasionally is fine, especially if they evoke nostalgia or comfort, as long as people take steps to limit pollution indoors. Indoor air quality often worsens during winter because people spend more time inside and keep windows closed. The American Lung Association says indoor air can become more polluted than outdoor air when contaminants are trapped without proper ventilation. Fireplaces, gas appliances, candles, cleaning products and air fresheners can all release pollutants, including fine particles and nitrogen dioxide. Experts share advice to reduce financial stress and curb holiday overspending Health risks depend on the source and duration of exposure, as well as individual sensitivity. Children, older adults and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions are especially vulnerable. Symptoms such as coughing, headaches, shortness of breath or sneezing may signal poor air quality, and experts advise ventilating rooms or stopping use of pollutant-producing products if irritation occurs. Simple steps can help reduce exposure, including opening windows when possible, using HEPA air purifiers, choosing products with fewer ingredients and running exhaust fans while cooking with gas stoves. Experts also recommend setting boundaries around indoor smoking. “Even small improvements in air quality can lead to real health benefits,” McCormack said. Source: AP

The pressure to spend heavily on gifts, celebrations and travel during the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially as many people face a tight job market, rising debt and persistently high prices. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin said those feeling stretched are far from alone, urging people to be more intentional about their spending and to remember that showing care for loved ones doesn’t always require money. She noted that expectations fueled by nostalgia and social pressure often make the holidays more stressful than joyful. What do you get when pumpkin pie collides with deep-dish pizza? Experts say creating a clear budget is a crucial first step. Jennifer Seitz of family finance app Greenlight advised accounting for all seasonal costs — including travel, shipping and tips — and setting limits to avoid starting the new year in debt. Regular debt payments should also be included to prevent falling behind. Shopping strategically can also help. Consumer expert Trae Bodge recommends seeking out sales, coupon codes, cash-back offers and browser extensions that automatically find discounts. Bryan-Podvin also encourages people to identify what matters most by listing holiday expenses and prioritizing meaningful activities over obligation-driven spending. Setting boundaries, including declining events or gift exchanges, can reduce emotional and financial strain. Finally, experts suggest creating low-cost traditions focused on shared experiences rather than purchases, which can often leave more lasting memories than expensive gifts. Source: AP 

The holiday season is a time for family and celebration, but it can also bring high expenses. From gifts to travel and groceries, costs can quickly add up, making budgeting essential, experts say. Shopping expert Trae Bodge stressed the importance of saving wherever possible to avoid carrying debt into the new year. Plan gifts early and shop smartKiersti Torok, known as Torok Coupon Hunter on social media, recommends planning gifts well in advance to take advantage of sales. She buys Christmas stocking treats right after Halloween and buys decorations on clearance after the holidays. “Waiting until a few days after Christmas, you can find items up to 75% off,” she said, often using these deals for birthdays later in the year. Compare prices and use online toolsBodge advises comparing prices across stores, using coupons, signing up for emails, and leveraging browser extensions like PayPal Honey and Rakuten. While AI tools can suggest gift ideas, she says they are less reliable for up-to-date discounts. If an item isn’t on sale, look for a coupon or wait for a better deal. Save on groceries with couponsFor those hosting holiday meals, using grocery coupons can significantly reduce costs. Torok recommends starting with one favorite store and using its app to get accustomed to couponing, then gradually comparing prices at other stores. Cash-back apps like Top Cash Back and Ibotta can further boost savings. Buy in bulk and stock upGrocery expert Alli Powell suggests purchasing bulk items during holiday sales and freezing them for later use. This approach helps maximize savings and is useful year-round. Be cautious with store credit cards and buy-now-pay-later dealsBodge warns that store credit cards and buy-now-pay-later offers are only wise if you can pay off balances promptly. Mismanaged, these options can lead to high interest charges and affect credit scores. Flexible travel plans save moneyTravel expert Kyle Potter recommends booking flights first to maintain flexibility with dates and accommodations. Setting flight alerts on Google Flights can help track price changes and secure the best deals. By planning ahead, comparing prices, using coupons, and remaining flexible, holiday spending can be managed without breaking the bank.  

