Number of tigers in Sundarbans to increase, hope experts

With the decrease in the activities of forest robbers and poachers in the Sundarbans, experts and Forest Department officials expect an increase in the number of tigers in the world's largest mangrove forest.

They think the tigers of the Sundarbans, the world's largest abode of the big majestic cat, are now well-protected and their movement is safe as the activities of forest robbers and poachers have decreased to a large extent following smart patrolling in the forest.

As the Sundarbans tigers survive combating various natural disasters, there is no chance of their disappearance from the mangrove forest even if all the tigers get extinct from the rest of the world, said a wildlife expert.

According to sources, the number of tigers in the world's forests hasdwindled to only 4,000 from 1 lakh over the last 100 years. Three sub-species of tiger out of total eight have already become extinct from the world.

 Striped big cats used to be found in 13 countries even one year ago but the number of the countries has now stood at 12 with the majestic cat going out of existence.

The tiger is categorised as the critically endangered species due to deforestation, piracy and poaching worldwide.

As part of the government's efforts to engage people around the Sundarbans, a Unesco World Heritage Site, in protecting the tigers, the 'Tiger Day' is being observed nationally outside Dhaka for the last two years.

This year, the 'Tiger Day' will be observed on Sunday. This day will be observed in Khulna nationally after Bagerhat district. The theme of this year's day is: 'Save the tiger, save the forest, protect the Sundarbans'.

According to Forest Department officials, tigers are being surveyed in the Sundarbans through 'camera trapping' for the second time.

In 2017-2018, the images of tigers were captured installing cameras in different places under four ranges of the Sundarbans. Now, the work to analyse the captured images is underway.

According to the survey conducted in the Sundarbans through the 'camera trapping' in 2013-2015, the number of tigers in the Bangladesh part of the Sundarbans is 106.

In the Sunbarbans, every tiger, known as flagship species of the forest, identifies a 14-16 sqkm area as its home range for living and tigers roam almost throughout the forest.

Forest officials said the activities of bandits and poachers have seen a decline in recent times following the introduction of smart patrolling which has ensured the safe movement of the tigers.

However, the tigers have to face different climate-related phenomena like salinity, storm-tidal surge and river waves, they said. For this, tigers sometimes invade locality.

On January 23 last, a tiger, which entered Gulishakhali village in Morelganj upazila, was beaten to death by locals.

Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, forest conservator of Khulna region, said the forest robbers have started returning to normal life following regular drives of the Forest Department and law enforcement agencies. "As a result, the tiger is much safer in the Sundarbans now. No tiger was killed by any poacher in the Sundarbans in the last two years," he said.

For the second time, the images of tigers have been captured through the 'camera trapping' method, he said. "Now, the analysis work is underway. On completion of the analysis, the number of tigers could be known," he said.

Prof Md Anwarul Islam, WildTeam chief executive and a teacher of Zoology department at Dhaka University, said if all the tigers are lost from the rest of the world, there is lesser chance that they will become extinct from the Sundarbans. "The Sundarbans won't survive if the tigers don't survive," he said.

He, however, underscored the need for ensuring food for tigers in the mangrove forest for their survival.

The wildlife expert called for protecting deer in the Sundarbans and reducing the movement of people in it, suggesting building a forest-centric information centre for tourists.

Dr Anwar said an adult tiger generally gives birth to 3-4 cubs a year. "If these tiger cubs can be protected, the number of tigers in the Sundarbans will be increased," he said, underlining the need for involving all to protect the majestic big cat.

Mahmudul Hasan, divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division, said no tiger was killed by miscreants in the mangrove forest after 2015. "There's no activity of any poaching gang in the Sundarbans as the Forest Department increased vigilance at the entries through which the poachers used to enter the forest."

He said they installed cameras in every 5 sqkm during the first survey and they took images of tigers this time installing cameras in every 2 sqkm.

Asaduzzaman Milon, former president of Sundarbans Management Committee and chairman of Rayanda union parishad in Sharankholaupazila, said several gangs of tiger poachers were active in several villages surrounding the Sunbarbans. "However, there's no activity of the gangs right now," he said.

He said people are now much aware about the conservation of forest resources which led an end to the killing of tigers.

Fake tan does not prevent skin cancer: Study

Sunless tanning or fake tanning products like sprays, ointments, creams, foams, or lotions that promise tan skin without the increased risk of skin cancer do not actually help prevent cancer.

A new study conducted by the researchers of the University of Minnesota Medical School sought to assess the demographic characteristics and skin cancer risk behaviours of adult sunless tanners.

Sunless tanning was most common among young, white, college-educated females and bisexual men. Other factors associated with sunless tanning included having a family history of skin cancer.

Adults who used sunless tanning products were more likely to use indoor tanning beds and were less likely to wear protective clothing or seek shade when outdoors.

