Mohini Barman - The Purbottar

17 Jul

AI Under Watch: France Tightens Tech Laws for Safer 2024 Games

Mohini BarmanInternational

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, France has passed sweeping AI legislation that limits facial recognition and mandates transparency in algorithmic surveillance. The law is a response to privacy advocates’ concerns about intrusive tech use during the global event. The French interior ministry confirmed that AI will be used for crowd monitoring but under strict oversight. Activists, however, warn that the law doesn’t go far enough in preventing misuse. Countries like India, which plans to host major sporting events, and Bangladesh—prepping for its own AI strategies—are observing the French model for policy cues.

16 Jul

Heatwave Grips Southern USA, Power Grid Under Strain

Mohini BarmanInternational

A severe heatwave is sweeping across the southern United States, with temperatures soaring past 45°C in parts of Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. The National Weather Service has issued red alerts, advising people to avoid outdoor exposure and conserve energy. Hospitals in Houston and Phoenix have reported a 30% rise in heatstroke and dehydration cases. Authorities are urging citizens to check on the elderly and vulnerable, while energy providers are struggling to maintain uninterrupted supply. The crisis has reignited debate over climate resilience, with experts pointing to similar risks in densely populated South Asian cities like Dhaka and Kolkata during prolonged…

15 Jul

Saudi Arabia to Open First Alcohol-Serving Resorts for Foreigners

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a surprising liberalization move, Saudi Arabia will soon permit alcohol in select luxury resorts within newly created tourism zones like NEOM and the Red Sea Project. The policy is designed to attract more Western tourists as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Strict regulations will govern alcohol sales, and consumption will remain prohibited in public areas and for citizens. Travel analysts in Bangladesh and India note this could shift outbound tourism trends, especially among affluent Gulf-bound vacationers. The development also opens up business opportunities for regional hospitality companies seeking partnerships in Middle Eastern tourism infrastructure.

15 Jul

NASA Announces Crewed Mission to Mars in 2031

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA has officially declared 2031 as the target year for sending humans to Mars, marking a major milestone in interplanetary exploration. The announcement came during a briefing at the Johnson Space Center, where mission details including spacecraft design and international collaboration were discussed. Astronaut selection will begin in 2027, with test flights scheduled in 2029. NASA is partnering with ESA (Europe) and ISRO (India) for tech and training support. The news has sparked excitement among students and researchers in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, with universities exploring space research tie-ups and STEM exchange programs.

12 Jul

Bangladesh Expands Metro Rail Network to Ease Dhaka Traffic

Mohini BarmanBangladesh

Bangladesh has officially greenlit Phase II of the Dhaka Metro Rail project, which includes three new lines extending into surrounding districts. The expansion aims to decongest one of the world's most traffic-heavy capitals. The Japan-funded initiative will connect economic hubs like Narayanganj and Savar, reducing travel time by over 60% during peak hours. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025. For readers in West Bengal and Northeast India, Dhaka’s transformation could serve as a model for Kolkata and Guwahati’s own metro expansion plans. Cross-border cooperation on urban transport policy is also being explored.

12 Jul

NASA’s Europa Clipper Begins Final Assembly Before 2024 Launch

Mohini BarmanNASA

NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission has entered its final assembly phase at California’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The spacecraft, set to launch in October 2024, will explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, believed to have a subsurface ocean that could harbor life. This $5 billion mission aims to make nearly 50 flybys of Europa, collecting high-resolution images and analyzing surface composition. Scientists hope to better understand whether the moon’s icy crust hides conditions suitable for microbial life. The mission has drawn significant global attention, including among Indian astronomers and students in Nepal and Bangladesh, as it symbolizes humanity's growing effort to explore extraterrestrial…

11 Jul

Assam CM warns pvt hospitals from keeping bodies due to bill clearance

Mohini BarmanAssam

The Assam government on Thursday decided that no private hospital will be allowed to hold the body of a patient for more than two hours even if the family fails to clear the bills of treatment, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting here, Sarma also said that a new scheme will be rolled out in eight districts to control human-elephant conflicts. "There will be no withholding of bodies by the private hospitals. They must hand over the bodies within two hours post-death certification, irrespective of pending payment. Delay beyond this may attract…

11 Jul

Seoul to Outlaw Dog Meat, Marking Cultural Shift in Animal Welfare

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a landmark animal rights move, South Korea has announced that the sale and consumption of dog meat will be banned by 2027. The bill, which passed overwhelmingly in parliament, includes financial support for dog meat farmers to transition to alternative livelihoods. The government cites changing public attitudes, with over 80% of citizens now supporting the ban. The decision also boosts South Korea's image on the global stage as it prepares to host future international events. The move is being welcomed across Asia, including in Bhutan and parts of India, where animal rights groups have pushed for similar regulations in…

11 Jul

Flying Cars in Sight: NYC Prepares for Electric Air Taxi Era

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has begun trials for electric air taxis, aiming to offer short-distance air transport by 2026. Backed by companies like Joby Aviation and Archer, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are being tested at key locations like the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. These air taxis promise zero emissions and will likely replace helicopter routes between airports and city centers. The initiative has attracted attention from global metro cities, including Mumbai and London, where traffic congestion and pollution are major concerns. Authorities say the service will initially cater to premium commuters, but expansion plans include affordable public options…

10 Jul

Britain Leads Europe with Balanced Approach to AI Oversight

Mohini BarmanUK

The United Kingdom has unveiled a new regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, aimed at promoting innovation while ensuring public safety. Rather than introducing a single AI law, the UK will allow individual regulatory bodies—such as those in healthcare, finance, and education—to tailor rules according to sectoral needs. The move is being closely watched by countries including India and the U.S., where AI regulation is still in discussion. British officials say the plan will help both local startups and international companies feel confident about deploying AI solutions. With global concerns about job loss and misinformation driven by AI, the UK's decentralized…