International - The Purbottar

16 Jun

Apple Unveils AI-Powered iOS 18 at WWDC 2025

Mohini BarmanInternational

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California, Apple launched iOS 18, featuring an all-new AI assistant called “Apple Intelligence.” Unlike competitors, Apple promises on-device processing and strict user privacy—clearly differentiating itself from Google’s cloud-based approach. Tim Cook emphasized, “We believe privacy is a fundamental human right. AI should not come at the cost of your data.” The update introduces smart message summarization, context-aware Siri, and on-screen real-time translation in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi and Bengali. Apple’s new AI strategy is likely to appeal to growing markets in South Asia, where data protection is becoming a policy priority.

14 Jun

US to Curb Microchip Exports to China Amid Rising Tensions

Mohini BarmanInternational

The Biden administration is moving to further restrict the export of advanced AI and semiconductor chips to China, citing concerns over national security and military use. The new rules target Nvidia and AMD’s top-tier chips used in large-scale computing and defense-related AI systems. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, “We must safeguard American innovation from being misused.” The move is expected to escalate trade tensions between the two nations, which are already locked in disputes over tech and cybersecurity. India, which recently launched a semiconductor mission, is being courted by both US and Chinese firms as a neutral ground for production…

13 Jun

Australia Declares Koalas Endangered in Major Regions

Mohini BarmanInternational

Australia has officially classified koalas as endangered across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory due to habitat loss, disease, and climate impacts. Conservationists have warned for years that urban sprawl and bushfires are pushing the species to extinction. The Australian government announced a $50 million fund to support habitat restoration and breeding programs. Minister for the Environment Tanya Plibersek called it “a national emergency for biodiversity.” India’s conservationists have drawn parallels with local challenges, such as the declining numbers of elephants and leopards due to encroachment. Collaborative wildlife preservation projects between Asia-Pacific countries are being explored.

13 Jun

Record Heatwave Sweeps U.S. Midwest, Triggers Health Warnings

Mohini BarmanInternational

A severe heatwave is scorching the U.S. Midwest, with temperatures crossing 43°C (110°F) in parts of Illinois and Michigan. The National Weather Service has issued red alerts in several cities, urging residents to stay indoors. Chicago reported at least 17 cases of heatstroke over the weekend, and power grids are under strain as people crank up air conditioners. Public cooling centers have opened to aid the elderly and vulnerable populations. Environmentalists say rising global temperatures are making such events more frequent. Similar hot spells in parts of India, including Delhi and Rajasthan, have sparked renewed climate discussions between the two…

12 Jun

Kenya Launches Africa’s Largest Public Electric Bus Fleet

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a landmark move for sustainable transport, Kenya has launched the largest public electric bus fleet in Africa. Over 200 e-buses began operating in Nairobi this week, reducing urban emissions and traffic noise. Manufactured locally with support from Swedish and Indian partners, the fleet features charging stations powered by solar grids. Commuters have welcomed the move, citing smoother rides and lower costs. Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the initiative is part of Kenya’s broader green transition and aims to set an example for the continent. The Indian Ministry of Urban Affairs is reportedly studying Nairobi’s model to adapt similar systems…

12 Jun

California Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfires

Mohini BarmanInternational

Massive wildfires have engulfed large swathes of northern and central California, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Fueled by record-high temperatures and dry winds, the fires have consumed over 80,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighting crews struggle to contain the blaze. Fire officials say it could take weeks to bring the situation under control. Smoke from the wildfires has affected air quality across multiple states, including parts of Nevada and Oregon. Climate scientists have linked the frequency of such fires to global warming, calling for stronger mitigation…

11 Jun

British Schools Roll Out Virtual Teachers to Support Human Staff

Mohini BarmanInternational

In an ambitious pilot programme, over 50 public schools across England have introduced AI-powered teaching assistants to aid educators in lesson planning, grading, and student feedback. The digital assistants, developed by a UK-based ed-tech firm, use large language models to support teachers with real-time suggestions and classroom engagement tools. The Education Department says this move will reduce workload stress and improve learning outcomes. While teacher unions have cautiously welcomed the innovation, they demand transparency in AI usage and data privacy. "Technology must supplement, not replace, human teachers," said a spokesperson for the National Education Union. Several schools in India and…

10 Jun

New York Implements Citywide Drone Surveillance

Mohini BarmanInternational

In a groundbreaking move, New York City has started deploying surveillance drones for routine monitoring of public spaces. The NYPD confirmed the rollout aims to curb rising street crimes, particularly in subway stations and major parks. The initiative, launched under the “Safe Skies NYC” program, has already sparked privacy debates. While authorities claim the drones are equipped with motion sensors, not facial recognition, civil liberty groups are demanding clearer usage protocols. “Technology can be a partner in public safety, but it must not intrude on civil rights,” said NYCLU director Anthony Romero. The drones will operate under strict time-bound schedules…

09 Jun

Record-Breaking Heatwave Grips Western USA

Mohini BarmanInternational

The western United States is battling a dangerous heatwave, with temperatures in parts of California and Arizona crossing 47°C (116°F), prompting heat advisories and wildland fire warnings. Phoenix recorded its hottest June day in over 100 years, while power grids in California are under strain as residents rely heavily on air conditioning. Hospitals in cities like Las Vegas and Palm Springs are reporting an uptick in heatstroke and dehydration cases. Experts link the extreme weather to the El Niño phenomenon combined with long-term climate change. “This is not normal June weather—this is August-level heat,” said a meteorologist at the National…

07 Jun

Apple Unveils AI-Powered Features at WWDC 2025

Mohini BarmanInternational

Apple has officially announced a suite of generative AI tools under the name “Apple Intelligence” at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The features will be embedded into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15, promising highly personalized user experiences. Apple Intelligence integrates deeply with native apps like Mail, Notes, and Messages. It offers smart summarization, tone adjustments in writing, image generation, and even automatic organization of notifications. The company is also partnering with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri, allowing users to get more nuanced responses. Unlike many competitors, Apple claims all AI processing will happen on-device or via…