Among people who used indoor tanning beds which are known to cause skin cancer, sunless tanning product users actually visited tanning salons more frequently than those who did not.

"Most evidence supports that sunless tanning products are safe to use and do not cause skin cancer. However, these products can only be effective in reducing skin cancer rates if they are able to help people disengage in risky behaviours such as indoor tanning or outdoor sunbathing," explained lead researcher Matthew Mansh.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world.

The findings appeared in the Journal of JAMA Dermatology.

Bangladesh sees record jump in LCs as imports surge

Bangladesh has set a new record for opening letters of credit or LCs for imports.

In the first 11 months of fiscal 2017-18, $64.4 billion of LCs was opened, up 48.25 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank.

During the period, the LC openings surged due to the higher import orders for food grains, petroleum and capital machinery, said an official of the central bank.

The jump in LC openings for the payment of imports has not been seen before.

“There's nothing to worry about,” said Ahsan H Mansur, executive director of the Policy Research Institute.

Necessary equipment imports for the ongoing mega projects have abnormally increased LC openings, he said.

From July through May in the last fiscal year, import orders for rice soared 2,110 percent, wheat 35 percent, onion 90 percent and fuel oil 49.57 percent.

The BB figures show the actual import of capital machinery or industrial equipment used for production increased by 28.75 percent during the period.

Orders for equipment for the Rooppur power plant were the main reason behind the soaring LC openings, Mansur told bdnews24.com, responding to a question on why import was rising.

In addition, LC openings have also surged due to the imports of equipment for other mega projects, such as Padma bridge and metro rail, he said.

Higher imports of rice, fuel oil, capital machinery and industry raw materials have added to import costs, he added.

On its economic impact, the economist said: "The rising import is seen as a positive sign for the economy. Increasing import orders for the raw materials and the capital machinery mean rising investment.”

"Some products were imported under cover of other products. Often empty containers arrive. People make money through over-invoicing,” Mansur said.

"That's why I’m a bit anxious too."

The higher import payment may put pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves, said Mansur.

"We were in a comfortable position for a long time. The reserves had risen to almost $34 billion. But higher imports will cut into the reserves,” he said.

"If export earnings and remittances had increased there would not have been any problem. But remittance and export earnings are increasing at a slower pace.”

I am not a feminist at all, but believes in equality: Trisha

Actor Trisha addressed the press on Sunday to promote her upcoming horror film Mohini, where she was asked about pay disparity, gender bias at workplace and more. The actor's response has left many in shock. Speaking about gender bias, she said, "Gender bias is universal, something that's there in every industry. I'm not a feminist at all. I believe in equality. Fortunately, my journey has been very cushioned in this industry. I haven't felt the bias."
The accepted definition of feminism in simple terms is "the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes". Despite feminism standing for equality, both Indian and international celebrities have taken pains to emphasise that they are not feminists but believe in equality. It can be ignorance or an attempt to avoid tags that come from being a feminist. Both are hard to fathom for women in influential positions who are reaping the benefits of what feminism has achieved till date. 
In Trisha's case, the comment is especially shocking as she was recently appointed UNICEF's Celebrity Advocate for child rights. 
She also spoke about pay disparity and said that the actors are able to demand more money because the movie sells on their name. When actors like Nayanthara and Samantha Akkineni are enjoying stardom that is equal to their male contemporaries in the industry, this excuse for pay disparity in the industry from an actor who has been a part of it for two decades now is surprising. 

Is this estranged Bollywood couple getting back together?

Theirs was a love story many doted on until they parted ways in 2014. 

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and his wife Sussanne Khan continued to be cordial even after their breakup. The couple took family trips together for the sake of their two sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan. 

The couple can be seen jetting off to exotic locations on international vacations more than the other estranged couples. 

Pictures of their latest vacation from Santorini, Greece have again revived rumours of them coming together. The couple has embarked on a family holiday, again.

According to a report in The Times of India, the ex-couple are considering getting back together and may give each other another chance. They might remarry for the sake of their two boys.

Now, we need to wait and watch if there is any truth in these rumours. Or will the couple at least put them to rest? 

Pavard wonder strike voted best goal of World Cup

Benjamin Pavard's swerving strike from the edge of the area in France's round of 16 win over Argentina in Kazan has been voted the best goal of the World Cup finals, FIFA have said.

France were trailing 2-1 and heading out of the tournament until the relatively unknown full back got on the end of Lucas Hernandez's over-cooked cross on the edge of the area.

Leaning back and striking the ball on the half volley with the outside of his boot, Pavard generated vicious top spin which took it beyond the reach of Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani.

France went on to win the match 4-3 and then claimed the World Cup for the second time with a victory over Croatia in the final in Moscow.

