International - The Purbottar

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…

08 Jul

Record-Breaking Heat Grips Western U.S.

Mohini BarmanInternational

The western United States is experiencing one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona. Meteorologists say the phenomenon is being driven by a persistent high-pressure system and may last through the week. Cities like Phoenix have issued heat advisories, while hospitals are seeing a spike in heat-related illnesses. Power grids are under immense strain as air conditioning usage skyrockets, prompting calls to reduce consumption during peak hours. Climate experts warn that such extremes may become the norm due to global warming, and the ripple effect could extend…

07 Jul

Paris Bans E-Scooters After Public Backlash

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a landmark move, Paris has officially banned rental e-scooters from its streets after a citizen referendum showed overwhelming support for the decision. The ban took effect after years of debate over safety concerns, reckless driving, and pedestrian accidents caused by the vehicles. City officials said over 90% of voters supported the ban, citing congestion, pollution, and mismanagement of parking. Private e-scooters are still allowed, but rental services like Lime, Tier, and Dott have withdrawn their fleets. This move is being closely watched by urban planners in Asian cities like Dhaka, Delhi, and Kathmandu, where similar concerns around micro-mobility are…

05 Jul

California Declares Emergency Over Extreme Heatwave

Mohini BarmanInternational

A severe heatwave is gripping California and much of the U.S. West Coast, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in inland areas. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to free up resources and support for power grid stabilization and firefighting services. Hospitals are reporting a spike in heat-related illnesses, while wildfires have erupted in several counties. The farming sector is also under pressure, with irrigation systems failing and crops drying prematurely. The situation serves as a climate warning for South Asian regions increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather patterns, especially as heatwaves intensify in places like Delhi, Dhaka, and…

04 Jul

Permanent Universal Lunch Access for All Public School Students

Mohini BarmanInternational

The United States has made its pandemic-era free school lunch policy permanent, ensuring every public school student across the nation has access to free meals, regardless of household income. The policy, passed with bipartisan support, aims to combat food insecurity among children and reduce stigma around free meals. Education experts say the move is expected to improve classroom focus, attendance, and health outcomes. Local districts are also encouraged to source food from regional farms, supporting sustainable agriculture. This policy may inform discussions in South Asian education systems where midday meals are already central but inconsistently implemented.

04 Jul

London Launches AI-Powered Trash Bins in Public Spaces

Mohini BarmanInternational

The city of London has introduced AI-powered “smart bins” in key public areas to combat litter and improve waste collection efficiency. These bins are equipped with sensors and image recognition technology that alert sanitation teams when full or when unusual waste items are deposited. Officials from the London Waste Management Authority said the system reduces collection costs and encourages public participation in recycling. Residents can also track bin status via a mobile app. This initiative could inspire similar urban smart waste management solutions in Asian metro cities like Kolkata or Dhaka struggling with public cleanliness.

01 Jul

France Bans Domestic Flights for Short Train-Accessible Routes

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a bold step to curb carbon emissions, France has officially banned short-haul domestic flights where train alternatives under 2.5 hours exist. This includes popular air routes such as Paris to Lyon and Nantes. The law, passed under the country’s Climate and Resilience Bill, aims to push travellers toward the country’s extensive high-speed rail system. The policy has been met with praise from environmental groups, though airlines expressed concerns over revenue losses. French officials say this could reduce domestic flight emissions by nearly 12%. Countries like India and Bangladesh—with growing intercity air networks and rail revamp plans—could evaluate similar models…

28 Jun

Massive Heatwave Grips Southern US, Breaks June Records

Mohini BarmanInternational

The southern United States is battling a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 45°C in Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. The US National Weather Service issued red alerts in over 12 states, urging people to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity. Hospitals reported a spike in heat-related illnesses, and emergency cooling centers have opened in major cities. Climate experts say this is part of a larger pattern of intensifying heatwaves due to global warming. The news has relevance for countries like Bangladesh and India, where similar heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Regional disaster management agencies are advised to study US mitigation…

27 Jun

French Government Cracks Down on Youth Vaping Epidemic

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a bold public health move, France has banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs.” The ban, which will be enforced from September 2025, follows rising concerns over nicotine addiction among teenagers. The French Health Ministry cited data indicating a surge in underage vaping, driven by the availability of flavored, easy-to-conceal vape products. The move is supported by doctors and anti-tobacco groups, who argue that vaping is becoming a gateway to cigarette smoking. France becomes one of the first EU countries to impose a full ban on disposables. Meanwhile, policymakers in Bangladesh and India, facing similar trends,…