Health savings accounts, paired with high-deductible health plans, are designed to ease medical costs. HSAs offer a rare triple tax advantage — contributions are pretax, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. Yet many account holders don’t contribute the full amount allowed, and even fewer invest their HSA balances beyond basic savings accounts. Low-income workers often struggle to fund HSAs, making the HDHP–HSA pairing less helpful for them, critics say. But even higher earners sometimes avoid maxing out their accounts, partly because many HSAs charge maintenance fees or additional costs for investing. Unlike 401(k)s, HSAs can be freely moved between providers through transfers or rollovers. Here’s how to determine whether your HSA falls short — and what to do if it does. High-value tax benefits can be undercut by costs HSAs can outperform other tax-advantaged accounts, particularly for those expecting ongoing medical expenses. Even if used for non-medical purposes, HSAs still behave similarly to traditional 401(k)s or IRAs. But fees and limited investment options can significantly reduce their value, especially for small-account holders. What do you get when pumpkin pie collides with deep-dish pizza? Key items to review include: Setup fees: Charges at account opening, sometimes covered by employers.Maintenance fees: Monthly or annual charges to keep an account active.Transaction fees: Costs tied to using HSA funds for medical payments.Savings-account interest: Crucial for those keeping money in cash; rates often rise with larger balances.Investment expenses: Fund fees, sales loads or management charges.Investment options: Ensure available funds align with your long-term strategy.How to leave a subpar HSA If your employer-linked HSA has high fees or poor investment choices, you have three options: 1. Open your own HSA.If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible plan, you can contribute to an HSA of your choice and deduct those contributions on your taxes. This approach, however, requires more effort than automatic payroll deductions. 2. Transfer funds to a better HSA.Continue contributing via your employer, then periodically transfer money to another HSA with better offerings. Transfers have no tax implications and can be done multiple times a year. 3. Roll over funds to a different HSA.This works like a transfer, but you temporarily receive the funds yourself and must redeposit them within 60 days. Only one rollover is permitted every 12 months, and missing the deadline counts as an early withdrawal—with a 20% penalty if you're under 65. Source: AP 

A sparkling exhibition of royal jewels opened Wednesday in Paris, even as the city continues to absorb the shock of October’s audacious crown-jewel theft at the nearby Louvre Museum. The four-minute robbery emptied cases in the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, forcing its closure and raising concerns about the security of France’s cultural treasures. Meanwhile, the “Dynastic Jewels” exhibit at the Hôtel de la Marine — itself the site of a famous 1792 crown-jewel theft — is displaying diamonds, tiaras, and other historic pieces that survived revolutions and exile. Spread across four galleries, the exhibition features over a hundred items from the Al Thani Collection, the Victoria and Albert Museum, King Charles III, Cartier, Chaumet, and French national collections. Highlights include the 57-carat Star of Golconda, Queen Victoria’s sapphire coronet and emerald tiara, Catherine the Great’s diamond dress ornaments, and a Cartier necklace crafted for an Indian ruler. Gen Z and Millennials turn to sustainable, home-grown alternatives While curators did not disclose security specifics, the Hôtel de la Marine was modernized with high-grade protections when it reopened in 2021. The Louvre, meanwhile, is upgrading surveillance and anti-intrusion systems after the theft, and none of the stolen items have been recovered. Curator Amin Jaffer said the exhibit demonstrates how gemstones and ceremonial objects historically reflected identity, power, and prestige. Yet some Parisians feel the timing is sensitive. “People are still upset about the Louvre incident, and now there’s another jewel display opening nearby. It feels too soon,” said Alexandre Benhamou, a gift shop manager. Despite the uneasy backdrop, curators hope visitors will appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and stories embedded in the treasures. Source: AP

Paleontologists have documented 16,600 dinosaur footprints in Bolivia’s central highlands, shedding light on the behavior of the massive creatures that roamed the region over 60 million years ago. The footprints, located in and around the village and national park of Toro Toro in the Bolivian Andes, belong to theropods — the two-legged dinosaur group that includes Tyrannosaurus rex. The study, conducted over six years mainly by researchers from California’s Loma Linda University and published in PLOS One on Wednesday, marks the largest collection of theropod footprints ever recorded globally. “There’s no other site in the world with such an abundance of theropod tracks,” said Roberto Biaggi, co-author of the study led by Spanish paleontologist Raúl Esperante. The preserved prints reveal a range of dinosaur behavior, including attempts to swim. Scientists identified 1,378 marks showing claws scratching soft lake-bottom sediment just before rising waters covered them, protecting the impressions from erosion. “These tracks provide a remarkable window into dinosaur life at the end of the Cretaceous,” said Richard Butler, a paleontologist at the University of Birmingham, who was not involved in the research. Despite surviving millions of years, the footprints face modern threats. Farmers, quarry workers, and highway construction have disturbed the site over the decades, while the area remains virtually devoid of dinosaur bones, teeth, or eggs, unlike other South American fossil-rich regions. Researchers suggest the dinosaurs likely moved through the region rather than settling there permanently. The range in footprint sizes indicates that giant theropods, around 10 meters (33 feet) tall, coexisted with much smaller dinosaurs, some only 32 centimeters (1 foot) tall at the hip. Footprints reveal behaviors skeletons cannot, showing when dinosaurs walked, ran, stopped, or turned. Why so many dinosaurs congregated at Toro Toro remains unclear. Some experts suggest they visited an ancient freshwater lake, while others believe they may have been fleeing danger or searching for new habitats. Biaggi noted that research at the site is ongoing, with more footprints expected to be discovered along the edges of the already uncovered areas.