Pavard's strike beat out 17 other goals, including a stunning long-range effort from Argentina's Angel Di Maria in the same match, to win the award after a vote by fans, FIFA said. "Proud, honoured, and always a little bit hard to believe," Pavard said in a Twitter post in French.

Juan Fernando Quintero's free kick for Colombia against Japan, a side-footed shot which went under the defensive wall and in off the hands of the goalkeeper, was second in the voting.

Benjamin Pavard's swerving strike from the edge of the area in France's round of 16 win over Argentina in Kazan has been voted the best goal of the World Cup finals, FIFA have said.

France were trailing 2-1 and heading out of the tournament until the relatively unknown full back got on the end of Lucas Hernandez's over-cooked cross on the edge of the area.

Leaning back and striking the ball on the half volley with the outside of his boot, Pavard generated vicious top spin which took it beyond the reach of Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani.

France went on to win the match 4-3 and then claimed the World Cup for the second time with a victory over Croatia in the final in Moscow.

Pavard's strike beat out 17 other goals, including a stunning long-range effort from Argentina's Angel Di Maria in the same match, to win the award after a vote by fans, FIFA said. "Proud, honoured, and always a little bit hard to believe," Pavard said in a Twitter post in French.

Juan Fernando Quintero's free kick for Colombia against Japan, a side-footed shot which went under the defensive wall and in off the hands of the goalkeeper, was second in the voting.

Lowering blood pressure helps prevent mental decline, says study

Lowering blood pressure more than usually recommended not only helps prevent heart problems, it also cuts the risk of mental decline that often leads to Alzheimer's disease, a major study finds.

It's the first time a single step has been clearly shown to help prevent a dreaded condition that has had people trying crossword puzzles, diet supplements and a host of other things in hope of keeping their mind sharp.

In the study, people treated to a top blood pressure reading of 120 instead of 140 were 19 percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. They also had fewer signs of damage on brain scans, and there was a possible trend toward fewer cases of dementia.

"This is a big breakthrough," said Dr. Jeff Williamson of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina. "It's more important than ever to work with your physician to ensure that you have good blood pressure control."

He led the study and gave results Wednesday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Chicago. They're considered preliminary until published, expected later this year.

Independent experts cheered the news.

"We have long known that high blood pressure is bad for your heart. Now we're also learning it's bad for your brain," said James Hendrix, director of global science initiatives at the Alzheimer's Association.

The brain-blood pressure link

About 50 million people worldwide have dementia, and Alzheimer's is the most common type. There is no cure - current medicines such as Aricept and Namenda just ease symptoms - so prevention is key.

Roughly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure under guidelines adopted last year that define it as a top number of 130 or more, rather than 140. Normal is under 120.

High pressure can damage blood vessels and has long been linked to a higher risk for dementia. But it's not been known if lowering pressure would reduce that risk or by how much. The federally funded study was designed to test this in the most rigorous way.

About the study

It involved more than 9,300 people with high pressure. Half got two medicines, on average, to get their top reading below 140. The rest got three drugs, on average, and aimed for 120. During the study, the top pressure averaged 121 in the intensive-treatment group and 135 in the other group.

The study was stopped in 2015, nearly two years early, when it became clear that lower pressure helped prevent heart problems and deaths. But tests of thinking skills continued for two more years, and these new results were revealed on Wednesday.

Researchers saw a 19 percent lower risk of mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, in the intensive-treatment group - 285 cases versus 348 in the higher pressure group. About half of people with MCI develop dementia over the next five years.

"It's really more important to prevent MCI than dementia in some ways. It's like preventing high cholesterol rather than a heart attack," Williamson said.

There also were fewer dementia cases in the intensive-treatment group but there were too few to say lower blood pressure was the reason. Dementia takes longer to develop than mild impairment does, so doctors think the difference may widen over time.

MRI scans on 454 participants showed that those in the lower pressure group had less white matter lesions - areas of scarring or damage from injury, such as inadequate blood supply.

"It matches" the other results on thinking skills and bolsters the evidence that lowering blood pressure helps, said Laurie Ryan, a dementia scientist at the National Institute on Aging.

How low to go?

This study's previous results led to last fall's guidelines change, setting high pressure at 130. Some doctors have criticized that as too aggressive, but the new results, showing benefits to the brain, "support and maybe even extend the guidelines," Williamson said. "The goal of below 130 is extremely important."

The study did not test specific blood pressure drugs. Instead, each participant's doctor chose which ones to use from the more than a dozen available.

When the heart results were announced a few years ago, doctors said that too-low pressure, fainting episodes and some kidney problems were a little more common in the intensively treated group but that those risks were considered worth the benefits of a lower risk of heart trouble and death.

Getting to the lower level meant using one more medicine, and "90 percent of these are generic and cost less than a dollar a day," Williamson said. "For a modest cost this has a tremendously important health benefit for people."