Mohini Barman

South Africa’s Department of Communications has announced an ambitious plan to set up 2,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots in under-served urban townships by 2025. The move aims to bridge the digital divide in areas like Soweto, Khayelitsha, and Umlazi. The initiative is being supported by local telecom companies and partially funded by the World Bank. Authorities say improved connectivity will boost access to online education, e-governance, and job opportunities. Similar digital inclusion strategies are being considered by governments in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where rural-urban connectivity gaps persist. Stakeholders view this as a scalable model for the Global South.

Cities across the U.S. Midwest are experiencing an unprecedented early summer heatwave, with Chicago recording 41°C—the hottest June day since 1944. Health officials have issued red alerts in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, urging residents to stay indoors, hydrate, and check on vulnerable populations. Hospitals in Chicago and Detroit reported a 20% rise in heatstroke cases over the weekend. Local power grids are under pressure as air conditioning use surges. The U.S. National Weather Service attributes the heat to a stalled high-pressure system and links it to a longer trend of climate volatility. Meteorologists in South Asia are monitoring the pattern…

Kenya’s government has declared a state of national emergency as prolonged drought continues to ravage crops, livestock, and livelihoods. Over 3 million people are in urgent need of food and water, with Turkana and Garissa counties worst affected. President William Ruto has called for international assistance, while the UN is coordinating a $450 million humanitarian appeal for East Africa. The drought has triggered concern across South Asia, including India and Nepal, which face erratic monsoons and extreme weather linked to climate change. Agronomists suggest this could be a wake-up call for coordinated regional efforts on climate-resilient farming.

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California, Apple launched iOS 18, featuring an all-new AI assistant called “Apple Intelligence.” Unlike competitors, Apple promises on-device processing and strict user privacy—clearly differentiating itself from Google’s cloud-based approach. Tim Cook emphasized, “We believe privacy is a fundamental human right. AI should not come at the cost of your data.” The update introduces smart message summarization, context-aware Siri, and on-screen real-time translation in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi and Bengali. Apple’s new AI strategy is likely to appeal to growing markets in South Asia, where data protection is becoming a policy priority.

The Biden administration is moving to further restrict the export of advanced AI and semiconductor chips to China, citing concerns over national security and military use. The new rules target Nvidia and AMD’s top-tier chips used in large-scale computing and defense-related AI systems. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, “We must safeguard American innovation from being misused.” The move is expected to escalate trade tensions between the two nations, which are already locked in disputes over tech and cybersecurity. India, which recently launched a semiconductor mission, is being courted by both US and Chinese firms as a neutral ground for production…

Australia has officially classified koalas as endangered across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory due to habitat loss, disease, and climate impacts. Conservationists have warned for years that urban sprawl and bushfires are pushing the species to extinction. The Australian government announced a $50 million fund to support habitat restoration and breeding programs. Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek called it “a national emergency for biodiversity.” India’s conservationists have drawn parallels with local challenges, such as the declining numbers of elephants and leopards due to encroachment. Collaborative wildlife preservation projects between Asia-Pacific countries are being explored.

A severe heatwave is scorching the U.S. Midwest, with temperatures crossing 43°C (110°F) in parts of Illinois and Michigan. The National Weather Service has issued red alerts in several cities, urging residents to stay indoors. Chicago reported at least 17 cases of heatstroke over the weekend, and power grids are under strain as people crank up air conditioners. Public cooling centers have opened to aid the elderly and vulnerable populations. Environmentalists say rising global temperatures are making such events more frequent. Similar hot spells in parts of India, including Delhi and Rajasthan, have sparked renewed climate discussions between the two…

In a landmark move for sustainable transport, Kenya has launched the largest public electric bus fleet in Africa. Over 200 e-buses began operating in Nairobi this week, reducing urban emissions and traffic noise. Manufactured locally with support from Swedish and Indian partners, the fleet features charging stations powered by solar grids. Commuters have welcomed the move, citing smoother rides and lower costs. Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the initiative is part of Kenya’s broader green transition and aims to set an example for the continent. The Indian Ministry of Urban Affairs is reportedly studying Nairobi’s model to adapt similar systems…

Massive wildfires have engulfed large swathes of northern and central California, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Fueled by record-high temperatures and dry winds, the fires have consumed over 80,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighting crews struggle to contain the blaze. Fire officials say it could take weeks to bring the situation under control. Smoke from the wildfires has affected air quality across multiple states, including parts of Nevada and Oregon. Climate scientists have linked the frequency of such fires to global warming, calling for stronger mitigation…