Indonesia’s first-ever giant panda cub is thriving, vocal, and feeding well, according to the conservation park where he was recently born. Indonesian Safari Park on Sunday released photos and video of the tiny, fluffy cub nestled in an incubator and wriggling and squeaking as his mother held him close. Hu Chun, a 15-year-old female panda, delivered the cub — named Satrio Wiratama, or Rio — on Nov. 27 at the park in Cisarua, West Java. The name reflects the shared commitment of Indonesia and China to protect endangered wildlife, the park said. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially announced the cub’s name on Thursday during a meeting with senior Chinese political adviser Wang Huning, displaying the newborn’s photograph. The park says Rio is in stable condition, displaying strong cries, healthy nursing behavior, and consistent weight gain. Over the coming weeks, he is expected to develop better body temperature control, open his eyes, grow more fur, and become more active. At The Gentle Barn, Thanksgiving turkeys are meant for cuddling — not carving For now, the park is prioritizing the wellbeing of both mother and baby, and the cub will remain off-limits to visitors. Hu Chun and her mate, Cai Tao, were sent to Indonesia in 2017 as part of a decade-long conservation collaboration with China. They live in a special enclosure roughly 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Jakarta. Giant pandas — long seen as China’s unofficial national symbol — are central to Beijing’s well-known “panda diplomacy,” through which the animals are loaned to zoos worldwide. Due to their difficulty breeding, each successful birth is celebrated. Fewer than 1,900 giant pandas remain in the wild, found only in China’s Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. Source: AP

