International

29 May

South Korea Unveils AI-Driven Defense Drone Fleet

Mohini BarmanInternational

South Korea’s Ministry of Defense has introduced a next-gen AI-powered drone fleet designed for border surveillance, emergency response, and potential combat deployment. The “K-Drone” system uses machine learning for autonomous flight, target identification, and real-time data sharing with command centers. The system is being tested along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) bordering North Korea. Defense experts say the program enhances national security while also showcasing Seoul’s technological advancement in military AI. Defense analysts in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal are keenly observing the development, as it signals a shift toward intelligent defense systems in Asia. Collaborative research in AI and drone technology…

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29 May

US State Cracks Down on Deepfakes Ahead of 2026 Elections

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a first-of-its-kind move, the state of California has passed legislation banning the use of AI-generated content in political advertisements. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is aimed at curbing misinformation and manipulation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Under the law, political campaigns are prohibited from using synthetic videos, voices, or images that portray candidates in misleading ways. Violators can face heavy fines or disqualification of campaign materials. Lawmakers say deepfakes are a growing threat to democracy, especially when used to create false narratives on social media. Several Asian countries, including India and Bangladesh, have raised concerns about…

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28 May

Los Angeles Declares Housing Emergency as Rent Prices Soar

Mohini BarmanInternational

The city of Los Angeles has officially declared a housing emergency as rent prices continue to surge and homelessness reaches record levels. The city council approved an emergency plan to fast-track affordable housing construction and expand rental subsidies. Mayor Karen Bass stated that nearly 50,000 people are living without shelter in LA County, marking a 9% increase over the past year. The emergency declaration unlocks special funding and federal support. Urban planners in South Asian metros like Dhaka and Kathmandu are studying LA’s response to consider similar housing strategies, especially as their own cities face rapid population growth and income…

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27 May

New York Introduces Free Public Wi-Fi for Low-Income Areas

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a move to bridge the digital divide, New York City has launched a new initiative to provide free public Wi-Fi in low-income and underserved neighborhoods across all five boroughs. The project, known as "ConnectNYC," will install high-speed internet hubs in community centers, parks, and libraries, aiming to benefit over 1.5 million residents by mid-2026. City officials hope this will improve access to education, job portals, and telehealth services for marginalized groups. The initiative is being closely watched by digital policy makers in cities like Dhaka and Kathmandu, where public internet access remains a challenge for many communities.

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26 May

France’s Paris 2024 Olympics to Include Refugee Athletes from South Asia

Mohini BarmanInternational

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the Paris 2024 Olympics will host a larger-than-ever team of refugee athletes, including participants from conflict-affected regions in South Asia. Athletes from Rohingya camps in Bangladesh and Tibetan communities in India are expected to participate under the Olympic flag. A Bhutanese refugee table tennis player, training in Nepal, has also qualified for final trials. This inclusion highlights the Olympic spirit of unity and could raise awareness of refugee issues in the global spotlight, especially among youth in South Asia.

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26 May

Silicon Valley Sees AI Hiring Surge Amid Global Talent Race

Mohini BarmanInternational

Silicon Valley companies are ramping up hiring in AI and machine learning sectors, with top firms like Google, Meta, and OpenAI posting thousands of new roles for research scientists and software engineers. Industry insiders confirm that a significant portion of this recruitment is targeting talent from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, either through remote work contracts or U.S. visa sponsorships. In 2024 alone, Indian engineers accounted for over 40% of new AI-related H1B visa entries. With AI integration expanding to sectors like healthcare and education, the U.S. tech job boom is expected to draw skilled professionals from across South Asia, making…

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22 May

UK Passes Historic AI Regulation Bill in Parliament

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United Kingdom has passed its first comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Regulation Bill, aiming to set ethical and operational standards for AI development and usage. The legislation, approved by the House of Commons on Monday, mandates transparency in AI training data, bans biometric surveillance in public places, and introduces penalties for AI misuse. The bill is being hailed as a blueprint for Europe, drawing praise from tech giants and human rights organizations alike. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it “a forward-thinking framework to guide innovation responsibly.” Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese tech sectors—many of which supply AI labor and services to…

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21 May

Google Unveils Quantum Processor That Outpaces Supercomputers

Mohini BarmanInternational

Google has announced a significant leap in quantum computing with its new processor, “Neptune Q,” capable of solving problems in seconds that would take traditional supercomputers years. The breakthrough was revealed at the Quantum Tech Summit in California on Monday. The processor uses 256 qubits—double the number from their 2019 model—and has successfully completed molecular simulations and cryptographic code testing. Google claims this innovation will soon revolutionize drug development, weather forecasting, and financial modeling. The implications are global. Universities in Bangladesh and Nepal, already partnered with Google’s education outreach, are expected to gain access to its simulation tools, enhancing regional…

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20 May

UK Hospitals to Use Robot Nurses for Elderly Care

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a major advancement in healthcare tech, NHS hospitals across the UK have started trials of robotic nurses to assist in elderly care. These robots help with medication reminders, mobility assistance, and even basic conversations to reduce loneliness. The robots, developed in collaboration with Japan, are part of the UK government’s AI in Health initiative. Early trials show a 30% improvement in patient satisfaction and reduced workload for nurses. Healthcare providers in India and Bhutan are also exploring similar tech to meet rising elderly care demands. The UK’s experience may influence future adoption of robotics in South Asian eldercare systems.

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16 May

U.S. Cities Begin Using Heat-Reflective Roads to Fight Urban Warming

Mohini BarmanInternational

Cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix are now coating roads with heat-reflective materials to combat rising urban temperatures. The “cool pavement” reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, reducing road surface temperatures by up to 10°C. Urban planners say this helps lower surrounding air temperatures and reduces electricity use from air conditioning. The technology is part of a larger U.S. urban adaptation plan to fight extreme heatwaves. Urban development bodies in Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu are exploring similar cooling strategies as climate change causes hotter and longer summers. These innovations may soon be tested in parts of South Asia.

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