International - The Purbottar

23 Jul

Record Surge in Migrant Crossings at U.S.-Mexico Border Raises Political Tensions

Mohini BarmanInternational

The U.S.-Mexico border is witnessing a dramatic increase in migrant crossings, with over 8,000 people arriving daily, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many are fleeing climate-related disasters in Central America, while others come from as far as South Asia and Africa. President Biden’s administration faces mounting pressure ahead of the 2024 election, as Republican leaders blame weak border policies. The crisis is also creating humanitarian concerns, with record heatwaves causing multiple migrant deaths in Arizona and Texas. With South Asian nationals increasingly using Latin American routes to reach the U.S., several regional embassies have issued advisories, warning citizens…

22 Jul

Mediterranean on Fire: Tourists Flee as Temperatures Soar Beyond 45°C

Mohini BarmanInternational

Southern Europe is reeling under one of its most extreme heatwaves on record. Spain, Greece, and Italy are experiencing temperatures exceeding 45°C, forcing the closure of major tourist sites like the Acropolis and prompting heat-related health alerts. Hospitals in Athens and Rome report a 30% rise in emergency admissions, mostly among seniors and tourists. The European Space Agency attributes the phenomenon to a “heat dome” caused by high-pressure zones linked to climate change. With South Asia experiencing similar heat patterns, including in Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu, climate scientists urge more trans-regional cooperation on early warning systems and urban cooling strategies.

21 Jul

Lunar Dreams on Hold: Technical Snags Push Back Manned Moon Landing

Mohini BarmanInternational

NASA has officially announced a two-year delay in its much-anticipated Artemis III mission, which aimed to return humans to the Moon by 2025. The new timeline is now set for late 2027, due to critical issues with the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield and SpaceX’s Starship lander. This will be the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson confirmed that while the delay is disappointing, “safety remains non-negotiable.” Countries like India, with its Chandrayaan-3 success, and Bangladesh, which recently launched its space research initiative, are watching the developments closely as they seek regional space partnerships.

19 Jul

Lagos Hosts Africa’s First Smart City Hackathon

Mohini BarmanInternational

Lagos has become the first African city to host a continent-wide Smart City Hackathon, drawing over 800 participants from 14 countries. The event, co-organized by the African Development Bank and Google Africa, aims to address urban issues using technology. Winning projects included an AI-powered drainage monitor to prevent floods and an app to optimize public transport routes. The Nigerian government plans to fund four of the top projects. Urban planners in South Asia, including in Kolkata and Kathmandu, are now looking at similar civic-tech hackathons to crowdsource urban innovation from youth.

19 Jul

California Declares Emergency Over Wildfire Season

Mohini BarmanInternational

California has declared a state of emergency after over 50 wildfires erupted across the state amid an intense heatwave. The largest, the Sunset Valley Fire, has already burned 70,000 acres near San Bernardino, forcing the evacuation of 25,000 residents. Governor Gavin Newsom activated the National Guard and requested federal disaster relief funds. Authorities blame the unusual spike in temperatures, prolonged drought, and strong winds for accelerating the crisis. Experts from South Asia are also watching the situation closely, as parts of India and Bangladesh face similar climate-induced wildfire risks in forested zones.

18 Jul

London Introduces ‘Green Heat Zones’ to Combat Rising Urban Temperatures

Mohini BarmanInternational

The London Mayor’s Office has launched a “Green Heat Zone” pilot in five boroughs to combat the rising urban heat island effect. The plan includes planting 250,000 trees, installing cooling pavements, and expanding green rooftops. Data from the Met Office shows that inner London now experiences up to 6°C higher temperatures than nearby rural zones. Vulnerable residents, including the elderly, will also receive cooling kits and subsidies on AC units powered by renewable energy. South Asian cities like Delhi and Dhaka, facing similar heat stress, are closely monitoring this climate-resilient model for adaptation in densely populated zones.

17 Jul

New York Tests Robot Police Dogs in Subway Stations

Mohini BarmanInternational

New York City has rolled out robotic patrol dogs equipped with cameras and sensors in select subway stations as part of a public safety pilot. The move, announced by Mayor Eric Adams, aims to deter crimes and aid in crowd management. While some commuters welcomed the tech, others raised concerns over surveillance, cost, and potential racial profiling. Civil liberties groups have demanded transparency in data use and AI oversight. This kind of tech testing is being followed closely in cities like London, Tokyo, and even Mumbai, where urban transport safety remains a priority.

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.