Mohini Barman

U.S. companies have ramped up their stock buyback programs to unprecedented levels in 2025, with buybacks already reaching $983.6 billion, potentially surpassing $1 trillion by year-end. Tech giants like Apple and Alphabet lead the charge, pledging buybacks of $100 billion and $70 billion respectively. While these moves are bolstering earnings per share and investor returns, critics warn they may starve the economy of capital needed for long-term growth and innovation. The trend reflects strong corporate earnings but raises fears of overvalued markets and reduced investment. In the South Asian context, corporate governance experts are watching closely—especially in India and Bangladesh—where…

The U.S. government has enacted a $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers earning up to $125,000 annually. Combined with expanded down payment assistance and programs for low-income borrowers, this is one of the largest housing affordability efforts in recent years. Participants must complete homebuyer education and buy homes in designated affordability zones. The Department of Housing and Urban Development expects the move to benefit over 200,000 families in urban and suburban areas. Housing advocates note the model could inspire similar low-cost ownership schemes in growing metropolitan regions of India and South Asia, including Dhaka and Kathmandu.

Kenya has launched the continent’s first fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses in Nairobi, marking a leap toward green public transport. Developed by Japanese and South Korean partners, the buses run silently with zero tailpipe emissions. The initiative is part of Kenya’s Vision 2040 to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable urban mobility. The government plans to install hydrogen refueling stations at six locations over the coming year. East African cities like Uganda's Kampala and Rwanda’s Kigali, along with South Asian metros, are watching closely for possible adaptation of hydrogen technology in mass transit systems.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has started early, with tropical Storm Aurora forming weeks before the official June 1 start date. Meteorologists now predict an above-average season, with up to 20 named storms and as many as 10 reaching hurricane strength. Climate scientists attribute the early formation to record-warm ocean temperatures and weaker wind shear. Coastal states from Texas to Florida are ramping up preparedness, deploying aid stores and reinforcing infrastructure. With similar trends appearing in the Bay of Bengal region—where tropical cyclones threaten Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka—regional disaster agencies are coordinating enhanced early warning systems ahead of the…

California has introduced a first-of-its-kind environmental tax to combat its worsening wildfire seasons. The levy imposes an additional $50 annual fee on high-risk homeowners—those with properties in forested or brush-heavy zones. Revenue will fund vegetation thinning, controlled burns, and firefighter resources. State officials project that the fund could raise $500 million annually, significantly enhancing wildfire resiliency. Critics, however, argue it may burden lower-income families living in at-risk areas. Experts in Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Bhutan see this model as potentially replicable, given increasing fire threats. Many are now evaluating how a similar levy could bolster mountain community safety.

The City Council of Chicago has passed a groundbreaking ordinance banning the use of facial recognition technology in public surveillance systems operated by law enforcement. Citing concerns over privacy, bias, and wrongful identification, the law has been welcomed by civil liberties groups across the USA. The law makes Chicago the first major American city to enforce such a sweeping digital rights measure. Exemptions are made for airport security and private businesses, but police departments must now rely on alternative tracking methods. Legal think tanks in India and Bangladesh, where facial recognition is expanding, are reviewing the implications. Experts suggest that…