International

10 May

Program to Address Rising Teen Depression, Anxiety

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has announced an expansion of its school-based mental health initiative, offering free counseling services across all public high schools. The program will include on-site psychologists, peer-support groups, and parental workshops. The decision follows data showing a 40% rise in teenage anxiety and depression since the pandemic. Mayor Eric Adams stated that “mental health is just as important as academics.” This approach is gaining interest among South Asian education leaders, especially in urban areas like Kolkata, Dhaka, and Kathmandu, where student stress and academic pressure are high.

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10 May

Thousands Rally Across Berlin, Munich Against Rising Extremism

Mohini BarmanInternational

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Germany this week, protesting the growing influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Demonstrations were held in major cities including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, with protestors demanding the government curb extremist rhetoric and policies. The protests were sparked by leaked reports suggesting AfD members were involved in secret meetings discussing deportation of immigrants. Human rights groups have expressed deep concern about the implications for democratic values in Europe. The developments are being closely followed in South Asian countries with large diaspora communities in Germany, especially from Bangladesh and India.

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06 May

United States to Invest $1 Billion in Clean Energy Innovations

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a bid to accelerate the fight against climate change, the United States government has announced a $1 billion investment into clean energy technologies. The funds will be directed towards developing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, alongside new energy storage solutions. The Biden administration hopes that this initiative will reduce reliance on fossil fuels while creating thousands of green jobs across the country. Experts predict that the innovation could have a global impact, as developing nations like Nepal and Bangladesh look to increase their own renewable energy capacity.

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05 May

California Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Wildfires

Mohini BarmanInternational

California has declared a state of emergency following multiple wildfires that erupted due to extreme heat and high winds. Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated from rural areas north of Sacramento. Firefighters are battling to contain the largest blaze — the Golden Ridge Fire — which has already scorched over 18,000 acres. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that resources from nearby states and federal agencies are being deployed. Climate experts warn that such fires will become more common as temperatures rise globally. India, Nepal, and Bhutan — with their own increasing forest fire incidents — are monitoring such events for disaster…

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03 May

New York Legalizes Digital IDs for State Services

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

In a landmark move, New York State has launched digital ID cards for residents, allowing them to access government services using their smartphones. The initiative enables residents to carry a secure version of their driver’s license or state ID in the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet apps. The system uses biometric verification to prevent fraud and can be used at airports, police checkpoints, and hospitals. Officials say this step will simplify access and reduce paper-based bureaucracy. India and Bangladesh are also exploring similar mobile ID technologies, particularly for use in rural welfare programs. Digital governance experts have praised New York's…

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02 May

California Battles Historic Wildfires Amid Record Heatwave

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

California is battling one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent history as more than 200,000 acres have burned across the state. Fueled by dry winds and a historic heatwave, fires have led to the evacuation of over 30,000 residents in northern and central regions. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in several counties. Over 4,500 firefighters are working round the clock, with support from neighboring states and Canada. Climate experts say rising temperatures and drought conditions are intensifying fire seasons. South Asian countries like Nepal and northern India, which also face forest fires during dry seasons,…

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02 May

Dhaka and Jakarta Partner to Strengthen Climate Disaster Resilience

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

Bangladesh and Indonesia have signed a bilateral agreement to jointly develop disaster warning systems, share satellite data, and conduct joint rescue drills in coastal and earthquake-prone zones. The deal was signed in Jakarta during a South-South Cooperation summit. Both countries, prone to floods and cyclones, aim to use AI-based monitoring and rapid-response coordination. The partnership has drawn interest from Nepal and Bhutan, which face frequent landslides and floods. Indian experts also hailed the collaboration, suggesting similar multi-country frameworks could be implemented for Himalayan and Bay of Bengal regions.

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30 Apr

NYC to Charge Vehicles Entering Manhattan to Cut Traffic and Pollution

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

New York City has become the first U.S. city to implement congestion pricing, aimed at reducing downtown traffic and improving air quality. Starting August 2025, drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street will pay $15 during peak hours. The city’s transportation department says the policy is expected to generate $1 billion annually, which will fund subway improvements. Environmental advocates and urban planners have praised the move, while some drivers and delivery companies have expressed concerns. Urban mobility experts in Dhaka and Kathmandu suggest a modified version of congestion pricing could help tackle rising traffic congestion in South Asian capitals as…

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29 Apr

California Declares Emergency as Wildfires Rage Across Northern Region

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

California has declared a state of emergency after multiple wildfires spread rapidly across its northern regions due to dry weather and strong winds. Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated, and fire officials say the situation could worsen if temperatures continue to rise. The Cal Fire agency reported that more than 150,000 acres have already burned. National Guard units have been deployed to assist in fire containment, and neighboring states have sent reinforcements. The fires have also disrupted power supply in parts of the state. Climate experts in Bangladesh and Nepal note the growing global trend of climate-induced disasters, emphasizing the…

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28 Apr

Australia Sets Ambitious Target for Renewable Energy Transition

Sonakshi SarkarInternational

The Australian government has unveiled a detailed roadmap to achieve 82% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed significant investments in solar, wind, and battery storage projects nationwide. Australia, heavily reliant on coal for decades, is now shifting under international pressure and rising climate concerns. Experts in South Asia, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan — where renewable energy projects are gaining momentum — view Australia's policy pivot as encouraging and hope it will inspire faster green transitions across the region.

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