International - The Purbottar

26 Jun

California Battles Record Wildfire in June

Mohini BarmanInternational

A massive wildfire has engulfed over 40,000 acres in central California, marking the state’s earliest major fire event in years. Fueled by dry vegetation and intense winds, the “Pine Creek Fire” forced evacuation orders in three counties, including parts of Fresno and Tulare. Over 2,500 firefighters are on the ground, supported by helicopters and air tankers. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and requested federal assistance. The fire, burning through steep terrain, threatens wildlife corridors and energy infrastructure. Experts blame prolonged drought and climate change for the intensity. Fire incidents like this are becoming common in the…

24 Jun

Brazil’s Amazon Gold Mines Shut After Illegal Operations Exposed

Mohini BarmanInternational

Brazil’s environmental agency, IBAMA, has shut down over 50 illegal gold mining operations in the Amazon rainforest. The crackdown followed months of surveillance revealing unlicensed deforestation, mercury pollution in rivers, and human rights violations involving Indigenous communities. Backed by drones and military helicopters, the raids mark a renewed push by President Lula’s government to protect the rainforest from extractive industries. Environmentalists welcome the move but call for sustained oversight. South Asian conservationists, especially in India and Bhutan, have drawn parallels with illegal mining in forest zones near national parks, emphasizing the need for technology-driven monitoring systems.

24 Jun

California Declares Emergency Amid Record Wildfire Season

Mohini BarmanInternational

The state of California has declared a state of emergency after over a dozen major wildfires erupted across northern and central regions, burning more than 400,000 acres. Firefighters are battling flames under triple-digit temperatures and dry winds, with over 15,000 residents already evacuated. Governor Gavin Newsom has requested federal aid as the fires threaten infrastructure and national parks. Climate scientists attribute the intense fire season to prolonged droughts and rising global temperatures. South Asia, including parts of central India and Nepal, is closely monitoring this crisis, as wildfire patterns begin affecting Himalayan forest belts as well—prompting calls for international collaboration…

23 Jun

UK Government to Roll Out Free AI Tools for Schools by 2026

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a major education reform, the UK government has announced a plan to provide free AI-powered tools to state schools by 2026. These tools will help personalize learning for students and automate administrative tasks for teachers. The Department for Education (DfE) is partnering with top ed-tech firms to deploy software that can adapt to students' learning styles, identify weaknesses, and generate targeted content. A pilot across 100 schools showed a 12% improvement in literacy and math scores. Education boards in India and Bangladesh are observing the UK’s public-private collaboration model, particularly as NEP 2020 encourages tech integration in classrooms. Experts…

21 Jun

Kenya’s Nairobi National Park to Introduce Night Safaris from July

Mohini BarmanInternational

Kenya’s iconic Nairobi National Park will begin offering night safaris from next month, a first for the urban-proximate wildlife reserve. Officials say the move is part of a broader post-COVID tourism recovery plan. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced that trained rangers, low-impact lighting, and noise-control vehicles will allow tourists to safely observe nocturnal species such as hyenas, porcupines, and leopards. The move is generating interest from Bhutan’s Royal Manas Park and Nepal’s Bardia reserve officials, who are exploring similar eco-tourism experiences without disturbing wildlife cycles.

21 Jun

California Sets Landmark Deadline to Ban Diesel Trucks by 2036

Mohini BarmanInternational

The US state of California has announced that all new commercial trucks sold from 2036 must be zero-emission, making it the first region in the world with such a mandate. The decision is expected to reshape the logistics industry across North America. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) says the move is vital to meeting climate goals and reducing pollution in urban and freight-heavy zones. Trucking companies are now racing to adapt, with Tesla and Volvo already showcasing electric heavy vehicles. With India and Bangladesh heavily reliant on diesel freight, transport ministries are observing this policy for long-term emissions reduction…

20 Jun

Kenya’s Mobile Clinics Tackle Maternal Mortality in Remote Villages

Mohini BarmanInternational

Kenya has deployed 50 new mobile clinics to serve pregnant women and new mothers in remote rural regions, where maternal mortality remains high. The solar-powered vans offer prenatal checkups, emergency care, and baby vaccinations. Launched by the Ministry of Health in partnership with UNICEF and the Gates Foundation, the initiative is already seeing success in the Rift Valley and Nyanza regions. Officials report a 40% increase in safe deliveries within weeks of launch. South Asian health ministries—including those in Nepal and Bhutan—are exploring similar mobile clinic models to improve access in hilly and hard-to-reach areas.

19 Jun

Nigeria to Train 30,000 Youth in Solar Panel Installation

Mohini BarmanInternational

The Nigerian government has launched an ambitious program to train 30,000 young people in solar panel installation, aiming to improve rural electrification and youth employment. Launched under the Solar Power Naija initiative, the training spans all 36 states, with international support from the EU and World Bank. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in photovoltaic technology, safety, and entrepreneurship. Governments in Bhutan and Nepal—with similar mountainous energy needs—are following Nigeria’s model closely for its potential to address both energy access and rural employment.

19 Jun

Student Surveillance Faces Legal Pushback in the US

Mohini BarmanInternational

The state of New York has passed a law banning the use of facial recognition technology in schools, citing privacy concerns and potential bias. The law, effective immediately, follows a year-long legal battle between civil rights groups and state education authorities. Parents and advocacy groups argued that the use of such technologies could lead to racial profiling and unauthorized data sharing. The legislation mandates a full review of biometric data practices across educational institutions. While the US debates the ethics of student surveillance, countries like India and Bangladesh—where biometric tech is expanding—are observing these developments to inform local policy.

17 Jun

Government Targets 2,000 New Hotspots by End of 2025

Mohini BarmanInternational

South Africa’s Department of Communications has announced an ambitious plan to set up 2,000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots in under-served urban townships by 2025. The move aims to bridge the digital divide in areas like Soweto, Khayelitsha, and Umlazi. The initiative is being supported by local telecom companies and partially funded by the World Bank. Authorities say improved connectivity will boost access to online education, e-governance, and job opportunities. Similar digital inclusion strategies are being considered by governments in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where rural-urban connectivity gaps persist. Stakeholders view this as a scalable model for the Global South.