Bulletproof cars built with stronger frames and protective glass are designed to keep passengers safe without losing comfort or style. There are valid reasons for the differences in core specs, pricing, and notable features relevant to current market needs. Therefore, choosing the right car for safety can feel a bit overwhelming. Let’s explore the best 10 bulletproof cars for 2025-26 and see what makes these models innovative and impressive. 10 High-end Bulletproof Cars Armored For Protection The world’s most advanced and reputable bulletproof and armored vehicles bring together luxury design, strong performance, and military-grade protection. Let’s see what makes these high-end models stand out in the armored car market. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban High Country The Suburban series was further refurbished in 2025 with the addition of the High Country, which makes the Chevrolet Suburban High Country a complete model. Its armored base price ranges from USD 250,000 to USD 420,000, which translates to BDT 3,05,86,450 - BDT 5,13,85,236 (USD 1 = BDT 122.35). The unarmored version starts at USD 83,400 (BDT 1,02,03,640). This full-size SUV runs on a strong 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 engine that makes 420 hp (horsepower), allowing the vehicle to move confidently even with the added weight of armor. When upgraded to Alpine Level A9 (CEN B6+), the Suburban is built to stop powerful weapons. It includes rifle rounds such as AR-15, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, and 5.56x45, along with blasts from two DM51 hand grenades. Read more: World's first flying car factory starts trial production in China A three-row layout supports up to seven passengers with premium comfort features, including heated and ventilated front seats and tri-zone climate control. Reinforced brakes and overlapping armored doors help keep the vehicle steady and mobile during dangerous situations. 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury The Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury enters the 2025 lineup with new upgrades that mix premium design with armored protection. Its base price falls between USD 280,000 and USD 380,000 (BDT 34,258,000 - BDT 46,493,000), while the unarmored model begins at USD 91,100 (BDT 11,146,085). This SUV carries a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 420 hp. Inside, a large 55-inch curved digital screen and advanced driving technology add to its modern feel while still supporting solid handling on the road. The Alpine Level A9 armor includes hardened steel and multi-layer bullet-resistant glass that can withstand AR-15 and other high-caliber shots. A three-row interior fits seven passengers with heated leather seats, second-row climate control, and premium wood and leather finishes. Read more: Nissan tests driverless cars on busy Japan city streets 2025 GMC Yukon XL Denali  Size, comfort, and protection come together when the GMC Yukon XL Denali appears in discussions about high-end armored SUVs. Armoring the vehicle charges from USD 280,000 to USD 350,000 (BDT 34,258,000 - BDT 42,822,500), while the sole car costs USD 80,495 (BDT 9,848,563). This 2025 Denali trim uses a 6.2-litre V8 engine that delivers solid power for a full-size luxury frame, saving room for up to 8 passengers with premium leather seating and modern technology. When upgraded to Alpine Level A9 (CEN B6+), the vehicle gains full 360-degree ballistic protection against strong rifle rounds, along with added floor shielding against hand grenade blasts. The armoring system includes certified ballistic steel around key structural areas, multi-layer bulletproof glass on all sides, and reinforced doors with heavy-duty hinges. Plus, there is also a run-flat tire technology supported by Hutchinson polycarbonate inserts to maintain movement even after damage. Toyota 2026 Land Cruiser 300 A legendary blend of durability and new-age design comes into focus when the Toyota 2026 Land Cruiser 300 enters the armored vehicle category. Its armored base price falls between USD 200,000 - USD 320,000 (BDT 24,470,000 - BDT 39,152,000), while the unarmored model begins at USD 63,275 (BDT 7,741,696). Read more: Iran loosens import restrictions on foreign cars and iPhones, trying to mask its economic woes This 2026 version features the i-Force Max 2.4-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It produces 326 combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, which gives the vehicle strong performance across many terrains. The CEN B6 armoring level offers certified protection against explosive threats and rifle fire while still keeping the Land Cruiser’s trusted off-road capability fully intact. Its protective build includes reinforced suspension designed for ballistic door overlaps that prevent shots from entering through seams, and thick steel plates around the cabin. It also has multi-layer ballistic glass, a strengthened fuel tank, and upgraded braking systems for reliable stopping power under pressure. 2025 Lexus LX 600 Luxury Elegance and protection join forces when the Lexus LX 600 Luxury takes its place in the premium armored SUV category. Wrapping up the model with armor charges from USD 300,000 to USD 450,000 (BDT 36,705,000 - BDT 55,057,500). The pricing of the unarmored version starts from USD 116,950 or BDT 14,308,833. This 2025-refreshed model uses a 3.5-litre Twin Turbo V6 engine producing 409 hp, paired with a 10-speed sequential-shift transmission that delivers smooth and powerful movement. When upgraded to BR6 protection, the SUV shields the cabin, roof, and floor from strong ballistic fire and explosive blasts. Read more: 31 ousted MPs’ cars among 100 set to be auctioned INKAS door overlap systems create protective edges that stop bullets from slipping through door seams, while solid polycarbonate wheel inserts keep the vehicle driving even after tire punctures. Multi-layer ballistic glass keeps visibility clear and maintains the original Lexus design shape, making the added armor almost invisible.

After two years of shuttered shops and empty streets, Christmas celebrations have begun returning to Bethlehem, offering a fragile sense of hope to a city devastated by the war in Gaza and an economic crisis across the West Bank. On Saturday evening, John Juka’s family restaurant — closed for most of the past two Christmases — was once again filled with families and glowing red lights. “It’s not like before the war,” said the 30-year-old. “But life is coming back again.” Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, relies heavily on tourism. Nearly 80% of its Muslim-majority population depends on the industry, which collapsed after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials say has killed more than 70,000 people. Israeli military operations in the West Bank, including near Bethlehem, further worsened the crisis. Unemployment surged to 65%, and thousands left the city searching for work. Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati said reviving Christmas celebrations was meant to restore hope. “When Bethlehem thrives, the entire West Bank feels it,” he said. On Saturday, Manger Square filled with crowds, children atop their fathers’ shoulders, and a towering Christmas tree lit up the night. Some tourists have begun to return, and hotels expect nearly 70% occupancy during Christmas — the highest since the war began. But tensions remain high. Violence, raids, and settler attacks continue across the West Bank. On Saturday, Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians near Hebron, saying they attempted to ram soldiers. Checkpoints have made everyday travel difficult; one resident said he spent six hours traveling less than 20 miles. Still, many in Bethlehem cling to cautious optimism. “This celebration is for everyone — Christian, Jewish, Muslim,” said Issa Montas, a 29-year-old resident. “This Christmas is for all of us.”